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View Full Version : (M) Blood Line CH3: The Bloody Truth (Kris X Siks)



SikstaSlathalin
04-18-2018, 04:01 AM
Chapter 1 (https://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89410)

Chapter 2 (https://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=90270)



The King's Road to Ebonrock- a week later

The land (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkpG-_v0yPc) northwest of Excelsior is lush forests and green fertile farmland. As far as the eye could see it was evident the wealth and power of the Human Kingdom were great. Truly worth all the renown and influence the King and his family had earned through their long reign. But like any great land their borders come to an end and the unstoppable beauty of nature takes back over.

Once you step from the stone road you fall into the wild no-man's land where the claims of Human Lords and Dwarven Elders are often in dispute with each other. Settled in courts, or in the dueling fields, luckily very little open combat comes from the disagreements. Though not unheard of it still pays for travelers to keep close attention on their surroundings. It was just before dawn and a small smouldering fire was slowly being brought back to life by Dire. Sabin and Guk-Guk have barely left each other's sides since they left the Human capital. They both missed Galmied terribly and the old Orc was happy to let them comfort each other. Right now they were cuddling in Sabin's bedroll next to the fire snoozing quietly in each other's arms. The former merc let out a quiet laugh once the fire was back to full, tossing a few hefty logs into the reborn blaze he stood up and left the two females to sleep a bit longer. There was a stream a short walk away and the Orc could use a quick wash, his people were an interesting breed. They didn't get dirty often, they sweated sure, but their bodies are generally hairless and all the dirt and such just kind of sloshed off with a dry towel.

But he liked feeling the cool water on his skin and scrubbing some of the road dirt off. Bringing just his sword he moved to the creek. The grass was slick with dew, and he partially walked partially slid down the small slope nearly sailing into the water before he wanted to. But using the sword as an anchor he saved himself and stripped down leaving his pants and boots besides the large saber in the grass. He didn't have any soap, but as he slipped into the water using some rough grass to scrub himself clean with.

-Back at camp-

Guk-Guk mumbled softly the front of Sabin's shirt was in her mouth. Sometime in the night her surrogate mother's blouse had replaced Lil-Bone's arm in the child mouth. It left her mouth very dry and soon it woke the child up and caused her to cough gently. Rolling her back to the Dark Elf, the half-breed looked tiredly around yawning cutely.
"Where Ganpa go?" She asked herself wiggling free of Sabin's still sleeping form and crawling across to her little backpack for her water skin. It was made of a yellow leather and she had attached some flowers and shiny stones to it for decoration.

She let out a full-body shiver as her exposed skin was assaulted by the cold. On the road Saba and Ganpa had told her to dress warmly at all times even when sleeping. But the morning was colder than normal even through the fur-lined pants and jacket she was wearing. Once she reached her bag she quickly slid her cold toes into her boots and wrapped her bear skin cape around her shoulders lifting the water skin to her lips and drinking deep. She swished the cold liquid around her cheeks for a bit before she spat it back at the road. That washed the cotton off her tongue, now she just needed a normal drink. She took another swig, but stopped halfway as she began to hear music in the air (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6c3rprv01Q). At first it was soft, but soon it grew steadily louder as if someone was walking towards them playing it. She swallowed the water and gently placed the waterskin down her head tilting lightly trying to pinpoint the music.

Picking up Bonk-Bonk and stuffing Lil' Bone down the front of her jacket so just his little head was poking out. The girl began following the enchanting sound as if under some kind of spell. She knew Mama Saba and Ganpa would be mad at her for wandering off, but she simply needed to know where the music was coming from. She reached the road and decided it was coming from the East, back towards Excelsior. Her little heart quivered as she stepped onto the stone road by herself, she took one more glance back at the still sleeping Sabin then shouldered her impressive little hammer and puffed out her developing chest. If she was gonna be a tough independent warrior like Mama Saba, she'd need to learn to handle mysteries herself! Taking up a steady confident stride the girl followed the music.

After what she'd guess would be a five minute walk Guk-Guk found the source of the enchanting music. A beautiful pink skinned, (https://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=79692&page=33&p=2960161&viewfull=1#post2960161) woman who kind of looked like Miss Shani was seated by her own large fire strumming gently along her lute. Guk-Guk could tell she was a Bard, they came to Sàmhach a lot on their ways around the highlands. Being able to play music always astonished the little girl, she tried a few times, but her hands and claws were too tough and sharp. Eventually the Bards got annoyed with her always accidentally cutting their strings. So like many of the kids in the small village she just sat on the floor around them and listened to their songs and stories while the grown-ups tossed coins into a jar or hat for the Bard's tips.

There weren't any bushes to hide in so Guk-Guk simply hefted her hammer and watched from the road trying to look tough. The woman didn't notice the girl at first, but as she finished her song and opened her eyes she looked at the Goblin girl and smiled.
"Well hello there little cutie."

Guk-Guk still trying to look tough thumped her narrow chest proudly.
"I'm no cutie, I'm Guk-Guk, fierce Goblin Berserker like Ganpa Dire!"

The woman let out a merry ringing laugh placing her lute down and sitting forward watching the girl amused.
"Oh really! I didn't know there was a single Goblin berseker around here let alone two! I bet your Ganpa is proud of you being a warrior like him!"

Guk-Guk pouted a little.
"No I'm Goblin, Ganpa is Orc. Him big and scary! What is your name?"

The woman giggled again covering her mouth. It wasn't often she met people on these roads this early, it generally why she liked traveling so early. But never had she met a little Goblin child walking alone claiming to be a warrior and having an Orc as a Grandfather.
"I'm Aziara Nightsong the Tiefling what are you doing walking around this early by yourself Guk-Guk?"

Guk-Guk tried to wrap her mouth around the woman's name.
"Az....Azi...Azziia Ni...sung? And Guk-Guk follow music, it nice, but you might wake up Mama Saba. She been sad since Uncle Gemmy got stolen by evil witch and she needs her sleep. You wake Guk-Guk, you wake Mama Saba."

The girl continued to amuse Aziara and now the girl had a mother and a grandfather she has left, most likely without telling them first. These roads were dangerous at any time of day, and as formidable as the girl's hammer looked it would probably be best if she kept an eye on her until her family came looking for her.
"You can call me Az, hey why don't you come join me. I have some sweet meat here, and you look quiet hungry my little warrior."

Guk-Guk's eyes narrowed and she gripped her hammer more firmly. Both Mama and Ganpa had grilled it into her mind never accept things from strangers no matter what they looked like. She has heard of Az's race too, Tieflings were uncommon visitors to Sàmhach, but many of the townsfolk trusted them even less than they did Guk-Guk and Papa Bone. They were half-demons or something, and while Guk had never seen a Demon she's heard about them and Papa said they're tough to chew and always taste burnt. She shook her head staying on the road.
"No Mama said never trust strangers, she Assassins she know these things."

The woman laughed nodding her head and holding her hands up. At the least she might be able to keep the girl from wandering off more.
"Very well, but at least get off the road, horses and carriages can come thundering down this road at anytime. I'm sure your Ganpa and Mama wouldn't want you to get squashed would they? Is your Mama a Goblin or an Orc?"

The girl tried to think of a good reason to say no, she even partially opened her mouth to speak. But no idea came so she did as the pink woman bid and stepped up onto the grass and sat down a few feet from it watching the Bard closely as if her question was silly. As far as Guk-Guk knew or cared her mama was world famous and everyone should know what she is.
"Heh no! Mama Saba Dark Elf, and Uncle Gemmy Snow Elf, he's bigger than Ganpa, but blue and less scary."

Az chuckled lightly picking up her things and going to join the girl on the grass being sure to keep eight feet between them so the child wouldn't get scared off.
"Really, and may I ask how a tough Goblin Berserker like you gets an Orc for a Grandpa, a Dark Elf for a mother, and a Snow Elf for an Uncle?" In her many travels she's heard of some pretty wild half-breeds and mixed offspring, but what little Guk-Guk was describing sounded more fiction than fact. Maybe she was an orphan and was making things up? If so that was a very sad truth, and maybe she could convince the girl to journey with her to the Dwarf mining town of Shatterspear where she could hopefully find a home for the kid.

Guk-Guk placed her hammer in her lap and pulled Lil' Bone out of her jacket and made him sit on the hammerhead so he could watch the Tiefling, she even made the stuffed toy cross it's arms before she crossed her own. "Well only Ganpa Dire is really related to me, I'm half-Goblin, half-Orc. But Mama Saba and Uncle Gemmy adopted me and let Ganpa come along to help them save the world!"

Az chuckled laying her cheek in her hand.
"Well that makes sense, I bet they love you tons right?"

Guk-Guk nodded.
"Duh, they save Guk-Guk from evil Elf Witch...well them and Papa Bone."

Another relative, Az could only imagine what "Papa Bone" was.
"An evil Elf witch huh, sounds like a story I heard as a girl. And let me guess Papa Bone is a... Lizardman?"

Guk-Guk laughed at the woman's guess.
"No, Papa Bone is...Papa Bone! I don't really know what race he is. I think Ganpa called him an...O...Ogre."

The Bard's eyes shot open in surprise. An Ogre? They weren't exactly known for being good parents especially to other races. More often than not Az heard they eat children. But she had the girl talking and staying in one place. She just hoped the Mother or Grandfather showed up to collect the girl and not the father.
"Wow you have quite the family Guk-Guk, and who is your little friend there?" She pointed to the stuff toy who had slumped over onto it's side with the arms still crossed.

The Goblin sighed as she looked at her toy shaking her head at his sillyness.
"That's Lil' Bone, he not much a morning person. But he be sad if I leave him allalone, Papa made him to look like him so I could always have my Papa around to protect me." She reached up and grabbed Lil'Bone tucking him back into her jacket and tucking his little head some inside so he could go back to sleep.

Az couldn't break the smile off her face at this charming little girl. The woman picked up her lute and began strumming it.
"Well how about I play him a little lullaby so he can go to sleep better? Think he'll like that?"

The girl nodded slowly kissing the toy's head before moving it so the spot where he'd have an ear was aimed at the Tiefling.
"Yea, he would just real quiet still don't want Mama to wake up, okkies?"

Aziara nodded and began strumming a very soft song. Her lips moving with the words Between the here, between the now (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6wVijh2n9g), it was a lovely song and little Guk-Guk even felt herself beginning to fall back asleep as the beautiful woman played.

Kris
04-18-2018, 09:05 PM
Deep in the dark the light grows. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXDC5xGy8wo)

The hammer hit the iron, and flares sparked in the dimly lit cavern. A male's voice sang softly, using the beats of the metallic sound as a rhythm into which his melody followed, a mix of beauty and rough hoarseness that turned the sound into a form of an art.

Sabin always liked to sneak in on her father isolated chamber and watch him crafting. She used to amuse herself with the thought, that this may be the reason her mother was so captured by him. This made her expression changed from excitement into that of a grief. She knew the others didn't see their relationship with keen eyes. She heard them argue constantly. How he wished her mother to take more men in her harem-That she will fulfill the duty expected from a matriarch- and her mother would smile and answer that she has never stopped giving herself to the people.

Which was somewhat true. Sabin's mother was constantly busy and hardly had time to take care of her children. It was usually the priestesses, or the older brother and sisters that took care of the little ones.

"What are you doing here, moon child?", her father stopped singing but did not cease from hitting with the hammer.

"Mother said she will spend time with me today... but then Sister Lilialch took her away..."

"Lady Galathea is a busy woman, moon".

"I know father, I just---"

The male dark elf stopped working, removing his heavy gloves and eyes cover. He turned to sit by a far table and tap on the chair beside him for the girl to follow and join him. Sabin did so, "You know the lady love you greatly, yes?"

Sabin sighed.

"Well, she does. She is trying so hard for everyone's sake and you mostly..."

"I know father"

The man kissed her on her forehead, and then he got up and walked some distance only to return with a small box. He handed it to the child.

"What is it?"

"Go on, open it".

Sabin removed the lid, uncovering a sparkling sight. It was a marvelous crescent adorned with small silver and tiny diamonds, "Isn't it mother's necklace?", Sabin asked.

"A similar, yes, a twin", He nodded proudly, "There are only two like these in the whole world now. The one your mother is wearing, which I gave her the day we exchanged oaths, and now this- She specifically asked me to craft this for you"

"Mother asked that? for me?"

The elf nodded with a smile.

"She knows how much you miss her, and how little of a time she has for you these days. She hopes this will ease you a bit", he helped Sabin to wear it, giving her the time to admire the beauty of the emblem as her fingers trailed over the moon shaped pendent.

"The moon guides in the darkness. So during your hardest of hours, look at it, and think kindly of her, or anyone else you care deeply for... I'm sure this will be of comfort".

Sabin gave him a sad smile. This was clearly not going to take away the feeling of longing for a time she wanted to spend with her mother, but it was something still, "Thank you", she said softly.


***

Sabin woke up slowly. The heaviness of her growing belly was still not fully visible but she felt the weight of the responsibility needed of her in order to protect her precious love child. Her fingers reached for her neck, guided by old instinct of comfort, searching for her silver moon pendent. It was missing, of course, given to the man she desired to see so much, and whom too, was far away from reach. Her fingers traced the icicle scar on her chest, hoping that somewhere in another place, Galmied will feel her yearning.

It was still early in the morning, but she needed to relief herself and pee- a growing habit which increased drastically over the passing days. Of course, before she could make a walk for the bushes she noticed that both Guk-Guk and Dire were missing. She learned to trust the Orc a great deal, and by so her immediate worry was directed to her foster child.

"Guk-Guk?!", she looked around, trying to study the clues. It was hard though. Ever since she started the path of this merry family bunch, she became much less calculated and more emotional. Truth be told, her caring heart always made her be less of the assassin that she could have been, but right now, she was so hormonal, emotional, and hysteric to even think properly.

"GUK-GUK?!".

What kind of a mother was she, losing a child like this, what a stupid behavior. She should have kept a better watch. She almost gave in to tears when she noticed that Guk-Guk's doll was also missing. Which meant the child was clearly leaving by her own will. That was a bit of a comfort, but not a great one.

Once she calmed a bit, she found the trail of Guk-Guk's boots and started to follow, eventually reaching a clearing deep in the wood. Music sneaked into her ears and she followed it with more interest. She then reached the place both the tiefling bard and halfling child were at.

"GUK-GUK!", Sabin cried, surprised of the height of her own voice, "How many times did I tell you?! Do not leave without telling anyone, you scared me to death!".

Seeing as the woman didn't flinch from Sabin's voice, she realized the tiefling girl meant no harm, "Thank you for keeping her here and safe", Sabin nodded. She still didn't trust the intention of the woman, or the woman herself, but she had to show manners regardless.

Sabin then hugged the young girl and looked her in the eyes. There was a sadness reflecting from her silver glowing gaze, "Don't make me worry like this... I thought I lost you!".

SikstaSlathalin
04-21-2018, 03:32 AM
Guk-Guk had found herself rather enjoying Az's music. Even humming and tapping her fingers against Bonk-Bonk in time with the lovely almost magic music coming from the Tiefling's lute. The spell was broken with Sabin's almost panicked sounding voice, she jumped a little and a deep blush filled her face. She looked down ashamedly even as Sabin hugged her and looked in her face.
"I'm sorry Mama Saba, I couldn't help it I heard Ms. Nihsong's music and was gonna tell her to stop so it wouldn't wake you. You don't sleep as well without Uncle Gemmy around anymore."

Aziara stopped playing and stood up slinging her lute over her shoulder bowing slightly in apology. So the kid wasn't lying about having a Dark Elf mother. How interesting, the pink woman waited until things had calmed down before speaking. "I'm sorry Ms. Saba, I didn't think I was playing that loudly especially from so far away. I'm Aziara Nightsong at your service, and might I add you have a very sweet daughter." Az was doing her best to be polite, she recognized an expectant mother when she saw one, but she also recognized an assassin even a pregnant one. Bard have something of a sordid reputation, and the Tiefling was sure she might have a bounty on her head that anyone could call upon.

Kris
04-21-2018, 07:46 PM
Sabin wasn't sure how to feel about being called "Saba" by anyone other than Guk-Guk but she decided to let it slide, "Don't worry, Aziara, you did nothing wrong. This is no man's land and you are to play as your heart wishes to… I just wish a certain young girl was more… careful…", she looked at Guk-Guk who played with her fingers and avoided eye contact.

Now that she was calmer, she turned to study the lovely individual before her eyes. There was something about her that just reminded her of someone. Or something. But she couldn't quite place the pieces together in her head to find the answer.

Never the less, if Dire was going back to an empty camp he was probably going to get worried, or if he was in any trouble it was best to search for him now too.

"We should head back though", she said grabbing Guk-Guk's hand, "Sorry for disturbing you".


***


"So why all the secrecy?", asked the pretty elven.

"It shall be told soon enough, my lady".

It been some time since Y'gol last been seen, as if his whole presence been wiped clean from the world. But this was not good enough- Not for Denika anyway. The thoughts of revenge burned like ill flames, and did not let her mind find any silent. What's more, she too, bore a growing fruit within her.

So she made her way in the darkness, following the cultist as he guided her further. It was rather easy to convince her to come too. All he had to do was to mention the name of the Ogre at the right time and in the right moment.

Even Denika found it somewhat strange that she simply followed blindly. Maybe it was the bad ale, or lack of company, but Denika was itching to hear him out.

Dark elves seemed to have special effect on her… or maybe this particular cultuist was far more mystical than she gave him credit for.

SikstaSlathalin
05-05-2018, 03:42 PM
Guk-Guk still wouldn’t look at Sabin as she was taken away. She waved at Az then bowed her head and kept pace with the Dark Elf. “Bye-bye, Ms. Nighsung. Sorry I got you in trouble.” The Tiefling gave the little girl a sad smile and waved. “It’s ok my little Goblin berserker, I’m sorry too. Be sure to tell your Gandpa hello for me.” The little Goblin smiled at the pink lady as she and Sabin turned the corner and were out of view.

A little way down the road Guk-Guk glanced up at Sabin a little frown still on her face.
“Mama Saba, gonna punish Guk-Guk?”

“I have not decided yet!”Sabin said held her hand tightly. They continued to march further in silent before the Dark Elf sighed. She moved forward and beside Guk-Guk and gave her a hug, “I was so worried. Please, I don’t want to lose you too…”, she let go and looked up to her, “Even if I’m sleeping, wake me up! Talk to me, I don’t want you to wander away without telling anyone!”

Guk-Guk wasn’t used to being yelled at. Even if it sounded like Sabin wasn’t yelling to a child it was all the same. The girl never had to tell someone where she was going before, Papa Bone was never worried about her like this. “B-but you’ve been so sad and tired since Uncle Gemmy left. Guk-Guk thought it best to let you sleep and go ask Ms. Nighsung to be quiet. Guk never had to ask permission to try and help someone ‘afore. When I was with Papa Bone, I used to go tell the wolves to be quiet alla the time when Papa Bone sleepy. He never worried like this before.” The little girl looked at Sabin questioningly. “Why would I be worried now? Guk-Guk had hammer and Lil’ Bone, she be safe.”

“NO!”, Sabin said, surprised at the high tune she used. She sighed and started to speak in lower voice, “I don’t want you to wander off without telling anyone. I know you are strong, but I request you to obey, Guk-Guk”.

Sabin found herself dropping her gaze and holding herself from crying, “I’m not as strong as your papa. I’m not as confident as him. If danger occurred I may not be quick enough to save you. Papa Bone and you also lived in an area with not a lot of dangerous people. Sàmhach is a special place that knows some semblance of peace. That is not how the rest of the world works…there’s far more danger out here than just wolves or bandits. Please my child, don’t run off like that without myself or Grandpa Dire knowing. We don’t want to lose you.”

The Goblin girl frowned again and looked back down at the ground. She didn’t understand it still, but she could tell it was upsetting Mama Saba, and simply nodded.

Kris
05-12-2018, 11:36 AM
Somewhere else...

The male Elf walking side by side with Denika remained silent as he led the pretty woman deeper into the catacombs under T'saroth’s old cathedral hidden among the dunes of Ophier. Like the rest of the bandit town the cathedral was more than it was on the surface. It belonged to an ancient unknown religion and has more often than not been used as a base of trade and the central hub for criminal activity for Thieves and Assassins Guild since the desert oasis was founded a few millennia ago.

Right now a new group has taken over the study sandstone building, whispers of a new religion being practiced by cloaked shadowy figures that are seen slipping out of the dark underground in the dead of night. T'saroth knows when to keep its mouth shut and her people have seen enough shadowy deals lurking through the ancient streets to know to leave this cult alone.

Now though a young man named Ebony had contacted and led Denika from her home on the southern end of Avelar to the front door of the Molad Clan’s outpost to meet with the enigmatic Sable. One of the few male Dark Elves she has seen outside of the Dark Elf clans, she hoped they were as sensual and willing as their female counterparts. Ever since she found out she was pregnant with Galmied’s child her hormones have been wild and her desires for sensual attention and sex have been growing everyday.

The two Elves stopped at the bottom of the winding staircase and Ebony signaled for her to stop before he vanished under a heavy curtain. The woman could hear the sounds of his boots echoing on the old stone before they got too far ahead for her to hear.

“Such secrecy”, Denika said, grinning, “I can’t wait to see if this justify all of the plans ahead! You said you may help me with Y’gol. Speak up then, and linger not in the darkness, if you are a handsome devil”.

A slight chuckle was heard from the shadows beyond the curtain. But a hand appeared on Denika’s shoulder before a tall Dark Elf male walked past her. “I can help you Lady Lestaff, but secrecy is needed for my group and our actions. Come follow me please.” He smiled and led her past the curtain, a flash of magic danced across his fingers and torches lit up the entire corridor. It was very long and lined with many different doors, each with a seperate Elven symbol branded upon the door. The man led her to the door marked with twin crossed blades facing upwards and opened it beckoning her inside.

Denika followed a small whistle escaping her lips, “What are you up to? How long did it take you to build all that?”. It was clear this place was run by a very organized group. Symbols everywhere, and they all seemed to be gathered for a cause. But she wondered if this was all truly to beat the Ogre, or maybe the ogre was a mean for an end, a side plot to get something bigger from her. And if so, why her of all people?

The Dark Elf man simply smiled.
“We didn’t build this place, just took it over.” They entered what looked like a smithy, forges lined the walls and weapons hung from hooks and racks. “As for what we’re up to, let’s just say it’s a good cause for now.” He led the High Elf through the Forge and into a small room of some kind, it looked to be a supply room of some kind, but there was also a table with various maps and plans laid out upon it. The male walked up to the table and pointed to a map marked “creatures of interest for materiels.” Denika saw Dragonkin, Dolg Gramar, Trolls, and various other large species marked down with separate colored pencils marks. And near the Dwarven Lands was a single black named named Y’gol. “We have done our best to track the Ogre, his weapons are a rare type of metal and his skin itself is an oddity we would like to exploit. Ogres are a rare species so anyone we find we like to keep our eyes on.” He quickly rolled up the map and held it to Denika. “We can help you catch him, but first you must help us Lady Lestaff.” He gave the pregnant woman a roguish smile the silver of his eyes glinting in the dim lights of the forge.

“Help you?”, she said while picking the map and scanning her eyes over it, “Materiels you say? You want to use their resources or…”, she looked at him as she narrowed her eyes, “Do you wish to use them as test subject?”

Sable simply winked leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest. “That’s up to our leadership, I’m just the retrieval expert.” There was something more behind his words and his quirked smile, but Denika knew the way Dark Elves like their secrets. She’d let Dark Ones have them for now. “So be it, so what do you require of me?”

Sable nodded towards the end of the table with a small bundled wrapped in what looked like black Dragon skin. “Nothing too strenuous, we would like to tap your resources in tracking and capturing. I’ve heard word your Queen has given you some time off, and it’s good for a pregnant woman to keep active for the first few months. We ask permission to set up a small outpost near your estate and use it and maybe some of your personal serfs to hunt our creatures of interest. And we would like you to accept that jewel as payment for inconveniencing your house”

The woman smiled and picked up the small bundle. She studied it in her hands then unwrapped the soft scaly leather. Inside was a large black gem hung on a simple braided thread of gold. The former general could feel the magic coming off it. She would be sure to look into this bauble later, rewrapping it she nodded to the man and slipped it into the folds of her dress. She thought to ask how he knew so much about her recent release from military service or her pregnancy. But the Dark Ones have their ways and the Golden Ones loved to play with them. “Hmm very well Master Sable, as long as your group is discreet and don’t damage my lands or my people you may set up an outpost. I even have an old servants’ quarters near the lake you can use.”

SikstaSlathalin
06-02-2018, 10:07 PM
Sabin and Guk-Guk returned to their little camp to see a freshly cleaned Dire looking very unbothered by the female’s sudden disappearance. When he got back from the creek he assumed the two had gone off for a little walk somewhere. He gave them a rough smile just glancing up from the three fish he was cleaning and preparing for breakfast. He grunted lightly pointing at the trouts. “Freshly caught and juicy.” Was all he said before looking back down at his work.

Sabin calmed down, but she kept a wary eye on her adopted daughter. Guk-Guk on the other hand just sat quietly by the fire trying to grasp what made Sabin so mad at her. It was an awkward silence and it wasn’t lost on the old Orc in their company, but he thought it best to not reopen what seemed to be a closed subject. So the trio just ate their breakfast in peace and packed up camp, getting back on the road for the Dwarven Lands.

Sabin was tired, but she didn’t let the others know. Yet knowing the Orc, she guessed Dire was probably aware, but as always kept his mouth sealed. She thanked him for that. She didn’t want to feel like she was slowing them down. While she has hardly in the more difficult state of her pregnancy, Sabin could feel herself growing heavier and slower. She was also filled with unneeded worries. Soon however the air of the new surrounding was able to make her forget, even for a little bit, her thoughts.

A beautiful scenery has revealed itself to them; Open meadow land, perfect for herding goats and sheeps, and for growing healthy crops.

It was midday and the group had just stopped for their lunch when Dire’s ear twitched and he slowly reached for his blowpipe. His head moved ever so slightly to the trees of the grove around them, his nose and ears twitching slightly with keen alertness. He then motioned for Sabin to draw her weapon and hold Guk-Guk close. The little girl was confused, but she was still reeling from getting yelled at this morning so she slipped into Sabin’s lap holding Lil’Bone close. And Dire quickly slid into the thick trees while loading a knock-out dart into his pipe.

Picking up her small knife Guk-Guk whispered to Sabin.
“Mama Saba, are we in trouble again?”

“Hopefully not”, Sabin whispered back, the two daggers already held in her hands, “But one cannot be too sure”, Sabin then moved forward, shielding the small half goblin, “Who is here? Show yourself!”

There was silence for a few minutes, even the wind seemed to halt. Guk-Guk wrapped her narrow arm around Sabin’s hips holding her little knife close and to the side like Sabin does the tip pointing out. Guk-Guk was about to say something again when she heard Grandpa Dire let out a deep roar and then there was the sound of a struggle in the bushes to the left. A few seconds later a small quilled creature and a large chicken wearing armor was thrown out into the grass two darts sticking out of their backs. Dire followed shaking his head.
“Spies.”

Guk-Guk saw the adorable little warrior and squealed dropping her knife and going right over to the Hedgehog warrior. “He is so cute! He just like Lil’Bone!”

“Who or what is it?”, Sabin was surprised, yet unlike her foster daughter, she didn’t let her guard down, despite the cute appearance of the creatures. She quickly grabbed Guk-Guk’s hand and pulled the eager little girl back. “Stay back Guk-Guk, we don’t know anything about the creature.”

The child pouted, but let her Mama pull her back behind her while she and Dire inspected the Hedgehog and it’s...battle chicken?

Dire plucked his darts from the two prisoners and slid them back into the holster at his hip.
“I don’t know, but I doubt it’s alone.”


“And now you’ve angered them!”, Sabin said, unsure how to proceed, “You think they are hostile?”, Sabin circled around the bodies, “I wonder if bigger ones will follow suit as well…”


Dire growled pulling out his dart gun.
“I do smell more, but it’s distant. I think this one was the only one who found us.”

Guk-Guk gasped noticing the little warrior and his chicken beginning to stir. She tugged Sabin’s sleeve.
“Mama Saba he’s waking up!”

As soon as the rodent’s eyes shot open he pulled a whistle from his waist and blew hard into it. The ear piercing scream of the small tool made the Orc’s and Goblin’s sensitive ears ring and it caused them to drop their weapons and cover them. Soon more whistles answered the first and the Hedgehog and it’s chicken bolted back into the brush still blowing the whistle.

Dire groaned glaring after the noisy little beast.
“Oh great.” He growled picking up his blow dart gun and moving besides Sabin and Guk-Guk.

The sound was terrible for Sabin too, but not to the point of breaking down, she placed her weapon forward, watching as dozen more peculiars riders stormed forward, and they all started move around them, forcing them into their circle. Sabin hissed for a moment before noticing a bigger rider.

“A goblin?”, she asked as tilted her head. This one had a different shade of skin than Guk-Guk, and was taller. It was a pure Goblin and not an hybrid, like her foster daughter, it also appeared to be less brutal, a thing which was more associated with Orcs. Still it carried a wicked looking war pick in its hand. It was a male and he was missing his right eye, but that didn’t stop him from glaring at the trio with his left one.

“What do you want?”, the Dark Elf cried. She knew the little rodents would hardly make for a proper fight, but the Goblin might prove to be more trouble. However, as she narrowed her eyes she watched the horse it was riding on, which was not a battle mare. It was a simple one, made for travelling.

A second rider then joined in, this one was riding a horse of a different color, which seemed more groomed. This rider, another goblin, was clearly a female. She eyed them all, but a small screeching sound escaped her lips when she noticed Guk-Guk, “Iks-Iks!”, she rejoiced, calling to the other Goblin, “You see what I see?”, the sight of the little girl seemed to bring a smile which was full of pointy teeth, “She looks so much like Ci-Ci!”

Iks-Iks, the male Goblin hmmed softly jumping off his horse and walked closer, or as close as the blue skinned Orc and Dark Elf would let him. He studied the confused little girl then nodded, his voice rough and kind of gravely. “Hmm red eyes and different color green aside indeed she does Kri-Kri.” He slung his war-pick across his back and looked up at Dire and Sabin. While he is a pure Goblin he’s still a head shorter than the Dark Elf and half a body length short than the Orc, still he held a certain level of commanding presence. “What is your name girl?” He asked, possibly more roughly than he intended because Guk-Guk-shrunk back hugging Sabin’s waist and hiding a little. She’d never met another Goblin since she left Balrefire and the last one she saw was her mother before she was killed. But Papa Bone told her about them and Missus Brickheart told her some too, she expected this Iks-Iks to blow himself up any second.

“You’re scaring her!”, Kri-Kri protested, “Be kind!”

Sabin stared at Dire who was too amazed by the name they just mentioned, “What is your connection to the goblin known as Ci-Ci?”

Kri-Kri laughed, “Family o’course!”, she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “Why are you here in our lands, and who is this child?”

Dire grunted picking Guk-Guk up and above the odd male slipping his pipe back into his holster.
“This is Guk-Guk, I’m her Grandfather Dire of Blacklake, and this is her mother Sabin Togar.”

“You are lying! You are lying!”, The female Goblin protested as she grunted like an angry ox, “It is clear she has Orc blood, but she is Goblin, not Elf!”, she got off her horse and moved forward.

Guk-Guk growled and shouted back at Kri-Kri. “Hey you be nice! Mama Saba, best mama ever! No matter she Elf or Goblin!” She began to squirm in Dire’s grip intent on showing this mean lady some manners.

There was a sigh from the back of the small hunting party and a coyote’s yip.
“Yeah I know Decker, Goblins are nuts.” Soon another kind of beast rode up this one astride a large shaggy looking coyote. It was a Redkin, a nomadic race of tinkers and trap makers that can give even Goblin’s a run for their money. “Take a breath Kri-Kri, adoptions are a thing ya know.”

Iks-Iks gripped his woman’s chest and pulled her back from the Orc and Elf. “You watch your mouth Rikki, we of the underfolk don’t like surfacers stealing our children.”

Rikki sighed waving the bristling Hedgehog warriors down and putting himself between the hosts and the travellers.
“Sorry about that, Goblins are really big on traditional family. I’m Rikki, head of the Slagen Merchant Caravan Guards. Those two bright rays of sunshine are Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks Slagen, merchants out of Shinestone.”

“I didn’t steal your child!”, Sabin said with anger, “I am taking care of Guk-Guk!”, She moved forward towards the Goblins.

The Redkin held his furry paws up and motioned for the woman to calm down.
“Whoa there lady relax, the last thing you want is to fight with the employers of a Lohem-Gibor Tribe. They’re warriors from birth to death and never surrender.” He motioned to the diminutive Hedgehog warriors, who had doubled in number since the Goblins first showed up and many of them were already brandishing their razor like weapons and quills standing up on end in anticipation. One made a more forward but a quick growl from Decker, who was a natural predator of the Lohem made the small warrior step back in line with his comrades. “Now everyone calm the fuck down!” He shouted looking around at everyone, Guk-Guk held a hand over her mouth. “Mama Saba he say bad word!” She pointed at Rikki accusingly.

Sabin tried to fight the urge to smile, “Now now, Sir Rikki, you cannot speak like that in front of a child”, She looked at the two Goblins, “We are tasked with finding a person. A gobliness by the name of Ci-Ci, we are told she is Guk-Guk’s aunt, the sister of the girl’s mother Jik-Jik”.

Rikki snorted and rolled his eyes going back to his coyote who grunted and snuffled lightly. He patted the tan colored canine then looked back at the Goblins.
“Cover her ears next time. Kri-Kri, Iks-Iks, shall I go get Ci-Ci or do you just wanna bring them all back to camp and find her themselves?”
Iks-Iks set his woman back on her horse and patted her leg before looking back at Sabin and Guk-Guk. He didn’t trust Elves be they Dark or no, but a Goblin child even a half breed should be raised by family. They knew Ci-Ci had a sister, but he couldn’t remember the last time Ci-Ci even saw Jik-Jik. Kri-Kri snorted lightly then clicked her tongue and began riding back to camp without saying a word. The male hmmed and jerked his head back through the trees.
“Bring them, but keep the Lohem right on their heels got it Rikki?”

The Redkin nodded and hopped up onto Decker’s back and barked something in the language of the strange Hedgehog people and like the trained warriors they are they snapped to attention and fell into line behind Decker their Battle Chickens clucking lightly as they walked away in a single line. He clicked his tongue and motioned for the trio to follow. “Come on, Ci-Ci is back at our main camp by Crystal Lake on the other side of the forest here.”

Kris
06-22-2018, 02:29 PM
Crystal Lake in the forest side

While the journey itself was not long, both Sabin and Guk-Guk needed to stop from time to time to get some rest. Dire understood that the little half goblin needed rest for her small feet were not as agile, and besides she was a child and unused to long distance travel.

He then eyed Sabin.

Where it any other circumstances she would have probably walked for hours, maybe days, without taking such long breaks. But she was growing heavier by the day, and it seems as though the child was taking much of her power. He would have dismiss it as something normal, but the old Orc couldn’t ponder on the possibility that the union between the ice and dark elf, awakened something new and powerful within them. But the child of such union was probably destined for greatness. Maybe already born with the gifts of the magic art.

Or maybe it was all simple Dire being old and overthinking.

Sabin drank from the water bottle slowly, rubbing her belly and wiping the sweat off her face and neck. It wasn’t a particular hot day, but to her it felt like she was walking in the desert. Guk-Guk was helpful, and made sure to get her wet towels from time to time, but the two simple did not exchange more than few words. Sabin knew she would have to take the time to explain more to her, and maybe make peace to her. The girl was probably still not at ease and she couldn’t have blame her. Regardless, she was not going to back down from her rules and boundaries. After all she really loved and cared for Guk-Guk as though she was her own, and for that she was not willing to risk the little half goblin getting into trouble and being hurt.

Sabin touched her scar brand and smiled to herself. She wished her mate Galmied all the health, while considering what will happen next. While it was going to be sad parting from Guk-Guk, she knew that keeping her around at this stage was not the right decision. Guk-Guk had her family, and Sabin still needed to avenge hers.

“Mama Saba, we go! Grandpa said we need to go now”

“Yes, of course!”, Sabin said, as if awakening from a dream. She reached out her hand and the little half goblin grabbed it, helping her back to her feet. It was not long afterward that their reached their destination.

***

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a1/d3/bd/a1d3bddcbd20c034e8e38c7ab4ee0023.jpg

The Redkin nodded and hopped up onto Decker’s back and barked something in the language of the strange Hedgehog people and like the trained warriors they are they snapped to attention and fell into line behind Decker their Battle Chickens clucking lightly as they walked away in a single line. He clicked his tongue and motioned for the trio to follow. “Come on, Ci-Ci is back at our main camp by Crystal Lake on the other side of the forest here.”

Sabin held Guk-Guk close and Dire kept himself between the girls and this new group. They didn’t seem overly dangerous, but Goblins are an unpredictable race and while Redkin are generally neutral, the Lohem are very aggressive and can only be put off warring for so long before they need to fight something. The main camp came into view as they creasted a low green hill, the caravan was large or at least had a very spread out camp, more Lohem were around the perimeter and more Redkin were building quick improvised defenses around where the Tribal Hedgehogs were patrolling. While Goblins made up the bulk of the caravan’s occupants, Dire, Sabin, and Guk-Guk saw a few other races drifting between the tents and wheeled carts. A couple of humans, some Dwarves, and even a couple of Dark Elves, but they mostly stayed around their own circles of fires watching the rest of the camp.

Guk-Guk tugged Sabin’s arm pointing to the Elves.
“Mama Saba you know them?”

Sabin shook her head. Despite the fact they were of the same race, she was not familiar with them. Their shade of color was very different than any of those who lived underground with her, “I am not familiar with them”, she said and without even realizing embrace her adopted child, “You be careful around them, okay my daughter? Dark elves are not to be trusted easily”.

And yet. It was very rare to see a huge pack of them living above surface. It was worth to inspect them, but first they had they needed to find Ci-Ci.

Guk-Guk nodded holding onto Sabin tightly.
“Yes Mama.”

With Dire still in the lead the group followed the Goblins, Redkin, and Lohem right into the center of the caravan to a double decker carriage that looked more like a mobile thrift store than anyone’s home. Rikki motioned for them to have a seat by the firepit while Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks babbled on in the Goblin tongue going out to look for Ci-Ci.

“Ci-Ci likes to be on her own for the most part, and only really trusts Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks to come find her. Shouldn’t be too long a wait.” He waved the Lohem off them sat down on a log heling Decker out of his harness and saddle.

“Would it be unusual for a Goblin to keep to herself? I always thought of them as loners”, Sabin asked looking at Dire.

Both Dire and Rikki nodded, but Dire answered.
“Yes on their own Goblins are loners but it’s more for survival than by choice. They are small as you saw and the pure ones, even fully grown like Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks aren’t all that strong maybe as powerful as a large human child or teenager.”

Rikki nodded pouring some water out for his coyote.
“That’s the case for most small in stature races like Goblins and Redkin.”

Guk-Guk hmmed scooting deeper into Sabin’s lap still nervous about being around all these new people.
“But Guk-Guk is strong like big human man, and Mister Brickheart is as strong as Uncle Gemmy.”

Dire smiled ruffling the child’s hair.
“You are part Orc Guk-Guk, we are among the strongest races on Eisignol. And Mister Brickheart is a Dwarf they are very strong too.”

Rikki chuckled pulling his leather armor off and fanned himself sometimes it sucks having fur.
“Yea anyway, when Goblins are in a group they always stick close to the others. Like sometimes even sleeping in the same hut with six others.”

Guk-Guk hmmed again nuzzling Sabin’s chest. She was feeling very tired from all the walking.
“That why Dark Elves live in groups Mama?”

“Dark elves mostly rely on group because of cultural choices. They are very organized union, because that’s the way the our society works and to be an outcast is worse than death. Even banished ones would gather others forsaken and band together to form a new pact because it feels more natural that way- but in truth Dark Elves tends to be much stronger on their own- having no heirecy or a matriarch to calm them, they can be worse than savages- no wonder people often claim we having the same ancient forbearers as Orcs”, Sabin looked at Dire and gave a little apologizing gaze, “No offense, of course”.

Sabin looked at the Redkin, “Dark Elves may not be as strong, but they are very sly. No one knows how they do it, but they seem to have it as a second nature instinct.”

Rikki nodded lifting up his compact bow to begin undoing it. “I know all about Dark Elves lady don’t you worry.” It was subtle but slight twinge and hatred slithered under the Redkin’s words. But before Sabin could respond Guk-Guk let out a big yawn and hugged Sabin tighter. “I’m tired Mama is there some place Guk-Guk can sleep?”

That comment of the Redkin did not pass by easily. It was hard not to miss the small glare he gave at the group of the gathered Dark Elves, but her daughter, as always, comes first, “Yes, of course!”, Sabin looked at the midget, “Sir Rikki, please, could you show us to the door of Ci-Ci resident?”


Rikki shook his head.
“Its way at the far end of the camp, you’d be more tired walking there. Try the Dark Elf camp it’s closer and maybe you all can exchange gifts or something.” The rough little beastman said before grabbing up his gear and whistling for some nearby Lohem to escort them before wandering off to his own small tent besides the big carriage.

Dire’s eyes narrowed, but like Sabin he didn’t wish to start a scene in front of Guk-Guk.
“Very well.” He stood and helped Sabin up who was now cradling the sleepy Guk-Guk in her arms.

The girl mewled gently.
“Why he so mean Mama?”

“Shh my child”, Sabin said, as she carried the girl, eyeing Dire. He knew what she meant with that expression. It was the equivalent to “We need to talk soon”. She walked for the direction of the elves and was about to greet them when she noticed there was no female among their group. It scared her a little, but she still proceed.

“Alecham Ashelom”.

She nodded carefully.

They ignored her at first until another one joined them and then they started to gossip between themselves. At last one of dark elves stepped forward with a deep bow, “What would a child of the night be doing with those savages…. Orc and…? A goblin?”, he then studied her, “And that belly…”, the Dark Elf eyed Dire, “Are you heavy with a child of a lesser race? We are not too bothered of course, but it is odd for a silver eyes to be acting so careless”.

Sabin was happy that the Elves were speaking in their own language for she didn’t want Guk-Guk to know of the insults they used when they talk about her, and somewhat hoped that Dire did not understood it either.

“They are my friends, and she is my foster daughter, which I have brought back to her family. Regardless, my own family situation is none of your business, and I will not have you refer to them as lesser beings. Now I invoke the right of hospitality. Your sister is in labors, and asking a shelter… will you refuse me?”

The other males chuckled.

“Big sister, obviously you noticed, didn’t you?”, said another Elf, but he quickly got an elbow hitting his ribs.

“Silence!”, another one hissed.

“Of course I have noticed the lack of our sisters among your ranks. You are obviously outcasts, but surely have not fallen from such high grace as to refuse to host us!”.

The “leader” of the group smiled. This woman showed no hint of fear. Walking right into a wolf’s den like this meant trouble for sure.

“So be it, but we take no responsibility for your safety, or comfort”.

“We are your guests!”

“This is not the land of the night, sister, heed our warning and leave us, but if you so wish to force yourself upon us, we shall give no guarantee for your life”

“You are surprisingly chatty, why is that?”

The Elf looked back at his brothers and then turned his gaze to her, “Were it anyone else we would have shooed them long ago or maybe accepted then robbed them blind, but having a sister here is rare case, and bravery is awarded with honesty. Besides we do not lie about our customs and actions, we were cast out for a reason, but we are still maintain some dignity, at least this particular group does.”

“So you do admit to be of the fallen?”

“Yes, but I will give you a fair warning, do not stay here…”

Sabin thought for a moment. This did not make any sense. Why would a fallen brother give her a warning unless…

She recalled the explanation she had just given Guk-Guk. About outcasts joining together to maintain some idea of their lost society. This appeared to be the case. “I see… you joined the others, as you refused the idea of being alone, but you do not agree with your whole group’s ideology?”

“We were outcasted for a reason, and yes we choose to accept what the others thought in general, but I do not agree with all of their ideas. I have no right to speak of the others as they accepted me regardless.”

The Dark Elf moved closer to Sabin, “You won’t back away from your decision?”

She nodded.

“So be it. I will personally be your host and you will stay in my hut. But dare not leave, for I will not be able to protect any of you, if you do”, he eyed the Orc and then the little dozing goblin, “She is very pretty”.

“She is a minor”

“It matters not… And you… also…”

He took a deep breath, “Follow me, but do not leave until the next morning.”

Dire kept his tongue still, though he knew the language. If he wasn’t with a child this arrogant Elf would be missing both his arms right now. This was a bad idea, but hopefully the Caravan masters would find them soon and they could move on to Ci-Ci’s home and begin the process of asking her to take care of Guk-Guk.
“What is your name Outcast?” He asked roughly tapping the holster of his blow pipe.

The man sneered looking over his shoulder at the old Orc.
“Ebony, now come Sa'nua will tend to you.”

“Sa’nua? That’s his name?”, Sabin’s eyes widen in surprise as she looked at Dire who nodded. He obviously understood the meaning. It was a dire insult which meant “hated one” as a title, usually used for bastards or criminals… mostly for unwanted child… but for the title to be an actual name said a lot about the parents of this particular person...


Ebony led the trio towards the center of the Dark Elf encampment. Soon a large tent adorned with some warped symbols denoting leadership came into view. They used to mean female power, but he had changed them into the masculine form.

A young boy, the same age as Guk-Guk walked from the tent, his eyes downcast and obvious signs of abuse about his body, a black eye, a slight limp in his walk, and numerous healed cuts and healing bruises. As they drew closer the boy looked to be of mixed heritage. Dark Elf and Human by the looks of his smaller pointed ears and more periwinkle colored skin. He was holding a bowl of food and goblet of wine, he gave a weak smile at the stern faced Dark Elf male.”Welcome back father.” Ebony glared at the kid. “Do not speak unless I say you can Sa’nua!” The boy winced and nodded weakly looking down again offering the food and drink to the man. He scoffed. “Give it the our sister and her “friend” they will be resting here for a few hours. Go lay out some furs by the fire!” The half breed nodded handing the stuff to Dire and vanishing back into the tent. Ebony watched the boy go with scorn in his eyes then turned to the three. “You can stay until dusk or until the Goblins come collect you, but not a minute later do you understand?”

Dire nodded and placed his hand on Sabin’s shoulder moving her towards the tent while noticing the emotional state Sabin was in the minute she looked upon the child.

“He is not much older than her-”

“Not now…”, Dire whispered.

“We can’t just--”

“Not now”.

It was not their familiar environment, true, and slaves or other type of abusive lord to their minions or children was familiar to Sabin. Hell she even somewhat accepted it back during the first time she met with Galmied, and if not for the pain she saw in his eyes she might not have struggled as hard, but she had never witnessed a child this hurt. Guk-Guk may have been wounded both mind and soul, but she came to know her after she healed some, while this child, was clearly still chained with his pain, and like Galmied, had a name which clearly indicated of this.

“I will not leave without him, Dire”, she said while the both of them walked inside.

Guk-Guk, although tired, was also disturbed by the child and seemed to have regain some of her energy back. Before she could speak however, Sabin held her close, “Don’t worry, I won’t let him stay here a minute longer” And with that Sabin put the half goblin to rest, and once she made she the child was asleep, she planned her next move.

Dire however, was already standing blocking her path, “You can’t, in your state”.

Dire knew, without saying, that the Dark Elf woman wanted to look around and try to get more information by herself.

“At least get him here, please?”, she said, referring to the boy, to which Dire nodded, leaving the tent for a moment and returning with the child. He then made sure he was in the clear before he slipped away to get some information, “Be careful!”, the pregnant woman called after him.

***

“Do you need anything, sister?”, the boy asked, looking somewhat puzzled.

“No, no”, Sabin said, smiling, her silver eyes glittering, “Come here, she said, tapping for him to sit by her side.

“Da, won’t like it, sister”.

“Your… father... is not here”, Sabin smiled as she placed a finger upon her lips, “And I won’t tell him either, it’s a promise”.

The child still looked unsure, until he noticed the sleeping Guk-Guk, “Da says they green ones are disgusting… But she is not… nor are the couple… and Auntie Ci-Ci… she is kind… and pretty…”, The child moved closer and bent beside the sleeping girl, “She kinda looks like Ci-Ci… but a little smaller…”

“Well that is obvious, her mother was a Goblin, like Ci-Ci and her father was an Orc, so different parents…”

The boy fell silent. It was in the moment when he finally set down by the fire, “So it is okay? For a child to have different parents?”

“Of course, you cannot control who you fall in love with.”

The boy was silent once more, “But if you are child of the night, you cannot. That would be grave sin against the God of Chaos, right?”

It’s been sometime since Sabin heard of this name. Rarely called upon, he is considered a very evil and merciless god in the folklore of the Dark Elves. No one in their right mind even mentions him, as it was him who seeded the roots of hatred between the twin goddess of the moon, and was later locked away.

But seeing as this camp of males was trying very hard to remove anything that resembled a matriarchal control, it made sense for them to choose the Chaos God as a patron. But sense or not, it still chilled Sabin to the bone to hear about him. She moved closer to the child, studying him. His skin was too pale. Too pale for Dark Elf standard that is, and because of it, she had reason to believe that this child had to be a human hybrid for sure. No other mix of races gave this kind of pallet. But why would they breed with humans? And on top of that, why would they keep such a child among them? He was obviously unwanted… unless…

“Do you remember your mother, child?”, Sabin asked.

“Ma? Da doesn’t speak of her.” He frowned deeply looking at his lap in shame. “Said I killed her. Said that because of that I need to suffer. She hates me. She watches me with disgust from Lord Nathnar’s side.”

“No mother ever hates her child”

“Da says she does.” The child looked away and Sabin found herself suddenly hugging the him.

“What are you doing?!” He nearly cried at the gesture which was very unfamiliar to him, and as much as he tried to shake her off, Sabin held on to him tight like a snake, until he finally gave in, and just stayed frozen within her embrace.

“Do you want to stay here, boy?”

He remained silent.

“I can take you with me, far away from here?”

The boy looked up to her, “But Da will be angry. And Anutie Ci-Ci will be sad if I don’t visit her by the end of the week. She likes to make food. She doesn’t cook well, but I like it”.

“Do you want to stay with Ci-Ci?”

The boy considered this for a moment.

“I can’t, Da will come and get me. Da will be angry and hit me. He can even tried to hit Auntie Ci-Ci, but the chickens warriors stopped him. So he couldn’t then, he was very angry that day. That’s how this happened.” He lifted the leg of his pants and showed Sabin his heavily damaged right leg splinted with two wooden poles. “I don’t like it when he hits me, but that day was the worst.”

“Of course you don’t!”, Sabin said kissing the top of the boy’s head, “I will take you away from here. To Ci-Ci. And then we can all move away from here… Would that be good?”

The boy was still silent. Sabin slowly let go and he in turn just stayed there, as if paralyzed by a spell.

“Da said mom was pretty. I think he liked her”

“I’m sure he did. And I’m sure she would have loved you too”.

The boy finally gave in into silent sob. Sabin knew he was crying by the movement of his shoulders, which appeared so gentle, like they were about to break at any moment. She got up and moved around to sit by his side. As she brushed aside his mess of black hair, which no one took properly care of, apparently, aside from some clumsy cutting jobs, which she guessed was Ci-Ci working at trying to make him look decent, she noticed that his eyes were a mix of gold and silver.

It all became clear now. This Ebony person must have been a royal of one of the clan.And instead of fulfilling his task, he ended up being with a human female, which probably caused him to be outcasted. Giving birth to an elven child must have been hard and the woman probably died in labors. Ebony, who was still connected to his lover, had trouble accepting him. He kept the child, but still beat him nearly to death to relieve his own pain.

Which, as much as it was understandable was still inexcusable.

Well, this child seemed to have know where Ci-Ci lived. Which was a vital information. Once Dire came back they will take the boy to her, and encourage the Goblins and the Lohem to evict those evil Dark Elves, so both Guk-Guk and this child will be safe.

Sabin wondered if this was the reason the Redkin insisted on not helping them to begin with, so they could locate this boy and save him without involving his cruel Clan directly… And if so… was there something else going on beneath the surface that he needed them to learn of?

Or maybe it was all wide conclusions and the Redkin was simply a jerk?

Either way, it was growing late and Dire was still missing. She knew the Orc could take care of himself, and wondered if now was the time to simply opt away with Guk-Guk and this kid, or wait for Dire to return. She was still worried, being surrounded by male Dark Elves who were outcasted was a scary thought, even for one born and raised within the night clan, and she didn’t want to put any of them at danger.

At the same time, no Dark Elf will go back on his word, and it is likely that if Ebony planned something he will not do so until tomorrow and it could be a risk to get her and the kids outside in her state, while Dire has yet to return.

She kept looking outside impatient, as time was drawing on, the child still studying Guk-Guk while she did so.

The young boy kept watching Guk-Guk, there weren’t a lot of kids his age in the caravan and none of them girls. This green girl looked cute and nice, but Da always said no one would care for him or love him. So he simply looked away from Guk-Guk fidgeting with the hem of his short ratty vest. Him and Sabin stayed in silence for a bit before the alarm horns began blasting all around the camp and made the boy nearly jump out of his skin and fall over onto of Guk-Guk who woke with a start and tossed the boy away. She frantically looked around and climbed into Sabin’s lap.
“Mama! Where are we! And why boy jump on me?”

Before the woman could answer though Dire poked his heads back in smiling softly.
“The caravan just got another guest.” He smiled down at Guk-Guk. “Bring the little one.”

“Another guest?”, Sabin’s eyes widen, what could possibly make such a tumult, but she quickly realized what was the answer, “Don’t tell me… HE’S HERE?!”, she asked surprised, the image of the huge ogre appearing in her mind. It was so unlikely and yet…

Dire nodded to Sabin.
“Yes him.”

Sabin grabbed the young Elf’s hands and looked into his eyes, “I know we have just met child, but we need to go… I would implore you to muster all your courage… and follow me… would you do so… would you trust me?”.

Sa’nua was still mesmerized by the sound of havoc and screams, that he nearly didn’t notice Sabin’s voice until it reached him. When she held him, he looked up to her, and something about her made him simply nod and follow softly.

“Good”, she kissed the top of his head, “Can you show us the way to Ci-Ci’s place?”

Guk-Guk looked on confused.
“Why we runnin’ Mama who’s here?”

Sa’nua was just as confused as Guk-Guk, but he was more confused at someone actually being nice to him than the caravan getting a guest. That sort of thing happened a lot, and the alarms and such always went off when someone new approached.

“You will see soon, my daughter!”, Sabin couldn’t find the words yet. She realized that if Y’gol was here things were about to get messy.

The group walked outside, Sa’nua taking the lead as he marked them to follow him into a different path, “Da isn’t aware of this path, it’s a secret way to Auntie!”, the small dark elf started to rush forward.

SikstaSlathalin
07-08-2018, 03:32 PM
Leading the way the young Half Elf did his best to dip around the tents and stalls from the caravan. Everyone was too busy bustling around the campfires and moving off towards to the perimeters to see who or what was causing the disturbance.

Guk-Guk toddled along besides Sabin, but she was watching the young boy they had just pulled from his father's tent. He looked to be young, but also very scared, like some of the boys the Shadow Men had.

Boys were usually used to do work or fight in the Shadow Men's homes. Girls had...other jobs, but while she was sore and sometimes bruised up at the end of the day the boys always looked like that. She remembers one boy, he lived in the house for a full year and the little boy never didn't have a black eye. And at the year's end he was being carried outside to a black horse carriage and for the kids the black horse meant you were never coming back.

It saddened the little girl a great deal and she hoped Sa'nua would live through it. But as they were reaching the outskirts of camp and Ci-Ci's tent was in sight a huge figure emerged from the camp and Guk-Guk squealed with joy. "Papa Bone!" Breaking from Sabin's hand the little girl ran up and jumped right into Y'gol's large clawed hands.

Kris
07-21-2018, 10:04 AM
While Dire had a pleased expression, Sabin didn't know what to make of the sudden appearance of the hulk. She stood without moving, and soon felt the reach of small hands around her hips.

It was Sa’nua- the little boy was terrified. But he soon realized what he has done and with shameful expression dropped and his gaze and let go of her body. Sabin smiled as she bent down to reach his height and hugged him. Again the boy was confused. Sabin could guess he was never allowed a close comfort.

"It's okay!", she told him, "Y'gol won't hurt us... not without a reason...", at least that's what Sabin hoped.

"I see you've all made it in one piece", it was Redkin.

Dire sneered at him and Sabin hissed, "You could have just led us here, why have you put us through all this ordeal?".

"It was a test... I didn't trust you yet... and congratulations... you passed", he said, pointing at the little boy.

Sabin added one and one, "You knew of him?"

"Everyone knew of him... the only question was how to remove him from his abusive father, long enough for us to find another hiding for the boy... Ci-Ci loves him, but his wretched of father always comes to take him back, and he always gets a new beating mark as a reward... But it seems it all played well. Speaking of which, is this Nimrod of a giant here your pet? if so can you please move him away, the group is restless... and the goblins are itchy..."

"He is not our pet... but you are right... I should see to him...", Sabin nodded, "I will talk to him, and then will you please let us see Ci-Ci?"

The coyote looking creature nodded.

Sabin carefully let go of the young dark elf, "It's all right, I'll be right back", and as she got up, she looked at the Ogre, who, was holding Guk-Guk with affection. He did noticed her and let his cub down.

Sabin moved forward, "Hello, Y'gol". It was strange, how in short time, this demon has changed. Still, Sabin was still somewhat uneasy around him, "What brings you to these parts?", she asked.

SikstaSlathalin
07-23-2018, 08:13 PM
Guk-Guk held onto Y'gol's claw tightly. She's missed her Papa desperately, Mama Saba, Uncle Gemmy, and Gandpa Dire are all awesome. But Papa Bone had taking care of her for a long time, she had so much to tell him! They fought Vampires, met big Humans Gandpa said were gods, she can have babies, and she's gonna be a Smith!

But she also learned a lot of things Papa never did. Like reading, writing, and manners. But one of thos manners was to not interrupt, so she simply hugged her Papa's hand nuzzling it gently. The Ogre smiled down at the girl then nodded to Sabin noting the woman's larger size and new smell. She was pregnant how interesting, and the Snow Elf wasn't around. It seemed he'd missed much in the short time since they've left Sàmhach. Thinking how best to answer her, he decided on the simplest truth.
"Hunting, lots and lots of hunting. I came across my cub's scent and wanted to see her. She has grown quite a lot I see. Good."

Rikki shook his head and nodded to Decker who yipped and growled besides him.
"Yea, I have no clue either Deck. Just hope Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks are done talking with Ci-Ci. Otherwise seeing a Goblin child claim an Ogre is her father will make their friggin' heads explode. Come on you lot, Ci-Ci's is this way." The grumpy Redkin ruffled up his fur and began moving towards the Eastern End of camp.

SikstaSlathalin
08-14-2018, 07:05 PM
(Illegal bump >.> )

Kris
08-16-2018, 11:31 PM
“Are you planning to stay Y’gol?”, Sabin looked up at the giant creature, “She missed you dearly and I… we found her kin here, we are about to meet her…”.

Y’gol growled lightly picking Guk-Guk back up and resting her on his shoulder. The girl squealed happily and began playing with the horns of his skull helm. “I will stay until you leave, I still have much hunting to do before the winter comes.“ The big beast hmmed at the Elf’s mention of kin. “She has her grandfather what more kin could she need?” He asked following the noisy little red thing and his smelly dog staying near the back of the little procession holding onto Guk-Guk’s legs so she doesn’t fall off his shoulder.

“She would need a woman figure in her life… as…”, sabin looked ahead at Y’gol. She took a risk as she began to click her tongue and changed the way she spoke. It was very ancient language, and hope Y’gol would understand it. She just didn’t want Guk-Guk to understand:

“I am not sure if I will be back from my mission”, she said and then added, “And she will need someone to train her in Goblin fashion”, Sabin smiled. She was thankful for having spend time with Y’gol’s daughter, but knew it was time to part.

The Ogre growled lightly he wasn’t sure how Sabin knew the seldom spoken language of the Ogre, but he didn’t feel like questioning it. He wasn’t the only one left in Eisignol or Bisignol, but they have little to no written history or language it’s all done orally. He nodded then Guk-Guk chimed in. “And Mama Saba say because Guk-Guk can have babies I need Auntie Ci-Ci to teach me about them.” The Ogre growled again looking at Sabin expectantly. “Oh is that right Ms. Togar?” He knew she knew the girl’s past, he had hoped the Dark Elf could stree the girl away from that sort of thing.

“Of course!”, Sabin spoke in common tongue again, “She will grow up to be beautiful woman and will have a good mate to support her, and if she wills it, she will also give birth, but only out of love!”.

Y’gol growled a little deeper answering in the Ogre tongue again.
“You will not be turning my cub into some kind of whimsy Den Mother! This I cannot allow.”

Sabin chuckled as she spoke back, ”And you will not make her more of a savage than she is, mister. She is very talented and capable, and she will love and have children if she wants to. And for your information, if you dare call me a whimsy den mother, I will personally kill you!”

Y’gol snorted as he saw what he assumed was their destination ahead before responding.
“Not if I eat the boy first. And you aren’t a whimsy den mother yet, that’ll be after you have the child and the big blue one returns to your side.”

With a deep sigh Dire responded in the same tongue.
“Both of you need to grow up, and I’ll be the one eating the boys who dare sniff after Guk-Guk.”

Sabin shook her head. ”You understand you can’t keep her off men forever don’t you?”

Both Y’gol and Dire snorted, but before they could answer Rikki shouted back at them.
“Ok, we’re here, best just send Guk-Guk, Sabin, and the boy forward. Ci-Ci is...delicate.” Y’gol placed Guk-Guk back on the ground while he and Dire stood upon the grass watching. The Redkin said with a slightly sarcastic tone before dismounting Decker and leading the three closer to the small caravan wagon decked out with many shiny baubles and jewelry hanging from hooks all around it.

Rikki hated dealing with Ci-Ci. She was a nutcase even by pure Goblin standards and that’s saying a lot. She loved her job more than any living thing, but she was always all bristly when a male of any species was around. Like she expected him to blow himself up at any second, but at least she saved the snark for adult males. She was...nicer to boys at least. Sa’nua hugged Sabin’s side the whole walk over the Ogre was scary as was the Orc. But not quite as scary as his father would be if he found out about this little adventure.

When he saw Auntie Ci-Ci’s house though he lit up some. He could smell her cooking the special gummy candies he loved so much. But Ci-Ci had protocol for seeing her. He straightened his clothes up some and put on a braver face than what he felt. Auntie Ci-Ci hated seeing him sad. Guk-Guk was on Sabin’s other side watching the boy go through the motions of cleaning himself up a little and pushing the fear from his face. The girl wondered if she should be doing that too, but a glance up at Mama Saba told her it was just the boy, cause Mama wasn’t doing it.

Rikki held his paw up a few feet from the door to tell them to stop before he took a breath and walked to the small door. He pounded on it loudly. “Put some clothes on ya got visitors!” Like he had done many times before the Redkin stepped sideways as some ridiculous oversized mallet swung down from atop the caravan sailing through the spot he was just standing. Next he ducked around a long wooden pole that flew out from the side striking the empty air again. With a sigh he jumped back as a sword shot out from the side just above the pole. The furry sapper sighed. “You still suck at trap making Ci-Ci! Come on I got crap to do today!”

There was some angry Goblineses from inside the wagon before all the traps whirred and clicked back into place and the front door opened showing a curvy Gobliness exited dressed in just a leather bra and panties. Heat rolled out of the wagon and her body was covered in a sheen of sweat. As Rikki came around the corner she scoffed crossing her arms under her breasts. “You friggin’ Redkin.”

Rikki bowed and motioned for Sabin to introduce herself and the kids while he returned to Decker and the others a few feet away.

“Peace be with you”, Sabin greeted in her formal tone as she held her hands on the young dark elf and the half goblin, “I am glad to finally meet you, Ci-Ci”, she smiled, “I am Sabin, a temporary custodian to your sister’s daughter… which I have brought before you…”.

She made Guk-Guk stepped forward, “This is her, the lovely child, Guk-Guk, proud daughter of Jik-Jik”.

Guk-Guk wasn’t normally one for being shy. But Ci-Ci had a look about her, she kind of reminded the girl of Papa Bone. Just scary without even trying, and as the child looked at the Goblinesses well formed chest and hips the girl felt a little jealous again. “Hi Auntie Ci-Ci.” She said meekly.

Ci-Ci studied the girl and hmmed. “Well she does look like my little sis, though way bigger than she should be. Why?” She asked looking at Sabin.

“She was sired by a man not of the same clan, does it change something though? She is capable, sweet, wonderful and smart, and that’s all that should matter”.

Ci-Ci smirked at Sabin. “It means I gotta feed her more. She’s a half breed of something.”

Guk-Guk frowned lightly. “Guk-Guk’s daddy was an Orc.”

Ci-Ci nodded. “Yeah that seems right.” She looked at Sa’nua and her face softened some. “Your patriarch isn’t gonna be happy about this Sa-Sa.”

“I would ask you…”, Sabin started to say, “To take good care of the child of the dark elves as well… His father… has been dismissed… I want him to be free”, Sabin looked at the golbin, “He was very happy when he talked about you”.

Ci-CI quirked her eyebrow. “Oh really and is that the wish of the children?”

Guk-Guk looked at Sabin for an answer as did Sa’nua.

“I believe, we should consider the details inside… but first they need to eat, allow us inside, with your permission?”, Sabin looked at Dire, “I am guessing only us three will be allowed, yes?”

Ci-Ci glared at Dire, Y’gol, and Rikki then nodded. “My house isn’t big enough for their male egos. Come on.” She disappeared back inside and began opening some windows and putting away the project she was working on before they arrived. Guk-Guk grabbed Sabin’s hand but Sa’nua sat upon the grass rubbing his face.

“Why he no come in?” Guk-Guk asked Sabin.

The boy looked up pointing to the house. “She’s nearly naked, it’s not right for me to be in there when she’s like that besides...it’s too small in there for more than two people...and I get...claustrophobic in small places.”

Sabin kissed the boy on his forehead, “Please make an effort, for me? I don’t want you to keep staying outside”.

She waited for the boy to grab her hand as she led both him and Guk-Guk after Ci-Ci. Once inside Sabin took her time to study the surroundings. The house was not as small as Sa’nua describe it, but the boy did understand Ci-Ci needed to keep herself away from people and he respected her deeply to say otherwise. Still the place did feel crowded with all the strange machine and maps and diagrams lying around the house.

Sabin twisted her eyebrows in worried expression. She was suddenly not too sure if she could leave Guk-Guk in such a house, but decided not to judge before knowing the person. After all Ci-Ci did live by herself until now, and Sabin was kinda imposing the woman with two extra mouths to feed and responsibility.

She waited until Ci-Ci removed her items from the table before taking a sit, marking both the Dark Elf child and the Goblin halfling girl to take a sit beside her.

Still nervous Sa’nua sat down keeping his breath level and his eyes down. Guk-Guk looked around in awe at all the gadgets and tools. She was told Ci-Ci just made jewelry but it looks like she made traps and puzzle games too. She could hear the older Goblin banging about in her little bedroom looking for clothes to wear. Leaning in Guk-Guk whispered to Sabin. “Mama Saba why she so mean?”

“She is not mean… just uncomfortable with company I guess… I am sure you understand, Y’gol isn’t so fond of guests as well, no?”, Sabin smiled.

Guk-Guk hmmed lightly. “I guess, but Papa Bone just growl until they go away. She just seems mean.”

Ci-Ci exited her bedroom wearing a leather vest with no bra and long cloth pants that kind of flowed out behind her as she moved. “So Ms. Sabin, tell me how did you get ahold of my sister’s child? I’ve not talked with her in years, and while it doesn’t surprise me she shacked up with an Orc this is the first time I’ve heard about her having a child.”

“I am not sure what your relationship with your sister was like, but I can tell you she did not have an easy life. And this child had been on her own most of her life. But thankfully she got picked up by a person she holds dear. Said person left her in my care, but I cannot take care of her myself. I have a mission I must finish and…”, Sabin bit her lips. It was better not to say she may not survive in front of the child, and she doubted if Ci-Ci spoke the old tongue, “Guk-Guk seems to have a gift for crafting… I cannot teach her the way of my people, she would need to learn the art from a female goblin… and I thought you’d be more than happy to see a relative of yours”.

Ci-Ci hmmed softly then picked up a broken puzzle box and placed in front of Guk-Guk. “Solve the puzzle and put the box back together. Young one.” The little girl looked up at Sabin who nodded softly giving her an encouraging smile. Picking up the pieces Guk-Guk began putting them slowly back together. The Crafter looked back at Sabin studying her. “And this mission is more important than the child? You can find Goblinesses like me in any Artisan’s quarters in a big city. And what of this person who entrusted her to you can she not take the girl back? Or better yet why not send her back to my sister?”
Guk-Guk frowned. “Mommy was killed by shadowmen.” She placed the perfectly completed puzzle back before Ci-Ci before she stood up and left the little house Sa’nua taking the chance to follow. He recognized the girl’s expression right away. Soon the two women were the only ones left in the wagon.

“That was uncalled for!”, Sabin said with anger, “You know that the only reason I would bring her in here, was if her own mother could not take care of her, and if her previous guardian had no such capabilities. Why are you so cruel Ci-Ci?!”

The female Goblin studied the small puzzle nodding slowly. She looked up at Sabin’s outburst and sneered. “Because I’m not a mother, I’ve gone my whole life fighting tooth and nail to be the woman I am. Do you know what it’s like being a Gobliness who actively avoids being a mother in a society where it’s expected to just give up everything because you can pop out a kid? You Dark Elves don’t have that worry because your society is run by those who know the suffering of childbirth and motherhood. You keep your men in their places.”

“No one asks you to be her mother, but to train her in your art, live on with the legacy of the promise of what she can do. She herself does not expect you to replace her mother… but It’s obvious you don’t feel like it… and if it to be the case, someone else will take care of her, I just wish you were more open to ideas…”, Sabin said as she slowly got up, “Thank you for your time, we shall take our leave now”.

Ci-Ci sighed shaking her head. “That’s exactly what I’d be to her just like you are to her now…*sigh*...give me some time to think about it.”

Sabin smiled, “Very well…”, she stepped outside as she saw the children, and she hugged them both, “I’m sorry she was like that, she was just not used to having people, but I think she is a nice person”, Sabin kissed Guk-Guk, “Give her a chance for me?”

Guk-Guk and Sa’nua nodded to Sabin. And the girl nodded softly. “Did her and mommy fight a lot or somtin’?”

Sa’nua shook his head. “No I remember her saying one night they...liked the same man, but he chose Jik-Jik. Though she was drunk and it was after Papa found me talking with some of the other kids and hit my head a bit.”

“That would explain a little”, Sabin said, recalling of Denika. She always knew at some point the moment will come to her senses about Galmied. She had a reason to believe she was not one to give up, not after the confession she made about he she felt for him, “Love is complicated issue”

Guk-Guk nodded softly she’d seen what she was told was love between Mama Saba and Uncle Gemmy, though it was a difficult lesson to get through her early life. Sa’nua frowned though. “Love is mean and stupid.” He pouted kicking a rock.

“It can be like that too”, She hugged the boy, “But what your father did to you was unforgivable, Sa’nua. He had no right to treat you like he did, and I will not allow another person to harm you”, she then hugged Guk-Guk, “My daugther will protect you too”, she winked at her.

Guk-Guk blushed nudging away from Sabin some, but Sa’nua shook his head. “No I deserved it, I killed mom.” He said quietly. “He loved her more than me, and would rather I have died than her.” Tears began trickling down the boy’s face.

“You are not at fault, Sa’nua… your father was in the wrong… Please, I want you to understand it, you did nothing wrong, sometimes a birth does not go as planned, and it is never the fault of the baby. Just think of the fact that you survived until now because your mother’s protection carrying over from the underworld”, Sabin smiled, “And she loves you dearly”.

Sa’nua wrapped his arms around Sabin and cried quietly into her arms. Guk-Guk saw the boy’s pain and hugged him too. “Mommas always love their kids, even if they not real mommas, right Mama Saba?”

“Yes. She doesn’t have to be blood related to love her children. It’s not about who gave birth to you, but who calls you her son… or who embraces you and give you a home… same for fathers, no?”, she smiled as she looked at Guk-Guk.

Guk-Guk nodded hugging Sa’nua close. “Yush.”

The broken little boy kept crying into Sabin and Guk-Guk. He’d never been really comforted like this not even Ci-Ci was quite this touchy-feely. “Then...I...have...no...parents.”

“You need family, not parents, and we will be your family”, Sabin said as she kissed his forehead, “and so will Ci-Ci and the Redkin, and the other Goblins”.

The little half breed boy sniffed having run out of tears for now. “Rikki smells funny..maybe not him.”

Guk-Guk giggled softly nodding to his words. “Yeah and he have a naughty mouth.”

Sabin chuckled. Now that their spirits were lifted, they were left with the waiting to know what Ci-Ci had planned to do.

SikstaSlathalin
09-05-2018, 01:07 AM
The day drifted off into night and still Sabin and her band hadn't heard from Ci-Ci. But it was a secondary thought as they watched Guk-Guk and Sa'nua play by the fire. The young half-breeds were becoming fast friends, and with Y'gol lurking around the group the boy's father stay far away. But he wasn't as angry as everyone thought he would be. In fact he seemed almost excited about something.

No one knew and no one really cared. Happiness was the state of the night, the little Goblin telling her Papa everything she had experienced since they left Samach. Even the scarier parts, and side from a few half-lidded glances at Sabin he listened intently to his cub ramble on. She carried on til well into the night. Both Y'gol and Sabin knew they wouldn't hear from Ci-Ci tonight and decided to send the children to bed. Sa'nua went without word, but Guk-Guk tried to fight it, to no avail. Sabin had dealt with the girl's stubbornness before bed a few times before and knew just what to do. She tucked the girl into the bed rolls with Sa'nua and sang her the girl's favorite lulluby. At first the kids were hesitant about sharing a bed, but as a cold wind blew across the camp they cuddled up and were soon asleep in each other's arms.

The Dark Elf finished the song and smiled down kissing both kids atop their heads. Dire and Y'gol were deep in discussion over hunting so the expectant mother was left to her own thoughts for a bit.

Kris
09-21-2018, 11:05 AM
It was cold night.

Really cold.

Sabin was never used to feel like this, as the earth was always warm and welcoming, and the darkness of this night was uneasy.

She decided to pick up her twin blades as she walked a distance to fight.

She felt heavy and tighten. As she started to move her hands and cut the air, she could feel the strain of the training. Yet she kept on training.

The young dark elf boy was still in her mind. He was lurking for sure, and she guessed that the boy was not the reason to it.

She eventually set down, tired and sweaty, looking up at the moon above her head. She moved her hand slowly over her mark, wondering if Galmied was feeling her presence, wherever he was.

SikstaSlathalin
09-21-2018, 06:08 PM
The sounds of heavy footsteps were heard behind the woman and soon a large blanket was draped over her shoulders with deadly clawed hands wrapping the folds around her. Soon Y'gol sat quietly down besides her growling low in his throat. "You have changed much Ms. Togar. My cub has told me much, but surely it cannot be the whole story."

He looked up at the sky hmming to himself. "Did you really meet ancient human Gods and fight in a Vampire war?"

Kris
09-21-2018, 06:41 PM
At first Sabin was startled, but her sense return to her quickly. She was not used to be taken off by a surprise, but her been trained to keep her cool, even when she was attacked without a notice.

She hugged the blanket around her and smiled softly.

"And more!", she looked up, her silver eyes glittering as her smile grew bigger.

Y'gol said she changed, but it was in fact the ogre who has morphed before her eyes. She allowed him to sit beside her as she looked at the sky, "It feels like only yesterday I've been drawing circles in the sand, wondering if you going to rape or kill me first", she laughed, "I have yet to say this to you, but you have a wonderful daughter, I am glad you have taken care of her until now".

She hummed softly, "How have you been until now, Y'gol?"

SikstaSlathalin
09-21-2018, 07:22 PM
Y'gol let out a low growl which could've been called a laugh before he leaned back nodding slowly to the woman's words.
"Indeed, and it was only a few weeks ago that this adventure started. Seems both so much longer ago and so much shorter than it has been. Now I wouldn't be able to do either without breaking Guk-Guk's heart. I have never seen her attach herself so quickly to a woman before, not even the Puppet Master had that effect on my cub. It is...interesting to witness, though the life she had led lends quite easily to her wanting a new mother." He gave a sad smile which almost took away from his black gnarled features. "I am glad she chose you. Thank you for the compliment and for taking care of her."

Some joy returned to his face at her last question. "I have been good hunting down the Shadow Men that harmed my cub and trying to locate anything about her birth parents to give her." He frowned now as he began to remember the many dens he's come across. So many children just like Guk-Guk kept in horrendous conditions and forced to do unspeakable things. Y'gol will never be mistaken for a just or moral creature, but while he's killed children and eaten one or two the things he saw made even his stomach churn. He was glad to have freed some of them and given those who couldn't be saved a quick death.

Kris
09-21-2018, 08:03 PM
"If Ci-Ci will accept her, Y'gol, what then?", she looked ahead, "I can't shake the feeling that those dark elves are planning something… and before you say anything", Sabin grinned, "They are without Matriarch… or women for that matter".

Y'gol nodded. He knew very well how much women meant for the dark elves, and having none, meant those were outsiders, probably rebels.

"I think they waiting for something… or someone in here… and I am in a very complicated situation…", Sabin looked at Y'gol, I can't take Guk-Guk with me. Dire will most likely stay with her, which is something I am wishing for, as for Galmied? I hope I will see him on the path I am heading toward…"

Y'gol hissed, "That revenge you spoke of…"

"My mother was poisoned… and I suspect it to be an act of dark elven tribe… Maybe those guys here have something to do with it… either way… I must do it… I left my clan… my family, friends… all behind for this… and I can't risk my foster daughter… besides she needs to learn and understand her heritage and abilities", Sabin smiled, "she is so talented, Y'gol!"

SikstaSlathalin
10-06-2018, 04:41 PM
The big Orge nodded slowly lifting his keen nose to the wind. There was a dampness in the air which hindered scent tracking a little. But at the very edge of it he smelled death, not a huge concern at the moment. Things are being killed everywhere as part of nature's mandate.

Bringing his nose back down he hmmed softly which still sent rumbles through the air. "I cannot speak for the Blue one, but the Orc and I have been discussing. As much as he would like to stay with Guk-Guk, he will not let you do this mission yourself. You are a single woman and a future wimsy den mother to boot." He chuckled lightly at the second part. "And as capable as you are, it will not be safe especially down the road as the cub grows inside of you. I am too infamous to come with you and he is an honorable Orc, Guk-Guk will be well protected her with the small blue vermin."

He nodded slowly as the Dark Elf's evaluation of his cub's skills. "Yes...she is." He sighed slowly his hefty shoulder shrinking some. "I only wish I could've taught her more. I know only killing and hunting. I taught her how to kill a man before her first birthday with me. And she learned how to skin an Elk before she learned how to shop for supplies in Sàmhach. " He let out another sigh carving some simple figures into the dirt. "A word of advice Ms. Togar. Do not let your revenge consume you. You have seen the effects of that with both me and the Witch back in Sàmhach . I slaughtered whole kingdoms in my revenge and she nearly killed our daughter in her's. If it comes down to it, and the choice is Guk-Guk and your future child's lives or your revenge I hope you know which to choose."

Kris
10-13-2018, 10:11 AM
"I hope so too, old friend".

Sabin rubbed her belly with affection as dreadful feeling took over her body. She was growing into something different. At first she rejected relationship and love, and now she found herself head over heels with an elf from another clan, and also bore his child before settling down into her own place. She sought revenge but ended up finding a child to call her own, and an old enemy to be called a friend.

When she set out, she planned to even give up her life in the process, but now found so many hooks that prevented her from diving down the depth of sorrow and regret.

But when push comes to shove… will she be able to stay as she is and not run away again like she has always did?

She was a dark elf after all, daughter of the moon goddess, and emblem of a clan leader, possibly a future matriarch. There was so much to consider, and any tiny grain or rice can push the balance of the scales off.

"I hope so too…"

SikstaSlathalin
10-24-2018, 11:47 PM
Y'gol growled low and stood up, his huge shadow swallowing Sabin as he stood between her and the moon. "The choice is yours Ms. Togar, but if Guk-Guk loses you the pain and sorrow will be more than I, Dire, or Ci-Ci can fix. If it helps with your decision I will hunt you down and show you what an Ogre with his mind set on death can really do. Good night" It sounded like a threat and it might've been one, but it was said with no malice and as matter-of-factually as one would speak about the rain. He nodded to the Dark Elf and moved slowly back into the camp heading for the main food tent, though both him and Sabin knew he wouldn't be filled up there he could at least get some amusement from watching everyone be scared.

Kris
11-10-2018, 03:57 PM
The sun rose slowly as early rays of light basked at the ground.
Sabin was tired, and the words of Y'gol kept her on toes until late hour, but it was more of the decision of Ci-Ci that really scared her. She knew Guk-Guk could not remain with her now, as her heart still burns for revenge, and the little child of the dark elf clan also needed a home.

She smiled as she considered how proud would Galmied been if he was around, he seems to always like it in pact, and most have took great liking to the new family forming around her. He will be good with children.

She pet her belly softly as she considered the fact her lover was too far for her liking. And this only scared her more. She knew she had very little windows of opportunity to get things in order before she herself grow too big to move much.

She used the time most of group were asleep to take a bath and examine her body. The marks of blood vessels increased, around her thighs and legs, indicating of the change for the upcoming birth, and she found herself confused to the site, as if she was wearing someone else's skin and not her own. She washed her face and chest, carefuly examining the brand, which grew a little dim of light in the last few days. She hoped it was not a bad omen.

Dire was up before everyone rose, like usually, and the two children began to woke when she heard Ci-Ci's voice hailing from the distance.

SikstaSlathalin
11-11-2018, 09:02 PM
Ci-Ci's cries were the last calm sound heard that morning because shortly there after a horn called and screams of fear and anger filled the cold dewy air. An army of dark cloaked figures swarmed from all around the camp and seemingly out of the very ground.

A loud roar the could only come from Y'gol thundered over the horns and screams. But a loud explosion silenced it. More such explosion rocked the ground under Sabin's feet making her stumble and fall back onto her ass. Rikki could be heard shouting over the the sounds, but it sounded like he and the Lohem-Gibor were at a loss. Getting back to her feet the Dark Elf scrambled up the hill, but saw only the glint of golden eyes before darkness swelled in her eyes from a blow to the head.


She awoke around mid-morning with her head in Ci-Ci's lap. Y'gol was looming over her his body wrapped in black bloody bandages, Ci-Ci wasn't in much better shape her head was wrapped and her arm was in a sling. Around her she saw a wounded Rikki and also Iks-Iks and Kri-Kri. Rikki moved an ice pack from his swollen eye and coughed up some blood smiling. "Welcome back Ms. Togar, seems shit went down hard."

Kris
11-16-2018, 09:08 PM
Sabin's eyes moved back and forth in the sockets as she tried to grasp the situation.

"What's going on?"

She moved closer trying to locate the sources of the noises but couldn't find any one firm location, as havoc was dancing all around her. It is then her thoughts shifted to the most important person she had close right now.

"Guk-Guk!! Where is she?!"

SikstaSlathalin
11-20-2018, 09:45 PM
Everyone's face around her look down in shame, but Y'gol growled the answer his voice taking on the dangerous slow tone Sabin knew back in Frostmire. "She...was...taken." His whole body clenched in anger and despite the bandages and wounds he ignored the pain. "Sa'nua...was...killed...trying... to... protect...her." Ci-Ci let out a choked sob, but otherwise kept quiet. "She...ran...to...Dire...he...protected...her...but ...they...were...both....taken." His body ceased to quake, but the anger and pain remained on his face.

Rikki nodded slowly. "The Lohem-Gibor are out hunting up clues on them. They were the Dark Elves, they came out of the woods between guards shifts and had people planted in the camp. They blindsided us all, but at least the Ogre killed a dozen himself and ate half that." He chuckled lightly before groaning at the sound and holding the cold press closer to his head.

Kris
11-20-2018, 10:25 PM
"No… no…!".

As if everything she heard until now was nothing but fiction, Sabin dashed forward, the cries of people around her, echoing as though through filter as she reached the filed, the source of noise.

The dark elven boy was torn apart, his eyes wide and bleeding tears. She shivered badly as she bent carefully to close his eyes, embracing him and crouching as she started to sob herself, her cries wild and horrible like a wounded animal, a sight not fitting for a proud assassin of the dark race.

"Poor child…", she said slowly, "May you'd be joined with the twins and their light will guide you…"

How horrible was the person bearing him into this world, only for this child to suffer without knowing the love of a family.

She heard the steps following her, and she only barked an order, "Bury him with pride".

Her twin blades were already at each hand, as her eyes glittered, her body projecting an aura which was unlike that calm gentle elven woman. She dashed forward as let the taste of vengeance guide her senses.

Y'gol had the power of sense and smell, but he did not think like dark elves did. She knew exactly what kind of landmark to look for, and she simply rushed ahead, determined to free her daughter and her friend, and avenge the boy.

SikstaSlathalin
11-20-2018, 11:32 PM
Before she got very far though a long strong arm looped around her waist and hefted her up into the air and carried her back to the tent. "I...feel...your...pain...Ms.Togar...but...you...wi ll...only...find...death...out...there." He dropped her back down and rumbled low picking up the boy and carrying him to be buried.

Iks-Iks exited nodding. "Yes, yes. We are all injured and tired, but so are the Dark Ones. They lost many in this early morning raid and will need to stop somewhere to rest. Besides the girl is with that big blue Orc, I saw him kill six Elves with his bare hands protecting the girl and it was only after their leader was about to hit them both with a Fire Bomb that he surrendered. Still though he never let go of the little girl." The pure Goblin brought a stool and some water over and made Sabin sit and drink.

Kris
11-29-2018, 01:26 PM
Meanwhile...

The dark elves assembled, bringing forth whoever they could capture, their faces covered with paper bags and their hands tied behind their backs.

"That fiend lady Denika mentioned is here, should we report her of this incident and let her know of this ogre?"

"Not yet!", hissed another dark elf, "We need to let Lord Sable know of this first, he already told us how tricky the high elf mage is... and in her condition it will be better not risk her doing anything that will not go well with the plans... remember she is only a needed addition, nothing more... we should regard her highly for her obvious play she will have in the coming events, but we are the masters, not she".

"Very well", said the first elf, "And you would love the treasures we have with us".

"Excellent, more sacrifices. A well compensation for the loss of our brothers..."

"Not only this!", the dark elf moved closer pushing two covered figures, one very tall, another much shorter, revealing their faces.

"Hmm...", the dark elf studied Guk-Guk with a smile, "I think I have a special use for her... as for him...", his attention shifted at Dire, and he licked his lips as some kind of understanding hit his mind.

He walked backward and took out one of the torches that lit the chamber everyone was gathered at. He moved across the cave as he studies images of historical events, until he found the wall painting he desired.

He noticed the image of the twin goddess of the moon, and the sea good trying to battle a powerful foe, known as the god of Chaos and death, the void god. He moved closer to Dire lifting up his chin as he studied his face and moved back as he realized something.

"Get me a crow", he said, "I need to let Sable know of something...", he looked around his back, "Get everyone in the cages until we start the ceremony, aside of this two, place them in the lower dungeons. I need to do some thinking".

SikstaSlathalin
12-15-2018, 05:23 AM
Dire was so proud of his granddaughter. She didn't cry or beg, or show fear. She seemed to have more Orc in her than Goblin. As the attack happened Guk-Guk was already up and rushing to the Berserker's side. And together they fought off a fair number of Dark Elve, but they quickly outnumbered the pair and after they captured the girl and threatened to kill her Dire threw down his blade and took his girl into his arms holding her tight and snarling at anyone who came near.

Then as they were led into some black-out wagon and taken who know where and still little Guk-Guk didn't cry or show fear. They didn't go very far by Dire's reckoning, but once they stopped and stepped from the wagon the old Orc wasn't sure where they were. It was deep underground in some kind of fortified structure. Not Dark Elf design, but showed signs of Dwarf and Giant craftsmanship. Deeper and deeper they were led, many prisoners watching them. Him with hate her with lust, any woman trapped in this place was likely near dead from suffering the lusts of the prisoners who seemed to have free reign of the cell block levels with Dark Elves watching them closely as they wander weapons and poisons ready.

As he and Guk-Guk were led to meet the warden he found himself growling deeply as he saw it was one of the Elves from the camp. It took his utmost control to not rip the Dark Oes face off as he stared intently into the blue Orc's face seeming to come to a realization. Even calling for a crow to send a message to his master. Then at the end of their journey they were taken to a surprisingly comfortable cell. It was then Dire came to the conclusion that they were in an old church not a fortress and he and Guk-Guk were locked into some kind of monk's cell. It had a decent-sized bed, a small fireplace, a table, a bookcase, and a wash bin. There was no fire nor water to wash, but using the books Dire could fix one of those. Though now that they were alone he heard the quiet whimpers of his granddaughter and forgot about the fire quickly moving back to the bed and wrapping her in his strong arms hushing her gently. "Don't worry my blood, your Papa and Mama won't rest until they save us. And I'll keep you save."

The girl was openly crying now holding tightly to her grandfather. "Ganpa this like place where Shadow men kept Guk-Guk, they come back for her now!"

Dire shook his head and began rocking her gently.
"Not while your Ganpa is alive. He'll tear this place down around them." He continued to comfort the girl, but his keen ears picked up the sound of unsteady footsteps coming down the hall towards them. Reaching over he broke a leg off the table and waited.

Kris
01-06-2019, 05:42 PM
In the darkness, a looming shadow reached forward. Gentle yet agile, a sway breeze with a very noticeable sweet odor.

It was Dire who first picked on the hint of scent, and almost immediately hissed, "Sabin-!"

Guk-Guk reached forward to hug the woman, knocking off the tray of food the lady was holding, "Mama!", she cried with happiness.

The lady quickly flinched back, her black hair descending down her lovely shoulders. The skin color is unmistakable, and so was the facial expression and the gentle neck. It was rather dark so Dire almost made a mistake. Almost. But he knew that this pretty elf, was not Sabin as this lady's eyes shone in gold, not silver.

"Who are you?", Dire hissed and the lady moved forward to the light (https://i.chzbgr.com/full/8996504064/hA83C905A/). She must have been a woman from Sabin's tribe. Dire met many of the dark ones, but none of them reached Sabin's gentle beauty, and here, said lady could rival or maybe even surpass hers. The skin tune was the same delicate lovely purple. Dire saw many of the dark ones in his life (and he did travel almost all over the map), and none of them had a skin color akin to Sabin's color, and here this lady was almost her twin. She even had the same shape of of eyes, nose and lips... But she was taller than Sabin and seemed somewhat less sure of herself.

"You are a child of the Qumran tribe, are you not?"

The dark elf opened up her mouth few times before she answered, "Do you know of my clan?"

"Answer first".

The woman nodded softly, "Se'elith Togar", the woman said slowly as she crouched to the floor to pick up the food that was dropped to the ground, "Forgive me for my foolishness, Because of me, this room is now a mess".

Dire was in disbelief. Why would a proud child of the moon reduces herself to be a plain maid and for a tribe of bandits and murders no less, "I've met one of yours... Sabin Togar".

The dark elf stopped for a moment to clean and looked up to Dire, a look of dread in her beautiful eyes, "Is she well? is she alive? please, spare me no details".

"What is she to you?"

The woman was unsure what to answer, but after a long moment of silence she added, "A sister... But I may never be able to adress her as such..."

"Why are you here? with all of those bastards?"

Tears rosed in her eyes and glittered in gold, "It was not supposed to be like that... I was tricked... but now... now there is no turning back".

"Tell me more!"

"I can't, please, don't force me to...", she lifted trails of her hair off the right side of the neck where Dire could see a glowing orb. She was branded as slave. So there was no way for her to escape.

"Who did this to you?", he asked slowly.

"I did... He had nothing to do with it..."

Dire moved forward grabbing her shoulders, "Listen, we are attacked by these people and it could be that you hold something... a key of sort... for us to understand all of this...", he kept shaking her, "I've known Sabin for a short while, but enough to know that your kind will never submit yourselves as slaves, and your clan in particular... the Togar family which is the royality... They will never be this evil, what's going on?!"

Tears continued to flow down from her eyes, "I... I was a fool... And that's why it all happened. Our elder brother, Sable... he had a plan... I should have rejected him from the start but I couldn't... I ended up branded... I did... horrible things... YAHHHHHHHHHHH".

The dark elf was tossed to the ground by the might of the brand, and since it was directly over her neck it also slowly suffocated her. Dire lifted her chin up and tried to revive her by breathing into her mouth. Guk-Guk hurried and cleaned her sweaty face with water, and they kept to look out for her until she recalled some of her senses.

SikstaSlathalin
01-17-2019, 12:35 AM
As the camp was being put back together Sabin found herself somewhat useless. And seeing as it was Dark Elves that launched the attack those around her thought it best if she kept out of sight for now. So basically grounded to her tent she found herself falling into a very morose mindset focusing on sharpening her blades, brewing poisons, and just doing anything she could to get prepared for rescuing her daughter and Dire.

But as the twinkling stars of night began to come to live overhead she had used up all the Alchemy stores she had or could lay hands on without paying for and her blades were sharp enough to shave even the fine hairs off her meticulously clean shaven legs she was out of ideas. The tent stunk and her heart burned with grief. The only one who could really grasp her pain was Y’gol and she knew from experience that when the King’s Killer is upset it’s wisest to leave him alone. The last she saw of him he had cleared a hilltop of trees by himself and was staring mournfully into the night lifting his nose whenever a breeze came by hoping for a scent to track.

With the blood and grime of the attack still clinging to her body she gathered up what clean clothes she had and went for a quick cold bath in hopes of clearing her troubled mind.

First she throw in her clothes, rubbing them on a plank, and beating them with oils and soap. Then, when she realized she may have been a bit too serious with her cleaning, and almost ripping some of them with her rage, she pushed them inside the water and hung them by the branches of a midget tree. She then walked by the edges of the river and set by, playing with her fingers in the water, while sitting naked idly.

She was without much of a motivation or will, but the water was warm enough for her, so she got up and jumped inside, quickly diving in and gasping for air as she throw her head out, her hair splashing beads of water all around her. She wiped her face and then splashed them some more, as she started to rub her skin, feeling her overgrowth that was her belly, slowly wondering about the miracle of the newborn creature that has yet to submerge, and then, her hand, as if by instinct, reached to rub the brand on her chest. She bit her lips as weak electrical wave passed quickly around her body, and the growing sensation of longing. She hugged herself, imaging it was her lover who was doing so, and as she started to pet her body she started to think about him, as though he was there with her.

She wanted him so badly. It’s been so long, the taste of his flesh, and the sensation of his lips were almost a memory of the past.

If someone would have come by and said that this was all a dream of fiction she would have found it hard within herself to argue otherwise. And so, like a person thrown into deep oblivion, where emotions overruling any reason or justified thought, she began to believe that she indeed was lost and everything she held dear was lost forever as well.

She started to sob softly, as her silver eyes glittered as she started to shed tears, which fell directly on her cheeks and made their trail down her neck, and lingered into the brand. As the first tear hit the brand the weeping woman was hit with a wave of ice cold magical energy making her body fully shiver and duck deeper into the relatively warmer water. But as she did she found herself in some kind lifeless plain shrouded in purple waves of energy. It felt like life had stopped all around her and for a few seconds she thought she was alone. But a few seconds later another figure appeared- one she never thought she’d see again.

It was Galmied he was naked and seemed to be coated in sweat. His eyes were slightly glazed over and his broad chest was heaving. While she saw nothing Sabin knew what had just happened. The Pale One looked up his shoulder shagged in defeat his eyes cleared up and he saw Sabin. “Sabin?” He asked confused studying her like she was an illusion.

Sabin parted her mouth few times and blinked her eyes. She reached her hand forward, but then quickly pulled it away. She looked at him with a gaze that suggested both great lust and another one that seemed disgust.

“This but a dream! A dreadful creature from another world. Sent to increase my torment, with this cursed vision. Is my mind wishing to break me further, so I would assume the worse?”

She pointed her right hand’s finger as she used her left to cover herself, “I shan’t be tricked by this. My lover won’t… it is not he here, is he! Drench with the stench and struggle of another love battle, is he?! Stop tormenting me creatures of the night!”

Galmied stared blankly ahead the woman’s angry words barely phasing him. His life had been a blur of pain and overindulgence for months. Throughout it all one face and one name has haunted his fevered dreams. “My...my Valkyrie?” He asked his eyes clearing up some more and some recognition beginning to shine through.

She bit her lips, as more tears gathered in her eyes. His voice rang like a sweet bells and his words like prayer for the lost lamb. His body was reflecting some unknown halo and his whole expression showed softness.

It was him… no doubt about it….


More lucidity came to him and his body straightened up. His eyes widened and he rushed to Sabin kissing her hard wrapping his arms around her. It was like he was really there, what magic was this? Neither of them knew, but the large Snow Elf didn’t care his woman was finally here.

She hugged him tightly, but could not help seeing his broken expression. Yet she longed for him for so long that this gesture of wanting her eased all of her worries, “How can it be?”, she kissed his shoulders, his chest, his neck, “I feel you and yet I do not… What is this…”, she noticed the small glitter of his brand and noticed her’s was matching the pattern the brand glowing like twin heartbeats.

Galmied touched her’s gently and his whole body shuddered forcing him to move closer to Sabin their naked chests pressing together the brands touching and pure pleasure flowing through them both. “Our marks...they must...be like a link between us.”

Sabin gently moved her fingers over his brand and softly rubbed the skin surrounding the location, enjoying the fact she too, could have feel the sensation. It meant that it was indeed some kind of mutual experience. She then moved both of her hands around his neck and entangled her fingers into his hair, which felt somewhat wet but still as silky as she remembered. She looked long and hard into his eyes as the smile shaped upon her lips, and without realizing it, she was soon on her toes so she could raise to his face and kiss him.

But it was then that she heard a weak moan coming from behind him. While everything still looked like the lake she had bated in, there were some kind of additional layer over some area in the horizon. In it she could see an image, as though the sky were torn by knife around that area, and she could see sights, which were probably reflecting what was happening on his end. A lady was lying in a bed. Naked.

She recognized her instantly as that maiden from before, the one which along with his sister came to pick him away. She was fast asleep, lost in her dreams as the bed around her seemed to be in havoc, as if by struggle or….

“Galmied?”, Sabin asked gently. There was no clear tune to her voice. It could have been a genuine question, or a surprise. But she wanted to know what was going on.

Seeing her confusion he looked behind and his own face scrunched in confusion. “Who is that?” He asked absently, but just as the words left his mouth his eyes glazed over some and he stumbled back falling to his backside on the surprisingly squishy dreamscape. He looked up at her some clarity coming back followed by shame and horror. “How long has it been since I saw you?”

“Three moons”, Sabin said slowly, “And counting…”, she moved closer, feeling the sweat lingering down his nape, as his naked body was evidence enough for what could have been happening. His expression was hard to read, but she felt something she didn’t feel from him in a long while. Fear.

“Three moons? Nae it cannae be, I just saw ye last week!” He got to his feet, but feeling hadn’t quite returned and he dropped into the Dark Elf’s arms. Lifting his hand he saw a small glowing tattoo and he gasped. “A wedding brand?” He asked in disbelief then studied it closer. “Nae engagement tis nae set intae my skin. What happened these three months my love?” He asked like a child memories of his enslavement flooding his mind.

Sabin felt like she was about to give in and break right there and then. She felt like she bursted into another’s being’s life and disturbed their peace. What was all those words about marriage and engagement. Didn’t he throw a tantrum when an old lover returned to her life? She wanted to just get up from there. Accept the idea that she was alone for good. Departed from child and the love of her life, as well from friends and family… but she collected all that was left from herself as she continued to stroke his hair, allowing his head to sink into her lap.

And then, no words followed. Just melody. She began humming, then repeating words from an old poem in her own tribe’s words. A song which she herself was oblivious to the lyric meaning. Her mother sang to her this song in same fashion, and she always considered it being some kind of a song to ease a broken heart and worried mind.

While still humming she continued to speak, now in common words.

“There was child of ice, with heart of thunder. Who shamed his pride, for his family. He was banished and cursed. His soul was shattered, and what was left of his body, he gave to all those that sought ownership.

And soon, that curse he wore as a brand. Not by his will, but against. And that brand he needed to suffer, until a child of the night shared the brand with him, taming it some to ease the pain, but not enough to erase the memories.

And while the mind finds comfort with forgetting the past, it is the past that does not forget, or the people that seek pride. They carried the child, back into the lair of ice, to aton, and there he felt it was his mission to break away from the brand… once and for all…

But what happened then? The girl of the night does not know, for she did not share the fate of the brand, from said point onward. She had another family to look and care for, with the hope of the child of ice returning to her… But what did the child see? Has his sins been cleaned at least? Has he decided to abandon the mutual brand he was carrying for another altogether? Or was he tricked by the darkness of the cold?”

Sabin continued to pet his hair and tears gathered in her eyes. She was glad that the wind was playing with her hair, for she didn’t wish for her lover to see her in such pain. She was, after all, happy to receive just this moment of bliss, and by so master all of her power to enjoy every bit of it, before the night was over, and dream was all going away. Even if Galmied was with another, for at least one more night, he was hers, and hers alone, but what all this meant? What was going on? Did his sister trick him into this?

The woman’s calming voice seemed to return the man to himself. Lifting from her lap he cupped her face and brushed the hair away. Seeing the pain speared his heart, he kissed her deeply lifting her body onto his lap pressing their brands tightly together. His love burned into it filling his woman with it. But along with his love she felt his fear and doubt- he didn’t know what had happened to him since last he saw her. All he knew was what his heart and soul told him. “I know nae what is happenin’, all I know is this.” He trailed his hand down her body and to the swell of her stomach feeling the energy of their child seems to bubble up at his closeness. “Ye are the mother of my child, and I will find my way back tae ye.”

“You better! Child of ice!”, she moved closer to him and began to kiss him from his forehead, down to his nose, lips and chin, before nuzzling his neck, sniffing his sweet aroma, “I am waiting, don’t keep me waiting for long!”.

She knew at this moment that all her worries and doubts were foolish and unrealistic. But she was still afraid- for she knew that once this nightly image disappears, the darkness may claim her heart once more. But at the same time, he was worried as she did, even more- or so she felt and so she moved closer and brushed their brands together, as she moved her body into him, allowing some of her energy to slip into his. If he was feeling the same sensation as she did when their brand were brought closer, then she figured, it will be good to press themselves closer, so he would experience ease and pleasure.

The woman at his bed, moved slightly, but not enough to wake up. Still, Sabin remained in her place, stubborn to claim her position and ground. She began to kiss him as her hands moved around his back, as she pushed him and climbed atop him. If that woman of ice was going to wake up, she at least ought to know who was in charge of her man’s heart. She began to saddle him as she lingered her hands over his chest, kissing and licking around his upper torso. She needed it, and even though Galmied, who claimed to not feel the missing of time, felt like he only just parted from her, he probably too won’t reject this- even if to him, their meeting is as though but a day passed.

Reacting to Sabin’s assertiveness Galmied quickly brought his hands up to fondle her hips before he aligned them and pierced Sabin’s womanhood the sheer joy filling his being and making his brand for her glow even brighter. His hips moved with forgotten vigor letting the waves of pleasure to guide his hands and lips.

She found it somewhat hard to fight his strokes. He seemed to be full of vigor tonight. But even so, she return, by jumping back, full of ecstasy as she let her most basic instinct guide her, to the point of being mindless being. She only wanted to merge into him, as close and as tightly as she could, and absorb all that he was going to give her, before their time together was disrupted once more.

Time passes different in a dreamscape what could feel like hours could only be but a few minutes on a clock. Neither Sabin nor Galmied knew how long they had coupled, but as Ashayra began to moan in her sleep and awake it seemed their time was close. And as he pulled away from Sabin’s embrace, the other woman’s soft moans turned into a quiet yawn as she sat up looking owlishly around. But she made no indication she saw Galmied and Sabin, a quiet cry went through her lips but more in fear. Getting from the bed she was nude, her white body looked stark and beautiful in the moonlight. Her body was more powerfully built than Sabin’s but lacked the Dark Elf’s more voluptuous curves. Her’s was a body built from training with a sword and physical conditioning while Sabin’s was built from taking lives and seducing targets.

As the last of Galmied’s lucidity began to falter he couldn’t help but goan to himself and this drew Ashayra’s attention to the left a soft smile escaping her lips. “Dreaming of me betrothed? Here join me for some more hot mead then I can make all your dreams come true.” She said dreamily before moving away from the two lover’s sight carrying two stone mugs. The listlessness began to return to Galmied’s eyes as he pulled back further with tears in his eyes. “I will find you again my love.”

“I know”, she bit her lips as she exhaled. Her back was still facing him, but she needed a moment to calm herself before turning to face him. While she was in, once again, a bitter mood, she recognize his tone of voice, and knew that she will turn to find a face similar to the expression she saw on him during his enslavement days under the yoke of Denika. And she needed to be strong for the both of them.

She slowly moved around and crawled into his lap, hugging him tightly, and sharing his body heat, which was slowly fading as ice cold sensation took over them both, and got her chilly to the bone, “No more tears”, she kissed the edges of his eyes, and licked the beads that gathered, “We are waiting, my love”.

And just like that, the vision of Galmied, the bed, the woman, and the heat were all gone leaving her to within the cold water of the lake. She looked around her and once she was sure she was alone she soaked her body into the water, and when she emerged she started to cry painfully, weeping and moaning with all her might, crying a river into the lake. Through her pain and tears though she felt a comforting warmth from deep within her belly. Placing a cold hand upon it she felt the remnants of Galmied’s energy jump to her hand and transfer directly to her brand making it glow with love and comfort. Her lonely duckling may not be right next to her, but she was carrying his child and by extension a piece of his soul and for now it would dry her tears. And as the soft voice of Kri-Kri the Goblin was heard from beyond the bushes calling her name the rest dried and she returned to herself drying off and dressing in clean clothes before following the female’s voice.

“Is something the matter?”, Sabin had just appeared beside the goblin with a change of clothes. She was surprised to find someone calling for her so late at night. Maybe Y’gol returned and some plan was formed into motion?

Kris
02-02-2019, 04:20 PM
Se'elith's body stirred as she slowly regained conscious. She still felt horrible pain surging all over her body, but it was much more manageable than before.

"Aunt Lith", Guk-Guk said slowly as she noticed her moving, urging Dire to come and take a closer look.

"How long was I out?", Se'elith asked.

"Not long enough, and you still didn't give us answers. But I don't think that you fainting on us again will help us".

Se'elith nodded, "That is true".

"So why are you here?".

Se'elith stared at Dire long and hard, "I must stop my brother before he will do something vile... But I cannot aid you directly... I can hint you, I think", she got up slowly, "What do you know on the ancient world creation, from the perspective of the dark elves that is?", she asked.

SikstaSlathalin
02-16-2019, 02:42 AM
Guk-Guk quirked her eyebrow. "What does that hafta do with things?" She moved at sat in Dire's lap looking quizzically up at him. Mama Saba had told her bits and pieces about the origins of the Dark Elves, but it was a lot of words and things to remember and history was never one of the girl's favorite subjects.

The old Orc nodded slowly hugging the child as he sat down across the Elvin woman.
"Some, in the beginning there were Gods and Goddesses for each of the ancient elements. Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Light and Dark. And while all were powerful the Goddesses of Light and Dark of the full moon and new moon were the most powerful and the keys to keeping the last God, the God of the Void from destroying the world. But this was before the mortal races were created, and soon the Sister of Light and God of the Sea grew close and became lovers. They spent all their time together and this made the Dark Sister deeply jealous."

He hugged Guk-Guk closer stroking the young girl's arm. "So in desperation the Dark Sister made a deal with the Void God. To keep the two apart so she could have her sister back, he agreed and they coupled to seal the pact. He used his evil powers to banish the Sea God to the far reaches of creation. But the Void God was never known for keeping his word, he lusted for both of the sisters and easily took them for his own. The remaining Gods and Goddesses were powerless against him and it only took the combined efforts of the four of them to empower of Twin Sisters and seal him away the first time. It was a dark time for all creation, but no destruction lasts forever. The remaining elements sought the Sea God out and eventually brought him back to do battle. From there it gets murky, some say the Void God was killed, others he got locked away again. As for the rest of the Gods and Goddesses they went on to found all the races and settle into eternal slumber."

Kris
02-16-2019, 02:57 AM
"And children were born from the void and light... The ancestors of the orcs and dark elves", Se'elith hugged herself, "You know more than I thought you will. No disrespect here. It's just that hardly anyone remembers the old tales nowadays".

The elven woman rose up, "With the little I tell you, try to put the pieces together, as I'm bounded to tell more. You have some tries before you will need to leave here... You are on their radar, Dire, and I can sure see why".

Dire gave the woman a puzzled look and she directed him to a tablet in the room which described the ancient battle. It was a replica of sort, with a lot of small images, "They say the real tablet is well preserved, but my brother was able to copy it, and used it to decorate the halls of this fortress of his. To always remain him of his goal".

"Goal?", Guk-Guk asked. Her gaze moving between the pretty elf and her grandpa until one image in particular seized her eyes. She moved closer as her small hands traced the lines of the tablet, "Tha' one lookin' like you Grandpa"

SikstaSlathalin
03-04-2019, 12:08 AM
Kri-kri led Sabin back to the camp. Everything was at put together as possible and most of the caravan was sleeping. But gathered around the central fire were Iks-Iks, Ci-Ci, Rikki, and Y’gol no one looked very happy, but the Ogre was sporting a few new wounds by the looks of him. Though like a gnarled black oak tree he stood unbowed steam seeming to be rising from his body.

The She-Goblin nodded to the group then moved to sit in Iks-Iks’s lap who fondly wrapped his arms around the swell of her hips kissing the female's neck as Sabin made herself comfy.

She looked at the couple and couldn’t ignore how well they seemed to get along together, making her recall of her own man, and how far he was away. Still that didn’t stop her from getting back to being professional, “Do we have a plan”, Sabin said as her eyes scanned the members of the team, “How many of them are there? What are we up against?”

Rikki picked some dried blood from his ear and answered. “Y’gol and I went tracking after the Slavers.” He chuckled looking at the grim faced Ogre who was idly ripping into the carcass of a deer he caught his mouth working mechanically while his eyes stared off to the west annoyed and full of anger. “I’ve been told I’m a good tracker a lot, but this big fucker never lost once. Anyway we tracked the Slavers all the way to the way border of Ophier and an old fort half buried underground. It was quite the sight, they weren’t even trying to hide it, carts moving in and out full of people and supplies. He tried to approach but…”

“There was foul magic afoot.” Y’gol growled low in his throat examining his newly burnt hands. The Slavers used some kind of amulets to bypass it, but we couldn’t get close enough to take one. Not even the Redkin and his dog.”

Rikki scoffed reaching over and began applying some cool colored poultice to Decker’s paws. “Even touching the ground near the barrier burned like fire and sent some kind of magical alarm all through the camp.”

“Show me!”, Sabin’s eyes glittered as she got up, “How quick can we go there!”, she couldn’t stay idle so long and had to take action. Even though Rikki and Y’gol were probably good at what they were doing, she couldn’t stop thinking that they got stuff wrong, or missed a chance by an inch of second. She had to be there and see for herself.

The Redkin scoffed lifting up his mount’s scorched paws. “As fast as the paws of a burned coyote can go. Or as fast one of you can carry us.”

The sound of Y’gol snapping the femur of the deer filled the air. “Not quick enough. They were moving carts of people out every few minutes. You stay here.” He slurped the meat off the deer’s leg and stood slowly up his ugly face wincing slightly in pain as he did. Wiping the blood off his hands he looked at Sabin. “I will carry you. Come whimsy Den Mother.”

Iks-Iks clicked his tongue. “Be careful, we’re leaving come first light.” Being a little bit taller than his mate he rested his chin on her bare shoulder his arms wrapping fully around her waist.

Kri-Kri nodded leaning into him some the small tube top around her chest sliding up a little she looked at Ci-Ci who was wrapped in a large blanket her bare feet shifting through the dirt. “Will you be joining us Ci-Ci the little girl is your niece after all?”

“I’m no warrior”, Ci-Ci looked surprised and shocked at the suggestion, “I can send you some of my bombs, and other items. But I rather wait here”.

“Probably better”, Sabin nodded as she looked at Kri-Kri, again a little envious with the attention she got from her mate, “It’s best that only the capable will come along. We are not sure what other traps awaiting us there. And someone will need to take care of Guk-Guk once we get her back”.

The Ogre seemed to growl at the implication of leaving his beloved cub in the hands of a stranger, family or no. “Thank you.” was all he said before he studied Sabin picking up his skull helmet and cleavers. “Grab only the essentials. And meet me by the treeline in five minutes.” He growled lumbering off into the darkness.”

Sabin nodded as she moved back to her belongings and armed herself with her daggers and Galmied’s prized knife at her belt’s hips. She switched her clothes to more protective ones, tying the laces of her boots and clothes, which, now with her growing belly, felt somewhat suffocating, but it was a burden she was willing to take in order to ensure her mission. She also removed the lid of her poison jar and rubbed her weapons with it, aiming to kill whoever she considered an enemy. She grabbed a backpack in which she throw some food and water, and herbs, along with medical first aids relievers and some bandages. She hoped to not need any of them, but she figured this was going to be a rough overtake. Once she was done she rushed to meet the Ogre, “Ready”, she said, her eyes fixing on the road ahead of her.

Y’gol nodded picking the woman up cradling her in his arms. He had managed to clean himself up a little while he waited, but all that meant was she wouldn’t be covered in blood during the journey. He settled her comfortably then took off at a surprisingly quick run for someone with only two legs.

Sabin held tightly to his shirt and tried not to burden him. She knew he was probably going to carry her so they will be light and quick to their target. She was happy he trusted her to be so close to be doing something like this. Feels like only yesterday they were still at odds with each other, “I won’t hinder you, Y’gol”, she smiled. She had to admit that not running around with her extra weight of her pregnancy was a welcomed change.

The Ogre shook his head easily navigating the forest in near total darkness.”No you won’t.” Was all he said as he jumped several feet across a ravine with the ease of dodging a puddle. “How are you planning to get through the barrier?” He asked ducking under a low hanging branch.

“I’m sure entering something by saying ‘pretty please’ will only work with Galmied, so…. I’ll have to be creative and think of something once I see it”, She smiled, “Not that I’m not saying that you couldn’t figure it out yourself too but… I trust my womanly instinct to come with some idea… worse case we throw rocks at them or challenge them outside… I am not sure yet…”, she chuckled, “One way or another we are getting my daughter and Dire back and breaking some bones… I don’t want them to die too fast… not after what they did to that poor child…”

Y’gol growled low lifting his nose to the wind and course correcting to follow the dry smell of sand and blood. “You weren’t very good at using your womanly appeal with the Wood Elves. So maybe a plan will be good. The barrier is magic that much I’m sure of, maybe if you strip naked and try to seduce a wagon driver we can steal his amulet pass.”

“My, Y’gol, I’m starting to wonder if you just want to see me naked. You can just ask nicely you know?”, she smirked, “I didn’t know that pregnancy was your fetish though”, she giggled, “We can try and see the location. If what Master Rikki said is true, transportation into the barrier is constant. We can try to ambush for those people with the amulet… you may need to stay back however, you are a bit too big for the environment and might be spotted”

The Ogre gave a kind of snort as they breached the forest and entered the flat scrublands towards the deserts. “Sabin, if I was wanting to see you naked or the like I wouldn’t ask. I would simply take. I am far from the noble warrior your mate is, but many of the races find the naked body of you Dark Ones appealing. And most males are slaves to their lower brains.” He took a quick breath scanning the flat waving grasses before them. “You won’t have to worry about me. I already tried to get in. Tis why my hands are more burnt.” Regaining his direction he took off at an even quicker run now that he didn’t have to jumped around trees.

“I’m sorry about your hands… It sounds like a nasty spell”, she considered carefully, “I wonder if the charm will work while not in the hands of those acolyte that leads people and good inside. How long until we reach there, Y’gol?”.

The Ogre nodded slightly. “Not long. The rodent, his pet, and I reached the fort in about half an hour. I carried them some of the way too.” He chuckled lightly. “But the coyote managed to keep up well enough.” He created a small hill and slid down the soft grass almost surfing down the gentle slope before quickening his pace again. “Maybe we can use the dead body to fool the barrier if it’s still wearing the amulet?”

“I don’t mind if it means we are getting inside”, She hissed, “Those bastard deserve all the harm we can inflict on them. And I know this is not a priority, but if we can help others while we are at that we should… Once Guk-Guk is safe I do want to understand those Dark Elves; motives. We already have a bad reputation, we don’t need those rogues making it worse”.

The big beast nodded seeing the distant dust clouds of Ophier over the next couple of rises. “Nearly there.” He said quietly leaning down slightly closer to Sabin, his speed lessen some, but he moved with remarkable stealth.

“How do you do it Y’gol?”, Sabin asked, “What kind of training did you pass to make yourself strong and swift?”, she watched the road changes before her as swiftly as the mind, the scenery altogether replaced with different sounds and smells, “Are all Ogres like you? When we trained we were always taught to give the extra attention to the smallest enemies for they may prove the deadliest, and the fastest, and here you are, the anomaly of creation. Strong and fast… I believe that is why a lot of my brothers and sisters fell by your hands”, She petted his chest carefully, “I’m honored to not be at odds with such magnificent creature as you”.

Y’gol snorted slightly shaking his head as the reached the edge of the magical barrier. “There is no training, simply living. I have been on my own since I was a cub. You learn to be swift to catch your food and you learn to be strong to protect your kill.” He lifted his nose to the air locating a close wagon on it’s way to drive past them. “No Ogre is like me, for I am not a full Ogre. What is your idea?” He asked crouching down as much as he could behind the sand dune.

Sabin eyes widen with a surprise, as she gazed at the ogre. She didn’t expect to learn of his heritage origin, and of him being not a full ogre. It sure would explain his nature and outworldly behaviour and his uniqueness… alas now was not the time for questions. Her eyes narrowed on her target as she moved closer to the ground. She felt the weight of her belly pushing her against the ground, making her lose some balance, but even so she was capable to maintain a full crouching stance. She noticed a group of acolyte matching, leading people with collars and leashes around their necks. Their hands were bound and chained and their physique showed hunger and starvation. Some may not survive the coming moon.

She could have easily noticed the sparkling gems upon the necklaces of their captures, for the Dark Elves wore armor plate which presented their full chest and their muscles, while having some areas protected.

“Blasted, if they were dressed in rugs, I would have simply sneaked as one of them, but they will immediately see me like this. We don’t have much time. If we attack now, we run the risk of the tumult to draw unneeded attention. We observe for now. We only need few of them around, and at least one with a jewelry”.

The wagon went in and another followed. Few more hours passed like this, and Sabin was growing irritated. The heat along with her pregnancy was unbearable, and having Y’gol aid her finding a hidden spot to relieve herself occasionally was almost risking their mission. However, near dusk, one wagon came which bore no slaves, but other strange goods, and only few dark elves to guard.

Sabin nodded to Y’gol as she withdraw a bomb and lit it on fire, “Give it about twenty seconds before you jump in. It is a silent trap, but the poison is deadly upon immediate impact. Once the first one is done, it is safe to attack”.

She made sure no one was around as she threw the round object at the wagon. The Ogre growled softly and watched. The sound of an object hitting his wagon made the young Mer stop and look back. It sounded like some part of his cargo had fallen over these were important supplies. Climbing into the back he searched through and found the smoke bomb, he was about to call out, but the small explosion of vapor hit him hard in the face and made him stumble off the side of the wagon the smoking object falling from his hand.

As the woman asked he waited for the twenty seconds then crept forward dragging the unconscious young Mer back to Sabin. “Here.” He said simply.

Sabin’s hands reached for the necklace and grabbed at it, tearing it off his body, letting the small chain remain on his body. She then rushed, with amazing speed for a pregnant lady all the way to the area of the barrier. She recalled what the other Dark Elves did, which was simply entrust the gem into it, and it in turn allowed them safe passage, alas for her it seemed to not work. The gem was shattered immediately and Sabin barely escaped the scene to avoid harm done to herself, “CURSES AND DAMNATION”, she cried.

It seemed there was no way for either of them passing. In frustration she did something which Y’gol noticed, but couldn’t stop on time. She threw herself at the barrier and his hissing cries for her to stop was echoing as a dark light encircled her body. She recalled the damage done to his palms and expected the worst, knowing this foolish act was deserving a proper punishment, and yet, such punishment never came to pass. She found herself on all four… and intact. Slowly she looked up, wondering if she was even alive, only to find out that she was at the other side of the barrier while Y’gol remained behind. She quickly ran for the barrier, careful of touching it, studying it carefully once to learn that it did not harm her once she touched it. However, it seemed it was one way entrance, for she felt like she was pressing against a glass door, only able to see and not pass, “Y’gol, what is the meaning of this?”, she asked, extremely surprised with the unexpected outcome of the events.

The beast growled quizzically slinking forward quickly know the fuss she had made would be attracting attention soon. “I do not know, but it seems you are on your own Ms. Togar. Be quick and be quiet I have seen a few of your sisters walking around in the garbs of servants in my look around. That may be your best chance.”

“Yes”, Sabin nodded. Wondering why would female Dark Elves be around was of second concern. Another question to be left for another day. If she could find any one of them, she could easily conceal herself into their rank, but she wondered how it will be possible for her to hide her lump long enough for her to find Guk-Guk and Dire, “What about you?”

“THE FUCKING OGRE IS BACK!” A loud male shouted from the camp causing Y’gol to snarl and run along the barrier drawing their attention from Sabin.

Sabin realized that the best action was to move ahead. She had to trust the big creature to take care of himself, “Just stay safe friend”, she whispered as quickly disappeared into the nightly tunnels, leaving the Ogre behind hoping they never catch him.

Kris
03-09-2019, 02:22 AM
Dire growled lightly inspecting the relief closely. The girl was close, the creature in the image had what looked like a mane of hair and covered in some kind of scale like a Dolg Gramar, but the build, skin color, and burning red eyes were exactly his own. He opened his mouth to question the woman when a loud bell began tolling all throughout the dungeon forcing his hands up around his ears. “What in the dead night is that?”

“ALARM, ALARM, INTRUDER AT THE BARRIER! AN OGRE” A male’s voice sounded through the dimly halls.

Guk-Guk’s ears were much more sensitive than Dire’s she cried falling into Se'elith’s arms cringing.

“Shush, little one!”, She pet the little girl’s head and carefully pet her black mane. She looked at Dire and he immediately understood what she wanted to say. He knew that she being her longer than needed was a cause of risk for not only her, but maybe the both of them. She had to leave, before anyone realized she outstayed her welcome entree. Dire nodded at her and she picked up Guk-Guk’s cheeks in her hands, making her look into her golden eyes, “Hey little one. I need you to be strong, okay?”, she said with a smile.

“You go, now auntie?”

“Yes”, Se’elith nodded, “You protect your grandpa yes?”

Guk-Guk nodded with tears in her eyes, “Don’t go”

“I must!”, Se’elith let Dire a chance to take her place before she quickly ran away.

Dire gritted his teeth and wrapped his arms around Guk-Guk holding the child close as the pretty Dark Elf gathered up her things and quickly vanished from the small cell just as heavy mailed boots came down the corridor. Thankfully the loud peeling of the bell had ceased and the two prisoners had managed to recover as Sable and a smaller knight entered.

Dire growled pushing Guk-Guk behind him.
“What do you want?”

Sable studied the pair and smirked.
“Oh a great many things savage, but for now you are coming with me. I have many questions you will answer.”

With a low snort the blue skinned Orc shook his head.
“No.” Guk-Guk poked her head out to shout at the mean Elf, but the small knight produced a black orb and said a quiet spell pain seeming to strike the girl like a hand around her throat choking her.

The Orc snarled and lifted his hand to strike the tormentor, but Sable snapped his fingers and the knight continued the spell crushing the girl’s windpipe more. “Do it and Sha’lina will kill the brat.” With tremendous effort Dire lowered his hand and the small knight canceled the spell causing Guk-Guk to drop to her knees coughing violently.

“Good savage, now come!” Sable ordered moving to the side slightly as the pair began to pass. But just as they passed Sha’lina grabbed Guk-Guk by the hair and yanked her roughly back and away from Dire. Before either Sable or the small knight could react Dire’s hand shot out and punched the knight squarely in the front of it’s helm sending the bit of armor away revealing the youthful face of woman, but her skin was a midnight purple color and on her face was the tattoos of the New Moon Tribe that glowed angrily against her gold eyes. She hissed and pulled the Orb out intent on killing the girl now. But a loud shout from Sable in the Dark Elf tongue and the cold sting of steel pressed against Dire’s neck stopped him.
“You have a fire and I need you alive, but do that again and I’ll show you true suffering. The girl will stay with Sha’lina as insurance for your compliance. She will be unharmed if you play nice.” Dire was foaming at the mouth with rage, if Guk-Guk wasn’t present he’d have taken Sable’s sword against his skin just for the chance to crush the bastard’s head with his bare hands before he broke both the bitch’s arms and fucked her to death right there in the cell. But for the girl’s safety he quelled his rage and growled something in Orcish to his younger. Who wiped her tears and tightened her jaw forcing her own pain and anger down just like her Gampa told her too.

The tension faded and Sha’lina put the orb away grabbing Guk-Guk’s shoulder before nodding to Sable. The Dark Elf man nodded sheathing his sword before he jerked his head down the hallway. Dire gave one last look at Guk-Guk before he walked down the hall with Sable giving a hand signal to Sha’lina down the opposite side. The woman nodded a small trickle of blood sliding down her fair face as she guided the Half-Breed deeper into the dungeon.

***

Sabin moved through the above ground camp, whenever patrol passing she glued herself to the shadows and let the darkness hid her until it was safe to move again. She narrowed her eyes to look for any sources of light and carefully made her steps be almost unhearable. It looked like any normal camp during time of war. Nothing was interesting, and she knew there was no way for the important prisoners to be located in this area, which she considered the Orc and the half goblin to be, seeing how they went out of their way to grab them.

She looked around carefully, eyeing another fortress and near it not far was a tunnel leading down. She decided to trust her instincts and follow into the rabbit hole. She would need to find a disguise though for most of the Dark Elf women weren’t exactly running around in their armors and those that were sported the hated symbols of the New Moon Tribe.

***

In silence Dire moved before Sable. But as the sounds and smells of blood assaulted his sense he growled. “Where are we going?”

Sable only smiled, “You will see soon enough, savage, no need to spoil the surprise ahead of time.”

***

Guk-Guk was holding her tray steady, but the heavy glasses of beers threatened to be knocked over every few moments, when each of the Dark Elves pulled her chain in order for her to serve the drinks. She was dressed in minimal clothes now, which, although pretty, made her feel uncomfortable. The gems were heavy and the silk was itchy upon her skin.

https://www.callformore23.co.uk/Amazon/lg651_lg652/g3.jpg

And the worst thing was the leering gazes of the males that hungirly undressed her. She was indeed a pretty creature, and her being underage didn’t stop them from desiring her. She swallowed hard, recalling previous events where she was forced and taken against her will, and even so, she held herself from crying as she knew a worse fate may come upon her if she was not strong enough.

There were other women in their arms, of many races, and some appeared to be even of the Dark Elves, however, they clearly did not wish to be there, unlike the horrible lady who put her in this place.

“Don’t be day dreaming now”, said the mean elven lady. She was pretty, but vicious. Nothing like her mama Saba or auntie Se'elith, “These men have eaten girls younger than you… I would try not to draw too much attention if I were you”

***


“Where have you taken the girl?”, hissed Dire after a long moment of silent. Since his destination was unsure, he at least wanted some answers.

Sable chuckled, “You are a grown man, I’m sure you can think of some ideas…”

And though he did, as ire and rage took over him. He jumped at the cocky Elf, before he was pulled back down by the heavy power of magic.

“Dark elves… shouldn’t… have such powers…. What did you do?”

Sable chuckled and simply turned his back to him. And continued down the dark corridor, there were no answers yet. But the smells grew worse and the dread continued to fill the Orc’s mind.

***

Sha’lina sat in a viewing box overlooking both the brothel and a medium sized gray stone arena. It was filthy dried blood, that looked like mud, and even some broken glass and metal scraps. All and all it looked like a horrid place.

The young girl let out a sad sigh as she moved back to the bar with her empty tray. Is was getting harder and harder to keep a stiff upper lip. She’d lost track of how many times she got groped and yanked about, her young mind was constantly under assault from horrid memories of her past. Luckily no one had tried to push it further than just being handsy and mean, but she knew it was only a matter of time. She felt a hot tear threatening to trickle out of her eye, but with a sniff she pulled it back and shook her head biting her tongue and cheek some to make her jaw lock in place.

***

Soon Dire found himself led to a small damp feeling room lit up by only candles and at the center was woman that smelled of High Elf and oozed magical aura. He recognized her smell, but before he could say anything a pain bolt of force struck him in the chest and knocked him out on the ground in the middle of a summoning circle.

The male Dark Elf harrumphed gathering up the items laid out on the black wood table. “I hope this works Lady Lestaff.”

The Mage woman stepped into the ring of light her stomach poking noticeably out from under her loose fitting blouse. “If he truly is what you say he is...it will.”

***

Sabin had passed around the camp, finding no trace suitable for keeping Dire and Guk-Guk. She wanted to believe they were still here, but at the same time she started to feel discouraged. And then some more noises were heard and she quickly hide behind the bushes. She panted heavily and as the figure in question draw for her direction she knew she had been found out. Without even thinking twice she leaped at the woman, but sadly her skills were not as good with the additional weight burdening her. She was caught, one of her hands being twisted behind her back while the other was free to try and stop the blade from drawing blood from her neck. But then the attack stopped and her hand was free.

Turning around swiftly, ready to jump at her attacker, but she stopped. Recognizing the woman almost immediately, “Se'elith”

The Dark Elf lady drop her knife and rushed for Sabin hugging her, “Little sis”.

“What are you doing here?”, she asked, barely capable to let go of her weapons and hug her sister, “Are you helping them…?”. Sabin then noticed the brand.

“Not by will… but I don’t deserve your mercy…”

“What did you do sister?”

“I can’t tell you… not yet…”, she looked at the cave’s direction, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m in search of a particular pair, an orc and half goblin child”

“Ah!”, she smiled, “No wonder the little one confused me as you… of all our family we are truly the most alike… alas, I cannot help you. Sable is mad… and you are… with a child?!”

“Sable? Sable is here?”

“Don’t ask me more sister, I cannot… answer”

“Sister, did he do it to you?”

The Elven girl looked at the sky as tears gathered in her eyes.

“Tell me where they are! Tell me where Sable is! If you cannot speak more I’ll find out myself what he wishes to do with them”.

“You are with a child, sister. If they get their hands on you, they may hurt you”

“And if I won’t hurry I may lose another child of mine!”

Se'elith tilted her head. The goblin appeared to be half Orc, not half Dark Elf child. But now was not the time to worry about such nature of birth or maternity, “Let’s switch our clothes, they won’t be able to spot you and may confuse you as me”, she was wearing a very old baggy clothes, and the possible outcome was that anyone watching may not see Sabin’s belly, at least not right away, “We both have the same face, and if no one looks very close, they will not notice our eyes right away”.

“Then let’s do it. And where are they held?”

“At the Arena’s gathering. A place which Lady Lestaff had turned into a big altar of some kind.”

“Denika! Denika is here too?!”, Sabin swallowed. This was a person she had not the desire to meet anytime soon. Not after being friends for so long and then stealing her man and tricking her, what more joining forces with her enemy. And with the Ogre waiting outside things will only turn from bad to worse.

But there was no other option, at least Sabin wasn’t willing to lose any more time to think of one, “Give me your clothes… and then show me the way”

SikstaSlathalin
03-23-2019, 01:41 AM
Se'elith and Sabin quickly switched clothes and after some instructions from her older sister the pregnant woman made her into the camp of the New Moon Clan. Forcing the pride and confidence from her shoulders and posture. And keeping her shoulders hunched Sabin did her best impression of a slave with a broken spirit. Her dear Galmied was a good inspiration and she wondered what he would think of her now if he could see her.

Would her sad blue duckling be proud of her for being so clever or ashamed? He was of an honorable warrior people and from her interactions with others of the Pale Race sneaking about and being in disguise would be deplorable and not worthy of a warrior such as her. She didn’t know, but she knew her man wasn’t like the rest of the pompous Snow Elves. She just wished he was here right now. Even if he was outside the barrier with Y’gol just knowing he was nearby would set all the turmoil in her heart to rest because if she failed she knew he’d be the first one in to save Guk-Guk and Dire.

Feeling tears threatening to fall she quickly ducked into a large tent to regain her composure. When a rough male voice made her jump and almost reach for the dagger she had tucked into the back of her pants. “Oi you bitch! What in the Dark Sister’s name are you doing in here?”

Looking up Sabin bit her tongue seeing she had stumbled into one of the bathing tents and was currently being stared at by no less than six naked Dark Elf men.

*****

Now she was forced to be topless. At least it was warm in the brothel. Little Guk-Guk’s composure was quickly failing. She stunk of beer and spit, and a particularly randy man had gotten too handsy with her and yanked her already miniscule chest wrapping off. She was still a young girl, but since she started her period she’d been noticing her chest growing more. Mama Saba had been helping her adjust her normal chest wrappings since it started. Now her buds were noticeable and slightly bouncy and the sick males around her were loving the sight.

Some even groped her as she passed forcing her to spill the drinks over her front which just riled them up further. She wished Mama Saba or Papa Bone or anyone really would come save her. She’d even accept Yaoy’s aid despite him being mostly a big jerk, just anyone friendly and not filled with lust.

She handed her last drink to her last costomer and quickly ducked away avoiding the stern glare of the Madame needing a place to hide for a few minutes so she could do some of the breathing exercises Mama Saba had been teaching her to do when she was getting upset. Sticking to the shadows and using her small size to her advantage she found herself a small closet to use, but as she reached for the door a pair of slurring male voices made her jump and let out an unintentional squeak.

“Well…*hic* well…*burp* well. Lookie here Bulfin, I told ye I…*hic* saw the little green…*hic* plaything come this way. It was a Dark Elf man again, he was very ugly.

Blufin looked more like a Half Troll slave who had gotten his freedom. “Ha indeed Haoli…*hic* last…*burp* time I say you’re wrong.” They moved closer with fairly obvious intent. “I’ve never fucked a Goblin so young. And…*burp* the slave we got…*hic* have been…*hic* turned into one-size fits all...c-co-sleeves.”

Haoli chuckled beginning to undo his pants. “Oh…*hic*...*hic* I ha-have. Not even virgin...She-Elves are so tight. *hic*”

Panic and horrible memories flooded Guk-Guk’s mind and she simply did what the Shadow Men always made her do. Lower her wrapping and just lean against a wall and wait.

And then the voices stopped. In quick and fast motion two bodies were lying on the ground as the young half goblin felt something covering her body, “Here, wear this”. Those were slave attire, but much less revealing that what she was forced to. The voice calling to her caught her by a surprise and as the figure draw close to the light Guk Guk’s nearly called Sabin’s nickname… until in despair she noticed it was Se'elith… but she was dressed in Sabin’s clothes?!

***

“Forgive this slave, master”, Sabin faked a very hoarse voice, pretending to be much older than what she was, with the clothes she wore now, it was possible to do so, as she hunched further, and seemed to act like a blind woman finding her way, “I was sure I was in the ladies room, oh dear, pity me…”, she turned around as she paced like a hag, and shivering and swaying like crazy, trying to hide herself from view.


***
Se’elith’s heart had gone out to the girl after Sabin had told her everything. Like many of her dishonored sisters here Se’elith had been passed around the camp a few times. Each of them forced to ingest potions that made them infertile. Even the actual women of the New Moon Tribe took part in the abuses and infertility drugs. Orders from Sable, he was deadset on tearing down the Dark Elf culture and that started with breaking bloodlines and royal genes. His plan needed to come to fruition before the clan became too big. But the woman couldn’t see the child be treated so cruelly especially once she learned this was Sabin’s adopted daughter.

Guk-Guk hugged the old cape looking thing around her and opened her mouth to speak but the woman shushed her gently and placed her fingers over the child’s lips. “Don’t speak we need to move. Your Mama is here looking for you and she can help us free your Grandpa. Just stick close ok?”

Hope filled the Half-breeds young heart and she fought back the tears and fear once more, pulling her wrapping back into place before picking up Blufin’s big single edged knife. She nodded at her Aunt.

***

One of the men scoffed waving the assumed crone away as seven much younger slave girls entered the other wide of the tent. Two Humans, two Dark Elves, two Snow Elves, and a single young Goblinness. The men grunted devouring the nude sweat slick bodies of their bath attendants. The first speaker grunted throwing an empty tub at Sabin. “Get out of our sight crone we have guests.”

“Of course, master, forgive me master”, Sabin wanted to throw up at the grovel she was giving, but it couldn’t be helped. She had to find Dire and Guk-Guk first and be out of here. She couldn’t have taken all the men here, even if she oh so badly wanted to.

She continue to act as she was, once outside she stretched and stood up as she continue to sneak further around the camp. She wondered what this community was all about. So many cultures and slaves… what were they trying to do here?

She continued further until she heard voices rising in volumes and slowly headed for the direction of the noises. It seemed to be emitting from down a long entrance of a tunnel like building. Stepping inside memories rose in her head, about the old stadiums that used to be build down the lower areas of the village where she was born. Her father used to tell her stories about the uses of such locations where mighty battles took place, and the blood of the victims was offered as sacrifices to the god of chaos and how such culture was almost eradicated because it was too barbaric. Still the building were impressive and held her in awe to the sight.

Now as she continued down the stairs, she began to shiver in fright. What if such culture was taking place here?! What about her daughter and Dire?

***

As the sound of havoc rose from the corridors Se’elith rushed up ahead, pulling Guk-Guk’s hand and climbing the stairs. The brand on her neck hurt like crazy as she knew she was acting against the will of her brother, but at the same time, seeing Sabin gave her some hidden hope. Even the brand itself was not as stingy, and she wondered if Sabin had some inner influence… maybe magical of nature to it? It was a ridiculous idea, as most Dark Elves didn’t even meddle in magic, but it was a nice thought to consider.

As the two girls ran they paused as a figure stormed by them. Guk-Guk was the first to recognize Sabin and when she did she jumped at her, nearly knocking her over, “Mama Saba”.

Sabin took a moment to collect herself before realizing that her family returned to her. She hugged the child, and allowed her emotions, which were already overloading from her pregnancy to take over. Guk-Guk couldn’t help herself either and the two girls started to cry together. Se’elith smiled softly, “We need to get out of here”

Sabin looked right and left, “Where is Dire?”

Guk-Guk looked up in question as well. She could remember the voices from the chambers. The evil elves betting money and collecting payment, saying something about competition, but between her trying to maintain the drinks, and keeping people from touching her, she couldn’t make much of it.

“He is probably fighting. In the arena!”

Sabin didn’t need another information to learn what was going on, “Is this an altar to the chaos god? Are they out of their mind? Who is in charge of this place?!”

“Sable… gah!”, the brand started to take its effect as Se’elith knelt down under the heavy power of the pain.

“But why?”, Sabin asked. A question to which her sister couldn’t answer.

“Guk-Guk, I’m going to get your grandpa!”

“NO!”, the girl immediately grabbed Sabin’s legs, “Mama is pretty. They do bad stuff…”

“The girl is right… don’t think that pregnancy can stop people’s lust…”

“I have to get him out of here, I’m not leaving without him”, Sabin grabbed Guk-Guk’s shoulders and forced the young girl to cross gazes with her, “Listen here kiddo, mommy will be back. I promise you. Did I ever break a promise to you before?”

Guk-Guk seemed to be in deep thoughts. She wanted to find some kind of an example just so that she could make Sabin stay, but she couldn’t.

“So I will be back, and I need you to be strong and protect your aunt, do you understand girl?”

Guk-Guk seemed unsure but she nodded. She was unhappy but what could she have done? The mother and daughter hugged and Sabin quickly descended down the stairs, further into the abyss.

***

It was the third fight whose blood was spilled at the ground. Dire was injected with some kinds of syringe that contained some powerful hallucinogenic herbs and he was already feeling himself losing his clearity, giving in to primordial instinct of fighting and killing. What was the point of all this? He hardly had his mind to understand. All he knew was that he had to continue fight to live. He heard the muffled sound of the crowd that cheered and roared like crazy whenever he was victorious and he hated the smug smile of Sable who set upon a throne beside a lady covered in veil. She looked like someone he was sure to saw somewhere…
Rage filled Dire’s heart, a rage he thought he was long past. A berserker warrior is the master of his anger, but every warrior starts as a whelp who is mastered by his emotion. This was the state Dire was in, all he had was a heavy black stone club carved with strange runes that glowed with each frantic breath he took.

All around him bodies were littered. None looked fight to plough a field, but still they were scattered about his lone dais in the center of the arena. Wearing slipshod armor and using modified farming tools as weapons. None was a worthy opponent, and yet still the once stoic Orc brayed for blood like a mad hound. More bodies were shoved through the gates to die by his hand the blood flowing across the ground and collecting in a large stone bowl quickly becoming a veritable pool of it.

They are pitiful, don’t they

At first it sounded like someone besides him spoke, but it appeared louder than the rest of the voices around him.

They don’t compare… just… lambs to be slaughtered

The realization sink in. The voice came directly from his head. The Orc huffed as the rage continued to increase. Now thinking that he was losing his mind, literally, he began to be completely consumed by the rage.

Yes. Kill. Kill. Kill

The voice laughed.

Color this world with blood

Sable got up and Denika sitting beside him seemed puzzled about his behaviour.

“What’s the matter?”, she asked.

“It’s working!”, he said as he felt the magical energy of chaos increasing. It never happened before. No other warrior, or “vessel” was able to summon so much resonance with the energy of the abyss, but here, this lone Orc who had the appearance of the God of Chaos in the slab of destiny, seemed to somehow connect himself to the source.

“It’s working!”, Sable said again.

You don’t recognize the lady yet, the one beside our servent?
The voice continued.

Memories not his own filled the old Orc’s mind. Eons in the past, back before Man or Mer walked the earth. When magic was as common as water and only the pure beauty of chaotic creation. When he was a king without measure, master of all. He was the Void and she was his wife.

She thought to use us… poor soul… if only she knew…

Another world, another creation. Beings strong and mighty roamed the earth, and sky. Among them, were two. Twins.

They refused us… but when one shared a love, which was unshared by another… jealousy tends to make things… interesting…

Dire dropped to his knee crushing the windpipe of some boy barely old enough to have chin hairs. His free hand coming up to clutch at his skull like he was trying to keep it from exploding sweat poured from his body and a physical heat began to flow from him.

“Moladya!” Dire shouted in the deepest of pain sending a pulse of pure magic out across the arena. It hit Denika hard causing her to fall back into her chair flashes of memories crashing through her mind. The confused her, but her magic fired back banishing the thoughts as she smiled down at Dire.

Why is our property is seeded with another?!

“Dire!”, a voice hissed as the cry reached her ears. Sabin quickly recognized the voice only to follow and enter into the most groutqe scene of blood and gore, the kind she had never saw before. The stench filled with her uneasiness made her throw up. Yet she barely recovered as she moved closer.

AND…-! Why are they both fertile from seeds not ours?!

Sabin waved for Dire as she noticed his gaze, hoping to grab his attention while the crowd was busy.

I sense in your memories something foul…. Is he… is he also around us… Did he impregnate our properties?!”

Dire growled at the voice a name filling his thoughts. Deireadh Beatha God of Chaos, ender of days the final state of existence. More names and titles flooded across his mind’s eyes. Moladya, Goddess of Darkness, Lilvanni, Goddess of Light, the last name filled his mouth with acidic bile and caused his eyes to turn red. But the name wouldn’t leave his lips.

Guk-Guk was sitting in her Aunt’s lap chewing on her nails nervously when she heard Dire’s yell. The pain she felt was tangible and moving on instinct the brave little girl shot up from Se’eligh lap and ran full speed down the corridor. “GANDPA, GUK-GUK IS COMING DON’T BE SCARED!” Still weighed down by the pain of her brand Se’elith gritted her teeth and ran after the girl.

Darkness began to coursing from Dire’s blue body the wild cheers of the audience replaced by pure fear. Many of them running for the nearest exit trampling those in their way. Like Denika, Sabin was struck with the magic memories smashing around her mind like wild horses. She felt the child in her belly’s aura scream in fear and pain.

Guk-Guk and Se’eilth arrived tears rushing down both their faces. Guk-Guk ran to Sabin, Se’eilth trying to cover them both from being trampled. But still Sabin’s baby screamed in pain.

Jet black tears fell down Dire’s face as he let out one final scream filled with all the pain and suffering the God inside him as caused and felt. One final blast of magic shooting out, both Denika’s and Sabin’s unborn children were screaming now. The unleashed power of the Void God beginning to destroy the arena the blood below him shooting up like crimson snakes only to be absorbed into his body. When all seemed lost something...miraculous happened. A dome of shining white ice surrounded Sabin, Guk-Guk, and Se’lieth while a sheer wall of black ice shot up between Sable and Denika. Then just as suddenly all screams and sensation ended. Guk-Guk opened her tear stained eyes. The camp was gone, they were all in the middle of a field of some kind. At its center was what used to be Dire, in his place was a huge figure of black and purple. Darkness flowing from him like tentacles. His eyes were only blackness and when he breathed the very fabrics of reality seemed to flex. Near them was Sable and Denika, but they looked far from afraid, Denika still showed signs of pain, but she wore it well. Sable was a smiling fool all his plans finally coming into fruition.

The young girl stared at her beloved Grandpa his features still there but twisted horribly. “No...no..no Ganpa become Shadow man!” She screamed in horror clutching to Sabin and Se’eilth shouting it all away.

Sabin was confused. There was so much going on at once that she could barely hold herself from breaking apart or throwing up again. Still the child needs a careful care, and she hugged Guk-Guk tightly, “No, that’s not your grandpa”, She kissed the tip of her head, “Just someone who looks like him. Your grandpa is kind and sweet, isn’t he?”

Guk-Guk nodded but her face was still buried under Sabin’s bosom and she didn’t let go. Sabin felt up her belly and talked in her mind, “Thank you little one. I’m sorry that you suffered. Your father and me love you very much, please bear with us some more, don’t be scared”.

“Well… that’s weird”, Se’elith moved her fingers over her neck, “My brand… it’s gone… but how?”, she looked at Sable who seemed to be falling at his knees.

“Whatever that took over Dire is probably sucking all the possible energy it can to sustain itself… if your brand is made by such energy, my guess is that it too, will be lost into the power that Dire generate around himself”.

“What happened to him?”, Se’elith asked.

“I am not sure… I think… his creature is… angry… and jealous?”, Sabin said.

“You think?”

“I am not sure… I think… I think I recognize this energy… and I detest it to the core… but I’m not sure what’s going on…”, Sabin’s eyes widen, “But that’s not what important… if more of this energy be sucked out, I suspect the barrier will be down too and Y’gol may be able to-”

A loud roar was heard which echoed some distance away, with the cry of hurting men.

“Enter…”, Sabin said slowly as she looked around and noticed the silhouette of the giant ogre. She then looked ahead at Sable, who didn’t seem to notice her yet. Which was for the better. But the elf beside him…”, Sabin narrowed her eyes, “We need to leave here… Before Y’gol will find out who she is…”

As the roar reached the ears of the reborn God a loud hiss filled all their ears. “A ’BHEIST!”, Dire shouted before he was enveloped in darkness and simply vanished. Seeing their God leave Denika gave a final glance at Sabin before she too vanished in a shroud of darkness with Sable in tow.

Guk-Guk still clung to Sabin. “A best?” She asked.

“A beast… a very angry and powerful beast”, Sabin petted Guk-Guk’s head, “but don’t worry, we will get your grandpa back, right?”, She kissed the girl, and moved closer for Y’gol who finally reached the group, “You are late, old friend”, she gave him a sad smile which faded almost immediately, “Were you… by any chance… experiencing something just now?”

His injuries seemingly forgotten Y’gol let out a slow nod. “Many images, but nonsensical. No words, no direction. Just….” He looked down at his quaking cub wishing to comfort her, but the woman was much softer and better suited. “Images. Come we must go.”

Sabin looked at her older sister who nodded. Still holding the shaking Guk-Guk to her chest the trio took off at a steady pace back for the Goblin camp.

***

The moon was past it’s apex and making it’s trip to the horizon. The camp was quiet, a slight chill silently marched through the rows of tents and wagons. Nearly everyone was asleep, even Y’gol, who was laying on his stomach arms dead at his side and head atop a log for comfort a low rumbling snore sounding from nose and mouth. Near him a fire burned steadily two figure huddled around it. Se’elith and Sabin hadn’t spoken since they got back, which considering Guk-Guk was asleep next to Sabin was probably a good idea. The girl was using the woman’s thigh as a pillow while she was curled up in a heavy warm blanket her beloved toy held tightly in her arms. Her sleep was troubled, but every time she began to whimper and cry Sabin was there with a gentle word and a loving kiss while she stroked the girl’s mop of hair slowly.

The tension was thick between the two sisters, but neither really knew where to begin.

“I’m sorry she had to go through all this, after all you’ve told me about her… reliving her nightmare sounds like a terrible experience”, Se’elith said slowly. Looking at Sabin now, with her mature belly and the child at her lap, the Dark Elf couldn’t help but be a bit jealous. They inject so many herbs into her that she wondered if she could ever have her own children, a thing she wanted for so many years. Why did she have to follow Sable? Why did she want to try and save his soul?

“I need to tell you something, sister, it’s about mother…”

Sabin looked up to her. Her hand stopped petting Guk-Guk but she tried to maintain her posture as to not wake up the child.

“It’s about her death…”

Sabin looked at the sleeping Y’gol. Almost wishing she could get the beast up and attack whoever that was responsible for the matriarch death. But Sabin was afraid that the truth will be unpleasant one.

“You left… You left almost immediately after her death… I was so furious. I felt like my world had come apart. I was upset with the fact no one really did anything… and I couldn’t see the picture for what it is”, Sabin said slowly, and when she heard the soft moaning of Guk-Guk she passed fingers through her hair and petted her again, “But if I try to think calmly I can see it clearly, and understand that ever since Sable left our home things have started to go wrong… The Qamran tribe received a letter of sort, requesting the “Eye of the Abyss”. An object that the Matriarch herself had in her possession. It was a beautiful necklace, with a swirling changing stone at the center. The request came from a new tribe by the name of “Molad”, or “new moon”, and even though they offered high sum of money, the kind of which our clan would be happy to receive over small jewelry without any meaning or importance, mother refused. She never gave any reason as to why, she probably knew it was dangerous so she kept even the closest people to her in the dark about it”.

“Yes… You are right…”.

“Molad…”, Sabin said slowly, “It’s the night upon which the moon is not visible, almost like it is still in the dark, but people know that soon it will be birthed and shine brightly… The pet name of the goddess of darkness, Moladya. The Goddess of Witchcraft and the Unkown. Sable was always fascinated with the art of magic, and this goddess in particular, wasn’t he?”

Se’elith eyes widen as Sabin slowly talked, feeling like her sister could see right into his plot. Now that she had lost her brand, she was able to speak freely, “He was obsessed with the idea of the beautiful goddess who was scorned. Although twins, the goddesses of the moon were worlds apart. And while she had such power, she felt like she was nothing compared to her sister, the goddess of light and life, loved by all. She watched how her sister, the closest person to her grow apart as her love for the sea god increased and she withered away in the darkness. In her sorrow and false understanding that she may be forgotten she turned to the abyss, but when one look at the abyss… the abyss will stare back…”

Sabin nodded, “And Sable got lost within his own idea?”

Se’elith gave a sad smile, “He felt like he could never find himself within the strict rules of the clan. He wanted to leave and start his own tribe, in which people would be free and act as they chose to be. But the more he dealt with the power he did not understood the more degenerated he became. Me and Sable shared the same father. He was wise man, but his position was cut slowly as he was pushed aside in favour of the more loveable mates. Sable watched how his father was demoted, and although he accepted the changes with pride, Sable felt betrayed in his place. He then decided that all children and mates should be on equal term, or maybe be set to have less in a family- that way, no one needs to feel like they need to compete with affection. Sable drank in the stories of our father about magic like a thirsty babe. He wanted to really create something different, a better world… and while he was studying and researching… finally something spoke back to him…”

“What do you mean?”, Sabin asked.

“I shouldn’t have dismissed those ‘dreams’ he had. But by the time I realized it, it was too late. My brother was lost to his madness by the day. I thought that it was a temporary insanity which came with the pressure of having to lead so many lost lambs. I had to stay by his side, but I also was still part of the twin moon tribe. I had to save face and return to the tribe and carry out missions like normal, as if nothing changed. But our parting grew longer until I couldn’t reach him at all. One day he came to me and said that he knew that one of the Dark Elf daughters is the rightful bride of his master. I had no idea he advanced so far in magic by this point now and when I tried to fight him he placed a brand on me. Once I was fully under his command he “introduced” me to the people at power around him and it was then that I finally realized that he had abandoned his noble ideas for a better future in favour of a cursed cult and horrible rituals. His new tribe was ruled by savages that took pleasure from the suffering of others. They didn’t touch me right away… no… They wanted me at my worst, and so the abuse began. I was locked away and left for dead, drinking the occasional water drops from rain and eating whatever bugs and mice around me, the same creatures that bit me in my sleep. Life was slowly parting from me, and it was then that the real meaning of being a slave was forced into my body. When the door was finally opened, and the light of day nearly blinded me, I was taken by them all, but by this point I didn’t care. I was reduced to being a husk, glad to receive every little morsel of flesh or pleasure that I could get from their lustful touches. And when I was finally indoctrinated he told me I was ready for the most important task”

Sabin slapped Se’elith in the face. She felt the rage building within her as her silver eyes were filled with tears. She shook so much that Guk-Guk stirred in her sleep. Feeling the presence of the Goblin child brought some sense back to her, but the anger couldn’t easily be silenced, “You killed her”, she whispered as her voice was muffled by her sobbing and tears. She knew she couldn’t blame Se’elith after everything she had just heard, but knowing how strong her sister was kind of made her upset with how weak she had become.

“By that time, my masters were everything to me… I couldn’t refuse them… nor Sable… who had long abandon even the meaning and idea of protecting those sharing same blood… I was placed into our tunnels as a spy… it was rather easy. It’s very hard to notice a change within an assassin and I was one of our tribe’s elite after all. Even if they considered me different and cold, no one in their right mind would amuse the idea of a daughter killing her own mother. And so many chances came across… oh so many… Mother was already growing ill and careless. Even since she lost your father Sabin she was not the same woman. I could also see that the necklace of the “Eye of the Abyss” was wrecking her health further. I could sense the energies, as it was the same magical nature hailing from Sable himself, and I had the ‘joy’ of feeling it so close… It felt like his ‘master’ or whatever ‘ghost’ that was controlling Sable wanted to help me to get rid of the Matriarch quickly. Apparently she was one of the last guardians of the jewel. A boon she received from someone else… a duty given to her from ancient days. Maybe she could have been a potential vessel as well, since Sable was looking high and low for the kind of Dark Elf maiden to fit the description of Lilvanni, but even when he came across someone who filled the requirement something was usually off. You see, like the moons, the goddess Lilvanni had particular coloring of silver eyes. The kind of which I only saw at few women of our clan, and our mother… and now that I think of it… even you…”

Sabin narrowed her eyebrows with anger.

“Obviously, with mother already having one foot in the grave was not a reasonable choice as a vessel… nevertheless, we had to get the “eye” and to do so… mother had to die… But as submissive as I became, as pathetic creature longing to please my masters as I was… I still couldn’t do it…”, Se’elith started to cry, “I think the moment I held a dagger above her sleeping face something awaken within me, trying to fight… and when my will faltered I poured poison into her drink on another occasion, but I was slowly regaining my self at this point and realized the horrible thing I’ve done, but even then I was unable to fight my orders. I couldn’t talk to her, or save her, so I did the best thing I could… I stayed by her side until she drew her final breath… and you know something… that very day I tried to kill myself… but… something…. Told me… not to… I think it was her spirit… I think she told me she had forgave me.. .”

Se’elith started to cry and Sabin lowered her head.

“To make amends I decided to continue lowering myself for Sable and his men. Let them bully me until my death comes. As if Sable knew what I was planning, he ordered me not to kill myself and even told his men to never reach such point. He enjoyed my suffering and wanting it to last…”

“What happened to the “eye” after she died? I didn’t see such a jewel on her body on the day of the funeral”, Sabin asked, her gaze lightning the shadow of the tent.

“Sable has it. He said that once his master found the right body he would claim the eye and all that belongs to him… Sabin… I know that what I did was horrible, but I ask you to-”

“Don’t ask for it, I would not see your pride ruined any further”, Sabin moved closer and hugged her sister, “I am still upset with you sister. I am not sure if I can forgive you fully now, but I will… How can I not… You helped us when we needed you most…”, Sabin looked up to her sister, “And I would require you one more favour”.

“Anything”.

“When that strange maddening energy took over me… I realized something very important. There is another piece to this puzzle… Galmied…”

“The father of your child?”, Se’elith ask.

“None other. In my visions I saw him. But it was not him. It was someone else, a perfect image of might, a lion. A raging sea god, that is full of vigor and life. Someone, that under normal circumstances Galmied could have became”.

“But then he wouldn’t have met you”.

“Indeed. And I am happy to the gods whom brought us together. I will see him growing strong, but that’s not the main concern. When I first set out to destroy the New Moon Tribe I was oblivious to the circumstances- I didn’t know that they served the God of Chaos and that he aims to bring about horrible future and that’s not all. Apparently something about me and that elf sitting by Sable brought about his rage. He called us his property and he hated seeing us tainted - pregnant with the seed of another man. I wonder how Galmied will react to the knowledge of Denika bearing his child, or maybe he already suspected such outcome?”

“You recognized the High Elf? Even with the veil on her face?”

“Not right away, but the visions and magic allowed me to see something I couldn’t see otherwise… And the moment the foul magic entered my body, I felt my own brand reacting”.

“You wear a brand?”

“Of love”, Sabin said proudly as she showed some skin from her upper right chest. The brand shone weakly in the shape of snowflake, “I cherish our bound. But at the same time, if what evil leaked into me peeked even briefly at our connecting magical mark, he would know about Galmied and his whereabouts… I have to reach him before the God of Chaos or Sable does. I told Galmied I will let him deal with his affairs, but right now my little duckling is probably the only immediate target of the god of the abyss. And possibly the only one who can help me stop him”.

“Where is he now?”, Se’elith asked curious.

“In the land of the Snow Elves”

“That’s some distance away… Would you seriously travel so far in your condition? And with a child?”

“I have to help Dire, and I must warn Galmied… As for Guk-Guk, no she won’t come along with me. I won’t risk it”

“Will the little one truly let you go?”

“She will have to. We came here originally so that I could find a safe spot for her to remain and mature. However her aunt is a little weird. I had my doubts, but knew she had to remain here… and now I know I can leave her with a safe mind, after all, her other aunt is here to help”

Se’elith was surprised, “After all that I told you, do you still find it in your heart trust me?”

“I have to… you are my blood sister… and someone who showed great compassion in the most dangerous situation. Our rules tell us to judge with our mind, not just our heart. It will be the first step of your repentance... “

“Repenting means that I need to come along, or go get him instead of you. Look at you, you may break your water sooner with all this excitement, and then you won’t help your unborn child or his father”

“I won’t let Sable have the chance to hurt you further, sister, and it’s my decision to make, I’m going… ALONE!”.

“No you will not Ms. Togar.” The low voice of Y’gol piped up after the women finished speaking. The great beast had awoken during the more heated part of the argument and simply laid still listening, but it wasn’t until he heard her wishes of travelling the many days North on her own so heavy with child. “You will not survive the journey.”

“Y’gol…”, Sabin said slowly, “Forgive me, I didn’t intend to wake you, please return to sleep, our daughter is safe and there is no need to worry further”. Although she was genuinely impressed with Y’gol kindness, she really didn’t want to put anyone else in danger, for something she considered to be a personal matter. After all this ‘god’ was only looking for Galmied, and had the intention to hurt only those in the prophecy for now. Y’gol could be saved or get stronger meanwhile to fight the real danger once and if it reaches such point. Besides someone needed to stay with Guk-Guk to provide additional familiar comfort and protection, now that her grandfather was taken away.

Sitting slowly up the dull pain of his battles darting across his mind he shook his head.
“It is not Guk-Guk for whom I worry. You are not the woman you were four months back, you have matured from a daughter seeking revenge to a mother seeking to protect those she loves.” He reached down and gently lifted Guk-Guk who cried softly, but a low soothing whistle from Y’gol calmed the troubled young girl before he sat down by the fire rocking Guk-Guk slowly. “I told you this in Samach, you have many responsibilities, many more than just vengeance. Especially now.” His cub had partially dropped her toy and he fixed it his ugly face smiling. “I know I cannot stop you from going, but I want to be able to tell our little girl that her Mama is safe and will come back soon. This I cannot do from here.”

Sabin considered his words carefully and Se’elith nodded in agreement, “Y’gol…”, she said finally recognizing the creature, “Aren’t you the-!”

“No”, Sabin said immediately with a smile, “He is not the person you think he is… not anymore…”, she then looked at the Ogre, “I know that all your words are true… but I don’t know what to do. Parting is so painful… I never could do it properly. I am a coward. What are you suggesting that I do, Y’gol? All these change and the child in me. I’m scared to death. But what worries me most is the idea that people I care about will die… or worse…”, Sabin eyes then lit in the darkness, “Wait a minute, what do you mean, ‘this you cannot do from here’ ?”

The beast growled lightly surprised it took Sabin’s sister so long to recognize him. And he wasn’t the King Killer anymore. He was simply a hunter crushing the shadow men who had hurt his child in the past. But this was a relatively new development and to much of Eisignol he was still the Grizzly Beast from everyone’s nightmare. One he had nearly forgotten.

Kissing Guk-Guk’s head he hummed lightly. “I am coming north with you Sabin, and I intended to stick by your side the entire time, but your sister just gave me a painful reminder. While you know me as Guk-Guk’s father, the rest of the world knows me only as the monster I once was.” He placed Guk-Guk gently back in Sabin’s arms. “This groups end is in Ebonrock, but they will be trekking North for a further month picking up goods and supplies along the way. The last town before Ebonrock is the Giant town known as Stonestead. From there I will be accompanying you until we reach where your mate is. I am still unwelcome in most big cities, so once we part I will make my way to Ebonrock and the caravan.”

“Very well, I cannot refuse this reason. It will give me enough time to properly say goodbye to Guk-Guk and the wonderful members of this bunch. Enough time to heal wounds and to restock. Maybe properly learn the ways of the ice kingdom. I have yet to visit there personally, so it will be an exciting experience… I just hope we won’t be too late…”

Kris
03-23-2019, 03:20 PM
The weather grew colder by the day, and Sabin felt it, probably stronger than anyone, with the chilling eating at her bones. She was sure it was her condition that making her body unable to withstand the new temperature, but in truth, she figured that since she was used to the warmth of the ground, this open freezing air was not something she could have easily get used to. Supplies were running low, and even the small warriors of the Lohems were complaining non-stop about how they needed to cut down their food rations in half. Se’elith was getting stronger in spirit, and Guk-Guk found some comfort with her as companion, as Sabin spent many of the days resting and sleeping in the cart. Even Ci-Ci was getting somewhat less crazy than usual, and the idea of caring for a child was not as horrible as she acted out to be. And when she slacked or had her head in the air, both Kri-Kri and Iks-Iks set her straight with long lecture of how the Goblins should care for their little ones. Y’gol was his usual silent self, and the further they went up north, so did Guk-Guk. Sabin knew their parting day was drawing near, and that it sadden the girl greatly.

“Mama?”, Guk-Guk said one day as the two were riding the cart, “You must promise something”.

“Anything child, as long as it is in my power to give”, Sabin’s belly was now even bigger, and resting against her was uncomfortable, but Guk-Guk still insisted on laying her head close to her.

“You come back to me, and to Papa Bone. And you bring Grandpa and Uncle Gammy back too? And we make big party, and everything be safe?”

“And you will craft jewels for me? And train with your aunt in battle like I asked you to?”

Guk-Guk nodded and Sabin kissed her head, “You are a brave child. I know you had experience a lot of pain. And I don’t want to leave you, but if I won’t do something, there will be other people in pain, you understand this, right?”

Guk-Guk leaned up and kissed Sabin’s cheek moving off her belly and hugging small tears streaming down her face. “Guk-Guk, love you Mama Saba. Please coma back.” It was as much a plea as it was a prayer.

Sabin wanted to answer as best as she could but she couldn’t have lied to her child. If she told her she will be back and end up dying, that will be more crushing to the girl, and so she simply said, “Mama Saba loves Guk-Guk with all her heart and she will do her best to not let Guk-Guk down”.

“I hope I won’t”, she kissed the top of her head.

***

“Sergeant!”

The elf looked up as he was called to stand ahead of his squad. He knew that ever since he took over the legion of Denika and told the truth about her “private mission” that he would be constantly thrown back and forth along any orders regarding his former commander. But he was not prepared for the mission he was going to endure now.

He waved his hands and placed his palm on his chest, the way it was the custom of salute in the army of the high elves. Denika’s squad was built from the most non-traditional unit, and hardly anyone took them seriously. She surrounded herself with many men she hired, and some that she branded or spelled. But after that Yaorlan took control over them and called them back to the capital, the trained magisters worked day and night to remove any influences that dark witch placed upon their bodies and spirits. And it was then that the knowledge of her treason was brought to the light.

And while the Mage Lords, and the monarch herself refused to take public action, the lords and barons already worked behind the scenes to capture the reneged sister of the queen, even talks of seeking out the King’s Killer to do it.

“Sir!”, Yaorlan called and waited for his orders to be given to him. What he didn’t expect was to see the entire unit he was in charge of be dismissed from the room, leaving only himself, “What- what’s the meaning of this!”

“Sergent… no… Captain Yaorlan. For doing a great service for your nation, we have decided to entrust you with the highest mission possible directly from the Lady General!” said Mage Lord Brimmel, he looked at the two commanders by his side who both nodded for him to proceed, “As you know, your former leader has gone missing. A thing which, after hearing her recent meddling with the throne, cannot be tolerated. We cannot send some official name after her. She is clever, and she will learn of this right away… but you, the only one to resist her charms and bring back our lost boy home… you will be the only one we are able to trust with such mission”

“The fuck-!”, Yaorlan spoke as he stomped his left foot on the ground, “I ain’t going back near that bitch!”. The three commanders, who had already had their shared pleasure of knowing his stubborn character and colorful language nodded and Brimmel spoke again, “We know it was a horrible experience. No one can even start to imagine what she did to you and your men… but right now… you are the only one we can trust this task with”

“Frucking… listen… I am only a hired blade. You all just saw me as one the moment I joined in arms. Arrow fodder to be used in your army just because I was born under the wrong Elven tree branch… and you all turned a blind eye to what was going on with her… I am not helping with this… If this about rank or money I can simply just walk away from this and-”

“But you won’t…”, said the lady besides the mage. She seemed beautiful, but something about her showed cruelty, “Your brother has been held prisoner since he cooperated with the druids in the former coup against us. While we do usually behead for such crime, you agreed to serve. It became mutual ground for you to keep his life and to bring money for your poor family. Now… I offer this… your brother’s freedom and our agreement to drop any of the charges against him…”

“Just like that…?”

The woman smiled evilly. She enjoyed it when people were walking into her trap, “Just like that…”

Yaorlan sighed, “Well, I have about thirty men in my squad, if we follow the lead we could-!”

“No”, said the woman again.

“No?”

“No… As you said before, every member of the army is important. Arrow fodder or not, we cannot lose any heads for this mission… and we cannot risk Denika finding out about this plan. Don’t you agree that a full unit will rise her suspicion?”

“What do you bloody want me to do? Go solo on her?”

“That… may not be necessary”, said the other Elf who had been silent all this conversation, “While we cannot send any of our rank into this mission, we can send you some records to the best mercenaries we worked with in the past with. I suggest a small group of five or four people will be sufficient”

Yaorlan sighed, “Fine… but that bastard brother of mine is coming with me”

The three looked at each other for a long moment before looking back at Yaorlan, “Agreed”.

*****

And so the time had come, the caravan was set up outside the borders of the Giant Homestead. Their supplies were topped off and had a couple of young Giants tagging along. But more removed from the merry band a much sadder scene was unfolding. Guk-Guk, Se’elith, Sabin, and Ci-Ci were walking towards the forest line where Y’gol had spent the day waiting.

Guk-Guk’s head was down and her shoulders were shaking some. Se’elith was stone faced, but her eyes threatened to begin shedding tears. Even the normally brusque Ci-Ci was showing signs of sadness. She never pictured herself with a Niece and such a strange extended family through the little girl, but the month they spent together was one of the more enjoyable in recent memory and now part of it was leaving with a high likelihood of never coming back. But as they reached the forest and the once terrifying sight of Y’gol loomed up among the low branches she gulped back her own tears mentally preparing herself to handle a crushed little girl.

Guk-Guk’s tears came as the reality hit her. “Mama please let Guk-Guk come, she no want lose you! I be good I promise!” The girl shouted holding onto Sabin.

Sabin hugged the girl tightly, “You need to be strong, my child… You know that this is only temporary, and I shall return to you once I can”, Sabin smiled, “You understand this right, my child?”. She couldn’t allow herself to break and cry. Not now. If Guk-Guk saw weakness it will crush her, and if Sabin can’t control herself now she will not be able to continue her mission.

Guk-Guk sniffed loudly wiping tears and snot from her face. She tried to think of anything whatsoever she could do or say to keep Sabin around or convince her to let her come. “But Lil Bone will miss Sir Quackers and Sabbi too much. He alla time telling me so, and who will keep Shadow Men away with Papa Bone going too?” It was silly, but the little girl didn’t want to lose her Papa and her Mama.

Sabin smiled as she knelt in order to be in the same eye level of her daughter. She usually was the serious type, but for her daughter she was more than willing to be playful. She removed the stuffed duck and presented it to the girl, “What’s that?”, she asked surprised as if learning an interesting thing, “Sir Quackers thinks you are right!”, she looked at the duck and her daughter, “Are you two conspiring against me? How rude!”, she smiled, “Well, do you think should Quackers be punished Y’gol?”.

The Ogre caught on to Sabin’s game and hoped it would work. “Yes, but I think he just doesn’t want Lil Bone to leave his sight. I’ve seen them playing cards and talking many times. Lil Bone won all of Sir Quacker’s money last night. And the honorable duck needs that money to buy a ring for Sabbi. Maybe we can cut a deal yes?”

Sabin smiled lifting the duck to her ear and nodding along as the toy spoke to her. “Hmm good idea my honorable fowl.” She handed the toy to Guk-Guk. “We’re gonna leave Sir Quackers with you Guk-Guk. Give him time to win his money back and find a ring for Sabbi.” She leaned in and whispered in the child’s ear. “He plans to marry Sabbi when she comes back with Uncle Gemmy, and he has asked me to escort his lady fair personally.”

The tears left Guk-Guk’s eyes and she hugged Lil Bone and Quackers. “And the groom can’t see the bride before the wedding night!”

Y’gol chuckled and nodded. “Yes that is bad luck.”

“Indeed”, Sabin lowered her head and whispered in her ears, “If the poor sucker can’t get his money back, maybe you can help him make a ring?”, she got up and kissed her girl, “I entrust you with this mission! You must keep it a secret!”, she smiled as she heaved her backpack over.

Still sad but, smiling a little more now Guk-Guk hugged her toys close.
“Ok Mama Saba, you take care of Papa.” She hugged Sabin before moving over to hug Y’gol. “And you take care of Mama, ok Papa?” The Ogre lifted up and hugged his child close. “Of course cub. Papa loves you.” He kissed her cheek and set her back down. Sabin gave her one more hug before handing her to Se’elith. “Mama loves you too Guk-Guk now be good for your Aunties and we’ll be back before you know it.”

She then looked at Ci-Ci and Se’elith. “Take care of each other and teach her everything you can please.” The two women nodded and a whistle from Rikki who had been hanging around outside of earshot told them it was time to go. With tears in all their eyes the three females turned and headed for the Redkin. Guk-Guk was held in Se’elith’s arms in such a way that she could watch Sabin and Y’gol the whole way back to the caravan. Once they were out of sight though Y’gol placed his heavy hand on Sabin’s shoulder and a long pent of sob rocked the pregnant woman’s body. She didn’t know where her journey would go next, but one thing she did know was she would find a way to get back to her daughter before death came to claim her.

TO BE CONTINUED (https://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=93387)