They're surrounded

At the sound of snapping twigs and rustling underbrush, Venus turned to see more orcs approaching from behind, as well as others joining the forward scouts. It was a full orc hunting party, and it seemed as though the trio of Shadow Hunters were to be their prey. Venus' grip tightened on her sword and she nodded toward Rose who did the same. She wasn't certain if she could take them all, especially with Rondo still recovering from the poison. Even with his already superhuman healing, it would be minutes before he could join them, and even a single minute in a fight was an eternity.

Rose held herself well, showing that she did indeed have some experience. However, it was not enough, and both of them knew it. Skill was well and good, but the orcs had raw strength and numbers on their side. Not to mention that Venus and Rose would have to protect Rondo. The odds were definitely against them now, and Venus let out a shaky breath as cold fear ran down her spine.

One of the orcs stepped forward, this one larger than the others. Based upon his size and the array of weapons and patchwork armor that he wore, Venus guessed that he was likely their leader. The beast grinned as he looked upon the pair with dark eyes, idly patting the hilt of his sword as he began circling around them, "Well, what do we have here?" The Shadow Hunters were surprised by how eloquently he spoke, despite the gruffness of his voice, "A few travelers lost in the woods? Don't worry, we're here to help, isn't that right boys?"

The rest of the orcs bellowed, the mockery in their laughter as clear as day. Of course, it wasn't as though Venus had expected kindness from orcs in the first place. She took a deep breath, turning slowly as she kept the leader in her sight, "We have no quarrel with you, orc. Let us pass and no blood needs to be shed here."

The orc's eyes narrowed, "My name is Karuuk, human. And I'm afraid I have a quarrel with you. My tribe has claimed this land and you have trespassed. Of course," He offered with a shrug and a leering smirk, "I could allow you to pass.. relatively unharmed.. were you to pay me and my tribe a small toll."

Venus wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what he was asking for and it made her stomach turn. A glance towards Rose told her that the younger Shadow Hunter was experiencing a similar reaction. Still, she swallowed her disgust and asked, "And what toll would that be, Karuuk?"

Karuuk's grin returned once more and he spread out his hands, motioning towards the surrounding orcs, "Why, that you and your friend 'entertain' us for the night. Should you desire, you would be happy to leave in the morning."

"And by 'entertain' you mean you want us to fuck you!" The Shadow Huntress grit her teeth in barely contained anger.

"Of course! What other entertainment could such lovely human females offer us? A poem? A song?" Karuuk rolled his beady eyes.

Rose looked around her, offering, "Actually, I know a few son-"

"He was being sarcastic," Venus retorted.

"Oh."

Rondo let out a small moan, drawing Karuuk's attention. The orc eyed the man, picking up the nearby spear that had been discarded and sniffing it, "Hmm. Red Cap poison? A surprise that your friend is not dead already. Unless..." He sniffed at it again with his large piggish nose, "Ah, I see! He's a lycanthrope!"

A sudden glint of realization dawned on the orc leader then, "It seems that our very generous offer will not be accepted. A pity. We have **** but to insist that you join us." With a motion of his hand, the orcs raised their weapons and rushed forward.