It had been three days of traveling through the forest before the group noticed a slight change in their environments.
“The forest is becoming less dense in this part.” Corin said to Simeon.
“I think you are right.” Simeon said with an amused tone.
The three days they had spent in the forest had seen them travel through thick wooded terrain that did not leave them a lot of room for maneuvering. It was as if they were traveling through a large forested bush instead of traveling through trees. This terrain meant that their progress had been extremely slow and their fascination with the lush and deep forest quickly became frustration.
“Ugh finally. Walking through there was almost as bad as traversing those mines.” Zhi exclaimed.
At the head of the group Corin waited for the rest of them to catch up. Livia and Nanaua were at the rear and they were caught up in conversation.
“So have you noticed any other changes to your weapon?” Livia was focused deeply in her conversation with Nanaua.
“No. I think any changes that I might have noticed was my own unfamiliarity with the weapon since the dragon breathed new fires into it. The weapon that I used to wield, forged with Tonatiuh’s flames, felt very different. I grew up with this weapon and wielding it was as natural as it is for you to move your arms. But now there is a slight change in the way it responds to my impulses. Slowly I am learning how this weapon feels. Its strike feels heavier, yet it cuts through the air gently, as if it separates the air before it even comes into contact with it. It is a strange combination that I am not familiar with.” Nanaua responded.
“Interesting.” Livia said.
Nanaua greeted Corin, happily whereas Livia was still lost in thought while listening to Nanaua’s explanation.
The group continued their trek through the thinning forest. After several more hours of walking Corin saw that Simeon stopped as he took an interest on something on the ground.
“Did you drop something there Simeon?” Corin asked.
“No my boy, come look.” Simeon pointed at the spot he hunched over.
Corin came over and looked at the ground. He struggled to see what Simeon was focused on.
“So what are we looking at here Simeon?” Corin asked as he kept studying the ground with his friend.
“These are tracks my boy.” Simeon said enthusiastically.
Corin looked closer. Now he noticed the faint tracks Simeon had spotted. Corin saw large hoofprints, something that would not be out of place in a thick forest like the one they were currently traveling through, but the thing that caught his attention was how numerous they were.
“What do you think Simeon? Was it a herd of animals that came through?” Corin asked.
At this point Zhi, Nanaua and Livia had all caught up to them and were quietly observing the two locked in the conversation.
“No. These tracks are too close together and too organized for it to have been a pack of wild animals. You also missed this print here.” Simeon said to Corin.
Corin peeked over to the spot that Simeon had pointed out and observed.
“A bare humanoid footprint?” Corin asked.
“Aye that’s right. This is not from a wild herd of animals, this is from a large moving group. A caravan.” Simeon stated.
“What kind of group would be traveling like this?” Corin asked.
“Well Corin, there are things even I don’t know.” Simeon said. “But one thing is for sure, they are traveling in the same direction we are. I first spotted some tracks a while ago. I was not sure if our paths would diverge, but so far it has not been the case.”
“Do you think they are dangerous?” Zhi asked.
“Well anyone can be dangerous, what matters is if they need a reason to be dangerous or not.” Simeon replied. “But it is the first sign of any type of other furtive we have seen since we left the mines. It might be in our best interest to see who these people are. Maybe they could be of aid.”
“And if they are not?” Nanaua asked.
“Well then, that is your area of expertise, not mine.” Simeon replied.
Nanaua grinned in response.
Everyone was silent. They wanted to be hopeful of what they might find, but they knew very well that danger was ever present.
“Well Corin here is really good at making friends, so I think he should talk to them first.” Zhi said out loud.
Corin was caught unawares.
“Me?” He replied without thought.
The rest of the group was quiet for only a brief instant.
“Yes.” Nanaua said.
“Sounds good to me.” Livia said.
“You are correct.” Simeon added.
And so the group continued on, searching for this mysterious wandering mass, all of them curious as to what kind of furtives they might come across. All of them except Corin. He could only think about what exactly he would say when he met the strangers.
***
After a day of following the trail, all signs pointed to Corin and the group getting closer to their source. The prints they had been following became fresher and easier to follow. Simeon was able to distinguish individual prints and surmise details about those who left the prints.
“Seems like a fairly large group is following this trail. Aside from the prints they do not seem to leave much else behind. Hard to tell what kind of group we are dealing with.” Simeon said.
“But they are walking all over the forest with no shoes on?” Zhi asked curiously.
This was something that Corin could also not get over.
“Well lass, most species, even most furtives don’t appreciate having their feet bound. There are important details about the world around them that they are able to glean from the ground as they walk. Walking with shoes on for some would be like putting a blindfold on you and asking you to move about.” Simeon replied.
“Makes sense.” Corin and Zhi replied almost instantly.
The group continued down the path until later in the day. As the sun set, and night set in the group saw the first sign of the furtives ahead of them. From a distance a light seemed to shine from the middle of the forest, shooting up into the sky.
“Do you think that must be them?” Livia asked.
“Aye, no doubt about it. The trail leads there, and these prints are hours old.” Simeon stated as he switched from looking down and above to the light.
“Their fire seems to be producing no smoke. ” Nanaua stated.
All of them observed. It was as she said, no sign of smoke seemed to emanate from the location of the light.
“Probably, there is no fire there.” Simeon said.
“Then what could be lighting their camp?” Zhi asked.
“Corin will find out for us.” Simeon said with a slight smile.
“Right… right.” Corin replied quietly.
He had not forgotten that he had been volunteered to be their emissary. He had hoped that by now the group had changed their mind or forgotten about that role they had assigned him.
“Well let’s get closer and then Corin will go talk to them.” Livia stated.
The group quietly agreed and began making their way toward the camp.
As they did so, they noticed how quiet the camp they were nearing was.
“Maybe there’s not that many of them?” Corin asked quietly.
“Seems like a very large baggage train for a small amount of people.” Simeon replied in a soft whisper.
Corin’s hopes of not having to interact with too many furtives was dashed quietly.
“Perhaps they sleep?” Nanaua asked.
Corin felt a sliver of hope rising within him. Maybe they could wait until the morning to introduce themselves to the group.
“They could, but night has just settled. Corin will let us know if they sleep.” Zhi interjected this time.
As soon as Corin’s hopes were just beginning to rise they once again deflated. They were now as close as they could get to the camp without being noticed. From here the glow of the light intensified, but no other details about the group they were about to interact with could be seen.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“You’ll do great my boy.” Simeon whispered to Corin. “I’m sure you’ll be safe, but if you are in danger, just shout “Simeon!” and we will come to your aid, but if its safe, shout “Livia” and we'll know to come meet you at the camp .”
Simeon smiled as he looked at Corin.
Corin’s head hung down low for a second and then he got up.
Really no choice but to see what awaits us.
As Corin walked up to the camp, he was able to identify specific details about the group.
There were multiple wagons around the perimeter of the camp, but Corin could not see the animals that pulled them. As he approached the wagons there was one spot with a large gap, but a large piece of cloth was draped over preventing Corin from seeing what was inside the camp. Corin figured that would be his best spot for entering the camp.
In his head he rehearsed what he would say to the group once he met them.
Hello, my name is Corin. I was walking down this path and noticed your trail. Are you dangerous? Please don't be!
Corin neared the entry point to the caravan and still did not hear any type of commotion coming from inside the camp. He was beginning to feel concerned. Now he found himself in front of the large cloth that was between him and the camp.
Corin waited for several seconds, waiting to see if he heard something, anything, a sign of what might await him on the other side.
This doesn't feel right.
Corin began to turn around when the cloth was raised. Corin was stunned to see what was on the other side of the cloth.
An entire community of dark skinned humanoid furtives looked at him. To Corin's surprise they all seemed eager to see him.
The furtive closest to Corin approached him. This furtive was tall, the tallest out of the group. He was even taller than Nanaua, but unlike Nanaua he was very thin. The tall furtive reminded Corin of a Siren. But whereas a Siren was covered in scales like a fish, this furtives skin seemed more like tree bark.
“Greetings friend. We have been expecting you.” The tall furtive had a deep and friendly voice. “We expected your companions to join you. Will they be coming soon?”
“My companions?” Corin asked.
“Yes you have been traveling with four other furtives on the same path we have for a while now. Aside from you we recognized two humans, a dragoor, and an apeman. Will they be joining us as well?” The tall creature seemed genuinely curious and excited to be speaking to Corin.
Corin was surprised. Under normal circumstances this would have sounded like a threat, but Corin did not feel threatened by the furtive. Instead the furtive seemed genuinely curious as to why Corin came alone.
But how? How did they know? Did they see us?
Corin looked at the others in the group. The rest of the community were very much like the furtive that Corin was speaking to. Tall, very thin, resembling trees and very eager to see Corin. Corin could see nothing from the group that hinted at any danger, and if they had wanted to attack they could have done so at any point since they had known they were on their trail.
Well it's settled.
“Yes, the others are preparing and will join us shortly.” Corin said as he tried to come up with the best explanation for their absence.
“Livia!” He shouted.
His companions appeared in the distance and quickly made their way over to Corin. As they approached the tall furtive that Corin was speaking to greeted them.
“Fellow furtives welcome, we have been expecting you!” The tall furtive announced.
“You have?” Simeon asked in a surprised tone.
“They have. They knew all five of us had been following them for the past day.” Corin said.
Corin saw his companions tense up as he announced this turn.
“Yes, we were expecting you to reach us by tonight and we're happy to see a friendly outside group. It's a rarity for us to be able to converse with those outside our roots ” The tall furtive kept speaking.
“Well what a curious thing.” Simeon replied while still seeming apprehensive of the tall furtive. “In all my years I don't believe I have ever met furtives quite like yourselves. My name is Simeon, and I believe you have already met Corin.” Simeon introduced himself.
“Oh of course, it has been so long since meeting someone new that I forgot my introductions. You may call me Ciba. I am the current head of our thicket.” Ciba informed them.
“A thicket?” Simeon asked curiously, his tone changing. “I'm terribly sorry but are you all forest elves?”
“That is one term that's been used to describe us.” Ciba replied.
Upon hearing this Simeon’s entire demeanor changed. From an apprehensive and wary demeanor his posture changed and he seemed more open and relaxed.
“By the firmament! I never knew your kind to be real! So you can communicate with the forest and the trees!” Simeon said gleefully.
“Yes we can.” Ciba replied. “The trees told us about your group and let us know you were on our trail. We slowed our caravan so that you could reach us.”
“Amazing, there are so many questions I have for you.” Simeon said. “May we come in?”
“My manners!” Ciba said. “Customarily we only deal with other thicket members so we don't even consider these things.” Ciba stepped to the side as he greeted the visitors.
Simeon did not hesitate and followed into the campsite.
Corin and the rest of the group did the same and entered the campgrounds, introducing themselves to Ciba as they entered. Upon entering they were quickly astonished as to the number of furtives they saw. The entire group of forest elves numbered in the hundreds. There were so many that Corin could not believe their numbers.
“Amazing.” Zhi said.
Up close now Corin could see different aspects of the camp that he had not noticed from a distance. Each of the wagons seemed to be built from a single wooden frame. These were laid out in such a fashion to create a perimeter. Around each of the caravans multiple branches would sprout which seemed to have bioluminescent fruits hanging from them. These fruits were so luminous and numerous that they were the only source of light necessary in the camp. Even in the pitch darkness of the night they would provide ample light to guide the group.
In front of each caravan, Corin saw some interesting creatures. They were four legged like deer but their bodies were bigger. Their heads were much bigger and they had deep black eyes. Unlike deer that had furry coats these creatures had a rough bark like skin. It was reminiscent of the skin of the forest elves.
These must have been the animals that were dragging the caravans.
Different groups of forest elves were tending to the beasts in front of each caravan. Removing moss from its rough skin and picking away at bugs that had burrowed deep within it. The creatures and the elves seemed to have a harmonious relationship.
A thick aroma wafted through the campsite as well, a sweet scent that enthralled Corin. Corin saw various forest elves gathered around a basin from where they were drinking. As he neared the basin the strong scent increased.
At the very center of the campsite there was a crowd of several forest elves engaged in a soft flowing dance. Corin could tell there was a rhythm they were following, but there was nothing he could hear to indicate how they were being guided. Around the forest elves several of the lighted fruit hung about, these too undulated along the pace of the elves. Around the perimeter of the dancing elves, other elves would sit and watch. Every so often some of the elves would stop dancing and some of the ones observing would jump in their place.
Like Corin, the rest of the group were enraptured by the spectacle around them.
“Here we are.” Ciba spoke to the group as they paused in front of one of the many caravans.
In front of it there was a large pot of a simmering liquid. Its aroma was very different from that of the basins Corin had eyed earlier that the forest elves would drink out of.
“We do not eat food, but knowing that we had visitors coming we wanted to prepare something special for you. It is made with various vegetables from the surrounding forest.” Ciba gestured to the group.
Nanaua was the first one to approach the concoction and smell it.
“Well I don’t know what it is, but it certainly smells as if I’ll enjoy it.” She added with enthusiasm.
Another elf brought them bowls from which they could all eat the soup.
Nanaua was the first one to get a bowl and gladly began to eat.
By the time Corin, who was the last to receive a portion, began to eat his part, Nanaua was already asking for a second serving.
“Nanaua, please.” Zhi began as she tried to implore Nanaua to be more tactful.
“What? They’re offering, are they not?” Nanaua asked as she received a second bowl.
“Do not worry, you are guests here and we are happy to be helpful.” Ciba added, which quickly gladdened Nanaua. He sat down near Corin.
As Corin ate he was amazed at the flavors of the soup prepared for them. He had never tasted such a unique blend of vegetables before and the dish was as hearty as any they had eaten in a while.
“I hope this dish is to your liking.” Another Forest Elf, Floyan, spoke now.
“Oh, very much so.” Zhi replied quickly.
Corin and the rest of them sat around the soup eating and taking in the sights surrounding them while the other forest elves would come in and greet them. Amongst themselves Corin did not see them exchange any words, but he could see them acknowledge each other by various gestures.
“Your group must have traveled through the mines to reach our forest here.” Ciba said as the group ate. It seemed he was looking at Corin.
“We did.” Corin replied.
He did not want to divulge any more details than necessary about what they had encountered.
“It must have been quite the experience. None that enter there normally survive. The aura of the curse is enough to make us steer clear of that place. You probably would have perished had it been not for your magic user.” Ciba mentioned in a friendly manner as he looked at Zhi.
Nanaua seemed alarmed at this statement. She rose up quickly which seemed to confuse Ciba.
“Did I say something wrong?” Ciba asked with a concerned tone. “I truly apologize if I did something to upset our guests.
This was the first time Ciba had seemed anything but joyful and pleasant. It seemed he was truly aghast that he might have done something to upset Corin and the others.
“No, you did nothing wrong.” Livia spoke up as she eyed Nanaua.
Zhi herself tugged at Nanaua's arm imploring her to sit down.
Nanaua finally relented and sat down.
“You see, most other furtives are not accustomed to meeting a furtive that can use magic, and we don't want to alarm them. So when we meet someone for the first time we don't divulge that fact. We were not aware that you knew that Zhi was able to use magic.” Livia added.
“Oh I see.” Ciba replied sounding less worried than he had been. “It is true that meeting a furtive that can wield magic is truly a rare occurrence. Why you're only the second one I've ever met in my millennia of life.” Ciba stated with a warm smile as he spoke to Zhi.
“You've met another magic wielding furtive? Another Onsiel?” Now it was Zhi who shot up off the ground. She moved so fast that Corin was surprised she had the capacity to do so.
“Oh yes.” Ciba replied surprised to at Zhi's suddenness. “I was a mere sapling when our thicket came across this being. I doubt many others currently here would remember this event. This furtive, this Onsiel as you called him, he was an amazingly adept magic user. At the time, the forest surrounding us had just endured a terrible wild fire. The result of a rampaging dragon. Without the forest as our eyes we were lost and did not know where to go. By mistake our thicket went right in the direction of the Giant, Braxus.”
Ciba took a second before continuing.
“Just then, when the earth began to shake, fissures on the ground appeared. We were certain that would be the end of our thicket. But this furtive, a sparrowling from on high, flew down right as Braxus was preparing to rip the ground off our feet. He conjured a large acidic bath which began eating away at Braxus legs and stopped the destruction of our thicket. While Braxus dealt with the sudden attack, the magic user implored us to escape to safety. With destruction averted we ran. As we ran away we could hear the clash of the furtive and the Giant continue for three whole days.” Ciba stated.
“The Onsiel fought a Giant for three days straight?” Zhi had been listening intently to Ciba’s story and could not contain her excitement.
“Yes. At first it was a veritable onslaught with no cease in the mayhem. As we ran from the carnage all that could be heard was the sound of the earth rupturing, explosions and large masses of earth being thrown about. We were not sure we would survive. This furious pace lasted for several hours, and then the pace slowed. But even after a whole day and much distance between ourselves and the conflict we would hear after moments of silence the violence erupt again. It was only on the third day after another lengthy clash that everything went silent.” Ciba finished.
“What happened then?” Zhi asked.
“We continued putting distance between ourselves and Braxus. We were sure that after the clash between himself and the Onsiel that we would be targeted once more. But the fourth day came and went. And then the fifth day came. It was that very night that the furtive sparrowling found our thicket. He could barely stand when he arrived and we took him in and tended to him. After two full days of rest he finally had enough energy to leave of his own energy. We had a feast in his honor, and we finally learned more about our savior. His name was Kehze, and his sole goal was to fight against any Titan who was trying to harm furtives. Before he left we implored him to return and visit us at any time in the future, but we never saw him again.” Ciba finished.
“And what happened to Braxus?” Livia asked.
“Kehze bested him. Many years later we traversed the area where they dueled. The landscape still showed scars of their clash, and all over the area we found shards of the blue sapphire heart at the center of Braxus.” Ciba replied.
“The Onsiel defeated the Titan?” Zhi asked still standing while listening to Ciba's tale.
“Yes.” Ciba replied.
Zhi finally sat down. They were all quiet after listening to the tale of the battle between the Onsiel and the Giant.
“Unbelievable.” Zhi said. “Never in my life would I ever think of trying to go against a Titan on my own.”
“Really?” Ciba asked in a curious tone.
Zhi looked surprised at Ciba's question.
“Well my powers have yet to fully develop. But even then I could not imagine having enough power to match a Titan. Their power is immense.” Zhi replied.
“Hmmm.” Ciba said. “There are many scenarios in which we can imagine ourselves not being capable of conquering an opponent. But many times when we meet that event in reality, we find that we are much stronger than we imagined ourselves to be.”
Zhi smiled at the forest elf. She could tell he genuinely believed in her ability.
“Thank you.” Zhi said. “Thank you for that, and for the kindness you have shown us today.”
“Oh but it is our pleasure. You see ever since we were saved by Kehze we wanted to show our gratitude to another magic wielding furtive and now we have the opportunity thanks to your presence. We are happy to help you.” Ciba said.
“Well on that note, have you ever heard of Yranto?” Simeon now spoke up, seeing his chance.
“Yranto?” Ciba repeated back.
He was silent for a moment.
“I am not very familiar with your names. What is Yranto?” Ciba replied.
“Well Yranto is spoken of as the largest city ever built by furtives on the continent. We were told to that we could find it further inland if we traveled northwest from the mines. That's how we came upon you.” Simeon finished.
“Hmm, let me confer with the others here.” Ciba replied to Simeon.
After saying that Ciba continued sitting down. Corin kept waiting for Ciba to get up and talk with the other forest elves but he was not moving. Instead he only continued sitting and would occasionally look from one elf to another.
Corin eyed the Livia, Nanaua, and Zhi. They all seemed as confused as Corin, whereas Simeon waited intently.
The silence only continued.
“Yes we believe we know which city you speak of.” Ciba finally broke the silence after minutes of silence.
“A majority of furtives that travel this forest head in that direction. We have even spoken to some and talk of a city has been mentioned.” Ciba finished.
“What do you mean you spoke with the others?” Nanaua asked. “I heard nothing!”
“Oh yes my apologies. Forest elves do not need to speak to each other to communicate. We communicate through the roots. Just how we communicated with the trees to learn about you and your group.” Ciba replied. “We were not aware that you did not know this of us.”
“Oh that explains a lot.” Corin said. “I was curious why your campsite was so quiet.”
“Yes, we only communicate verbally when interacting with other species.” Ciba said. “But with regards to your destination, Yranto, it seems that it is close to where our path will be crossing within two tendays.”
“So we are on the correct path!” Simeon stated with excitement.
“Correct. You and your group are welcome to travel with us for the overlapping portion of the trip.” Ciba stated.
“Really?” Zhi stated. “You've done so much for us, we would not want to impose ourselves on you.”
“It would not be an issue. A group of five would not hinder us in any fashion.” Ciba replied.
The group all looked at each other. Similar to the forest elves moments earlier there was no need for spoken words to be exchanged for them to reach a consensus.
“I believe we will accept your offer.” Corin stated.