There was a large emergency counsel meeting with the Clan of Dracogusse. This ended up turning into nothing but a shouting match between the different elders, shamans and clan members.

After about twenty minutes of yelling between old men. Lilian had finally had enough.

She lifted her hand and slammed her fist down on the podium. Making a split right down the middle.

Anna flinched as she saw this.

Di—…. Did she just chop a wooden block like a karate black belt?! Anna thought surprised as she watched her love smash the stand in anger.

“THAT IS ENOUGH!” Lilian yelled at the gathered group.

Most of the elder stopped their arguing with each other, but there was a few the kept muttering to themselves.

Albeit a bit quieter. Anna thought.

“Okay,” Lilian said aloud for the group to hear her. “Now that I have all of your attentions. I can finally begin with telling you how we are going to handle this situation.”

“What is there to handle Warchief?! These damnable humans dared to try and subvert us by telling us what we—“

“Will you shut the FUCK UP!” Lilian yelled at the old man speaking. “Use that tanning matter you call a brain between your ears for once old man! This wasn’t just a provocation against us to answer for what was happening! This is a clear warning!”

She slams the letter she received onto the already split podium. Making it creak from the strain of her hand slamming against it.

“This letter is giving us a basic warning to stop our gather of orcs or the humanoid faction is ready to move against us and our people at a moments notice! Do you want to tell our people who just suffered at the hands of a tyrant that we are about to face another massive loss of life for a war they didn’t ask for? Huh?! DO YOU?!”

“N-No! I… I just don’t like the idea that the humans think they have the right—“

*SLAM* *CRACK* *CREAK* 

*CLACK* 

*CLACK*

The podium finally gave up the ghost, as it was finally split in twain from a final hit from Lilian; the two pieces falling to either side of the split.

“Then don’t question me! And remember! The humans do have the right! We gave up our right to them long ago! We were banned from ever forming a large scale military like we had in the past: in exchange, we sought isolation from any sort of human interference within our clans or land. So do not speak to me on what rights they have!” Lilian lectured the elder.

The elder grumbled but otherwise said nothing as he sat back down.

“So is this how you are going to lead our clan then?!” Yelled out Voltarian. “Whenever the humans’ bark or give orders, you roll over from them on their command?!”

This got a few grumbles running through the crowd.

“…*SIGH* Son…”

Anna heard her mentor sigh beside her.

“That is not what is happening now you near sighted welp!” Lilian shouted. “I am protecting my people by showing the humans we mean no harm to them!”

“By doing as they say?!”

“Because we have very little choice in this matter that won’t cause in all out war against them. And tell me Voltarian, even you and your traditionalist party should realize how little man power we actually have after that stupid mammoth dung of a warchief Krak’Nathal handled everything. Do you and the other elders want me to buck and send our people to their deaths?!” She shouted back.

This caused Voltarian to shut his mouth. His jaw clenched in frustration.

“Then if you have nothing smart to say; then shut up and listen!” She shouted at the whole of the room.

“My plan is as follows. There are five major clans here with the highest majority of Mokra’Torcs population within their clans: each of you will select five representatives of your clans that speak the common language of humans, then they will travel with me as my honor guard. With them, they will both act as your eyes and ears for what they see on this journey, and once we return, they can report back to you on all that has happened, as well as my side of the story of our journey as well; they will also act as witnesses to the human queen and tell her of what has happened during the last few months.”

Lilian stared at the wide, surprised eyes of the vast gathered group of leaders within the gathering hall.

“What?! Surprised that I know a thing or two about leading?! Did you fools forget who raised me or who my father was?”

“So? Who should we send?” One elder asked tentatively.

“Anyone you wish. The only criteria I ask is: that they are willing to follow my orders, speak human, are trained in combat in some form and are willing to play nice with humans, while we are within the human city; this is a representative mission after all. If we play nice with them, along with my connection, we may even be able to secure more freedom for the Mokra’Torc people as a whole.”

Upon hearing this, an excited murmur generated through the crowd.

The small group of elders and shaman of the traditional faction grew even smaller at the prospects of the boons that the Mokra’Torc people might receive from this journey.

“Now? Is there anyone already here that knows who they would send with me? I need to know who will be going with me, we will have to take the shortest path possible if we want to make it to the humans’ capital within the two month period.” Lilian informed them.

The whole of the congregation froze at her words.

“Y-You don’t mean!—“ A shaman started to say but trailed off.

Lilian nodded her head.

“That is right. We will be heading through the swamp of madness.”

This got the group upset with Lilian.

“Are you insane?!”

“Do you have any idea what you are suggesting?!”

“Do you even know what is in there?!”

“Are you sentencing our people to die?!”

              

“SHUT UP!” Lilian shouted again.

Her commanding shout, causing everyone to focus onto her.

“Listen to me! I have been through the swamps before. Yes it is dangerous. But it is nothing a trained Mokra’Torc, or even an amateur skilled hunter can’t handle. It is mostly avoiding the roaming elemental guardian that lies in wait within the swamp. After that. It leads in an easy access to a road close to a human settlement that has a road that goes straight to the capital.

This will shave off a whole month of the journey if we go this way. Otherwise, the longer we take. The more likely that the humans might just assume we mean to make some sort of untoward move upon their kingdom. At least this way, we can preemptively reach them before they accuse our people of any further plans of war. So again, this comes to the request of who I need to come with me. I need people of sound body and mind to make this journey. If you have no one to take this journey with me as a representative, then ask for another clan to sponsor a warrior or hunter for you.” Lilian told the elders.

“Now, once again. Is there anyone here that is willing and able to make this journey?”

“≈Now is your chance my child. This is your moment to go and retrieve your gift from my offspring within the swamp, my child.≈”

Anna heard Agra’Yala’s voice.

“What?!” Anna whispered in confusion as she heard what Agra’Yala had just suggested.

“≈Don’t you also want to go with her? See the human side of this world as well? Now is your chance for this. And after you receive my gift from my offspring in the swamp, you will be ready to show your Ashu’Rágé your power, my child.≈” Agra’Yala offered Anna.

Anna having heard Agra’Yala’s very enticing offer, couldn’t refuse. Because this is exactly what she had been waiting for Agra’Yala to say to Anna for a while. She raised her hand.

The whole group in-front of her looked towards her from her place at the front as she raised her hand.

“A-Ashu’Rágé?!” Lilian called out in surprise.

“I-… I wish to volunteer for this expedition.”

“………………………”

Lilian didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t even sure why Anna had just asked for this.

But she didn’t have to wait long for an answer.

“I have many reasons for wanting to go. But as a human, I think I might be able to be of some use to the group as someone who could talk to humans or show that the Mokra’Torc people mean them no harm.”

To both Anna’s and Lilian’s surprise. The murmur that started through the crowd of elders wasn’t a negative one.

“A-And on top of that, I can represent the group for the wives and mates towards the whole of clan Dracogusse. Rather than the clan itself…… And selfishly I might add, I just wish to go on this journey with you Warchief…” Anna felt weird having to call her girlfriend by her title. But she knew there was a time and place for her to call her by name.

There was some general muttering and murmuring going through the crowd at the moment. But only about a third of it sounded negative.

Anna even thought she heard the comment about: “Maybe the human will wish to stay there after she leaves.”

But she ignored it all. She instead choose to focus solely on her love in-front of her.

Lilian’s expression could only be described as apprehensive. While everything Lilian had said before was true; that they were most likely not going to face or find danger. That didn’t mean there wasn’t going to be times when it was dangerous. She was also nervous. Because she was scared to bring Anna to the human society. It was all selfish intentions on Lilian’s part that she didn’t wish for Anna to go.

She trusted her mate on everything she said. She one-hundred percent believed her mate that she would never leave her. But for some unknown reason. There was a small burning sensation at the base of her skull where doubt crept inside, whispering words that: “Maybe… she will want to stay with other humans.” This scared Lilian like nothing else ever had.

But looking at Anna’s pleading face.

She couldn’t help but give into Anna’s wishes.

If she even thinks about wanting to stay. I will remind her just how great a mate I am! Then make her wish to stay with me!

Lilian nodded her head, if a little stiffly.

“I see no problem with that.” Her voice sounded a tad squeaky to her ears. So she coughed to clear what she assumed was a tickle in her throat. She looked about the room.

“Is there a problem with my mate coming with as she had suggested?” Lilian directed her question towards the rest of the room.

The room was blissfully silent for once as the elders looked amongst themselves without speaking.

After a moment. Lilian nodded her head.

“Then this will be the first of five I take with me. It will be up to you elders to decide who from what clan will be sent with me. With that said.” She moved down and stand next to her Ashu’Rágé.

“My Ashu’Rágé and I have to prepare for the trip. We leave in two days. Have your representatives prepared for a two months journey by then.”

Lilian slipped her arm around Anna’s shoulders as she turned them to face the crowd.

“Now if you all will excuse us. My mate and I will be leaving first.” Lilian then leaned over to whisper into Anna’s ear.

“And we have much to discuss.”

Anna couldn’t help but to gulp in nervousness at the serious tone of her partner’s voice.

They then walked their way out of the hut, walking through the village towards what Anna assumed was their home.

“…Lilian—“

“Wait until we get to our home love…” Lilian told her sternly.

Anna saw her loves set expression, and could only give a nod to what she had been asked.

More like told, but I understand that she might be upset because of my sudden outburst. Anna realized.

After making it to their hut. Anna walked inside first, heading right for the table. She sat in a chair, facing the entrance where Lilian stood.

Lilian had a solemn expression on her face. But as she moved closer to Anna, her expression started to deteriorate, becoming more and more distraught, until she looked on the verge of tears.

Anna’s heart seized up at her love’s look of heartbrokenness.

“Why?” Lilian asked in a strained voice as she fell to her knees in-front of Anna. Laying her head on Anna’s lap.

“Why do you want to go so bad?” She asked Anna desperately. Her arms snaking around Anna’s waste.

Anna felt her own heartbreaking at how she was keeping a secret from Lilian. But she also knew she was going to tell her soon.

“My love. What has you so upset?” Anna asked as tears fell from her own eyes in sympathy to her partner’s tears. They fell from her face, landing in Lilian’s hair.

“Do!— *HIC* Do you want me to keep my promise?!” Lilian asked her with a voice full of sadness. She looked up at Anna, her face wet with tears. “Do— *HIC* —Do you still wish to go to the human lands?! Find a way back to your world?! *HIC*”

“Oh baby! No… No!” Anna reached down and cupped Lilian’s face and planted her lips on Lilian’s reassuringly. “No my Ashu’Rágé, never.” Anna pulled back to look at Lilian’s eyes, giving her a reassuring smile. “I sorry if I scared you. But it was exactly as I said. I just wanted to go with you. I am sorry for not explaining it better, but I just didn’t want to be left behind while I waited for you to return.” Anna wiped Lilian’s tears away with her thumbs. “Let me tell you something. You can just straight up,” Anna reached over to pantomime grabbing something from Lilian’s shoulder and threw it away. “forget about that promise you made to me and thrown it away, and never worry about that again.” Anna assured her. “I have given up on my home world. As sad as that is to say.” Anna told her vaguely about how her world was lost to demons. She lifted Lilian’s head so that she could lean down to plant another kiss on her lips.

“This is my home world now. Rayala is my planet. You are my life. My one true love. And nothing will ever change that. Ever. Do you understand? You will have to throw me away yourself if you want to get rid of me. Otherwise I am not leaving you. Okay?”

Lilian snuggled in closer to Anna’s waist as she heard Anna’s reassuring words.

“Do not even hint at me throwing you away my Ashu’Rágé. You are my family and my home. My one reason for living… I am not sure I could go on without you…” Lilian confessed.

Lilian’s words both elated and troubled her heart.

She was happy for Lilian’s devotion. But also sad that she had so much sway on her love as she did.

“I am glad to hear you say that. I’ll admit a little sad that you don’t think you could live without me. But that is a topic for another time Lili… just know that I don’t plan to go anywhere that isn’t by your side. I love you.”

“And I you Anna! I love you!” Lilian practically shouted into Anna’s belly.

This made Anna giggle at the feeling. Loving the intimate moment that the two of them were able to share with one another because of the trust they had with each other.

“I am so glad we are able to share like this my love. You make me so happy.” Anna told Lilian.

Lilian said nothing. But she did let out a whimper of agreement. Which just caused Anna to giggle some more.

                                          

————————————————-

                                                                           

It was the morning two days after the meeting of the counsel of clans.

Lilian was standing there next to Tharhym and Anna. Facing a group of four Mokra’Torc soldiers in-front of them.

“So you four will be joining our delegation to the human lands. You will be following my orders for the entirety of this expedition. You will protect me and my mate with your lives. Is that clear?!” Lillian shouted at the four standing in-front of her. Who were front and center of the clans they were representing behind them.

They all saluted with an arm across their chests.

“”WE WILL WARCHIEF!””

“Good.” Lilian looked from left to right at the faces of the men that were joining her and Anna on this journey.

“State your names and what clan you will be representing.”

The one at the far left, their right stepped forward first.

“Warchief. My name is Harks, and I am the representative of the Framprom’Kron clan.”

Lilian looked at the older orc with a skeptical appraisal and a raised eyebrow.

“I know what you might be thinking Warchief, but I promise my advance age will not slow you down.” Harks reassured.

Lilian’s critical appraisal of him was that he was fit and well trained. He looked like someone who could hold their own in a fight, even despite his age. He looked about twice her age. But not nearly as old as Tharhym.

Probably closer to my uncle’s age… Lilian thought to herself. But he is much more maintained than my worthless uncle.

She gave him a nod that she approved. Mostly because everything he had just said was in human, besides the Mokra’Torc names for his clan.

“Good enough.” She looked at the next in line. “And you?”

“Sir!” The eager lad about her age stepped forward. “My name is Grak’Horve my Warchief! And I represent the Draco’Kornuss clan!”

This next soldier also spoke in human common. Which she was pleased with.

“And you?” She asked the next person in line as she moved down to stand in-front of the man.

“……I am Safarti… And I understand human… I represent the Krok’Notari clan…”

This one spoke in Mokra’Torc. Lilian scowled at him.

“Do you not speak human?” She asked him.

“I understand it, better than I speak it.”

She nodded at this.

“Then stay with another if you are within a human settlement or near other humans. And practice your common while we are on the trip there.” She ordered the soldier.

“Sir yes sir…” He agreed with reluctant understanding of the Warchief’s orders.

Lilian looked at the last one.

“And you?”

“Horrik.”

“… Who do you represent?…”

“Clan Trag’gron.”

“… And do you speak the human common language?” Lilian questioned the man of few words.

“…Enough to converse…”

Lilian let out a sigh.

“Fine then. But practice using it some more, for the sake of the mission at least.” Lilian told Horrik.

He gave a nod.

Quiet thing, isn’t he… She thought to herself.

“Okay men. Move over to our shaman and prepare to receive his blessing from your ancestors before our trip. We will be departing immediately after that.”

“”SIR YES SIR!”” The four shouted in unison. They then lined up in-front of Tharhym to receive their blessings of safety from their ancestors for the trip.

“Is this something that is traditional?” Anna asked Tharhym, whom she was standing besides.

Tharhym chortled at her question.

“In a way. But it is also to have their most closest departed relative to come and be by their sides to help impart wisdom on to them through out the trip.”

Anna shuddered at his words.

“Like actual dead spirits?!” She whispered to him in fright.

This made him chortle again.

“Yes, but it is not as you might think or fear. Watch my successor, and learn.” Tharhym instructed Anna.

Tharhym stepped forward and moved towards the group of four.

“Spirits of the ancestors! I call upon thee to hear my plea for these brave souls!”

All at once the area around Tharhym and the group of four grew darker. Anna let out an involuntary gasp as she saw the what looked like transparent Mokra’Torc people come out of thin air. Their ghostly and ethereal forms were clear as day to her.

No one around them seemed to notice them as they seemed to come close to the group of four representatives.

Four ghosts stood behind four men as they placed a hand on the backs in the living.

As they did this, the four standing still shuddered as if they had felt the touch. Then the ghosts forms swiftly dissipated, as if they were mist dispersing in the wind.

                  

HOLY

                 

SHIT

                     

I can see dead people!

                   

After the ghosts departed. Tharhym stepped back. He looked towards Lilian, giving her a nod that the he was done. Which she returned with a nod of acknowledgment.

“All is set and ready.” Lilian looked from the four to her Ashu’Rágé. Who for some reason looked shaken up for some reason.

“We depart now! Move out!” The Warchief shouted her orders.