Page 6 of Lonely Orcish Girl

He was already tired of making fool of himself, but talking about his missteps still filled him with shame. Yet, Katuri seemed to see his situation differently.

"You were wise to avoid the bridge, Reed. Those men were most likely bandits; I've seen similar groups on this road a few times," she said in a matter-of-fact tone, looking at him sympathetically. "The rest… Well, it was a combination of bad luck and your lack of experience. And the unforgiving weather conditions. It's a miracle you found my house."

"Yes, I was really lucky…" he whispered, overwhelmed with gratitude again.

Katuri finished feeding him and leaned her back against the wall. She raised her arms to straighten one of her braids, her arm muscles flexing and twitching. Reed still couldn't believe someone could have a body like that. Katuri, however, seemed unaware of the impression she was making on him.

"Are you from the little village that lies southeast of the road to Larrant?"

"Yes, from Stagmoor. But it's not so small. We have nearly two hundred people. Do you know it?"

"Sort of. I believe I met a woman from your village a few times, deep in the woods. A very old woman. She was gathering herbs. Her name was Marga." Katuri shrugged.

"Yes! She’s our healer!" He suddenly perked up, pleased that they had something in common, even if it was just a small thing.

"Yes, that would explain her knowledge," Katuri said respectfully, averting her eyes as if deep in thought.

Reed considered how to politely ask about her background, but when he opened his mouth, Katuri was already speaking. "So, why did you go to Larrant alone? What are you running from, Reed?"

"Running? What do you mean?" Read tried to buy himself time to figure out what to say. He felt strangely self-conscious that Katuri could see through him so easily.

"I think you know, Reed," she replied with a crooked grin. "Or are you trying to tell me that it's common in your village foryoung men to go on such a dangerous journey all alone with a bag of coins? By the way, don't worry, your money is safe."

"No, it's not like that. It's just… nothing to be proud of…" Reed hesitated, looking at the wall.

"I get it, but entertain me. Life in these woods is pretty boring, so I wouldn't mind listening to a story. Tell me what crime you committed." Katuri's voice was calm, but she smirked as if she found it a bit amusing. Reed didn't know if he liked it or not.

"I didn't commit any crime!" he retorted, a little annoyed.

"I know, I know, you seem too righteous for that. I'm just messing with you a bit," Katuri chuckled, patting the fur covering his leg. Then she got more serious and asked, "So, what was it then? A girl, I suppose?"

He raised his eyebrows, wondering if it was obvious enough to guess. "Yeah, but… it's just complicated."

"It's never simple, is it?" Katuri gave him a more understanding smile. "C'mon, you can tell me; maybe you'll feel better if you get it off your chest."

Reed was silent for a moment, simply looking at Katuri. Her violet eyes gazed back at him, and he felt an odd warmth in his chest. The orcish girl really triggered strange, conflicting feelings in him. A bit wary, but at the same time… friendly.

What if she's right? Maybe it will be better to tell someone about it. Perhaps then I can get over it, he thought.

"Fine. But you'll probably think I'm stupid or something," he muttered wryly.

And he poured his heart out to her. He told her about growing up with Jolene and the other village kids, how they grew closer as teenagers, and their secret meetings in the woods and by the lake. He talked about their first shy kisses and holding hands, and then about the last village feast when Jolene andPetyr announced their marriage plans, which shocked him and broke his heart.

At first, it was odd for Reed to tell all this to Katuri, who was, after all, a stranger to him. But the orcish girl sat silently, listening without interrupting him, and soon Reed still felt a bit uncomfortable, but at least more at peace with the whole situation.

"She was toying with you," Katuri said flatly as soon as Reed finished. But her eyes seemed almost sympathetic.

He frowned and initially wanted to deny her judgment, but bit his tongue and thought about it.Could it seem that way from someone else's perspective?

"I don't know… Do you think she planned this? It doesn't seem likely," Reed replied.

"Nah, I doubt it was consciously planned. More like out of her need of attention. She probably just wanted to have it both ways, without worrying about the future. Just a selfish, silly goose," Katuri said, shaking her head in disgust.

Once again, Reed felt the need to defend Jolene's honor, but he hesitated and finally decided not to do so. And strangely enough, the need was no longer so strong. Simply put, Katuri summed up everything he'd subconsciously known but hadn't managed to figure out for himself. Or maybe he just didn't want to.

"Did you at least claim her?" A teasing smile appeared on her lips. She tilted her head.

"Claimed? No. We just kissed and hugged," Reed replied, feeling a blush creep into his cheeks. It was irrational, but he felt as if he had admitted to Katuri that he was still a virgin.

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