The Lost Forest - Prologue

Enne turned to see Alejandro’s pale, tired face as they approached the river’s ice-covered edge. They navigated the barren lands for days with incremental signs of their motorcycle’s engine failing. Centuries of overgrowth covered the rest stop, which they used to hide the motorcycle while they took a walk. She looked toward the midday sun that shone on the crystal-clear rushing stream. The wanderer’s slow gait drew concern as he wobbled beside it. He noticed smoke lingering above the trees to the northwest before trembling forward.

“I don’t feel too good,” he said.

“We can rest for a little,” Enne said. “There’s no real rush.”

“But we’ve still got a ways to go and the motorcycle… clearly needs maintenance.”

“And I need to make sure you aren’t vomiting all over the place. We’ve been on the road for hours, let's enjoy the view. Come on, you know you need it.”

“The coast isn’t the safest of places.”

“And? I can wipe the floor with anyone. C’mon, don’t be such a worry-wart!”

Alejandro sighed, feeling a strange sensation in his throat. His knees gave out as he collapsed onto the shore. She turned away as he vomited into the river. He saw blood dilute into the stream, hoping she hadn’t noticed. He kept his eyes on her.

Not now, He thought.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“I’m more concerned about you than the water, Allie,” she said.

He wiped the little blood he had off his lips before he looked at her. The half-elf’s motherly expression exuded her concern. She helped him to his feet and placed her hand against his forehead. An exasperated gasp escaped her mouth as her hand trembled against his warm skin.

“What?”

“You’re burning up… More than before.”

“I—It’s fine. It’ll go away. Let’s leave in a few.”

Alejandro nudged away, unsettling Enne as he attempted to walk away until he stumbled against a boulder. She rushed over to him to catch his fall. She held him by his coat and reeled him toward her. He was less than a foot away from face-planting into the soft rock. He turned to her, discovering her subdued fright. She’d never seen him in such a terrible shape beyond his time in Gardenia.

“Allie, you can barely stand up. We’re resting until you feel better!”

He grumbled in defeat.

“We can set up camp close to the motorcycle.”

“En, we don’t know what’s out here.”

“I’ll protect you.”

His eyes trailed away, feeling a great sense of shame. He traveled alone for centuries, falling ill and recovering from severe injuries. He wasn’t accustomed to someone else’s concern, even if that someone was Enne. They walked toward where they would set up camp. The convenient clearing had little vegetation and plenty of cover from most angles. They wouldn’t have to be worried about bandits infringing upon them.

Alejandro’s body wobbled against hers as they reached the middle. She turned to see his delirious state and sweat run down his face. He coughed blood away from her, sending her into a crippling panic. She held him before he fell over and felt his blood drip over her shoulder. Tears ran down her face, clouding her judgment on what to do as she panted.

His breathing was faint.

“No, no,” Her voice cracked. “Stay with me!”

Enne examined him after laying him on the ground, despite her jumbled thoughts. He grunted, trying to regain consciousness. Her breathing normalized, but her raised hands trembled over his chest. Her vision blurred at the sight of his blood around his mouth. The fear of being left alone overwhelmed her.

A twig snapped, drawing her attention.

A small band of hunters emerged from several directions. The rag-tag bunch wore worn camouflage clothing, nearly uniform, in their presentation. Their skin complexion stood out from the people they’d come across so far. She raised her hands as they approached.

A young woman emerged from the synchronized pack, short in stature, but her toned physique projected strength. Her coarse, black hair was tied into a low ponytail. Her hawkish brown eyes glimpsed her pointed ears, signaling his group to stop. But it was the fresh blood splattered along her shoulder that concerned her.

“Don’t shoot,” she said. “My—My partner, he needs help!”

The leader walked next to her for a closer look at the wanderer. His hoarse breathing piqued her compassion as she kneeled down. The half-elf maintained her composure while taking count of those around her. Enne didn’t feel any threat from them, despite their militant appearance.

“Can you—Help us?” she asked.

Her earthly eyes turned to find Enne’s distress.

“We have a small encampment about a mile up. We have a shaman who can help. Luckily, we found you, elf.”

Enne felt her ears while maintaining her gaze.

“But I’m not doing this for your sake. We’re doing it for him.”

Her dirt-smudged face remained expressionless before she stood up. She waved to signal her men to retrieve him. Enne watched as they helped carry him on a makeshift stretcher that one of them carried. She pulled her hood over to hide her ears, knowing she would receive glares when they arrived.

They crossed the river and went deeper into the thicket of the forest. The unassuming path led to their destination, a small collection of cabins stretching several homes over. A beautiful lake stretched the land, marking where the river began. There was a small population, comprising mostly women and children. Their conditions were subpar, reminiscent of what Alejandro lived through.

The half-elf stood at the commune’s entrance. Her skin complexion stood out from the brown-skinned populace. She walked with the scouts, feeling scrutinizing eyes on her. She ignored them while overhearing them whisper amongst themselves in their native tongue. She bore their unsavory tones and glares in silence.

They brought the wanderer to a cabin toward the center of the settlement. It overlooked a sizeable lake where the streams went. The cabin served as one of many medical facilities, housing the sick. There were many packed from illness, mostly men, which drew several glances from her. She saw they didn’t have the basic necessities, as the available instruments were worn and unsanitary.

They arrived at a room on the second floor. It had an expansive view of the lake, the first thing she noticed when she entered. They gently set the wanderer on a bed in the corner. The leader dismissed everyone, leaving just herself and the half-elf. Her gray eyes searched for what she wanted to say as the leader looked over.

“I’m glad it was my turn to scout,” she said.

Enne winced.

“What do you mean?”

“Anybody else would’ve opened fire, especially on you. No questions asked. You’re a half-elf, aren’t you?”

“You can tell?”

“The way you expressed yourself, definitely human.”

“I think there is a bit of a misconception about that, but I’m glad you came across us when you did.”

Enne glanced toward Alejandro, taking comfort in knowing they were in good hands. While the young woman turned to peer out the window, the half-elf sat next to him and held his hands. She felt a soft pulse against her warm hands. The woman glanced over occasionally at the unlikely sight.

“It’s rare to see an elf and a wanderer,” she said. “Especially in these parts.”

“We were traveling to see how this part of the land was.”

“Honeymoon?”

She chuckled softly, caressing Alejandro’s hand with her thumb. His energy was the lowest she’s ever felt. The woman winced before leaning against the wall facing them. Enne was more personable than the other elves she encountered. Many would feign any association with the tribal leader, but she recalled another who didn’t. One that looked different from the rest.

“Well,” Enne said. “Where I’m from our living conditions are better than most, perhaps the best in the land.”

“A settlement? Around here?”

“More like a well-kept secret.”

The skeptical leader raised an eyebrow while the half-elf focused on Alejandro.

“So, what happened to him?”

“I don’t know. He said he wasn’t feeling well earlier. When you found us, he had vomited blood. I—I…”

Enne’s sudden feelings arose from the depths of her soul. Again, she had to maintain her control, but seeing his frail state was much to absorb. There was a certain shame she tried to hide as she gripped his hand. Warm tears trickled down her face before looking toward the expressionless young woman. A slight nod acknowledged her understanding of their bonds.

“His mana is corrupted,” she said.

“What?” Enne asked. “But, how?”

“It could be many things. If you would’ve used mana on him while he was unconscious, you could’ve killed him.”

“I—I never considered that. I was so overwhelmed by—”

“Maybe it’s the world bringing us together.”

Enne paused at the thought, leaving an uncharacteristic silence. Alejandro’s shallow breathing held a consistent rhythm. Enne took a deep breath and looked over.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t misunderstand me, though. You’re still an elf. Even if you’re some halfling, I can’t fully trust you.”

“I’m literally leaving his life in your hands at this moment.”

“Yeah? Well, it may take a few days for him to recover.”

Enne glanced at her companion before addressing her.

“Is there anything I can do to help? It’s the very least I can do.”

“For now, rest. I’ll make sure my scouts keep an eye out for your motorcycle.”

“Thanks again.”

An older man entered, wearing a withered flannel and ripped denim. His thinning, long peppered hair was tied into a low ponytail. His stern face softened when he saw her. His squinted eyes saw her pointed ears, but said nothing as he approached Alejandro.

“Takoda,” The old man said. “Sorry, I didn’t get here quicker. How’s his condition?”

“Alo, thank you for coming on short notice,” Takoda said. “He’s not looking too good.”

“Not like there was much fish in that stream. We should be moving as soon as we can. The winter grows harsh.”

“There are still many people in the sick bay.”

Alo glanced over and nodded to the dire reminder.

“And who may these people be?”

“Enne Bouvire,” The half-elf said. “This is Alejandro, my—”

The shaman’s expression furrowed, summoning a strange feeling dwelling within her.

“Did I say — Something wrong?”

“No—Your companion seems familiar is all.”

He did do a lot of traveling, she thought.

The shaman reached his hands over the wanderer, waving it slowly over him. His eyes winced while detracting his hands. Alo gulped as he turned to her; His eyes signaled distress. His lips struggled to part, confirming her concerns about Alejandro’s condition.

“Is there anything you can do?” Enne asked.

“How long has he been like this?” he asked.

“No, more than an hour ago.”

“I mean, his condition. How long has he shown symptoms?”

She looked toward the wanderer, failing to reply. He never spoke of any symptoms, but by how the shaman spoke, it seemed to be a pervading issue in Alejandro’s health. Her gray eyes returned to Alo, who awaited an answer.

“Today was the first time he’s shown anything.”

The shaman looked toward Takoda, giving a nod that sent her away. Her heart raced with uncertainty as her hand trembled on the wanderers. Alo pulled a chair, sitting across her after the door closed. Her watering eyes came with regulated breathing as memories poured in. The shaman hesitated to speak, seeing how she was holding back.

“He’s not just sick. He’s dying.”

Her eyes dilated as her lips quivered. Enne wanted to speak. She wanted to say how wrong he was. However, shamans were like doctors when it came to gauging mana. The elder returned a solemn frown, as parting with the news wasn’t something he wanted to address. He looked upon the wanderer, whose hoarse breathing drew his attention.

“No,” Her voice trembled. “There has to be another way! He was fine this entire time. This—This can’t be happening, not again.”

Her voice reduced to sobbing as she cried into Alejandro’s arm. Her words reached the depths of Alo’s humanity after seeing the half-elf cry. However, he knew his words would be devoid of a sobering response. He left her alone to weep, turning to her once more with a heartfelt frown.

Perhaps there could be, he wondered.

***

Later that evening…

Enne never left Alejandro’s side. Dried tears marked her face. Her eyes raised toward the window, watching the sunset over the tree line. She heard the footsteps of the townsfolk traversing the muddied path. Her stomach rumbled, but she didn’t want to leave his side. A gentle knock brought her back to her senses.

“Come in,” she said.

Takoda entered with two bowls of soup. Its hardy scent reminded her of how long it had been since she last ate. She welcomed her with a weak smile as she set them down by the nightstand beside them.

“Thank you.”

“Not a problem. If there’s anything we can do for you. You can reach out to us.”

“He said there’s nothing we can do—About Allie’s condition.”

Takoda glanced at the wanderer’s body, fetching for words of comfort. The half-elf knew she wouldn’t get an answer. She grabbed the soup, looking at the mix of seasoned carrots and potatoes and unfamiliar meat. She took a bite from the firm, chicken-like meat, finding it deceivingly delectable. Enne took more bites as Takoda watched, impressed by her hunger.

“Wow, what’s in this?”

“Veggies, chicken-base, and river dragon.”

A loud gulp prevailed in their silence. She lowered her spoon into the soup, looking up as she withheld her disgust.

“River dragon, you say?”

“Yes, we eat what we can. We dry the meat with salt, so it doesn’t rot.”

“N—no, it’s great!”

“It isn’t much different from an alligator. Don’t worry we cut appropriately since it can be toxic.”

Like a Greenland Shark? she thought.

“I’ve actually never had alligator either.”

Enne set her bowl to the side, focusing on Alejandro again. He wouldn’t be waking up soon. She knew he wouldn’t want her to be stuck in a room the entire day. That’s not why they traveled this far. She turned to Takoda who was leaning against the dirty windowsill.

“Is it possible to walk around town?”

Takoda’s eyes trained on her. Her crossed arms sent Enne a strange signal, as though she were uncomfortable with the idea. It made sense, considering what Enne was. She didn’t want it to be a limiting factor, however. Grasping the hems of her dress, the half-elf gathered herself.

“If that’s okay with you,” she said. “We don’t want to cause any more problems for you.”

“I’ll allow it,” Takoda replied. Her reluctant tone betrayed the underlying acceptance she had.

“I understand. I imagine my presence here isn’t well-received.”

“At least you acknowledge the sins of your ancestors.”

Enne bided her tongue, instead producing an unsettling glare. Takoda’s gaze shifted. She wished she hadn’t said it so openly. The half-elf softened her expression after finishing her soup. She wondered if this was how Alejandro felt when people he encountered scorned him. She couldn’t allow herself to stoop so low to their ignorance.

“By the way, the soup was great,” she said. “I’d love to know the recipe!”

Takoda looked over with a reluctant smile.

This one was another one I had on the back burner for some time. In the spirit of all things cryptids and mythology, it's part of a few short stories. Thanks for reading and hope, you enjoyed it!