Orcish Desire
POLLY
I adjusted my pack as I stared at the mountain path ahead of me. The chill in the air bit at my red skin and I could already feel the tips of my ram like horns going numb. "Damn infernal blood, I'm made for hot environments." I grumbled as I kicked at the rocks with my hooves. I pulled my black cloak closer around the thick padded armor I had bought for this trip. I tucked my long black hair into my cloak and hoped things would get warmer.
The sudden sound of heavy footfalls had me scrambling into cover, ducking into a small cave away from the path. I watched as a large orc dressed in monks pants and beads walked up the path to the foot of the mountain steps. He paused and looked around his bright orange eyes lighting on the cave I hid in.
"Tell me little one. Why do you hide?" He said and I held my breath in hopes he would just ignore me. Instead he turned fully toward me and began to walk my way.
"Little imp, not only can I smell you. I can see you, I have a hunter's eyes. I am also not as stupid as my kin." He said and reached into the cave yanking me out by the hood of my cloak.
"Release me! I haven't harmed you!" I squealed and tried to wriggle away. He laughed and simply let me go. I almost darted back into the cave then realized how futile that would be.
"I mean you no harm." He said and crossed large muscular arms over an equally muscled chest.
"Sorry, I just don't normally like being around others. My kind is catty and others are...cruel." I said and he snorted.
"You think little one I do not know the assumptions that come with one's blood? That I am a brute and you are a demon." he said and I nodded and finally relaxed. His way was rough but he wasn't cruel.
"I'm Polly. It's nice to meet you. Are you here for the treasure too?" I asked and the monk laughed.
"I am Torg, and I have no need for such things. I make the climb for the sake of it." He said and I looked at him curiously.
"You're going up just to do it?" I asked and he nodded with a grin and I laughed at him. "That's silly, but you can come with me to try and find the treasure." I said my tail whipping back and forth happily.
"I will join you, little imp. The thought of company clearly makes you happy." Torg said and I grinned and turned toward the stairs, no longer feeling the cold as harshly.
TORG
I watched the little infernal run up the first few stairs, her excitement obvious at the adventure she perceived. This was my second trip up the mountain pass and I knew only the monastery sat at the peak. However disappointment builds character, so I would humor the little imp.
"Slow your pace, the mountain will not run from you." I said as I met her at the first of many meditation plaques along the path. She stared at it, her head tilting side to side.
"Torg? Can you read it?" She asked and I looked down at her in surprise. Surely she was kidding, she was no child.
"Surely you know the common letters and their sounds." I said and she nodded but looked at the ground in shame.
"No one ever taught me to put them together to make the words. I try on my own, but people laugh at me." She said and I raised a large brow, yes I got made fun of for being able to read so I understood.
"Let me help you then." I said and sat next to her on the ground pointing at the common on the bottom of the stone tablet. "'For travelers who search, a great revelation awaits. Travel the steps in contemplation, and find the true treasures of life.'" I read and she looked even more confused.
"So there IS treasure?" she asked and I laughed. She was definitely single minded.
"Treasure of a kind. You will figure it out." I said and stood moving to the next set of stairs. She popped up and followed after me, her hooves clipping along beside me.
"So how did you become a monk?" Polly asked me and I smiled. It was an interesting set of circumstances.
"My mother was wounded in battle. She sought shelter in a monastery where she stayed till she gave birth to me. Unfortunately her injuries cost her her life. I was raised by the monks, they taught me their ways." I told her and she watched me in amazement.
"Wow, that's really cool. I grew up in the circus. My mom got sick and passed away recently. We didn't have anything so I took off, the ringmaster had 'designs' for me." She said and I frowned.
"Do you mean he planned to take you by force?" I asked and her red skin darkened and tears sprang to her eyes.
" I don't feel like talking about it, okay, Torg?" She whispered and her body took a defensive posture. I felt a deep rage, she was still young, still at the bloom of her adulthood. No one should be subject to that violence.
"I'm sorry for bringing you discomfort, Polly." I said and we continued on in silence for a long while. She seemed deep in thought and I didn't wish to disturb her. My own thoughts were calm as I watched the heavy flakes of snow fall and the sun begin to sink behind the mountain peak.