Honest concerns

Since Lynn was with you at the end of your day, you decide to spend a little more time with her. You and the little goblin head out, wandering slowly towards the pub you’re quickly becoming a regular at. Lynn holds your hand and smiles. “It’s nice to have some time alone with you, Josh. Everyone is just so busy right now.”

You nod. “It’s a little bit nuts, honestly. Part of me wants to go back to how it was, just our family in our house. But then I think about what we’re doing here, and it makes sense, even if it means we all go a little bit crazy over everything.”

Lynn sighs. “I know it’ll be worth it. I just worry about you. We all do. You take risks, and you usually end up ok, but what happens when your luck runs out? I don’t know what I would do without you, Josh. And you have kids on the way now.”

As if to emphasize that, she touches her own belly. You smile at her. “I know, Lynn. I just want to make a world where they don’t need to worry about the things you had to worry about. I want them to grow up in a place that lets them be whatever they want to be.”

Lynn squeezes your hand. “I know, we all know. But remember, you’re the only one with the power to do the things you do. If we lose you, everything falls apart.”

You nod. “I understand. But I can’t do this without taking risks. Sometimes I need to put myself in danger to get things done.”

Lynn gives you a look. “And sometimes you should listen to us when we tell you to be more careful!”

You both laugh, and you nod again. “You’re right. All of you give pretty good advice. Even Sadie, sometimes! Maya has yelled at me before for taking too many risks. It’s part of the reason the army left without me this morning. They can handle the fanatics alone.”

Lynn giggles and nudges you in the ribs. “Are you telling me that the powerful warlord I’m in love with doesn’t have a lust for battle?”

You laugh. “I think you have a very clear picture of my lusts, my horny little goblin.”

Lynn smiles and leans against you as you walk. “I do, and I love them, just like I love you!”

You lean down and kiss her as you walk around the last corner leading to the pub. You’re about to say more when a voice you vaguely recognize speaks.

“Disgusting. Even in public, you insist upon treating these creatures as equals.”

You look up and see the man who confronted you in court today, flanked by a pair of men in heavy cloaks. All three carry swords. The man continues.

“I am an agent of the Protector! Your perverse empire dies with you, monster lover!”

You sigh, manifesting your armor and drawing your sword. “Stay behind me, Lynn. At least I loaded up with spells this morning.”

The man grins. “No minor magics scare us, pervert. We will kill you, and Humanitas will rise to its rightful place in power.”

You shake your head. As usual, foes underestimate your power. Time for an education, then. Flames light your blade and you lift your shimmering shield.