The forest was quiet and peaceful. No monsters or bandits in sight. All the kept the forest tranquil was a flowing river with water that any passerby couldn’t resist to drink from due to it’s bright blue color that glimmered in the sunlight. Some would say they felt rejuvenated after drinking yet it was merely due to the taste. The flowers as well added a safe aura to the forest for they as well shined regardless of where they stood. Lastly the playful sounds of the tiny drymites which roamed the trees and floated on the flowing river.

This place was perfect for Ezra to sleep. The young man laid his large frame of a body on the thickest tree he could find. His long bright red hair flowed down his head and shoulders so his neck wasn’t scratched by the bark. Ezra had left his hometown with only 3 important items. His tote bag with his favorite foods and other personal belongings. His red robe was imbued with his fathers crest that he wore over his battle shirt and pants of the same color. And his weapon. A large blade that was nearly as tall as he.

As the young man slept the drymites started to crawl all over him, and play within his hair and on his sword. Yet they all ceased their playing when they noticed another figure approaching the sleeping one. He was just as tall and wore a robe with the same crest on it. Yet he was pitch black. He knelt down before the sleeping young man and placed down an envelope on his bag. Then turned to leave. Not uttering a word to Ezra.

Soon he would awake, and once doing so all of the drymites scattered away from. Going back into the trees or the dirt or floating away on the river. Ezra shook his head to get any remaining off him and to fully wake himself, before kneeling before the water and drinking. He stood and found the envelope. He recognized the stamp immediately. Sighing to himself he stuck it in the pocket of the bag, yet it stuck out like a sore thumb.

Now that he had awoken and gotten back to his feet he could continue his real purpose for coming to such a beautiful forest. Finding the Crimson Mare. Ezra had heard stories of such a creature. A mythical horse that was as bright in color as his head of hair. With magical abilities unlike any other. Naturally that was his first stop after leaving home to find it. And he may have found it’s trail.

Right near him he found a small trail. The flowers lined up near the river, and they trailed away. While most were either the same or different, their existed a large spot of bright red flowers that lead more and more through the woods. He grabbed his sword and started to slowly follow the lead of the red flowers.

The trail continued until stopping before an open area which seemed to be at the center of the woods. A round bed of both the red flowers and where the river seemed to converge. Ezra stepped lightly, though the water was not deep enough for him feet to even be submerged. He instead stepped over the flower because he considered them so beautiful.

He made it to the center of the bed. Finding nothing but himself just standing there.

“Hello there.” A voice called from behind the young man. Ezra quickly turned to find what he had come looking for standing right behind him. A mare closer to his height. The red fur gave her identity away. Yet what surprised him the most was the large glowing eyes that felt distinct even from other beings he had seen.

“Are you...the Crimson Mare?” Ezar asked. His movement was still, he did not fear the beast instead he was in awe at it so much he refused to take his eyes off it.

“Is that what the humans call me? If your answer is yes, then mine is as well. I am this Crimson Mare. Tell me, human. Why do you seek me?” She spoke. Confirming the Ezra that she was indeed who he searched for, as well as the fact she could talk. For which Ezra was taken aback by.

“Well. You’ll be delighted to know that I’m no human.” Ezra confidently responded.

“Oh. Then what does that make you?”

“I’m a dracion. I was born with the blood of the elder dragons. I may appear human, even have their emotions, but I feel I’m more like you. Someone who is a little different in many ways.” Ezra answered. The mare was now taken aback by the young man’s words.

“Well. That is delightful. I like you draconian. You're the first person I've met in over 6000 years. For some reason I can’t leave this forest. So I guess if you want. You could help me enjoy the company of someone who is different in many ways.” The mare asked the dracion.

“I guess I can.” Ezra answered. The two then journeyed throughout the rest of the woods, finding sweet fruit to eat. Playing with the drymites, and talking to each other more and more about themselves.

Soon night fell, and Ezra choose to remain within the forest for one last night to stay with the mare. As the moon now shined over the forest. The flowers glowed fluorescently. The water kept it’s shine and the drymites had now changed into their dark colored yet friendly night forms. For the mare this was all the same, for the dracion it was breathtaking. Though there was one last thing to do. He reached back for the envelope in his bag and stared at it in caution. He could only wish it was good news or something to do with what he knew his life lead to.

“A letter?” The mare asked seeing the letter. Ezra opened the envelope and read it silently.

“I guess I have time.” Ezra said to himself.

“Time for what?”

“Before my ceremony. All dracions must undergo the Ceremony of Xalbeis on their 20th birthday. And mine will be coming soon. Guess I’ll have to return home.” Ezra said aloud.

“You’re saddened by this.” The mare confirmed. Making Ezra shocked that she could understand him. “Now you’re shocked.”

“You can read minds or something?”

“No. I can sense emotions. It’s what I do to keep the drymites in line.” The mare explained for him.

“Well. Then you're right. I am sad. I wanted to do some exploring before I had to take the ceremony. That’s why I left.” Ezra said back.

“You said it wasn’t for some time. Why must you return immediately. Wouldn’t you be at ease knowing you’d didn’t waste your time beforehand.” The mare spoke truthfully to the dracion. He took her words and thought for a while. That his goal was to explore and that he didn’t need to heed his father word right away. Then he smiled. Agreeing with the mare.

“You're absolutely right. I don't need to waste any time, and neither do you.” Ezra said while turning to the mare with a bright idea in his head.

“What?”

“You’re coming with me.” Ezra proclaimed. The mare stepped back. “Now you’re the one whose shocked.

“But. I can’t leave the forest.”

“Well. If you haven’t spoken to anyone in 6000 years. It's because they couldn’t enter the forest. However. I made it into the forest, which means I can make it out.” Ezra confidently stated for the mare, believing himself to be true. “Come on it’s worth a shot.”

The mare stayed quiet now. Thinking if she should go with this bright young man. The smile on his face reinforced his desire for adventure. The aura he radiated filling her with his charm and passion. To that degree, she gave in.

“Very well. If you think you can get out. I’ll come with you.” The mare gave her answer.

“Alright then. Let’s go.” Ezra and the mare left their sleeping spot behind and headed towards the exit of the woods. The mare was hesitant at first. Thinking it still impossible for her to leave. However, Ezra rubbed her mane to calm her. Then together they both stepped through and out into the field of the Freelands. The mare took a deep breath, feeling the difference of the ground, air and even the moonlight automatically as she took small step after small step.

Ezra smiled to her again, as the two kept going forward.