Page 19 of Shared By Two Orcs

I press forward into the forest, walking through what looks like a gate built by nature. On either side is a large tree that stretches on forever into the sky. The clouds sit lower than usual today, giving the trees the illusion of appearing even taller than they are in actuality.

The trunks are wider than even the fattest of orcs, with bark as white as snow. Chippings of the white bark are scratched off in several places from animals, exposing a deeper shade of brown underneath. Each tree’s branches jut out far, intertwining and creating an archway underneath which I walk.

Shreds of the sun’s long yellow beams come through the branches, peppering spotlights across random points along the ground. Leaves fall from the tree, in some places having formed small piles whilst others lay scattered about. I kick some of them as I walk past.

I continue on, taking off my shoes as I walk through green grass that tickles my feet with each step. They feel like small prickly needles too soft to penetrate my soles, instead only planting a hundred small kisses upon them. Tall grass pops up through my route every few meters, feeling like wisps of the softest feathers as I run my hands through them.

In the distance, I spot a pair of dae galloping about, their strides confident and graceful. They hear my footsteps from afar, turning their heads to see who approaches. For a moment, they linger in place. I think I’m about to get up close and personal with them but they dart away when I’m a few meters closer.

There rings through the air the chirping of insects, the singing of bird songs, and other conversations in the animal kingdom. The deeper I go, the richer the earthy smell of the forest becomes. I close my eyes, breathing in as deeply as I can, finally feeling as though the day’s troubles begin leaving my mind.

I come to a lake, its water crystal blue like the hidium veins in our mines. The water runs deep and clear, through which I observe caesin swimming about. At that moment, I’m compelled to strip off my clothing and go for a swim but decide to go to my usual spot in the river, not wanting to disturb the wildlife here.

Before I head off, I grab some berries sitting on a bush planted beside the river. The red fruit explodes inside my mouth, filling it with a sweet outburst of flavor and flesh so tender. I take a few more, snacking on them as I make my way to the river.

Coming to the stream, there’s no sound around but the gentle flow of water. The current here is never strong so I don’t worry about being swept away. I remove my clothing, feeling a slight chill run up my spine as I do so.

As I climb in, my body becomes warm. The water is heated from the sun, enveloping my body like a friendly hug. I take a deep breath as I look around, cautious for any nosy onlookers like the last time I was here. I glance at the tree through which I spotted Duma’s creeping gaze, causing me to shudder with disgust.

Screw him.

I try taking my mind off things as I submerge myself underwater, swimming around and letting nature do its thing. This spot out here has always been my own little getaway spot, a hidden gem of sorts masked by the forest. I never worry about getting lost out here as it’s not at all far from the camp.

I swim laps from one side of the river to the other, occasionally taking breaks as I float on the water’s surface. There, I peer up at the clear blue sky, kissed by whispers of white clouds. The warm water serves as a relief to my muscles, sore from the endless days of swinging a pickaxe back and forth.

Time of an unknown length passes without me paying attention. Having now relaxed for a while, I finally become clear headed enough to think things through about what happened in the mines today.

“What should I do about Duma and Yamarz?” I ask myself, reclining against the river bank.

No doubt, they’ll be seeking me out upon my return. That is unless they’ve somehow managed not to kill each other first. The thought of two men fighting over me no doubt strokes a part of my ego, yet I couldn’t forget the looks of everyone spectating around us. One thing is for certain, I’m going to be the talk of the mines for a while amongst the workers.

I have no one to blame but those two orcs for that. How could they think they have complete ownership over me? Just because I threw each one a hint of interest? I couldn’t help how I feel, there’s no doubt in my mind I like both of them. Yet, I’m too conflicted to pick between either one, and even then, the other would more than likely protest my choice.

Perhaps I should just say no to both… I just can’t decide,I ponder.Then again, what if they both can’t live with that? Maybe then I ought to keep them on their toes, continue riling them up about me. That should be fun…

I climb out of the river, content with my decision to cause further trouble between them. No one is going to embarrass me and get away with it, it didn’t matter if they were seven foot orcs who could probably crush my body with a pinch.

Although the sun is beginning to set, the air is still warm enough to dry my body through my clothing. I start the journey back home, this time the walk through the forest goes uninterrupted by the intrusive thoughts of Yamarz and Duma.

I reach the gate, the guard avoiding all eye contact with me as I enter. Around me, humans and orcs alike lay around relaxing after a long day of duties. Some sit in the evening sun with a pint of ale whereas others stand in the open doorways of their home smoking a xaishet.

The glow of the evening sun casts an orange glow over the camp, basking it in a warm ambience. Roars of hearty laughter and conversation fills the air. I let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the day come down on me as I trod toward my house. I turn a corner, stepping into the human residences area.

Coming to the start of a small set of stairs leading up to my house, I look up to the doorway. Surprise and shock overcomes me upon seeing Yamarz and Duma sitting side by side, their faces lighting up when I come into their view. Miraculously, neither of them bear a black eye or brandish bruises of any sort.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“Forgive us for showing up at your doorstep,” says Yamarz. “But hear us out. We’ve got something to say.”

“Okay…”

“My fellow orc and I had a conversation about what went down today,” speaks Duma. “We both wish to get to the bottom of something. Willo, you like me, right?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“And you like me too as well?” asks Yamarz.

“Yeah, I’m not going to lie. I like both of you and that’s why none of this is going to work.”

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