Page 34 of Lonely Orcish Girl

Most people looked calm and accepting, but some still wore sour grimaces. Reed looked at Katuri and noticed her body stiffen slightly as she listened, her expression tense.

Zachary turned toward Katuri and directed his next words to her: "On behalf of our small community, we officially welcome you to Stagmoor, Katuri. We are just simple people, and sometimes we’re too afraid of the unknown. I’d also like to add that if anyone bothers you in the future, please let me know."

Most people turned to Katuri, expecting her to say something. Reed could tell that she was stressed, but she quickly calmed down. He hoped that holding her hand was helping.

"Thank you, Zachary. I don’t hold a grudge against anyone here, and I understand your reaction. I was met with a similar one, as being a half-orc, I was also an outsider in my mother’s village. I know orcs have a bad reputation, and it’s not without reason—I’ve experienced it myself—but not all of them are like that. I'm not like that; my father’s human blood is strong in me. I just want to live in peace with Reed," she said, trying to sound confident, though it was clearly all fresh for her.

The villagers listened to her intently, even though not everyone was warming up to her just yet; some were still a bit apprehensive, but there was hope that this would change in the future.

"And if you let me stay in Stagmoor, I'll give back to your community! As you can see, I know herbal medicine. Also, I’m not afraid of hard physical labor, and thanks to my father, who is a builder, I have knowledge of construction work."

"Hey, Katuri!" shouted Arrik, slurring slightly. "Do you know how to make… you know… a love potion?"

"I don’t think you need one!" She sent a meaningful glance toward Matzie.

Reed was once again amazed by her perceptiveness. Or had Matzie mentioned it while they were in the woods? He himself had only recently realized that Matzie had her eyes on the village blacksmith.

Immediately, the blacksmith burst out laughing, and the whole group joined in. Encouraged by the reaction to his joke, Arrik stood up and lifted his mug, accidentally spilling some of its contents on those around him.

"Come on, people! I know some of you still have doubts! But we should all give this girl a chance! Let’s drink to Katuri!"

People joined him, raising their mugs. Even the most skeptical ones seemed to relax a little and joined in the toast, including Esther. The old woman was glowering at them, but she appeared to accept that Katuri was now a permanent resident of their village. Her friend, Martha, also reluctantly filled her mug, grimaced slightly, but drank it all down.

Katuri watched the villagers drinking and eating, and her face went vacant as if lost in thought. Her lower lip pouted, and when she looked at Reed again, she blinked rapidly and gave a faint smile. Then, almost as if embarrassed, she clung to Reed and buried her face in his neck. He pulled her close and held her tightly. As he watched the ongoing feast around them, he couldn’t believe that everything had turned out so well, considering the struggles and obstacles they’d faced.

At last, Reed felt that their destiny was on the right track.

***

Katuri and Reed reached his house in pitch-black darkness. It was the middle of the night, but even though the day had been long, he didn't feel tired. Before they went inside, Reed untied the mare from the fence and led her closer to the house, near a spot with taller grass. They gave her a bucket of water.

"I'm all sticky with sweat; it's been a rough day. How about a night swim in the moonlight?" Reed grinned. "There's a small pond about three hundred yards from my house that I've been trying to stock with fish for years, with some mild success. Want to join me and swim with my fish?" he suggested, squeezing her hand and glancing at her through the darkness.

Katuri chuckled softly. "I've been dreaming of a bath. This day really took it out of me; I feel like my clothes are literally clinging to my body!"

Walking along the path that ran beside fields waiting for winter sowing, they reached the small pond Reed had stocked last year.

They quickly stripped down, and since the night was warm, they entered the dark water without hesitation. It wasn't very deep, but it was deep enough for a refreshing swim and a bit of playful splashing around.

When they got out, Reed muttered, "It's dark anyway, so maybe we shouldn't bother putting on these sweaty clothes. How about heading back... naked?"

Katuri giggled and nodded.

Hand in hand, they walked toward the house, illuminated only by the silvery moonlight, enjoying a pleasant silence filled with joyful anticipation.

After they entered the house, groping in the darkness, Reed lit an oil lamp and a few candles. Normally, Reed would try to conserve candles, but tonight, he didn't care. He liked the atmosphere the lights created.

"Tired?" Katuri turned to face him. She put her hand on his shoulder and began to massage his tense muscles slowly.

Reed shook his head and smiled. "No, I'm… I don't know, maybe not full of energy, but definitely not tired. It was a crazy day." He sighed, then looked at her intently. "What about you? I know it's been a lot more exhausting for you. Also, emotionally."

"I'm not that fragile, I told you that." She smirked dismissively but then turned serious and said quietly, "But yeah, you're right. It's been a tough day. I'm having a hard time even remembering everything that happened, let alone making sense of it."

"I understand." He nodded and wrapped his arms around Katuri's waist. She snuggled against his bare torso, and they stood like that for a while.

"You know, my mother used to say that every cloud has a silver lining. And that's a good summary of today. It started off terribly, though. When I think about what some of those idiots said to you…"

"But I proved them wrong," Katuri interrupted with a smile. "It was important for me because I guess my life has come full circle now. My father's fate was, in a way, similar. He had to prove himself to orcs, and… I needed to do the same for humans. I’m happy I kept his spirit of the fight!"

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