After having fun on breakfast, Uncle Black and Saria guided me to the ships-lounge, which was a whole lot more luxurious than I thought. With red tapestry on the walls, chandeliers hanging from the roof, nice curtains by the windows and a comfortable set of couches that are made of white fabric that is nice to touch. I feel like I just entered a royal suite, not losing out to the lounge back in the mansion.

In my opinion, this room is large enough to make a party inside with the whole crew attending, yet the comment coming from Uncle Black surprised me most.

“You know, this room actually had a bed before, as well as other materials mostly only seen in rich people’s sleeping-chambers. Therefore, in the end we redecorated the whole room, turning it into a lounge where everyone could meet. Though honestly, the bed was thrown away, it had too many 'stains' on the shee...” (Uncle Black)

Before Uncle Black could finish his sentence, Saria kicked him in his shinbone, causing Uncle Black to look at her confused for a moment, before he stared at me and as though hit with sudden realization, shut his mouth.

Seeing his actions, I can deduce that this is probably something I am not supposed to know, so I guess asking is useless. However, having heard of it already, I became ever so mildly curious as to what they were actually talking about.

However, before I could even think further into it, Saria looked at me with a smile that hid a great darkness I never expected, as she opened her mouth, seemingly angry not at me but Uncle Black.

“Arin, you can forget everything you heard just now okay? This isn't something someone your age requires to understand yet. So please, just forget everything.” (Saria)

Seeing me nod towards her, she showed a satisfied smile, before it cramped again and she turned towards Uncle Black.

“And Sir Geyser, I hope you watch of what you speak from now on, as not everything is appropriate in the presence of a young child such as the young master!” (Saria)

Seeming professional, yet with a dark undertone, Saria reprimanded Uncle Black, who only raised a brow, yet still agreed in the end. To my surprise, Uncle Black didn't even defend himself, apparently realizing his own mistake.

So after Saria finished talking, she took me by the hand and walked over to one of the comfortable looking sofas, where she took a seat. Sadly, I wasn't permitted to test the fabric those couches seem to be made of, as shortly after Saria sat down, she pulled me up under my armpits and placed me on her lap, holding me while she seemingly waited for something.

It didn't take long until that something arrived, as only a few minutes after Uncle Black took his seat opposite of us, the girls came through the door and entered the lounge, easily catching sight of us waiting in one of the corners near the window.

Though, before I knew it, Anna had run towards us and jumped onto the sofa, right next to me and Saria. However, her goal was obvious, as already moments later, she deeply hugged one of my tails sticking out on the side.

Sumi and Alice also arrived shortly afterwards, with Alice sighting after seeing Anna's behavior.

She didn't dwell on it, placed some cut vegetables on the table and sat next to Uncle Black. Her expression was rather annoyed, yet she didn't voice any discontent, so I wonder what is wrong with her.

Anyway, after Uncle Black took a slice from the vegetables, he then leaned back and ate, seemingly preparing himself for something.

Meanwhile, Sumi also took a seat on the opposite side of Anna, sitting to my right. She also picked up some of the vegetables, and due to me asking as I couldn't leave Saria’s hold, she gladly gave me some as well, feeding me while she giggled.

I don't know the name of these vegetables, yet they taste kind of like cucumbers, only missing the dipping sauce. Anyway, watching me snack on them, those around me begin smiling in my direction, for reasons I can't understand. So the moment they were all looking at me, I subconsciously stopped eating, crooking my head slightly as I was wondering if maybe something was on my face.

Yet, the reaction I received wasn't what I expected, as the girls turned away with slight crimson in their faces, while Uncle Blacks and Saria’s smile only deepened. Turning my head to look up at Saria, I ask her why everyone reacts that way, to which she answers that my charm is just too high.

I don't fully understand what she meant by that, yet seeing as no one is angry, I just put it in the back of my mind.

Meanwhile, Uncle Black cleared his throat, gathering all our attention before he opened his mouth to speak.

“So, I believe that aside from Saria, you guys don't know yet where we are actually headed, so I believe it is a good time for me to actually explain a bit.

Out goal, or the reason I even started this journey, is because of the diplomatic relations between the Dragon-Mountains and the Fairy-Forest. To be exact, we were invited by the World-Tree itself to come over, yet due to the recent throne abdication of the former Elven-King, Scyrra also told me to help out in the current Throne-Race of the princes and princesses, a duty I would like to just push aside.” (Uncle Black)

Making an uncomfortable face while talking, Sumi is the only one to react when princes and princesses are mentioned, probably because she is the only one not used to them yet. I myself am already treated like a prince sometimes in the dragon-mountains, as I am the nephew of one of the Ancient Dragons, while Anna and Alice lived with the royal Family of Arcadela Kingdom for over a year.

Though sometimes I still doubt myself that I had spent over a year in that crystal, yet, looking at my current appearance, it does make sense.

Anyway, hearing about the throne race, Alice who is seated next to Uncle Black asked him what then the problem is, as normally the eldest Prince / Princess would take over the throne. To said question, Uncle Black only grimaced, as he opened his mouth and spoke in an uncomfortable voice.

“This is where the problem lies. There are two princes, and one princess, and not one of them is actually interested in the throne. The eldest Prince actually married a farmer’s daughter behind the back of his parents, and even planned to keep the farm going, while the younger Prince is only interested in Magic-Science, secluding himself in his laboratory for days, not interested in the outside world.” (Uncle Black)

Hearing Uncle Black's rant, everyone becomes astonished, surprised at the princes as mostly there would even be blood-shed when it comes to successions. Meanwhile, Anna was the first to ask the critical question.

“Then, what about the princess Uncle Aaron?” (Anna)

I completely forgot, but the girls have taken to calling Uncle Black 'Uncle Aaron', as he forbid them to use Uncle Black as a name. I don't know why, yet they don't seem to mind, so I just let it be and refocus on the question.

“This is where the true problem begins. The princess, and so by right the only remaining inheritor of royal blood aside from her brothers, is only interested in combat. It is told that if her brother is only interested in Magic and its following research, then the princess is an absolute battle-maniac.

It isn't unheard off that she uses her authority as a princess to invite strong warriors to the palace to challenge them to a duel, even I was already invited once. Also, she plans to leave the Fairy-Forest and the island it stands upon, traveling through the world to hone herself. As a result, no one, even those that support her rise to the throne, can control her.” (Uncle Black)

Listening to the story, everyone is shocked. I mean, Anna is also rather battle-happy, but she still prefers calmness and is no battle-maniac. Meanwhile, the most battle-ready person I ever met is only Archy, or Archybald for the whole name, one of the Fire-Dragons I met back at school.

He always pestered me to fight him in a duel, even if he was two years my senior. Well, Uncle Black said that of all the Dragons, Fire-Dragons are the most hot-headed, even though I couldn't understand the term before.

However, one thing still irks me.

“Uncle Black, if no one of royal blood is willing to take the throne, how come no other family tried to force themselves onto the throne yet?” (Arin)

Asking the question, Uncle Black only groaned, and before he could say something, Illois voice resounded throughout the room, as he entered through the door, with the red furred wolf-pup walking beside him.

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“The throne in the Elven-Kingdom has a special meaning aside from being just a rulers seat. Within the whole world, only three individuals have the right to personally visit the world-tree, spirits and fairy's being the exception. First two are the royal pair, meaning the Elven-King and his wife, the queen. The third person is the Sage, an individual chosen by the world-tree itself and mostly its spokes-person to the rest of the elven-folk, or even the world in special circumstances.

So, if someone uncaught climbs the throne and enters the presence of the world-tree, it is highly possible for that person to become a head shorter, leaving many families to only support those of royal-blood instead of vying for the throne themselves.

Yet those aside, there are also special cases, such as when the tree invites someone personally, such as it is the case with the old lizard and you two, Arin and Sumi.” (Illois)

Finishing his explanation, Illois already reached us and took a seat next to Alice, on the sofa Uncle Black was sitting on. He then stretched himself to grab some of the remaining snacks, before he leaned back again, seemingly thinking about something.

The wolf-pup who until now walked next to him approached Alice, who reacted by petting him on his head, mostly due to the already large size of the wolf-pup.

Yet, even though I saw the puppy smile and pant happily under the massage it received from Alice, I didn't forget the words Illois said towards the end.

“What do you mean by me and Sumi being invited by the tree?” (Arin)

Asking the question, I watched as Sumi also raised her head, as we both curiously watched Illois.

“Wait, old Lizard, you didn't even tell them about this?” (Illois)

Hearing our question and seeing our eyes, Illois turned towards Uncle Black with a surprised expression, forcing the latter to bitterly smile.

“I was about to tell them, until a certain old man suddenly intruded on our conversation.” (Uncle Black)

Seeing the two of them quarrel ever so slightly, me and Sumi sitting next to me begin to smile. I am unsure about Saria, but I believe she smiles as well. However, with the two staring at each other, the wolf-pup that sensed the tension cried out, barking loudly once before it waddled its tail and continued to enjoy the masage coming from Alice.

Having been taken out of their staring-contest by the pup, Uncle Black and Illois look at each other for a moment, before both of them appear to come to an agreement, with Illois refocusing on the pup, while Uncle Black cleared his throat and continued talking.

“Well, point is, the two of you were also invited by the tree, even if I am unsure on how the Tree figured it out. Anyway, I believe the ship will land shortly after lunch, so you guys can enjoy yourselves for a while before we land.” (Uncle Black)

Saying so, Uncle Black stood up and left the lounge, taking the empty vegetable-bowls with him.

Meanwhile, Illois sat next to Alice, petting the wolf-pup's fur as it continued to bark happily. On the other hand, I wanted to ask Illois some questions.

“Illois, you said that High-Humans built this ship, so how does it work?” (Arin)

Being asked the question, Illois only looked into my direction, continuing to pat the wolf-pup while answering my curiosity. I actually wanted to lean closer to understand properly, yet due to me still sitting on top of Sarias lap as she held me, I could only sharpen my hearing, hoping I wouldn't lose out on anything.

“Hmm, well you already understand quite a bit about golem-crafting, so I guess I can tell you a bit about the simplified structure of the whole thing, we can look at the exact details another day.” (Illois)

And so, while I was still sitting on Sarias lap, Illois began to explain how the flying ships worked in their basis, and what propels them.

It appears that there is a grand-converter found near the front of the ship, on the so called engine-deck, converting Magic-Power from the air into Mana, which is then sent into crystals prepared to store said mana.

Within the Crystals, the mana will turn into a semi-liquid state, the same liquid that I normally use to inscribe basic formations on golems. This liquid then makes it way towards several engine like constructs, with four smaller ones pointing downwards, beneath the ship, while four bigger ones lead to the side, which can be used as both take-off engines or propulsion-engines. Those are using wind-magic, as well as a unique kind of water-magic, allowing the ship to somehow increase the output without straining the engines, while also making them capable of working in water.

Having those equipped, the ship in itself can already fly, but it would remain heavily unstable. So, in order to deter that, there is a single crystal-engine in the middle of the ship, the central stabilizer-engine, creating a network of smaller 'tab' like emitters all around the ship. Those take care to keep the ship stable and strait, using both gravity-magic from dragons and wind-magic.

Actually, the weird smaller wing-like sails at the side of the ship aren't as simple as they look. Illois said that they contain vein-like metals that directly connect to the central stabilizer-engine, helping in keeping the ship upright, while also simply catching wind to increase movement-speed.

I did ask if the sails have other functions as well, but aside from the ability to catch wind to sail without using magic, they aren't that special. Or at least that was what I believed, however, Illois said that they do contain a network of gatherers, meaning they catch Magic-Power from the air to send it towards the converter, where it is turned into mana for the ship. This applies to all sails, aside from the wing like ones, as using them in tandem with the stabilizer could cause problems.

So in the end, I asked him if the ship wouldn't fall over if the main-sails don't have the same features as the stabilizing ones, but Illois said that that is unnecessary, as the stabilizer-units can be found in the Mast, allowing the gathering of mana to work beside the stabilizer.

Also, the last feature he explained is the shield covering the whole deck, in order to prevent death due to the lack of air-pressure. Mostly the shield only diverts the wind, while also letting a minimal amount pass, leaving the passengers to feel comfortable. Warmth is also emitted, yet that remains minimal, and can be changed depending on the setup the one in control enables.

So, hearing about all the different functions put into this ship, I can't help but become astonished and interested, especially on how they managed to simulate the unique magic that normally only dragons can wield.

Sadly, Illois said that this function would be too complicated to explain here, so we made an agreement that he would show it to me once we have the chance.

Also, as we ended our conversation, Alice had already left, as lunch approached and she wanted to help out in the kitchen. The wolf-pup actually didn't want to let her go, as he seemed to rather enjoy the comfortable petting coming from her, yet being restrained by Illois, it could only wail while he watched Alice leave the lounge.

Luckily, Sumi called him over shortly afterwards, so the wolf-pup didn't remain in its mood for long, as it happily panted while being petted by both Sumi and me. Saria who still held on to me, as well as Anna both said something about petting me being better than petting the wolf-pup in a silent voice, yet I couldn't get what that means, as I am not a dog or something that requires petting.

Yet, the moment I said that, Saria and Anna both stared at me as though they just met a challenge, seemingly watching their prey. In my perspective, the moment I saw those eyes, I became uncomfortable, feeling as my hair began standing strait.

However, before I could jump away, Saria grandly pulled me into a hug, not letting go. Meanwhile, Anna approached, and with a heinous grin, she began to tickle me at my weak-spots, causing me to giggle.

So, having my weak-spots relentlessly attacked, after a while I couldn't hold it in anymore and began to laugh out loud, with my voice resonating throughout the lounge. I tried multiple times to ask Anna to stop, or Saria to at least let me go, yet slowly loosing breath due to my excessive laughing, with my stomach hurting as a consequence, I couldn't bring myself to think too much, and just kept laughing. My tails also danced around, even if they were mostly blocked by Saria who still held me in a hug I couldn't escape from.

I didn't know when, yet Anna, Sumi and Saria also joined me in laughing after a while, with even Illois showing a smile.

And so, after several minutes of laughing, Anna finally stopped tickling me, yet even without it, I couldn 't stop. So, after a while, as mine and the others laughter slowly died down, I limply lied in Sarias embrace, who still wouldn't let me go.

So, leaving my weight to her, I close my eyes to calm down, yet having the small eruptions of giggles still coming up my throat, it took us another ten minutes until we really stopped laughing altogether, as everyone still had to suppress their own grins.

So, when Alice entered the room to call us for lunch, the moment we laid eyes on her, suddenly it erupted again, and Anna, Sumi and me nearly laid on the floor laughing. Actually, Sumi was reserved most of the times, so seeing her laugh like that was new, yet I felt it was amazing.

I didn't know, but I loved her voice when she laughed... Ugh, what am I thinking?!

Leaving the useless thoughts aside, the slightly confused Alice began leading us towards the canteen. She was quite perplexed when she entered and we began laughing the moment we made eye-contact, luckily though she didn't mind much and only nodded after hearing what occurred from Saria. Additionally, while we laughed, the wolf-pup actually nudged on Illois multiple times, making worried wails as he looked in our direction. Luckily, Illois could pacify him, so we weren't really troubled by it.

By now I was walking on my own two feet again, while Saria walked closely behind us, watching over us.

So, after a fulfilling lunch, all of us were waiting on the deck near the front, looking over the railings at the ground that was hundreds of meters away, and closed in on us at an ever-increasing rate.

Just as we were about to pass the clouds again, a sudden shout could be heard throughout the whole ship.

“Everyone, we are nearing our destination! Prepare for descent and landing, those with unsteady feet please enter your cabins!” (Shouting Dragon)

Hearing the announcement, Alice retreats from the deck, as she is unsure if she could take the descend. Meanwhile, the others and me remained on deck, as the wind-pressure increased, while the ship continued to go towards the ground.

Yet, feeling the softened wind caress my face, as my hair fluttered behind me, I suddenly had an idea. So, sitting down and entering a meditative position, I try to feel the wind, the way it passed me by, ruling up the fur on my tails as well as my hair, with a cold sensation tickling my skin.

So, letting my mind drift, trying to completely go with the wind, I slowly loosen my grip on my mana, leaving it to flow freely, even if limited in its quantity.

And before I knew it, I felt myself loosen up, seeing a dream of being a bird, flying freely through the wind, accompanied by the cloud-swallow I created earlier, leaving behind a fiery trail as it flew before me.

Yet, trying to grasp that aspect, I begin reaching out, hoping to reach greater heights, yet before I could even try, a sudden hand stoked my head, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Feeling a dull impact on my butt, I look up to see Sumi looking at me with a smile, telling me that we were about to land, and that I should wake up.

I didn't know then, yet the impact I felt, was actually something I caused, as a result of a... floating sensation.

Anyway, standing back up, I finally saw what was before me, astonishing me. In front of me, beyond the deck, I could see a massive Island, covered in lush trees, with mountains and lakes decorating it as a whole.

We were still several hundreds of meters above land, yet I already couldn’t see the whole island anymore. Reminding myself of the map I had seen this far, the island should be about as big as Germany, the country that was above my home-country back on earth.

So, looking over the ocean of trees that cover the ground, with trees so tall I had never seen on earth, I slowly become conscious of the places hidden within. Not far away to the place we are currently descending to, a big city can be seen, with a port and houses seemingly formed from roots and trees, with flowers and nature blossoming everywhere. Yet, even with the port being connected to the ocean, with ships waiting, unloading or loading cargo, there were still massive roots to be seen, forming the ports walls, gates and walkways.

Unlike expected there were still other races seen intermingling with the elf’s of that city, however. And sometimes I could also see houses of stone and wood built in between the other buildings, reminding myself of the buildings I spotted so far on our journey in the various countries we passed.

Anyway, seeing other races intermingling with the elfs I was told were extremely xenophobic, I look up to Illois for an explanation.

He, noticing my gaze, didn’t wait long, and just like the encyclopedia he normally impersonates, he begins talking.

“This is the so called border-city, the only city where the elfs publicly trade with the other nations and races. However, the more inland you go, the more defensive the elfs become, meaning that in the capitol close to the center, unless this person is invited by the world-tree itself, you won’t find any non-elfs.

Of course there is a variety of different trades, and there are even some people who commit themselves to illegal trades, such as slave-trading, trying to kidnap elven woman and men for the nobility and merchants of the other countries.

Luckily, the world-tree guards the port. So, can you see those roots? Whenever someone tries to do something uncouth, such as kidnapping elves, they will lash out and restrict any ships trying to leave. So this way, until now, the amount of successfully kidnapped elves in the last hundred years can be counted with two hands.

Also, there are a variety of different places in the spirit-forest, from Mountains to plains, and of course, forests. There is also a great amount of lakes and rivers, as well as mysterious places mostly guarded by the world-tree.

As a result, farming, mining and other activities abnormal for pure-forest areas can still be found in great variety within the whole area of the island.” (Illois)

Talking non-stop, and jumping from topic to topic, Illois kept explaining about the island of Spirit-Forest.

So, after Saria finally managed to shut him up again, we watch as the ship closed in on the waves beneath us. The wings at the side of the ship retracted themselves, returning inside the ship, while the turbines shut down and retracted themselves as far as possible.

The moment we made impact, I felt as the water splashed over the railing and gave us a small shower. Surprised, and tasting the salt in my mouth, I watch as the ship watered and remained swimming, while the crew got to work.

And under the command of the captain, the ship used the wind still available to ride the waves and make its way into the port not so far away.

I wonder, what will I meet on this Island?