Shadows darkened the forest, absorbing every ray of light. Nothing escaped, nothing could. The two individuals trapped within were prisoners. They would never see the light again…

Reality shattered.

Lorenzen fell to his knees, exhausted and breathing heavily. He had burned through a good portion of his gathered mana. Meanwhile, in contrast, Ithea's eye twitched. A cold fury threatened to explode out from her.

"Where is he," she seethed, the air growing cold enough that her breath could be seen.

Scanning the forest, she saw nothing. Even tasting the ambient mana held no clues of where the damned shadow bastard had gone.

"Re…lax," Lorenzen gasped out. "We…know…where…he–"

"The barrier," she hissed.

He gave her a slow nod and stood up. "It's the only reason he would be heading towards the mountains," he added after regaining his breath.

Ithea glanced down at him, a fire burning in her eyes. "I will go on ahead, you head back and warn the others."

He wanted to object but the truth was, he would only hinder her. "Fine–" A thought occurred to him. "I suppose I could go say hello to Felix."

For the briefest moments, she let a smirk break through her fury. "Have fun…"

Before he could respond, Ithea leaped into the air and into the canopy above him. Then, with another hop, she vanished from sight. A roar sounded out far above him as she no doubt flew away.

He let out a sigh and turned to face the rough direction to the manor. "I suppose we'll meet again soon, My Queen…"

There were raucous cheers and applause as Eri's pregnancy was announced. Many had called for celebrations, for a party to be held over this wonderful news. It was…slowly getting out of hand. At least, it was until a certain dragon let out a roar. It shook the manor and caused many to drop to the ground in fright, a few even tried to run…

With the crowd pulling itself back together, Felix had a moment to think. He was thrilled, ecstatic even, but deep down he couldn't help but wonder, Is this necessary?

His new instincts were…subdued, insofar that they weren't fighting him. No, they were now slumbering like a dragon. And it was exactly that that he was feeling… The errant thoughts and muted feelings of a sleeping dragon.

But like a sleeping dragon, those thoughts and feelings and instincts were still there and still whispering into his mind. And right now, they wanted him to hide Eri from the world.

But that couldn't happen. He knew that… But is this necessary? he repeated to himself. A moment later, he felt Zira nudging his mind.

It is, she answered. They realize the importance of her pregnancy.

That caught him off guard. What do you mean?

Zira let a teasing smile show through their bond. Remember what Aluin talked about? About how she will need an heir? Why do you think he would stress the importance of that?

A lineage…

Indeed, a lineage, she said with a mental nod. Unfortunately for us all, this child will be important to them just as much as it will be to us.

But, that doesn't mean I have to like it, he countered. I don't want anyone getting ideas on hurting her or…

A wave of curiosity hit him. Oh? Are you still feeling those…instincts? Even after–

They are not nearly as strong, Felix admitted quickly. But they are still there.

She fell silent, only to be suddenly replaced with Eri's voice. Do you wish to say anything?

Hmm– Oh, right. He pulled himself back to the present and stared out into the crowd. They were, in turn, silent and watching him curiously.

"I want to thank everyone for their applause and support. I know many wish to throw a celebration but, sadly, there is still more that needs to be done. As it stands, we must wait for the Chiefs to arrive– Not to mention, there is someone else we are waiting on…"

Felix paused, noting the confused looks many in the crowd were sharing. "Have we already forgotten? Have we already forgotten who saved everyone? Who fought that hellish beast? I am speaking about Yarnel! The small dragon who–"

"Small?! You dare call me small?! I'll have you know that I am quite large for my pedigree!"

The outburst caused him to look up to see…Yarnel. The dragon floated overhead with his arms crossed.

Shit! "Yarnel! You're back!" Felix called out in surprise.

"Indeed… But what is this all about?" the dragon asked, coming down to eye level. Meanwhile, the crowd beyond began to murmur and whisper.

This is perfect actually… Regaining his composure, Felix cleared his throat and readdressed the crowd. "Everyone! Yarnel has returned, let us cheer for our hero!"

"Hero–" Yarnel was silenced by the following cheers. Meanwhile, Felix waited until everyone began to settle down before continuing.

He faced the dragon properly and gave him a serious look. "Yarnel."

"Yes?" Yarnel said, there was the barest hint of surprise and confusion there.

Felix drew a deep breath and bowed. "Yarnel… While Eri and I were away, while Aluin was away… While Ithea was away. The manor was attacked. The hatchery was attacked. The very people who came here to help me build the dormitory were attacked.

"But you were there. You stood up and defended the clearing. You protected the elves, the kobolds, the eggs… You saved them. You fought the Flame Shade, that hellish beast, alone and won. We– No, I am eternally grateful.

"Without you, Calsen might have stolen the eggs. The Flame Shade would've killed more and left nothing for me to come back to…"

Felix stood straight once more and stared directly into Yarnel's eyes. He spoke with conviction, "We all owe you our lives."

The small dragon floated in place, silent and, for a moment, unsure of what to say. Whatever Yarnel had expected, it wasn't this. And, it wasn't over…

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Eri stepped forward and addressed the dragon. "Yarnel, for your actions, for your defense of my people and my home…" She trailed off and looked at the crowd. "I declare you, Sir Yarnel, The Defender and Hero of the Elves."

The roaring of the crowd became deafening even as the dragon in question stared back at her with jaws hanging open.

Felix stood back and watched him with a satisfied grin. None of this was planned, it just so happened spontaneously and at the right time. Plus, now the crowd was focused on Yarnel instead of on Eri and her pregnancy…

With all the good news, it took a while for everyone to settle down once more. Thankfully, by then Oralyn had stepped up and wisely began dispersing the crowd. There would be celebrations in the future, but now was not the time.

As she and Eri's guards worked, Felix re-approached the small dragon. Yarnel was still frozen in place and hadn't said a single word.

He waved a hand in front of the dragon causing him to blink.

"Huh…"

"Are you okay, Sir Yarnel?" he asked with a bit of a teasing tone.

"I…" The small dragon trailed off before suddenly shaking his head. His expression changed back to its usual condescending look, it was as if he was never blindsided. "I am, thank you… Anyway, I have returned and there is much I wish to discuss with you."

Felix gave him a curious look. "Is it about this project of yours?"

The dragon nodded. "It is, I will need your help–"

He interrupted. "Does it have to do with that mana crystal? The one I used to contain a part of my soul?"

Yarnel narrowed his eyes and studied him for several moments, but if there was any surprise, the dragon hid it well. "Indeed it does... I take it you've read the journal?"

"I have," Felix confirmed. "And, in the process I also regained most, if not all, of my memories."

"Ah, then this will make it easier to explain…" Yarnel gestured towards the door to the kitchen. "Perhaps we should take this conversation inside? There is much I don't wish to publicly reveal, in case of spies."

For a moment, that alarmed Felix but the dragon revealed a toothy smile.

"A joke, I do not think we have any spies here. But, consider that payback for calling me small. Still, though, there is much I do not wish to reveal to the public."

Felix couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed that the least funniest person in the Endless Forest managed to trick him, even if it were only for a moment… "Of course," he grumbled before glancing over to Eri. "Do you wish to join us or…?"

She thought for a moment before answering with a shake of her head. "I think I shall go and speak with Master Aluin, there is much that needs to be discussed. After that, I'll go spend some time with Kyrith. The poor dragon has done so well to keep in his excitement…"

Felix let out a chuckle. "Yeah, that might not be a bad idea. He is practically buzzing in my head."

"I know, just look at him." She gestured over to where the ember-colored dragon had set up. "He is literally vibrating in place."

He followed her hand and saw Kyrith shifting excitedly and doing everything in his power to not bolt forward, much to the annoyance of Zira, who stood next to him.

"Oh? Did something happen?" Yarnel asked curiously.

Felix scoffed. "Yeah, you can say that." He pulled Eri close to him. "She's pregnant!"

"Congratulations… But that isn't what I meant. I was referring to your comment about Kyrith buzzing in your head."

He frowned as Yarnel brushed off his announcement but it soon dawned on him that Yarnel didn't know about Kyrith and Zira. "Oh, that's right! You weren't here…" Trailing off, he glanced around quickly before waving the dragon closer to him.

"Kyrith and Zira bonded," he whispered.

"Ah! Fascinating…" Yarnel put a taloned hand to his snout in thought. "Fascinating indeed… But, sadly, that will have to wait. My project comes first… I will be in my room. Please, join me there soon."

Felix gave him a nod and watched as the small dragon vanished in the blink of an eye. With him gone, he moved the conversation to the bond.

What are you going to ask Master Aluin? he asked.

Many things, really, Eri answered with just a hint of exhaustion. But mostly I want to talk with him about my pregnancy– No offense Felix, but there are some feminine questions I have. Things that a man wouldn't think to ask. She gave him a wink.

His face started to turn red from embarrassment but he quickly responded. Understandable… I suppose if you are going to speak with him, ask him about what needs to be done for us to get married– Hells, I know everyone will want to be involved in some manner.

Eri perked up at the mention of marriage. Actually, I think that question might be better suited for Oralyn. But, I will include Master Aluin. I think he and the other Sages might have to go out and teleport the Chiefs here…

Yeah, probably… Gods, we keep finding more things that need to be done… We still need to figure out how to train up a militia, as well. Felix let out a sigh. So damn much to do and so very, very little time…

I know, but we'll get through this together, she said before speaking out loud. "Anyways, you should get going. Sir Yarnel sounded impatient."

Felix shrugged. "That sounds like him normally– But! You're probably right in this case." He pulled her into a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too."

The two of them separated and Felix watched as Eri left, heading straight for Kyrith. Her guards followed several feet behind, clearly fearful of getting in between her and the overly excited dragon.

And speaking of dragons… Zira chose that moment to interrupt his thoughts. What? Do I not get an 'I love you?'

Felix chuckled and shook his head in amusement. I love you as well.

Humph! That's not good enough. He felt her mentally look away in disgust.

Rolling his eyes, Felix let his love, his caring, flood through their bond. There. Are you happy now?

Better! she replied before dropping her mock frustration. Now, she decided to let her real emotions go through.

I'm sorry Princess… Anyway, Eri is right. I need to go speak with Yarnel. Tonight, I'd like to spend it with you, he added as he turned and faced the manor.

Finally! I'll get my pillow!

Felix let another laugh escape but said nothing more, there wasn't any need. Their emotions were enough. And so, instead, he opened the door to the kitchen and stepped through…

***

Yarnel's room hadn't changed much. The only real difference was the lack of a certain elf. Calsen, to Felix's understanding, was being held by the dwarves in some sort of prison. That was fine with him, so long as they didn't kill the elf…

Calsen needed to face his victims after all.

Honestly, this reminds me quite a bit of his workshop back in the Citadel… He let the thought trail off as he caught sight of the small dragon hovering over a table. And it was there, a large crystal glowed a deep red.

"That looks different from what I remember," he commented as he came up next to the dragon.

"Indeed, it is because it contains the Flame Shade."

He raised an eyebrow at that. "Will that cause problems?"

"Hopefully not, but that is what I need to determine. Either way, it will be only a minor inconvenience for me."

Does that mean… His eyes widened in surprise. "Is the Flame Shade still alive?"

Yarnel looked his way. "It's corrupted soul is but, if I were to release it, all that would happen would be a fiery explosion. Then, it would be dead. Never mind that, though. We have to discuss a few things. More than just my project."

That made Felix curious. "Oh?"

The dragon floated away, leaving the crystal on the table, and went over to the other side of the room. There, a small table and several chairs stood. Oddly, it reminded Felix of the ones that Fea had in her personal study…

"Sit." Yarnel ordered.

Felix made his way over and took the nearest seat while the dragon took the opposite one.

"Good," the dragon started with. "Now let us first start with the colossal tree outside. Don't think I didn't notice, because there isn't a single living soul in the world who didn't know what happened. Besides, it's hard to miss a tree that large."

Great… That will end well. "What about it, exactly? It's the Tree of Providence and–"

Yarnel waved a taloned hand to stop him. "I don't care about what it does. I already know you're not fully aware–"

"Fully?"

The dragon continued, ignoring his interruption. "What I want to know is…" He leaned forward over the table.

"Can you do it again?"

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