Imagine…
Not realizing you’re being courted by Orc.
It wasn’t uncommon to see Orcs in your tiny village. They had a stronghold not too far from here and often came through to get fresh supplies. But one Orc had been coming by more then usual and he always, always stopped by the little store you worked and lived in.
His name was Drag.
He was tall, reaching nearly seven feet, and muscular. His forest green skin was covered in battle scars, his shoulders in intricate tattoos. His voice was deep but he spoke English quite well. He was decorated beautifully, the way warriors often were. Trinkets rested in his thick black braid and gold piercings in his ears and nose. His tusks were large and one had a small gold hoop through it. But as fierce as he looked, he was actually very sweet, always coming in to talk a while.
You told him about your life, he told you about yours. And you always listened intently to what he told you, especially to his warrior stories.
“And then! The battle was over, my orcs the champions of the day!”
“Only because they have such a fantastic leader. I think you’re the strongest orc I’ve ever met.”
Drag looked a little embarrassed but he smiled, his brown eyes looking light and happy. And as he picked up his purchase, he said in a quieter voice,
“I’m glad you are impressed, little one. I will return.”
“I’ll be waiting!” You called after him.
And then he left. He didn’t return again until a week later, following another orc inside. As Drag looked around, the first orc (slightly smaller then Drag, but just as muscular and with gray skin and longer hair) strolled up to the counter, smiling down at you.
“Aren’t you a sweet little thing? What is your name?”
He leaned closer then you liked, causing you to take a step back. And then a second when he leaned in a little more.
“Y/N. Is there anything I can help you with, sir?”
“Ulrig. And I’m quite sure you can, little human…”
He reached foward, taking your small hand in his gray one. You attempted to pull away, your polite smile falling when he wouldn’t let go.
“Ulrig…get your hands off of-”
You didn’t finish, stopping in surprise when Drag yanked him away, throwing him completely out the door.
“Leave. Now.” He growled.
Ulrig left instantly and you thanked Drag for his help repeatedly. This incident left you embarrassed and pink cheeked, which he seemed to enjoy. But you could have sworn as he left…that you caught a glimpse of a smiling Ulrig.
“I will return.” Drag said, stealing your attention from the other orc.
“I’ll be waiting.” You replied.
Again, Drag didn’t show up for another week. Until he walked into your store, holding a thick brown pelt. He placed it in front of you, smiling.
“You mentioned you were cold this winter so…this will keep you warm.”
You were touched, blushing as you accepted the gift. Drag stayed around a little longer until he left again, glancing at you several times before he was out of sight. But not before he said again.
“I will return.”
“‘I’ll be waiting.”
You ran your hands through the thick fur, realizing it was the same shade of brown as the orc’s eyes…His beautiful brown eyes…
It happened only one more time, Drag’s absence. He didn’t appear for another week only to waltz in one morning. He had brought another gift too, a lovely necklace of gold and jasper.
“It was hard to find something suitable, you have no piercings! But I think this will do, yes?”
“Oh…are you sure?” Your asked, holding the gift in your hand. It was so pretty and you had nothing for him…
Drag smiled warmly at you.
“More sure then I have ever been. Will you accept it?”
You nodded, placing the necklace around you much to his delight. The orc smiled and stated,
“I will come tomorrow, Y/N.”
“I will be waiting!”
And then he left without buying a thing. All night, you thought about him as you sat in your tiny room, wrapped in the fur. He was the strongest, sweetest man you had ever met but…You felt bad about not having a gift for him. Maybe you could make him something? You wondered what he would like…
The next day, Drag kept his promise. He came into your store early, when the rest of the town was still asleep. He looked excited as he approached the counter and you smiled at him.
“I’m so happy to see you-oh!”
Drag had reached over the counter, plucking you up and over his shoulder. You were so surprised that you didn’t say a word as Drag walked out of your village and towards his stronghold. And all the while, he talked excitedly about how happy he was to take you home after courting you, it had been so hard to wait.
“Courting?” You finally asked.
He stopped. And placed you down, looking confused.
“Yes, courting. We completed our courting rituals.”
“I…I didn’t realize…”
Drag’s expression changed from confusion to embarrassment and hurt.
“I should have realized. This is my fault, Y/N, I will go.”
He quickly walked away but you couldn’t let him leave. You followed him, grabbing his large hand to stop him from walking away.
“Drag, wait! At least listen to me.”
He stopped, refusing to look at you…But still listening.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t realize your intentions, I don’t know much about orc traditions. But now that I know…I’m very happy.”
Slowly, Drag looked at you.
“You are?” He asked.
“I spent all night thinking of the perfect gift to give you…and I think I found it. I hope I’m a suitable present.”
He was smiling now, that brilliant wonderful smile. He took your hands in his, nodding a little.
“The best gift I could ever imagine.” He whispered, his thumb rubbing the top of your hand.
“Now…I believe you were taking me somewhere.”
Drag picked you back up, his hand on your bottom as you rested over his shoulder. You watched your little town vanish from sight but…you weren’t too sad about it. And you started to wonder what his home was like.
“I should probably find Ulrig and inform that humans aren’t aware of our courting rituals…if he hadn’t already left.” Drag mentioned.
You giggled, playing with his braid as you tracked down the dirt path. It wasn’t long before you entered a large stone house and Drag set you down. A fire was roaring, warming up the cold day, and there were furs draped over a couple of chairs. Drag promised to return soon but not before you asked him something.
“Can I kiss you?”
Drag smiled, leaning low and placing his lips upon yours. It was a sweet and simple kiss but, oh, you loved it. You wanted more of it. And you smiled, realizing that from now on, you could have as many as you like.
“I will be home soon, my love.” He whispered.
“I’ll be waiting.” You whispered in reply.
