The Devouring Knight

Goblin Village

A week had passed since their journey, and the group finally returned to the village.

The sentries sounded a horn. Goblins began to gather, cheering as the returning group entered the clearing. The sun dipped behind the trees, casting golden rays through the forest canopy. Smoke curled from chimneys. Children chased each other through the grass. It was good to be home.

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Jen was the first to run up to them.

"Brother!" she called, hugging Lumberling’s side. Then her eyes sparkled as she turned. "Big sis Vaenyra!" she squealed, throwing her arms around the elf without hesitation.

Vaenyra blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but then smiled and gently returned the hug.

"It seems she made another friend," Lumberling murmured with a quiet chuckle.

"Whew," Aurelya exhaled as she dismounted. "Finally done with all the walking and traveling. I’m going to sleep for two days straight."

Then, plop, she slipped and landed squarely on her backside in the dirt, her robes smeared with mud.

"Ugh! Really?!" she snapped, glaring at her soiled clothes.

She let out a dramatic huff and declared for all to hear, "Is there no gentleman left in this camp to help a tired lady off her horse? Someone here did claim to be one, I’m sure..."

Her sharp gaze slid meaningfully toward Lumberling’s back.