Power Game: Orc vs Elf A duel of endurance ...
Extended a bit in response to crit ...
I'm writing this after being driven fairly mad by a silly Flash game, a kinky WOW parody that was much more difficult than I wanted it to be, and I wasted an embarrassing amount of time on it. In the end I had to cheat to get to see the good stuff. And as is usually the case with this sort of thing, the payoff wasn't as satisfying as I hoped. Wasn't bad but could have been quite a bit better. Especially 'cause they didn't make any noise. That's a thing for me—gotta hear some outcry. Oh well.
This ain't really a proper WOW story, just vaguely WOWish in a self-indulgent world of my own. I confess I have little knowledge of the game's universe, and less respect. Forgive my presumption, but orcs are not from folklore. They were Tolkein's invention, and work best as symbols of dehumanizing militarism. Real hard to buy as believable race. Okay, sure—he extrapolated them from goblins, which do come from fable, figures of mischief. Orcs ain't them. It's why the guy came up with a new name. Other grubby fantasy franchises have no friggin' bizzzznatch including orcs in their shit without shoveling a good share of their profits across to Tolkein's estate, which they don't. If they wanted to come up with their own take on a similar concept, fair enough—they should have given the damn things another name. Like Jordan did in his series—shamefully derivative as he always was, at least he did that right. Anyhow, at this point it's a lost battle, and the forces of good didn't triumph over greedy evil. Same exact thing happened to Romero's zombies. Ripped off so much all over the place they're fair game for everybody nowadays. Shouldn't be, but they are. End of rant.
1.
"You are very beautiful, she-elf," he said. "You are one very beautiful she-elf."
"I thank you, but I fear I cannot return the compliment," she replied.
He laughed. "No doubt you think me very hideous. Very monstrous."
"I shall not deny it, fiend."
"I am no fiend. I am no demon. I am only a simple, ordinary, plain-spoken orc."
"The sight of you sickens my stomach."
"Well, there's no help for that. If I were in fact some manner of devil, it would be within my power to alter my appearance. But alas, orcs have no such talents. We've little knack for enchantment. Not like you elves. Magic can only do so much, though. You killed five of my comrades, but you failed to kill me."
"I intend to rectify that, at my first opportunity."
"Until that moment arrives, if it ever does, perhaps you might take some small comfort in the recognition of how my loathsome ugliness serves to very much heighten the wonder and radiance of your sleek form and dainty figure, simply by the contrast between us."
"I care not for that. And your manner of speech is frankly ridiculous."
"A pity you find it so."
"Be warned, orc. I shall punish you for subjecting me to this mockery. Release me now, and I will spare your life. If not, you shall forfeit it. This I swear."
"Your spirit is admirable. But how am I to fear you? In your present condition, your threat appears ... How shall I put it? Empty. And rather childish."
The orc had bound her to a stone wall. Only a ragged, narrow fragment of some nameless, long fallen castle, this chunk of wall stood alone in the dark forest like a rotting tooth, and was not much larger than the captive herself, yet such as remained was sturdy enough for his purpose. He'd looped the rope across its top and pulled it taut, to stretch her arms over her head and force her to her tiptoes.
She was tied with her back to him, facing the stone and pressed to its gritty surface, but met his gaze with blistering defiance over her right shoulder. Despite the fact he had torn off all her armor and every scrap of clothing, there was no fear in her eyes, nor shame—only rage. She was magnificent. A delicious prize, to be savored.
"Do not be fooled by appearances, foul brute," she proclaimed, "I am yet protected by strong and deadly enchantments."
"Indeed? You fascinate me. Yet also I confess myself somewhat baffled. How strong or deadly can such enchantments be, if they have already allowed me to render you captive? And then furthermore, as I proceeded to do, to render you entirely naked ... Please clarify."
"I shall, monster. The enchantments are inscribed upon my flesh itself. Intended as a last resort, for a dire situation of this very nature. They are solely defensive, by design. But efficacious, I promise you. Should you attempt to take further liberties with my person—should you try to abuse or molest my body, as I believe is your intention, your actions will immediately activate the spells. You will then be subjected to great pain, for so long as you continue to dare touching me. Terrible shall be your agony. The spell will draw upon your own strength, to fuel itself. If you persist, it will soon drain you of all force, and turn your own life-energy against you until you are slain. Heed my warning, orc. Set me loose, or this will be your last day upon this world."
"I find your words only further enflame my excitement, she-elf."