As Callahan tried to process the bizarre turn of events, the realization dawned on him. The goblins were offended by his seemingly mocking laughter directed at their chief, the obese hobgoblin. His mind whirled with confusion, but the elven girl's translation brought clarity to the situation.
The shorty clapped his hand and pointed at the elven girl, like what she said was true. He walked towards her, still clasping. The elven girl smiled as the goblin's smile widened.
"He's a little late----AAaargghhh..."
This time, Callahan smiled without raising his head.
"No. Ask. you." He pointed at the girl before showing his fist and walking away.
...
"It's a funny name." He said. watching the twenty or so goblins putting something on the fire. Something like a leaf.
"I know. Who would name themselves something like that," the elven girl shook her head. She didn't raise her head, as if she already gave up. But he didn't.
"Themselves...?"
"You don't know?" She shot him a glance. "These ugly creatures chose their own names. That is the custom. Where are you from again?"
"...Why?" His voice was languid, tired. Eyes locked on the fires. "...from far away."
"That dress is funny," she said, staring at his clothes.
"Yes. We call it uniform," he replied.
"Is that so?" She tilted her head. "Funny. You know we are going to be eaten by that fat ugly foul beast, right?"
"What is the wait for?"
"A dance and that ugly one's signal. We will be like porks. You know, the one which you guys savor so much?"
"Ah..." He thought for a while, trying to figure out what to say. "I guess... I am fine with it."
"I didn't ask if you are fine with it, I am asking if you are willing to die like this."
"Hmmm..." He hummed. "You don't eat meat?"
"We elves--" she shot him another glance. "Are you mocking me? You seriously don't know elves don't eat meat? Where are you from human?"
Callahan shrugged, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "To be honest, I'm not quite sure where I'm from anymore. Everything feels like a bizarre dream."
Then, in the midst of the chaotic scene, Callahan's eyes widened as he observed the most bizarre sight. The group of goblins had adorned themselves with tribal masks made from intricately carved wood, each mask featuring an exaggerated long nose-like appendage. They circled the crackling fire, their movements synchronized to the beat of a single drum-like instrument that two other goblins vigorously thumped upon, producing a dull yet rhythmic noise.
With each resounding thump of the drum, the goblins near the fire emitted strange and unsettling sounds, their voices blending with the pulsating rhythm of the ritualistic dance.
Callahan's mind raced to make sense of the surreal display unfolding before him. "What in the world is going on?" he managed to utter, turning his gaze towards the elven girl for answers.
She glanced at him, her expression a mix of resignation and concern. "That, my dear human companion, is their tribal dance," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "It's their way of preparing for our imminent fate - the goblins' grand finale before they fry us."
Callahan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Fry us? As in... cook us?"
The elven girl nodded solemnly. "Yes, unfortunately. They believe it to be a sacred ritual, a way to absorb our strength and essence. It seems our fate hangs in the balance of their culinary preferences."
A shiver ran down Callahan's spine as the gravity of the situation sank in. The tribal dance, with its haunting melody and unsettling atmosphere, took on a whole new meaning. It was not just a performance, but a precursor to their impending demise.
As the goblins continued their rhythmic movements, their voices joined in unison, singing a haunting melody that echoed through the air. Their strange and guttural language filled the space, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent chills down Callahan's spine.
Their voices rose and fell, harmonizing in a twisted symphony of darkness. The elven girl and Callahan exchanged anxious glances, their hearts pounding in their chests as they listened to the goblins' eerie song.
The goblins danced with fervor, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of their haunting tune. Their steps were wild and erratic, their bodies contorting in bizarre angles. Callahan couldn't help but watch in a mixture of awe and horror as the goblins twisted and turned, their grotesque figures moving with an unnatural grace.
And then, the lead goblin stepped forward, his voice booming with a deep resonance that sent shivers down Callahan's spine. The elven girl translated the words for him, revealing the goblin's intentions.
"Tonight, we feast on the flesh and bones, the essence of these wayward souls," the lead goblin sang, his voice filled with malice and hunger. "In the fires, we shall cook, their spirits to us they shall bestow."
The goblins' voices blended together, their eerie chorus growing louder and more intense. The fire crackled and spat sparks into the night sky, casting an eerie glow on their twisted faces.
Callahan and the elven girl stood bound, their hearts heavy with the impending threat of becoming a goblin feast.
As the goblins continued their eerie dance, a new sound emerged from their lips—a haunting melody that echoed through the night air. Their voices intertwined, creating a song that captured the essence of their twisted ritual. The goblins sang with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of madness.
In the flickering firelight,shadows dance and sway,
Goblins gather 'round, ready to feast today,
Their drums beat in rhythm, a primal sound,
As they sing their song, their fate's unwound.
Oh, we're the goblins of the night,
In our dance, we take delight,
With fire and fury, we'll consume,
Bringing forth a sacred gloom.
Our chief, so obese,he takes his place,
A grotesque figure, a gluttonous embrace,
He grins with delight, his eyes gleam with greed,
As he leads our dance, the feast we need.
Oh, we're the goblins of the night,
In our dance, we take delight,
With fire and fury, we'll consume,
Bringing forth a sacred gloom.
The flames grow higher, our spirits ignite,
As we prepare to dine under the moonlight,
Through song and dance, our power we embrace,
With every step, we bring darkness to this place.
We sing of strength, we sing of might,
Of humans captured in the dead of night,
Their fear fuels our hunger, their essence we'll claim,
As our dance becomes a deadly game.
Oh, we're the goblins of the night,
In our dance, we take delight,
With fire and fury, we'll consume,
Bringing forth a sacred gloom.
But little do they know, our captives brave,
Plotting their escape, freedom they crave,
In this dance of doom, hope will arise,
As they break free and we eat them.
This was not the end he visioned and he wowed not to die here. His nimble fingers worked frantically to untie the knots binding his hands, a sudden burst of brilliant light engulfed the night sky, illuminating the surroundings in a blinding white radiance. The goblins, startled by the dazzling display, abandoned their feast preparations and stumbled out of the hut, shielding their eyes from the intense glare.
Callahan, momentarily disoriented by the blinding light, took advantage of the chaos and seized the opportunity to free himself from the restraints. With determined haste, he swiftly untangled the final knot just as his vision began to regain clarity.