Re: CLASSIC #14 [The Forgotten Forest Expansion]
NaNoWriMo time! It's been a whole week already, and boy am I off to a slow start! I only planned to write 1000 words a day for a total of 30,000 words, but after seven days I've only gotten 3911. I gotta step it up! I've been surprisingly busy, but I should still make time to write.
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I rolled to the right, just managing to skip over a marshy puddle. As soon as I did, the Kaytrap slammed itself on the ground behind me, having been too slow to keep up with me. Kaytraps were large reptiles that lived in swampy areas; they walked on all fours and were roughly five feet long. Their jaw strength wasn't all too impressive, but their saliva was a literal cesspool. Coated with various bacterium and viruses, it wasn't really something you wanted in your blood stream. Being bitten by one meant hoping you didn't catch an incurable disease. A Cure-all would most likely cure you right up, but since Kaytraps were only found in swamps, the chances of you finding that potion in the middle of no-where were slim, to say the least. Kaytraps almost always seemed to be drooling, as if to show off the incomprehensible amount of poison stored in their mouths. Thankfully, just touching the saliva wasn't enough to infect someone; it had to enter the body somehow, otherwise it could just be washed off. I swung my sword at the Kaytrap as a warning.
Keep away, or get put down. It looked at me as it recovered from its failed tackle before opening it's mouth and flicked out a two pointed tongue at me in contemplation. ...At least I think it was contemplating, anyway. Regardless, after a second or two passed, the large reptile once again charged at me, fangs baring. I hopped backwards, avoiding the deadly bite, then countered with a stab at the cranium. My sword met little resistance as I pushed deeper into the beast's brain before tugging my now bloodied weapon away. The monster collapsed, defeated. I sighed quietly to myself while I fished into my pockets for a way to clean my blade. A dull roar emitted behind me, and too late I realized my folly: the Kaytrap had a mate. I turned around in time to see a jaw open in front of me. Before I could react, I felt something fly above my shoulder as it struck the second Kaytrap. The arrow collided into the monster's snout, stunning it long enough for me to side step away. Another arrow flew off, hitting its mark. Then another, and another. A volley of arrows flew free from the shades of the surrounding trees, pinning the Kaytrap down until it let out a low gurgle and collapsed, signaling its end.
“Je vous ai dit de ne pas jouer avec le Kaytraps, Bryer.” I faced the direction the voice came from and saw a dark skinned girl with pointed ears looking at me. She had her bow pointed downwards, though she had an arrow notched, ready for another attack.
“Gimme a break, Sam.” I answered in English. Samantha was an elf living in a small village in this forest. Her grandmother was the chief of that village, though Samantha herself seem far from ready to take over those duties. Though the elves speak their own language, Eliz, the chief, created a potion of understanding so that we could communicate. The most important ingredient happened to be bodily fluids of the two people who were to drink the potion. ...Spit, I mean. As a result, the two who drank understood the language of the other, and vice versa. The side effect was that the potion bound the two together until the other died. I wasn't sure what that meant, but I didn't want to find out. “I wasn't 'playing with the Kaytraps',” I told her while walking into the trees. “I was...exploring.”
“I thought I also told you to not enter the Kaytraps territory. Aren't you a captain of some Sword Guild thingie? Are those just low ranked watchmen? Because I can't see someone who can't follow directions getting very far.” I sighed loudly. Why does everyone always have to turn my rank against me?
“Look, the Guild has me searching the forest for clues on whoever's been stealing supplies from both Blueshire and Fayfield. Since I've crossed the elves off of the suspect list, that means I need to find new ones. I've been wandering around this forest day in and day out for two weeks now, and the Kaytrap's area is the only place I haven't really checked.” Samantha leaned her back against a tree after placing her last arrow back into the quiver on her back.
“Trust me,” she told me with a smile, “you haven't even seen a quarter of this place.”
“That's awful. F-For me, I mean.” I added quickly before she could give me a glare. “You might wanna fetch those arrows, by the way. You're down to your last one.”
“Humans aren't the only ones with magic, you know.” She winked at me before changing the subject. “Why have you been coming into the forest all this time? Most humans try to avoid this place.”
“It's a job.”
“That's not it. There's something more.” Samantha pushed herself off the tree and walked in front of me. “You like me, don't you?” I didn't answer while she played with the zipper on my jacket. “I think that's a princess syndrome or something where the damsel in distress falls for the knight. Nan told me a story like that a long time ago, except in this case it's the knight that's fallen for her.”
“Are you saying the princess doesn't enjoy the knight's company?” I asked, turning the tables on her, causing her to let out a small laugh.
“You should spend tonight in the village.”
“Boy, you move fast.”
“That's not what I meant.” The elf told me, playfully punching me in the chest. “Nan hasn't seen you in the past few days. She asks about you, you know. I think she likes you.”
“The princess better watch out. She's got some competition.”
“Oh gods, you're gross.”
“I'm joking!”
“I sure hope you are. I think she asks because she knows I always end up finding you in here.” It's true. Ever since my first day out in the forest, I've run into Samantha at some point. The first times were supposedly coincidental, but after the fourth day, I would normally find her waiting for me in the middle of the dirt road. “It'll be nice for her to see you again.”
“I guess that's true, its just...”
“What?”
“I always feel so isolated when I go into your village. Everyone always hides from me in their houses and ignores me. Only you and Eliz bother to put up with me.”
“They're just being overly protective.” Samantha said, placing her palm on my cheek. “We've lived alone in our village for a long time. We've been kind of afraid that humans might try to raid our village--”
“I would never let something like that happen.” I interrupted. “I think most humans that know about Evehom are more afraid of you guys, anyway.”
“But most of us don't know that. That's why you spending more time with us can change that.” She moved her hand away and pressed her body against my own. “I can show how to use a bow and arrow, too. They'll take that as a sign that you're learning from us, and they might start to open up some more.”
That was a good point.
“Alright alright, I'll spend the night. Lemme just report back to the Guild first. I also want to check this place out some more too.”
Samantha made her way back to the village on her own as I poked around the Kaytrap's marshy habitat some more. There had to be something here that would help me. Pushing passed the fallen bodies of the two reptiles, I carefully made my way across the small swamp and into another area of tall trees. There was something strange about this place, though. Most of the trees in here were either grouped so close together that they made crossing between them impossible, or were so far apart that sometimes you could easily see the sun shining through the parted leaves. But this spot was odd. The trees bound together again, but there was a small opening between them. The gap was so small that I almost overlooked it entirely, but now that I noticed it, I could no longer ignore it. Jumping through the gap led me to a large circular clearing where the trees were still packed closely together. However, unlike every other part of the forest, there weren't any leaves above me, and I could see the clear blue sky high above the treetops. I stopped to gawk. This place reminded me a lot of Evehom—The village of the elves here in the forest. Unlike there, the perimeter were actual trees instead of large wooden spikes that opened and closed for villagers due to magic. A soft wind blew through me, kicking off abandoned leaves from the ground and I found myself wandering into the center where a lone stump stood. I would have to remember this place. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something about it seemed special. I sat on the stump and rummaged through my pockets before pulling out my bag of holding. I still had trouble believing this little sack could hold an infinite number of items, but that's magic for you. I reached into it and produced a small blue crystal. I squeezed it firmly, causing it to shine for a moment. “Hey Alice, can you hear me? It's Bryer.”
“Yes, I can hear you.” A voice rang out from the shard. “What do you want?”
“Straight to the point as always, huh?” This mage was all business and no fun. “Listen, can you tell Dyson to not expect me tonight?”
“Another night at Evehom, then?”
“Yeah. ...Wait, another? I've only spent one, maybe two nights there.”
“You've spent five nights there, Bryer.” Alice told me. “I understand how jarring it must be to find an entirely different culture and wanting to learn about it, but stay focused on your mission. You might be fascinated in the elves, but they might not be quite so fond of you.” Man, she has a way of putting me off with how she sees through my words.
“I'm hoping I might be able to get them to open up to me, actually.”
“That's naive and childish.” She can also be disgustingly honest. “You can't change their opinions on humans.”
“I can try.”
“Then try. Just remember that I've warned you. I'll let your superior know about your whereabouts.”
“You know, most people might feel offended by how blunt you are.”
“You aren't most people. Is there anything else?”
“That'd be all. Thanks.”
“Goodbye.” The gem let out another quick shine of light, signaling the loss of communication before I dropped it back into my bag.
I stood from the tree stump, ready to make my way to Evehom when something stopped me. Just ahead of me was the entrance I had used to enter this clearing, but to my right was another opening between the trees. I made my way towards it, hoping it would lead me to another unexplored area. When I reached it, another breeze hit me, this time stronger than before. I ignored it and tried to walk through the small gap, but the closer I got to it, the stronger the wind became. Thinking it was just a coincidence, I walked through the trees, but the soft wind quickly worked itself up, and I found myself struggling to stand upright in the sudden violent gust. I lifted a leg up to move forward, but the wind caught me off balance and dropped me to the ground, onto my back. Before I could stand, an updraft caught me and lifted me off the ground, tossing me uncaringly back into the clearing. I coughed slightly as I tried my best to stand.
“Bryer?” I heard Samantha's voice from behind me. I looked back in the direction of the second opening only to find it closed off. What the hell was that? “Bryer, are you around here?”
“Ye-yeah.” I answered weakly. “Passed the Kaytraps.” I walked towards where the gap used to be and tried to push the two trees apart. They refused to budge, and I doubted I would be able to move them with any tool.
“What are you doing?” Samantha asked, her head poking in through the entrance. “And what is this place, anyway?”
“This is your forest, you tell me.” I said, not unkindly as I arched my back, hearing a small crack coming from it. That felt way better than it should have.
“I have no idea.” The elf admitted. “I always keep away from Kaytraps, so I must have never noticed this place.”
“Does it get windy in clearings like this?” I asked her. “Because man, I just had a really crazy experience.”
“Not really. Just a light breeze. Anyway, come on!” Sam grabbed me by the arm and led me out of the clearing, “We gotta go to the village!”
“Oh great,” I answered sarcastically, “I can only wonder what she has in store for me...Actually, hold on. Weren't you going to the village by yourself first? Why'd you come back?”
“I dunno,” Samantha told me as she continued to lead me down the forest road, “I just felt like you were in trouble or something. Is that weird?”
“A little, I think.”
“Oh, that's right!” She said, breaking away from our train of thoughts, “Nan also told me she wanted you to try one of her elvish dishes a bit ago.” Ugh. I wasn't a fan of her grandmother's cooking so far, aside from the simple fruits.
“Princess' chances are looking way better than her competitors', I'll tell you that.”
“Damn right they are.” She said with a smile. “Wait, you're not serious, are you? She was never really a 'competitor', right?”
“What? No. What?”
“Just making sure. Turn around.” I hadn't realized it, but we had already made it to the towering gates that encircled Evehom. Large wooden trunks loomed ahead of us, packed so closely together that I couldn't see passed them. The very tips were enriched with leaves and foliage, so that people who saw into the forest would mistake them for regular trees. “Come on, turn around.” Sam repeated. I did as I was told and showed her my back, which she quickly swatted away, removing any dirt that might be on it.
“Why do we need to do this every time I go in here?”
“You're an outsider. You need to look as presentable as possible. Not only that, but don't you want to make a good impression on the other elves in here? And for Nan?” I guess that made sense. I couldn't really earn the trust of anyone if they thought I looked like a pig that just finished rolling around in mud. “That's good enough, let's go.” She said as she led me towards the large wooden pillars.
As we reached them, they slowly began to vibrate. The two closest to us trembled the most, and suddenly began sliding apart from one another, granting us access to the forgotten village of the elves. We walked in slowly, with Samantha leading on ahead. As we made our way across the dirt road, I realized that, for the first time, other people were still out of their homes. Every other time I've entered here, the elves would dart back inside until I entered Samantha's house, dropping everything as if I were a murderer out for blood. But as the large magical gate slid closed behind us, I could see quite a few elves outside. They all had long ears, though not all of them were dark skinned. From what I could tell, only children were light skinned, and they darkened as they got older. Though the elves didn't flee at the sight of me, they did halt their movements, and stared at me. Some looked at me with fear, others with curiosity. Others still had what I thought was hatred in their eyes.
“Wha—what do I do?” I whispered to Samantha. This would be my first real encounter with other elves, and I didn't want to blow it.
“Keep your arms to your side,” She whispered back hurriedly as we made our way to her grandmother's house, “and face forward. Don't look make eye contact, and get that scowl off your face.” Was I scowling? I didn't think I was scowling but then again, I can't see my own face. I took a deep breath and followed her orders, doing my best to put on an innocent expression on my face. I felt myself charge with nervous energy as we walked. I bet tripping would be a seriously bad move right now. As would sneezing. Great, now I'm paranoid about spreading disease.
All was well in our village until the human came. Gods above, give me strength. Using my peripheral vision, I was able to somewhat see the faces of the elves staring at me. They were all stock still, and the idea that they were more scared of me than I was of them popped into my mind. ...Was I scared of them? A little, I'll admit. Aside from being hugely outnumbered with no real way to escape if things got really
really sour, and that there wasn't a guarantee Samantha's or her grandmother would be able to call off every single villager if they became hostile, there was also the social fear that shook me. Samantha had a crush on me, it was obvious to the both of us. But if her entire village disproved of me, what then? Not only that, but knowing that an entire village of people hated me that lived just a few quarter hours away would seriously mess me up. Stay positive, Bryer. You have a decent chance here. We had walked roughly two thirds of the way down the dirt road with no incident, and I was so sure that we were home free when it happened. A tall woman that had, up to this point, watched us from ahead, suddenly stepped in front of Samantha's path.
“
Who are you, human?” She asked in Elvish.
“
He is a guest.” Samantha answered back.
“He was invited by my grandmother, and is my personal friend.”
“
I was not talking to you, fledgling. Or is your 'friend' so unaware of us that he cannot speak in our tongue?” Oh boy. I really needed to thank Eliz for that potion. I didn't realize that they were going to use languages against me. I decided it would probably be best to keep quiet for now. Anything I said could easily be turned against me, and I didn't know enough of their customs to know if what I did would offend them.
“
He speaks as much of our language as I do.” Samantha answered. Well, it wasn't a lie, at least.
“
Really, now? Let's have him prove it, then.” Uh-oh. Samantha looked at me and nodded once. I took another short breath. Man, I'd rather fight another tiger than be here right now.
“
My name is Bryer Alma.” I told the woman.
“I...I mean no harm or disrespect to you or your people.”
“
So the human can talk.” the woman taunted me. “
How did you come across our village? Did someone send you?”
“
No. I was in the forest when I heard a cry. Following the voice, I found Samantha wandering in a haze, almost hypnotized. With no weapons or sense of self.”
“
He saved my life.” Samantha said. “
If he wasn't there that day, I most likely would be dead. I owe him my life.” When you say it out loud like that, it makes it seem way more impressive. I was just in the right place at the right time.
“
I see.” The woman answered, glaring at me. “
If what you say is true, then you have our thanks. But know this:” She bent down, bringing her face closer to me, “
I do not trust you. If you make a single move that seems suspicious, I will know of it.” Samantha stood between the two of us, blocking my view of the woman's green glaring eyes.
“
If that is all,” she said,
“we must be going. My grandmother is expecting Bryer.” The woman scoffed at us and stared over Samantha's head and at my face for a few seconds before stepping aside. We walked the rest of the short dirt path in silence, and quickly entered the large house that was home to the chief. As soon as the door closed behind me, I let out a long sigh and slumped against the door.
“That was kinda tense.” I admitted aloud.
“I'm sorry,” The young elf said, facing me, “That was Maithy I knew that if any of them were going to cause a scene over you, it would be her.” The girl walked closer towards me with a big smile. “But this is good. Now everyone knows how we met. How you saved the princess!” She slowly brought herself closer to me, and by now she was holding on to the two open flaps of my green jacket, pulling them towards her. I stood there, with my back against the wall, and she used used the jacket's pull to bring herself even closer to me. Her face was now fully obstructing my view, and I only now realized just how bright her green eyes were. They reminded me of emeralds, shining brightly in a dark cave. Samantha bumped her forehead against my own, and I could feel her breathing against my upper lip.
“Are you two going to get married?” I heard Eliz's voice ring out somewhere ahead of me, blocked by Samantha, who was now looking stunned and wide eyed. “Because I'd love great-grandchildren if I could get them.” I held myself back from laughing as Samantha practically jumped off of me, stammering for an explanation, her cheeks an explosive shade of red.
“I...this...It's...we were just...” She looked back at me, her expression begging me for help. I let out a short chuckle as a response. I guess I wasn't taking this as serious as I should be.
“This isn't what it looks like!” Samantha finally blurted out. “We...we had just...just finished talking to the other villagers, see. And uh...”
“I saw that,” The elderly elf answered easily, beckoning us to follow her, “but I couldn't hear any of it. How did it go?”
“Oh. Oh, that? It went awesome!” The girl said excitedly, her attention quickly pulled away from what had just happened. “You should have heard it! Maithy was giving Bryer a lot of smack because he was a human, but we turned it all around by telling everyone about how he saved me! I think that's going to do it and make everyone start trusting him.”
“I see.” Eliz said, leading us to the living room.