Kesler

DJ Okawari- Haku

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It was quite a peculiar sight.

Little Kesler was stuck comfortably between two thick tree branches as usual. Stationing himself on a large tree near the forest entrance to look over the quiet Gladeveins was his favorite time of day. Shifting his position slightly to get that small itch on his back was when Kesler noticed an unfamiliar Wildclaw sauntering near the entrance.

A dragon! So close to his home, for the first time in his life! As Kesler expected the dragon to enter and stroll deep into the forest, he crawled out of the branches to greet and initiate a friendly conversation. However, a strange movement from the greens that took place soon after Kesler hit the ground compelled him to stay hidden and observe.

The forest moves. This, Kesler had already known. But nobody was there to tell him that it was possible for the forest to show hostility. Roots bulged out and leaves had formed a barrier, appearing as if the forest wanted to keep the Wildclaw out. The opening to the forest was not so obvious anymore, and whenever the Wildclaw attempted to shove the branches and vines out of the way, the plants intertwined firmly in response. Vines even crawled up the dragon's leg, making Kesler hold his breath.

After a few minutes the visitor turned back, bewildered and unable to press on. Thick vines clawing at your hind legs and a blockade of foliage? The forest had never done that before. Not to Kesler, at least.

Kesler wondered why.

Afterwards, days in solitary continued. Kesler's had several more visitors, all chased away by the forest just like the Wildclaw had been. A few more days of observation and he finally understood the reason behind it all.

The forest had one simple rule: protect the weak. This became apparent one day when a small black Nocturne limped and stumbled toward Kesler's forest. Her tattered wings and scarred limbs seemed threatening to young Kesler, who braced for a run, but the forest was welcoming for a change. Branches remained wide open, patient as the Nocturne dragged herself in and hid among large bushes.

Kesler was so, so curious. Why wouldn't the forest chase her out?

A few more days passed. The Nocturne stayed. During that time Kesler even had the chance to get across a short hello, which ended up being the entire conversation between them. Still, he was satisfied; having company made all that much of a difference, even though the Nocturne most likely didn't think of herself as one. Lush leaves swaying in the absence of wind made it seem as if the forest was dancing, satisfied as well, in celebration of this new resident.

Understanding how the forest works was one thing, doing something with that fact another. Kesler was unsure what the forest expected of him, if there was an expectation at all. Maybe there's a destiny to fulfill. Perhaps he was to lead his own clan? The idea was absurd, given that Kesler was brought to the world unnaturally and all alone with nothing but leaves and roots to be his guidance. At times this place he called home started to feel more like confinement, and each confused thought pushed him to get out.

The Nocturne watched him leave one quiet night. Beady deep blue eyes were fixed at the petite Spiral taking careful steps toward the moonlit grassland. They were indifferent, uninterested, but there was a subtle look of approval in them. She acknowledged his growth; while one couldn't call him a mature dragon quite yet, it was certain that Kesler was no longer a whelp.