Silviana and Ghruz had left the guards posted outside of the enigmatic ruler’s home, leaving the carriage by one of the city's many stables. They wandered the city streets, watching the to and fro of the many citizens living their lives. Ghruz was surprised to see many different races living here in complete harmony.

“Everyone here lives so peacefully,” Ghruz said quietly. Silviana nodded slightly. The orc looked over to see the barest hint of shame in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

The elf bit her lip anxiously, casting her gaze away from Ghruz. “You had to spare my life to change my view on orcs. It shouldn’t have come to that,” Silviana spoke solemnly.

Ghruz slapped her on the back, sending her stumbling forward. “Well, you weren’t much of a threat, so don’t worry about it.” Ghruz grinned at her, without a care in the world, but she gave them a blank look. “Plus I don’t think you hated orcs. Pretty sure you would have done anything to protect Titania, even if you were a dumbass about it.”

Silviana shook her head. “I believe that every elf loves her, she made our nation strong and prosperous. No elf goes hungry, and every elf is given purpose in our society. But what I did was still inexcusable.”

The orc paused thoughtfully, “Yeah. Well, we can only hope things improve. Maybe this city is a good example of what your home could be.” Ghruz gestured to the passing crowds.

“I’ve so far seen eight different races, and I don’t think I’ve yet heard a slur. Honestly, it’s pretty refreshing. Maybe that’s why Titania decided to bring me to the Forest City, to see what would change. So who knows?”

Silviana wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “You know, you are pretty wise.”

The elf flinched as the orc laughed at her. “I’ve lived a long time. Would be shameful if I hadn’t learned anything.” Ghruz grasped her shoulder firmly. “Anyway, we should probably find somewhere for all of us to stay.”

Silviana’s face shifted immediately into a frown. “Please. I do not want to sleep in tents more than necessary,” she said, exasperated.

Before they could set off, a large orc carrying a massive crate bumped into her, knocking her to the ground.

“Excuse you! Watch where you are going.” Silviana chided.

The orc stopped where they were, placing the crate down and frowned. The elf’s eyes went wide with fear, even this orc made Ghruz look small.

“Hmm, sorry, hard to see with this load.” They offered their hand to Silviana, pulling her to her feet when she took it.

Silviana sighed, taking a deep breath before smiling. “It’s okay, just be more careful next time,” she replied. The orc nodded, before turning to Ghruz and giving them a look of curiosity.

“Didn’t know they had orcs in the Forest City’s guard,” the massive orc said, gesturing to the armour Ghruz was wearing.

“I’m uhh, an exception. I’m helping Queen Titania with a few things,” said Ghruz.

The massive orc held their hand out. “I’m Anahel. Sorry ‘bout bumping into your princess,” they said apologetically.

Ghruz clasped their wrist and shook, cracking a smirk. “I’m Ghruz, and she’s definitely no princess. Trust me,” Ghruz teased, releasing Anahel’s wrist and stepping back.

The massive orc tilted their head in confusion. “Ghruz? Don’t think I’ve heard an orc named like that. Which clan are you from?”

Silviana looked over to Ghruz, and could swear she could see a hint of sadness in their eyes.

“I was from Ironmarsh,” Ghruz replied solemnly.

Silviana watched as Anahel nodded, as if the pair understood each other perfectly.

Anahel picked up their crate and waved. “I better be off, or my bond mate is going to complain that I took too long. May the flames of your clan rage on.”

Silviana and Ghruz waved back, before starting off down the winding paths. They walked in silence for what seemed like hours to the elf. They eventually stopped in front of a lavish inn, The Ramshackle Ram.

“It hardly looks like it’s falling apart.” Ghruz said, breaking the silence. “I almost feel she’s going to be disappointed with how fancy this place is.”

Silviana pinched her brow and sighed. “You saw how eager she was to sleep in a tent. She loves doing things common folk do, as much as the palace servants detest.” She shuddered, as if remembering a horrible thought. “Well, as long as we don’t let her clean dishes, we should be okay.”

Ghruz opened their mouth to ask questions, but thought better of it. They shrugged, and pushed through the door. Everyone inside went silent, dozens of folks - human, deepfolk, lizards, and more - staring at the pair. Silviana pushed them through the door and gave the crowd a deadpan look. Everyone went back to what they were doing and ignored the two as they went to the counter.

Working the bar was a strange lithe figure, her skin made of an opulent stone, glimmering thousands of colours in the dull light of the tavern. She dusted her hand off on her dress and leaned on the counter.

“Hello lovelies, how may I help you today?” The sound of her voice was smooth and otherworldly, similar to the Ruler of this city.

“We need three rooms for the evening. One being the best you have.” Silviana asked.

The strange being disappeared behind the counter, before bringing up a ledger.

“Yes, yes, I can do that. Three platinum for the honeymoon suite, and one gold for each of your servants’ rooms,” the barkeep said with a sly grin.

Silviana went red and pinched her brow, but before she could protest, Ghruz spoke up. “Yes, that will be fine. Please dear, could you fetch our servants? I will be sure to have the bed warm on your return.” They said with the most smug grin Silviana had ever seen.

Glaring right at Ghruz, they dropped their payment on the counter, and left the tavern with a huff.

The orc turned to the barkeep. “I don’t think I’ve seen her more flustered. Thank you, you’ve made my day.”

The strange woman collected the payment. “Indeed! She will make a fine wife.” she replied. Ghruz almost felt like they should correct her, but thought better of it.

“Where are the rooms? I should inspect them. You know, for my dear partner.” Ghruz asked. The barkeep pointed them up the stairs, and they went to explore their rooms.

Ghruz smiled to themself. They were never going to let Silviana live this up.