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frostsinth · 3 years

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Burdened by the Stars - Pt. 5

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 - MasterList - Art

Holy Shit, it’s an update! A real update! For an existing story! Not a new project, not some random side quest.

Hey! I’m not dead! Whooo!

Welp. I hope you guys enjoy this! I’ve started writing the next chapter already, so hopefully it won’t be another four months for an update. Thank you for your patience! Lots of love.

Requested tags: @lightning-butterfly

“Auntie Gana!” Lorette squealed excitedly, launching herself onto my back and wrapping her arms around my neck. “I found you!”

I jumped nearly a foot, then laughed to dispel my jitteriness. Nearly toppling over entirely as her brother Corwin gave a shout upon the discovery of us both and jumped right on top. Our combined hot breath billowing like a cloud around us.

The afternoon with my nieces and nephews had certainly been refreshing. Though the mountain air of the goblin castle gardens was cold (colder even than the usual winter temperatures at lower altitudes), with all the running around we were doing, I hardly noticed. The six of them had been ecstatic to be pulled from their lessons early for the day, and had nearly bounced off the walls. Much to the disdain of their tutor, who gave me a dark glower as I pried the youngest off their chalkboard. But as I was the goblin Princess, and technically an adult, they had no recompense against my decision to dismiss them for the day to take over supervision of my nieces and nephews.

“It’s your turn to find us, Auntie!” Corwin informed me as Izaak and the twins skipped over. Likely alerted by the sounds of my hiding spot being uncovered.

I nodded my agreement, tossing Lorette over my shoulder as I stood up. She squealed and kicked, laughing so hard she was breathless. Her red braids slapping about her face as she wriggled. I glanced up at the sky, feeling the edge of anxiousness at the pestering thoughts of what Erramun might be doing. It was a thought that had often interrupted my afternoon. Leaving me more than a little distant and distracted, to the point where even my youngest charges were starting to notice. Hopefully he was still asleep, or at least resting quietly. Though with the sun sinking ever lower, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could assure myself of that.

“Alright, one more round.” I told them, placing Lorette back on her feet. “Then I’ve got to get you all back inside to wash up before dinner.”

I ignored the round of groans at my response. The twins, Yua and Hilal, each grabbed on to one of my legs and began to loudly proclaim I’d have to drag them inside if that’s what I wanted. Hilal even argued that she wasn’t hungry, and that dinner was going to be yucky anyway, so there was no point going in. Apparently Niko was currently on a healthy eating vendetta. Feeling that his family was far too indulgent in sweets and treats not indicative of a well-rounded diet for growing boys and girls. So he had taken a firm mindset and an iron grip on what was being cooked and served for their meals. A decision that I gathered was not sitting well with his offspring. Or his husband, evidently. I looked around four a moment as Lorette ducked under my elbow and tugged on it insistently.

“Where’s Viktor?” I asked Izaak, who was currently having a shoulder shoving match with Corwin, the closest to him in age with only a year between the two.

“Viktor?” Izaak took a step back, letting his brother topple to the ground at his feet as he turned his attention to me. Craning his neck back to look up at me with his soft, umber eyes. “He went to pick flowers I think.”

“Shut up, you ninny!” Cried Yua, jumping up from my leg and shoving her older (and much larger) brother to little effect. “He wanted to surprise Auntie Gana!”

Izaak gave the 6 year old a barely concealed scowl. “Well then he shouldn’t have taken so long.” The little prince squared his shoulders and tucked his hands behind his back. “He should have stayed with the rest of us, now it’s getting dark.”

“It is getting dark,” I agreed, reaching out to ruffle his messy blonde hair, “We should go find him.”

Izaak squealed in displeasure, pushing my hand away. “Auntie! Please don’t touch my hair! It took me forever to get it combed straight!”

Corwin, having scrambled back up, attempted to now launch himself at his sibling. Trying unsuccessfully to rangle Izaak to the ground. They may have been close in age, but Corwin was a full blooded goblin, leaving him smaller and lankier than his half-blooded older brother. Izaak was tall, even for a human child at his age, and while Corwin was by no means a runt, he would likely never quite manage to catch up. Still, he gave Izaak more than a little trouble, hanging off him as he was.

“Be careful not to get Crown Prince Izaak messy!” He mocked as he did, giving a sharp toothed smirk, “Papa is never messy, so Crown Prince Izaak can’t be messy either!”

“Get OFF, Cory!” Izaak howled back, beating a little fist into his brother’s back.

“Alright, that’s enough,” I told them, prying Corwin off and tucking him under one arm despite his wiggling and the fact that one twin was still latched to my leg, “Come on, we’ve got to find Viktor before it gets too dark.”

“He’ll get scared if it gets too dark,” Yua reminded the others busily.

“He can’t see in the dark like us,” Hilal finished, tugging on my skirts and offering me a traditional pointy toothed grin from her place still wrapped around my leg.

I glanced at her, returning her smile, then at Yua, now standing over her sister to tug at my skirts. The pair weren’t actually twins; Niko and Grier had adopted both of the goblin girls at the same time as chubby infants, and they had fast become inseparable. Now they championed the title of ‘twins’, rarely going anywhere without each other and making it a point to finish each other’s sentences. And thoughts, at times. It helped some that they didn’t look particularly dissimilar, though Yua had copper brown hair while Hilal’s was nearly pitch black. Other than that, they were the same age and height, and tended to prefer the same clothes and hairstyles. I brushed a few wild strands of Hilal’s hair out of her face as I finally put a kicking and wriggling Corwin back on his feet.

“But Auntie Gana,” Whined Lorette, “If we spend all that time looking for Viktor, we can’t play one last round!”

I thought about that for a second, tapping my fingertips dramatically against my lips as goblins did and leaving the children giggling excitedly. I had long ago adopted it as my signal to show them I had something fun planned for them. I could see them all bouncing on their toes eagerly as they waited. Even Izaak, trying so hard to be stoic and proper as he thought a Prince should be, had a glimmer of light dancing in his wide eyes.

“Well then, we’ll just have to make a game of it.” I told them. “First one to find Viktor… Gets dessert after dinner.”

I didn’t have to say it twice to have 4 of the five children screeching with delight and bounding off through the gardens. Certainly they must be deprived of sweets for such an incentive to work. I almost laughed at that, and almost being able to picture the tiniest of scowls at the corner of Niko’s lips when he found out. Soon their bobbing heads had disappeared among the hedges and paths. Izaak looked like he wanted to join them, his body slightly angled as if to launch into a full sprint. But he stopped, hesitating and looking up at me.

“Are you ok, Auntie Gana?” He asked me quietly, shuffling in place.

I looked at him in surprise. “Of course, Izaak! Why?”

He shrugged, bringing his hands around to rub at the palm of one. “I just thought you seemed a little quiet today… Are you and papa fighting?”

I almost groaned. “Did your inunu put you up to this? Or Niko himself?” I asked knowingly. Eying my oldest nephew suspiciously. Wondering if he had been spying on me this entire time. And also wondering if i had given anything away.

He gave me a sheepish grin. “Both. Inunu promised I could have three isiok if I asked, and papa said I could stay up a whole hour late with him.”

I would have laughed, shaking my head and putting my hands on my hips. “Is that why you aren’t racing off with your brother and sisters to find Viktor?” I reasoned, and he nodded.

“I already get dessert, even if someone else finds him.” He told me, sounding pleased with himself. “Papa doesn’t know inunu already asked, and inunu doesn’t know papa asked!”

I did laugh then, reaching out and giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze as we turned to make our way off the grass and walk along the main garden path. Mindful of his hair per his request. It hadn’t appeared particularly neat, but I was sure the messy locks were quite uncooperative. And I knew how much he tried. He slipped in a little closer, matching my stride with his and squaring his little shoulders again. I smiled to myself. He looked so much like Niko when he did that. A tiny little green-skinned, blonde-haired Niko, I corrected myself with amusement, but Niko-esque for certain.

“Two birds with one stone,” I mused aloud, wrapping my arm about his shoulders, “Very clever of you, Your Highness.”

He couldn’t seem to help grinning again, looking down at his shiny boots. “Yeah, but I think it only works if I have something to tell them.”

I shook my head once more, kicking up a little gravel as we went. “Not at all! The promise from both of them was just for you to ask me right? They didn’t say you had to get an answer.” I grinned back at him. “Or that you couldn’t tell me they asked you to.”

He seemed to think about that for a second, then nodded. “Yeah, Auntie, you’re right!” He looked up at me again, tilting his head to the side. “So you don’t have to tell me… unless you want to, that is.”

I sighed a little. “Alright, here’s what you can say. You tell Niko I said that he needs to stop treating me like a baby and pestering me all the time. And tell Grier I said you should get four isiok, because you are a very sweet and clever little Prince and you deserve all the extra dessert you want.”

Izaak chortled, nodding in bemusement. “Alright Auntie. I can do that.”

“And tell them Lorette gets dessert tonight too,” I proclaimed more loudly, as the rest of the gaggle returned, the half-goblin triumphantly holding a screeching Viktor over her shoulder, “As she is the best little brother wrangler of all time.”

That brought a round of giggles as Lorette passed her still kicking brother to me. Viktor stuck his tongue out at her, then quickly offered up a messy fistfull of half pulverized flowers to me.

“You’re not coming to dinner, Auntie?” Corwin asked, shoving Hilal out of the way to come and stand next to my leg.

“Not tonight.” I told him, reaching down to push his curly black hair out of his eyes after taking the flowers from Viktor with a pleasant thanks. “I’ve got… other stuff to do.”

“Lorette cheated!” Squealed Yua, stomping one foot angrily.

“She’s bigger than us! We can’t carry Viktor like she can!” Hilal agreed, pouting.

“Not forever,” I assured her, “Soon, I think Viktor will be taller than all of you!” I hoisted him up into the air over my head in illustration, which had him giggling with delight. “Besides, the deal was whoever found Viktor got dessert, not who carried him back.” I turned to the twins, who looked at each other for a moment before turning back to me. “And who found Viktor?”

“Lorette.” They admitted begrudgingly.

“So, the dessert award stands as it is.” I declared, putting the youngest back down on his feet to hold his hand instead. Not that I felt particularly bad. I knew my brother’s sense of fairness was indomitable, and having granted one child such permissions, I had likely granted it to them all. “Now, let’s get you all inside and washed up before your fathers take away my dessert.”

That brought a fresh round of laughter, and the six royal children of the goblin kingdom darted eagerly around my legs and up and down the halls as we made our way back up to our quarters. I spared the tower a final glance before we ducked into the castle, wondering not for the first time just what I would find when I went back to my own rooms.

.....

I was able to hand off my nieces and nephews to their caretakers after helping them all get washed up and changed for dinner without running into either Niko or Grier. Which I took as a small blessing, as I kept nervously glancing out the window to try and gauge just how long I had left until the Kings might just decide to pop in. I knew it was unlikely; usually they met their brood in the dining room at the end of each day. But I didn’t put it past either of them to attempt to catch me unawares. Especially as I was sure they had already heard I had liberated their children from their studies early to play with them in the gardens. Little went on in the castle that the two didn’t know about.

That thought made me smirk to myself in accomplishment as I hesitated outside my own door, having seen the Princes and Princesses off down the stairs with their attendants before heading back down the hall. Certainly I could think of no one else who would have been able to smuggle an orc of all things into the castle undetected. I had even managed to get his mare into the stables with no one batting an eye at her blood splattered coat before I had picked up my nieces and nephews. I glanced about briefly to make sure I was alone once more before I slipped back into my rooms. My heart in my throat and my nerves jumping on end.

The sitting room was quiet and dark, and I closed the door and latched it behind me. My eyes strained in the dimness, with only the barest hints of light coming from under the door to the hall. Perhaps I should get my eyes charmed like Niko’s, I thought to myself as I fumbled for the candle by the entrance. Placing the bundle of pulverized flowers from Viktor on the little table there for a moment as I did. It would certainly make living in a goblin castle half the year much easier. As the wick caught with a soft hiss, I heard the telltale creak of my bed in the other room.

Quickly I had to douse my nerves, straightening myself out with the reminder once more that these were my rooms. I was supposed to be here. Erramun was not. I felt another twitch of satisfaction at the corner of my mouth again, unable to resist feeling a little smug in that confidence. Even if he wanted to leave, he wouldn’t get anywhere without my help. It was a reassuring feeling to have the half-orc under my thumb. Though the reminder of my guest set my heart skipping again. Which I of course briskly ignored.

I used the light of the candle to find a vase amid my things, feeling each clutter and clank of my shuffling was louder than a thundering herd of cattle. Rather hoping the half-orc wasn’t sleeping. I had to move two small boxes and a stack of books out of my way. But I eventually found what I was looking for, and placed the small colorful vase on one end table. Gathering the messy bouquet up carefully from where I had left it by the door to set it into its new home. I ran my fingers over the pretty blooms, smiling to myself. I’d have to get them some water. But I should check on Erramun first.

However, it was suspicious how quiet everything was. I paused for a minute by the door to the bedroom, listening to see if I could hear anything beyond. I had assumed such a behemoth would be a snorer, though I guess that was rather small minded of me to think so. It was also, I realized, possibly silly of me to assume he would even be asleep. I had been gone for hours, perhaps he had woken, if he had slept at all. I pushed aside the fearful thoughts of what he had been doing this entire time if he had not been sleeping.

I hesitated with my hand over the handle. If he was asleep, would my entering wake him? And if he wasn’t… My face felt hot with the sudden reminder of a pair of dimples at the base of his spine. Not to mention the rest of that scene permanently burned into the backs of my eyelids. I glanced around the foyer once more, still trying to decide. Working to calm my suddenly racing pulse. Then chided myself with the reminder yet again that these were my rooms. If he was naked again, well then, I’d just have to scold him better this time. And… maybe I could get a better look. I scoffed silently, pushing away that thought as wholly undesirable and the heavy blush that accompanied it. Giving the handle a solid downward yank and shoving the old bedroom door open with my shoulder.

I had barely started to draw in a breath for a proper greeting when I released it suddenly in a loud shout instead, my body jerking forward with a sudden intruding force acting upon it. My hands went up defensively, the candle abandoned to gravity, as I reached for the sudden weight dropping on my shoulder.

Muscle memory took over then, and it was a blur as my hands found purchase. I shifted my weight, dropping my shoulder down and bending at the knees to use the larger form’s already moving momentum to my advantage as it went to grab me and send its weight forward. Then, a quick twist and a sweep of my foot had it flipping the rest of the way with a abrupt and heavy THUD that even managed to shake the room a little.

I blinked rapidly in the dark left behind by the now doused candle that had clattered to the floor, trying to make out whatever I had just laid low on the ground. My heart racing in my chest, my blood pounding in my ears. A muffled groan broke through the adrenaline, and I nearly scoffed in exasperation. Remembering that there weren’t actually a lot of possibilities.

“Erramun!” I snapped at the large half-orc currently splayed out on my bedroom floor at my feet. “What in the nine HELLS do you think you are doing??”

“Gana!” He said in surprise, tugging at his hand still in my grip. “It’s you!”

“Of course it’s me!! Who else would it be??”

“I thought you were someone else!”

“In my personal rooms, you big idiot??” I retorted, then looked down, realizing I had twisted his arm back with his elbow facing out and his shoulder turned in the way Niko had shown me. Leaving the half-orc completely at my mercy. I was sorely tempted to twist it a little further in my ire. “Who do you think would be just randomly coming in here other than me??”

The dark shadow at my feet gave a growl, and I gave a startled yelp as suddenly I found my own feet swept out from under me. I landed heavily on my back with a gasp, too surprised to react properly. A meaty hand on one shoulder, and the rest of a big orc pining me down with his body crouched over mine.

“I dunno. Could’ve been anyone.” He grumbled, and I saw the glint of his eyes in the dark. “This place is very odd.”

His dark hair spilled like water around us, and I had to take a few moments to calm my swirling thoughts as the smell of him filled my nose. Not to mention the heat of his body, with his big thigh on my left and the other between my own legs. One hand was firmly planted on my shoulder, half-pining me to the floor, the other held one of my hands flattened to the ground by the wrist. I wriggled for half a second beneath him, then stopped dead as I heard him snort.

“Not many can get the jump on an orc.” He noted, sounding heavily amused. I thought I could see the flash of his teeth. “But nobody can best them in actual combat even if they do.”

My temper flared at that, and I twisted sharply. Reaching up with my free hand to catch the back of his neck and burying one knee straight up. Catching his inner thigh and with a sharp upward jerk at the same time as I yanked hard with my hand. Toppling him off balance just enough to use my own weight to flip the tides once more. Using his greater weight and size to roll myself with him.

Another breath later, and Erramun was back on his back, and I glared down at him with a small but satisfied scowl etched into my brow.

“Must not apply to half orcs.” I replied smugly.

I couldn’t see him well at first in the low light of the moon filtering in from the balcony window, but at least now my eyes were finally adjusting properly. I could make out the edge of his jaw, the breadth of his shoulders in the cream colored tunic. The side of his face closer to the window was also mostly visible. His black hair caught the moonlight with dazzling strands of silver, and I was pretty sure I saw his pronounced brow raise up. Thought I saw even a bit of the white in his eyes as he widened them. I could distinctly see them blink very slowly after that, and saw his wide nose flair. In fact, I could feel his entire chest rise and fall as he drew in a deep breath.

It was then my brain decided it fit to recall that I was currently sitting directly on top of the half-orc. My knees barely reached the ground on either side of him, my skirts bunched up at my thighs, and my hand was still cupped around the back of his neck. I had managed to free my other hand from his grip, and had his wrist now pinned above his head. Which brought me leaning perilously close. My own wild hair cascaded down like a net around my shoulders, and I realized my face was not all that far from his.

It seemed he had realized this same fact a that exact moment as well. We stared at each other for a long, quiet breath. Frozen in place. I found myself wondering distractedly how well Erramun could see in the dark. Was I just a shape bathed in a silver outline as he was? Or could he see the way I hovered over him, with the collar of my dress dangling a few inches from his shirt, baring the top of my chest to him? Could he see the expression on my face? And if he could, was he any better at reading it than I was at the moment? Could he see the flush of my cheeks, and hear the race of my pulse at his proximity?

I abruptly and quickly pushed away from him. Shoving him so hard in my retreat that he gave another soft grunt as I stood. My face was burning hot, despite my better judgement, and my head swirled as I tried to compose myself once more.

“You’re an idiot.” I grumbled defensively, smoothing my hands down my skirts as I took a few steps away.

“You’re impressive.” He returned, his voice a bit breathy. I saw him sit up, propping his knees and leaning on his elbows over them. “You fight better than some orcs I’ve met.”

“I thought no one could best an orc.” I chided him, carefully making my way over to the bedside table to find a fresh candle. “What are you even doing out of bed? I thought you were supposed to be resting.”

It took only a short minute of fumbling to light the candle, and when I turned to face him once more, he was still sitting on the ground. Looking up at me with emerald green eyes and his long locks spilling over his shoulders. He grinned a little sheepishly, and I had to force my heart to beat again in its wake.

“Some people can best an orc.” He said, as if deciding on it in that moment, then chewed at his thick lip thoughtfully. “Some people can beat some orcs.” He amended, and those lips split back into a wry, crooked grin. “And I got tired of resting. I’ve been resting for hours.”

“So you decided to tackle someone instead?”

His grin grew by a few molars, and I eyed him warily. “It was fun. At least for a moment.” He winced, and his hand went to his injured side. “I think I may have torn it open again.”

“Serves you right.” I grumbled, walking around to light a few more candles around the room. “Perhaps you should just stay on the floor all night then. Seeing as you seem to like being there. At least I’d get my bed back.”

He chuckled, and I heard him give a soft huff as he pulled himself back to his feet. When I shot him a glance over my shoulder, he was using the bedpost to steady himself. I watched him blink a few times, then shake his head stubbornly. I scoffed with a click of my tongue, putting down the candle in my hand and bustling over to him.

“Let me see.” I ordered him, reaching for the edge of his shirt.

He grunted, but didn’t argue, pulling up the hem over his navel. Exposing the wrappings to my critical eye. There was a spotting bloom of pink at the center, and I ran my fingers lightly around the edge thoughtfully.

“Well, the good news is I don’t think you made it worse.” I commended him, unable to resist the urge to skim my fingers over his skin a little. Checking to see if it was hot with infection, I assured myself. “The bad news is you’re still an idiot.”

He laughed again, and I felt it in my fingers currently pressed against his flesh. I straightened slightly, reluctantly removing my hand and trying to ignore the fresh flush that rose to my own face. Perhaps I was the one coming down with an infection instead, I reasoned distractedly.

I almost jumped as his hand came around, catching mine as it retreated. My eyes jumped to his face, and he tilted his head to the side slightly as he peered down at me. Those thick lips of his twisted into a fresh smirk, one side higher than the other. I resisted the urge to quiver at the sight.

“Lucky then that I have you, Gana.” He mused. “You have brains enough for the both of us.”

“And brawn.” I quipped, which only had his grin growing. I shuffled in place, glancing down at our hands before carefully pulling mine back. “Still. No more tackling people in the dark, agreed? Damjan won’t be happy if I return his tunic with blood stains all over it.”

Erramun nodded, slowly pulling his borrowed shirt back down. “Who is Damjan?”

I hesitated only a brief moment, turning to walk over to sit at the edge of the bed. “He’s the General of the goblin forces. Retired, supposedly. But that’s his wardrobe you’re wearing.”

That had a small flash of surprise rolling across his features. “He is large for a goblin then. Or is he human?”

I shook my head, then gave him a small grin of my own. “He’s goblin. Half-goblin at least. And half-orc.”

“Orc?” He echoed, and I wasn’t sure if it was nervousness or excitement that laced his voice. His smile had quickly faded.

I nodded, considering him. “Yes. He grew up here though. I don’t know if he’s ever met another orc. Though I suppose he must have at some point.”

Erramun nodded as well, chewing on his lip as he stared at the ground. I could almost see the thoughts swirling behind his eyes. I couldn’t help but notice that he looked a little relieved. I leaned forward on my hands currently propped at the edge of the bed.

“You avoiding all orcs at the moment?” I poked, curious despite myself.

His gaze darted up to me, then he shrugged his big shoulders, coming around to the edge of the bed slowly. “Just most.”

I tried not to stiffen as he sat next to me, the mattress depressing almost to the frame with his added weight. “Any particular reason why?” I asked warily. “You aren’t on the run, are you?”

The soft chuckle in his chest rumbled like distant thunder, and I felt goosebumps skitter across my flesh at the sound. He glanced at me again, then down at the floor.

“I worry they might try to stop me. If they found out.”

I waited for him to go on, to explain that further. When I was answered with nothing but silence, I shifted in my seat. Debating only for a moment whether or not I cared enough to pry further. But the curiosity proved too much, and I even leaned a little closer to him.

“Found out about what?”

He glanced at me again, and I froze as his eyes ran over my face. Especially the way he seemed equally distracted for a moment as his gaze met mine. I wasn’t sure how much time passed before he finally spoke. But found myself releasing a breath I hadn’t known I was holding when he did.

“Let’s just say I’ve got something to prove to my family.” He mumbled, then his eyes finally dropped away and he shifted. “We should leave it at that. I don’t want you to think I’m stupid.”

His voice was strangely soft again. The way it had been when he had first mentioned the plight of his people at the border. With that same look I had seen a hundred times before on my brother’s faces. The weight of a thousand weights, I called it. I didn’t quite like his face in that shape. It made him seem older, more tired. It hurt me a little to see that look on him, when usually his eyes were filled with such vigor and bravado. I leaned a little closer, nudging his shoulder with mine until he looked up at me again.

“... I already think you’re stupid.” I assured him lightly, and my teasing tones had a smile flicking across his lips again. “But you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

He nodded, and I saw his eyes shift between mine for a moment. “Thank you, Gana… You have been very kind to me. And I have given you nothing but trouble.” He leaned a little closer, and my breath caught in my throat. “I would like to give you something else. To repay you.”

It took me far too long to respond with his breath splashing across my face. With his eyes locked in mind. Heat swelled in my chest, and my heart fluttered behind it. I swallowed slowly, trapped in those emerald eyes of his.

“... Oh yeah?” I fumbled my lips around the soft words. “What would you give?”

He paused a moment, and I felt the bed shift beneath us as he adjusted his weight. Somehow managing to shift even closer to me.

“What would you like? What can I give you, that would make you happy?”

I laughed shyly, glancing down. Away from those entrancing eyes. “I don’t want for much here.” I assured him, my heart thrumming in my ears.

“Surely there must be something you don’t have. Something you want?” He pressed, his voice still whisper soft.

My hands twitched, and I brought them together to cup in my lap. Thumbing at one as I stared down at them. So aware of his proximity I couldn’t seem to draw in a deep enough breath for fear of pulling it from his lungs.

“Freedom.” I admitted quietly. “... To go where I want. To see the world.”

“I can give you that.”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “No one can give me that.”

“But I can take you with me.” He pressed. “I can bring you back to my home. It is wild and untamed. That is a start at least.”

I glanced up at him again, and found him closer than I had left him previously. He was leaning on one hand, twisted at the waist. Almost at my eye level with the gentle bow of his broad shoulders and the relaxed curve of his spine. If I moved too quickly our noses might brush together. I kept my breath trapped in my throat. I saw his eyes move, and my face suddenly blazed hot.

Abruptly, I stood, putting a few steps between us. Squeezing at my palm for a moment and feeling horribly, horribly foolish. It took a breath to steady myself, but I turned back for him.

“... You are not here to promise adventures to silly girls in castle towers.” I reminded him bitterly.

He started for a moment at that, staring at me a little wide eyed. The candlelight danced in those eyes, and I had to look away. I made the pretense of picking up the broken candle from the floor where I had dropped it earlier. I ran my thumb over the smooth wax, trying to calm my racing heart.

“No, I’m not.” He admitted, and my efforts were demolished by the skip of my heart at the regret in his tone. “... But if you help me win the Princess, then I can still give you want you want.”

I almost laughed, shaking my head and feeling the sinking weight of his words deep in my chest. Reminding myself why this man was even here in the first place, and chiding myself silently for forgetting. Trying to swallow the sudden disappointment in my throat.

“I can’t help you do that.”

“You’re the only one who can.” He pleaded. “I don’t know this world. I don’t know these people, but I need to. I need to be better, to be bigger than I am. It’s the only way to help my own people. I see that now. My plan was foolish, and I cannot do it alone.”

I was already shaking my head before he had finished speaking. “I cannot help you win the Princess.” I told him firmly, stubbornness lacing my breath. Still refusing to look up at him.

“Fine. Not the Princess.” He agreed, and I heard the creak of the bedframe as he stood. “Then help me learn to be someone worthy of her. Of this court. Teach me how to impress the Kings. How to talk without saying anything. How to dress, how to speak. How to be… human. And goblin, if needed.”

I did laugh now, and turned to toss the candle to a pile of rubbish to be taken out later. “That’s ridiculous. You don’t know what you’re asking.”

“So teach me.” He insisted, and his voice was closer. Somewhere only a few steps behind me. “Teach me to be better than I am, to be human enough to be at this court, to pass for one of the goblins, and I will take you far away from this place when I leave. I’ll even tell you stories of all the places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen in the meantime.”

I jumped as his hand grazed my elbow, and spun to face him once more. He peered down at me quietly for a long moment. Then his lopsided smile returned, and I felt my heart skip.

“I can’t give you your freedom, Gana.” His eyes sparkled with determination. “But I can give you the chance to take it.”

Excitement surged in my chest, and I felt the heat of my blood rushing through my veins. I felt the familiar itch; to run. To just go, to leave this place and never look back. To be out there, in the world where I so longed to be. I couldn’t quell the intensity of my desire, and felt it seep throughout my entire core. I saw his grin grow, and wondered if he could see it in my eyes. I chewed it over, trying to keep a level head. Trying to think it through.

“... No Princess? Just-”

“Just teaching.” He assured me. “Even if it doesn’t work, and the goblin Princess doesn’t like me and I go home, I’ll still take you with me.” His head cocked to the side. “If you want to go.”

It would never work. I had managed to smuggle him in, but I was only here for a month or two. Could I even smuggle him back to Geriveria? Or could I leave with him at the end, like he promised? Niko would never allow it. He’d send half of the Kingdom after me, and Val wouldn’t be far behind. Even Grier would think this was crazy. I didn’t know this man! I had no idea where he had come from, or what kind of person he was. And how was I supposed to keep him from figuring out who I really was? Once he found out that he couldn’t even use anything I’d taught him, surely he’d be mad. He would not keep his promise. Besides, how was I supposed to keep him hidden from my brother, the goblin King, my nosy nieces and nephews, my ladies-in-waiting, and everyone else in the entire castle? It was insane! It was dangerous! If I was caught, if Niko found out, if anyone saw him, who knows what they would do! And even if I could manage all that, two months was hardly enough time to train some wildling everything it had taken me a lifetime to learn. It was impossible. The odds were far too high, and the chances of success so slim I couldn’t even see them.

I felt a grin sliding across my face at the challenge raised, and felt my heart skip excitedly in my breast.

“You’ve got yourself a deal.”

To be continued ...

57 notes · View notes

frostsinth · 3 years

Text

Burdened by the Stars - Pt. 4

Part 1 | 2 | 3 - MasterList

Picking up a bit of motivation for this story again. Yay! And sorry, the boys can’t seem to get it into their heads that this one is not their story. I’ll try to keep their visitation to a minimum.

But regardless, here’s more of the sass and himbo duo! If you like my work, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee from the link in my MasterList above. I have lots of other inane ramblings there too if you are interested. DM me for commissions, shoot me asks with thoughts/comments!

All the best, and Enjoy!

After a brief assessment away from the dizzying presence of the half-orc, I realized there was very little chance of the Royal quarters actually having what I needed. Nikostratus was the tallest and broadest in the family, and even he did not come very close to matching Erramun in height. Besides, I couldn’t imagine my neat and tidy older brother wouldn’t notice his clothing going missing. But the laundering rooms were near the bottom level of the castle, closer to the city than the towers. There was no telling if once I arrived I would be able to find some appropriate clothing with any ease, considering that laundry from every part of the castle was often washed in mixed tubs. There was also no way for me to know whose clothes would be on rotation for wash today, nor in what state, batch, or bin they might be in if I did find them. Which made a visit to the laundering rooms, while more anonymous and definitely more diverse, absolutely impractical for my devices. However, the guards quarters were not quite so far; only a few levels down and adjacent to the training cliffs. There, I knew, I would be most likely to find the belongings of perhaps the one resident in the entire goblin castle that might have a few items close enough to Erramun’s size.

It was an easy enough trip, though I tried to make it as hastily as possible. No guarantees of what that fool would get up to if I left him to his own devices for too long. I also wasn’t entirely sure he had been completely honest when he had said he could manage the bath. Considering his wooziness since I had met him in the forest, I worried he might just pass out in the water and drown. Not that my being there would be much help, I reasoned. I certainly wasn’t strong enough to haul a half-drowned half orc from the water should he require it. I was also more than a little perturbed with the recollection of the taut green skin running over his shoulders and muscular back. My mind supplied ample fodder for what might be waiting a little further down than my eye had succeeded in wandering during our prior parting. And the thoughts brought a hot flush to my cheeks. I quickly forced myself to focus on the task at hand.

Thankfully, the barracks were also mostly quiet. The majority of the guard would be on their daily patrols, or perhaps in the dining commons catching a meal beforehand. Any left here would be from night shift, so would most likely be resting in their bunks. I had been here often enough, and knew the layout by heart (as I knew most of the castle). I headed towards the largest of the chambers, near the back, where the General kept his private quarters. Retired General, he would say, should you care to ask him. Though considering he still managed to keep busy enough maintaining the guards and patrols, perhaps that was not the optimal word. His title was more ceremonial now than necessity, as he had the guard running like a perfectly well oiled machine, and more often than not you could find him with a drink in hand, laughing alongside the nobles in the sitting rooms of the castle. Still, I was glad General Damjan had maintained some personal quarters in the castle rather than permanently retiring outside its walls. It meant I might actually have a chance of finding a set of clothes that would fit my behemoth charge. I was also fortunate that although Damjan kept his private quarters locked, I knew exactly where the old soldier kept his key.

Damjan was, in a sense, like a grandfather to me. He had been a major part of Grier’s life after his father’s passing, and when Nikostratus had moved to the castle he had taken my brother under his wing as well. So it fell to reason that he had me spoiled rotten by the time I was 11; teaching me all the best goblinese curses, and a few fighting moves that were certainly not proper for a Princess to know. The old half-goblin was also a sound source for advice, and had an ample stock of wisdom to share with anyone willing to listen. Therefore, I had been to visit him in his office and chambers more than a few dozen times over the years. Which meant I knew his rooms nearly as well as mine and Niko’s. Allowing me to steal in and out with as simple a shirt and pair of trousers as I could find and relock his door all within a matter of minutes. I was assuaged of the little stab of guilt I felt by the fact that if Damjan had been around to ask, he certainly would have been more than indulgent of my request. I simply just didn’t have the time right now to look for the old General to tell him I had another half-orc stashed upstairs in my private chambers. I made a silent promise to the universe that I would make him a plate of his favorite pastries to make up for it.

It had barely been half an hour since I had left Erramun when I skittered down an upper hallway back towards the towers. Still, despite having managed to avoid the entirety of the current inhabitants of the castle and with prize in hand, I was anxious to be back. I was so distracted by the thought of what the half orc would be doing alone in my bed chambers that I moved automatically and inattentively. Causing me to almost run head first into a goblin as we both rounded the same corner from opposite directions.

“Ah, little bird!” He exclaimed delightedly as we recovered ourselves.

I nearly squeaked in surprise, quickly hiding the bundle of clothes behind my back as Grier fixed me with his classic toothy smile. The goblin King seemed un-bothered by our near collision, though I had to work quickly to throw a cover over my guilty expression. I saw his scarlet eyes flick over me curiously at my movement, and one slender brow cocked up. I knew I would have to work fast to evade suspicion and make my escape. My brother-in-law was perpetually curious, and keenly observant. Prolonging our interaction would only heighten the chances that I would have to build a lie I wasn’t prepared to forge.

“Sorry, Grier, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” I told him quickly, starting to slide around his side. Careful to face him as I did with my back and hands squarely out of his line of sight. “But I’m sure you’re very busy, so I won’t keep you!”

He spun slowly on heel to match my movement. “No trouble at all, little bird,” He replied, and I saw the suspicion already growing quickly on his face as his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, “Nikostratus has been looking for you, you know.”

“Oh, he’s always looking for me,” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, shrugging my shoulders, “Mostly because the majority of that time he spends lost in the halls. Or searching a place he already checked having turned himself around and gone back on his own feet.”

Grier laughed at that, placing his hands on his hips. “Yes, the man is completely hopeless I fear.” He followed me a step down the hall as I started to retreat backwards. “But none-the-less… you seem to be making a particular point of avoiding him this time around.”

“I am just busy,” I started to assure him, “I-”

“Morgana, you know you have been avoiding us both since you first got here nearly a week ago.” He interrupted, his voice becoming uncharacteristically serious. “I am not sure what we did… or what you’re hiding… but please keep in mind you have the same air of secrecy about you as when you rescued that bear cub from the forest when you were 15.” He shifted his hands to cross his arms over his chest. His thin lips twitching in amusement. “It was halfway through the kitchen pantry before you finally came clean… I do hope you’ve learned your lesson since then?”

I gave a nervous, forced laugh. “I haven’t smuggled in any wild animals, I promise.” Which was technically true.

He gave an unconvinced ‘hmmm’ at that. “But you do know you can talk to us, yes?” He asked quickly, even as I opened my mouth to continue, “About anything that may be bothering you.” His head tilted slightly to one side. “... Nikostratus is worried about you.”

I felt a little tongue of anger flare up in me at that. “I’m not a child anymore.” I scoffed, my brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t need nor want my brother hovering over me like some agitated mother hen!”

Grier considered that as well, and I started to take a few steps backwards down the hall. Eager to make my escape. Shaking my head in frustration and thinking that was the end of it. My brother-in-law was not usually the confrontational sort with me. He was good at gathering information, at poking holes in my defenses; but I tended to think he preferred to be my confidant rather than my guardian. We had developed a rather close relationship since he had married my brother, mostly revolving around how best to manage my tight lipped, straight backed sibling. It had been a rocky start for the two of them, and I had exclusive inside knowledge of how best to break through Niko’s stony exterior. In later years, he had more often than not come to my defense when my brothers had sought to disperse punishments, or withhold liberties. He understood my wild spirit better than either of them, and that it caused my siblings and I to butt heads frequently. Not to say he wasn’t carefully responsible around me. He had taken me as his ward as much as Niko had back our mother had passed when I was born. But he usually left any actual scolding to my brothers.

Which was why I nearly stumbled in surprise when he persisted in the face of my irritation. Rather than letting it pass as he usually would.

“Well, that may be the case, little bird,” He said, even as I continued to inch away from him, “But regardless, you know your brother will always worry about you. And-” He continued before I could interject “- Even if you are upset with him, that is no reason to avoid your commitments. Most prominent being the promise you made to your nieces and nephews.”

That made me falter, and my retreat stilled. “... I didn’t mean-”

“You promised you would go with them to the gardens.” He pressed, not allowing me breath for excuses. The goblin raised one bejeweled hand, silencing any protests I might have had. “I understand if you would like your space from myself and Nikostratus, and I will speak to him about allowing you some. However, I would ask that you do not allow your current disdain to rub off on the children, as they have done nothing to raise your ire, and do not deserve your neglect.”

I winced now, guiltily. “I forgot I…” I hesitated, and half expected Grier to fill the lull, as he often did. But the goblin merely raised his brow at me again, and I shuffled in my shame. “... Of course. I’m sorry. I will be sure to collect them from their lessons today…” I couldn’t help a guilty glance over my shoulder, as if I would be able to see the clothes scrunched up behind my back. “... I just need to drop something off in my rooms first, then I promise I’ll go straight to see them.”

“I appreciate that.” He replied, nodding slightly. “I know you likely didn’t intend for them to get swept up in… whatever this is.” He crossed his arms again. “Still, I hope you and your brother reconcile soon.” His toothy grin returned. “I miss our little bird.”

I laughed softly, dropping my gaze to the floor. “I don’t think we’re fighting, per say...” I hesitated briefly, “...but I’ll… keep that in mind.”

“And I’ll keep in mind that being stubborn and hot tempered runs in the family.” He mused, his voice still light-hearted. “And will try to muster what patience I can to wait this out.”

I almost laughed again, but settled for a respectful dip of my head. I longed to inch away, back down the hall in the direction of my rooms. But waited as long as I could stand under the goblin King’s scrutiny to avoid any more suspicion. Grier did consider me one last time, then sighed and gave his own little nod. Turning to head off himself. No sooner had he started than I spun and darted down the hall. Pulling my bundle of clothes around to shield them from his view as I did. I wondered only briefly what he would make of that, but didn’t bother to linger on it long.

I took the steps to the tower two at a time, my heart pounding in my ears by the time I reached the top. Thankfully, no one else was around at that moment, and I made it back to my rooms unmolested.

I leaned back against my closed door with a brief sigh of relief. I hoped Grier wouldn’t go looking for Niko yet. I knew he would be inclined to tell my brother about our interaction; the two shared just about everything with one another. Still I hoped he might wait until much later in the day. To give me a chance to properly wrap things up here before one of the pair came looking for me again. I didn’t linger long against the wood, my eyes already darting about the small sitting room. But it seemed my strange company was nowhere to be seen. I had been away for far too long for him to be bathing still, I reasoned. Unless perhaps he was a particularly lazy orc, or was enjoying the hot, fresh water a bit too much. Not that I could picture such a thing, though I reminded myself I didn’t know him all that well after all. I gathered up the salve and bandages from before in my bundle, listening for any sounds I might hear. I noticed the door to the bathing rooms appeared to be as I had left it, and hesitantly made my way over. I quickly chided myself, straightening up and squaring my shoulders. These were my rooms. I shouldn’t have to sneak about shyly.

I did however allow him the courtesy of rapping my knuckles lightly against the sliding door.

“Hey, you still alive in there?” I called lightly.

When there was no response, my heart leapt, and I attempted to force down the sudden anxiety trapping itself in my throat. I cracked my knuckles against the door again, then slowly slid it open. More than a little leery of seeming something I didn’t want to see. Or admitting to myself that maybe it was something I did. The memory of our last parting surfaced unbidden to my thoughts, and I stubbornly pushed it away.

The bathing room beyond was empty. The waters rippled and gently gurgled with the natural flow of the water, but otherwise it was still. I might have been able to convince myself that the entire day had been a figment of my overactive imagination had it not been for the pile of soiled towels by the edge of the pool. I groaned internally, bustling in and peeking into the corners as if the behemoth man could have somehow managed to hide behind the potted plants. At least there didn’t appear to be a trail of blood anywhere. I prayed to whomever was listening that the dolt hadn’t deigned to leave the chambers.

“Where are you, you idiot?” I grumbled, tucking my bundle under one arm and heading to the door at the opposite end.

“In here.” Came the reply, and I nearly shook with relief.

He must have keener hearing than I thought. Or he had been listening for my return. The door to my bedroom was slightly cracked, and I shouldered it the rest of the way open, then spun to close it behind me. Using the motion as an excuse to steady myself as the sound of his deep voice seemed to have rattled me strangely.

“I do hope you aren’t-” I started as I turned, then promptly squealed loudly in surprise, dumping the clothes, bandages, and salve unceremoniously to the floor as both hands shot up to cover my eyes.

“Eh?” I heard the shuffle of his feet across the bare stone floor as he must have continued his own turn to face me. “Is something the matter?”

“WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES??” I nearly shrieked.

Though I kept my palms firmly clasped over my eyes, the previous momentary glimpse of the half-orc’s assured nudity was currently seared deep into my mind’s eye. The fine toned abdomen. The taut green buttocks, with a dimple above the top of each cheek in the small of his back. He must have washed his hair, for the long mohawk of growth had spilled over his skin like polished ebony in soft looking tendrils. Leading my eyes over his broad green shoulders. And when he had started to turn… the soft ‘v’ shape at the top of his hips leading down to…

The sight (and now, memory of the sight) left my mouth decidedly dry and my lips refusing to work properly. I felt an unfamiliar twitch in my fingers as the urge to pull them apart and sneak another peek rushed through me. There was no way! No way any man should be that… I swallowed hard, shaking my head with my hands pressed so tightly to my face it almost hurt.

“You said they were filthy, and inappropriate.” He reminded me matter-of-factly, and I could almost hear the shrug of those big shoulders. Big, broad, muscular shoulders-

“That doesn’t mean you should walk around NAKED!” I snapped, finally starting to come to my senses. I shifted my hands so that one covered both eyes, and crouched down in an attempt to blindly find what I had discarded in my panic.

“What was I to wear?” He replied. “Your drying cloths are tiny. I needed three just to-”

“I don’t care!” I managed to find the clothes by groping about with my free hand, and stood. Tossing them towards the sound of his voice and hearing a disgruntled huff as they hit him. “Just put those on, quickly, before my breakfast makes a reappearance.”

Erramun gave an angry grumble, but I heard the shake and shuffle of cloth as he did. “I didn’t know human stomachs were so sensitive.” His voice became muffled briefly as I assumed he pulled the shift over his head. “I always thought my mother was being dramatic when she scolded me for forgetting to dress.”

“If your mother imparted any other wisdom to you regarding humans, I suggest now is the time you take it to heart.” I replied sourly. Careful to keep my palms firmly fastened over my eyes. Though the heat of my cheeks nearly burned me.

I was so focused on not looking, I didn’t hear the soft scrape of his bare feet again as he moved forward. I jumped about a foot in the air as his hands suddenly came around my wrists. Gently pulling them free from my face. Leaving me suddenly face to face with a soft silk and cotton shirt, its untied collar just hinting at the toned chest I had been privy to moments before. I tried to ignore that memory, and fought through a sudden haze at the realization that his fingers were almost as gentle and soft as they were strong. And how close he currently stood to me. My heart skipped and I felt my breath catch in my throat as my head craned back to look up at him. He gave me a lopsided grin that had my knees feeling a little weak, and I felt him gently turn my hands in his. Until the backs of my hands rested in his palms and he could run his thumbs over the pads of my fingers.

“I am sorry, Gana,” He told me gently, “I did not mean to startle you so.”

For a second, I couldn’t find the air in my lungs to speak. I struggled for a moment, and saw those bright emerald green eyes of his flick about my face. Thoughtfully, perhaps… almost appreciatively. And the way he was studying my features suggested he had been meaning to do just that for some time now. Up close, with seemingly time to spare to linger on each inch. I felt the flames beneath each cheek rekindle, but was strangely frozen for another few staggered beats of my heart. Finally, I yanked my hands from his, quickly shaking my head again to dispel the moment. Stubbornly denying it had ever existed.

“Is the apology her wisdom or yours?” I quipped, pleased to find my sarcasm still had a sharp bite to it despite the swirling quality of my thoughts.

My heart nearly faltered again at his answering smile. “A little bit of both, I suppose.”

I scoffed, trying to clear my head as I waved my hand at him dismissively. “Then perhaps there is some hope for you after all…” I took a step back, eager to put some space between us and hopefully regain a little more of my senses. “What are you even doing back here?” I put my hands on my hips. “I don’t suppose your mother ever told you it is incredibly rude to snoop around a lady’s chambers?”

“Hmm. She may have raised that point once or twice.” He grinned again, turning to follow my progression as I stalked around him angrily. I crouched down briefly to gather up the remainders of my bundle from the floor. “But you took longer than expected… And I was curious.” His head cocked to the side as he slowly followed me to the center of the room by the bed. “Are these the Princess’ rooms?”

I nearly dropped the jar and bandages again, spinning on him with the vial of healing salve in hand. “What makes you say that??”

He nodded to the corner. “The jewels and such.” I followed his gaze to my vanity table, where I had left some never used jewelry as thoughtlessly as one might discard soiled clothes on a chair. “I do not think even human servants tend to have such things.”

“I never said I was a servant.” I reminded him sourly, then jerked my chin. “Sit.”

“You haven’t said much of anything.” He shot back, but did as he was told and settled onto the chest at the foot of the bed.

“Eventually you may just conclude that that is entirely by design.” I said, opening the jar as he rolled his shirt up on one side. I pretended not to notice the tautness of his flesh or the shape of his abdomen as I slowly spread some of the salve on his wound. It seemed to have mostly stopped bleeding, which was good. “You may even come to remember that I am looking to get you out of here as quickly as I can. And the sooner that is the better.”

“Do I really disgust you so?” He asked, sounding bitter.

My eyes darted up to his face in surprise. And I got stuck in the quality of those emerald greens for a moment longer than I would ever admit. I adjusted my tongue in my mouth, forcing my eyes away from his finally and reaching for the pile of bandages I had brought.

“... You don’t disgust me.” I admitted quietly.

He snorted, wincing slightly as I began to carefully apply first a clean square bandage, then the longer ones wrapped about him to hold it in place. It brought me uncomfortably close to him. I couldn’t help but take in a breath next to his skin, and found the smell of him made my nostrils quiver. I was just surprised to find he didn’t stink anymore, I assured myself silently. That was all. I had come to expect him to smell like dirt and blood, not this strangely pleasant smell he currently had. It meant nothing that I noticed it.

“You don’t seem to like me all that much.” He replied. “I am not sure what else it would be.”

I straightened, having secured the end of the bandage in place, and crossed my arms over my chest. “Oh, obviously I must hate you then. That must be why, and it has nothing at all to do with the reason why you are even here in the first place.” I scoffed.

“Eh?”

My eyes rolled, and I was grateful for it as I didn’t have to watch him roll his shirt back down over his stomach again. The way his shoulders shifted and moved beneath the fabric wasn’t at all fair.

“You came here insistent that you would be marrying the Princess. Am I supposed to welcome you with open arms?” I placed my hands back on my hips and scowled at him. “Perhaps you assume that since you plan to marry her, that means you should be treated as a Prince?”

That warranted me a loud guffaw, and my eyes widened slightly in surprise. His crooked grin had my heart skipping, and I scoffed again in an attempt to dislodge it from my throat. The big orc stood, swaying for half a moment and forcing me back a step as he reached out to steady himself on the post beam of the bed. I eyed him warily, not too fond of the idea of being crushed by his bulk should he lose his balance and completely topple over. He managed to keep his feet however, and half staggered over to a full length mirror.

The clothes fit him surprisingly well, though it seemed that General Damjan was a bit narrower and lankier than he was. The sleeves of his cream colored shirt bunched up at his wrists, but you couldn’t tell since the collar of the shirt was filled with soft ruffles and the style was of a looser fit. It draped lazily over his shoulders, clinging to his upper arms and chest as he moved, with a straight cut that had him looking even taller than before. His trousers, a dark brown, disappeared beneath the long hanging tails of the shirt, but hugged his thighs snuggly. The outside seam of each leg had a dash of lighter thread, accenting the length of his limbs, as well as their shape. I had to take a moment to adjust my gaze from those firm, muscular thighs of his before his emerald eyes noticed me ogling him from behind.

“I look… foolish…” He grumbled.

I crossed my arms. “Good, you finally reflect your natural state then.” He snorted, turning this way and that and playing with the fabrics. I rolled my eyes again. “The shirt is supposed to be tucked into the pants. You look like you just rolled out of bed.”

He glanced at me in the mirror, then back at his shirt. “... How?? These pants are too tight. There is no space!”

That had me laughing, despite myself. Certainly the goblins had an interesting sense of fashion, preferring aesthetics over functionality and comfort. Though I supposed the same could be said for some of the human court styles. Neither had put much thought into moving around. And based upon his previous attire, pants were not something the young orc was used to. My laugh petered out when I saw his lopsided grin waiting for me in the mirror. His whole face seemed a little brighter for it. I shook my head, unable to hide a lingering smile, and moved over to the bed.

“Alright, enough of that. I have someplace to be. And you should get some rest.” I told him as I adjusted the thick blankets and pillows. Peeling back a corner for him.

“You’re leaving again?”

My eyes darted up to him, surprised to hear the tang of remorse in his words. I slapped the blankets a few times for good measure. Letting out an impatient sigh.

“Yes, it may come as a shock to you, but I actually do have regular responsibilities outside of cleaning up errant wandering idiots.” I teased, straightening and taking a step back to allow him access to the bed. “Plus I have to see to your mare still.”

“... So I can stay?”

I groaned, pushing my wild hair back out of my face. Trying to ignore the odd pitter patter of my heart at the question. I gave him a once over, as if chewing on the thought. Certainly it was not because I was making excuses to prolong his company. That of course I found the half-orc taxing. There shouldn’t be any question that I wanted him out of my life as soon as possible.

“I can’t very well send you off until I know you aren’t going to pass out in a ditch somewhere.” I told him. Making an effort to sound as though I was at least mildly chaffed with the idea. “So yes, you oaf. You can stay.” I bit my lip, shuffling. “... For now.”

Erramun slowly walked over, sitting on the edge of the mattress. His eyes looked over the room again. I shuffled my skirts and turned to gather up a few things to manage the clutter a bit better. Suddenly very aware of the fact that I had a strange man in my personal chambers. At best it was highly improper. At worst, it was downright dangerous. Afterall, I had only known Erramun a few days, and yet let myself be locked up in my bedroom alone with him. If Niko found out, he might just have a stroke on the spot. Though he might remain upright long enough to run my visitor through with his sword first.

“Won’t the Princess be cross that you are using her chambers to wash an orc?” He mused, tilting his head to one side.

“Half-orc, you mean?” I teased, glad my back was to him so he didn’t see my mouth twitch in amusement. “And I don’t think she’ll mind much.”

“She lets you use these rooms for yourself,” He reasoned, and I saw his nose twitch out the corner of my eye, “The bed smells like you.”

I nearly tripped over my own feet. Tossing an armful of my things into a chest and closing it. I glanced at him briefly as I grabbed a small empty basket and put the remainder of the dressings and the jar of salve in it.

“Stop smelling me. It’s rude.”

He grinned. “I will try to breathe through my mouth then. Or would that be rude too?”

“I’m not sure you’re capable of being anything else.” I returned airly, looking around and considering my handiwork for a moment. “Except perhaps a fool.”

Erramun chuckled, a sound that came from somewhere deep in his chest. I glance at him out the corner of my eye. “I hope the Princess will not think so.”

“Don’t count on it.”

“You are close with her then?”

I groaned. Well, it had been nearly a few minutes since the last mention of the Princess that time. “Honestly, do you ever think of anything else?” I grumbled. “Must be dull, revolving your life around marrying a girl you’ve never met.”

“You say it like I have a choice.” He grumbled right back.

I turned to him once more, the morose tone of his voice giving me pause. It seemed in stark contrast to the teasing lightness from before. The half-orc had his head bowed, his over defined brow scrunched. The long tendrils of his damp hair trailed around his face. I considered this for only a brief moment, returning my hands to my hips.

“Don’t you?” He didn’t look up at me at my words. I felt a tick of irritation at that. “You are an orc, half or otherwise. You are not beholden to the whims of a court, or the expectations of your people. You do not have the same responsibility to put the welfare of others above your own freedom and happiness.” I glanced off to the side, my eyes drifting longingly to the window. “You can wander under the open skies, should you so choose. You can see far off lands, go on adventures, take risks-”

“If I want to be selfish, and ignore the suffering of my people.” He interrupted, his voice heated. “Perhaps everyone here is magically accepting, but at the border, being over six foot and having green skin is enough to get you harassed. If not worse.”

“And marrying a Princess will solve that?” I shot back, equally hot.

“It will ease tensions.” He argued. “It will prove that we are not savages. That we can make alliances-”

I threw up my hands exasperatedly. “Even if I had a year, I still wouldn’t have enough time to point out all the flaws in your reasoning. And right now, I have to go collect my nieces and nephews.” I moved over to swipe a clean cloak from one of the hooks by the armoire. “You stew in your own idiocy, or, preferably, sleep. So that perhaps I can have you out of my hair before it starts to turn grey.” I spun on him, leveling one stern finger at his face. “And don’t even think about leaving this room.”

Erramun raised one brow at me, his thick lips pursing together around his tusks. Then his head tilted to the side, and that lopsided grin returned. It made my determination falter briefly, almost so much that I nearly took a step back in light of it.

“You are quite fierce, Gana.” He mused. “If the Princess is anything like you, I will be lucky.”

That had a sound heat rising to my cheeks, but I shook my head. Scoffing loudly. “You are a fool and a half.” I grumbled, turning my back on him so he couldn’t see the strange crash of emotions that fought their way across my face. “Single minded and absolutely incorrigible.”

He snorted, sounding amused. “Something else then. If I sleep in your bed, where will you sleep?”

His words had me freezing in the doorway to the foyer. I tried to ignore the rapid speed of my pulse, swallowing heavily and shaking my head. Based upon the tone of his voice, I knew that stupid lopsided smile was still on his face. I replaced the heat of embarrassment at his implication with that of anger.

“Preferably just about anywhere else.” I snapped, then stormed out to the hall. Being sure to lock the door behind me.

UPDATE: Part Five HERE

#Burdened by the Stars #half orc #orc boyfriend #orc romance #orc lover #slow burn #himbo #sass #regency romance #update #monster lover #monster boyfriend #monster x human #poc #frenemies #terato #exophilia #Royal Flush Sequel #li'un ma shkio

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frostsinth · 3 years

Text

Burdened by the Stars - Pt. 1

Huzzah! A new story! I have had this one in my thoughts since about halfway through Royal Flush, and am happy to finally get it underway. I’ve already got most of the next part written, so I hope to keep ahead of myself that way I can post more regularly again.

Please enjoy this new (and old!) cast of wonderful characters. Tell me what you think! Drop an ask, reblog, or comment! Check out my MasterList for more of my stories, and please feel free to BuyMeACoffee while you are there to help out.

All the best!

The sun was a blessing warmth that day, shining bright in a clear blue cloudless sky. The gardens looked almost endless, and I had to admit I was impressed with the gardeners’ skill to maintain such a vibrant green despite it being nearly the middle of winter. Of course, a fair bit of that was due to the addition of a pair of goblin gardeners a few years back, who imbued some of their innate magic to make the gardens far more beautiful year round than they had ever been. With their aid, the grass grew thicker and greener. The blooms grew larger and more colorful. Everything seemed to have a beautiful sparkling splendor.

Despite the loveliness of the gardens, and their impressive expanse, I was, as always, innately aware of the towering white stone walls surrounding it. One would have to squint to see them from where I stood, but I felt their press as plainly as if I were standing in a four by four box. My own personal gilded prison.

Not that those walls had ever succeeded in keeping me in for long, I thought to myself with a tickle of amusement, crossing my arms as I watched my two Ladies in Waiting struggle to notch their arrows. I had never found it too much trouble to sneak out when I put my mind to it. But I would give my older brother some credit, as he had gotten quite good at two things over the years; convincing me to stay in, and, when that failed, hunting me down to drag me back.

Honestly, I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I just wanted to explore! I wanted to see far off places and go on adventures of my own! Nothing ever happened at the castle! There was only ever stuffy, boring nobles and endless soirees and balls and galas. I had no head for politics, no patience for court affairs, no interest in parties. I couldn’t sit still long enough for anyone’s satisfaction, nor did I like wearing the fancy dresses. Certainly I was often told I was clever enough to outwit most anyone, but I just lacked the focus. It was a hollow old song who’s tune had long run dry to my ears.

My brother did try. He was always trying to engage me in court life. And I knew he wanted me to be happy, in his own way. He just didn’t understand my wanderlust and adventuring spirit. He loved being King, and running the country. And he was good at it; the best in centuries many said. Our Kingdom prospered, our people flourished. For him, there was nothing more exciting than negotiating contracts, solving disputes, or meeting foreign dignitaries. He would try to appeal to my curious nature. Come meet this fellow, my brother would say, he’s from the far off Kingdom of somewhere or other. He’ll tell you all sorts of fascinating stories!

...They were never interesting people. I could almost predict how quickly I would become bored with them by how highly my brother sang their praises before I met them. But we had vastly different tastes, my brother and I. Though when I was younger, I had always admired him. My serious and indomitable older brother, more than 20 years my senior. Still, despite his cold and stoney exterior to the outside world, he was the one who had taught me to shoot a bow. And he had always been there to support me, whatever new interest or hobby I picked up each week. He made a point to spend almost every dinner with me, and to listen to everything I had to say. But when he looked at me, he still saw a Princess. A fine Lady of the Court, not a discontent prisoner. And the older I got, the less and less he seemed to see it.

This afternoon I was especially restless, as I knew it would be soon time to go to the castle where I usually spent the winter months. My travel had been delayed this year due to weather, and I was anxious to be leaving. Especially as my older brother and his spouse had a few younger foreign nobles that they seemed particularly interested in pressing into my company. I nearly groaned at the memory of them. Boring, all of them! One was from a fishing kingdom, but he had never met a pirate! Nor did he even seem remotely interested in discussing them. Another journeyed from beyond the mountains, near the deserts of Sandspire. And yet seemed more prepared to wax poetic about my hair than discuss the inter politics between his Kingdom and the Nessiim.

“Your Highness!” Called one of my Ladies, waving her little arm at me and bouncing up and down in her overly sparkly shoes. “Did you see that shot? I believe I’m getting better!”

I waved my hand back to the small goblin standing a few yards away, smiling. “Keep your elbow tight, Safa, and you’ll hit the target every time!”

My other Lady, Lisbet, giggled behind one delicately gloved hand, giving Safa a light and playful shove and saying something I couldn’t quite hear from the garden gate where I stood. The goblin squealed, her grey-green skin becoming flushed far darker than before, and attempting to poke her human counterpart with the end of her bow. Lisbet merely laughed louder, swatting her back with her own. They were doing well. Neither had much of a hand for such things; their arms were far too unpracticed at pulling the bowstring, and their fine clothes tended to get in the way. But still, it was amusing to see them try. And it never hurt that they might learn a thing or two in the process.

I watched them quietly for a few minutes, leaning over the short wooden fence that separated the open field where we had set up a makeshift target practice from the vegetable garden the kitchen utilized. The two had been incredibly good sports about entertaining me today; both willing to look like absolute fools as they attempted to replicate one of my favorite pastimes. I knew they weren’t trying very seriously anymore, but I didn’t mind. I rubbed my hands together, clearing the dirt from my palms left over from picking some produce for our afternoon snack. Cucumbers and melons were always more delicious picked straight from the vine. I considered my bounty, sighing deeply to myself. It certainly wasn’t all bad being Princess. I knew I should be grateful for living in such a beautiful white stone castle, being waited on hand and foot without a care in the world. And I was!

But I swore I would trade it all for just one great adventure.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn’t hear the soft crunch of boots on the gravel behind me. Originally I must have passed it off as just a servant running an errand on the path lining the outside of the garden or a guard making their rounds. Then a large, broad shadow passed over me, bigger than any I was sure I had ever seen before, and I spun in surprise.

The man standing behind me was tall. Taller than me, taller than either of my older brothers who were not small people. I ventured to guess he was close to seven feet, either just shy of or just over. His shoulders were broad, almost the width of two men standing side by side. And their breadth was certainly no illusion of his clothes, seeing as he wore next to none. His chest and shoulders were bare save for a dark leather pauldron on one side with a pair of thick straps that were cinched tight to his muscular torso. About his waist he had heavy furs wound back and forth into layers from his hips down to nearly his knees, but I could see his thick thighs through the slashes cut into either side to allow ease of movement. He also boasted a huge axe strapped to his back, possibly as long as I was tall, and a matching dagger on each hip.

Certainly this man was no castle guard, based upon his garb alone, but despite all that, it was not his clothing nor weapons nor size that made my eyebrows flick up in surprise. The man’s flesh (most of which was quite visible to my curious eye) was a deep, yellowish green. Like a lemon still halfway to ripening, though a fair bit darker than one. Besides that, and his broad, flat nose, as well as the mohawk of hair neatly braided down the top center of his head with short shaved sides, a pair of sharp looking little tusks protruded out from behind his lower lip.

The greenish skin and prominent brow originally had me thinking ‘goblin’. But combined with the small tusks and his gargantuan size? I quickly corrected that to ‘orc’. Though this was only a homely guesstimate, as I had never met a real orc before. A pair of bright green emerald eyes settled on me briefly as he approached, then flicked over my shoulder to consider my Ladies. Perhaps I should have been afraid of him, or at the very least wary. Yet instead I found myself intrigued. He carried himself with a slow saunter, confident, but not aggressive. And though he looked completely out of place in his furs amid the polished stones of the fine castle, he didn’t seem particularly on edge himself. Perhaps a bit exasperated, but otherwise relaxed. I shifted, cocking one hip and leaving just one brow raised. Wondering just exactly who this man was, and why he was wandering around inside the castle grounds unaccompanied.

He paused beside me, and I considered him from head to toe as he placed his meaty hands on either hip. I watched him looking over my Ladies again, then he jerked his rounded chin at them.

“Which one of them is the goblin Princess?” He asked, his voice thick with an accent I had never heard before.

I almost laughed out loud at his question, privy to information he apparently was not that made it intensely humorous. But I quickly hid my smirk and turned to consider my two Ladies in Waiting with him. Certainly they looked quite regal and elegant; Safa always preferred large poofy dresses, most almost twice her size, despite how much I preached their impracticality. She also boasted an over the top hairstyle that was the current goblin fashion and gave her an extra inch or two on her height. Meanwhile Lisbet, who’s tastes were much more subdued, looked no less refined in her lovely scarlet frock on top of cream and pink skirts that brushed the grass as she walked. She had also done up her hair in a delicate braid, with a few long cherry blonde curls flowing loose over her shoulders. Both had more than a few bobbles and bangles, and they squeaked and squealed like typical high class ladies who had never needed to worry about a thing in life.

“That depends on who’s asking.” I returned to the stranger, leaning back forward on the gate again over my crossed arms.

The young man gave a snort, and shot me a look out the corner of his eye. I wondered if he was appraising me now. In comparison to the bright and decadent Ladies across the way, I was sure I looked quite plain. A cream colored sleeveless blouse that looped around my neck and a soft lavender skirt complimented my dark umber skin. Topped with my soft white fur shawl to keep off the chill that I had pushed back out the way of my arms while I worked. My own hair, a wild auburn that was so dark it was nearly black, was pulled out of my face with a simple maroon ribbon and nothing more. It spilled around my head in an untamed cloud of softness, each tiny curly fluffed out to be almost indistinguishable from the next without close inspection.

“I mean her no harm,” he assured me after a moment, “I have come very far seeking to be heard by the King.”

I looked him over again, and couldn’t help feeling my curiosity having been thoroughly piqued. “And what does that have to do with the Princess?”

“Who are you to her?” He growled. At first I was surprised by the tone, but I quickly realized it was not in an unfriendly manner. It was almost a secondary quality to his deep voice and thick accent.

“Oh, we’re very close.” I confided in him, nodding conspiratorially to hide the twitch of my continued amusement. “She doesn’t do anything without taking my counsel first.”

“Hmm.” Green eyes turned back to consider me more carefully, and I could see the same spark of interest in his own eyes. “And you would help me?”

“Depends on what you need help with, I suppose.” I mused in return.

He sighed heavily, then took his hands from his hips and crossed them over his chest. “I’ve come to speak for an alliance between my people and the humans. The King is… reluctant.” He jerked his chin at Safa and Lisbet again. “But if I marry the Princess, I can change that.”

I nearly fell over in disbelief. “You want to marry the Princess??”

He scoffed, his brow scrunching up angrily. “What? An orc can not marry a Princess?”

I laughed, unable to contain the ridiculousness of his proposal. “Is that what you are then? An orc?” I scoffed at him myself, my voice becoming heated. “And I can’t believe Val… erm, I mean, the King, would even suggest that!”

“Yeah, I’m an orc!” The big beast shot back proudly, then hesitated to reach up one hand and rub the back of his neck sheepishly. “Well, half orc, anyways. And King Valeri-whatsit didn’t exactly suggest marrying the Princess… I did.” He glanced at me out the corner of his eye once more. “And he would have laughed me out of the room too. But I think he might be half stone.... He’s hard to read.” He grumbled and shifted his weight. “So what’s her problem? Who am I rescuing her from?”

“Rescuing her?” I exclaimed, still off balanced from his first admittance to begin wrapping my head around his second question.

“Princesses always need rescuing.” He pointed out patiently, as if it were a common fact of life. “Is there a monster here? Or some… riddle or something that she can’t solve?”

I hid a smirk, shaking my head. “Nope. Nothing like that around here.” I kicked the fence with my toe. “Just a regular old boring castle.”

He chewed that over for a moment, scratching one finger on his chin as he did. “Hmm. I suppose her brother the King must be secretly wicked or something. Maybe he never lets her leave the castle.”

My eyes jerked up to him in surprise. As I watched though, he seemed to be chewing on his thick lower lip, and his brow was scrunched. Just thinking out loud then. A coincidence he had nearly hit the truth of the matter perfectly square. I glanced back at my oblivious Ladies, then to the half-orc.

“So you fancy yourself her rescuer then?”

He nodded, becoming more confident as he thought about it. “Yeah. I think that’s how it works.” He gave a hefty shrug of his shoulders. “I mean, I don’t want to marry some soft, spoilt Princess, but if I rescue her then the King will have to listen to me.”

I would have groaned, and had to fight hard to resist narrowing my eyes instead. What an arrogant prick! Honestly, who did he think he was! I brushed my hands down the front of my dress, straightening.

“Soft?” I scoffed again. “Spoilt?? And who says she needs rescuing!” I argued bitterly, moving to open the gate beside me. “I think the Princess is quite capable of taking care of herself, thank you very much.”

“Hey, wait!”

I jumped slightly, turning to find his hand scooped around my upper arm. His grip was firm, but gentle, and his skin seemed a warmer color against the contrast of my own. I glanced at it, blinking stupidly for half a second before looking up at his face. He too seemed to realize perhaps he had been a bit forward, and dropped his hand. Suddenly looking more uncertain than I had yet seen him. I paused, considering him. He shifted sheepishly.

“You ah… you said you were going to help me.”

I snorted. “I said that depended on who you were.” I crossed my arms, craning my head back to look up at him with my lips set in a stubborn line. “And you never actually said who you are.”

He gave me a small grin, baring his small tusks at me. I couldn’t suppress the little jump in my pulse at the sight as his whole face lit up with the smile. He stood a little taller, spreading the breadth of his shoulders out then solidified his footing. The stance of a soldier, I noted. A stance my other brother had taught me during our sparring sessions. He looked… big. And I couldn’t deny the impressiveness of his fit body. I realized he was probably about my age, or maybe a year or two older at most. But I shook myself internally as my eyes lingered on him perhaps a moment longer than necessarily appropriate and brought my gaze up to meet his as he opened his mouth to speak.

“I am Erramun Klin’wahid, son of Unvar, of the Broghuz Valley.” He proclaimed proudly, then thudded one fist against his broad chest. I raised one brow, and he tilted his head to the side. “So, now you know me. Will you help me?”

I considered him again, a small frown settling in the corners of my lips. Was I supposed to recognize that name? And how exactly did one get rid of an unwanted orc suitor? I didn’t want to have to call the guard, that was far too dramatic for my tastes. Nor did I think I could wrestle him, given the disproportion of our sizes. I would have to use my wit to win this encounter, and I started to tinker with the notion as soon as I had properly assessed the situation. Then a thought occurred to me, and I had to work hard to hide my smug smirk. Instead, I gave a flourished sigh, placing my hands on my hips. As if I was giving in to his request. His lips twitched eagerly.

“Have you ever heard of the Masiir flower?” I asked him innocently. He shook his head, but his bright green eyes filled with curiosity. “Well, it’s very rare. So rare, it only grows in one place! Out past the craigs of Almayit, deep in the forest of Pyejara.”

“What is the point of this flower? Flowers are useless.” He growled, frowning and sneaking a glance over at my Ladies.

Safa and Lisbet had just noticed our visitor, and I saw them huddling close together fretfully. Whispering quickly to one another. I relaxed my stance, showing them clearly I was not concerned, and hoped they would stay put for the time being. It wouldn’t do for them to reveal my hand to this stranger.

“This particular flower is famed for its beauty.” I explained. “But it grows in such a dangerous place, very few people have ever seen it. If you got one for the Princess, she’d have to talk to you, no?”

Erramun frowned, and looked over at Safa and Lisbet again. “For a flower?”

“Not just any flower!” I insisted, building quickly upon my lie, “The Masiir flower is supposed to be the flower of unity! It’s a symbol! And it’s magic!” I added, because hell, why not? If it got him out of my hair, all the better. “Just look for a big flower with white petals that have purple tips, and a red stem.”

The half-orc ‘hmmed’ deeply, a rumble that seemed to form deep in his broad chest. I saw him glance over at my Ladies again. Perhaps he scowled, but I couldn’t quite tell from my angle. After another bated breath that remained trapped in my throat, he gave a sigh as strong as a gale force breeze.

“I suppose Princesses must really like flowers… And that would make her marry me?”

I would have blanched at the word, had I been working so hard to pretend otherwise. Instead, I had to swallow a bitter sneer at the notion, hiding my disdain for it with an assured nod. “Very few Princesses would be able to refuse you if you brought her back a Masiir flower.”

After a few more quiet moments of deliberation, the man nodded resolutely. “Then I will just have to go get this flower.” He shot a charming smile to the watching Ladies, who erupted into feverish sputters and squeals. “Speak well of me to the Princess, yes? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Oh, of course, Mister Erramun.” I replied, cupping my hands in front of me as a smug smile tugged at the corners of my lips. More than a little satisfied my ploy had worked so seamlessly.

He thumped his fist across his chest, then reached out and scooped up one of my hands so quickly I almost didn’t notice the gesture. My eyes quickly widened in surprise as the half-orc bent low. Pressing a light but warm kiss to my knuckles. I could feel his small tusks scrape against my skin as he did.

“Thank you for your help.” He told me, still bent over my hand, green eyes dancing in the afternoon sunlight. “I am in your debt.”

I shook my head quickly to hide the slight flush rising to my cheeks. “Think nothing of it. But you should get going!” I tugged my hand quickly from his grasp with the pretense of gesturing towards the main gate. “Almayit is at least a day’s ride from here!”

He smirked a little too smugly for my liking at my rushed words, then looked over my shoulder again. His expression shifting into confusion.

“But who-”

“I must be going, and so should you!” I told him before he could ask. I didn’t want to give him an answer for it. Especially if it might put one of my Ladies in danger in the future. “I’ve already spent far too long lingering here to speak with you.” I waved my hand again. “Off you go! And best of luck.”

I turned, gathering up the basket of melons and cucumbers and scuttling quickly through the gate. I was glad to hear it clunk behind me without delay. Meaning the man had not followed. Still, I didn’t dare look back just yet, though Safa and Lisbet were watching like hawks on my behalf. I stopped a few feet away from them, finally giving in to the burning desire to peek over my shoulder. But Erramun was already almost out of sight. His broad shoulders seemed to catch the sunlight vibrantly as he walked away. Which left the air catching in my throat again. I didn’t realize my Ladies had taken the liberty to close the remaining gap between us until they spoke.

“Your Highness!” came a gaspy breath, and I turned to see Safa with her usual excited bounce peering up at me. “Whoever was that??”

I scoffed, shaking my head and passing her the basket. “Just a fool, that’s who.”

“A handsome fool.” Lisbet added, leaning to look around me and watch the half-orc disappear around the corner. I could see the flash of interest in her honey brown eyes.

“And tall!” Safa added, sounding just as interested.

“Everyone’s tall to you.” Lisbet shot back, which had the smaller goblin lady squealing in displeasure. Lisbet only laughed, then turned back to me. “What did he want then, Your Highness?”

“Eh?” I mumbled, my eyes still stuck on the spot where Erramun had just disappeared. I blinked a few times, then realized what she had asked me. I quickly cleared my throat. “Oh, erm… nothing. He was just lost, I think.”

“He seemed quite smitten with you,” Lisbet teased, taking up my hand and skimming her fingers over my knuckles, “At least based upon that little kiss he gave you.”

I snatched my hand back, scowling at her a little. “Oh posh. I told you, he’s just a fool. Don’t think I’m as boy crazy as you two to fawn over some knuckle kisser.”

They both laughed at that, and after a moment, I couldn’t help my own little smile. Then I cleared my throat, shaking my head.

“Come on.” I told them, turning and marching off back towards the castle. “We’d best get going, the day is not so young anymore!”

I noticed them exchange an alarmed look out the corner of my eye before darting after me.

“Where exactly are we going, Your Highness?” Safa asked breathily. She always was a little winded trying to keep up with our longer legs.

“To the goblin kingdom.” I announced. “I’m tired of waiting for Val to make up his mind that I can go. There hasn’t been new snow on the ground in days. I’m leaving now.”

Especially because I wanted to make sure I was long gone before that Erramun fellow got back. If he did… I felt a pang of unease on having sent him on such a dangerous wild goose chase. I scoffed quietly to myself; he was a big lad. He could handle himself. Or, more likely, he would realize it was just not worth it, and would return to his own lands. Which might be even more the case when he searched in vain for a flower that I had simply created on the spot.

“B-but… But Princess Morgana! King Valerianus said-”

I shook myself loose from Lisbet’s grip as she went to grab for my arm again. “Liz I am 22 years old! I don’t have to wait for my big brothers to decide when to ship me back and forth between them like some annual royal tithe.” I skipped up the castle steps and brazenly shouldered open the door. “I’ve been packed for days now! So if you don’t want to ride horseback the whole way, you might want to go to the stables and have them get the carriage ready.” I spun lightly on one foot, grinning at them as I walked backwards towards the main stairwell. “We leave in an hour.”

Safa groaned lightly, slowing with a huff and placing her free hand on her hip. I laughed, turning around to sprint up the stairs, two at a time. I would have to change into my riding slacks before we could leave, and have the servants bring down my bags. Not to mention my Ladies’ things. But having made the decision after days of restless waiting, I already felt lighter than air.

“Honestly I’m surprised King Valerianus was able to delay her as long as he did.” I heard Lisbet sigh as I rounded the corner at the top.

“We’d better do as she says and get the carriage.” Safa replied. “I am not riding horseback.”

I laughed again, and I heard them both intake a sharp breath of surprise as it echoed about the hall. But I was sure they would recover quickly from their shock. Safa and Lisbet had been my Ladies in Waiting for over a decade. They both knew me well enough to know I preferred they always speak their minds, and not to try and change mine. With the promise of departure lightening my step, I felt my heart skipping with delight. It was almost enough to push the thought of my strange wayward visitor from my thoughts…. Almost.

...

UPDATE: Part two HERE

#slow burn #Burdened by the Stars #new fic #monster romance #monster lover #monster boyfriend #orc #half-orc #monster x human #terato #exophilia #orc lover #orc boyfriend #frenemies #Royal Flush Sequel #li'un ma shkio

90 notes · View notes

frostsinth · 3 years

Text

Burdened by the Stars - Pt. 2

Part 1 - MasterList

I am having so much fun writing this story so far. I had a bit of a struggle to figure out how I wanted it to go, but I think I’ve got that down now. And so it’s getting a bit easier. I hope you guys love this part as much as I do, because it has some returning characters.

I’ve already got most of the next chapter written, so I might post it 12/24 or so if I have enough interest and get far enough along to continue to be ahead of myself.

If you like my work, please think about going to BuyMeACoffee (which you can access from my MasterList above or through my header) to support me. If you would like to commission a piece, DM or shoot me an ask for details.

All the best!

We reached the outer walls of the goblin city an hour or two shy of nightfall, and I heard the trumpets announcing our approach as the gates swung wide. I smiled eagerly, and spurred my mount into a graceful canter through the streets of the outer city. The majority was below ground and deep into the mountainside, but since the signing of the Peace Treaty between the Kingdoms somewhere around a dozen years before, the goblins had set up a trade haven here on the surface. During the day, the streets were often bustling, but with night fast approaching and temperatures dropping they had a quiet air of productivity about them now. A mixture of goblins spattered with the occasional human were closing up shop as I rode, and I heard a few happy cries of greeting and murmurs of excitement when they recognized me as I passed them by. My hair billowed and bounced out wildly behind me, and I offered a friendly wave to the merchants and shoppers who greeted me as I left the royal carriage far behind and rode up the slope to the castle proper.

Those gates opened as well without delay, and the echo of my horse’s hooves clattered about the cobblestones. A herald darted from one side doorway, quickly straightening his tunic. He had only half my name out before I passed him, and he gave a tiny puff of air as he realized the pointlessness of his loud announcement of my arrival was overshadowed by the racket of hooves. But news certainly did travel fast here regardless. It had only been maybe ten minutes since I had first crossed the threshold of the outer city, and already someone was waiting for me at the top of the long, shallow steps. I pulled up my mare short before the wide stairs of the main doors at the head of the courtyard, and my smile grew at the familiar figure I saw standing before them with his shoulders squared and his hands clasped behind his pin-straight back.

I called out to him loudly with a cheery greeting, already swinging out of the saddle before my mount had come to a full stop. A few attendants rushed forward, and I passed her reins over with a kind word of thanks to them and a pat to her thick neck.

The second eldest of our family looked down at me with a slightly exasperated expression. It could be hard to tell with him sometimes; like our oldest brother, he tended to conceal most of his emotions beneath a stony façade. Remnants of a childhood with our strict father, I had been told, though I recalled only very little of that time myself. Not to mention that the etiquette of human court still aired towards a more stoic and reserved composure. But I knew both my brothers well enough to read the tiny changes which denoted their thoughts behind their masks. So I already knew King Nikostratus was not particularly pleased to see me on his doorstep that evening even before he spoke.

“Chickadee, what are you doing here?” He exclaimed as I skipped up the steps to him. “Valerianus assured me he would send word ahead for when to expect you.”

Despite the scolding edge to his voice, he enveloped me in a warm hug when I reached him. It had been more than three months since we had last seen each other after all, though of course we wrote to each other regularly. I forgot how much I had missed him myself until I was firmly enveloped in his arms and his familiar scent. I saw his expression had softened a little by the time I pulled back, and he fondly pushed my hair out of my face as he must have done a million times before.

“The roads were perfectly clear, Niko!” I told him, not fighting his fussing over my wild locks. “I don’t know what Val was waiting for, but I got tired of waiting for it.”

“Please tell me you at least informed our brother you were leaving?” He bemoaned, a slight frown pinching at his brow. I gave him a tiny, sheepish grin, and he sighed heavily in defeat. Gesturing over an attendant. “Morgana, you cannot just ride back and forth across the countryside whenever you very well feel like it. You are a Princess for goodness sakes. It’s dangerous!”

“But Niko-!”

“Auntie Gana!” Came a shouting chorus of gleeful voices from behind my brother in the castle, interrupting his reprimanding and my planned defense.

I dropped to one knee with a returning grin as two of my nephews and one of my nieces sprinted into my arms. They very nearly knocked me over with their combined weight, and I laughed as I fell back onto my bottom.

“My goodness!” I gasped. “Look at how you’ve all grown! Izaak, is that you?? I can barely recognize you! And Lorette! You’ve grown your hair so long!”

I scooped up their youngest, Viktor, into my arms as his remained stubbornly latched around my neck. The other two let me unwrap them so I could stand once more, but clung to my legs and tunic excitedly. I vaguely overheard my brother giving instructions to the attendant to send word to Val about my surprise but safe arrival. I placed a hand on Izaak’s head, scruffing the eleven year old’s hair. He pushed my hand away with a soft yelp and a fussing word before quickly working to smooth out the messy blonde curls as best he could. Lorette tugged on my shirt.

“Auntie Gana, are you here for the rest of winter now?” She asked eagerly.

I looked up at Niko, raising one eyebrow pointedly. I heard the creak of the carriage arriving in the courtyard, followed by the click of its doors as my Ladies emerged from within. My brother looked over at it, then gave another heavy sigh, shaking his head.

“Honestly, chickadee, I should send you straight back.” He told me, but belittled his words by turning and leading the way into the castle proper. “This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and-”

“Ah, I thought I heard the trumpets! And look who’s come to call!” Came a cheery voice, interrupting us for a second time. We turned as a group to face the goblin King as he strode down the hall with an excited skip in his step. “Finally! I thought our little bird might just end up staying south for the winter this year!”

Viktor wriggled to be released at the sight of his father, squealing with delight. I put the four year old on the ground to sprint over to the King next, who scooped him back up with a small touch of difficulty. Even at four, the little human boy was starting to outgrow his tiny 5’2 foot goblin parent. But if the weight bothered him, the goblin King didn’t let it show, sauntering over with a toothy grin and his son perched on one hip.

“Grier, thank goodness,” I greeted him, giving my brother’s husband a warm and grateful smile of relief, “Just in time to talk some sense into Niko! He wants to send me back!”

“Send her back??” Exclaimed Grier, his brow shooting up as he looked over at Niko. “Whatever for?? She just got here!”

His voice was full of his usual vibrant lightness, and it echoed about the large hallway around us. I felt like I was floating on air at its sound. I loved the vibrancy of the goblin kingdom, especially compared to the solemn human court of Geriveria, and that vivacity was in no small part due to its monarchs. It always made me feel so happy to see both of them, though it might be hard to see how they were compatible at all at first glance. Where my brother was soft spoken, stoic, and as unreadable as stone, his husband was everything the opposite. Grier was flamboyant, loud, and wore his emotions on his sleeves for everyone to see. While Niko wore dark solid coats with sensible black or grey pants and subdued gold buttons, Grier wore loud prints, usually several of them at once, with strange cuts, frills, and styles. His long blonde hair was absolutely wild in contrast to Niko’s short cropped black. He wore bangles and bobbles and earrings, where the most my brother ever wore was a decorative belt or a ceremonial sword at his hip. One would be hard pressed to find a more unalike pair of men. But one would be equally hard pressed to find a pair that somehow worked as well together as they did. Or made each other half as happy.

Niko gave Grier a look which equaled the same level of exasperation he had given me just a few moments prior. “She snuck out of the castle, again,” he told him, his voice as level and smooth as always but hinting at his frustration around the edges, “She didn’t inform King Valerianus she was leaving. And she didn’t send word ahead.” His hazel eyes shot back to me, narrowing slightly. “What if something had happened to her on the road? We would never have known until it was far too late.”

I took the scolding with a slightly bowed head, biting my tongue, and even Izaak and Lorette hid behind my legs with the sternness of my brother’s voice. Perhaps out of sympathy; I was sure they had heard that tone more than once themselves. It had the quality of making one feel not fearful of punishment, but instead horribly guilty for their actions. And longing to correct whatever disappointment one had inadvertently fostered. I rested a hand on each of their heads reassuringly.

Grier, however, seemed unaffected by the tone, and waved his free hand with a loud scoff that echoed about the stone hall. “Nonsense! She’s here safe now, and that’s all that matters, isn’t it?” He nudged his husband with his elbow. “Let the girl be, Nikostratus. I’m sure she’s learned her lesson and won’t ever scare you like that again.” His scarlet eyes flicked to me, and his slender brows raised high. “Right, little bird? Certainly your brothers have enough to worry about?”

I nodded solemnly, silently thankful for his intervention. Otherwise the lecture might have continued all night. “Yes, you’re right.” I glanced over at Niko. “I’m sorry, Niko, I didn’t mean to scare you. I promise I won’t do it again.”

“See there? No harm done.” Grier shifted his grip on Viktor, cocking one brow at Nikostratus. “What do you think then?”

My brother gave another long, deep sigh, shaking his head. He considered the goblin for a moment, then I saw his hazel eyes flick down to the children at my knees. I saw the sternness lift from his features again, and Izaak released my leg to move over and stand at his side with a shy smile.

“I suppose I am outnumbered.” He mused, sounding almost indifferent to the fact as he tenderly smoothed Izaak’s hair behind one ear. But then lifted a scolding finger to point at me. “Just this once, I’ll let it go. But never again, chickadee.” He warned.

Grier was already grinning wide before I could offer a response. “Excellent! I’m so happy that’s settled!” He turned to me. “You are just in time for dinner! Would you like to go to your rooms to wash up before? You’ll have to forgive the state of them, we didn’t have a chance to have them fully prepared for your arrival.” He gave a friendly wave to Safa and Lisbet over my shoulder. “I’m sure your Ladies might be able to help to that end, and would remember where everything is should you require aid.”

I smiled back at him. “I should change at the very least. I probably stink of horse.”

That made the goblin laugh, and he hoisted his youngest over one shoulder so that he squealed with delight as well. “You can’t be any worse than these little beasties of ours!”

His words had Izaak and Lorette giggling as well.

“Inunu! I took a bath today! I don’t stink at all!” Lorette proclaimed, going over to wrap herself around his leg. “Izaak is the smelly one! Boys are always smelly!”

“I am not!” He whined angrily, stamping one little foot at his sister. “I take a bath everyday! Right, papa?”

“I know you do, Izaak. You smell wonderful, of course.” Niko reassured him, gently tucking his fingers under his little pointed chin briefly.

“Where are all the rest of the little beasties then?” I asked, looking around as we made our way down the main hall. “Or perhaps I should just follow my nose?”

“Oh, they’re around here somewhere, getting into mischief I am sure.” Grier replied, waving his hand about errantly as his present children burst into a fresh set of giggles at my teasing. “They’ll be down for dinner, gods know they are always hungry.”

“Chickadee,” my brother began as the two older children sprinted off down the hallway ahead of us, bickering amid themselves, “What made you leave without telling Valerianus? That’s not like you, and you know he worries-”

I groaned, shaking my head. “Come on, Niko.” I grumbled, surprised to find myself quite irritated at his prying. “I’ve only been here two minutes! Can’t the nosy brother act wait until later? I’ve got to go get washed up for dinner.”

He looked slightly appalled by my words. “But-”

“I’m here all winter,” I reminded him before he could finish, hopefully curtailing the conversation successfully again, “We’ll have plenty of time to catch up. Right now, I want to go get out of these clothes. Plus I’m famished! And I still haven’t seen Corwin and the twins yet!”

I saw him open his mouth to speak again, and darted over before he could. Springing to the tips of my toes and wrapping my arms around him for a quick hug. His response sputtered on his lips, and I used the opportunity to dart away, my Ladies trailing as fast as they could behind me, hiding their own giggles behind gloved hands. His words had struck a chord of guilt in me that had nothing to do with how I had left without telling Valerianus, and my Ladies’ giggles had me flushing a little darker... I certainly did not want to remember the strange visitor that had driven me out of Geriveria’s castle. But couldn’t help lingering on the thought of him, as he had come unbidden to my thoughts anyways… I wondered if he had anyone to worry about him…

“Was she always this difficult?” I heard my brother mumble softly as I made my way to the nearest stairwell to head to my tower rooms. “I swear, I don’t remember having this much trouble with her when she was little.”

“She’s always been trouble.” I heard Grier chuckle quietly in response. “But she’s all grown up now, Nikostratus. You can’t keep her a little girl forever.”

Another sigh. “... Perhaps if you cast that time spell on her...”

The goblin King’s laughter followed us the rest of the way up the stairs.

...

I sighed deeply, kicking about the powdery snow with my boots as I trudged over to set up my targets by the riverbed again. The forests were quiet this time of year, and a lingering storm from the night before crunched fresh snow underfoot as I moved. I didn’t bother to walk with a lighter step; it didn’t matter. I wasn’t far enough away from the outer castle wall to be in danger, nor was I trying to be particularly stealthy to hide from the old bottles I had brought along for target practice. I didn’t suppose they would much care if I were upwind or down. The forests surrounding the castle were at a high enough altitude that they were mostly inaccessible to anyone coming from beyond the kingdom borders, though it ran alongside the main road in places. I could be alone, but wouldn’t run into any patrols. And was close enough to return with haste should I hear the distinctive alarm bells that signified my absence had been noticed.

Not that it should be today, though perhaps Safa and Lisbet would be looking for me at the castle. I had given them and everyone else the slip that morning when I had left without a word. Tired of their prying and longing for some time alone. I doubted they would spend much time looking for me; I had long outgrown any need for chaperones or nursemaids. Their positions as my Ladies were mostly ceremonial. Occasionally they would help me dress (for my more elaborate and highly disdained ensembles) and they made sure my chambers were kept neat. Otherwise, their only other responsibility was keeping me company. As of late I had pushed for them to take more time for themselves, and they had reluctantly agreed. Giving me long afternoons or sometimes almost full days to myself. They would likely think today no different.

As I collected the bottles and set them back on the fallen tree, I couldn’t help my thoughts wandering again. As they had frequently over the past few days since my arrival at the goblin castle. And Niko’s pestering desire to speak to me had not made my stay any easier. Luckily, he was King after all, and his Royal duties kept him pretty busy. Add that to the overall huge size of the castle, and it was pretty easy to avoid him. Especially as he had quite the knack for getting very lost in its halls without a proper guide. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how he had managed to call the castle his home for the last decade and still not know how to get from the dining hall to his own bedroom without getting lost. But as it was to my advantage this time, I decided to take it as a blessing.

It was my only blessing at the moment, as it seemed my conscience was weighing rather heavily on me. Every time I had even a breath without something to occupy it, my mind raced to the thought of the strange half-orc I had met in the palace gardens of Geriveria. The sky was as dark as my thoughts as I fretted and worried over him. Was he alright? Had I sent him to his death? Certainly, the trek to the crags of Almayit was not an easy one in fair weather, let alone in the deep of winter. Or so I had been told. And the forests of Pyejara? I had read such stories of the beasts that lurked there. I shivered, both against the chill that had descended upon the world with a vengeance for the mild weather days that had preceded it, and for the thought of that fool orc lost somewhere, perhaps in the rocky outcropping. My mind supplied ample visions of misfortune for the poor fellow, to which my stubbornness gave offhanded replies that only left me feeling a little guiltier. His shoulders were bare, and it’s been so cold! Well, then he should have worn a cloak. The footing there is hazardous, what if he twists his ankle out there all alone? Then he shouldn’t have gone alone. I did warn him it was a dangerous place. If he got hurt or lost, it was his own fool fault! Especially for having taken the word of a woman he had just met, after all!

Still, I couldn’t help my thoughts wandering to him, even now as I set my targets and stared at the icy cold water of the small riverbed. I wished perhaps I hadn’t been quite so impulsive and brash. Surely there were other ways to rid myself of a pesky suitor, orc or otherwise. I could have simply told him the truth; that there was no way in hell I was getting married. That was not the path for me, nor had it ever even remotely interested me. I had never fawned over fairytales of true love, or imagined myself a Queen of anywhere. I didn’t want to be some polished princess set on a sparkling throne and no more useful than a flower painted on a wall. I didn’t want to be seen as a reward, or a trophy wife. And I certainly didn’t want to stay in one place for the rest of my life. It may have been a perfect and happy ideal for my brothers, but I had loftier goals for myself.

I paused, thumbing the bowstring thoughtfully. I welcomed the change as my thoughts shifted to wondering how much longer I would have to wait for my own adventure to start. I had spent my life reading about them, or prying them from travelers and merchants. How did one start these things anyways? In the stories, there was always a catalyst. Something that came along to change the main character’s routine. I wondered what mine would be, or if I could in some way instigate it. Perhaps I needed to simply leave. Pack a saddle and go out into the world. I felt the itch of it in my palms, the biting urge in my legs. I imagined with glee the freedom of the open road, of wandering wherever I wished without the binds of my title weighing me down. Out in the world where no one knew nor cared who I was or where I had come from...

Grier had always said there was a natural magic to the world. When I was little, I used to get jealous of the way he could snap his fingers, mutter a word, and simply manipulate the world around him. I poured over the spell books that I managed to sneak out of the royal library, trying my hardest to understand why it worked for him and the other goblins but not for me. When my efforts had been discovered, when Niko had tried to explain to little twelve year old me that humans weren’t able to learn magic... I had been mad; mad at Niko. Mad at Grier. Mad at magic for refusing me, even though I wanted it so much and tried so hard.

Then Grier had taken me to the side and in that soft way he was so good at, said something to me that stuck solidly in my mind even to this day. So much so that I could hear it now as clearly as if he were standing beside me speaking the words anew.

“Magic does not exist to be bent to our will.” He had told me, handing me a handkerchief to wipe at my tear stained cheeks. “It is not made to be commanded about; it has a will of its own.”

“But you command it!” I had argued.

He then shook his head. “I ask of it, and it accepts.” He had replied. “It is a partnership, an understanding… and goblins have been speaking with magic for many, many centuries.”

“.... So Niko was right? I’ll never be able to learn magic?” I had whispered sadly, swallowing back a fresh wave of tears.

He seemed to think about this for a moment, then shook his head again. “You may never hear it,” He admitted, “... Not in the way I do. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be able to hear you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Magic is all around us.” He explained. “It’s in the air we breathe, and in the stone at our feet… It is always listening.” His toothy grin had filled his face. “How else do you explain the rain starting just as you’re thinking things can’t get any worse? Or when you’re already having a bad day and you accidentally drop your dessert? Or when you spend hours looking for something just to find it in your pocket? Or what about when you bite into a pastry and it brings you back in time to when you used to bake with your brother?”

“...That’s magic?”

He nodded, still smiling. “Sometimes if you think or worry about something enough, magic will hear you. And who knows what it’ll do when it does.”

I was forcibly reminded of this fact when I heard the snap of a branch in the trees behind me. I spun gracefully on one foot, raising my bow and notching an arrow all in the same motion. So that by the time I was facing my would-be attacker, I already had the string drawn level to my ear.

I nearly let it loose in shock when my eyes fell upon the hulking yellowish-green figure standing before me.

Erramun scowled at me, his brow becoming more pronounced as he scrunched it together. Despite the cold, he still wore nothing but the pauldron on his shoulder and the furs about his hips. He was clutching one large hand at his side, and I noticed he was hunched over slightly. He was also filthy. Covered from head to boot with dirt and mud, and gods knew what else. The recognition must have hit him at the same time it hit me, because he shook his head.

“The gods certainly have a sense of humor,” He growled, “To put you back in my path.”

I hesitated, but felt the strong urge to keep the arrow notched. As I was suddenly reminded he was larger than me, and obviously quite cross. Though I was sure he had a good reason to be. My stomach twisted in knots as my hazel eyes darted over him, accessing every inch. Trying to decide how best to handle this particular situation.

“You are certainly the last person I expected to see as well.” I replied coolly. “... Did you find the flower then?” I added, as if it were no more than a casual comment about the weather.

The half-orc laughed, a booming sound that reverberated around the trunks of the trees surrounding us. “Some flower, eh? Magical and rare?” He replied, his scowl deepening. “I searched high and low for it. Then I go back to the castle-” He took a slow, almost menacing step forward, and I matched him for a wary step back “-and the staff tells me that the Princess left.” He cocked his head to the side, considering the tip of my arrow as I straightened a bit taller nervously. “You forgot to mention I had a deadline.”

“We left rather suddenly.” I told him, careful to keep my voice steady. “How did I know you would be back so soon?”

Honestly, I hadn’t expected him to come back at all! Being sent on a wild goose chase, only to return and find out the one person he had sought to impress had left for the winter. By the gods, how had he even managed to get this far? I glanced about, but he seemed to be alone. No one had guided him here. Were orcs so good at hunting that he had been able to track me like a dog, despite my trail being nearly a week cold? I highly doubted that, narrowing my eyes at him suspiciously. I doubted also that the palace staff would have told him where I had gone, especially to a stranger at court. So how had he managed to charm that out of them? What else was he hiding?

He shifted, considering me with an equal wariness. “... So the goblin Princess is here?”

I was very good at keeping emotions from my face, especially the ones I didn’t want anyone else to see. Human court was no place to let such things slip, and I was very practiced there. But I still nearly lost my composure at his words. My lips twitched, and I was much more aware of the distinct pull of the bowstring against my fingertips than I had been previously. I wasn’t sure which was more surprising; that he was still interested after all I had put him through, or that he still didn’t realize who he was talking to.

I chewed over my words for a long moment. “... And if she is?”

He growled from somewhere deep in his chest. I almost winced, but quickly realized the sound wasn’t menacing. It was… affirmative, almost.

“Then I want to meet her.” Emerald eyes fixed on the tip of my arrow again. “Will you put that toothpick down, girl?” He grumbled. “You said you would help me. And I think you owe me now.”

His words sparked a bit of fire in my belly. “Owe you?? Are you really that desperate?” I scoffed. “Are there no orc ladies for you to court back home? Why are you even still here?”

His expression shifted drastically at my sneering, and I drew in a deep breath at the way it made his whole face seem to change. He glanced down, as if burdened by something he could not find the words to describe. But I knew that look. I had seen that look on Val’s face. On Niko’s. That weight of a thousand weights… I swallowed hard, but felt a little of the tension leave the bowstring as my tight grip relaxed. When he looked back up at me, his previous scowl was gone. Replaced by something I wasn’t quite sure how to name. But it made me lower my bow the rest of the way. Who was this man?

“I am a stranger to these lands… I cannot do this alone, but it needs to be done.” He told me, his voice quieter than I had yet heard it, but determined. He sighed, almost in irritation. As if resigned to his fate. “... Will you help me?”

I looked over his shoulder, back towards the castle. I felt guilt and stubbornness in equal parts, fighting for position inside me. But I couldn’t. How was I supposed to help him, when I knew what he wanted? And knowing that what he wanted went against everything I had ever dreamed for myself? I could feel the looming trap of his intent like a heavy iron cage dangling over my head. Following my every move. Ready to drop at the slightest provocation and take away the last of my freedom for good. I had already let this go on for far too long. I couldn’t keep up the lie any longer, but felt the truth was far too heavy to speak. Best to just toss both out the window.

I shook my head, resolved. “No, I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” I replied, returning the arrow to the quiver at my back with one smooth motion and slinging my bow over my shoulders. “I’ve already made enough of a mess of things. Now, if you’ll pardon me-”

I went to collect my pack from the snowy ground and saw him open his mouth as he stepped forward to intercept me. Likely with some argument or further point for his case. But as he stepped forward, barely a yard away, he staggered, wincing heavily. I moved forward instinctually as he fell to one knee, and found my hand on the pauldron plating his shoulder before I had fully realized where I was.

His big head pulled back, emerald eyes meeting mine. Barely a hair’s breadth between our faces. I had dropped to a crouch beside him, and after a long pause where I found myself trapped in his eyes… I pulled back my hand.

He growled quietly, glancing off to the side.

“Are you alright?” I asked tentatively.

He offered a grunt, shrugging one big shoulder. “I will be fine.”

The half-orc shifted his weight, nearly bumping into me as he moved to yank himself back to his feet clumsily. He got almost halfway there before he started staggering again. Once more, I jumped forward, forgoing my previous embarrassment and hesitation to shove my shoulder into his. Propping his larger body up with mine to the best of my ability.

“You certainly don’t seem fine.” I shot back. I saw his hand move from his side as he tried to find his balance, and my eyes went wide with shock to see his side gashed and bloody beneath. “You’re bleeding!”

It was his turn to scoff. “It’s barely a flesh wound.” He grumbled.

“Barely a flesh wound?” I echoed, shaking my head incredulously. “You can’t stand straight. I think we’ve passed the notion of ‘barely’.”

Erramun shrugged, shifting his weight and slowly easing himself back to his own feet. But I noticed him look me over again. I wondered what he was thinking as he did. Did he find me as annoying as I found him? Some errant fly he just couldn’t seem to get rid of? I shuffled my feet in the snow, casting my own attention over towards the castle. Then back at him. I realized now that some of that previously unidentified substance smeared across his filthy skin and furs was probably blood. I could smell it a little now that I was closer, the air had a tangy iron bite to it. It made my stomach twist a little more in guilt.

“... Where are you headed?”

He shrugged again, wincing as he did and his hand returning to clutch at his side. “I haven’t figured that part out yet.”

I groaned. He was an idiot. An absolute, bonafide dumbass. I was quickly realizing that I couldn’t in good conscience leave him again. But I couldn’t exactly bring a bloody and wounded orc through the front gates either. I didn’t imagine I would much enjoy the lecture I would get from Niko once the truth came out. My stomach twisted further with dread at the thought. My mind raced through the other options. Leaving him in the outer city? The stubborn ass would probably end up on my doorstep again. Send him away? I was surprised he had made it as far as he had already. I wasn’t sure he would make it to the road without help now. So what did that leave me with? I almost groaned again, but settled for a sigh as I made up my mind.

“How did you get here?” I asked him, collecting up my bag.

“Eh?” He blinked at me.

I sighed again, more heavily this time, and hoped it was the blood loss making him thicker than a brick wall. “How did you get here?” I repeated. “Did you ride?”

He nodded after a moment. “I have a horse.”

“Well, that’s how most people ride, yes.” I returned, shaking my head. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“You’ll introduce me to the Princess?” He asked, and I thought his voice sounded a few octaves higher with his suddenly piqued interest.

I resisted the urge to wince myself, clearing my throat and shouldering my pack. “I didn’t say that.” I followed him as he staggered back along his own trail in the snow. “But if I leave you out here, you’ll probably freeze to death or something. And I don’t want that on my conscience.”

He snorted, shaking his own head. “I would not die.”

I almost laughed at that. “Indeed. You seem far too stubborn for such a thing.”

We had emerged to a break in the tree line, not far from the road, and found a large horse waiting there with its back legs hobbled. The big white mare whinnied excitedly as we approached, tossing her head up and down to make her mane slap upon her neck. Erramun grinned as he neared, smacking her side fondly and using her for support to maintain his balance.

“Get on.” I ordered him, giving the mare a friendly pat myself. She turned her head, flicking her ears toward me with her nostrils flaring curiously.

Erramun considered me for a moment, still leaning heavily on the mare and smearing more than a little of his blood against her white hide. Perhaps contemplating the order, and the tone with which I had issued it. Watching as I removed her hobble. He raised one eyebrow and peeked about.

“Where are we going?”

“To the castle.” I tucked the hobbling rope into a pouch on her saddle, and took my own pack off to hook over the horn of it. “I’ll take you the back way.”

“Why?”

“To avoid attention. I don’t feel like explaining to the guard why I’m dragging a bleeding orc around the city.”

“Half-orc.” He corrected me, his voice light with his teasing edge.

“So you like to remind me.” I grumbled in response, watching as he carefully hauled himself haphazardly back into the mare’s saddle. “What’s the other half? Ass?”

He laughed, and I felt a slight stiffening to my spine as the sound bounced around us. “Human.” He assured me. “Like you.”

I took up the mare’s reins, patting her nose. She lipped at my fingers, and I tickled under her chin until she gave a pleased whuff.

“Who says I’m human?” I replied lightly, careful to keep my voice overly flat as if to add to the mystery of it.

He laughed again, though softer this time. More a petering chuckle that remained trapped behind his teeth. “You smell human.”

“Smell??”

Erramun nodded. “Orcs have a good sense of smell. Not like ma’iitso, and not so much when only half-orc… but I can tell you are human when you stand close.”

I ignored the shiver that went down my spine at the reminder of our previous proximity, swallowing as I began to lead the mare back through the trees. “Ma’iitso?” I echoed the unfamiliar term by way of distraction.

The half-orc rubbed at the back of his neck, making some strange sounds in his throat. “Eh… the big wild dogs. They hunt in packs.”

“You mean matsio.” I said, realizing what he meant. “Wolves, in Common.”

He didn’t answer for a long moment, and I could almost feel his eyes boring into the back of my skull. I ignored him to the best of my ability, leading the mare not to the main road, but to a small deer trail that ran along the outside wall. Luckily, the goblins depended pretty heavily upon their enchantments. I wouldn’t have to worry about being spotted as we approached the wall and followed along the smoother track I had picked out years ago. Guards did not frequent the turrets, and I knew we would not set off the magical triggers here. Once we got into the castle? That would be a different story...

UPDATE: Part Three HERE

#orc #half orc #monster x human #monster romance #slow burn #terato #exophilia #orc lover #orc boyfriend #frenemies #reluctant mutuals #monster lover #monster boyfriend #Burdened by the Stars #Royal Flush Sequel #li'un ma shkio

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frostsinth · 4 years

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Unvar will never understand why humans are so worried about skin showing.

Karianna will always appreciate that Tlaloc are not.

Just a fun image of the pair. I like to imagine that they go back to the pool where they met frequently. Its kind of their special getaway place. Pardon the crappy background and lazy shading. Also, tried to make Unvar beefier. Not sure if he’s beefy enough yet, but I like this beef better than the first.

Enjoy shiny-wet Unvar eye-candy!

#orcs #orc #orc boyfriend #monster boyfriend #terato #exophilia #OC #li'un ma shkio #what are tags #romance

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frostsinth · 4 years

Photo

I stirred in my sleep, frowning as I came slowly to the waking world. There was no warmth at my back, no arm around my middle. And it was the sudden realization that I was alone in the bed that had me sitting up suddenly. I looked around the hastily set tent, panic quickly rising in my breast.

“Unvar?” I called softly.

But there was no response. Suddenly frantic, I searched through the furs of our makeshift bed, then tossed them aside and sprung to my feet. The tent was empty.

“Unvar?” I called out again, louder this time. I couldn’t keep the edge of fear out of my voice as I made my way out of the tent.

“Here, man’dwe,” Came his calm reply, “We are here.”

My breath still fluttered nervously as I turned, spotting Unvar lounging beside the water. He was still not dressed, and I felt my heart skip a beat at the sight of his broad, scarred back. The sun looked warm against his deep green skin, and he smiled up at me lazily as I walked over.

“You gave me fear,” I told him, sighing with relief, planting my hands on my hips, “I woke and you gone.”

“I am sorry, you looked so peaceful, so lovely, we did not want to disturb you.” He replied, and I saw his eyes trace over me slowly. “They were restless, so I brought them outside for a little morning air to settle them back down.”

I couldn’t help but mirror his smile, and l turned my attention to the sleeping pair nestled in the Tlaloc’s huge arms. At the sound of my voice, they began to stir again. One set of huge brown eyes popped open first, and the chubby little infant yawned and rubbed one fat fist against his cheek. The other’s copper eyes blinked blearily up at me, then he began to coo and kick as I leaned closer and came into focus.

My heart filled to bursting with warmth at the sight of the twins. I found I desperately missed them, even though they were only a few inches away from me. Unvar took advantage of my new position and distraction, reaching up his free hand to cup the back of my neck. I willing let him pull me down into a deep kiss, and sighed gratefully for the sweet taste of him. Even sitting, he was nearly as tall as I was, and I did not have to reach far to cup his huge face between my hands.

After he finally pulled back, the twins wriggling in his arms, he stood. One fussing babe he lifted up, placing in the crook of his shoulder. The infant immediately reached for his ear, yanking it into his mouth. His new little tusk worked at the long tip, and soft slobbering sounds soon filling the air. Unvar carefully supported his wobbling frame with one hand. I reached out as Unvar maneuvered the other into his free hand, gently holding him out to me. My smile grew, and I tickled the babe’s fat little feet. A gummy grin filled his little round face, and he reached for me, squealing.

“You make look so small,” I mused, still smiling as I let chunky little fingers grab hold of mine.

Unvar’s deep chuckle filled the air around us. “They are small. But they are growing quick.”

I nodded my agreement. Even in just one short month the twins had doubled in size. I wondered if they would ever reach the size of their father, or if perhaps my human blood would limit their growth.

“They need names, Kari-anna,” Unvar told me again, and I sighed.

“I know. But can not think! So much future in each little face! How can I chose one path?”

Unvar handed me the second twin, and I cradled him against my chest. He eagerly reached up as best he could, and one of his busy hands found a loose curl of my hair.

“Your Tlaloc is very good now,” Unvar praised me, slowly untucking the first infant and bringing him down to rest against his own chest. “You have come a long way.”

I scoffed as he wiped the drool from his ear with one hand, shaking my head. “I speak like Tlalockin, man’dwe, and you know this. But thank you.”

Unvar chuckled again, wrapping his free hand around my waist and tugging me close. I leaned against him, and he lowered the second twin into my arms so he could wrap his own around me. Enveloping us in a firm, warm, muscular cocoon of green. I felt his lips against the top of my head, then felt his hand brushing my thigh.

“We must choose soon,” He breathed, his voice was huskier now, bending low to run his mouth against my ear, then my neck. “...It would be confusing to have another when we haven’t even named the first.”

I laughed, shoving him lightly with my shoulder. I felt his responding chuckle against my back, but couldn’t deny the tingling of desire his words instilled in me. He was right... we really should pick names soon...

In case anyone was worried, Unvar is a great father. No one was worried. And a wonderful husband. I saw this pose reference and really couldn’t stop thinking about these two. I wanted to show them in their happy future, perhaps a year or two after they got married. Unvar still hates wearing clothes if he doesn’t have to, which suits Karianna just fine.

I have no idea what the twins names are. But they are both boys. Not sure if they should have a more red/brown skin tone, since they are half human, but I imagine their ears will straighten up a little as they get older.

Enjoy this cute little side project! More to come!

#orc boyfriend #orcs #dnd #monster boyfriend #monster lover #monster husband #orc husband #orc baby #orc twins #half-orcs #li'un ma shkio #terato #exophilia #lovers #romance #idk what other tags to use #homg babies are really hard to draw #they look like tiny old men #OC

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frostsinth · 4 years

Photo

I sighed, shifting and rolling again, unable to get comfortable. My bloated stomach weighed heavily down on me, no matter what way I lay my tired body. These days it came down to my internal organs taking turns getting squished; but none took their turn quietly. And I was more restless and tired than usual today.

Unvar shifted behind me, and I jumped as his hand came around to settle on my cheek. I craned my neck back, looking up at him. He blinked at me sleepily, giving a lazy smile.

“Can not sleep?” He guessed, stroking his thumb along my face.

I sighed, giving up and hoisting myself to a sitting position with a grunt. I lay back against him, bending my knees up and resting my wrists on top. The big Tlaloc had been joining me for my midday naps since my stomach had first started to swell and my energy levels sapped. Sometimes it was the only time we would see each other until nightfall; both of us were kept quite busy with the demands of running the tribes. I relished the time curled up against him, and always slept much better with his warm body at my back. Even now, when we thinned our bed of furs to just a few on the ground to try to minimize the summer heat.

“I can’t get comfortable,” I grumbled. My emotions had been absolutely chaotic as of late, and even his concerned question had me borderline ready to snap at him in irritation.

He reached out with his other hand, stroking my hair comfortingly. “You have been... restless this last week.” He said, switching to the Tlaloc language halfway through the sentence.

We both worked hard to speak in the opposite tongue to our native one, but sometimes what we knew how to say and what we actually wanted to say were too different. Most of our conversations had become this smattering mix of both languages. But I didn’t mind. He was speaking my language a little better every passing day, and I was nearly fluent in the Tlaloc tongue now; in no small part thanks to regular lessons from Galen.

I grunted in a very Tlaloc manner, shuffling my hips to try and relieve some of the pressure on my bottom. “You try growing a tiny beast inside your stomach and then tell me how restless you feel.” I shot back.

Instead of being hurt or insulted, Unvar chuckled in amusement. He thumbed my hair back from my face, twisting it between his fingers. Reaching up with his opposite hand, he began to braid it absent-mindedly.

“I am sorry this burden falls to you,” He murmured soothingly, “I would carry it for us if I could.”

I sighed again. “Stop being sweet. I am trying to be mad.”

Another deep, rumbling chuckle that I felt in my back rising from his chest. “It is better this way,” He seemed to decide as he wove my hair with his thick fingers, “You are more patient than I. Stronger.” He gave me a goofy grin, “My brave Ma’iitsolema.” He switched back to his native tongue.

I almost winced at his words, and I didn’t answer, looking down at my hands in my lap. At least, what I could see of my lap. My stomach had swollen much faster than any pregnancy I had seen before, and even the Tlaloc women seemed impressed with the size to which I had grown so quickly. For me, it was disturbing. I had no idea what to expect with this pregnancy, nor did any of the Tlaloc. It had been some time since the last half-orc had been born into a tribe. Often times, I feared the worst. Unvar was twice my size at least, and if the fast growth of my abdomen was any indication, the baby was taking after him.

“...But you still seem troubled.” He pressed into the silence, switching back to my language.

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, pursing my lips. He wouldn’t admit it, but I knew he was just as worried as I was. I caught his concerned looks in the shadows of his excitement. Whenever he thought no one could see him. I appreciated the brave face he put on for me, and I never let him on to my own concerns for the same reason. No wonder he thought I was handling the stress of the pregnancy better than him.

I gave him a small smile, reaching out and stroking my tiny hand across his cheek. He dropped the braid he had been working on, covering my hand with his and leaning into my touch.

“I’m fine. Just tired. And very uncomfortable.” I worked at the strange language in my mouth, hoping I had managed the words alright.

He ran his thumb across my knuckles, studying my face. “I thought maybe... maybe you miss family.”

I stiffened a little at his words. “Family?” I echoed, surprise having me falling back to my native tongue. “What do you mean?”

He paused, searching for the right words. I waited with bated breath, uncertain what to expect. Unvar had no immediate family to speak of; not within the tribes. There was rumors of an uncle, his father’s brother, but he had long since left the tribe to live out his grey years (as the Tlaloc called it) on his own deep in the mountains. For Unvar, the clans were his family; he cared deeply about each of his soldiers and took time to get to know every member he could. Ta’nik seemed to be the closest thing he had to a sibling, though they had only known each other for about a half dozen years. But perhaps there was some other member I had yet to learn of. He didn’t speak much of his parents; his mother had died when he was young, and his father a few years back in battle. The memory of them seemed to bring him pain, so I never pressed it.

“When women grow tlalockin,” He finally started, seeming to still be chewing over the words, “They want their own mothers, and look for their birth family.” He sighed, switching back to his native tongue for the next part. “The Shaz’gul say it is the tlalockin inside them, seeking to learn from where they came. Their mothers are anxious, and so seek the wisdom of those who have raised them.”

My face dropped as I realized I had misunderstood. It was not his family he had meant, but mine. I felt a strange numbness overcome me. After I had agreed to stay with him last spring, he seemed to avoid the subject of my family. As if speaking of them would conjure my desire to return to them. I had been quite content with the arrangement. It allowed to bury my own emotions regarding them.

“Oh...” I managed after perhaps too long of a pause. I reached up, running my hand through my hair. Tracing my fingers over the braid he had set into it.

“We never speak of them,” He pointed out quietly, as if hearing my thoughts, “But I have thought that perhaps now you may want to, because of tlalockin in your belly.”

I didn’t answer for a time, trying to sort out the jumble of my thoughts and emotions. “...I don’t have a family.” I told him numbly.

“When we meet, you said you have family in Osfar.” He reminded me softly.

I chewed at my lip, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat. I felt his big hand cup the back of my head again, and he slowly sat up. Wrapping his huge arms around me.

“I am sorry,” He murmured into my hair as I turned into his embrace, “I did not mean upset you.”

I reached up, curling my own arms around his neck. Burying my face in his chest and breathing in his soft scent. I hesitated, playing with his hair with my fingers for a moment.

“My mother died giving birth to me,” I explained softly, closing my eyes, “And my father was rarely home... it was better when he wasn’t...” I felt him wrap his arms a little tighter around me and sink his nose into my hair. “But when he died, I was yet unmarried, and had no place to go.” I turned my head, resting my ear against his chest so that I could hear his heartbeat. “I remembered that once, when I was little, he had taken me with him to visit his brother’s family in Osfar... I think he had hoped they would take me in and he wouldn’t have to deal with me anymore.”

“I do not like this man.” Growled Unvar.

I almost laughed. “Nor I... But I thought that I could travel to his brother and... maybe stay with his family for a while.. until I figured out what to do next.”

Unvar stroked my hair again, seeming to chew this over. “... Do you still wish to see your Uncle?”

I shook my head. “He was...” I stopped, dropping off and swallowing hard, “I didn’t like him much either. I just thought I had no where else to turn. I don’t know if he would have remembered me. Or knew of my father’s death.”

“You were traveling to see him when I found you,” Unvar concluded. Slowly, the big Tlaloc leaned back, peering down at me curiously. “It bothers me. If your father was not around, who keep you safe? When you were little?”

I didn’t want to answer that, and dropped my gaze. Resisting the urge to burst into tears at the emotions that suddenly welled up in me at the memories. Unvar encased me in his arms again, curling his massive body around me.

“Ma shin nkinta’lsha,” He promised, kissing the top of my head. “I will keep you safe.”

I smiled sadly, untangling myself to look up at him. I cupped his huge face between my little hands. “You are all the family I need, Unvar.”

He leaned down, resting his forehead against mine. We both closed our eyes, and sat for a moment in silence, breathing the same air. Finally he sighed himself, and took my hands in his.

“If not family, what troubles my hal’shaleen man’dwe?” He asked, twerking my nose gently with his thumb. “You cannot sleep with war on your chest.”

Now familiar with the Tlaloc phrase, I leaned back against him without questioning it. Slowly, he relaxed, laying back down on the floor. I hesitated, still feeling very raw and vulnerable having shared such a dark part of my life. But my eyes went to my swollen stomach, and I rested my hand on top. I chanced a glance at Unvar out of the corner of my eye, and saw his brow knit together.

Quietly, his own hand came up, resting atop mine. I shifted, slipping out from under him and lightly placing his palm flush to my abdomen. Resting my tiny hand on top of his. I turned to look at him more fully now, and let my face tell him all the things I couldn’t find the words to. I saw a look of pain flash in his eyes, and his lips twitched. Both our eyes returned to my abdomen.

“It seems to be taking after its father,” I told him softly, tracing my fingertips over his knuckles. “... You are troubled too.”

“I... I am afraid I...I am afraid I have set the day of your death.” He breathed, and his deep voice shook. My throat burned to hear the pain in his words. “I am afraid that our child...” He dropped off, and I felt his big fingers tighten beneath mine. “Now that I have known life with you, I cannot survive a life without...”

I nodded slowly. Confirming the fears we shared. But I stroked my stomach tenderly with my opposite hand.

“I am scared too... but...” One tear did manage to escape now, and I quickly wiped it back. “I do not care... I would willingly die for this child... Our child... for our family.”

When I looked over at Unvar, his eyes were closed. His thick brow taught. I squeezed his hand beneath mine, and he slowly opened them. I gave him a small smile.

“I am restless only because I cannot wait to meet our child. My only fear is that I will not-”

“No.” He interrupted me sharply, his voice louder than before. “Tlaloc and shikoba have had tlalockin together before.” His face softened, and he stroked the back of my head again. “I will not lose you. Not ever, my little Ma’iitsolema.” The smallest of smiles tickled the corners of his lips. “I will keep you both safe.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his determination. I leaned back against him, watching his hand stroke my stomach gently. I smiled, feeling better for finally having voiced my fears.

“I have never doubted that, not for a moment... Mah’un de, bal th’ez uk man’dwe.“

...

Another little snipit of the happy couple. Just lovely gooey moments for everyone to enjoy. I imagine that before she gives birth, Karianna gets quite large. Unvar, the ever doting husband and father to-be, is very attentive to her every need.

Hopefully this little insight to them answers a few more pressing questions. More one-shots to come in the future, I’m sure! The MasterList link below has the full story of these two (Li’un Ma Shkio) and the other epilogue actually follows up on this part a few months later. Enjoy!

MasterList - Epilogue 1

#monster boyfriend #monster husband #orc boyfriend #orc husband #baby orc #half orc #dnd #li'un ma shkio #update #oc #terato #exophilia #romance

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frostsinth · 4 years

Text

Li’un Ma Shkio - Pt. 10

Parts ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, & NINE

Everything was different now. Everything had changed. In just two days, she couldn’t imagine her life any different. But does she have the courage to act upon her feelings? Is she even sure what she feels?

The final part of the story. I hope everyone enjoyed! I appreciate all the support and interest this story has received and thank you all for tuning in.

Don’t worry though. I have a new story ready and waiting for you!

“Y-you don’t have to get me anything-”

He grunted loudly, interrupting me. “I like give. You will like. Come.”

...

The big Tlaloc led me towards the back of the camp by the paddocks. Most of the horses were in the main area, and he stopped a few feet from the makeshift gate.

“Wait here. I get for you.”

I nodded, and he released my hand, disappearing behind one of the lean-tos. I looked around, studying the huge horses. A few looked at me curiously, their nostrils flaring and ears pricked. Further off, I noticed a group of Tlaloc hanging off one another, laughing loudly. I remembered what Galen had said, about the affectionate nature of the tlaloc, and I couldn’t help but agree. They always seemed to be touching each other. No wonder it was hard for Unvar not to touch me. But now, at the thought of his touch, my skin tingled.

A whinny pulled my attention back to my other side. Unvar had reemerged from out of sight, and was leading a large mare.

She was tall, and thick, with feathered ankles and a long, soft looking mane and tail. She was also white, as pure white as new fallen snow. She pranced and tossed her head slightly. She seemed more playful than headstrong, and her nostrils flared at me as Unvar brought her over.

“I name her Hikaru,” He told me, offering me her lead, “Means ‘Bright’. She is gift.”

“For me?” I breathed, astonished.

I gingerly took the lead from him. Hikaru tossed her head and gave a sort of high pitched whicker. She nudged my hand, and I stroked her velvet nose gently. Seeming pleased, she dipped her head lower, so I could reach her fetlock. I couldn’t help but smile. I had never had my own horse before; they were an expensive commodity back home. And I certainly could never have hoped to have such a beautiful creature as Hikaru. I ran my hand over her cheek, then slowly walked to her side, all the while running my hand down her sleek neck to her shoulder.

Unvar nodded. “We leave soon. Need horse to leave.”

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “Leave?”

He nodded again. “Go north. For winter.”

I turned back to Hikaru, running my hand over her whithers and broad back. She curled her neck and nudged my thigh with her nose. Then tossed her head up playfully and shifted her weight with a soft whuff of air between her lips. But despite the softness of her coat and her beauty, I found myself distracted by Unvar’s words. There was a deep pit sinking into my stomach, and I closed my eyes as I tried to sort out its source.

“... You like?”

My eyes opened at his words, and I blinked a few times before turning to face him.

“Yes,” I told him with a smile, “She is beautiful.”

He seemed pleased with my response, but his copper eyes still studied me. He reached out one hand and placed it on her flank beside mine. I looked at his big hand, with my own seeming tiny and fragile in comparison.

“You come?” He asked softly.

I didn’t look at him, still staring at our hands. “What do you mean?”

He hesitated, then nodded resolutely. “When we leave. You come?”

I spun back to him, surprised. “I… I thought I had to stay until Autumn?”

Unvar shuffled his big feet, and looked down at them. “... I want you stay forever…” His voice dropped off, but then he sighed, “But I have been thinking… thinking a lot today…” He dropped off again, and his eyes focused someplace distant, “Is not fair, to make you come. To keep you… so is your choice. You can go, to Ofsar, if is what you want. Or… You can come...”

For a long moment, I didn’t answer. My chest felt tight and heavy, and I wasn’t sure where to look. I turned back to Hikaru, placing my hand back on her flank. Unvar’s was still there, and I glanced at it. My head swirled with a thousand thoughts and my heart beat a mile a minute. Unvar waited quietly, his hand slowly stroking the mare’s side. She had begun to nibble at the sparse grass beneath her hooves, and gave a soft snort every now and then.

I thought about what Galen had told me. Thought about all the things that had happened in the last two days. Thought about that strange bubbling desire in my chest whenever I thought about Unvar. Thought about the things he had shared with me...

Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “I lied before…” I told him finally, “I… I didn’t write to my family in Ofsar. They don’t know about me….” I stopped, and swallowed hard to clear my throat before continuing, “I have no real family, no one who I can go to…” I blinked back the stinging tears, swallowing again. “And I promised I would stay until Autumn,” I told him finally, “So, if you’ll still have me…”

I blinked back tears, but then I felt the heat of him behind me. I turned to find him standing quite close, looking down at me. I wasn’t quite sure what was in his eyes at that moment, but I felt a little warmer from it. He lifted his hands then hesitated, a few inches from my jaw.

“Li’un ma shkio… hasha ma…” He murmured, “I want ask to touch,”

I swallowed back the last of my sadness, recalling what Galen had said about that phrase, and nodded. Slowly, he skimmed his hands along my jaw. Then smoothed them up my face until he cupped my cheek in his palms, cradling my head. His thumb traced back and forth along my cheekbone, and I closed my eyes. There was such warmth. Such gentleness in his hands. I found myself turning into it, even lifting my own to place on top of his.

“I will have you, yes.” He murmured, and there was a joy in his voice that the softness couldn’t hide, “I will keep you safe...” He ran his hand over my cheek again, and sighed, his warm breath splashing against my face, “...Ma shin hal’shaleen.”

I felt cold as he dropped his hands away, and I heard him pat Hiraku’s side. When I opened my eyes, he had taken a step back. He looked me up and down quietly, then nodded, smiling slightly.

“Come, we take her back. Then we eat.”

Before I could respond, he caught me with both hands on my waist and lifted me up. Gently, he placed me on the mare’s back, and I wound my fingers in her mane to keep my balance. Unvar grinned up at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back. I thought it was nice to be taller than him for a change, if only for a moment.

He led the mare back to the paddock a short walk away, but I relished the peacefulness of that ride. When we reached it, he reached up his hands to me again. I slid into them without hesitation, and found myself hovering in the air for a second. Our eyes met, and my breath caught in my throat. Slowly, he lowered me down, placing my feet back on the ground. All the while keeping my eyes locked with his. He reached up and stroked my cheek again, but then cleared his throat, shaking his head. I smiled shyly, dropping my gaze.

We released Hiraku among her fellow mares and Unvar took up my hand gently in his. He led us back, and I felt a strange tingling throughout my body. I craved his touch, and curled my fingers around his hand as best I could. Even when we reached the tent, I was hesitant to let go. He seemed to sense this, and indulged me with a gentle touch on my good shoulder as he passed me some food. With his thigh touching mine as we ate in relative silence. With our fingers lingering together as we passed the drink bottle between us. Our eyes crinkled a little at the corners each time they met. The fire slowly crackled out beside us, leaving only soft glowing embers and a darkness that seeped from the night sky outside. And we stayed in companionable silence throughout, content to simply with one another. A new, unspoken understanding between us.

Finally, he stood, brushing the crumbs off his fur. “We take bed,” He told me, nodding to it.

I nodded in response, and slipped off my boots. He kicked off his own, then began to take off his armor. I turned my back to him until I heard the bed settling around him. Glancing a peek over my shoulder, I saw him settled among the furs. His copper eyes seemed to linger on me as I turned, and I felt a sudden stirring desire deep in my stomach. I swallowed, taking a few pacing steps closer. Then I stopped, hesitating. He watched me, eyes ever curious.

“T-turn around.” I told him.

One bushy black eyebrow raised, but he did as he was told, shifting to set his broad back to me. I stared at him for a moment, tracing my eyes over the scars on his back, hesitating again. My mouth felt dry, and I swallowed softly. But a strange boldness overtook me, looking at him. Some pull deep in my chest that made my fingertips tingle.

Slowly, I began to undo the straps of my top. I let them fall softly to the ground, and saw him stiffen slightly at the sound. Then I undid the ties at my hip, and let those furs slowly fall away too. Finally, I took off the fur from around my neck, and dropped it into the pile with the others.

Timidly, I crawled into the bed, then tucked my body under the furs, pulling them up to my armpits. Unvar remained with his back to me, though I thought I could see his head slightly turned. As if he longed to turn around. But he didn’t.

I paused, watching him breathe for a moment. Then, quietly, I reached out and lightly smoothed my hand over his back. I felt him shift slightly at my touch, but he obediently stayed put. I smoothed my hand over his muscles, tracing his scars, running my fingers in the grooves between his shoulder blades. I let out my breath a little sharply, but quickly caught it in my throat again. Then I reached up and curled my fingers around his shoulder and gave a gentle tug.

Slowly, Unvar rolled over to face me. I felt heat rising to my cheeks as his eyes settled on me, even though I had the blanket still woven tightly over my chest. My hand from his shoulder skimmed to his face, tracing along his jaw. I watched his eyes slowly move up and down my body, and nearly quivered from just that. He reached out his hands, then paused, leaving his offer hanging in the air between us.

I slid closer, rolling into his hands and letting him envelope me in his arms. I felt that now familiar warmth at his touch, the heat that spread from my chest to each of my extremities. I melted into him as he pulled me against his chest, and I rested my ear over his heart. There was barely a fur between our naked bodies now. But I felt strangely relaxed despite that. Just like the night before, I felt like we were two pieces of a puzzle nestled together. It somehow just felt right. I remembered what Galen had said about man’dwe, and wondered if this was what it meant. A sense of belonging, of being one part of a whole, incomplete without the other, and always that strange, magical pull...

His fingers traced up and down my back lightly, and I felt his warm breath on the top of my head. I heard his heart race a little in his chest.

“Li’un Ma shkio... bel kadan…” He murmured.

I bent backwards and reached up, pressing my lips against his before he could lean forward to meet me. He seemed surprised at my eagerness, but then kissed me back, his hand running into my hair at the base of my skull to more easily maneuver me into place. His tongue skimmed my lips, and I reached out with mine to meet it. Encouraged, he pressed closer, his tusks pressing against my cheeks as his lips responded to mine.

I rolled my hand over his chest, slid it against his ribs. Exploring the firm, warm muscles there. Then traced it lower, skimming over the side of his thick upper thigh, pushing under the blanket there. I felt him rumbling against my mouth, and he slid closer, pressing his lower body against mine through the blanket.

I pulled out of the kiss, a little breathy. And more than a little surprised at the firm shape now pressing against my side. I met his gaze, and smoldered beneath its intensity, licking my lips tentatively. Unvar paused, then his hand in my hair traced down to my collarbone.

“Ma shkio... hil’un gishta manuk,” He requested softly, his voice husky.

“Ha’fu,” I responded quietly. Show me.

He looked surprised at my response, but then his eyes grew hungry. And his hand slid down under the blanket.

His thick fingers lingered at my breasts for a moment, thumbing my nipples and tracing the edge of each one. I felt him shuffle, and he managed to maneuver his other hand to reach my breasts and began to gently massage them. Satisfied that was now attended to, his other hand moved on. The sensation had me drawing in a shaking breath, and so he moved further, tracing down my sternum and over my stomach. His palm slid over my hip, and briefly lingered to grip my ass firmly. Then slowly tracing along my upper thigh.

I drew in another shaking breath, and felt myself quivering beneath his touch. I had one of my own hands wrapped up in his braids, the other gripping his hip. He curled, looking down at me briefly, then slowly leaned forward to press his thick lips back against mine. I accepted eagerly, ready for anything to distract me from his roaming hands and the electricity they sent zipping through me. He kissed me passionately, and all the while his hand gently teased and massaged my thigh.

At some point, he drew back from the kiss and my quivering lips, then bent over me and began working his mouth against my neck. I let out a soft moan, unable to resist the feeling of pleasure that washed over me as he nipped gently at my throat. I felt him rumble eagerly in response.

His big hand slowly pushed my legs apart, and I rested them in a more open position for him. Then he began to move up, until his fingers were nearly touching the tender, moist folds in between. I shook a little, and gripped his thigh nervously. His fingers paused, and he kissed my neck lightly.

“Mil’ma, kish’ik nun manuk,” He told me, his lips moving along my skin as he spoke, “I want but do not need this... Do you want me stop?”

I hesitated, and squeezed my eyes shut. I felt him lean back, and when I opened my eyes again, he was looking at me. I felt my cheeks grow red, but I offered him the slightest of shy smiles.

“....Maybe just a little further,” I breathed, my voice husky with my own desire.

He nodded, his own eyes hungry, a small smirk playing in their depths. “You let me know.” He leaned over me, nibbling at my ear, “... I keep you safe…”

Again his hand moved up, and he watched my face as he slid his fingers against my lower lips. My mouth dropped a little at the sudden sweet sensation, and I gasped softly. He pulled my body closer with his other hand, until my breasts pressed against his chest. Anchoring me against his body. His lips moved against my ear, against my neck, licking at me with his hot tongue. But his lower fingers he moved in tantalizing circles, massaging and tracing. At one point, the tip of one dipped inside me, and I nearly melted. I was glad to feel him pressed against me, for I thought at that moment I might just float away.

He slipped another finger partially in, then back out. Then again. I could hardly stand the feeling, and squirmed a bit under his touch. He curled down, kissing me on the lips again as he finally slipped one thick finger deep inside. I fed my next moan to him, and I felt his eagerness at the taste as first one finger, then two, worked back and forth inside me. Flicking and thrusting.

He pulled back then, breathy, pushing the blanket up, and maneuvered his hips to align with mine. I felt the firmness of his manhood then, brushing against the wet space between my legs. I pressed my mouth firmly against his, and he gently massaged the head of his penis against me. I ran my hand down his thigh, then across his hips to reach the shaft and curl my fingers around it. Now it was his turn to moan into me as I rubbed my nimble fingers up and down its length.

Careful of my injured shoulder, he flipped me onto my back and rolled over top of me. His kiss buried me into the furs, and I took in the sight of his massive body hovering over me hungrily as he slowly bent his elbows on either side of me and used his knee to gently part my legs.

“Mah’un de, bal th’ez uk man’dwe,” He murmured against my ear as he slowly slipped inside me….

....

Very sore, but happy, I lay curled up against him, my cheek on his chest, his arm around me. His other was pillowing his head as he lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling. I glanced up at his face, looking at his hooded eyes. His breathing under my head was slow and rhythmic, and I felt my own falling into sync with his. I felt I couldn’t see him enough, like my eyes were never fully taking in all of him. So I stared at him hungrily, rubbing my hand across his thick chest muscles. Trying to memorize every inch of his massive body.

He rubbed his hand along my back and over my shoulders, then gave a heavy, contented sigh.

“Mah’un de,” He breathed out weakly, then curled his neck to look down at me.

I offered him a shy smile, and kissed the skin of his chest next to my hand. “... Galen told me what that means…”

Unvar nodded, reaching up and tracing my cheek with the back of his fingers. “I am glad. I do not know words.”

“He taught me some other things too.” I told him.

He gave a soft “hmm?” that I felt rumble in his chest beneath me. I smiled, glancing away briefly. But I couldn’t keep them away for long.

“Ha’fu.” Show me. He chuckled at my words, and went back to stroking my back. “And tlaloc’kin.” Child. “So’lem,” High Chief. “Mkisht tu.” All I need.

He turned, rolling to curl around me. I shuffled to accommodate him, then rested my cheek on his arm next to his so I could look into his eyes. He reached up and cupped my cheek, and I leaned into his touch, placing my hand on top of his. Slowly, he leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine.

“... Sckit te blit kashtan?” Can I stay? “Fet ma et shkio kashtan.” Because I want to stay.

His eyes widened slightly, then his face lit up with a warm smile. “These are good words.”

I blushed a little, dropping my gaze from his briefly. “I have just a little more…”

“Oh?” He leaned forward and nuzzled my nose.

“Li’un ma shkio kashtan... bal th’ez uk man’dwe.” I murmured.

Unvar caught his hand beneath my chin, tilting it up and kissing me gently.

“...Bal th’ez uk man’dwe, Ma’iitsolema.”

...

The End. (for now)

#orcs #orc #orc boyfriend #monster boyfriend #OC #li'un ma shkio #romance #end #dnd #exophilia #terato #monster love #monster lover

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frostsinth · 4 years

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“Unvar!” I scolded lightly. “Don’t let them stick your hands in your mouth!”

He tilted his head back to look up at me, raising one bushy brow. “Why not?” He asked, though it sound more like “quhy whot?” due to one of our son’s little fists currently wrapped around his tusk.

“Because then they’ll think they can stick their hands in EVERYONE’S mouth.” I explained, but couldn’t help smiling at the delight in the twins faces as they played with their father’s tusks.

“Bahh!” He scoffed away my worry. “They are just curious. No harm.”

“Oh, sweetie, no!” I cried lightly, reaching to pluck the twin currently gnawing on his father’s ear. “No biting!”

Unvar shifted his weight, grinning up at me as the remaining twin started crawling back up his chest to grab at his thick lips again. “It doesn’t hurt.”

I rolled my eyes, bouncing the toddler on my knee lightly. “Yet.” I shook my head, smoothing Unvar’s hair back. “I don’t want them biting people”

“Baah!” He said again, shaking his own big head in my lap. “They won’t! Just me. And its fine.” His eyes grew mischievous. “I like biting.”

I smacked him lightly, but the scolding was belittled by the answering grin on my face. His free hand came up, dodging the wriggling toddlers between us and catching the back of my neck. I indulged him, leaning down and kissing him sweetly.

It was all of two days before the twins bit someone else.

-Chants- New program! New program! New program!

Unvar and Karianna make a reappearance with their growing menaces! I’m gonna get a sketch up of the boys soon and officially pick their names. Still practicing with the brushes and effects. It’s so great though! LOVING IT!!

Hopefully you guys enjoy some little family cuddles :D

(tagging the interested: @monster-bait)

#li'un ma shkio #monster x human #monster romance #monster husband #monster family #orc lover #orc husband #orc father #half orc #orc twins #orc family #oc #update #monster doodles

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frostsinth · 4 years

Text

Li’un Ma Shkio - Pt 3

Part One HERE & Part Two HERE

Part three of the little side story that I meant to just be a little side blurb for fun. But hey, it makes me smile, and I get some mojo for it. Hope it gives everyone who reads it the same warm feelings it gave me to write it.

In this part, Unvar tries to explain what a marriage is, and teaches her a little more of his own language too. JUICYNESS ENSUES

Like for more parts! It only gets juicier! Bold is where we left off from part 2.

He paused, the spout of the jug poised over his own cup momentarily. After a moment, he resumed pouring, then recorked the wine and replaced it back by his feet.

“Marry, I think. In Autumn.”

---

I choked on the wine I was sipping, splattering droplets everywhere. “Excuse me??” I sputtered.

He reached over and grabbed a scrap cloth from a nearby pile, holding out to me.

“Marry. It is custom. Chose mate. Then do ceremony so all tribe know that you are bonded.” He swirled his own drink and looked into the fire. “I think Autumn is nice time for ceremony-” He smiled a little- “Leaves have many colors then. Like fire.”

“I-I don’t understand,” I stammered, and stood, shaking my head, “You want to marry me?”

He looked up at me in surprise. “Yes. Then children are... hmmm, what is word…” He scratched at his chin, “They can be chief, if of marry. Better if of bonded mates than of rutting.”

“Children?? What children?”

“Ours, yes? I am confused. Are children not common after marriage among shikoba?”

“You’re confused-...I-I-well, yes, but I’m still-” I shook my head again, placing one palm against my forehead in an effort to still the swirling thoughts. “I-you… well… Besides the fact-- You don’t even know me! I don’t know you! How-How do…”

“I tell you,” He replied patiently, leaning back with his wrists resting on his knees and his back straight. “I am Unvar.” His head cocked to the side as he studied me, then nodded, “Ah yes, I see. You do not know Unvar-” He smiled mischievously-“May not be good mate.”

“That’s not-”

He stood, placing his cup on the stump, then straightened his back and squared his shoulders to his full height. Towering over me. I took a nervous step back, but he grinned, then smacked his bent arm diagonally across his chest with his fist clenched.

“I am Unvar, High Chief of Grarod Clan. Warrior of Broghuz. I am given name Wet’khika by clan; means ‘he makes noise’,” His proud grin was almost goofy given the circumstances, “I have many horses. I am leader and warrior. I always keep food and large fire. I keep safe. I will make good mate.”

“And I get no say in this?” My voice was a little more shrill than I intended, and my hands shook a little.

Again, he looked surprised, and took a step towards me with one hand out. I quickly stepped back again. He stopped, dropping his hand as his brow furrowed. Trying to process something he obviously couldn’t quite understand.

“You say. Say what you like. You are to be mate. Queen of Grarod and Broghuz. Woman of High Chief is higher than all men of clan. Save Chief, of course.”

“No, I don’t mean ‘say’ as in ‘to speak’,” I said exasperatedly, “I mean ‘say’ as in, ‘getting a part in making the decision’.”

“What… decision?”

I threw up my free hand, incredulous. “In my marriage?? In my life?? How about that for starters?” I placed my cup down on a nearby stump, and wrapped my arms around myself to keep from shaking. “I-I mean, you kidnap me, force me to come with you, you won’t let me return to my family, and now I’m to marry you?? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?!”

He looked indignant. “I not kidnap you!”

I laughed out loud then, if only to keep from crying. “I have no choice but to come with you, even though I don’t want to. What do you call that?”

“I keep you safe.”

“You keep saying that! Like it means something!” I felt the sharp pain returning to my throat, and my eyes felt wet. “And who keeps me safe from you??” I hissed, my voice breaking at the end.

I turned away sharply, dropping my chin to my chest and hunching my shoulders. Trying to avoid losing myself into the sudden realization of all the fear of the last few hours. For a moment there was silence behind me, and I tried to keep my shoulders from shaking. I closed my eyes tight in an effort to dam the tears.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, I heard the heavy shuffle of his feet. Then felt the heat of him behind me. I stiffened instinctively, and I felt him hesitate.

“I will never hurt you,” He murmured softly, his voice gentle, “I can not.”

I shook my head sadly. “You’re holding me prisoner. You think that doesn’t hurt?” My voice was soft, even to my own ears, and quivered dangerously.

“...I will give you everything... Anything. Anything in power to give. Ask, and is yours.”

“Then let me go.”

Silence, so long my ears began to ring with the strangeness of it.

Then; “That is not in power. I cannot give that.”

My legs felt weak, and I shook my head again. “I don’t understand. Why? Why me?”

Another pause, then a sigh. “I see you. And… I cannot unsee you... Buk’nik shrin,” He cursed, sounding a little frustrated, “I do not know these words.” A grunt, followed by another sigh, “I have been… without you. Now I can not. Like… air. In chest.” I heard a soft thump which I assumed was him smacking his fist against his bare chest. “I did not know. But now I can not… un-know.”

I rubbed the back of my hand against my eye, sniffling softly. “And what about me? You don’t care what I feel? What I think or want? As long as you...”

I flinched as his palm skimmed over my bare arm lightly, and pulled away. But there wasn’t anywhere to go. I was trapped, adrift in a sea of hostile warriors. Caged in a tent with my future being laid out before me without any action on my part. I took a few steps anyway, moving to the other side of the fire.

“Please, let me touch you,” He murmured, following me slowly. I still couldn’t bear to look at him. “Let me show you words I do not know…”

“I don’t want you to touch me.”

“I will not hurt you. Let me show. Please.”

I shook all over; my hands quivering, my knees knocking together. I felt so weak and afraid. The acid in my stomach rolled over itself and made me feel sick, and even closing my eyes couldn’t block out the world anymore.

“You’re crazy.” I whispered, managing to shake my head again.

He was standing next to me again, I could feel him there. The hairs on my neck and arms stood on end. I jumped again as his fingertips brushed my shoulder. There was nowhere left for me to go. I had nothing; no choices, no strength. I felt myself shaking harder as he slowly moved his hand down my arm.

There was a sudden soft thud, and a rush of air. I opened my eyes in surprise, and found his just below. He had fallen to his knees before me, and he gently pried my hands loose with his, clasping them next to his bare chest. His own hands dwarfed mine, swallowing the pale skin within his deep green depths. But it was his face that held my attention. He looked… pained. Sorrowful. Even on his knees his head came nearly to my chin, and his shoulders were twice the width of my hips at least; yet he looked up at me with such a desperate expression I thought he looked small for a moment.

“You stay, with me,” He said softly, looking down at our hands and squeezing them lightly, “Let me prove myself. You will see,” Again he looked back up, meeting my eyes, “You will feel same thing. I know this.”

I didn’t know what to say. But really, did I have much choice? I looked off to the side, unsure of how to answer. He waited, quietly, patiently. Still on his knees. It was a long time before I tendered a reply.

“And if I don’t?”

My voice was barely a whisper, yet I still saw him flinch as if I had stabbed him.

But he nodded, resolutely. “You can go. By Autumn. I will not keep you.” He squeezed my hands again gently. “Is your choice. Yes?”

Not really my choice, I thought to myself. And I wasn’t sure he would keep his word. I would still have to stay until Autumn, almost a full year. Who knows what else would happen before them. If he would tire of me, pass me off to his men, sell me into slavery. The various fears and eventualities played havoc in my mind and I shivered at each new thought. His eyes seemed too truthful to doubt in that moment though, and I took a steadying breath. Still, the words wouldn’t come. So I resigned myself to a curt nod, tightening my lips to keep them from shaking.

A small smile returned to his lips, curling around his tusks. Slowly, he slid his hands up my arms, then put one foot under him, followed by the other. Until he stood over me once more. He slid his hands to my back, and gently pulled me forward into his chest. I was too weak to resist, emotionally and physically, and rested my cheek in the center beneath the small hollow at the bottom of his neck. His scent was a mixture of earth, smoke, leather, and just the smallest tang of man odor buried beneath the labors of his day. His massive arms wrapped around me, surrounding me with his bulk. He flexed, ever so slightly, cocooning me in the warmth of his body. I felt stiff, despite the strange comforting nature of his hug, and still quivered feeling his flesh against mine. One of his hands gently rested on the back of my head.

I stayed as long as I could bear, not sure if for him or for me. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to free myself, but as soon as I started to recoil, he instantly dropped his arms and let me out of his embrace.

“You will see,” He assured me softly, “I will give you anything.”

I shook my head, feeling dazed at the weight of my decision. “I…” I couldn’t help but laugh a little, “I don’t even know what you are…”

“What am?” He smiled warmly, unperturbed. “I am Tlaloc, and you are Shikoba.”

I wondered if it was common for the Tlaloc to find mates outside of their kind. But I decided I didn’t feel up for that question yet. I looked away, not sure what else to say to this strange man who had decided he wanted to marry me, of all things.

“You are tired,” He suggested, then gestured to the pile of furs. “Come. We sleep.”

I looked over at the nest, and really did begin to feel the trials of the day weighing on me. He moved over to one of the baskets lining the wall, digging through it until he pulled out a long piece of leather. Noticing me watching him, he gave me a crooked grin and patted the furs on his stomach.

“I sleep in naked-ness, but I feel you not like much. So I change.”

I felt my ears grow hot at his words, but he didn’t seem to notice. He was already beginning to undo the tie at his hip. I spun my back to him quickly before the furs slipped. I heard the soft sound of his garment falling to the ground. I cleared my throat nervously, and looked around, trying to distract myself.

There was a stump near the bed which had only a few things on it. I made my way over to it quietly and took off my boots slowly. Hearing the sound of his foot falls behind me, I chanced a glance over at Unvar.

His fur armor was gone, revealing his firm stomach and long, thick legs again. But he had modestly wrapped the leather about himself, just barely covering his private parts. The bottom of his ass cheeks peaked out a little as he moved, and I blushed slightly at the sight. Still, the covering was so tiny on his massive body that it was amusing, and I couldn’t help but smile a little. He clambered into the piles and sighed heavily, shuffling until he was settled comfortably into the furs. Thankfully, one fell over his hips in his shuffling, covering up what the leather had missed.

I realized I was staring when I found his eyes waiting by the time I made it up to his face. Quickly, I turned away again, heat rising in my cheeks again. If he cared, he didn’t comment, but I couldn’t bear to look at him for a few moments. I tried to distract myself with the strings of my skirt, but then hesitated. It would be very uncomfortable to sleep as I was, what with the bones of the corset and the itchy collar of the blouse. But the slip underneath… it was very thin. Possibly see-through if it was still damp. I wasn’t sure if it would be much better than being naked.

Of course, he had already seen me naked before, I chided myself softly. A sinking feeling in the base of my spine made me wonder what he would expect of me, laying beside him in the bed. By agreeing to stay (though I had little alternative options) had I agreed that sharing the bed meant far more than simply communal sleeping space?

My fingers shook as I slowly undid the laces and let my skirt slip down. I undid my blouse as well and slipped it off my shoulders. Careful to keep my back to him, I picked them up and placed them on the stump. Finally, it was just the corset and my slip left.

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, and found him watching quietly. I swallowed nervously, looking down at my discarded outer clothes. Then back at him.

He seemed suddenly aware of my discomfort, for he shifted, turning his back to me. I resisted the urge to sigh in relief, then slowly undid my corset and placed it with the other things. In nothing more than my shift, which barely came to my knees, I turned back to the bed.

There were certainly enough furs. I wondered if perhaps I could make a second bed by the fire and lay there instead. I moved slowly over to some of the piles of furs and blankets, shuffling through them to find the largest and thickest.

“What are you doing?” He asked over his shoulder.

“I… I thought I might make another bed-”

“Too cold.” He interrupted, shaking his head. He was careful to keep his eyes pointed to the wall of the tent, but I could just make them out over his shoulder. “Sleep here. Come.” I hesitated again. He waited a moment, then rubbed his face. “I promise safe.”

He sounded tired, and I wondered if my timidness was already wearing on his patience. I swallowed nervously again, but slowly shuffled over. Slowly, I crawled up onto the makeshift bed, and carefully settled myself amid the furs. He was right, the bed was much warmer, even than the fire which was already slowing it crackle. But I found I couldn’t relax, staring at his broad, green back laced with scars. I jumped as his hand reached out behind him towards me, offering me a large fur blanket. I took it gratefully, and wrapped it about myself almost up to my chin. It was very soft, and I felt much warmer with it. I couldn’t help but give a soft sigh of pleasure at the sudden feeling of heavy warmth that cocooned my tired body.

Unvar turned slightly at that, looking at me out of the corner of his eye. “Better?”

I offered him a tiny, timid nod, and he rolled onto his back, stretching one bent arm to rest under his head. The motion brought him much closer to me and I held in a tiny gasp, tensing again. But he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. I wondered if he was as tired as I was.

Despite the weight of my exhaustion, I couldn’t help but stare at him. Studying the way his pointed ears met the side of his head, the way his jaw traced to his mouth. His tusks, about the size of my thumbs, his soft looking eyelids and dark lashes. The way his throat moved as he swallowed. The slow rise and fall of his massive chest. I lay bundled up in my furs, staring at him for a little while, curiosity having gotten the better of me for the time being.

“You need something?” His soft, rumbling voice made me jump once more.

Unvar cracked open one eye, looking at me out the corner of it. I shook my head feebly. He closed the eye again, then let out a gentle sigh, shifting to his side and sliding a little closer to me. I tensed, but when his copper eyes opened again, I did not see anything malicious or hungry there and felt my tension ease a little. He pillowed his head with his bent arm, studying me.

“You can touch.”

My eyes widened slightly at this. “Wh.. What?”

“You have not seen Tlaloc before. You have curious. You can touch.” He told me again, nodding to my hand. “Does not bother.”

I shook my head at first, then hesitated. I felt my fingers itch at his proposal, and his copper eyes opened and closed so lazily. Despite that he was at least twice my size, he seemed so still and calm in that moment. I was not so afraid of him. I lifted my hand a little, then stopped. Unvar didn’t move, didn’t even glance at my hand. He even closed his eyes a little more, as if he really was too tired to be bothered.

Haltingly, I reached out towards him. When my fingertips brushed the skin of his jaw, I flinched, pulling them back slightly. But again, I felt the strange tingling desire to see if this strange creature beside me was really there. The terror and fear that had plagued me throughout the day had settled the entire affair into a strange miasma in my mind. It felt unreal. But touching him… Made it all a little more real. And perhaps just a little less frightening. It was only fair, I reasoned silently. He had touched my face before...

I returned my fingertips to his jaw, ever so lightly touching his skin. It was warm, and I smoothed them along his jawline until more of my hand touched him. It was soft too, though I could feel the slight stubble of hair beneath. If I looked closely, I could even see the small black follicles. Feeling braver, I traced his jaw up to his ear, then gently closed my fingers around it. I traced the cartilage with my thumb, feeling the length up to its point. I glanced back at his eyes, but they were closed, and his breathing was deep and smooth. Quietly, I skimmed back towards his temple, then cupped my hand and smoothed it over his cheek. The skin here was firm, taught with health and vigor. I could feel the bone underneath, forming the square jaw and cheekbone. I even dared to trace my hand down to his thick neck, feeling his muscles work beneath my fingers as he swallowed slightly. Down to his shoulders, firm as stone beneath my hand. I lightly skimmed over his clavicle, but stopped short of his chest.

Suddenly shy, I pulled my hand back. I jumped again as his hand moved, catching mine as it retreated. I looked up, and found his eyes open again, studying my face. He drew my hand gently back, and placed it upon the edge of his chest from where I had left off. He pressed it flat against his breast, then slowly guided it down and over to trace the firm muscles there. He had some small black hairs in the crevices between his muscles. They were a little course and wiry, but didn’t retract from the overall smoothness of his skin. He dropped his hand, leaving me to explore as I wanted once more. I hesitated, glancing back up at him. His eyes were almost closed again, but he watched me quietly through his dark lashes.

Still hesitant, I traced my fingertips over his pectoral, then stopped on a particularly large and knotted scar that covered the top right corner, stretching in thin lines toward his shoulder. I traced over the scar tissues a few times, feeling the difference between the smooth untouched skin and the healed skin.

“Warrior from Nkil’in clan,” He told me softly, and I pulled back my hand slightly at his words. “Spear head. With hooks. Mishna ba’lok.”

He hooked the fingers of his free hand to illustrate. I swallowed nervously but lightly touched the scar again. Then I ran my hand over his skin to another, near the base of his neck.

“Dagger. From gunn’hild; Traitor in clan,” He told me, then drew a line with one finger across his throat, “Tried kill.”

Curious despite myself, I moved to another on his shoulder. Three long and thin scars right on the edge. Looking closely, I could see two more faded lines parallel with the others.

“Bear.” He grinned, then patted one of the furs we lay on with a pleased grunt. I couldn’t help a small smile. Even without words, I knew exactly what he was saying.

“...How do you say ‘bear’? In your tongue?” I asked softly, finding myself curious to hear more of the strange language.

He smiled back. “Khour.”

I mouthed the word first, then hesitantly tried it. “..Kh..Kho-ur?”

He nodded, looking a little pleased. I noticed another near his ribs, and traced my fingers over it.

“In battle,” He told me, nodding slightly, “Sword. Niln. Barely moved soon enough.”

“Niln.” I repeated softly. He dipped his head in approval.

Another, near his sternum. He chuckled softly, and his chest rumbled beneath my fingers. I looked back up at his face.

“Ah… Needle? Isht ka’ro. Woman mad at me.”

“Ka’ro.” I echoed quietly. I felt another soft vibration as he grunted affirmation.

My eyes moved from his to the left side of his face. I reached up and traced the thin scar that ran from his temple to his chin. He gave a soft grunt as I ran my fingers along its edge.

“Leather. From... brother of sire,” He seemed to be searching for the right words, “I… take what was not mine. Fil’um hik nun.”

“Fillum ick non,” I tried, “What does that mean?”

“Fil’UM Hik nun,” He corrected gently, “Means… not yours to take.”

I felt my eyes drawn to his tusks next, and hesitantly traced my fingers there. I ran them lightly over his chin, then gingerly over each tusk. I even pushed one finger against the tip. It wasn’t quite so sharp as I thought it might be. But it was thick. I wondered if it was difficult for him to talk around it. I traced my finger down to its base, lingering on his lip momentarily, then slowly following its length with a timid touch.

I felt his hand on my wrist then, gentle and light. For the first time, I didn’t flinch at his touch, but instead looked back up to his eyes. He was watching me, studying my face so quietly. I wasn’t sure what I saw there, some semblance of calm and some warmth I couldn’t quite name.

“Li’un ma shkio...” He murmured softly, and my fingertips on his lips moved with his words.

I hesitated, dropping my eyes away from his gaze shyly. “...What does that mean?”

He traced his fingers lightly over my wrist then, saying nothing for a moment. I drew my hand back slowly, but he followed with his. I found I didn’t mind that they skimmed up my arm. Then he lifted them from my shoulder. Slowly, he reached up and lightly touched my jaw, guiding my gaze back up to his with his thick fingers tucked beneath my chin.

“...means ‘I want ask’,” He replied.

I looked back and forth between his eyes quietly. “...What do you want to ask?”

“Ma shkio... bel kadan…“ He said, then frowned slightly, “But I do not know word.”

“Well… can you show me what it means somehow?”

His fingers, whose hand lingered at my chin, now traced lightly up my jaw until he could bury them in the hair at the base of my neck. Then he leaned forward, closing the space between us, and, ever so gently, pressed his lips against mine.

It surprised me. He had moved so smoothly, with such calm, I hadn’t realized his intent until our lips met. His tusks pressed against my mouth lightly, but his lips were warm, moist, and inviting. My hand went to his forearm, as if to push him away. But I hesitated for some reason, letting the moment escape me.

He pulled back after a few slow breaths, and my lips tingled from the touch.

“Kiss,” I breathed, my voice shaky, “The word is ‘kiss’.”

Unvar gave a small smile, and I felt my heart race a little. “Yes. This word. I want ask for Kiss.”

His hand, which had remained in my hair, slowly untangled itself and brushed the strands back from my face. I left my hand on his arm, suddenly feeling as though I were in a fog.

“Ah… well, you had one then.”

He chuckled softly, and I found I rather liked that sound. The way it seemed to come from deep within his broad chest, and bubbled forth like a distant echo.

“Yes. Had one. Want ask for another kiss.”

My ears burned and I turned my head away. “I…I am tired. I should sleep.”

I felt his gaze still on me, and noticed him nod out of the corner of my eye. He gently withdrew his hand and slid back a little.

“Yes. Long day. Sleep, Kari-anna,” He murmured back, “We have many tomorrows.”

I shifted, slowly rolling to put my back to him. Unable to bring myself to close my eyes knowing he was still right there, but not wanting him to see them still open. I let out my breath slowly and as quietly as I could.

I heard him sigh softly behind me, and felt the bed shift as he rolled to his back again. I turned slightly, even opened my mouth to say something. But nothing felt quite adequate, so I returned to my side.

Kadan, I mouthed quietly, Li’un ma shkio... bel kadan.

My fingers lightly touched my lips, and I closed my eyes.

.....

UPDATE: Part Four Here

#monster boyfriend #orcs #orc boyfriend #OC #li'un ma shkio #romance #budding romance #exophilia #slow burn #kiss

162 notes · View notes

frostsinth · 4 years

Text

Li’un Ma Shkio Pt 2

Part One HERE

Picking up directly from where part one ended. Kept a few lines from the end of the last one for reference. In this part, Unvar takes her with him back to his camp. But what exactly does he have planned for her??

Like for the next part! Its much juicier, I promise.

Then he picked up one boot, upturning it and smacking it against the side of the boulder before pulling it back on.

“Sun will set soon. Come.”

....

I wasn’t sure what to do. I wondered if I stayed, if he would wade back in and pull me out. He beat his second boot as well before pulling it on and turning back to me. He leaned against the boulder, crossing his arms over his broad chest which still glistened with drops of water. Waiting. So I had my answer. Though perhaps eventually he would become impatient. I weighed my options, but they were few. Short of staying in the water until he decided to come in to get me. I wondered at the possibility of fleeing. Once I was out of the water and dressed, I would no longer be cornered. Surely he was big, but perhaps with enough surprise and head start, I could outrun him.

Bolstered by this thought, I slowly moved towards the beach. Looking pleased, he turned and picked up his ax as I got to the shallows. I eased out slowly, ever wary of him. But he kept his back to me, fastening the ax slowly, then wiping mud off the sheath of the broadsword with the flat of his hand. Taking his time to slowly swing it into place on his back and fasten the buckle.

Quietly, quickly, I slipped back into my thin dress, which plastered itself to my wet skin, then pulled on my corset and tied up the straps. I pulled the small blouse over my head then wrapped the skirt about my hips and fastened its string. All the while I eyed the small gap between the behemoth and the stones of the pool. Wondering if I could slip past quickly enough before he could turn and catch hold of my arm. I didn’t like the odds.

If he hadn’t heard my thoughts, he still picked an opportune time to turn back to face me, hands on his hips. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye as I leaned against the boulder to pull on my own boots. Trying not to let my thoughts of escape read plainly on my face.

“Come,” He ordered again, scooping up my small pack and holding out one arm. “We reach camp by night if we go now.”

“But-”

I was interrupted by the reappearance of another behemoth man. His left tusk was broken at the base, and his bald skull boasted liver spots in an almost disturbing brown color.

“N’khit brun jik nun, m’duln ken.” The new comer proclaimed, slamming one arm diagonally across his chest as he spoke. He suffered a quick glance at me, but then returned his attention to the larger man in front of me.

My captor nodded, giving a soft, approving sounding grunt. “Brun miln, n’non J’ku.”

Their language was very guttural, seeming to be mostly formed in their throats as if they were growling. I looked back and forth between the pair, studying the exchange. The newcomer seemed to hunch slightly, while my captor kept his shoulders and jaw square. He also seemed free to stare at the other, while the hunched man kept his eyes slightly averted.

I started slightly as the larger man turned back to me. “We go. Men are ready now.”

He nodded to the newcomer, who violently smacked his arm diagonally across his chest again then quickly turned and retreated into the forest. I noticed a few other similar forms amid the shadows of the trees, and at the end of the exchange they turned as one and began making their way through the forest. The snapping of branches drew my attention to the other side, where I saw even more large forms moving. All were evenly spaced apart, and my heart sank as I realized though I might evade one, slipping past them all was unlikely.

My companion waited patiently as I looked around anxiously, then gave a soft snort to draw my attention back to him. He jerked his head in the direction the others were headed, then waited until I took a hesitant few steps forward to turn as well. He continued to wait until I was parallel to him before he started off, and shortened his stride to match my small steps.

I kept my arms wrapped about myself as I moved. After the first hour of hapless searching for gaps between the men or some other manner of escape, I contented myself to stare instead at the forest floor moving beneath my feet. My captor didn’t speak, but was careful to keep no more than an arm’s length away from me. Usually, he lingered just behind me, off to the left of my shoulder. Finding the path wasn’t difficult; the forest was filled with the strange men, and they all moved with purpose in the same direction. Still, I kept hesitantly glancing over my shoulder at him. Not certain if I was looking for reassurance that I was going the intended way or disappointment that he was still there.

The shadows soon had lengthened to the point where seeing between the trees was my main focus. Suddenly, the sounds of chatter and crackling fires filled my ears. There were a few shouts directed our way, and a few returning calls. I hesitated, my feet pausing almost of their own accord as I spotted the round tents through the clearing up ahead. I felt the heat of him at my shoulder, and he too paused, waiting momentarily.

I jumped as his hand touched my elbow, pulling away. He raised one bushy black eyebrow as I looked at him, but nodded his chin towards the tents up ahead. His meaning was clear.

Rubbing my arm with the flat of my palm, I slowly picked my way towards the edge of the clearing. Simple wooden spikes were dug into the ground at an angle, jutting out towards the forest in a gnarled line surrounding the cluster of fur and hide tents. There were dozens of the domed shelters, set up in smaller clusters with fires burning every few feet in shallow dirt pits. As we approached the gap in the temporary fence, the two guards standing at attention smacked their arms diagonally against their chest, staring straight ahead with their shoulders slightly hunched.

The scene repeated itself as we moved deeper into the camp. The massive creatures all turned, smacked their chests with their arms and a closed fist, then returned to their tasks once we had passed. A few even gave out excited, rhythmic hoots, and the sound echoed around the camp as others out of sight picked up the chant. There were too many to count, and every time I thought I had seen most of them, another group sauntered past or hooted in greeting. All were at least a foot taller than me and twice as wide. Their shapes varied from broad and stout to bulky or even fat ‘round the middle with hulking legs. The ground rumbled beneath my feet as they moved. And their tusks! Long tusks, small tusks, pointed or rounded, thick and thin, some broken or chipped, more than a few with metal caps.

We walked down the most broad path between the tents, and the others who had entered with us slowly dispersed as we continued towards the center. Finally, we came to the largest tent of them all, easily three times the size of the others (which were by no means small). My companion stepped in front of me as we approached it, drawing back the flap and standing off to the side. He looked at me, then jerked his head towards the opening with something between a grunt and a snort. I swallowed nervously, and glanced around quickly. A few curious looks were sent my way, but for the most part, the eyes avoided me, and the men waited patiently for my companion to move away with their arms tight across their chest.

Steeling my will, I stepped past my captor into the tent, turning sideways to avoid brushing against him as I moved. He followed behind and dropped the flap, and instantly the hustle and chatter from the outside became much more muffled. I wondered at how thick the layers of leathers must be to so effectively stifle the sounds.

The inside of the tent was mostly open. The dirt ground had straw mats and old, worn furs strewn over it. I could see the branch frame of the structure on this side, each bough criss-crossing the next in a sturdy, intricate pattern to create the domed shape. On the opposite wall from the entrance was a huge pile of thick, soft looking furs. There seemed to be a depression in the center, but it was still a foot or two off the ground. Near another wall was set a rough slab of wood, with papers and trinkets strewn on top of it. Four stumps propped it up at its corners, and another large round stump was beside it with a small fur covering its top. The rest of the walls were lined with baskets and chests, and a few more stumps were scattered along the sides with various pots, jugs, cups, or candles on them. The center of the shelter had a raised firepit, made with dirt and stones. The embers still burned quietly there, with lazy tendrils of smoke drifting up towards a small opening in the center of the ceiling.

My captor weaved around where I stood studying the tent, dropping my sack and grabbing a pair of logs from the pile beside the door. He dropped them into the hot coals, sending up dazzling display of sparks that snapped in the air for a moment before dying out. He used a stick leaning against the pit to prod at the coals until a small fire crackled back to life. Seeming satisfied, he replaced the stick and glanced over at me.

“Come. Make yourself home.”

I hesitated, shuffling a few feet closer to the fire awkwardly. He moved off to the makeshift table, removing his broadsword from his back and dropping it with a thump on the wood. Then he moved over to the bed, removing his ax from his hip and hanging it from one of the support poles next to the nest of furs. Within easy reach, I noted. He removed his boots much as he had before, and also placed them beside the bed, then grabbed one of the corked jugs and a pair of cups. He placed them beside the fire, waving his hand at me. Beckoning me closer. I shuffled another few feet as he grabbed the large stump from beside the table and plopped it next to the fire, then cleared a smaller one and placed it alongside the first. He even grabbed a small fur, perhaps from a rabbit, and draped it over the top.

Dropping onto his seat with a grunt, he patted the smaller one pointedly. I didn’t move, standing about an arm’s length away, rubbing my hand nervously over my elbow. He considered that, then picked up a cup and the jug, pulling out the cork with his large teeth. He poured something into the cup, then held it out to me. When I didn’t take it immediately, he jiggled it slightly in his hand and gave a sort of soft grunt. Gingerly, I took it from him, and he picked up and filled the other before replacing the cork and placing the jug back on the ground.

“Try. Is very good,” He told me, gesturing with his own cup before taking a small sip, “Very sweet.”

I lifted the cup to my nose, sniffing at it cautiously. The tangy sweet scent mixed with a burning underlying fume identified the wine clearly. He was watching me, waiting patiently, swirling about the liquid in his own cup with his elbow resting on his knee. I took a small, polite sip, and felt a little better as the tart liquid rolled over my tongue. It was a strange relief as I swallowed and felt its warmth seep down my throat to my stomach. My captor nodded approvingly and took another sip.

“So. Tell me more… Kari-anna,” He said my name carefully, as if to be sure he savored each syllable and said it properly, “Where are you from? Where you go?”

I was surprised by the question, and took another small sip of the wine as I tried to compose myself.

“I-I am from Selfor… I was traveling to Ofsar to live with my family…” I told him hesitantly. I saw no real reason to lie; it wasn’t like he could use the information against me.

“Alone?” He pressed, tipping his cup back to drain the last of it. He reached down and grabbed the jug, uncorking it again and refilling his empty cup.

He stood, quicker than I would have thought for someone his size, and I took a staggering step back in surprise. But he simply reached out and poured a little more into my cup. Replacing what I had drank and then some. He replaced the cork and jug and plopped down once more. Again, he patted the small stump beside him and waved me in with his cup.

“N-no… Not originally,” I replied, slowly moving closer to the offered chair, “I traveled with a group of merchants, as far as Hamrar… but then they made plans to stay longer than I wanted…”

“Woods are dangerous, alone.” He told me, taking another sip of his wine.

I nodded, slowly easing myself down onto the makeshift chair. “I saw no other choice… I thought I could manage well enough if I stuck to the road.”

“You were not on road.” He pointed out.

I shook my head, looking down at the scarlet wine in my cup. I took another steadying sip. “I… had to leave the road.”

He frowned at this, but didn’t pursue the matter further. He drummed his fingers on his opposite knee.

“Family. In Ofsar,” He recalled, “They wait for you?”

I hesitated again, glancing over at the fire. “I sent them notice I was coming.” I lied quietly.

He gave a soft hmmm, then shrugged. “No point. You are safe now.”

“...Will you take me to Ofsar?” I asked tentatively, trying to keep the hope from my voice.

He snorted. “Ofsar not worth raiding. No. We go north.”

I opened and closed my mouth a few times, not sure what to say to that. I took a deep swallow of my wine, building my courage. Dreading the answer my words would bring.

“Then, I will head back to the road in the morning-”

Another snort, and he shook his great head. “No no. We go north.”

My heart sank, and I felt my hands quivering. “...Why?”

“Winter comes soon. Better raiding north during snow. Meatier towns.” He replied, as if it were obvious. He chuckled into his drink as he took another deep swallow.

“No, I mean-”

“You have hunger? I call for food.” He stood and walked over to the flap, pushing it off to the side. He shouted something in his own guttural language, then waited a moment, presumably for some confirmation, then dropped the flap back down.

“Ex-excuse me, I mean to ask, um, that is…” I started as he made his way back over to his stump. I dropped off momentarily as he plopped back down with a heavy grunt and picked up the stick to prod at the fire again. I took a deep breath. “I mean, why am I going north?”

His copper eyes turned back to me, studying my face. “I told you. I show you-” He smacked one palm lightly against his bare chest and gave a pleased grunt- “I keep you safe.”

“S-safe from what?”

A soft call had him standing again, and he went over to receive the basket of food from someone beyond the entry. I followed him with my eyes, trying to understand what he could possibly mean. He dropped the basket between us and uncovered it, revealing roast meat and hot bread. Eagerly, he picked up a large leg and proffered it to me, as well as a warm roll.

“Come. Eat.” He instructed, practically shoving the food onto my lap.

“I don’t understand…”

“How eat?” He smiled, then lifted up a piece of meat and ripped it in half with his teeth, munching on it theatrically. He even accompanied it with happy chewing sounds for my benefit.

I looked down at the food on my lap. “But-”

“Eat!” He ordered again, interrupting me.

I sighed quietly, taking a few bites of the meat and bread. He nodded approvingly again and ate some more of his piece of meat. It was quickly gone, and once it was, he pulled a small jug from the basket, pouring out some water over his fingers to clean off the juices before wiping his hands on his furs.

I put my own food off to the side, suddenly not hungry. He looked back at me, raising one eyebrow.

“You are small. Perhaps you do not eat much…” He seemed to reason, considering me again. He smiled, and it did seem to soften his hardened, leathery skin a bit. “Perhaps eat more, you get bigger!”

I looked down at my hands, then took a slow sip of the wine. I heard him uncork the wine jug again, and he reached out to refill my half empty cup once more.

“Why am I going north?” I asked again, my voice soft, “What do you plan to do with me?”

He paused, the spout of the jug poised over his own cup momentarily. After a moment, he resumed pouring, then recorked the wine and replaced it back by his feet.

“Marry, I think. In Autumn.”

....

UPDATE: Part Three HERE! Everyone’s support means the world! Thank you!

#monster boyfriend #orcs #orc boyfriend #slow burn #romance #budding romance #exophilia #li'un ma shkio #OC

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frostsinth · 4 years

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Humans are quite small and delicate creatures. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your human partner well, that way you will know right away when something is wrong and can quickly correct the problem.

Quick color of one of my sketches of the pair. A little reward for my followers, as a thank you for all your likes and comments! Enjoy!

#orcs #orc boyfriend #orc #monster boyfriend #exophilia #terato #sweethearts #love #couple #li'un ma shkio #other tags here #OC #dnd

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frostsinth · 4 years

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Ya know, my blog is sadly fem lacking. So I knew EXACTLY who’d be making an appearance as soon as I realized I need some more lady luster.

There are TWO unspoken rules in Unvar’s camp; Don’t bother the High Chief after sunset unless it is a matter of life and death, and DON’T get on Ta’nik’s bad side. It’s really not in your best interests if you want to live a long and happy life.

You guys may recall Ta’nik from my story “Li’un Ma Shkio”. I’ve been wanting to get a sketch up of her for a while, so I’m glad I finally got around to it. Ta’nik is one of the most renowned Tlaloc blacksmiths and also Unvar Wet’khika’s most trusted friend and advisor (aside from the High Chieftess of course) . She is bold, outspoken, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. It also helps that she’s built like a tank and taller than most of the Tlaloc of the camp. She is also the BEST aunt and babysitter to the terrible terror twins, Erramun and Rhouben.

Despite what you may think though, Ta’nik is a gentle soul, and loves to laugh. She doesn’t have the heart for war and conquest. She has seen human farms, and thinks she might like to retire to one someday and raise horses.

Check out more stories and babblings on my MasterList, and shoot me a DM if you would like to commission an art piece/story for yourself! Enjoy! ( @monster-bait too cuz ORCS!)

#monster doodles #orc #orc lady #orc female #monster lover #monster romance #terato #exophilia #li'un ma shkio #monster girlfriend #orc girlfriend

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frostsinth · 4 years

Text

Li’un Ma Shkio - Pt. 5

Part One, Two, Three, & Four

Unvar has just rescued Karianna again. Now they are safe back at his camp, what will he have to say about her reckless behavior? And how does she feel, knowing he saved her life?

Likes and comments to let me know you still want updates! I have a little more to burn you with before this closes out. Small graphic warning on this one! Check the rest of my blog for artwork of the two!

I didn’t notice our return to camp. Didn’t notice us pass the sentinels at the gate or plod up to his tent once more. Only when he dropped the reins and uncurled his arm from around me did I stir again. He dismounted, then turned and gently tugged me off. I staggered as soon as my feet hit the ground again, but he kept me from fully falling over, and guided me back into his tent.

.....

In silence, he planted me on my stump by the fire. He unstrapped his cloak, swinging it off his shoulders and dropping it over mine. It was so heavy I buckled under it, and it was thick with his scent. My fingers curled into it, and I pulled it around me, all the way up to my nose. Unvar practically threw his ax from his hip, and the sound of it clattering against the pots where it landed made me jump. He gave a soft, angry grunt, stomping back to the door. There, he grabbed some logs and stoked the fire until it was a warm, blazing glow again. He stomped around for a moment more, kicking one boot off so it clattered into another set of pots. Then the other, so it made a deadened thud against the wall. I winced at both sounds, cowering into his cloak.

After that, he paused quietly for a moment. Then slowly, he walked over to a bowl and jug set on another stump. He poured out some water into the bowl and wiped down his hands. The soft crackle of the fire and the dripping of the water were the only sounds. Once his hands were clean, he stood with his back to me and placed them on his hips. He tilted his head all the way back, looking up towards the ceiling, and I thought I heard him let out his breath in a huff.

I watched him, sniffling occasionally, staring at his broad shoulders and bare back, his long braids from his ponytail dangling. I felt horribly guilty in that moment, and more stupid and embarrassed than I had ever felt before. But I couldn’t bring myself to speak. And so waited with dread for him to.

I’m not sure how much time passed before he turned back, gathering up the bowl and jug. I flinched at his sudden movement, but quickly tried to calm my racing heart. The water sloshed softly as he brought it over to the fire and placed it by my stump. Glancing down at it, I noticed my feet; they looked almost blue, at least wherever there was skin between the dirt and blood stains. Based on them, I must have looked a state, covered in dirt and blood and blue with cold. ... But he didn’t look at me.

Unvar dropped a cloth into the water, swirling it around for a moment as he plopped down onto the stump opposite me. With the water between his own feet, he placed his knees on either side of mine, and leaned over.

Gently, he pushed the cloak off my injured shoulder, then slowly wiped it with the wet cloth. It stung, but I didn’t bother to flinch, staring instead at my cold feet, still shivering a little. The water felt icy even against my numb skin, and dripped slowly down my arm to the ground.

He re-soaked and wiped the wound several more times in silence, before he heaved his heaviest sigh yet.

“...When I woke, and found you gone,” He started, his voice so soft I almost couldn’t hear it, “I was mad. Most mad in life. I felt like my body was fire-” His hand slowed, letting the water drip heavily down my arm and onto my skirt- “But when I see you, in forest…” He shook his head, “It was gone. And I was mad at ma’iitso instead, that they would hurt you…”

When he dropped off, I squeezed my eyes shut and felt a single tear roll down my cheek.

“...I’m sorry…”

I felt his big, meaty hand cupping my cheek. His thumb wiped away the tear, then it dropped away. I heard the slosh of the cloth back in the water.

“Why?” His voice sounded pained, and I opened my eyes slowly to look at him, “Why you go? I say I will keep safe. I say you can have anything…” He was staring into the fire, and the expression in his eyes made my heart ache. “Is Unvar so bad you would choose death in forest?”

“N-no!” I almost gasped, and found my hand instinctively reaching out. I touched his fur covered knee, which was closest to me, and shook my head. “No, of course not…”

His copper eyes turned and met mine. “Then why?”

I opened and closed my mouth a few times, and my lips trembled. I withdrew my hand back into the folds of his cloak, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. I tried to bury myself deeper into the thick fur, fighting tears.

“I was scared…” I said finally.

“More scared of Unvar than ma’iitso?”

I shook my head, and felt tears stinging my eyes again. “Not of you. Not specifically…I.. I just…” I sniffled, raising the back of my hand to wipe at my eye again, “I felt… trapped… I thought I had to escape…”

He didn’t answer, and I dropped my eyes from him in shame. I felt him considering me, but couldn’t bear to look at him again. Finally he sighed, and reached for the cloth in the water again.

“I … I need you here..buk’nik shrin, I do not know words…” He said, wiping at my face with the cloth. I flinched a little at his touch at first, but then endeavored to stay still for him. “I cannot leave, and cannot be without you-” I felt the water drip down my chin and neck “-I am sorry... this makes you feel trapped…” He squeezed out the water and began wiping my hands, “But I promise. If you do not feel as me in Autumn, I will let go-” He dropped the cloth suddenly, and took up my hand in his- “I promise, you are safe with me. I want not from you, only time. Time to show words I do not know.” He squeezed my hand gently, “... Do not feel trapped…”

I looked back at him, still shaking. I wasn’t sure from exhaustion or cold. His copper eyes held the same sad, pleading expression from the last time he had asked me to stay with him. And I couldn’t help but feel a little lost in those big eyes.

“I...I’m sorry,” I said again, my voice breaking a little, “I won’t try to run again… I’ll stay.” I took my hand from his and rubbed my face once more. “Gods, I feel so foolish,” I muttered with a soft, sad little laugh.

“You brave,” Unvar replied, reaching out to look more closely at the bite on my shoulder. He nodded approvingly. “This make good scar.”

I shook my head as he stood, making his way over to a basket and pulling out some thin strips of cloth.

“No, I’m an idiot,” I argued as he came and stood behind me, gently lifting up my arm. “I don’t know where I thought I could go. I didn’t even bring my pack!”

He gave a soft snort. “Yes… It was little stupid,” He pointed to my bare feet, “No boots.”

I laughed again, a little less sad than the last time. He slowly wrapped my arm, gently tucking in the fabric at the end and testing his handiwork before coming back around.

“Come. You sleep now.”

I didn’t argue, taking his offered hand and letting him guide me to the bed. He took the cloak and hung it on a nearby hook as I slowly stripped off my bloody blouse, corset, and skirt. I left them in a heap on the floor, too tired to do anything else. Weakly, I crawled back into the furs, not caring in that moment if he could see through my thin slip.

Turning back, I noticed he wasn’t even facing me. Instead, he was gathering up some of the extra furs and blankets. Then he moved as if to leave.

I sat bolt upright. “Where are you going?” I asked, panic filling my voice.

He looked surprised at this, eyes a little wide, then looked down at his gathered supplies. “I make bed by fire. You keep big bed.”

My head was shaking before I even knew what I was doing. “No.”

He raised one bushy eyebrow at this.

I cleared my throat, dropping my eyes. “... I’d… I’d rather you stay in bed … with me,” I told him softly. I tried to keep the fear from my voice, but wasn’t sure if I succeeded.

“...You are sure?” He asked quietly, studying me with those large copper eyes.

“I… I am s-still on edge,” I explained to him, trying to sound logical. But as I lifted one shaking hand to rub my face, I knew how weak it sounded, “... You … you help with that…”

My voice dropped off. I lifted my gaze back up after a few quiet moments when he didn’t answer. He was still watching me, as if waiting for something more. So I nodded. Yes. Yes, I was sure. And he slowly came back over, dropping the furs and blankets by the edge of the bed. They made a soft thump, and he kept my gaze as he slowly undid the furs at his waist. As if waiting for me to change my mind.

I was careful not to look down as his covering fell away, then as he slowly crawled into the bed and tucked his legs and hips under the blankets. We held each other’s eyes for the entirety of that time, and I scooched back to make space for him as he settled himself. Then I felt his warmth spreading through the furs, and was powerless to resist the urge to slide closer to him. He seemed surprised as I reached him, and he opened his arms hesitantly.

“...You confuse me…” He whispered quietly, but his gaze softened.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, reaching for him.

He gave a small smile when I accepted his open arms, sliding into his waiting hands. His eyes widened a moment later, as my skin touched his.

“You are frozen!” He exclaimed in shock.

Quick as a flash, he pulled me into his burly chest and enveloped me in his arms. One hand reached out, grabbing all of the furs within reach and quickly piling them on top of us. After an initial gasp of surprise, I reveled in his warmth and the weight of the blankets as he tucked them in around me. It didn’t even bother me that much knowing he was naked beneath the furs, nor that the slip I wore was so thin, I might as well have been. It felt nice, tucked against his huge body that was easily twice my size, and I already felt his warmth seeping into me. I quivered a little in his arms, though from fear, exhaustion, or cold, I couldn’t tell.

“I’m sorry.” I murmured into his chest, breathing in his soft scent. Much stronger off his body than his cloak.

He placed one hand on the back of my head. I felt like his fingers would reach all the way to my face and he would be able to enclose my skull in his fist. But his touch was light and gentle. I felt his breath on the top of my head between his fingers.

“You say this often,” He breathed into my hair, “I do not know why.”

“...Sorry,” I said again, then couldn’t help but smile.

I felt his soft chuckle rumble in his chest. “...Why sorry?”

I closed my eyes, leaning as far into his warmth as I could manage. “I’m sorry for making you worry. I’m sorry for scaring you. I’m sorry you had to come after me and I’m sorry you had to save me. I should have just stayed put. So I’m sorry I’m an idiot.”

It all came in a rush, and he listened quietly. Part of me wondered how much he understood. I still wasn’t sure how strong his grasp of my language was. But I was just so glad for the warmth of his body against mine at that moment. And so grateful that he had woken much sooner than I had originally hoped and come to my rescue. I shuddered to think what would have happened if he had only just woken now.

He stroked my hair gently. “I do not care about any of this,” He replied, “... I care only that you are safe.”

His words made a different heat rise in my chest, and I didn’t answer for a moment. My quivering stilled, and I relaxed a little more into his arms.

“I’m sorry you want to marry me then,” I teased softly, smoothing the flat of my palm over his chest.

Again, he chuckled, and feeling it beneath my hand made me smile. “I am most not sorry for this.”

I hesitated, then leaned back to look up at him. He curled his neck so he could meet my gaze. For a moment, we lay like that, our eyes locked, pillowed in the deep furs. He unwrapped one of his arms from around me, then traced his fingers along my jaw. His thumb lingered at my lips.

“...Li’un ma shkio... “ He breathed, and his copper eyes darted down briefly, “bel kadan…”

I felt my own attention skip down to his lips, before darting back up to his eyes. I felt a little breathy, but couldn’t hide the tiny smile at the corners of my mouth. I nodded slightly as he traced his thumb over my bottom lip.

I closed my eyes as his lips touched mine, the tenderness of it swelling a warmth in my chest. His fingers lingered under my chin, lightly lifting my face to meet his. It was longer this time, and he seemed to press into me so persistently that I couldn’t help but respond. Our lips moved together, tracing along in synchronicity. I felt his breath hot against my cheeks, and his arm squeezed me tighter to his body. I traced my own hand up his bare chest, skimming along the grooves between his muscles. My other hand went to his face, cupping his jaw, fingers brushing his cheek.

Finally, he drew back, though reluctantly. I found myself following after him for a few moments before I caught myself, and my eyes fluttered open. His own eyes were half lidded, and he looked down at me through dark lashes. The corners of his mouth were upturned, and I saw the tip of his tongue lightly trace his bottom lip around his tusks. His other hand had found the small of my back, and traced small circles there.

“ Hi’ick nhish ba dolun de…” He murmured, and the tip of his thumb lingered at the point of my chin.

I ran my hand down the edge of his jaw, then back up. I couldn’t help but glance down at his lips again.

“...What does that mean?”

He shrugged his massive shoulders, and a small smirk played across his lips. “I do not know how say.”

I almost laughed, and he leaned into my touch, closing his eyes. His hand at my chin reached up and overlaid mine, swallowing it whole. He turned, cupping it within his, and kissed the inside of my wrist. He pulled my arm gently, kissing further up my forearm. Then leaned down and kissed the inside of my elbow.

“Bhak’shnik pul dol dun de…” He breathed with his lips against my arm.

“And that?”

Another shrug of his shoulders, and I could feel his smirk against my skin. “I do not know how say…”

He traced his lips slowly up my arm, kissing the bandage very lightly. Then he pulled me closer with his other hand, and curled into me so he could kiss the bottom of my neck. He skimmed his tusks over my throat, and I could feel them there as I swallowed. I found I liked the sensation. I tilted my head back slightly to expose more of the soft flesh to his teeth.

“Nhil’ma shod uk’iin…”

I closed my eyes, feeling his chest rumble beneath my hand as his lips formed the words at my throat. I didn’t bother asking what it meant, and felt him kiss the underside of my jaw. Then he traced the tip of his tongue along its edge to my ear.

“Mah’un de… bal th’ez uk man’dwe…” He whispered into my ear.

His deep voice sent shivers down my spine, and I found my mouth slightly ajar as he slowly pulled back to look down at me once more. Every inch of my skin tingled, and it seemed impossible any cold could touch me now. He lingered with the tip of his nose brushing ever so slightly against mine, and looked at me with hooded eyes.

I smiled shyly at him, feeling my eyes inexplicably drawn back to his lips. I felt his heart in his chest beneath my fingertips, and was suddenly very aware of how much of his body was pressed against mine. Including a very noticeable bulge growing in the area of his hips. I tried to ignore its firmness brushing against my thigh; and I mostly managed to.

He tilted his head as if to kiss me again, but then he stopped and danced away instead. Evading my hesitant pursuit. His fingers came back to trace the delicate edge of my jaw, then push into the hair at the base of my skull.

“Li’un-...li’un ma shkio….” I breathed, the air catching in my throat as I formed the foreign words, my mouth quivering, “... Bel kadan-”

He caught my mouth in his, now crushing our lips together. Cutting off the end of my words with a surge of eagerness at them. His lips demanded my response, and I found myself suddenly eager to please. I found his tongue tracing into my mouth, and opened it willingly. Welcoming his sweet taste, feeling the large, flat muscle pressing and teasing against mine. I couldn’t suppress a soft moan that I fed to him, and I felt his hand at the base of my skull tighten. Drawing me even closer.

His hand at the small of my back drifted down, gathering up a handful of my ass. Kneading it between his massive fingers and strong palms. Bunching up my slip. I withered against him, pressing my stomach against his, lifting one leg to curl around him. He nearly bent me in half with his passion, but I could not help but be swept up in his wake. I forgot how to breathe for a moment, and my breath came in a rush when it did finally return.

I bit his tongue gently to slow him down as his hands began to become more demanding, tracing up and down the length of my body. He paused, one hand lingering with just his fingertips skimming along my breast. His thumb teased my nipple through the thin slip until it perked to his bidding.

But he stopped obediently, lingering his final kiss lightly against my lips before slowly pulling back. I felt his sigh from deep in his chest, and saw the slight dreamy look that passed over his eyes as he blinked down at me.

Inspired, I stretched up, kissing his chin quickly. He tried to pursue my lips again, but I turned my head away bashfully. So he kissed my cheek instead, then my jaw, then traced his lips up to my ear. Once there, he nibbled gently on my earlobe, his tusks scraping my skin lightly. The sensation had me giggling, and pushing my hand against him as if to push him off but without any intent or power behind the motion.

“Bal th’ez uk man’dwe,” He murmured against my ear again, licking me with just the tip of his tongue.

I didn’t say anything for a moment, slowly curling away from his touch with a sudden bout of timidness. But I didn’t roll far, instead tucking myself under his chin and resting my ear against his chest. He in turn wrapped his arms back around me and curled his legs. Enveloping me in my own personal cocoon. I tucked my knees against his bent thighs.

“You have not fear?” He asked the top of my head softly.

I traced a small circle on his chest next to my nose. “...When I saw you, back in the forest… I was so relieved, … so happy…” I buried my face into his chest, heat rising to my cheeks, “...And then you were going to leave me here alone-”

“Never,” He cut me off, squeezing me gently in his arms.

“-a-and I realized I didn’t want to be alone…”

I felt the heat of his lips against the top of my head, then his hand stroked my hair. “You feel as me.”

I shook my head, then stopped, hesitating. My finger tracing circles paused too, and I smoothed it across his chest.

“... I don’t know what I feel.”

“You will,” I felt him nod, “I wait. You see.”

I hid my smile, and stifled a yawn. “We will see.” I told him as my eyes fluttered closed.

....

UPDATE: Part Six HERE

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frostsinth · 4 years

Text

Li’un Ma Shkio - Pt. 9

Part ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, & EIGHT

Karianna finally gets someone whom she can ask all her questions. But the answers she gets aren’t quite what she expected.

Second to last part of this little fic! Almost at the end! Thanks for tuning in, and please feel free to comment ideas for a new fic or sketch. I have some ideas what to do next, but would love some feedback!

“I… I have so many questions,” I breathed.

He smiled again as he gently began unwrapping the bandages from my arm. “I’m sure you do. I’d be happy to help you however I can.”

“Well, how are you here? Where are we, exactly? Are humans common among Tlaloc? What do they say about me and Unvar? Do they know about his plans for me? Do you speak their language? How did you learn? How long have you been here? How-”

Galen held up his hands, slowing me down. “Alright, alright,” He said, chuckling, “One at a time, hmm? Let’s see-” He pulled the last of my bandages away ”-The Matsok clan found me freezing to death one winter about 10 years back. Maltoc took me in and saved my life. Now he’s teaching me about Tlaloc medicine and healing, and I stay to help him. He won’t admit it, but his age is slowing him down,” He pulled a smaller pouch from his satchel, fiddling with its strings for a moment. “We are in the province of Ofasgara, as the Tlaloc call it; I don’t know what outsiders call it anymore.” He spooned out some salve with two fingers and began spreading it over my wound. “We’ve been here about a week, and are likely to break camp and move on soon.”

I winced slightly as he spread the medicine over the bite in my shoulder, but otherwise managed to stay still. My mind still whirled with questions. Even more now that I had some answers.

“So you’ve been with them for 10 years?” I asked, bewildered.

He nodded. “Yes. I find I rather like their company. They are fiercely loyal, and very affectionate as a whole. As I am sure you well know.” He told me, hiding a small smile as he wiped his fingers off on a cloth and began digging in his satchel again.

Whatever he had put on my wound made it feel numb, but also surprisingly cool. It was already feeling much better, and I studied it for a moment as I tried to sort through my more pressing questions.

“You speak their language?” Another nod. “So what do they say about me? About what Unvar plans for me?” My voice shook a little at the end, and I swallowed nervously.

Galen glanced up at me out of the corner of his eye. “Well, they’ve taken to calling you Ma’iitsolema. It means “Wolf Queen”, though of course I guess literally it would be “Wolf High Chieftess’, but that doesn’t sound as nice in our tongue-” He smirked a little, “I assume due to your entanglement with the beasts in the forest, and how you seem to have befriended the wild Alo’aya.”

I was surprised at this, and looked around at the Tlaloc. I had noticed the word often today, but had assumed it was simply just another word of greeting I didn’t know. The men around us seemed oblivious to us for the most part, though they offered a glance in our direction now and then. Ta’nik had gone back to the forge, but still shot an occasional barking quip that had all the men laughing. She saw me looking around and offered me a wink. I gave her a timid smile.

“As for what Unvar has planned for you…” Galen fished out some fresh bandages, and sighed, leaning back on his heels. “I hear he plans to marry you.”

I looked down at my hands, suddenly uncertain of everything. My head was still buzzing, but I couldn’t seem to sort my thoughts. Galen’s hand came into view, gently touching my hands. When I looked up, he pulled his hand back and offered me a smile.

“I’m sure it seems strange to you.”

“Do Tlaloc often take human brides?” I asked softly.

He shook his head. “Not often, but they are a very open and accepting people. And they… well, they believe in something they call man’dwe.” He seemed to be searching for the right words. “It’s… like love at first sight, but beyond that. I don’t think we have any words equivalent to it.”

“So Unvar thinks he is… in love with me?”

A soft shrug this time. “I can’t say for sure, but that would be the concept. But it’s more than that.” He sighed, leaning over and gently taking up my arm. “Man’dwe is like… finding your other half. A Tlaloc who finds their man’dwe can not live without it after they have. It would be like telling them to live without air. And Tlaloc mate for life; when their partner dies, they often die too, though not always so literally. They call those Tlaloc Mad’nwanso. Means something like ‘soulless’.”

“But I don’t believe in that! How can he expect-”

“It doesn’t matter if one believes in it or not,” Galen quickly interrupted, then sighed. “It's something that simply is to them. Like the sun, or the moon. You can not believe in it all you want, but it will still exist. You might not always see it. But it is still there.” He began wrapping my arm, frowning as he tried to explain it. “The Tlaloc have many poems and stories about man’dwe. To them, it is an unexplainable, inevitable force. Not something you can fight,” He smirked again, “And for them to admit there is something in the world they can’t fight, that is really saying something.”

I watched him wrapping my arm quietly for a moment, then sighed. “So I have no choice.”

Galen shook his head again. “No. A man’dwe must give themselves to each other. One can not be taken.” He looked at me out of the corner of his eye again. “Do you want to leave?”

I started to nod. Started to tell him, of course! Of course I wanted to leave! But then I stopped. Because I found I was suddenly unsure. I suddenly couldn’t remember what it was like in the outside world, and felt scared of it. It had only been a few days, but my life had changed so much. And I couldn’t completely deny that strange, almost magical pull I felt here…

When I didn’t answer, he finished wrapping my arm and sat back with a sigh. “I have seen Unvar is a good chief, and an honorable man,” He told me, “...But do you feel unsafe with him? Has he ever made you do anything you didn’t want to do? Or made an unwelcome advance?” I glanced at him, and he offered me a supportive smile. “I can help… if you need it…”

I thought about that, cupping my hands together on my lap. “He made me come here.” Then I had to shake my head. “But he always asks, and waits for permission. For everything else. He always says li’un ma shkio…” I stopped, dropping off.

Galen looked at me in surprise. “Li’un ma shkio? You are sure?” I nodded, and he hid another smile, “Well, he is certainly asking then.”

I frowned. “Why, what does that mean? He told me it means ‘I want to ask’.”

But then, he also said he was a chief, not a king. I thought to myself dryly.

“It does, certainly. But it’s… it’s a very poetic way of asking. More like he’s saying “I beg your permission and blessing to’. As if he is asking a higher ranking person or even a deity.” He sighed. “Again, we just don’t really have the words to translate that with the same power and weight they have in their tongue. It is an incredibly respectful way to ask something...”

I opened and closed my mouth a few times, baffled. I felt heat rising to my cheeks, and felt my lips tingling. I remembered what Unvar had always told me. About not knowing the words. He wasn’t wrong; he didn’t know the words to explain what he needed to tell me. Because it seemed that it was my language that lacked them, not his. I felt a little guilty having always assumed he was the one with the primitive language and understanding.

“As for the making you come here,” Galen continued, “He likely feels horrible about that. But I’m sure he was torn, between his responsibility as High Chief and man’dwe.” Another small shrug. “If he had told a Tlaloc they were his man’dwe, they would understand, and things could be arranged. But a human? We have no concept of it, and he probably was unsure how to explain it.”

I realized he had said as much. As often as he could, though I was unaware of how true his words rang until just now. Something else occurred to me, another phrase he had told me. Whispered against my ear each night...

I nodded, staring down at my hands. “There’s… something else… he says to me. Man’dwe is a part of it...”

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks again, and I chanced a glance around at the other Tlaloc. But they paid us no mind. It seemed one was telling a story, and they were all quite engaged in it.

“Do you remember it?”

“Sort of… Something like.. Bal… thez uck man’dwe?” I said it very softly, to be certain the others would not hear.

Galen’s eyes grew warm. “It is a poem.”

“A poem?”

He nodded. “The end of one, anyways. A very famous poem; some Tlaloc say it was about the first man’dwe at the beginning of the world.” He nodded again, smiling to himself, “Hi’ick nhish ba dolun de, bhak’shnik pul dol dun de. Nhil’ma shod uk’iin. Mah’un de, bal th’ez uk man’dwe.”

My ears rang with the familiarness of his words. “What does it mean?”

He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “Roughly, and I do mean roughly, as it’s much more poetic and deep in their tongue, it means: There is no sun without your smile. There is no air without your laugh. No words for what you give me. I am bound, forever in your love…”

I found my breath caught in my throat. “...Oh…”

The man cleared his throat, glancing about and straightening up. “The last part is often used as a kind of, a confessional, I suppose. Between lovers. Like handing over their heart to the other.” He cleared his throat again, and ran his hand through his hair, stifling a laugh. “I feel like he’s really.. Uh… quite serious about you.”

I blushed a deep scarlet, but he blessedly changed the subject then. Distracted me with questions about myself. Asking where I was from and why I had been in the forest to begin with.

For a long time, we sat, talking about this and that. It was wonderful. I had forgotten how much I missed talking to someone who understood what I was saying.

It was strange; Galen spoke my language, but I noticed his mannerisms had become much more like the Tlaloc. He reached out to touch me several times when he spoke, or made heavy fisted gestures to emphasize a point. When I pointed it out to him, he laughed bashfully and apologized. Explained to me how Tlaloc are very comfortable with touching. How strange they feel when they are unable to touch someone. He talked about how they struggled with other races, like humans, who are not so found of their physical communication methods. He explained that even as children, they are always kept with their peers; sleeping together in piles, playing together. If there are no other children their age, they are kept strapped against their parents’ bare skin as much as possible. So that they learn the importance of touch.

Galen even taught me a few new words in Tlaloc, and told me about some of his experiences. Occasionally the others around us would join our conversation, and I found it wonderful to be able to participate finally, with Galen as my translator. The Tlaloc told wonderful stories, and though many had to do with conquests of raiding parties, just as many had to do with family or loved ones. We talked for so long, I lost track of time.

“Kari-anna,”

I jumped with a squeak at the deep, familiar voice. Spinning and leaping to my feet, I saw Unvar walking over. He seemed a little relieved, and gave me a warm smile. I offered him back a shaky one, feeling my face becoming boiling hot. It was not helped at the laughter that bounced about at the sound of my squeak.

Unvar cocked his head to the side, looking curious. Then he glanced over at Galen suspiciously.

“You meet shikoba of Maltoc.” He pointed out, and I thought I noticed a hint of tightness in his voice.

“Y-yes!” I stammered, wringing my hands together. I glanced at Galen, then back to Unvar. “I was looking for you, and Ta’nik saw me-”

He seemed to relax a bit at my words. “Ah. Good. Yes. I am sorry, I was kept from you. I did not wish it. But I am glad you find Ta’nik.”

His copper eyes looked over my shoulder to the Tlaloc in question. She grinned then shouted something across the tent. Whatever she said had the men around her in stitches again. They banged their fists on any available surface, and when there was none, pushed and punched at their fellows.

“What did she say?” I asked, glancing at Galen.

He offered a small smirk. “Ah, something along the lines of making sure he ties you to himself, or else someone else will snatch you up.”

Unvar shot the human a dark look. It surprised me, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. Unvar extended his hand to me, giving a soft grunt.

“Come. We eat, yes?”

I looked back and forth between him and Galen for a moment before I placed my hand in his hesitantly. I still had so much I wanted to ask this other human, and felt my mind buzzing with thoughts. He nodded to me.

“We will speak more later, Ma’iistolema.” He assured me.

Unvar gave a grunt at this, and seemed eager to lead me away. I went with him willingly, but couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder at Galen one last time.

“I sorry, I did not mean to leave so long,” Unvar told me as we walked away.

“It’s ok; I’m sure you have a lot to do…” I thought again about what Galen had said about Unvar being the first Tlaloc in centuries to unite the clans. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye.

“I have gift!” He told me, and turned us on a brief detour.

My ears felt hot when I remembered the last gift he had given me the previous night. My hands felt a little sweaty at the thought and my skin buzzed.

“Y-you don’t have to get me anything-”

He grunted loudly, interrupting me. “I like give. You will like. Come.”

.....

UPDATED: Final part is HERE

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