Eve: Encouraging Endeavors

A/N: [G] = Goblish, [H] = Humish (English), and if not specified, it will be Humish

Eve knew where they were going long before the stone bell tower entered her view, but when it did, she felt...comfort. For the first time since the Empress fight, she felt like she could breath a sigh of relief, despite Torch, the Empress, her and Dusk's kids, and a couple orcs joining her in the journey. Even though he's not going to be here...

"[G] Remember: we're not here to raid the town." Torch explains to the members of her tribe. "Defend yourselves, but don't provoke the humans."

The orcs grunt in understanding, and Eve's gaze falls from them to the Empress. She hasn't said a word since that day... What exactly did Chief say to her? She hasn't seemed to understand much speech, but it's clear she understands intent. Her eyes drop to the hornet's taut stomach, once more noting a mark similar, but seemingly more intricate than the one on her own gut. Does that make it so she has to listen to him? Does mine make it so I have to listen to him? And if so, why didn't he tell me? These thoughts had been plaguing her for a few days now, and she had to **** herself to shake them away again. Not right now. It's not like I can ask him anyway.

. . .

After precariously crossing the river on a rope tied to an arrow a bit upstream, Eve leads the group through the forest around the settlement, trying to ensure people wouldn't freak out upon seeing a small group of goblinoids near town.

"You've returned." Eve rapidly readies her bow, pointing toward the source, but finding nothing. The others take defensive stances, also searching for the speaker. "I mean no harm...assuming you've stayed silent regarding our previous encounter..."

The memory of two multi-tailed foxes comes to the forefront of Eve's mind as she lowers her bow. "[G]...lower your weapons. [H] I have...What do you want this time?"

"I want to know why you have brought them."

Eve gulps. "They can't hurt people. Dusk told them not to."

"And you trust them to be peace-"

"No." Eve steps forward, clutching her bow. "I don't trust them to stand by and do nothing. I don't trust them to not **** or pillage. I trust them to follow the orders of their chief."

The voice hums. "Very well. I suppose that will have to do... Carry on, but ensure that they do follow their chief's orders."

The former elf gulps again. "I will."

. . .

Eve leads the group to the edge of Camilla's backyard, seeing a pair of the local human guards sparring. "[G] Stay back a moment. [H] H-hi!" She walks out through the trees as the men turn to look at her. "Is Camilla here?"

The two share a look before looking behind Eve at the group of goblinoids. "Y-yeah. We'll, uh, give you guys some space." They round the corner, not leaving behind their weapons.

Just then, the back door opens, and Camilla walks out, rubbing her eyes. "Alright you two, I-...oh. Hey, Eve. It's been a while."

The goblin rushes forward and wraps her arms around the captain in a hug. "Oh, you have no idea how good it is to see you."

Camilla chuckles, patting Eve's head. "I'd think you'd be happier to see Dusk."

"I would, but still." She releases, looking up at the brunette. "Look, I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. Now," she looks out to the goblinoids standing a few yards into the brush, "why don't you tell me why you're really here?"

. . .

"I haven't been doing great either, but still..." Camilla rubs the back of her head, nearly surrounded by those that, a week ago, she used to consider enemies. "As for her," she points to the hornet holding two toddlers - both of which, despite the bug-like eyes and other odd features, she had a strong feeling were Dusk's - a scowl on the mother's face, "Dusk's cabin is finished, just needs some furniture."

"They continued making it?" Eve furrows her brow.

"Some of the villagers think he's a hero. Which, he kind of is, but that's not the point. Even when he was imprisoned, they thought he'd be free in a few days. Anyway, she can hide out there, and we can get her and the little ones the food they need. Kara's parents know this forest like the back of their hands, so between you all and them, we should be able to keep them safe and fed."

"What about you?"

"I'm on bedrest. My legs are fine now, thanks to Dusk, but I've been having...fainting spells recently. No big deal, probably just the near-**** experience...again." Camilla rubs her temple.

Again? "Thanks for the help. Can you point us in the direction of Dusk's house?"