Ituku still has some things to mention...

Eekaa and I had finally had enough of the bath. We had washed each other clean and spent probably the remaining daylight cuddled up like a pair of affectionate stray animals, soaking in the warm water. Eventually however, the water had turned lukewarm, and with it, the recollection that I still wanted to tell Eekaa something surfaced in my mind.

“Uhhh, Eekaa… how do I…” I trailed off, unable to really put what I wanted to say into words, my thoughts of Ari and the events of today doing nothing but get in the way. I wanted to tell her about the date, but wasn’t sure if she’d be okay with it. Are orcs monogamous?

Eekaa, having a much needed spot of wisdom, spoke up with an amused understanding already on her face. “I know. Dragon yes? She was fun?” She asked, a grin showing off her tusks.

Amazed at the orc’s perception, I quickly start to question how she knew, but she was already poised to answer.

“Good sense.” She said, pointing at her nose and holding back a giggle. She had managed to smell Ari on me, even after I had hoped into the bath. Truly, she was a good example of a strong orc. Though she probably has the wrong idea about Ari, and I’ll definitely need to discuss the date with her.

Sighing with a hint of disbelief, I got up and gave Eekaa’s arm a light push, doing more to push myself away than to move her. Playfully, she hopped up after me, her arms threatening to pick me up. Wading away slightly, it became very clear that I wasn’t outrunning her, and she didn’t take long to get her arms around my waist, pulling me into a sort of half hug. I squirmed against her, my butt dangling just above the water and my legs kicking, but it didn’t take long for me to just look up instead, catching a good look at Eekaa’s face, framed by her underboob.

The goofy orc waded through the bath with me, headed for the steps while I slipped downwards with each step. Close enough now, I had slipped down just far enough to wriggle out. Eekaa, not willing to give me the victory, didn’t hesitate to drop me there. Suddenly plunged into the water, I quickly found the steps and turned around to face her, ready to berate and question. Eekaa however, was already in my face, her hands guiding my cheeks forward into her kiss.

I quickly melted into it, bringing my own hands to her head in a needless effort to keep her for an extra moment longer. She indulged me and then some, our tongues swirling and hands wandering. We separated naturally, realising that this isn’t the best place to have our fun. It also occurred to me that something to eat would do me good, and I don’t mean Eekaa, despite the fact she’ll make a good dessert later.

-

A quick conferral with Eekaa later, and we were sitting beside each other at a strangely comfortable wooden booth of the inn. In front of us were a couple of freshly cooked slabs of pork, and even a variety of vegetables on the side, all roasted to perfection. This inn makes a damn good meal.

With my belly rumbling and Eekaa’s orcish appetite not letting her wait, I quickly matched pace with her in devouring the godsent meal. The soft tender meat, glistening with salt, the deliciously textured vegetables, dripping with left over juices, my little kobold heart hasn’t tasted anything like this in days!

It didn’t take long to finish it all, and despite Eekaa and I having the same size plate, I managed to wolf it down before she even finished her meat, allowing me to sit back and relax. Sneakily, I stole a bite from Eekaa’s plate, to her immediate chagrin. She kept eating after seeing me already swallowing it, giving a grunt and not much else, though a cute smile had made its way onto her face.

The city really is a striking difference to my home. With its busy streets, and paved roads, and just general better standards, life around here sounds pretty good with the right work. Not even beginning to mention some of the people here and their completely unfair prowess. And this somehow wasn’t even one of the bigger cities according to her sisters and the innkeeper.

Eekaa, finally finishing her meal, wrapped her arm around me, keeping her eye on the door of the inn. The innkeeper was standing in the doorway, having a conversation with whoever was outside. Ignoring it for now, I decide to get a word in with Eekaa before we no doubt retire to my bed.

“Hey, say, have you considered getting clothes made for you? Just asking since I’ve only seen you clothed as is.” I say, pondering what outfits she’d look good in.

Eekaa just shrugged, an indication that she hadn’t really thought about it before. “Winter clothes, maybe. No more blanket. Why?” She asked, turning her attention to me in curiosity.

“Well, that dragon I know? She’s a tailor, and I think she’s really good. So, since you’re with me now, we should get you something that’s better quality, maybe even something that doesn’t leave all of you on show all the time?” I prod, cheekily adding, “think of it as payment for being my people deterrent!” She rolled her eyes at me. “Please?” I asked.

A moment passed and she looked like she’d say no, but Eekaa’s doubtful expression eased up. “Okay…” she said, elongating the word in mock annoyance.

“Yes!” I hissed. Even if she said no, I would’ve dragged her with me to Ari anyway.

“Oh, right, so, anyways, the dragon tailor, Ari, she may have invited me out overmorrow, so if you want to come meet her then we can see her together then. Unless you don’t want to, of course, you could always visit her alone, and it might be more fun for you...” I say, the sly suggestion making Eekaa shake her head.

“Is okay. I meet her overmorrow. You have fun, I have errand or two.” She said, her attention turning ahead while she leaned back more comfortably, closing her eyes. She looked tired now that she was showing for it, maybe today we can be a bit more relaxed before we go to bed.

“Okay, well that works for me, because I have one other thing I want to check on between now and then. Say, do you remember the lock on my door?” I ask, expecting her answer.

“Lock?” she askes, brows furrowed. “Yes? I knock, door not open. Inn keeper says go ahead. No lock after. H…How?” she continues, as confused as me. It seemed to give her some worry with how she opened her eyes, looking more awake now than before.

I nod along at her, fairly certain that “Exactly, I knew there was a lock on the door, but I just needed another opinion. That, coupled with some stuff my sisters said and all the people acting weird or flustered, I think my family might be cursed somehow?” I explained. Eekaa put her hand to her mouth in a pondering gesture, also now curious, likely wondering if she’s also been affected by it.

“Anyways, I need to find out more, since I never really asked, but I barely know where to go for it. Probably some priest or someone knows? Do you know any places or people I could go to?” I asked, hoping that she’d just be able to guide me somewhere.

Eekaa slowly nodded. “Old tribe had shaman… maybe medic here? Medic have elf maybe? They cure everything. Maybe help you?” She said, an unsure tone in her voice. I’ve never met elves before, but assuming that elves can ‘cure everything’ as Eekaa said, the medics would at least be a good place to start.

“Alright, the medic it is. You should come with me, it’ll be hard to deal with them if they’re like most other people, hopefully you can speak to them for me since I doubt they’ll be useful for long with me alone…” I say, considering the interaction with the dwarf. Eekaa nods, agreeing before clearing her throat and looking up towards the door again.

The innkeeper approached the table, a man following behind him, “Eekaa, Ituku, I’d like to introduce you two to the latest guest here, his name is Ren. He’s a longstanding friend and some would say, me included, a reliable mercenary.”

“Indeed, I’d like to agree, my full name is Renfos Aranthyu, at your service for all of your mercenary or adventuring needs.” he said, flashing a cocky set of teeth to the both of us.