Chapter 5: New Beginnings

The forest we leave behind is dense, with towering trees shrouded in mist. The scent of pine and damp earth lingers in the air, a stark contrast to the chaos we left behind. As we reach the edge, exhaustion and emotional turmoil overwhelm me. Dropping to my knees, tears well up in my eyes. One hand grips my head tightly, fingers tangled in my hair as I struggle to transition out of my dark side. Grommash watches me, his confusion and worry evident.

"Are you okay? Do you need help?" His deep voice is filled with genuine concern.

I pause, still looking at the ground, before finally finishing my transition back to my normal self. I turn to him with a forced cheery voice and smile. "I'm okay. I'm just glad we got out of there safely."

Relief washes over his face. "Thank you for saving my life. I swear my fealty to you, Morren. I owe you everything."

His words make me smile, feeling a strange warmth. "You're welcome. Let's continue our journey together."

Slightly exhausted, we rise and set off down the road, leaving the town behind us to the north. The road ahead is a winding dirt path bordered by wildflowers and tall grass. Trees arch over us, creating a canopy that filters the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. Birds chirp in the branches, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, providing a peaceful soundtrack to our journey.

As we walk, Grommash begins to share his story. "I had a rough childhood," he starts, his voice low. "In my tribe, weakness was not tolerated. I was forced to kill at a young age or be beaten until I complied. They called it training, but it was torture. It made me strong, but also taught me to protect the innocent, especially children. I couldn't stand seeing them suffer like I did."

I listen intently, feeling a deepening connection with him. "That sounds horrific. No child should have to endure that."

He nods solemnly. "It was. But it shaped who I am. I've always had a soft spot for children because of it. Seeing them suffer reminds me of my own past, and I can't bear it."

"I understand," I say softly, avoiding any further details about my own past. "I know exactly what it's like to have a rough childhood."

Grommash looks at my head wound, concerned. "How's your head?"

Momentarily shocked, the pain of my family's betrayal flashes in my mind. I put my hand over the wound and grasp Grommash's wrist tightly. "It's healing. You don't have to worry about it."

Sensing he might have touched a sensitive topic, Grommash hurriedly tries to change the subject. "So, what was your childhood like?"

I look away, my fists clenching as I fight back memories. Grommash notices my discomfort and doesn't push further. "I'm sorry if it was too hurtful to ask. If you ever want to talk, I'll be here to listen."

We continue our walk in silence for a while, engaging in small talk to pass the time. Grommash points out various plants and animals along the road, sharing snippets of knowledge. I find myself growing more comfortable in his presence.

Eventually, we come across a small farm by the road, complete with chickens, goats, and cows. The farmhouse is a quaint, two-story structure with a thatched roof and a well-tended garden in front. We stop to watch the animals, and Grommash suddenly bursts out, "Moo!" at the cows, making me chuckle.

For the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of joy. I watch as Grommash jokingly taunts one of the cows, laughing at his antics. Deciding to join him, I step closer, but our fun is interrupted by an old farmer who walks out, hearing the commotion.

"Hello there!" the farmer calls out. "I'm Gerald, and this is my wife, Eliza. What brings you folks around these parts?"

"We're just passing through," I explain, introducing ourselves. "I'm Morren, and this is Grommash."

Eliza, a petite woman with kind eyes and graying hair, smiles warmly. "You look like you've had a long journey. Why don't you come inside and rest for a while? We have some food ready."

We gratefully accept the invitation and follow them inside. The farmhouse interior is cozy, with wooden beams overhead and a stone fireplace crackling with warmth. The smell of freshly baked bread and stew fills the air, making my stomach growl. We sit at the kitchen table, and Eliza serves us generous portions.

"So, where are you two headed?" Gerald asks, settling into his chair.

"We're not sure yet," I reply. "Just trying to find a safe place for now."

Grommash nods, taking a hearty bite of bread. "Anywhere away from the chaos is good for us."

Eliza looks at us with concern. "You've seen some trouble, haven't you?"

I nod. "Yes, but we're managing. Thank you for your hospitality."

Gerald leans forward. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you need. We don't get many visitors, and it's nice to have company."

As we eat, we share more stories about our journey and the recent battle. Grommash tells Gerald and Eliza about his childhood in the tribe, and they listen with rapt attention.

"That sounds like a hard life," Gerald says, shaking his head. "No wonder you're so protective of the young ones."

Grommash looks down, his expression somber. "I just hope to make a difference, even if it's small."

Eliza reaches over and pats his hand. "You already have, dear. Saving those children was a brave thing to do."

We finish our meal, and Gerald shows us to a guest room. "Unfortunately, there's only one bed, so one of you might have to sleep on the floor," he says apologetically.

Grommash insists that I take the bed. "You can have the bed, Morren. I'll sleep on the floor."

Excited not to be alone, I slip off my boots and jump into the bed, letting my cloak slide off. I look at Grommash with a childish smile as I cover myself with the blanket. Grommash removes his boots and prepares his sleeping area on the floor with a couple of sheep wool blankets.

"Goodnight, princess," he teases, thinking I'll get a kick out of it.

Blushing, I awkwardly look away. "Goodnight," I say softly. Turning my head back, I notice Grommash is already asleep. I stare at him for a few moments with a big smile, happy to have this new companion, then roll over and start to sleep.

I wake to the sound of frantic whispers and hurried footsteps outside our room. Quickly getting out of bed, I shake Grommash awake.

"Something's wrong," I whisper urgently.

He nods, instantly alert. We quietly open the door and creep down the hallway, following the sounds to the kitchen. There, we find Gerald and Eliza standing tensely by the back door, facing three shadowy figures trying to break in.

"Stay back!" Gerald warns, holding a pitchfork.

"Please, just leave us alone!" Eliza pleads.

Grommash and I exchange a glance, and without hesitation, he springs into action. Charging forward, he tackles one of the intruders to the ground with a ferocious roar. I move to assist him, taking down another intruder with a swift, precise strike, disarming him and knocking him unconscious.

The remaining intruder, realizing the odds are against him, tries to flee, but Grommash intercepts him with a brutal swing, rendering him unconscious as well. We quickly tie up the intruders and secure them in the barn, ensuring they won't pose a threat to Gerald and Eliza again.

"Who are these people?" I ask Gerald, noticing the tension in his face.

"They're part of a local gang," Gerald explains, his voice trembling. "They impose payments from farmers for 'protection' of our livestock. We couldn't afford to pay them anymore."

Eliza nods, tears in her eyes. "You've saved us. Please, stay as long as you need. You're always welcome here."

We exchange a weary smile. "We're just glad we could help," I say, feeling a sense of peace and belonging for the first time in a long while.

We return to our room, and Grommash settles back on the floor. "Goodnight, princess," he says again, this time with a genuine smile.

Blushing, I feel a warmth in my chest. "Goodnight, Grommash." I watch him for a moment longer before closing my eyes, finally feeling safe and content as I drift back to sleep.

The Morning After

I wake up shortly before Grommash. The dawn light filters through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. I turn to see Grommash lying on his back, his hands behind his head, shirtless with no blanket covering his torso. My breath catches as I take in his muscular chest, adorned with intricate tattoos.

I can't help myself. I delicately rub my fingers down his arm and onto his chest, imagining the things I wish I could do to him. My eyes burn with lust as I bite my lip, examining his large, tattooed, muscular chest and arms. Just as I'm about to trace another line, Grommash's eyes snap open, startling me.

In a panic, I quickly throw my head into the pillow, pretending to be asleep. My face flushes red with embarrassment. Did he notice?

Grommash sits up, looking at me with concern. "Morren, are you okay? Your face is really red."

He grabs me by the waist, shaking me gently but frantically. "Wake up! Are you alright?"

I open my eyes, meeting his intense gaze. My heart pounds in my chest as I struggle to respond. "Oh... good morning, princess," he says with a teasing, sinister smile once he realizes I'm awake.

Relieved and flustered, I mumble a good morning in return. Grommash gets up, pulling on his boots and preparing for the new day. "Fuck... now I'll never know if he noticed me checking him out!" I think to myself, my mind racing.

I get up, wiping some loose wool off my black tight trousers and dark-colored shirt. I slip my boots on and pull my cloak around me. "Ready?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

"Let's go see what we can find out from those intruders," Grommash replies.

We head to the shack where we left the intruders tied up. The morning sun casts long shadows over the farm, painting the landscape in a warm golden hue. The air is fresh, filled with the scent of dew and blooming flowers.

Entering the shack, we find the intruders groggy but awake. They look up at us with a mix of fear and defiance.

"Who are you working for?" I demand, my voice cold and authoritative.

The leader, a wiry man with a scar across his cheek, swallows nervously. "We're part of the Blackthorn gang. We... we collect payments from the farmers for protection. It's just business, nothing personal."

"And where is this gang based?" Grommash growls, his imposing presence causing the intruders to flinch.

"There's a village a few miles up the road, called Raventhorne," the leader stammers. "Our boss is there. Please, just spare our lives. We have a contact there who can help you. He's an informant, knows everything about the orcish clans, the drow empire, the Spider Queen, and more."

I exchange a look with Grommash. "What's his name?" I ask.

"His name is Luthor," the leader replies quickly. "He's a tall man, bald, with a tattoo of a raven on his neck. He can help you, I swear."

I study the intruders, weighing their words. "If we spare you, you must promise to leave this farm alone. Do you understand?"

The intruders nod vigorously. "We promise. We won't come back."

Satisfied, I release them. They scramble out of the shack, disappearing into the woods behind the farm.

We return to the farmhouse to find Gerald and Eliza waiting anxiously. "Is it over?" Eliza asks, her voice trembling.

I nod. "The intruders are gone. They won't bother you again."

Gerald lets out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. You've done more for us than we could ever repay."

"We're just glad we could help," Grommash says with a smile.

Eliza hugs me tightly. "Safe travels, both of you. You're welcome here anytime."

We gather our belongings and step outside. The road heading north is a winding path through gentle hills, gradually sloping upwards. As we walk, the landscape transforms, with the road leading us into a beautiful forest. The sunrise paints the sky in shades of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Grommash and I walk in companionable silence for a while, enjoying the serene beauty around us. "So, what's our plan?" he asks eventually.

"We head to Raventhorne," I reply. "We need to find this informant, Luthor, and see what he knows."

Grommash nods. "Sounds like a plan. And Morren... thank you for everything. I wouldn't be here without you."

I smile at him, feeling a warmth in my heart. "We make a good team, Grommash. Let's keep moving."

As we continue down the road, the sun rises higher, illuminating our path and the journey that lies ahead. Together, we face the unknown, ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.