"There we go," Chief Yorlen muttered, standing back. He wiped clean a rather sharp blade as he looked down and admired his handiwork.

Felix, however, let out a relieved sigh. The Chief had been steady and meticulous, leaving not even a scratch. It wasn't a simple close shave either, even his hair had received a trim.

"Was that really necessary?" he asked, giving Yorlen a frown. "I could have managed on my own."

"Perhaps," the Chief admitted. "But given that you hadn't, we weren't so sure."

His frown deepened. "And so you set up a trap?"

"A trap?! Nonsense!" Oslen added, coming around to face him. "We had merely decided to have a little fun."

Not exactly what I call fun, but… "How does it look?" he asked, curious if all the trouble was worth it.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Yorlen offered him a hand.

He accepted and was lifted to his feet. A moment later he was guided over to a rather large mirror, one that looked familiar. Isn't this the one Eri was using to try on her dress?

It certainly looked like it. Come to think of it… This is the very same tent. He felt like a moron for not noticing until now. Thankfully, that feeling was quickly forgotten as he peered into the mirror.

You know, I haven't really checked myself since I arrived here. He had seen himself in his bathroom mirror plenty of times, but he hadn't seriously 'looked' at himself until now. What he saw made him raise an eyebrow.

The changes he saw were subtle and nothing drastic. Yet, he could easily spot them. It was in the way he carried himself, the look in his green eyes. He was by no means the most confident man in the world, but he knew what he wanted. That and in many ways, he had succeeded.

Sure, I've screwed up a fair few times. And, yes, I've made a lot of bad decisions. But I wanted friends– People I could be around and smile with, to laugh with. I wanted to fit in and belong. I wanted a home, a… Family.

That word. That singular word brought a warmth to him that calmed his mind. Even now he could feel Eri, Kyrith, and especially Zira. His partner was going through the final motions of her dance, mastering it to the point she need not have to think about it.

Kyrith, too, was with her. But whereas Zira was all serious, he was more relaxed. He put as much effort into it as she did, but they were achieving different goals. He sought to show off and to put on a 'show,' while Zira wanted to make a declaration. One that said, 'Our bonds will never waiver or fail.'

Felix's mind shifted to Eri. His wife-to-be was busy writing her speech. A few of her retinue were with her, going over every detail. He felt her frustration and anxiety. And, while he wished for her to breathe and relax, telling her so would only make it worse.

Besides, he was confident she would succeed.

His expression slowly morphed into a smile. There were obstacles ahead of them, fights that needed to be won, and problems that may never be solved. But, he was sure that so long he had his family, they would prevail.

Stepping away from the mirror, Felix attempted to subtly wipe away a tear forming.

"Something…wrong?" Chief Herrin asked with a worried look.

"No," he answered, standing proud. "Quite the opposite, actually."

A hand clapped his shoulder. It was Chief Oslen. "That's right, Felix. Be proud. Tomorrow you and Eri shall wed and, soon, you will have a family."

A light laugh escaped him. "In fairness, we are already family. Her, Kyrith and Zira. But… I know what you meant."

Oslen raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he looked up to the other two Chiefs.

"I suppose this is the best we can do. Though, make sure you pick out your best attire. Else, I will object," Yorlen added.

He gave the elf a reassuring smile. "I will seek your approval first then." A devilish thought came to his mind. "Maybe I will even ask Eri to make you my handmaiden!"

Laughter broke out between the men, save for Yorlen. He looked taken aback at the thought but quickly recovered. "I refuse! I have a village to run after all! One of these two, though, would suit you well!"

Another round of howling laughter followed…

Before any of them could settle down, the tent flap flew open and in stepped an unfamiliar elf. At least, to Felix but for Chief Herrin, his eyes lit up with recognition.

"Hmm, what is it?" The Chief asked, eyeing them.

"S-sorry to bother you, Chief Herrin! B-but… It's the kobolds! They are now demanding to search every person who goes through the portal!"

Great… Felix let out a sigh and made for the entrance, stopping only long enough to speak. "I will go and speak with them. I wanted to ask them something anyway."

"Good luck!" Chief Oslen called out as he continued on his way.

Yeah, luck… Honestly? That's what I need, but not for dealing with the kobolds. I fear Watcher might've had one of those visions again, he thought, keeping the reply to himself…

***

Felix came to a stop before a growing crowd. Elves, dwarves, gnomes… They all waited impatiently as an argument broke out near the front.

Here we go… He began pushing his way through, much to the annoyance of others. That is, until they saw who it was. From then on, people parted and allowed him forward.

"What's going on?" he asked, finally breaking through. There was a small group of kobolds blocking the portal.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

An irate elf looked up to him as he pointed towards the source of the problem. "These damn kobolds–"

"Master!" one of the kobolds shouted, loud enough to interrupt the elf. Felix recognized the voice.

"Gern!" He lowered himself down to the kobold's level, completely ignoring the other person. "Tell me, what are you doing here?"

The red kobold relaxed. "Watcher say kobold protect eggs."

His expression turned to one of concern. "Why? Has something happened?"

Gern shook his head no. "Watcher say Watcher feel something wrong. Watcher tell kobold to be alert. Tell kobold to protect eggs."

That's definitely not good. Filled with urgency, he stood up. "Where is Watcher?"

"Watcher that way!" The red kobold gestured towards the portal.

"Thank you…" Better calm this crowd down before I go find him.

Felix turned toward the gathering. "Everyone! Please be patient! I will resolve this matter!" He then brought his attention back to the irate elf. "And sorry…"

The man huffed. "Whatever– Wait…" The elf's eyes widened, he hadn't realized who he was speaking with. "C-Champion!"

A weak smile appeared on Felix's lips.

"I understand, Champion. I will leave this matter in your hands."

"Thank you…" He gave a bow before quickly dipping into the portal. It was only when he made it to the other side that he let out a sigh. Still, hearing people call him that made him feel weird.

And it will be even worse if it ever gets out that I'm the Dragon Lord. A shudder escaped him and that gave him all the more incentive to move on. He picked up his pace once more and made for the cavernous space further beyond…

Felix temporarily slowed his pace as he came into the Sanctuary proper. Much had changed since he had last been here. Many of the pathways above him were now secured with wooden railings, a temporary solution but were designed to look permanent. However, the ramps that led to the fourth level and beyond were blocked and barricaded. Those sections were too unfinished and unsafe, even with precautions.

Down on the bottom floor where he stood, and towards the very center, was the stage. He had only seen it while it was being constructed. Now, however, it was mostly complete. Only the details remained, that and what appeared to be a few magically inclined elves enchanting the spot upon which Eri would stand.

He was curious and if he didn't have a serious issue he was already dealing with, he might've stayed and watched. Instead, he scanned the open area–

His eyes lit up as he caught sight of an old gray kobold.

"Watcher!" he yelled out, taking off after him. Many eyes fell upon him but he chose to ignore them.

The kobold was speaking to a rather large group of his kind, up near the dens that contained the dragon eggs.

Watcher perked up and faced him as he approached. "Master?"

"There you are," Felix said, taking a quick breath. "What in the Hells is going on?"

The kobold frowned. "Watcher get bad feeling."

A bad feeling? Does he mean… "Did you get a vision?" he whispered.

"No," Watcher answered, shaking his head. "Watcher no get vision. Watcher no get warning, only feeling. Watcher trust feeling."

Felix pondered that for a moment. "So… Nothing from Mirezabeth?"

The gray kobold shook his head, but he held a worried look in his eye. "Watcher no like feeling. It feel like when scary fire man attacked. Kobold run then…" he trailed off as regret was plain to see in his expression.

"Kobold no run this time. Watcher no hide in fear. We fight this time."

Kneeling down, Felix did his best to keep calm. This was not the news he wanted to hear and he trusted the kobold more than most when it came to matters such as this. If Watcher is worried, then I should be worried– We should all be worried.

"Have you found anything yet?"

The kobold shook his head no. "Watcher grow more worry as day go. Someone is here. Someone who seek harm to eggs."

That would explain why he's having them search everyone… Felix understood that, but now he had a dilemma on his hands. Should we search everyone? Search the entire clearing? That idea seemed far fetched. There were too many people running around, and more would soon be here.

We could delay? But there were problems with that. If whoever– or whatever –was here, they would simply bide their time. A rage began bubbling up from his core.

GODS DAMN IT! Why must someone always interfere with my life?! Why must they interfere with my family?! My friends?! MY– He let out a deep breath.

He would find this person and he would stop them.

Rising up to his feet, Felix spoke, his tone cold and serious. "Watcher. I want you to let everyone through– Have your kobolds keep an eye on them. Do not interfere unless they make for the eggs. Keep me informed."

He did not wait for a reply and stormed off, an idea hatching in his mind. This has to be that bastard's work. The one who sent Hanzel here to burn my home to the ground…

As he walked, as he stepped, Felix began guiding his mana. He slowly pushed it out, letting it mix with all who passed by him. He would search for the corruption and he would destroy it.

Eri let out a sigh as she crumpled another piece of parchment, tossing it behind her. It was another failed attempt at a speech. She was within the sitting room, the room nearest to the front door of the manor. Before her was the writing desk, meant exactly for the purpose she was using it for.

"New Master tired?" a certain kobold asked, a cup of tea placed down in front of her.

She smiled and turned in her chair. "Thank you Niri," she responded.

The kobold had been a Godsend more than she realized. Even now, Niri picked up the balled up parchment and properly discarded it into a bin nearby. However, not everyone was pleased to have someone like the blue kobold in her 'retinue.' They never voiced their concerns but she knew, she saw how many looked down upon the poor kobold.

They don't understand though. Yes, she acts as my servant but she is so much more. She is, in many ways, a diplomat. Even that thought felt strange to her, but she knew it was true. Niri served two functions, to be a bridge between the elves and kobolds, and to do what she does best… Clean.

Eri's smile widened. The manor had never looked better since the kobold dedicated her life to keeping the place spotless. Even during Fea's time, the Dragon Queen had a habit of leaving books out. With that said, I don't think she is my personal servant. She just doesn't understand what her place is within my circle yet.

That thought led to another, and she spoke up once more. "Hey Niri?"

The kobold was already making her way out and jumped as she heard her name. "Y-yes, New Master?" she responded, turning around.

"Is there any more tea?"

Niri blinked. "I-I go grab pot!"

Eri watched with amusement as the kobold dashed away, only to return a few moments later. "You only had to answer the question, you know?"

Freezing, Niri gave a deep bow. "Niri sorry! Niri thought–"

She rolled her eyes and interrupted the kobold. "Set the pot down and go get another cup."

Confused, it took the blue kobold a second to comply. "Niri go grab cup…"

Eri once again waited, only this time she pulled up another chair as she did so. And soon, the kobold made her return.

"Niri bring New Master new cup!" She held it out for Eri to take.

"No."

"N-no? I-Is new cup not good for New Master?" the poor kobold asked, looking anxious.

"The cup isn't for me…" She patted the empty chair with one hand as the other reached for the tea pot.

"It's for you."

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