Page 6 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

“Anyway, so I’m prancing about the forest, doing my thing. Was rather enjoying the fresh air, truth be told. Until one night, lurking in a bush, I notice this huge red eye looking right at me!” Xandor stops to take a gulp from his horn, before continuing. “I swear the eye held such murderous hatred for me, I nearly soiled myself. I watched as it stalked towards me, the biggest venefex I’ve ever seen, with white fur, its massive head covered in scars.” Xandor says, looking down at his drink, lost in thought.

Sounds like the same monster.“What happened next?” I ask, interested to hear how they both survived.

Xandor smiles “Well, I didn’t hang around too long! I threw a chunk of aurodon meat I had at it and ran for the nearest tall tree I could find!” He finishes laughing.

“And it didn’t chase you afterwards? It hunted me for days!” I ask, eager to hear more.

“It did Rocks! The first time I ran I could hear it cracking the bones from the aurodon I threw. So every day afterwards I’d make a large kill and leave it for the hulking bastard to eat. Every night in the distance, I’d hear it devouring the remains. Fed that bastard for nearly a week!” Xandor finishes looking around the group.

Krogoth laughs. “The easiest week of its life!” he quips

His story brings a smile to my lips. “Wish you had killed it. Would have saved me a lot of trouble.” I laugh.

Rylar scoffs, “You never saw Xyronath, you were probably drunk, running from the shadows. Then fed half the wildlife,” he finishes, taking a swig from his horn.

Xandor simply shrugs casually in response.

“Rocks!” A female voice from amongst the noisy chatter catches my attention. Turning, I see Zelana jumping up onto the raised wooden platform, carefully holding onto a bag.

Excitedly, I approach her, wrapping my arms around her petite frame. “Zelana, it’s so good to see you. How have you been?” I ask, pulling back, getting a better look admiring her sleek dark green dress that highlights her lean frame excellently.

Zelana squeals in excitement. “Never mind me, Rocks! How does it feel being a hero?” She asks, her large obsidian eyes sparkling.

I rub the top of my arm. “A little embarrassing, to be honest.” I say, casting my eye around the crowd, still surprised so many people had come. “I was so nervous speaking in front of so many people, I was sure I would say something stupid.”

Zelana smiles “You probably didn’t see me in the crowd, being surrounded by so many brawny giants,” she giggles. “But I heard you speak. I think you are very graceful.” She holds out a paper-like bag, the style of it vaguely familiar. “A gift!”

Curious, opening the bag I’m met with the delicious aroma of fried zelatos dumplings.A few more drinks and I’ll devour this entire bag!“You’re so sweet Zelana. Thank you so much!” I exclaim, offering her one while I quickly eat one myself. The savory chunky morsel tastes as decadent and tasty as I remember.

Zelana takes an almost comically small bite from her dumpling. “I remember you liked them a lot,” she takes another tiny nibble. “It took me a while to find them again.”

I take Zelana’s hand and together move back towards Krogoth, Xandor and Rylar, who are busy chatting. “Let’s see if Rylar would like a taste of your dumplings.” I wiggle my eyebrows at Zelana suggestively, my face full of mischief.

Zelana’s almost ethereal white face blushes a shade of blue as she covers her cheek with her free hand. “Wait, Rocks,” she protests weakly.

“Would you like some zelatos dumplings, Rylar?” I ask, offering the bag for his inspection.

Rylar, listening intently to Krogoth speaking, seems almost oblivious. “Ah, no thank you Rocks,” he waves the bag away.

“But Zelana got them and will be disappointed.” I say, sighing for dramatic effect before feeling a sharp pinch at my back. Turning in shock, I see the almost blue face of Zelana staring at me darkly. “It’ll be fine, trust me.” I whisper to Zelana. Ouch!She actually pinched me!

Rylar snaps to attention as if he is the one just pinched. “Oh, Zelana, my apologies. I was engrossed and did not notice you.” He says, stiffing slightly. “Not to suggest you are beneath my notice.”

What have I done?I resist the urge to rub my forehead.

I notice from the corner of my eye Xandor smirking at Krogoth, while Krogoth returns a raised eyebrow. Both look at the point of breaking their barely contained composure.

Zelana pauses a moment. “Well, I am very small, especially around here.” She smiles, looking up at the three towering Klendathians for emphasis.Nicely handled Zelana.

Rylar smiles, his single green eye gleaming. “Yes, I’ve noticed. I notice you a lot, actually,” he replies.

A bit creepy, but we’re moving in the right direction at least.

Rylar drains the rest of his horn. “Zelana, let me get you a drink. What would you like?” he offers.

“Oh, you’re very kind!” Zelana exclaims. “Would you choose for me, Rylar?” she says, brushing Rylar’s arm with her three fingers. “Nothing too strong. I can’t handle too much,” she says, sweetly, looking up at Rylar.

“Of course. Let me handle it.” Rylar says, before turning sharply, heading towards the crowded table like he’s performing a military duty.

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