Upon entering the hut, the first thing I saw was a massive goblin, much larger than the others. He was an elder, with a long white beard flowing from his jaw and deep wrinkles etched into his face. He held a staff, and his clothing—an intricately designed purple robe—added to his imposing presence. The guards and Stabby immediately knelt, and I followed suit, showing respect.
The elder laughed, a deep, resonant sound that filled the room. "Hohoho, what an interesting human," he said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You reek of divine power, human. One that belongs to an ancient goddess."
He called Stabby forward and had him explain my invulnerability, demonstrating it by spanking my head with a sword. Stabby's frustration grew as he saw that I remained unharmed.
"Hohoho," the elder chuckled again, though his voice held a note of warning. "I apologize, human, for the young one's actions towards you. I would like to know why you have come to our lowly abode."
I felt the pressure in the room rise, as if the elder was silently cautioning me not to do anything foolish. I chose my words carefully. "Elder, I know nothing about this world. I came to learn your culture, and ultimately, I have no place to stay."
The elder laughed once more, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Hohoho, of course, human. And what might your name be?"
"How mannerless of me," I replied, bowing slightly. "My name is Ored Zaiyed."
The elder nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I am glad to have met a human like you, Ored. Please, make yourself at home. Come," he said, standing and leading me outside.
The elder called for everyone to gather, and soon the cave was filled with goblins, including Lasso and Spear, their faces bruised from their earlier scuffle. They continued to exchange punches, even as the elder began to speak.
"My fellow goblins," the elder announced, his voice booming through the cave. "I have gathered you here today to introduce you to our humble guest. He is a human, yes, but as you can see..."
Stabby, eager to demonstrate, swiftly stabbed my feet with his sword. The blade bounced off harmlessly, and the elder held up my feet as if presenting a magical artifact. His eyes welled up with a mix of awe and amusement.
"He cannot be harmed," the elder declared, a smile spreading across his face.
The goblins gasped in surprise and quickly crowded around me, their eyes wide with curiosity. They inspected me from every angle, their hands poking and prodding.
"Ahhh, touchy hands all over the place," I muttered, trying to keep my composure as the goblins marveled at my invulnerability. It was a bit overwhelming, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of pride and amusement at their fascination.
Well, this is certainly one way to make an impression, I thought, smiling at the eager faces surrounding me.
The elder commanded the other goblins to provide me with a proper loincloth, food, and water. Once I was dressed and refreshed, the elder announced that it was time to celebrate. The goblins cheered, and a large campfire was quickly set ablaze in the center of the cave.
The beat of drums filled the air, and goblins began to dance, circling the fire with wild abandon. Their songs echoed through the cavern, the melodies both haunting and joyful. I couldn't help but be drawn in, the rhythm pulsing through me.
Why not? I thought, stepping forward to join the dance. The goblins welcomed me with open arms, their smiles genuine and warm. I mimicked their movements, laughing as I stumbled and they eagerly corrected me. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of community and shared joy.
As I danced with the goblins, I felt a connection forming. This was more than just a celebration; it was a bonding experience, a way for me to become a part of their tribe. The music, the laughter, the shared movements—it all blended together, creating a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness.
Later, as the festivities continued, I spotted the elder standing alone outside the cave, his eyes fixed on the night sky. I walked over to him, drawn by his contemplative stance.
"Ah, Ored," he acknowledged, beckoning me to join him. "Come, stand with me."
I joined him, following his gaze to the stars above. The night was clear, and the stars shimmered like distant jewels.
"You see, Ored," the elder began, his voice tinged with a mix of wisdom and sadness, "you are unique among humans. You've shown respect and a willingness to engage with us. I noticed your deference earlier. It's... unusual for a human."
I turned to him, intrigued. "How so?"
The elder took a deep breath, his expression turning somber. "Many humans, and even other advanced species like orcs, elves, dwarves, and dragonkin, view us as lesser beings, as savages. They show no mercy in their treatment of us."
He paused, his eyes reflecting a distant memory. "I once served a human master. I was his slave, but he treated me with kindness. He taught me to read and write, to understand the ways of the nobles and their politics. He had compassion for creatures like me, and it ultimately led to his downfall."
The elder's story was a sobering reminder of the prejudices and struggles faced by the goblins. It was a glimpse into a world where even fantastical creatures were not immune to discrimination.
"It's eye-opening to hear your story," I said softly. "Being this close to the goblin way of life, it's clear that there's more to your kind than meets the eye. One can't truly judge a goblin without understanding them."
The elder nodded, then shifted his gaze back to the stars. "These gleaming gems in the night sky are truly magnificent, aren't they?"
My inner scholar couldn't resist the chance to share knowledge. "Indeed, I call them stars. They are immense spheres of fire, much like our sun. Their temperature varies based on their color. A red star is the coolest, while a blue star is the hottest imaginable."
The elder's eyes widened in astonishment. "Your words surprise me, but I recall my master mentioning such things when he visited the Tower of Astronomicon."
I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment at imparting something new. "The cosmos is filled with marvels, elder. And I am eager to explore and share more of its secrets."
The elder turned to me, his eyes filled with curiosity. "What about your story, Ored? I don't often encounter naked humans, and everything about you feels different. It's as if you were born yesterday."
I smiled at the elder's intuition and began to share my tale. "I was born on a different world, one devoid of magic but driven by scientific progress. I met with an unfortunate accident that left me alive only as a brain, kept in stasis. My own kind ended my life, but I was given a new chance by a goddess named Atheia."
The elder listened intently, his expression growing more somber with each word. Tears welled up in his eyes as he absorbed my story. "What a journey you've had," he murmured. "Though I don't understand all your terms, I feel your sorrow. That explains the divine aura I sense from you."
He paused, deep in thought. "I am not familiar with this goddess Atheia, but our world is filled with many deities. Perhaps she is one I have not yet encountered." He furrowed his brow, pondering the mystery.
We delved deeper into the lives of goblins and their culture. Surprisingly, their traditions reminded me of those of Native Americans—a blend of respect for nature and a strong sense of community. As the night grew colder, the elder excused himself.
"The night is turning chilly, Ored," he said with a slight smile. "You're welcome to come inside if you don't want to freeze out here."
I lingered outside for a moment, reflecting on my new circumstances. Being part of the goblin community wasn't as bad as I initially thought. In fact, there was a certain comfort in their camaraderie and simplicity. With a nod to myself, I made my way back into the cave, ready to embrace this new chapter of my life.