Page 14 of Lonely Orcish Girl

"I just want you to know that it's so wonderful to cuddle with you, Reed. I've never felt like this before. I... I didn't realize I could miss so much being close to someone," Katuri whispered somewhat timidly.

She was silent for a while, but then snorted amusingly and said, "Damn, I guess I really am too soft to be an orc."

Reed pondered her words and her sudden change in mood, as if she were trying to distance herself from the softer, more tender side of her through joking.

"Maybe you're just you, Katuri. You're not only an orc after all."

"But I look more like an orc," she said quietly, evidently uneasy.

Reed knew that this posed a problem for Katuri. Because of the duality of her nature, she felt insecure about her orcish appearance. She understood that she wouldn't fit in well with either the orcs or the humans.

"To me, you look unique first and foremost. Like a beautiful, strong woman with an interesting complexion," Reed replied, choosing his words carefully. "I believe that you have taken the best of both races."

"You only say that because—"

"Only because it's the truth, Katuri," he interrupted her with conviction. Then he pressed her hand to his chest, just above his heart. "I really think so."

"Thank you, Reed, that's very kind of you." Katuri used nearly the same words as she had before, but this time her voice lacked any trace of sarcasm.

"It's me who should be thanking you all this time, Katuri. You're my saving angel."

Katuri let out a surprised gasp and hugged him tighter. She kissed the back of his head and whispered, "Sleep well, Reed."

"You too, Katuri," Reed replied, then he pulled her palm to his lips and kissed it.

And just like that, he fell asleep, immersed in the feeling of safety.

***

The next day, Reed woke up, but Katuri wasn't lying next to him. He sat up carefully, only to realize that he felt significantly better. He felt almost well; the fever was gone, and he could breathe much easier. The difference in his condition was striking, but he didn't want to get too confident, as just the day before, he had been burning up like a frying pan.

He stood up and noticed his clothes neatly folded next to the edge of the inglenook. His shoes and coin pouch were there as well. He had almost forgotten about the latter. It seemed to be a relic from another life.

Since Katuri wasn't in the house, he dressed and went outside. The weather was beautiful, and for the first time, he saw the whole clearing where Katuri's house was. It was a picturesque place.

Slowly, being careful not to exert himself too much, he walked around the house and spotted Katuri kneeling beside a small vegetable patch. The girl didn't notice him, as she was busyweeding. He approached her slowly, and then his heart began to pound very hard. But he knew it wasn't because of his health. Somehow he knew it was a reaction to seeing Katuri.

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" asked Katuri, raising her head. She must have heard his footsteps. She smiled, though her violet eyes were filled with concern.

“Yeah, I thought that I would chop some wood to help you,” he joked, and chuckled, but his laugh turned into a cough.

"Sure, I'll show you which part of the forest to chop down first." Katuri laughed, then stood up and said, "But seriously, you should still be in bed, Reed. I know you don't have a fever today, but don't be too cocky."

"I know. I promise to be careful. I just wanted to get some fresh air and… see where you were." Reed scratched his head awkwardly as he felt the blush creep up his cheeks.

"Okay, you have my permission to take a little walk, but then you will rest, understand?" said Katuri in a seemingly stern voice, but she smirked, and her eyes had quizzical sparks. "I'll make us some breakfast, come back in, okay?"

"Sure!" Reed saluted jokingly, adding, "I'll just take a little walk and be right back."

Katuri nodded, picked up some carrots and parsley she had just harvested, then walked away. Reed watched her for a moment and could not help but glance at her round butt.

When she had disappeared into the house, he walked slowly around the clearing, looking at everything curiously. He was very impressed with what Katuri was able to accomplish here. Starting with her small vegetable patch: there was fertile, dark soil in it. Reed was sure that Katuri must have brought it from some other place, perhaps from the forest because in the clearing, the soil seemed to be rather clayey. That showed him Katuri's knowledge about farming and experience in that field.

Reed looked closely at the house construction itself, a small woodshed, and even the outhouse, and felt more and more respect for Katuri that she was able to build it all by herself. She must have been a good student of her father’s craft. It was an extraordinary achievement for just one person.

He went back to the house, thinking that Katuri was much more capable than any woman in his village and most of the men. They were far less resourceful. Katuri could build houses, she was an expert hunter, she knew herbs and could cook, and she even had some knowledge of agriculture.

She’s more than perfect wife material,he thought with amusement, then realized it was actually true. Katuri was really something special—a smart, competent, and strong woman.

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