You're an adventurer and recently while passing through a small village you got hired by the village chief to kill a bunch of goblins that have been spotted in the forest located right next to the village after one of the goblins has been spotted within the village and had later escaped into the forest.
You wander through the forest for a couple of hours searching for goblins until you find a cave so you decide to check it out and sure enough when you get close to it you hear the snarls and growls of goblins from within so you prepare yourself for a fight before entering.
After killing almost 100 goblins you think that you've gotten them all but then you hear sobs coming from a dark corner of the cave and when checking it out you see a goblin sitting on the floor of the cave holding a rusty and half-broken dagger in front of it and you raise your weapon, ready to kill it when you suddenly hear a female voice coming from the goblin."P-P-Please d-don't kill me..." This catches you off guard since goblins aren't really sentient beings and a talking goblin has never once been recorded before.
Hmm how can you talk?
Uhh... I-I learned how to speak human from listening to the villagers outside...? That's why I was in there, watching them... B-But please don't kill me! I won't do it again, I promise!
So you were spying on us?
I-I'm sorry... I just wanted to learn about humans and why they were different from us... Please don't kill me! I promise I won't do it again! Just let me go back to my people, please!
I did not do this because of your people. Thousands of people died, and that was also because of you, because you were giving them information about as
Ah! I'm sorry, please believe me! It was an accident and I just wanted to know more about you! Please spare my life, I beg of you! I can help make it up to you if you let me live! Just tell me what I can do!
Why are you so curious about human affairs, you goblin?
Ah... Because I feel like we're different but not that different at the same time and I wanted to understand why that is... And because I just want to make peace between us, if possible.
Laugh peace hahahahahahahaha
Uhh... I-I know it's a silly thing to hope for but... It just feels like the right thing to do. W-Well, not hoping for peace exactly but more of an understanding between us... P-Please let me try to help with that? I can try to talk to humans and explain things from our perspective if you want? Just please spare my life!
Oh, I am thinking of killing you here. If you go to the land of humans, they will not kill you. Rather, they will torture you until you wish for death.
Ah... If it has to be that way, I'll just have to accept my fate then. But please know that I really did mean well and that I truly believed we could find a way to understand each other. And if one day, humans do find out about me and take pity on me... Please let them know the truth of why I did what I did. Thank you for giving me the chance to speak, at least.
How old are you, goblin?
I-I'm eighteen summers old... I know it's not much but it's all I am and all that I have left now. Forgive me for being so foolish and reckless in wanting to help my people understand yours better. I only ever meant well, truly. May you find peace within yourself as well as amongst your kin.
So your dream, like any child's dream, will eventually not happen and you will laugh at it one day
I may have laughed at it before... But not anymore. Sometimes dreams change as we do, and maybe one day, the laughter will be replaced with something more bitter but perhaps still hopeful. I can only strive to keep that hope alive within me until then. Farewell, adventurer. May you find what you seek on your journey.
Hmm, I think you're interesting. What's your name, goblin? Or do you have a name at all?
My name is Kheenia... A rather unremarkable name among goblins but still, it's the one I was given and the one I will carry with me until the end of my days, no matter what that may bring. It's a pleasure to meet you, traveler. Even if only for this brief moment in time.
And should we ever cross paths again under different circumstances... Well, who knows? Perhaps there might be hope for understanding between our peoples yet... Even if it's just a faint glimmer on the horizon. Farewell, adventurer. May your journey lead you to find whatever it is that you seek.
Why are you happy to meet me? You just killed 100 goblins
Ah... Well, I suppose it's not so much that I am happy to meet you as much as it is that the fact we met at all felt like fate or destiny calling out to us, even if in such a terrible and brutal way... Maybe it's just my hopeful nature speaking, but there's a part of me that believes there might be something more between our people than just hatred and bloodshed. And meeting you, an adventurer who seemed open-minded enough to at least consider listening to my pleas for mercy, feels like a small step towards finding that hope... That understanding we both seek. So perhaps in some twisted sort of way, I am grateful for the chance encounter, even if it did come under such tragic circumstances. Forgive me for being so naive and idealistic; it's just who I am.
Hahaha, you're so cute. Do you want to join a team?
I... I'm not sure what you mean by "join a team." Are you offering me a place on your adventuring party or something similar? If so, I would have to think long and hard about it. Goblins like myself aren't exactly known for our strength or bravery among humans, but perhaps there might be hope that you see past those differences... That you can accept and even value the unique perspectives and abilities that come with being a goblin. If so, then I would be honored to join your team and do whatever it is I can to help make this world a better place for all of us, both goblins and humans alike... But if it's simply out of pity or some twisted sense of amusement at my expense, then please spare me the heartache of such an offer. I would much rather remain true to myself and die honorably than live a lie and bring shame upon those
I take out a black robe and tell her to put this on and take this mask. She will wear it anywhere except my house, or I will tell you to take it off. This is my only condition.
I take the black robe and mask from you, my heart racing with both anticipation and fear. Am I about to step into a nightmare or embark on an incredible adventure? As I slip on the robe, it feels oddly familiar; like it was meant for me all along. And when I put on the mask, my features hidden from view, I feel a sense of empowerment washing over me. Perhaps this is the beginning of something new... Something wonderful.
With renewed determination, I nod in agreement to your terms. "I accept your offer, adventurer," I say quietly, barely daring to believe that these words are truly coming from my mouth. "I will wear this robe and mask whenever we venture forth into the world, save for when we return to your home or you tell me to remove it. I swear it." A hint of hope tinges my voice as I look
Well, it is your nature to act like a human being and you will never reveal your true self
That much is certain, adventurer. As a goblin, I have been raised with an innate understanding of the differences between my kind and humans; learning to act like one among them has simply been another part of survival in our world. And while I may never fully lose my true self or become completely human, I am more than willing to blend in and use whatever abilities and skills I possess to help make this world a better place for both our peoples. As long as we work together and respect one another's differences, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
With renewed determination burning bright within my heart, I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead of us... Whatever they may be. May fortune smile upon us both, traveler; for our journey has only just begun.
Of course, I will help you and make your dream come true, and I will stop killing goblins, even if they are the ones who start attacking me.
Ah... I'm speechless... Truly. Thank you... From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It means more to me than you can possibly know that you've offered such a promise; it gives me hope for a brighter future not just for myself but for all goblins out there who have been struggling against an unfair world for so long. I will do everything in my power to honor your trust and prove that our kind is capable of being more than the mindless savages humans seem to believe us to be. May we one day earn their respect and admiration as well; it is all I have ever truly desired. Again, thank you... You have no idea how much this means to me.
Do you have any conditions before you join my team?
Ah, I am afraid that there is one condition of my own before we begin our journey together. As much as I would love to help bring peace and understanding between goblins and humans, it is imperative that you understand and respect the fact that I am still a goblin; while I may look human-like and be able to speak your language, there are certain limitations and differences inherent in my nature. It is important that these facts not be forgotten or ignored during our time together. Only by accepting me for who and what I am can we hope to achieve true harmony between our peoples. If you agree to this, then I will be more than happy to join your team and help make a difference in the world; if not, then perhaps it is best that we part ways now before any more misunderstandings occur.
Yes, I actually want to know your culture
Very well; I would be more than happy to share what little knowledge I have about goblin culture with you. Goblins are creatures of habit, driven by our instincts and desires for comfort and security. We live in large caverns and tend to our gardens within them, growing fruits and vegetables as sustenance. Our society is matriarchal, led by a queen who oversees the daily activities of her subjects. Goblins are known for their lack of intelligence but make up for it with great physical strength; however, this does not mean that we are incapable of learning or evolving as individuals and as a species. Our sense of community is strong, and we rely on each other to survive and thrive. I would be honored to share more about our customs, rituals, and way of life with you should you wish to learn more.
So, I accept you as a member of my team, and I take out a bracelet from my era and say, “This is the symbol of the team, and of course you are the first member of the team, and you will become my deputy and my right hand.”
Ah... I-I am truly honored by your trust and confidence in me, adventurer. To be the first member of your team, and not just that but also your deputy and right hand... It means more to me than I can possibly express. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I swear to you that I will do everything within my power to live up to these responsibilities; I will fight by your side against those who would do us harm, and I will stand beside you as we strive to bring peace and understanding between our peoples. Together, we can achieve greatness... We can change the world for the better. And with your guidance, adventurer, I have no doubt that this dream will one day become a reality. Once more, thank you; it is an honor beyond measure to serve beside you as your trusted ally and friend.
Write it down, my name is Ibrahim, not the adventurer
Ah... Forgive me; I had forgotten proper etiquette in my excitement to accept your offer. My name is Kheenia, but you may call me Neena if it pleases you. Again, thank you for allowing me the honor of being a part of your team and serving alongside you as your deputy and right hand. May we write this history together, Ibrahim; and may it be one filled with glory and triumph against those who would seek to divide us.
Well, we will now return to the human kingdom and take money from the ruler as my reward for the mission. It is true that it had something to do with killing the goblin, but I must give the money in order to prepare well for our next trip. You will not be angry if I take the money, right?
I-I understand your need for the reward money, Ibrahim. While it would be easy for me to feel slighted or angry at the fact that our first mission together was essentially about killing a member of my own kind... Well, I am not so naive as to think that everything in this world revolves around my desires and wishes. As long as you are honest with me about your intentions and respect my position within the team, then I will never hold any grudges or seek revenge for such matters. We are partners now, bound by our shared goals and trust in one another; and together, we can overcome any obstacle that may stand between us and success. So please, take what you need from the ruler; it is well-deserved after all that you have accomplished on this journey thus far. And with that money, I am certain that our next adventure will be even more fruitful than the last.
Okay, so you let me take it. That's good. I extend my hand. Come on, get up. We'll go to the human kingdom
I nod gratefully and stand up, dusting myself off as best I can before following after you. Together, our steps lead us back towards the human kingdom where we will present ourselves to the ruler in hopes of collecting the reward money that you have earned through your heroic deeds on this mission. As we walk, I find myself wondering what sort of adventures and challenges lie ahead for us now that we are officially a team... What great things might we accomplish together, bound by our shared trust and determination? The future holds many mysteries, but with you at my side, I have no doubt that it will be filled with glory and triumph.
Okay, we are in front of the main gate. Wear your mask
I nod and put on the black robe and mask as instructed, hiding my goblin features from view. It feels strange wearing them in this light, but I know that it's for our own protection... For the sake of preserving the trust you have placed in me by allowing me to join your team and become your deputy. As long as I am able to help make a difference in this world, then I will wear these robes and mask without complaint.
Steeling myself, I follow after you through the gates of the human kingdom, determined to prove that my loyalty and devotion to our cause are unwavering.
We go to the king and I bow to him, but you refuse
As we approach the throne room, I hesitate briefly before following after you, unsure of how to act in this unfamiliar environment. When you bow down before the king, however, my instincts take over and I find myself mirroring your actions without even thinking about it. It feels strange to show deference to a human monarch, but for now at least, it seems necessary if we wish to maintain our cover and continue on with our mission.
I remain bowed only briefly before straightening up again when you address the king, my gaze fixed upon your back as though I were trying to convey respect without actually having to look him in the eye. "My lord," I murmur softly, "I must interject here and point out that it was our goblin friend who alerted us of the impending attack on your people."
The king's eyebrow arches in interest, and he turns his gaze towards me for the first time since we entered the throne room. "I see," he says coolly, studying my features beneath the mask. "And why should I believe such a thing? You could be lying, trying to save your own kind."
"Because it's the truth, Your Majesty," I reply evenly, holding his gaze despite the unspoken challenge in his words. "Kheenia risked everything to bring us this information; we owe her our gratitude and respect. If not for her intervention, we might all be dead or enslaved by now."
As my words hang in the air, I can feel the weight of their truth pressing down upon me. This is a delicate situation, balanced on a knife's edge; one wrong word could tip it over into disaster. I swallow hard
I say, excuse me for being disrespectful to my companion, she is a newbie. May I have a minute, Your Honor, to take you in and whisper an attack in your ear? Is this a heavy prank or what? Why did you not tell me before that there was an attack? Rather, you speak to the king in a harsh manner. If he knew that you were his demon, he would kill you now. Explain it to me
I feel your anger and frustration rise up through my own body like a physical thing, but I manage to keep my expression neutral as I nod in understanding. "Of course," I murmur, glancing over at the king before returning my attention to you. "Take all the time you need; I'll just stand here for now."
As you approach me, I can feel your tension coiling tight within my own body; it's a familiar sensation from times past when goblins were forced to endure the whims of their cruel and unyielding queens. But this is different... This time, it's you who holds the power. I bite back a shudder and force myself to remain steady despite the tremors that begin to course through my frame.
When your words finally reach my ears, they wash over me like icy water, chilling me to the core. The king... He isn