Ghruz’s trudged along in the morning light, dark rings under their eyes. They tried to keep themselves distracted from the nightmares of their past, but they couldn’t help drawing dwelling on the look Titania gave them at the marble altar. Ghruz shivered at the thought, something they didn’t have the energy to dwell on.

They focused on the metallic clang of their boots hitting the cobblestone road with each step. Clank, clank, clank. The sounds around them - the carriage, the horses, the chatter of the other guards - faded away.

Ghruz looked up, and could see a human army, marching towards them. Each of the soldiers had an orange and black crest on their breast, depicting a serpent. Beside them stood the chief of their clan, a strong orc that pushed everyone through hard times. Ghruz smiled for a moment, nodding to their chief and receiving a nod in return. Ghruz marched forward with the rest of their kin, hundreds of eyes watching to see what the humans would do.

The chief beat their chest with their fist. “WE WILL NOT BE TAKEN. WE WILL FIGHT OFF THIS SCOURGE ONCE AND FOR ALL.” The orcish army cried out in confirmation, each striking their own chest with their fists. Ghruz looked forward, the human army outnumbering them ten to one, but their tribe had persevered through worse.

A warhorn echoed throughout the plains, followed by the war cries of thousands of human soldiers. Gruz readied their hefty iron axe, and charged forward into the tide of the enemy alongside their brethren. Just before the two armies collided, Ghruz snapped back into reality, and the sun directly overhead.

They glanced over their shoulder, Silviana offering a friendly wave while holding onto the reins. Ghruz nodded and returned to looking straight ahead. In the distance, they could see the makings of a town. They slowed down, and knocked on the carriage door.

Titania opened the door for them, “Come in, my dear,” she sang. Ghruz stepped into the moving carriage, sitting down in front of the queen. “My valorous guard, how may I help you?”

Ghruz rolled their eyes at her, receiving a giggle in return. “There’s a town ahead. Are we going through or around it?” The orc said bluntly. Ghruz was too tired to dance around matters as exhaustion clawed at their consciousness.

Titania’s metal hand tapped her chin, as if she were deep in thought. “I think after yesterday's excitement, we are due for a rest. Let’s stay for the evening and continue tomorrow.” Titania clapped excitedly. “It is a town I think you would be very interested in.”

Ghruz eyed her suspiciously. They knew she was up to something. They scoffed in amusement, When is she not up to something.

They stood up. “I’ll take point again. Titania.” They nodded at the queen and stepped back out, almost tripping as the ground nearly escaped their foothold. The elven guard at the back snickered at them, but they were ignored.

Once the group had arrived at the city gates, they were stopped by a lizardfolk and a deepdweller, dressed in guards uniforms. The deepdweller was immensely tall and gangly, her skin and clothing both as white as death. Two long horns protruded upwards to the sky, but what unnerved Ghruz most was the complete lack of any eyes.

“What businesss do you have in Wellssspring?” she said rasply.

“I am traveling with Titania, queen of the forest elves. We are here to rest for the evening before moving on in the morning.” Ghruz spoke nervously. The deepdweller put her nose to the air, taking a deep sniff.

“Yesss. It ssseemss sso. Orqua. Take them to the ruler.”

The lizardfolk gestured for Ghruz to follow, the group moving forward into the city. Inside the city walls spanned a city incomprehensibly large. The orc starred in wonderment, the sheer size making even the elven kingdom look like a village in comparison.

Gruz stuck out like a sore thumb, their brilliant, decorated armour standing out amongst the crowd of commoners. Their heart thumped harder and harder, feeling like the numerous gazes were burning through their plate.

“Want to come sit up here with me?” Silviana called out. Ghruz sighed with relief. They hurried to the carriage and heaved themselves up beside Silviana. They couldn’t place why, but they felt calmer.

“Not used to so many people are you?” Silviana murmured. The orc shook their head.

“Not even your kingdom has as many people. Didn’t like that either.” They grunted. Silviana giggled, Ghruz responded with a glare. “I s’pose I’ll get used to it. Haven’t been called pig face yet; they’re doing better than the elves.” The orc laughed softly, nudging Silviana with their elbow.

“Well, hopefully you won’t have to rip anyone apart while we are here. I would be devastated if we had to leave you in a cell.”

Ghruz raised an eyebrow at the last part. “Aww, is the little elf concerned for me?” They smirked. Silviana went red in the cheeks and glared at the orc.

“Don’t be ridiculous. No one can charm me, regardless of how good-looking one may be.” Silviana huffed, looking dead ahead. Ghruz’s grin only spread further, tapping their chin in faux thought.

“Good-looking?” The orc grinned with a mouth full of teeth, nearly falling off the carriage when they received a sudden and very forceful punch to the arm. The orc couldn’t contain themselves any longer, and burst into laughter. For once, they couldn't care less about the people watching them.

“Don’t you have guarding to do? Something other than teasing me? Anything?” The elf groaned.

Ghruz quickly surveyed the area, and shook their head. “Nope. It’s all clear. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe, princess.” Tears were forming in their eyes from laughter.

Silviana sighed in resignation, glancing over at the orc, their eyes drifting down to their arm. “Does it still hurt?” she spoke, concerned. Ghruz shook their head, but they winced in pain when thinking about it.

Before Silviana could pry further, the lizardfolk they were following gestured to them to stop.

“Our ruler lives in this abode. If your queen needs anything, ask them,” they said, their voice rough and gravelly. The lizard guard walked off in the direction they’d come from.

The elf nodded and got off the carriage. Before them was a quaint house of tudor architecture. It was not what Ghruz had come to expect of the leaders of large cities. Silviana knocked on the door, and was greeted by a small human girl.

“H-hello. How c-can I help you?” she stammered, peeking from behind the door. Silviana smiled and crouched down to her height. The girl seemed to jump, hiding further behind the door.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I bring Queen Titania, of the forest elves. We were told the ruler of the city would want to see her before we spent the night in Wellspring.” Silviana spoke, her voice laced with honey.

Before the girl could respond, a voice called out. “Aurelia, who is at the door?” The voice was smooth, and somewhat alien. The little girl turned her back to Silviana and called out meekly.

“Um, someone called Titania has come to visit”

There was silence in their air, before Silviana heard the mysterious voice say “Oh!”

Before Silviana could say anything more, Titania burst out of her carriage door, and the human girl jumped in fright before scurrying off.

“Is that Kattiphea I hear? Oh this will be a delight.” Titania beamed as she pushed herself past Silviana and walked straight into the villa. “Go and find a place to keep our horses while I have a chat with an old friend.”

Titania pushed through the door with excitement. Ghruz could hear the voice groan. Whoever was waiting clearly did not want to see her, but they didn’t think anything could stop Titania.