The skies were already getting dark when the goblins and Lance moved to return to camp. Under the dense coverings of the forests, it was already as good as night time.
As they travelled, their footsteps were slow and heavy, the weight of their struggles evident in their hunched shoulders and gaunt faces. They had braved countless dangers, and now, as they approached the tall wooden walls and wooden gate of this unfamiliar settlement, a mix of hope and trepidation filled their hearts. Faced with such an imposing structure, for most, it was unclear if this was sanctuary or prison.
For many of them, this was their first sight of a fortified camp. Though the walls were modest, built from logs and reinforced with vines in some areas, a few saw it as a symbol of safety, something they hadn't known in several months, perhaps, in all their lives even. Murmurs rose among them as they passed the gates, their eyes darting to the structures within.
Wooden shelters dotted the area, simple yet sturdy, with smoke curling from fire pits where goblins gathered to cook. Others were sharpening weapons or tending to what appeared to them to be… plants? It was confusing for most.
The atmosphere was vibrant, alive even. It was a stark contrast to the bleak existence they had endured. Perhaps, something like this was not a common sight, even before their survival journey. As they looked around, some couldn't help but let out their thoughts in surprise.
"Is this… a goblin camp?" one of them whispered.
"Unbelievable," another replied, eyes widening as took in the sight.
…
Soon after their arrival, at the heart of the camp, Lia stood on a raised wooden platform, her staff planted firmly beside her. She was flanked by Rynne and Mira, their expressions calm but serious. All the goblins from Lance's tribe had already gathered, their curiosity piqued by the arrival of strangers.
Lance stood slightly apart, observing. His human appearance drew uneasy glances from the newcomers, more than not, marveling at the fact that a human was actually the leader of this goblin tribe.
Lia raised her hand, and the crowd fell silent. Her voice, steady and commanding, carried across the gathering.
"Brothers and sisters," she began, her tone warm yet firm. "Today, we welcome those who have endured great suffering and hardship. These goblins, though strangers to us now, are survivors like us. They have faced the cruelty of the world and emerged stronger. From this day forward, they are part of us."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "I expect that you treat them with kindness and without prejudice. Our strength lies in unity, not division. Let us show them the spirit of our tribe, and welcome them as ours."
The goblins of Lance's tribe murmured in agreement, some nodding while others exchanged skeptical glances. The newcomers, meanwhile, stood silently, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. The sharp contrast in clothes and physique told the entire story.
Once Lia's speech concluded, she led the newcomers toward Mira's station. Mira, ever prepared, had set up her healing area near a shaded grove. Wooden benches and a small table held an assortment of clay pots, herbs, and other things. A faint aroma of herbs filling the air.
Mira greeted the group with a gentle smile, her soft eyes radiating warmth. "Come forward," she said, gesturing to the young goblin standing at the front of the rest. Gesturing to a large clay pot filled with a pale green liquid, she explained, "this elixir will cleanse your bodies of most afflictions and restore your strength. It's safe, I promise."
The newcomers hesitated slightly appearing to be unsure. Noticing the uncertainty in the young ones, Dran stepped forward. He bowed his head slightly in respect before sitting. " I will go first."
Mira nodded and dipped a wooden ladle into the pot, pouring the liquid into a small plate. She handed it to him, her smile never wavering. "Drink it slowly. You'll feel better soon."
He took the cup, and without hesitation, poured the entire content into his mouth and swallowed. His face went through several stages of metamorphosis after that, but luckily, he had his back turned to the others, they could only see the shiver that ran down his entire body, causing them to jerk out of instinct.
'This is the most bitter thing I've ever tasted…' he thought to himself, looking at Mira briefly. Suddenly her smile didn't appear so sweet anymore.
He stood up and stepped aside, gesturing for the others to follow.
"Be strong, youngones…"
Slowly but surely, everyone got to taste Mira's concoction. Just like Dran, their reactions were either similar for worse. In the end, they pulled through.
…
Meanwhile, to another side, a few older goblins of Lance's tribe watched the proceedings with mixed reactions.
"Can we really trust them?" one goblin murmured to her companion.
"No idea," the other replied.
They were a part of Zarra's scouting team, and though they were the older ones in their original tribe, they were only around teenage ages.
Rynne, standing nearby, overheard the exchange, folding her arms as she shot them a sharp look. "Quite doing your guess work." She said, surprising the goblins. "Our Chief wouldn't have brought them here if he didn't believe in their worth. Remember that."
The goblins quickly fell silent without an ounce of defiance.
…
As night fell, Rikka stepped forward to lead the newcomers to their temporary quarters. She pointed to a quiet corner of the camp, where there was still space.
"It's not much," Rikka admitted, her voice gruff. "We don't have extra tents or rooms right now, but this space will keep you out of the wind. You can set up your own shelters tomorrow."
The newcomers bowed their heads in gratitude. "This is more than enough," the elder said sincerely.
"Good," Rikka replied, crossing her arms. "Just don't cause any trouble, and probably get ready to work tomorrow, we don't slack off here."
…
As they settled in, taking some pieces of cloths they had been handed to cover themselves with, the elders stood aside, watching.
"We've been wandering for so long," one elder said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I'd begun to think we'd never find safety."
Another nodded, staring into the fire. "And to think… it was a human who saved us. How strange this world has become."
Dran clenched his fists. "We owe him our lives. His kindness… we cannot take it for granted. We've seen what happens to those who mock mercy before."
The eldest among them leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "From this day forward, we serve Chief Lance with loyalty. His generosity must not be repaid with betrayal."
"That is the least we can offer."
As the night deepened, the camp grew quiet. The new comers began to feel the first stirrings of hope. For the first time in months, they could rest without fear.