Chapter 2 - She became his partner.
Tae clutched the rough bark of the ancient oak, her knuckles turning white. From her vantage point, she could see him â€" the man who had rescued her all those years ago. Even from afar, his broad back and powerful stance radiated a quiet strength that ignited a fire within her. It wasn't just gratitude, though that burned brightly too. No, a deeper longing stirred in her soul â€" a need to understand him, to be near him.
Back at the village, the tribe erupted in gasps as Tae returned, her usual composed demeanor shattered by a nervous tremor. She explained her encounter, the way his bravery had sparked something within her. It wasn't just about survival anymore; it was about a new life, a life intertwined with her savior. Her voice wavered as she spoke of her yearning, a yearning that transcended tribal duty, even the prestigious role of becoming the next matriarch.
Her mother, wise and perceptive, saw the raw determination in Tae's eyes. It wasn't ambition that shone there, but a love that transcended societal and racial expectations. With a heavy heart tinged with understanding, she bestowed her blessing.
The weight of that blessing settled on Tae's shoulders as she embraced her tribe for the last time, the warmth of their farewells a stark contrast to the chilling uncertainty that lay ahead.
Weeks bled into months as Tae doggedly followed her savior through the treacherous Dark Forest. Sunlight filtering through the dense canopy barely touched the damp, decaying undergrowth.
Razor-sharp thorns tore at her clothes, and unseen creatures scuttled in the undergrowth, sending shivers down her spine. Yet, she persevered, fueled by the image of the man ahead, his confident strides a beacon in the gloom.
Finally, the oppressive darkness gave way to a sprawling, sun-drenched plain. In the distance, a magnificent city shimmered â€" the Kuumarian Kingdom. Tears welled in Tae's eyes as she witnessed the reunion between the man and his family.
A little girl, his daughter no doubt, skipped into his arms, her laughter echoing in the vastness. A young woman, his niece from before, followed close behind, their arrival met with joyful embraces. Tae watched, a bittersweet ache blooming in her chest.
Days turned into weeks. Disheartened but undeterred, Tae continued her silent pursuit. The man, oblivious to her presence, seemed restless. He spent his days venturing into the unknown, a lone figure against the sprawling landscape. Finally, one evening, she spotted him settling down for the night. Relief washed over her â€" tonight might be the night she could finally bridge the gap between them. As he built a crackling fire, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding trees, Tae took a deep breath, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Tae braced herself, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Just as she built up the courage to walk towards the man, a sudden movement snagged her attention. The man shot up from his resting place and strode purposefully towards a nearby lake. The last rays of the setting sun cast an ethereal glow, painting the scene in a mixture of fiery oranges and deep purples.
Unseen, Tae watched, her breath catching in her throat, as the man's silhouette grew larger against the vibrant backdrop.
With a practiced grace born of years spent in the wild, he shed his garments, one by one, until he stood bare-chested on the shore, preparing to cleanse himself in the cool water.
As he emerged from the shadows, moonlight sculpted his form, revealing a tapestry of scars etched across his toned physique. Each mark whispered of battles fought, victories won, and the harsh realities of a life spent confronting danger. It was a testament to his resilience, a silent declaration of his experience in combating ferocious beasts like the goblin she'd encountered earlier.
But there was more to him than just battle scars. The moonlight glinted off taut muscles honed through rigorous training, hinting at a strength that both captivated and intimidated her. A delicious warmth bloomed in her core, a heat that had nothing to do with the cool night air. This wasn't just attraction; it was an undeniable spark of desire.
Compelled by a force she couldn't explain, Tae found her fingers drifting to explore the warmth of her own skin. Her mind conjured vivid images of him, of his touch igniting a fire within her.
A shiver danced down her spine as a pleasurable ache settled low in her abdomen. Heat pooled between her legs, a slick sensation that mirrored the increasing dampness spreading across the tree trunk where she sat.
Meanwhile, the object of her attention, the Kuumarian warrior, wasn't oblivious to the unseen gaze. A prickling sensation of awareness danced on his skin, but his focus remained fixed on a different kind of danger.
He wasn't simply seeking solace in the cool embrace of the lake; he was there for a reason. An unsettling presence, a darkness that pulsed beneath the calm surface of the water, gnawed at his senses.
He recognized the signature of a lurking evil, a monstrous entity coiled in the depths, waiting to be unleashed.
With a grim determination etched on his face, the warrior reached for a small, intricate ring adorned with a razor-sharp blade.
In a swift, practiced motion, he sliced his finger, letting a single crimson drop fall into the still water. The blood acted as a beacon, a challenge to the unseen horror festering within the lake.
The lone droplet, fat and heavy with anticipation, detached itself from the leaf and plummeted towards the water's surface. It struck with a delicate violence, sending a tremor outward in ever-expanding rings. Each ripple whispered a secret message across the surface, a silent promise of a coming confrontation.
He waded out of the water, the coolness clinging to his skin for a fleeting moment before being chased away by the prickling heat of anticipation. A cruel smile twisted his lips as he watched the innocent facade of the water distort. Beneath the surface, something stirred, a predator awakened by the scent of fresh prey. The water bubbled, a grotesque mockery of a pot coming to a boil. It thrashed, revealing glimpses of a monstrous form hungering for a taste of blood.
"???: Just a little closer!"
He murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. He reached for the bundle of clothes lying on the bank, the rough fabric a welcome distraction against the rising tide of fear.
With practiced ease, he pulled on a fresh shirt, his movements measured and deliberate. Yet, his mind was anything but calm.
He could sense the creature, a monstrous presence slithering ever closer to the surface, its ancient hunger a palpable pressure in the water.
Down in the churning depths, a creature of nightmare proportions watched him with eyes that burned with unnatural fire.
It was a being out of legend, an abomination whispered about in hushed tones around flickering campfires. Some called it a demon, a spawn of the deepest hells. Others, wiser or perhaps more foolhardy, spoke of it as a nameless terror, a predator older than time itself. He, however, knew its true name, a name that sent shivers down his spine despite the burning defiance in his eyes.
"???: What's the matter, Geruska?"
He called out, his voice laced with a mockery that did little to quell the tremor in his hands.
"???: Can't you tell I'm offering myself up? Is that monstrous form of yours all bark and no bite?"
The young man continued his charade, every feigned act of obliviousness a calculated step in a deadly dance. He knew the beast was toying with him, savoring the fear before the kill. But he, too, was playing a game, a desperate gamble to lure the monster out where he could face it on his own terms, even if those terms meant staring death in the face.
The chill of dusk settled over the lake, deepening the shadows cast by the ancient pines. Hours had bled by since the Geruska, that monstrous beast, had vanished beneath the water's surface. Frustration gnawed at him. He'd waited here all day, his muscles tense and his patience wearing thin. Was this another failed hunt? Just as despair began to creep in, a new sound cut through the silence â€" a series of wet, slapping noises from the woods behind him.
He froze, every nerve in his body on high alert. Was it the Geruska? Or something else entirely? Then, a low, guttural moan reached his ears, sending shivers down his spine. His heart hammered in his chest.
The Geruska.
He had to focus. Ignoring the tantalizing sounds behind him, he turned his full attention to the water, willing the monstrous beast to rise from its depths. Perhaps the Geruska, sensing a distracted prey, would take the opportunity to strike.
Meanwhile, hidden within the trees, Tae watched the young man intently. His sculpted physique, taut with tension, sent a tremor through her. She bit her lip hard, stifling a moan of her own. This wasn't supposed to happen. She knew the dangers of revealing herself, but the raw desperation in his posture, the way his focus shifted between the water and the woods....it sparked a primal curiosity within her.
A gushing force gathered in her nether regions before a splash of her juices landed onto the ground beneath her, she was holding back a deep moan as her fingers danced across her still sensitive clit, she was gripping her breast as milk dripped out of them.
(Goblins go into heat twice a year, once during January and it lasts until May, the second heat starts during June and lasts until December, since It is the time Goblins usually mate for life and to breed, Tae is extremely sensitive, anything can trigger her and cause her to start lactating, a sign her body is ready to bare a child.)
Tae, being the daughter of the matriarch, was constantly in a state of ecstasy as she longed for someone to marry her and to breed a baby into her.
As she pulled her fingers out of her cunt, she saw how sticky and wet they were. She licked them as she imagined it was her savior's cum on her hand, but as she masturbated, another set of eyes watched her from behind.
Tae was too preoccupied with pleasuring herself to notice that another Goblin had appeared, it was a male Goblin, it was Scrag, the one she told to never return.
He watched her as he smiled sadistically, he had one hand on a blade while the other was stroking himself.
He slowly moved closer to her, and before she could notice him, he pounced.
Landing on top of her as he held a hand on her mouth with the blade to her throat, he smiled sadistically as he was hard, his tiny member was pulsating as he moved it closer to Tae's soaked and sensitive entrance.
A desperate struggle unfolded beneath the darkening trees. She clawed and twisted, but his grip was like an iron vice. Every desperate heave for breath was choked into a strangled whimper. Her vision swam as the world tilted precariously, the taste of metallic fear thick on her tongue.
Suddenly, a twig snapped in the distance. The attacker froze, a flicker of unease crossing his feral features. A muffled scream, choked off mid-air, pierced the rustling leaves. Then, a chilling, high-pitched laugh that sent shivers down spines even the bravest wouldn't admit to having.
A grizzled man, weathered by years spent under the unforgiving sky, was following the commotion. He initially dismissed it as the roughhousing of rutting beasts, but the scream and the laughter sent a jolt through him. Curiosity, tinged with a healthy dose of caution, propelled him forward. He pushed through tangled branches, his weathered boots crunching on fallen leaves as he drew closer to the source of the sounds.
Then, he saw them. A hulking male goblin, reeking of the wild, pinned a woman to the ground. A wicked blade glinted in the fading light, held an inch from her throat. The man's gut clenched. Goblins were a known nuisance, thieving, cowardly creatures. But this one was different. There was a rabid glint in its eyes, a primal snarl twisting its face. It wasn't the cunning sneak-thief he vaguely remembered encountering as a boy, but a savage beast driven by primal urges.
"???: Another feral Goblin?? I was told there was only one in the area, where did this little shrimp come from???"
He muttered, his voice barely a whisper. This one, though smaller, shared the same crazed energy. It was a chilling thought â€" had the first one spawned offspring, or was this a whole new brand of trouble?
Disgust curdled in his stomach as he saw the sight. A male Goblin, all spindly limbs and malice, was trying to rape a female of the same race. This wasn't just some random Goblin tussle; recognition flickered in his mind. The female, pinned beneath the smaller male, was one he'd rescued not long ago. Fury surged through him, hot and immediate.
With a growl ripped from his throat, he lunged. He didn't need words to understand the terror in the female's wide, bloodshot eyes. He grabbed the Goblin male by a scrawny leg â€" the creature was pathetically thin, all knobby knees and jutting bones â€" and with a flick of his wrist, sent him flying. The Goblin landed with a sickening thud against the rough bark of a nearby tree, letting out a surprised yelp. Scrambling to his feet, the Goblin didn't hesitate. He dashed for cover, his short legs pumping like pistons, hands instinctively flying up to cradle his throbbing head. Fear turned him into a darting brown blur, disappearing behind a cluster of lichen-covered rocks.
The man didn't let up. He stalked towards the Goblin's hiding place, his muscles coiled with the promise of violence. But before he could reach the rocks, a glint of metal caught his eye. The Goblin had emerged, a wickedly jagged blade clutched in his bony fist. He lunged, a desperate snarl twisting his face.
The man reacted on pure instinct. The Goblin's attack was clumsy, fueled by panic rather than skill. He sidestepped the blow with ease, and with a well-placed punch to the Goblin's midsection, sent him sprawling. The Goblin crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The man knelt down and hauled the unconscious Goblin back to the female by the scruff of his neck. He couldn't understand their guttural language, but their emotions were a universal tongue. He didn't need words to see the terror in her eyes give way to something akin to gratitude. He gently tossed the unconscious Goblin at her feet, a silent promise hanging in the air â€" she was safe now.
Tae fought to control her ragged gasps, her chest heaving like a bellows. Her eyes, blazing with a cold fury, landed on the sprawled form of Scrag at her feet.
A guttural snarl ripped from her throat as she stalked closer, her hand instinctively closing around the fallen blade â€" the very weapon that had moments ago sought to steal her life.
Reaching the prone figure, Tae yanked him up by the scruff of his neck, the movement rough and fueled by primal anger. The tip of the blade glinted menacingly, its sharp edge now pointed not at her heart, but aimed at a far more vulnerable target. As consciousness flickered back into his eyes, Tae's voice cut through the tense silence, laced with icy venom.
"Tae: Well, well, well, look who finally decided to wake up!"
she spat, her face contorted in a snarl that would send shivers down even the most hardened spine.
"Tae: Recognize me, you pathetic excuse for a goblin? The female Goblin you just dared to try raping? Seems my warnings fell on deaf ears, wouldn't you say? But fear not, because every action has a consequence, and tonight, yours comes due."
The male, Scrag by the name that danced on the tip of Tae's tongue, could only whimper in response.
Gone was the predatory glint that had been in his eyes moments ago, replaced by a raw, primal terror.
His bravado had evaporated, leaving behind a quivering mess of regret and fear.
"Scrag: Come on?! Please spare me?! I won't do it again, I promise?! Please don't kill me?!"
He croaked, his voice hoarse with desperation.
Scrag's pleas washed over Tae, but they held no sway. A cruel amusement flickered across her face, a dark contrast to the fury that had burned there moments before.
With a chilling smile that sent shivers down Scrag's spine, Tae mirrored her previous action, planting her foot firmly on his chest, pressing the weight of her anger down upon him.
A twisted smile played on Tae's lips for a fleeting moment before a look of relief washed over Scrag's face.
But before any words of gratitude could escape his lips, Tae struck. With a swift, brutal movement, she sliced off his dick.
Scrag's world exploded in a white-hot searing agony that ripped a primal scream from his throat. The sound echoed through the desolate landscape, a horrific beacon that pierced the tense silence and alerted every creature, human or monster, within miles.
Tae barely registered the scream. Adrenaline surged through her veins, her movements fueled by a cold, practiced efficiency. As Scrag crumpled to the ground, clutching at his mangled groin, Tae lunged for his neck. Her hand wrapped around his windpipe with a vice-like grip, silencing his pained gasps. The air in his lungs burned, his vision swam, and a terrifying rattling escaped his lips. He clawed at her hand, his fingers scraping uselessly against her forearm. If he didn't break free, the darkness at the edges of his vision would soon consume him entirely.
The young man flinched. A pang of something that might have resembled pity flickered within him at the sight of the writhing Goblin Male. But the sensation was fleeting, replaced by a cruel spark of amusement. Here was the Goblin Male that just tried to kill him, reduced to a whimpering mess, a pathetic parody of the bravado he'd displayed moments ago.
The young man sauntered towards Scrag, his movements theatrical, designed to maximize the terror in the male's eyes. Tears, real or manufactured, streamed down his face, a stark contrast to the cruel glint in his eyes. He crouched beside the male, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
"???: What's this? Whimpering like a scared child? You know what fear feels like now, don't you? It's delicious, isn't it? Now, shut your yapping hole before you irritate me any further!"
ZÅken said, his voice laced with sadistic amusement.
A cruel grin split across his face as he tightened his grip on the goblin's leg. With a flick of his wrist, a shimmering thread of arcane energy pulsed into existence, wrapping tightly around the thrashing creature. The goblin's whimpers were cut short by a sickening yank that sent him hurtling through the air. He landed with a wet thud beside the murky water's edge, a crimson stain blossoming around him as his wounds leached into the water.
The young man wasn't aiming for mercy, but for monstrosity. He knew the Geruska, the beast he'd hunted for over a decade, wouldn't be able to resist the easy prey, the open invitation to a feast. It was a gamble, but one he was willing to take.
Silence stretched, thick and heavy. The water, previously bubbling with unseen life, lay still. He waited, muscles coiled with tension, gaze fixed on the water's surface. A prickle of anticipation danced down his spine.
Then, it erupted. Water churned violently, displaced by a monstrous form surging upwards. The Geruska, finally revealed in all its horrifying glory, towered over the pool. Fifteen years had passed since their last encounter, and the beast had matured into a nightmare made flesh.
It stood easily ten feet tall, a grotesque parody of an iguana. Its skin, a sickly green, was mottled with dark stripes and accented by sickly pale patches. A maw filled with razor-sharp fangs, like serrated daggers, split its head. Its arms, thick and powerful, ended in massive five-fingered claws, dripping with a bioluminescent slime. Its feet mirrored the hands in their lethality, each massive toe tipped with a wickedly curved talon. And finally, a thick, pronged tail, easily as long as its body, lashed behind it, the tip adorned with a cluster of wickedly sharp bony spikes.
The man couldn't help but smile, a cold, predatory thing. This wasn't the juvenile monstrosity he'd faced all those years ago. This was an adult Geruska in its prime, a predator honed to razor-sharp perfection. But so was he. The boy who'd barely escaped with his life fifteen years ago was gone, replaced by a seasoned hunter, ready to end the monster's reign of terror. They were both grown now, but only one would walk away alive.
A cruel smile twisted the young man's face as he locked eyes with the Geruska. The monstrous beast let out a guttural growl, its sound mirrored by a feral snarl erupting from the young man's throat.
The Geruska lunged, its gaping maw aimed to devour the nearby male Goblin. But with a yank of his arm, the young man snatched the Goblin back, flinging him with surprising strength towards the safety of the trees. The Goblin, his ragged clothes plastered to his shivering form, wasted no time scrambling into the dense undergrowth, his panicked yelps fading into the night.
Now alone, the young man faced the Geruska. Rain lashed down in icy sheets, blurring the edges of the world and turning the ground into a slick mud pit. Panic gnawed at Tae. Shivering uncontrollably, she watched as the injured Goblin vanished into the rain-soaked darkness. A guttural growl ripped from her throat, and with a surge of desperate determination, she bolted after him, following the crimson trail his wounds left staining the wet grass.
The young man caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. The Geruska, a hulking mass of muscle and rage, was bearing down on him, its fetid breath washing over him as it prepared to deliver a killing blow. Reacting on pure instinct, he whipped his arm around, the braided leather cord of his whip cracking like a gunshot as it slammed into the creature's skull. The Geruska roared in fury, the blow momentarily staggering it. But before the young man could capitalize on his advantage, the beast was upon him, its massive body slamming him to the rain-slicked ground.
A desperate struggle ensued. The Geruska pinned him down, its fetid breath reeking in his face. He wrestled against its weight, his muscles screaming in protest. He narrowly dodged a razor-sharp snap of the Geruska's jaws, the wet rasp of its gnashing teeth sending shivers down his spine. With a guttural roar that echoed through the downpour, he lashed out, his fist connecting with the creature's snout. The blow surprised the Geruska, momentarily breaking its concentration. Seizing the opportunity, the young man shoved the beast off him, scrambling to his feet just as another ear-splitting roar filled the air. He whirled around, his hand instinctively tightening around the reassuring grip of his whip.
As he swivelled on his heel, eyes widening, a new Geruska materialized before him â€" this one, a female. A horrifying truth clawed its way into his mind: the beast had found a mate. Before he could react, the male whipped its razor-sharp claws across his back, sending a spray of crimson blossoming onto the water's surface. A guttural growl escaped his lips as the blue flames surrounding his fists intensified. With a fiery shove, he forced the creatures back.
He lunged at the male, leaping over its hulking form. In mid-air, his whip, a blur of motion, snaked around the beast's neck. The Geruska thrashed wildly, its monstrous frame straining against the fiery tendril. The young man seized the opportunity, flames erupting from his hands as he tried to incinerate the creature.
Suddenly, the female launched herself at the male, slamming into it with a bone-jarring impact. The force of the collision sent them both tumbling into the inky depths, dragging the young man along for the ride. Disoriented, he thrashed about, his vision obscured by the murky water. Panic surged through him as he desperately searched for the monstrous forms, their absence a terrifying unknown.
A dark shape materialized from the depths â€" the male Geruska. It barreled into him with the force of a battering ram, the impact knocking the wind out of his lungs. He fought back a surge of nausea, a guttural snarl erupting from his throat. With a flick of his wrist, the whip materialized once more, wrapping around the Geruska's neck in a vice-like grip. He strained, muscles burning, trying to force the creature back towards the surface.
But the female was upon him again. With a savage snarl, she tore him from his hold on her mate, dragging him through the water with a strength that belied her lithe form. The sudden yank sent the whip slack, snapping it taut as the Geruska surged forward. Adrenaline coursing through his veins, the young man reacted instinctively. He grabbed her arm, his superhuman strength momentarily stopping her advance.
The Geruska, surprised by his sudden resistance, hissed and swiped at him with her claws. But his enhanced reflexes held. He dodged the attack, his grip tightening on her arm. With a primal yell, he head-butted her, the sickening crunch of bone meeting bone momentarily stunning her. He capitalized on her hesitation, delivering a powerful kick that sent her sprawling away.
Burning lungs urged him towards the surface. As he broke free of the water, gasping for air, he saw the Geruskas flanking him, their movements synchronized in a deadly dance. A primal fear coiled in his gut, but he steeled himself. He had to survive.
With a desperate grunt, he dodged a snapping maw, only to feel the male Geruska's powerful tail slam into his leg. A yelp tore from his throat as he was flung through the air, his body a ragdoll tossed by an unseen giant. He slammed against the unforgiving rock face with a sickening thud, the world dissolving into a haze of pain.
A crimson cough wracked his body as he gasped for air. The male and female Geruska, a monstrous pair, surged towards him, their movements blurring with predatory hunger. He scrambled to his feet, bracing himself for their inevitable assault.
Just as their razor-sharp claws were about to find their mark, a blur erupted from the treeline behind him. A colossal hammer, wielded by the tiny Goblin woman he'd rescued earlier, slammed into the Geruska with a sickening thud. The monstrous creatures were sent flying, their grotesque forms splashing into the murky water with bone-jarring thumps.
Speechless, the young man watched as the Goblin woman stood before him, a warrior queen in miniature. Her emerald green skin, usually marked by timidity, was now etched with grim determination. In one hand, she clutched the massive hammer, a weapon seemingly twice her size. In the other, she held the lifeless body of the Goblin male he'd seen her with earlier.
The Geruska surfaced, a guttural growl erupting from their throats. With renewed fury, they charged towards the Goblin woman. Unfazed, she hefted the colossal hammer, its weight seemingly effortless in her grip. As the beasts lunged, she swung the weapon with a ferocity that belied her size. The female Geruska took the brunt of the blow, her body sent hurtling through the air before crashing onto the unforgiving ground.
The male Geruska, enraged, intercepted the hammer's descent in its massive jaws. It lunged at the Goblin woman, snapping its jaws at her head. With surprising agility, she ducked, her knee connecting with the beast's chin in a sickening crunch. Bone gave way under the impact, and the Geruska roared in pain, a spray of blood erupting from its maw.
Despite the blow, the Geruska was relentless. It grappled with her, its giant hand wrapping around her slender frame. The young man watched in horror as her struggles grew weaker, her tiny body straining against the creature's crushing grip. Just as he feared the worst, a surge of adrenaline coursed through him. With a primal yell, he lunged at the Geruska, delivering a powerful uppercut that connected with the beast's jaw. The Geruska recoiled, momentarily stunned, releasing its grip on the Goblin woman.
A relieved grin flickered across his face as he caught her, the world momentarily fading into just the two of them. He lowered her gently, his touch lingering a beat too long. Adrenaline surged through Tae, a blush creeping up her neck. This wasn't the first time this mysterious savior had intervened, rescuing her after she'd impulsively tried to help him.
With a practiced flourish, he drew two hefty knives, their edges gleaming in the fading light. He charged the hulking male Geruska, a whirlwind of steel. Tae watched, mesmerized, as he danced around every clumsy strike, sparks erupting with each clang of metal against scales. His movements were a blur of parries and counters, a deadly ballet against the brute force of the beast.
Suddenly, a guttural roar ripped through the air. The female Geruska had materialized from the shadows, her massive claws aimed straight for the young man's head. Thinking fast, Tae lunged forward, barely deflecting the blow with her hammer.
The young man, however, seemed unfazed. He deflected another swipe from the male, grabbed his arm in a lightning-fast move, and flung him towards the female. The two Geruskas crashed into each other with a bone-jarring thud before disappearing into the murky water with a splash.
A smile, genuine this time, lit up the young man's face. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a torrent of light that wrapped around the thrashing beasts, binding them. A majestic longsword materialized in his other hand, the blade igniting with an ethereal blue flame. This was no ordinary weapon, but a holy weapon.
A blur of cerulean fire, he launched himself forward. His blade, imbued with the fury of the forge, sang a deadly song as it carved three crimson furrows across the female Geruska's chest. Her shriek, a banshee's wail, ripped through the night, a horrifying counterpoint to the guttural roar of its mate. A cold efficiency descended upon him. A surgeon's precision guided his movements â€" a clean sweep severed the male's clawed arm, followed by a lightning-fast thrust that pierced its thrumming heart. The air crackled with the electrical signature of their dying struggles.
Gone was the playful smirk that usually adorned his features. In its place, a grim determination etched itself onto his face, a mask forged in the fires of this dire necessity. He had to end this.
There was no room for hesitation, no space for mercy. With a single, practiced motion, his flaming blade described a lethal arc, severing the male's head from its muscular torso. It was a swift, merciless end, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of destruction he'd unleashed just moments ago.
He turned to the female. The feral glint in her eyes, a telltale sign of a recent transformation, held a flicker of recognition. He knew. If these two had mated, a nest, teeming with ravenous young, would lie hidden somewhere nearby. But tonight, there would be no gruesome dance of death.
Pity, a fleeting emotion, flickered across his face. With a flick of his wrist, he cast a silent spell, weaving a shroud of earth and stone. The female Geruska, caught unawares, froze. A moment later, she was encased in a rough-hewn statue, a silent, stoic sentinel. Then, with a heavy heart, he shattered the stone prison, granting her a swift, painless end.
Exhaustion, a tidal wave, crashed over him. His legs gave way, sending him sprawling onto the cool sand. Tae, her own breath ragged, appeared at his side. Wordlessly, she sank down beside him, their shared silence a heavy weight in the air.
As the adrenaline of their recent escape began to ebb away, Tae found herself stealing glances at the young man beside her, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. His gallant acts of bravery had not gone unnoticed by her, nor by the customs of their Goblin realm. With each daring rescue, Tae's heart swelled with gratitude and a newfound sense of indebtedness.
(Note: In this Universe, when a Goblin man or woman is saved three times by anyone, they will pledge their lives to serving their new master until they either die or they repay the debt, but in the case of Tae, she is the daughter of her tribe's matriarch and is a Goblin who can use healing magic, something most Goblin's within this Universe cannot do without a philosopher stone or something else magical, due to both these factors, Tae pledges to not only serve him but to become his wife.)
As she watched him stoke the flames and prepare their meal with practiced ease, Tae's heart fluttered with a realization. Her gratitude swelled within her chest, mingling with a burgeoning affection that she had scarcely dared to acknowledge. How could she repay him for his unwavering protection, for the safety he had afforded her not just thrice, but now four times over?
A blush warmed her cheeks as the answer dawned upon her. It was a revelation both shocking and profoundâ€"she could offer him more than just her servitude. In a society where duty and honor were paramount, she could give him her heart, her devotion, and even her lineage.
With newfound determination coursing through her veins, Tae rose to her feet, a surge of courage propelling her forward. She stepped closer to him, her movements deliberate, her heart pounding within her chest like a war drum. As she stood before him, she felt his gaze upon her, even as he continued to chew on a hearty piece of meat.
Her breath caught in her throat as she met his scarred countenance, her own features a tableau of conflicting emotionsâ€"bashfulness mingled with an unyielding resolve. Despite her diminutive stature compared to his, she refused to be cowed by his strength or his silent intensity. Instead, she squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.
In that charged moment, beneath the flickering dance of the firelight and the twinkling stars above, Tae's silent vow echoed loud in her mind. Both content to merely exist as a debt-bound servant, but also, she yearned for something moreâ€"a partnership forged in mutual respect and shared purpose.
With every fiber of her being aflame with desire and determination, Tae made a silent declarationâ€"an oath not only of loyalty and gratitude but also of love. She envisioned a future where they walked side by side, facing whatever challenges lay ahead as equals. And in the depths of her heart, she dared to entertain the possibility of something moreâ€"a bond that transcended duty, intertwining their destinies in a tapestry woven with threads of passion and devotion.
As she stood before him, her resolve unyielding despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach, Tae silently pledged herself to himâ€"not just as a servant, but as a companion, a confidante, and perhaps even as his beloved. For in that fleeting moment, amidst the crackle of the fire and the whisper of the night breeze, Tae embraced the possibility of a future where they were bound not only by fate but by the enduring strength of their love.
She pointed to him, then herself, before turning and facing a tree, she reached back as far as she could, and spreaded her ass cheeks with her hands as her soaking wet pussy was dripping.
"Tae: This...for...you..."
Tae fumbled for the right words, her limited human vocabulary a flimsy net for the emotions churning within her. Frustration gnawed at her. How could she express the gratitude swelling in her chest, the debt she owed her savior?
The man's gaze, intense and warm, sent a shiver down her spine â€" a mix of something unfamiliar and strangely pleasant. He gestured towards the ground beside him, a clear invitation. Tentatively, Tae shuffled closer, her bare feet whispering against the cool forest floor.
As she sat, the man shifted closer, his presence a comforting fire in the fading light. His words tumbled out in a rapid stream, most of it lost in the vast ocean of human language. But certain phrases surfaced â€" 'Goblin,' 'oversized,' 'feral' â€" painting a picture of the chaotic fight they'd just emerged from. A grateful smile tugged at Tae's lips, even though her understanding remained patchy.
She took a deep breath, summoning all the human words she had gleaned.
"Tae: Thank...you...for...help me…you...saved...me...again..."
The words tumbled out, a mix of Goblin tongue and broken English, clumsy but heartfelt.
The man seemed to understand. A smile, slow and genuine, spread across his face. He reached out, not in a way that threatened, but with a gentle curiosity. He gestured towards her, palm open, a question hanging in the air. This, Tae understood. It was a request â€" a request to know her, perhaps even her name.
Tae, her heart pounding with a mix of gratitude and something new, returned the gesture, her own hand hesitant but reaching out. This unexpected encounter, born out of chaos, held the promise of something more, a connection that transcended the barriers of language and race.
A blush crept up Tae's neck as she instinctively moved closer, the warmth of his body radiating against her hip. The man, oblivious for a moment, continued speaking in a torrent of words that sounded melodic yet utterly foreign.
"???: Whoa, whoa, slow down there."
Tae finally managed to interrupt, a mixture of amusement and frustration bubbling up inside her.
"???: I may not understand a word you're saying, but you really don't need any thanks, especially for, uh..."
Her brow furrowed as she tried in vain to recall the single word she'd understood earlier. Suddenly, his panicked shout jolted her back to the present.
"???: Oh stars above! The fire's dying!"
He gestured frantically towards the flickering flames.
"???: Can you, uh...keep an eye on it for a moment while I grab some more wood?"
Tae blinked, her mind scrambling. Five words. That's all she'd grasped from his entire outburst. Feeling a pang of helplessness, she stared at him, her wide eyes comically conveying her utter confusion.
Finally, she hesitantly pointed to her ear, hoping the gesture would bridge the language barrier.
"Tae: Me... no... understand."
The man's face softened as comprehension dawned. He slapped his forehead lightly, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.
"???: Right, of course."
He chuckled, his voice warm and inviting.
"???: Shouldn't have just assumed everyone speaks perfect Kuumarian."
He bent down and picked up a thick branch, holding it out to her.
"???: See these? I need more of these to keep the fire going."
A flicker of hope sparked in Tae's eyes. This, she understood. She bobbed her head eagerly, a small smile gracing her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be such a lost cause after all.
As the realization hit her, she gasped.
"Tae: Oohh!!"
Alarmed by the fading light, the woman bolted upright. She had watched humans countless times before, their flickering camps a beacon in the gathering dusk. They built fires for warmth and light, unfurling strange mats on the ground for sleep. Their evenings were filled with the sounds of crackling flames, shared meals, and laughter â€" even strange displays of intimacy that made her brow furrow.
It had all seemed barbaric at first. She didn't rely on fire to pierce the darkness, nor did the night's chill faze her. Her meals were flesh, consumed raw and unadulterated. But these humans, they were...different. An undeniable air of order surrounded them, a set of unspoken rules that guided their behavior. They were civilized, and in a strange way, that appealed to her.
She would do whatever it took.
Returning from the woods, her small arms strained under a load of carefully chosen sticks. The man, she noticed, had constructed a ring of smooth stones, meticulously clearing the earth within. Without a word, she deposited her collection in the designated spot.
With the kindling primed, the man produced a burning torch, its flame a defiant orange against the encroaching darkness. He tossed it into the pit, and a burst of vibrant blue erupted, a fleeting dance of color before settling into a steady burn. The torch itself sputtered and died, but the heat it imparted was enough. The dry kindling crackled to life, and the man, with practiced ease, fanned the flames until a healthy blaze roared skyward.
"???: Stay here. Keep it lit for me, ok."
He vanished like a wisp of smoke into the dense woods, leaving Tae stranded beside the sputtering fire. The Goblin girl, despite her fierce exterior, felt a pang of unease. The human's words, a jumble of unfamiliar sounds, echoed in her ears. Maintaining the flame? What did that even mean? Panic gnawed at her as the fire dwindled, casting flickering shadows that danced menacingly on the forest floor.
Thankfully, the wait wasn't long. Just as despair threatened to consume her, the man reappeared, his strong arms laden with logs. Though small, their fresh-cut ends gleamed with moisture, promising warmth. Relief washed over Tae as he expertly stacked them onto the dying embers. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he coaxed the fire back to life, banishing the encroaching darkness and sending a wave of heat radiating outwards.
Finally secure in the fire's warm embrace, the man settled beside her on the rough ground. Tae stole a glance at him, her night vision granting her a detailed picture of his face. The firelight highlighted the sharp angles of his jawline and the startling blue of his eyes, which seemed to pierce right through her. A warmth, entirely different from the fire's glow, bloomed in her chest. A blush, a fiery mix of red and green unique to her kind, crept up her neck, staining her cheeks. Was it the heat, or something else entirely?
Suddenly, the man spoke, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.
"Zōken: Goodness, I completely forgot my manners! Where are mine? I'm Zōken!"
He declared, pointing to his chest with a confident smile.
"Zōken: I am the Crowned Prince of the Kuumarian Kingdom. And you, my firefly-eyed friend?"
Upon hearing his name, she smiled, her face turned red as she looked at him awestruck.
"Tae: Tae!"
She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
"Tae: Me... Taevonrish... Princess of Goblin Tribe."
Zōken flashed her a smile that could melt glaciers. As she instinctively scooted closer to the warmth radiating from both the fire and him, a foreign sensation fluttered in her chest. A dampness settled between her legs, an unfamiliar feeling that both confused and intrigued her.
"Zōken: Pleased to meet you, Tae!"
Zōken said, his voice warm.
"Zōken: This forest holds many memories for me. I've spent countless hours here since I was a boy, often with my father by my side."
Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the crackling fire seemed to be the only sound in the vast wilderness. The forest, once a place of shadows and fear, now held the promise of something new, something exciting. What adventures awaited them beneath the ancient trees? And where would this chance encounter lead?
Too be continued....