The Keep

Kali looked at him with wide eyes as he spoke, holding Lae’s hand softly in hers. The two females sat on the ground, looking up to their pacing friend, matching smiles on their faces. Were Lae a few years older, her hair a bit darker, they could be twins. Their blue eyes watched Grot’s pacing carefully, twinkling slightly.

“So it only makes sense. If the elements are, in fact, returning to the orcs, then it leaves me only one choice. Obviously, I’m no match for either of you in hand to hand combat,” he grinned, first at Kali, then at Lae, “so I should be able to help in my own way…” He trailed off as the two girls leapt up, tossing their arms around him.

Kali grinned as she pulled away, punching his shoulder playfully. “Damn right, Grot!” She smiled proudly at him, kissing his cheek.

Lae smiled, watching the two, the slightest hint of jealousy on her face as Kali kissed him. She pulled away, nodding. “It’s a good choice,” Lae spoke, her voice soft and sweet, looking up at the two admiringly, before turning and walking away.

Kali sat down, pulling Grot with her, looking at him sideways. “I think Lae’s lonely.”

Grot looked back at her, seeming a little confused at first, then looking away he nodded, thinking, “I noticed.” He sighed, holding Kali’s hand in his. “She feels left out… she’s so young.”

“Well, if it’s worth somethin’, hopefully she’ll find someone… now that we’re back with other orcs an’ stuff. Grot…” she trailed off, squeezing his hand a little.

“Hm?”

“Ya think we did right, takin’ her away?”

Again, Grot paused in thought, not looking at her. “Well… we felt your parents would use their power against her. With Gul’dan’s betrayal… I believe they may have.” His voice was deep and steady, even paced and calm.

Kali nodded slightly, leaning back on her free hand. “S’been so long. I can barely remember that day any more. All these years just seem ta have been so long, but ta have flown by an’ blurred together at the same time.” She looked over at him, scanning his face, “Maybe you’ll find someone here too, hey?” she spoke with a teasing grin on his face.

He returned her smile, shaking her head, looking slightly sad. “No…” he spoke simply, trailing off and looking back at the direction Lae had left in.

“So when will you start trainin’?” she spoke again after a long pause.

He shrugged his shoulders, thinking. “Well… I’ll start trying to open my mind, I guess, on my own. Just try to get rid of anything I might need to get rid of… I suppose once we finish what we need here, they will try to train more of us for battle.”

She smiled, looking a little nervous for a change. “Think they’ll train me?” The corner of her lips turned up in a small, hopeful smile.

It was his turn to punch her shoulder, grinning at her. “How could they not?”

Kali grinned wider, flexing the bicep of her free arm, watching it slightly. She had begun training on her own immediately after running into the orcs. Again her strength returned quickly to her with nourishment, and she was quickly becoming a strong, toned woman, her skin a healthy brown-green mix. Grot, though he ate just as much, remained thin, his body not built to be a warrior.

“I’m excited fer you, Grot. I think this’ll be a great thing fer you… fer us.” She squeezed his hand again, lowering her voice, “I’m here if ya need help.”

He chuckled, throwing his head back as he did so, nodding. “Dabu, Kali.”