Dragon Lord Felfi Visrotte

Early morning light bathed the massive trees in gold as a gentle breeze rustled through

their thick foliage.

These trees were actually homes, a perfect blend of natural and artificial construction,

connected to one another by aerial walkways suspended high above the ground. Due

to the early hour, it didn't seem like anyone was awake yet.

We were in the Great Canada Forest, a large swath of land that covered the southeastern

part of the northern continent.

Eight hundred years ago, these lands were nothing but barren fields. Then an elf

transformed them into a massive forest that became a sanctuary for all persecuted

elves. Its borders had only continued to expand.

Within the forest lay elven villages of all sizes, from small communities to large towns,

the largest of which was the capital of Maple.

Built on the banks of the imposing lake known as the Great Servant, and home to over

100,000, the capital was surrounded by a massive wall to keep out any monsters that

strayed too close. Within the confines of this protective barrier were countless

buildings that stretched up into the sky.

In the residential district, a young woman rubbed at her golden eyes with the palm of

her hand, in a desperate attempt to wake herself up.

"Yaaaaaaaawn. I'm so sleepy…"

She clenched her jaw to fight back another yawn and began yanking off her clothes

and tossing them aside. This motion caused her ample bosom to jiggle.

Amethyst skin, a sign of a dark elf, peeked out from the thin undergarment that

wrapped around her perfectly proportioned body—well-toned, but with just the right

amount of softness. Then she removed even that too.

Nude, she stepped into a cubicle. Using various magical implements, the roots of the

tree pulled water up through the trunk, heated it, and sprayed it out like a gentle

shower over her head. This was her morning ritual.

"That feels gooood."

She ran her fingers through her shoulder-length white hair as the warm water ran over

her head. She carefully washed the rest of her body and massaged her tense muscles.

"Aaaaaah…"

She let out a long sigh that transitioned into a yawn. Finally, she felt awake.

"Mmm, I think I'm ready for the day. I need to head out a little early."

Due to her many years living alone as a soldier here in Maple, the woman spent a lot

of time talking to herself.

She turned off the magical shower and hummed cheerfully as she toweled herself off.

She stepped out into her room and walked around, not bothering with clothes yet.

"Now, where did I put my bag?"

Her eyes fell on the object she was looking for. She stooped down and did a final check

of her supplies.

"Wha?! I need to get dressed!"

Realizing she was still nude, the woman hurriedly pulled a pair of clothes identifying

her as a soldier of Maple off a shelf. She paused. After staring at the clothes for a

minute, she slid them back onto the shelf.

Though she was fond of the skirt's design and the fact that it shared the same markings

as her younger sister's uniform, she was heading out into dangerous territory today,

and protecting herself from harm was the priority.

She opted for a long-sleeved tunic instead, over which she pulled her well-worn

leather armor. Lastly, she clasped on the belt for her two short swords.

This clothing showed off the delicate curves of her body, and was also easy to move

in—which was vital for a soldier.

She tied her hair back with a string and then shook her head a few times to make sure

she could move it freely. She picked up her bag and hefted it onto her back.

"All right, time to meet up with my adorable little sis!"

As she stepped out of her room and locked the door behind her, she noticed her

neighbor doing the same.

The other woman smiled brightly at her. "Wow, you're up really early today, Eevin."

Eevin Glenys Maple returned the smile. "I guess I am, aren't I? I'm heading out to the

Columbia Mountains."

Despite her casual demeanor and occasionally forgetful nature, Eevin was well-known

among the soldiers of the Great Canada Forest for her skill in battle.

As was her younger sister, Ariane Glenys Lalatoya.

The woman's eyes went wide as a look of concern spread across her face. "What?

Columbia's quite a way off to the west, you know. Are you going to be okay?"

The Columbia Mountains were part of a towering range that ran straight through the

center of the Great Canada Forest. Their peaks were capped with snow year-round,

and they were renowned for their danger.

There were no villages anywhere near them, and powerful monsters ran free among

them. Most people chose to keep their distance. However, Eevin seemed rather

easygoing about the whole thing. She just waved her hand with a smile.

"Oh, it'll be fiiiiine. I've made multiple trips out there before. By the way, if anyone

stops by my house, just let them know where I went."

"Well, uh, be careful, okay?"

With that, the two women parted ways. Eevin made her way to the building's ascender

to head down to the teleportation shrine.

There were no teleportation shrines anywhere near the base of the Columbia Mountains,

but she could at least head to the nearest village.

Despite what great shape she was in, it would still be at least a nine-day trek through

the forest if she were to head to Columbia from Maple on foot. From the closest village,

however, it was only about a day and a half.

The only problem was that her destination was on the move.

Once she made it to the Columbia Mountains, her search would begin. Depending on

how long the search took, she could be out there for days. She shook her head, trying

to clear it of negative thoughts.

"They'll hear my calls, I'm sure of it. Totally… sure. As long as they aren't sleeping, that

is."

She tried her best to keep herself positive, but the worry kept finding a way back into

her thoughts. Instead, she decided to think about all the fun things she had waiting for

her once her mission was complete.

"My sweet little Arin asked me to do this, so the first thing I'll do is report to her on

how it went. Now, what should I ask for in return? I deserve some sort of present, I

think…"

Eevin stopped in her tracks as a wicked smile spread across her lips. She cut a rather

imposing figure, standing in the middle of the fog-covered street, her hair whipping

about in the morning breeze.

"Maybe I'll have Arin join me for a bath. After all, as her sister, it's my solemn duty to

make sure she's growing up into a fine young woman."

Her cackle echoed ominously through the village, making her look all the more

alarming to the few souls venturing out so early.

Despite how it might look to passersby, however, Eevin was having a great time

thinking about the fun that awaited her. She started walking toward the teleportation

shrine again, this time with a slight bounce in her step.

After thanking the teleportation shrine's attendant and stepping outside, Eevin looked

at the new village around her and the Columbia Mountains off to the west. The snowcapped peaks stood out in stark contrast to the vast sea of green beyond the village's

gates.

She let her gaze follow the mountain range as it ran down to the southwest, and prayed

for a safe journey.

"All right!"

Eevin stepped left of the confines of the village's walls and headed west, straight

toward the forest. She was off to find the Dragon Lord known as Felfi Visrotte, who

lived in the Columbia Mountains.

This mission had come to her several days prior when a whispering fowl arrived at

her home with a message from Ariane.

Ariane had apparently encountered a Dragon Lord who lived somewhere beyond the

Furyu Mountains, and had promised to introduce him to Felfi Visrotte, the guardian

dragon of the Great Canada Forest.

Eevin was no stranger to Felfi Visrotte, and had spoken of their encounters with her

sister on more than one occasion, so she was the first person Ariane had thought of.

After speaking with her fellow Maple soldiers, Eevin was granted leave and began

making plans to head into the Columbia Mountains. This would be the fifth Dragon

Lord that the elves had an opportunity to welcome into their midst.

The Great Canada Forest had four guardian dragons living within its limits. Felfi

Visrotte had been the first to come here, at the request of Evanjulin, the founding elder.

Despite their immense size, not all Dragon Lords cared about protecting their domain.

Some preferred to spend their days in one spot, while others roamed the woods like

nomads, never settling.

Felfi Visrotte was immensely curious about the world and the places the existed

within it, but Eevin was fairly certain that she could be found in her usual home in the

Columbia Mountains, so she chose to start her search here.

First, she would make her way to the nearest outpost, stay there for the night, then

make her way to the Columbia Mountains the next day.

Eevin adjusted her pack and stepped into the untamed forest without a single path or

sign to guide her.

After walking for some time, she suddenly stopped and listened. "That's strange… I

don't hear any monsters."

Even powerful monsters usually steered clear of areas where Dragon Lords made

their roost, which in turn allowed smaller animals to thrive in these areas.

This meant that the area just beyond the Dragon Lord's influence tended to be full of

monsters that had been driven out. But right now, the forest was calm and serene.

"Maybe the Dragon Lord is nearby?"

Eevin looked around at the forest, but she could see little more than trees.

"Ah, well, I should probably head to the outpost anyway."

Eevin shrugged off the feeling and continued on her way.

A short while later, she arrived at a clearing in the forest with three large trees, spaced

an equal distance apart, with a large elevated platform built out of their branches.

Also in the clearing was an unfamiliar sight… or, rather, a familiar sight in an unlikely

place.

"Felfi Visrotte?!"

The Dragon Lord herself towered beside the outpost.

A voice echoed in Eevin's head, the unique—and rather convenient—method that the

Dragon Lords used for speaking.

So, you've finally arrived. You certainly took your time.

Despite her rather conversational tone, the creature in front of her was one of the

world's largest and most powerful dragons.

Felfi Visrotte was covered entirely in midnight black scales, with two large black horns

jutting out of her head. The Dragon Lord's large wings emitted a dull violet glow as

they flapped back and forth rhythmically. Large, sword-like protrusions tipped with

gems jutted out of her long tail, like protective armor.

Violet eyes stared straight at Eevin. The only emotion evident was the way the Dragon

Lord's wings occasionally fluttered out of beat, sending the nearby trees twisting in

the sudden gust of wind.

At about eighty meters long, the Dragon Lord could barely fit into the clearing.

"You weren't waiting for me, were you, Felfi Visrotte?"

The response that came back betrayed a hint of annoyance. Didn't I already tell you to

call me Rotte?

Eevin tried again, even more friendly. "Apologies, Rotte. What brings you all the way

out here?"

I saw you coming before you even entered the forest, so I figured I'd meet you here. You're

talking funny. You okay?

Rotte let out a laugh, and Eevin was overcome with relief at her good fortune. She'd

been ready to spend the next few days searching the forests and mountains in pursuit

of the Dragon Lord.

Dragon Lords' senses were in a class all their own compared to those of the elves and

mountain people. Eevin had likely been watched the moment she'd left the village.

Though she was grateful, of course, this made most of the bags and gear she'd brought

with her absolutely useless.

The black dragon tilted her head to the side to get a closer look at Eevin. What is it?

You came here looking for me, no?

The two had always enjoyed a rather friendly relationship. "Actually, my sister wanted

me to ask a favor of you…"

Rotte butted in before Eevin had a chance to finish. The conversation sounded more

like normal friends gossiping than an elven soldier meeting a Dragon Lord.

Oh? And how is your sister doing?

Eevin was always happy to talk about one of her favorite subjects: her little sister.

"You'll never believe this, Rotte! Recently, Arin decided to change her registration from

Maple to Lalatoya. Can you believe that? And there's more! She did it because some

new guy also joined the village. Wild, right? I just can't wrap my mind around it!"

Her father had filled her in on the latest about life in Lalatoya, Ariane, and her recent

absences with this mysterious man. Eevin was absolutely beside herself over the

news.

Rotte seemed to share in her excitement, judging by the chortle that erupted from

deep in her throat as she nodded along with Eevin's story.

When Eevin finally paused for a breath, Rotte followed up with another question.

And what about you, little one? Did you and that man you were so close to part ways?

Based on Eevin's story, Rotte assumed that the elven woman had broken up with her

own boyfriend, and was perhaps even jealous over her sister's love life. However, the

Dragon Lord couldn't have been further from the mark.

Eevin was taken aback by this sudden line of questioning, unable to put together any

connection between a discussion about her adorable little sister and the love of her

life.

"What? No, no, no… We're getting married!"

Rotte laughed. You're always thinking of yourself, little one. If you have a love of your

own, then why worry about your sister's companions? It's her life.

"It's… That's different. Father claims that this man is an elf, but a different kind. One

he's never seen before. He has brown skin, black hair, and red eyes. Weird, right?"

Felfi Visrotte's lizard-like eyes narrowed slightly at Eevin's description, though the

elven woman didn't notice the change.

Ah, yes, I have to say I've never heard of such an elf before. And where did Ariane meet

this man?

Eevin's voice grew harsh. "Well, y'know, Arin said she met him when she was on a

mission to save our comrades from the humans. But this guy can apparently use

teleportation magic, and he and Arin have just been teleporting all over the place. I

can't even get in touch with her. Can you believe it?"

Her shoulders slumped as she got all of her frustrations out. However, Felfi Visrotte

listened patiently.

I see, I see. This is all very interesting indeed.

A low growl emanated from deep in Rotte's throat.

Eevin finally picked up on the Dragon Lord's strange behavior, and looked at her

companion inquisitively. However, Rotte changed the subject before Eevin could ask

about it.

I believe we've strayed from the topic. You said you came here with a request?

This jogged Eevin's memory. "Oh, right! Well, you see, Arin apparently ran into another

Dragon Lord on one of her adventures, and he said that he'd like to meet you. I think

his name was Villiers Fim."

Rotte had never heard of this Villiers Fim, but she did have an idea of who he might

be.

I wonder if that could have been what I was feeling?

While she was alone in her roost in the Columbia Mountains, Rotte occasionally felt as

if there were eyes on her from somewhere far off.

Someone, or something, had kept just outside the range of her senses, either under

the belief that she wouldn't notice, or possibly waiting for her to make first contact.

Could this have been the Dragon Lord Eevin was talking about?

Rotte started feeling an indescribable anger welling up within her. Men! Cowardly

fools! I can't believe he'd send a servant rather than use his own wings! That's the proper

way to do these things!

Rotte twisted her neck up to the sky and let out a powerful roar, causing the very earth

to tremble in response. Birds and animals scattered in terror.

Eevin threw her hands over her ears and braced herself as she felt the shock wave

blow past her.

Rotte looked down at the elven woman apologetically.

Ah, I'm sorry, little one. Recently, I've sensed the gaze of someone looking upon me from

above the clouds, and frankly, it's quite annoying.

She seemed to have calmed down somewhat, and she let out a sigh that sent a flurry

of leaves flying high into the air.

Well, I suppose I should be happy that he finally reached out.

Eevin wondered if it might be better to change the subject. "By the way, Rotte, is there

any reason why you're not in your human form right now? That's pretty rare for you."

Rotte spread her massive wings, their shiny membranes reflecting the sunlight in

strange patterns.

Ah, yes. Sometimes it feels good just to bask in the sunlight in my normal body.

She described it like airing out a down blanket. Eevin figured it was probably

something only another Dragon Lord could truly understand.

Though the creature sitting before her was currently taking the form of a massive

dragon, Dragon Lords could also take on humanoid forms at will, which Rotte typically

did. Eevin was slightly disappointed to see her this way.

When Rotte was in her human form, Eevin would ask her to spar with her, and Rotte

would usually oblige. The two shared a lot in common, including their love for martial

traditions.

There were very few people, of any species, who could truly challenge Eevin in a fight,

which made Felfi Visrotte's companionship all the more important to her.

Rotte seemed to pick up on Eevin's disappointment. Now that your task is complete,

can you spare a bit of time? If you're free, I'd like to have another go at you, but it'll take

a while for me to transform back. How does that sound?

Eevin nodded. After all, she hadn't encountered even a single monster on her way here,

making all of her equipment and preparations pretty much useless.

Once we're done, I think I'd like to stop by Maple. It's been quite a while.

The elven warrior agreed to the plan and made her way to the outpost above. After

dropping her bag, she pulled out her gear and began setting up camp.

It was growing dark, so she might as well stay the night. They could spar first thing in

the morning. She had to make the best of what free time she had, so she rushed

through her setup as quickly as possible.

While Felfi Visrotte watched over her elven companion, her mind kept going back to

the new type of elf she'd described earlier. He sounded just like Eva. If that were the

case, things were about to get a lot more interesting.

The Dragon Lord's eyes gave off an ominous glow.