Ria the Orc: An Alternate Universe (complete)

Male Reader x Female Monster

Part One: Spring

Shearing season is coming soon, you thought to yourself. You stepped into the shed, taking a closer look at the shears and scissors. Just outside the sheep were bleating and following you towards the door. You could hear them brushing up against the side of the shed and pushing at the door.

“I’m coming back out, hold on.” You fussed. “You can live without me for five seconds.” You inspect the blade on the scissors and tried to think of when they were last sharpened. “I wonder where the whetstone went off to.” You tried looking around, but the sheep were growing even more impatient outside.

“Who's the shepherd here?” You snapped as you walked back outside. The sheep scattered around, acting like they hadn’t been trying to swarm the shed. As you walked away, they followed after you, removing themselves from grazing and resting to trot along behind you as you made your way back towards the farmhouse.

“Shame it’s only sheep that follow you around like that,” your mother laughed as you approached the gate.

You stopped and pouted slightly, glancing behind you at the dozens upon dozens of eyes looking at you. “Yeah well, we take the hands we’re given I suppose.”

Your mother chuckled. “They’ve done that since you were little. Used to call you the Little Sheep God.”

“I remember,” you huffed as you left the gate. The sheep gathered at the fence but slowly faded away, back to their corners as you approached the well where your mother was pulling up buckets.

“Would be nice if another sort of ewe followed your heels.” She gave you a smirk, partially teasing, but also half wishing.

You rolled your eyes, taking two buckets into your hands. “Are these going to the house?”

“Yes, yes,” she sighed. “Thank you, I could use the help.”

As you carted the buckets towards the house, you were left with the inkling it would be nice to have a girl. Not for lack of trying, you were just born knowing how to deal with sheep and not people. Shyness was the curse that followed your gift of being a sheep whisperer.

The next morning you went into Obresh, taking the shears and scissors with you to get sharpened. Town was already quite busy as you walked along the street. Businesses were filled with people and there was a hum to the air. Obresh had always been a big town, even before it was made a main port. But it was because of the port it had been growing steadily bigger and bigger with each passing year. You could remember what few businesses the old main street had when you were little. Now, both sides of the road were lined with storefronts, apartments, and more.

You scurried down the busy street turning down the road and heading towards the blacksmith. You could smell the smoke as you approached, and from inside you heard a hammer striking the anvil. It was quiet around the shop, but inside it was loud with hammers, shouting, and roaring fire.

The door was opened and you peered inside, seeing a glowing red door on the other side of the room. The way the shadows fell it almost seemed like a portal to hell.

“Looking for something?”

You nearly jumped out of your skin. Turning around you saw a lady orc standing behind you, wearing a thick dirty apron and elbow high gloves.

“Yeah. Yes. Uhm-” You lifted up your bag containing your gear. “I need these sharpened.”

The lady orc had dark eyes that glided over you. She smirked then peeked into your open bag. “Lemme guess? Shearing season?” She chuckled.

You nodded. “Yeah.” Something about her made you nervous. She was taller than you, more filled out than you, but that wasn’t what gave you pause.

She took out one of the scissors and ran a finger along the edge. “Caked in lanolin. When was the last time you cleaned these?” She teased. “Come on in, the whetstone is this way.”

You heard more shouting from inside. You averted your eyes from the shop. “I don’t want to be a bother. I can go buy a new whetstone if you’re busy.”

“Nonsense,” she laughed as she took you around the house. “You’re giving me a break from my brothers.” At the side there was an awning and a well, underneath was a great big wheel of stone upon a mount.

You stood under the awning while Ria went towards the well. “As long as it isn’t a bother.”

“None at all. We got this big order in and my brothers have turned it into this contest.” She took off the gloves and revealed the beautiful green skin underneath, freckled with darker shades of green, and light striations of pale mint. She sunk a bucket into the well and pushed up her sleeves.

Quickly you averted your eyes. “I thought Mr. Shel operated this place.”

“That’s our uncle.” She began turning the crank to lift a bucket from the well. “We took over the business from him.” She poured water under the big stone wheel then sat down beside it, pressing a pedal underneath to make the stone turn and become wet.

She then held her hand out. “Scissor me.”

For some reason your face grew bright red and warm. You handed her a pair of scissors and she used her apron to wipe off a blade. Her dark eyes studied the edge of a moment, then she cautiously pressed the thumb of her pad into the blade.

“I’m Ria by the way,” she said. She smoothed back a loose curl, tucking it into the tightly wound bun at the top of her head.

“Nice to meet you,” you said breathlessly. Your eyes linger on her arm, seeing her muscle, her firm bicep and toned forearm. Your eyes then glided up her strong shoulder and to her neck. Her jaw was well defined, her chin soft, her lips full, tusks nicely curved. You bit your lip and looked away, reprimanding yourself for staring at a lady.

“Are these your sheep you’re shearing? Or do you travel around shearing for people?” Ria asked. She pumped the pedal, making the wheel turn smoothly so the blades of the scissors were evenly detailed.

“Mine. My family's.” You swallowed down the nervous lump in your throat. “We’re Wandering Farms, near the edge of Obresh Woods.”

Ria looked up, her lips slightly pursed. “I know the place!” She said with awe. “My little cottage is near there. I see the sheep every morning when I come into town.”

“You live nearby?” You said, surprised.

“Yeah, there’s not much room here, and my brothers take up more than their fair share of space as is.” Ria took the blade off the wheel and inspected it. “The cottage was also my uncle’s so I was happy to take it. It’s clean and doesn’t smell like ass.”

“Yeah, I could understand that,” you chuckled. “I mean uhm… I’m basically the only one at the main farmhouse aside from my parents. It's kind of empty these days. But back when my siblings were there it was really crowded. But they all have their own houses now near the farm. Which is why I was surprised to hear you lived nearby too. I thought it was all just uh… family.”  You stopped yourself from spewing out words.

Ria looked up with a knowing smile on her face. “Oh man, I wish my brothers would do the same. But they’re all waiting to make sure they find the right one,” she laughed. “So, you’ve got a big family too, huh?”

You nodded.

“Me too.” She handed you the scissors then took another pair. “Are you the baby too?”

You frowned. “No. The opposite actually.”

Ria glanced briefly towards you then back at the whetstone. “I usually never get that wrong,” she said with a laugh. “I’m the baby, and the only girl. I don’t know how I survived not being squashed as a baby,” she laughed.

“Strong baby.” You felt stupid saying that.

“I must have been!” Ria lifted the scissors and inspected them, switching blades. “It must be fun working with animals. I always like seeing the sheep along the fence when I walk in.”

You shrugged, taking a few steps closer to her. “That's all I know. I like it, but I wouldn’t know how to compare it to any other sort of job. Sheep is all my family has done since my great-grandfather.”

“I get it,” she said with a nod. “We’ve been blacksmiths going back as far as fire was discovered I believe. I wouldn’t know what to do if there wasn’t an anvil somewhere in my field of vision.”

You nodded, not being able to recall a day you went without seeing a sheep. Even when you were sick and laid up you could still always see them from your window. “Would you want to do anything else?”

Ria shrugged. “Maybe. But I don’t know what else I’m built for.”

Looking at her arms, you would say hugging, but you grew deeply embarrassed of yourself and forced yourself to look away.

“There.” She finished off the scissors. “You should give these a good cleaning. That lanolin can build up.”

“Thank you.” Taking the scissors your fingers brushed with Ria’s and your cheeks grew even warmer. “What do I owe you?”

Ria stood, coming real close to you. “Do you have any lambs right now?” She asked with a hushed tone.

You swallowed again and nodded. “Yeah, but I can’t give any away right now.”

Ria shook her head. Her cheeks had turned a darker shade as she looked at you. “I just wanna see them. Maybe hold one. They’re so cute. Could I come by and see them, as my payment?”

Why did this make her so cute? You nodded. “Oh, sure! We’ve got a bunch right now.”

Her smile grew big and lovely. “I’ll be out of here before supper. If you don’t mind, that is.”

You shook your head, heart hammering away inside your chest to where it felt hard to breathe. “Not at all.”

She giggled excitedly. “Thank you! I’m so excited!” She pranced her feet and clapped her hands together.

“We have a few baby goats right now too.”

Her eyes grew wider. “You have goats?”

A smile grew on your face and warm spread out through your chest and into your fingertips. “My dad got tricked into buying them. Guy told him they were a rare breed of sheep. But no, now my mom is figuring out how to make goat’s cheese.”

“How does a sheep farmer get tricked into buying goats?”

You sighed and shook your head. “I’m not sure. I think my dad has a bit of a screw loose.”

Ria giggled. “Well, it can’t be too awful. I’m sure there’s benefits to the goats.”

“They’ve made good guards, I’ll grant them that.” You smile at her, your heart pounding away until it felt like it might shake your teeth loose “but uhm-” you rubbed at your neck. “Come by anytime really. The sheep love guests. I think they’re sick of us sometimes,” you laughed weakly.

Ria giggled. “Okay, great! I can’t wait.” She walked with you back around the house. Inside the shop the shouting had grown, replacing the sound of hammers. “Oh great, they’re at it again.” She rolled her eyes then looked at you. “Best be on your way before they drag you into it.”

“Into what?” You asked.

Just as you asked, an orc came flying through the door and onto the ground. You flinched and Ria grunted.

“It was nice meeting you.” She waved then whipped around with a terrifying glare. “Hey! We just fixed that door!” She stormed towards the shop while you left down the path.

You smiled, feeling nervous even though she wasn’t around. You glanced back down the path, taking in a deep breath. “Ria,” you murmured. “Wow.”

That evening as you worked you kept glancing towards the road. Doing your chores, you found it hard to keep yourself focused on the tasks at hand. The road was there and soon Ria would be appearing on it. You’d get to see her again. Better yet you’d be prepared and not act like an idiot in front of her.

“What are you doing?”

You jolted, facing your sister as she came out of the house. She was holding the cake your mom made and had a strange look on her face.

“Doing what?” You murmured.

She pointed to the floor. “You’ve been sweeping the same spot on the porch since I got here.” She put her hand on your forehead. “You alright?”

“I’m fine,” you swatted her hand back and went back to sweeping the porch. “Just got lost in thought is all.”

She looked you up and down before descending the stairs. “Dad said you got the scissors sharpened today. You know we have the whetstone at the house, why didn’t you come get it.”

You shook your head, twisting your mouth back into a firm line. “I just forgot.”

“Uh uh,” she clicked her tongue. “Yeah I never liked sharpening them myself. I’d rather shill out the few bucks for-” She drifted off, her eyes wandering towards the edge of the field and to the fence. “Whose that?”

You followed her gaze, seeing Ria approaching. You dropped the broom and stepped down, rushing out in front of your sister. “Let me help you with the gate.”

Your sister kept her eye on Ria. “I recognize her from somewhere,” she murmured.

You kept trying to shoo her away, even taking the cake and rushing towards the gate with it. “It was nice to see you today. Will you be bringing the kids when we start shearing?”

“Hello!” Ria called out from the road.

Your sister waved. “Are you expecting company?” She said this like she was dangling a sword over your head. She smirked tauntingly, just like she used to when you were kids. “Are you finally having a girlfriend over?”

You handed her the cake. “I owe her for the sharpening today.”

“Hello there!” You sister waved to Ria and you crumpled up inside like so many dry leaves. “So you’re one of the new blacksmiths?”

“Please go home,” you muttered under your breath.

“That I am,” Ria chuckled politely as she approached. She then gasped. “I recognize you, you live up the road from me.” Her hair was down from the tight bun she had earlier that day. Long dark hair fell around her shoulders and back. It looked soft to the touch, and so silky in the sunset.

Your sister lit up “That’s where I know you! I’m sorry I haven’t invited you over, but we’ve been so busy getting everything together for our garden we’ve not so much noticed our noses, let alone neighbors.”

“Please go home,” you whispered again.

“No worries, I’ve been busy at the shop anyways, not much time between that and getting settled.” Ria’s dark eyes landed on you, and in the light of the setting sun they glowed like amber. Your cheeks warmed and your palms grew sweaty.

“And what are you doing here visiting my brother?” Your sister asked.

You motioned towards the road, urging your sister to go. “That cake will dry out before the kids get ahold of it.”

“He invited me to see the lambs,” Ria said.

Your sister’s eyes flicked towards you. “I see.”

You felt so dry and dusty inside.

“Well I won't keep you then.” Your sister said, finally leaving the gate. “Don’t be a stranger, Ms. Ria.” She waved as she walked down the road.

Ria smiled then looked down at you. You collected your face, putting it back into a polite order. “She seems nice,” she said.

“Seems,” you murmured. “Come on, this way. We’ve got the babies in the barn for the night.”

“I’ve been so excited all day.” Ria walked along beside you.

That’s when your heart started hammering again. It rattled your ribs at first, then became a low, dull throb within your veins. You took her into the barn and the lambs were bleating already.

“Oh!” Ria squealed quietly.

Lambs came rushing from their beds, coming up to you and surrounding you. You knelt down, plucking one up and handing it over to Ria. Her eyes widened, and gingerly she took the small creature into her strong arms. She pet it softly, letting it nudge against her hand then look around with a wide expression.

“It’s so little!” She said, eyes growing dewy and starry.

You smiled, heart fit to burst the more you looked at her.

“Do you keep raising them or do you sell them?” Ria asked with an air of excitement.

You sat down, letting the lambs gather around you and fight for a position in your lap. “Some we keep, depending on if we lost any during the year. Some we have to sell.”

Ria joined you in sitting, holding the one lamb in her lap then reaching out to pet the others. “I bet it would get crowded really fast if you tried to keep them all.”

“We keep what we need. No more. No less.”

Looking up from the lambs, Ria eyed you, taking note of how they all flocked to you and demanded attention from you. “They really like you.”

You nodded, a shy smile on your lips. “Ever since I was a kid the sheep were always strangely drawn to me.”

“That must be nice for a shepherd,” she said brightly.

I nodded. “It is. I’ve always taken care of them, gone to the fields with them, because they just always liked me more than any of my siblings.”

Ria tilted her head to the side. “Is that why you’re the only one who still lives here? Because you feel obligated to the sheep?”

You thought for a moment, a slight pout on your lips. “I guess so. Maybe.” You shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never really had a reason to do anything else.”

Ria nodded, glancing back down to the lamb snuggled in her lap. “I don’t mean to make that sound like it’s bad. It’s not. If you’re happy with your sheep, then that’s wonderful.”

There could be more, you thought. You then smiled. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Part Two: Summer

The drive back from the fair was always miserable. The sun was so high and hot you felt like you were cooking in the oven. The fair had gone well at least, all the sheep had sold and you had a pretty handsome sum to take back home. But it was always lonely on the way back, the cart was empty and light, and you could hear everything rattling and rolling around in the back.

Your sister’s house was the first you passed by. But before it was Ria’s cottage. She had clothes hanging out on a line, and it looked like she wasn’t home yet. You watched her windows as you rode past, wondering just what she had been up to since you left for the fair.

You sighed and slouched back in the front seat of the cart. “She probably hasn’t thought about you much at all. Stop daydreaming,” you muttered to yourself. “You’re lucky she talks to you at all.” You gazed up at the sky, watching the blue faded into orange and pink. “Orcs like her don’t go for guys like you.”

“You’re back!”

You sat back up in your seat, seeing Ria coming running down the road. You came to a stop and Ria hopped into the cart with you.

“How was the fair?” Ria pulled you into a hug and you thought your heart might erupt. “Did you do well? See anything amazing?”

You took a second to recoup from that tight embrace. “Uh…yeah. Really good.” You cleared your throat and sat up stiff in your seat. “Want me to take you home?”

Ria shook her head. “I’ll ride back with you. I don’t mind the walk home.” She settled into her seat. “I want to hear about how you’ve been.”

The burning of your cheeks intensified, going up to the tip of your ears and even down into your chest. “Oh, okay uh-”

“You sold all the sheep?” Ria turned to look in the back.

You nodded.

She turned and faced you. The summer sun had caused more freckles to spread along her shoulders and face. It looked like she was wearing a glittering emerald mask around her eyes. Her hair held highlights as well that shined like polished mahogany. “That’s great! Anything else good happen?”

“I was by myself this year so I didn’t get much of a chance to look around.” You said. “But I do have some souvenirs in the back.”

“Too bad, but hey, I bet your family will love that.”

Your neck was too tense to turn and look at her. “I got you something too.”

Ria’s hand slipped over yours and she gripped at your fingers. “You’re so sweet. You didn’t have to do that!”

A smile grew and you finally could move your head to look at her. “Well, I wanted to. I saw it and I was just really taken by it so…it’s nothing really. I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will. It’s a gift from you after all.”

You stopped the cart again under the shade of a tree. You reached into the back, grabbing the bag you packed with all the souvenirs inside. You searched through the contents, mainly some candy you could share with the family. You pulled out the small cloth bag from inside which held Ria’s gift.

“You always have your hair tied back when you work. So I thought you might like this.” Inside the bag was a set of hair pins. One was golden with a small stone at the top. The other was silver and had a carved moth at the top.

Ria took them and held them in her palm, a rather soft look appeared on her face. Her brows pinched and she gently touched the small charms on each of the pins.

“You don’t have to wear them or anything on my account.” You were giving her an out. You fidgeted in your seat, wanting to see more on her face than she was giving. “If they’re not your style or anything.”

Ria looked up slowly towards you, her eyes a little misted, and her bottom lip in a small pout. “Thank you. These are amazing,” she said with breathless cadence. She clutched them to her chest and smiled at you. “I’ve never gotten anything like this as a gift before. I always get tools or things for work. Maybe some clothes. This is a real treat for me! Thank you!”

Your heart was shot, pierced, bleeding from a pin prick and your body was filling with the warmth leaking from inside. “R-really?”

“They’re beautiful. I love them.” Ria reached out, taking you into another embrace with one arm. Her hair brushed against your face, her cheek rested against your neck. For a moment, the world was still and perfect. Her warmth, her scent, it was all like a dream you didn’t want to wake from.

“This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.” Ria pulled back and smiled brightly. She then lingered, not moving away but not moving any closer. You held your breath, eyes locked with hers. You didn’t know what was happening, but you wanted it to happen soon.

Ria moved in close, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. She then sat back, looking back down at the hairpins while you tried to catch your breath. You cleared your throat and took the reins again.

“I’m just happy you like them,” you said.

Ria gathered up her hair. “They’ll come in very handy. I am afraid to wear them to work a bit.” She tucked her hair back, using the pins to hold it in place. “How do they look?”

You could only look at her. You only wanted to look at her. “Beautiful.”

She grinned, her cheeks darkened and eyes bright. “I’ll try to wear them as much as I can then.” She touched the back of her neck, smoothing her fingers up along her hair towards the pins. “It’s a good thing your fair happens during the summer.”

You were letting the horse go slowly to extend your time alone with Ria, but now you could see the roof of your barn. “How so?”

“Because then you don’t get to miss the festival in Obresh. It would have been a shame if you weren’t able to go.” Ria placed her hands back into her lap, fidgeting with the leg of her pant.

“Oh yeah. The festival,” you murmured. “I rarely go.”

Ria leaned in. “Really? Why?”

You shrugged, trying to keep a frown at bay. “Because of the reaping. I…well, I never really have anyone to go with.”

Ria brow creased and she eased back into her seat. “It’s still fun to attend. And you could go with me this year. I don’t really have anyone to go with either, but I love the festival.”

Glancing her way you saw a soft smile on her face, a gentle color to her cheeks. “You’d really wanna go with me?”

“Why not?” Ria replied. “It would be fun. And like you said, it is more fun to go with someone else.” She tilted her head towards you again. “So what do you say?”

You nodded shyly. “Sure. It would be fun.” A smile blossomed on your face. “But it’s still a couple of months away. Why are you planning now?”

“Why not?” Ria giggled. “It’ll be fun to look forward to.”

It would be, you thought to yourself, a bit sad when you reached the gates to the farm. You and Ria bid one another good night and you went home.

In bed you laid there, gazing up at the ceiling and letting out a long, drawn sigh. “The festival with Ria,” you murmured to yourself. The festival usually took place after the annual Reaping happened. The new couples would appear in public for the first time, and it was sort of a big deal. You never went because of that. It was awkward. But going with Ria might not be so bad, even as friends.

Rolling over in bed you looked towards the window. Your thoughts drifted to what Ria might be doing at that moment. If she was home, she could be having something to eat. Maybe she was getting comfortable and taking off her clothes. Your body grew warm all over at the thought. Her shirt pulling back from her back and arms, her pants dropped down around her ankles. Her skin illuminated by candlelight, all her new, dark freckles appearing like gemstones. She would then take the pins from her hair, letting it fall down.

“Shit,” you huffed. “She’s your friend. Just your friend,” you told yourself. “This summer heat is getting to you.” You fidgeted in bed, unable to get the idea of Ria’s bare skin in candlelight out of your mind. Her back strong and toned, her arms flexing as she reached back to pull up her hair to cool down the back of her neck.

You swallowed and shook your head again. “Just the heat. I need to cool down.” You got up out of bed and went outside, sitting down on the porch. You leaned back, staring up at the night sky. A soft breeze blew by and you thought to yourself how much you’d like Ria to be there.

“Don’t hurt yourself,” you muttered.

The next day it was back to work as usual. There were less sheep to take care of, but they still followed you around in a big cluster. As evening settled in, you were getting the sheep ready for the night when you saw Ria by the gate. You put the sheep away then made your way towards the gate.

“What are you doing here?” You asked.

Ria leaned over the gate towards you. “I saw you out in the field so I thought I’d stop and say hello. Also thought I’d invite you over to my place.”

Your stomach dropped and your heart shot up into the back of your throat. “What for?”

Ria’s brows pinched. “What for?” She sat up slightly. “To have you over.”

“Oh!” You gasped and quickly scrambled. “No. No! Sorry, my brain isn’t quite working. I’d love to come over, I was just surprised so-”

Ria giggled. “You scared me for a second. I thought I could have you for dinner to thank you properly for my new hairpins.” She pointed to the back of her head where you could see the pins holding up her hair.

“You don’t have to do that.” Your heart pounded in your ears.

She shrugged. “I want to. So what do you say?”

You smoothed your hand down the front of your chest. “I should go change, I’ve been in these clothes in the hot sun all day.”

“Right. Right.” Ria nodded. “Well then, why don’t you get ready and meet me at my house? It’ll give me time to change too and I can start dinner.”

“Sure, that will work,” you said, a bit breathlessly. “Are you still sure you want me to come over?”

“Of course, Silly!” she giggled. “No need to rush, get there when you get there.” She turned and started heading back, glancing over her shoulder once as you stood there trying to calm down.

You quickly changed, washed up a bit out of fear, then set out towards Ria’s place. You had never been to a lady’s house before. To say you were nervous wasn’t even the tip of that mountain. The road was one you walked constantly, especially since some of your siblings lived on this exact route. But you’d never walked it like this before.

Once you saw Ria’s little cottage, you stopped to collect yourself. “It’s alright. Ria wants you here. Ria invited you.” You took a deep breath. “You got this.” You walked up to her house and knocked on her door.

“Come on in!” Ria called.

You took another breath and opened the door. You stepped right into the kitchen. Ria was standing over the stove, her hair tied up, revealing her bare back to you. Your heart stopped, your guts dropped and you stood there at the door unable to move.

Ria turned slightly. “Make yourself comfortable! I’ll make a drink if you want in just a second. Want to make sure this doesn’t clump up.” She turned back and you saw she had a tie around her neck attached to a shirt. You relaxed a bit, feeling silly you’d think she’d be naked when you arrived.

“No rush.” You sat down at her table, looking around her home to take in what Ria was like. There were dried flowers everywhere, hanging from the ceiling, in little vases, strung along the wall. There was a tapestry along the back of the door which was bright blue and yellow. Towards the back you saw her bed, which was messy and had her clothes draped over the frame.

Ria caught you looking and she smirked. “I don’t have a big fancy house like you, this little cottage is all I need though.”

“No, no, it’s nice!” You gasped.

Ria stepped away from the stove and smiled. “I wasn’t planning on having you over, so it’s not as tidy.”

“I don’t mind. It’s nice seeing you comfortable.”

Ria grinned and she stepped over towards you. “I’d give you a tour, but from here you can see everything.” She put her hands upon her hips, looking around her small place. “I always kind of wanted a place like this when I was little. Granted, I wanted my own room as a kid, guess this is about right.” She took a seat before you. “What about you?”

Your eyes widened. “What about me?”

Ria gazed into your eyes, her soft expression made you melt a little. “Did you ever want a place of your own growing up?”

“Oh uh-” You tapped your fingers on the table top. “I mean, of course I did. Some sort of place for, you know, my family and all. Nothing huge like my parent’s place. Maybe, something like this, or a bit bigger. A couple of rooms.” You shrugged. “I’d still like to have some sheep around.”

Ria rested her chin into her palm. “So, you want a family and sheep.”

You nodded. “Well, at least a wife. I’m not sure about the rest of the family thing,” you chuckled.

Ria’s smile grew coy, it was small and faint, but you sensed an air of teasing to it. “What did you picture for your wife? Someone pretty and willowy? Or something more cute and plump?”

“Oof,” you huffed. “Geez, that’s a big question there, Ria.”

She let out a laugh and reached across the table, placing her hand over yours. “I’m serious. Come on, you can tell silly Ria, can’t you?”

Not really, you thought. That would give just too much away. “I never thought much about appearance if that’s what you’re getting at. I just thought, if she makes me happy and we’re happy together, then what does it matter? Obviously if she’s with me then-”

Under the table Ria gently tapped your shin with her foot. “Don’t say what I think you’re going to say!” Her look was scolding, but her eyes were bright and playful.

Your cheeks ached with rouge. You smiled at her, letting out a slight laugh. “Well I mean-”

She playfully kicked your leg again. “Don’t. I mean it.” Her scolding expression gave way to a smile, one that grew as you two locked eyes.

You bowed your head, looking at her hand covering your own. “I just want someone who likes me, who makes me feel safe and loved,” you answered. “Someone, I guess, stronger than I am. I feel like I could use a little extra backbone.”

“A strong woman,” Ria murmured. “I wonder where you would find that.”

You smiled up at her, enjoying the feeling of her hand over your own. “Who knows,” you sighed. “Maybe there’s someone like that in Obresh.”

“Maybe,” Ria giggled. She stood up from the table. “Sorry, I’ll get us some drinks now,” she replied. “Want something strong?” Ria asked.

“Oh, sure.” You said in reflex. You watched her go into the kitchen, see her back to you, the muscles from her shoulders, the way her waist tapered. You looked away, ashamed at yourself.

Ria poured you a glass of something and before the night was over that strong drink was gone and you woke with a headache.

Part Three: Fall

The leaves were changing, and the air was growing crisp. It was your favorite time of year, especially to work in. All of Obresh was alive with the humming and preparation for the Reaping, the annual event where the orcs choose their mate.

“With all the people moving into Obresh this year it’s bound to be a big one.” Your dad said to the clerk at the general store. You were loading up sacks of flour and sugar, as your father stocked up once every season.

“I’ve heard the elders are making new regulations for it,” the clerk said.

You were drifting away, watching the ocean and the boats heading out onto the waves. You wondered what it would be like to sail, unaware were were being snuck up on.

Hands grasped around your eyes, blinding your vision. “Guess who!”

“Holy hells! Ria! You scared me!”

Ria giggled and stepped back. “You’re so easy. Sometimes it isn’t fun.” She stood beside you, looking into the back of the cart. “Shopping day?”

“Dad’s stock up day. He gets antsy if he sees space on a shelf in our pantry,” you huffed.

“Maybe that’s a good thing,” Ria said. “I’ve heard it’s going to be a rough winter this year.”

“How rough?” You asked.

“Rough enough you better find someone at this years reaping,” she said with a smirk.

You pouted and Ria slapped your back. “You have that big house to keep warm. You must go through wood as fast as it can be chopped.”

“Kind of,” you murmured.

Ria looked out over the ocean. “They say it’s gonna be a huge reaping this year too. At least from what my brothers keep gassing about on and on.”

“Yeah, that’s what my dad was just saying too.” You looked back into the shop. “I’ll probably be with the sheep.”

Ria’s head slightly turned then she just as quickly looked away. “You won’t be in town to watch?”

You shrugged. “No reason to be. Besides, you know crowds make me nervous.”

“Yeah, I know. Just figured tradition-” She stopped herself and forced a laugh. “Guess I’ll be working too.” She looked at you again. “Kind of romantic though.”

“Working?”

Ria grinned and playfully hit your arm. “Sure. Work.” she laughed.

The Reaping never meant much to you. It was just another day. Of course, part of you was jealous. All these orcs were taking their intended, creating lives, making families. But you couldn’t get too mad at that, you’d do it too if you were that lucky.

The day of the reaping was like any other day, although there was a crackle in the air you couldn’t place. As you were working, you kept feeling a need to go and look at the gate. Every so often you’d see an orc go by with someone on their shoulder, but aside from that the road was quiet.

One time, while helping your mother sort through jars of dried seeds, you looked up and saw Ria coming through the gate. You sat up in attention and your mother went quiet.

“Wonder what Ms. Ria is doing here,” she murmured.

You stepped off the porch watching as Ria came closer. She soon stood before you, a determined glint to her eye and her fists clenched tight.

“Everything alright, dear?” Your mom asked.

“I’m taking your son,” Ria said sternly.

Your heart stopped.

“Oh. I suppose that’s fine,” you mom sounded as confused as you were.

Ria stooped a bit, grabbing you by the waist and picking you up off the ground then placing you on your shoulder. “Thank you!” She said with a shaky voice to your mother. She then left, carrying you through the gate and down the road. You watched the dust as it kicked up behind her feet. She walked with a confidant stride, but her hand that held you felt a bit clammy and tense. You looked back up, seeing the farm fading into the distance behind you.

“Ria?” Your voice cracked.

“Yeah?”

“What’s happening?”

“The Reaping.”

“Oh.”

You watched the road as Ria walked, seeing her footsteps in the dirt as she carried you. There wasn’t much going on in your head, everything was happening and that was all you knew. The Reaping, she said. The Reaping.

Ria was reaping.

It then hit you that Ria was reaping you.

You swallowed, finding your mouth and throat were so dry. “Ria?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you…reaping me?”

Ria picked up her pace, almost running. “Can we talk about this later? I barely talked myself into this!”

“Ria!” You yelped.

Ria sat you down at her cottage, panting from the sprint she did from the road. She wiped her brow, looking down at you with bleary eyes. She then knelt, kissing you passionately. “Please,” she whispered. “I know I didn’t ask but…please. Come inside with me.”

You swallowed and nodded, barely able to catch your breath. “Yeah. Let’s…let’s go inside. I want to go inside.”

Ria took hold of your hand, holding it tightly as she pulled you into her cottage. She gently closed the door then continued to lead you deeper inside. She took you to her bed and the two of you stood there looking at one another.

“I have a lot of questions,” you whispered.

She nodded sheepishly. “I know. But…” Her hand holding your shook. “I want you. Now. I have for so long.”

There was no way to tell if you were living or dead. If you were dead and this was heaven, you weren’t going to argue. But if you were alive and this was really happening, you might die from joy if you allowed it to continue.

“Wah-wah-” You couldn’t get the words out, but it didn’t matter. Ria’s kiss was strong and warm. As you held onto her you felt a rush that completely knocked aside any nerves. Her kiss deepened, her tusks pressed into your cheeks. She moved you, pushing you down onto the bed then crawling on top of you.

This is it, this is heaven.

Ria sat up, gazing into your eyes then kissed you again. She pushed you down into the bed, kissing down your body, pushing away your clothes so she could kiss your belly, your chest. She worked off your pants, tugging them down.

Ria looked up at you. “Is it…can we…I want to.” You stroked her hand down your body, placing a soft kiss upon your belly then hip. “I know it’s sudden.”

You braced yourself up, looking at her in the eye. You reached down, removing the pins from her hair. “I didn’t know.”

Ria rose, kissing you softly. “You should have. All this time I’ve just wanted you. I guess I’ve been a bit of a chicken myself.” She sat herself in your lap. “We can talk if you want. I can…go stand in the river if I have to,” she chuckled.

You put your hands on her hips, slowly moving your palms up to push up her shirt. Ria moaned softly, her eyes closing as you touched her bare skin, her muscled stomach, her firm breasts.

“I want you too, Ria,” you whispered.

Ria bit her lip. “I know. I feel it.”

“Oh uh, I guess you would.” You swallowed hard, trying to keep everything in focus. Her breasts pressed into your palms, and you could feel the hard peaks against you skin. Ria moaned, moving her hips to rub into you.

“Okay one second.” Ria sat up and pulled off her shirt. Suddenly, that beautiful body you’d dared to daydream about, was right in front of you. You didn’t have much time to take her all in though, as Ria was moving down, tugging your pants off.

“Ria,” you whimpered.

“I just…I need to.” Ria took hold of you in her hand. You seized and fell backwards onto the bed, your head spinning from everything happening so fast. “It’ll feel good, I promise.” She whispered. Her tongue then glided up your cock and you let out a somewhat pathetic cry.

Ria giggled. “I want you to make noise. I want you to feel good.” She took your tip, swirling her tongue around it, then took you into her mouth.

“Fuck-” you grunted. “Oh fuck!”

Moaning against you, Ria took you deeper into her mouth. Her tongue pressed against you, driving you crazy with her warmth.

“That’s amazing-” you panted. “Oh gods…Ria!”

She pulled up, only to lower her head back down. You felt the tip of your cock hit against the softness of her throat and you covered your face with your hands, moaning loudly into them. Ria giggled, lifting her head up to look at you.

“Having fun?”

You could only grunt in reply.

“You’re so hard,” she purred. “So good.” She slurped down the side of your shaft, licking and kissing. “I’ve been dreaming of this.”

Ria? She was dreaming about you? You looked down at her, seeing her lips around your cock with a hungry gaze in her eyes.

“Ever since I first saw you, I knew.” Ria sat up, kicking away her pants as she climbed back on top of you. “You are so cute and sweet.” She rubbed her wet slit along your shaft. “I wanted to kiss you all over.”

You stretched out your hands, taking holding of her hips as she rutted against you. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing, but you wanted to hear more.

“I kept imagining you in my bed. I wanted to…the night I had you over,” Ria moaned. “But I got nervous and then I got too drunk.” You whimpered as she moved. “But with the reaping…I had to. I couldn’t chicken out again.” She went still, pushing her thick hair back and away from her face. She sat up slightly, guiding your cock to her slick folds. Gazing into your eyes, Ria smiled gently. Your breath was ragged, but you nodded, wanting her to keep going.

“I felt the same all this time, Ria.”

Her gaze was soft and sweet. As she took you inside she cried out and shuddered. Her body tensed, her well earned muscles flexed. Inside she constricted around you, holding you deep and tight. You were drowning in her, and it felt so good.

“You feel amazing,” Ria whimpered. “Filling me up inside, so deep.” She began to move, grinding you inside her. She grit her teeth groaning as she moved. “That’s it, right there.”

“You’ll make me cum,” you whined.

“Not yet, please,” Ria pouted. “Hold on as long as you can.” She grabbed hold of your thighs, using them as balance to lift herself up.

It was a big order to fill, but you focused on your efforts on making sure you didn’t finish too soon. After all, you wanted this moment to last as long as it could. Ria was on top of you, you were inside her, she was beautiful, perfect, it was heaven.

It felt like a miracle really. All this time you’d assured yourself that you could only be friends with Ria. All this time your own doubt had gotten in the way. All this time you could have been with her. All this time you could have held her and loved her.

“I’m close,” Ria panted. “Oh fuck. It’s so good!” She cried out, throwing her head back, her long dark hair spilling out. She thrust against you, taking you deeper and harder inside. As much as you would have loved to have lasted longer, to have carried on this lovemaking into eternity, you weren’t that strong.

“Ria! Ria!” You cried out her name, letting yourself release deep inside her. You saw white spots before your eyes, blocking out your view of Ria and her beautiful face.

It wasn’t until later when the sun was in your eyes that you returned to reality. It all had to be a dream, you thought as you woke up. You stirred in bed, taking in a breath as you opened your eyes. The bed was warm and so soft, the sunlight coming from the window caught a crystal charm that casted rainbows along the bed.

This wasn’t your bed.

“Mm,” Ria laid her arm around you and rested her head upon your chest.

You froze. It was still a dream. Or you were still dead.

“There you are.” Ria pressed a soft, sleepy kiss to your lips. “That was wonderful.” She rested back upon your chest with a huge smile.

“It was,” you said without a breath in your body.

Ria’s leg curled up around yours. “I’ve been dreaming of this for so long, I was worried I built it up in my head. But this is so much better than I expected. I feel so close to you.”

You stroked her hair, feeling it flow between your fingers. Her skin was soft and warm, and her soft breaths on your chest felt unbelievably good.

“This isn’t a dream is it?”

“I hope not,” Ria giggled. She sat up, looking into your eyes. “I reaped you, and I’m so glad I did” She kissed you again, moving her body more on top of yours.

“I’m still trying to take that in,” you chuckled. “I’ve liked you too, Ria. All this time. I sort of convinced myself I wasn’t good enough.”

“Absolutely foolish.” Ria kissed your face over and over. She then rose from the bed and stretched, and you were really able to drink her in. You stroked your hand down her back, and she shivered.

“Sorry,” you murmured.

“No. It feels good.” She glanced back at you from over her shoulder.

You sat up to sit beside her and she turned to face you. You kissed, touching and holding each other close.

“What made you decide to go through with the reaping?” You asked.

“From the shop I saw the reaping happening. I saw so many happy faces, so many joyous people, and I kept thinking about you. How much I wanted it to be us. So…I just sprinted towards the farm. I didn’t stop until I saw you.” She looked into your eyes. “I know you were freaked out. But if I didn’t do it-”

“No. I’m glad you did. If it had been left up to me we never would have-” You didn’t want to think of it now. “You’re stronger than me. I need that.”

Ria smiled. “I know most discuss the reaping before it happens. But we have time to do that. We can build our dream house together, we can make up for all that lost time.” She took your hand and laced your fingers together. “We can make love all we want.”

You shuddered. “I’m still sensitive, don’t get me started again.”

Ria giggled then wrapped her arms around you and kissed you. “What if I want to?” She purred. “You felt so good, maybe I want more.”

You swallowed. “D-do you?”

She pushed you back down into the bed with a laugh. “Do you?”

You gulped, taking your time to get a few good breaths in. “In a minute.”

Ria busted out laughing and cuddled up close to you. “Okay. Maybe I should feed you before I deplete you again.” She kissed your cheek. She sighed deeply, dreamily, and rested her body. “The festival will be much better now, won’t it?”

You ran your fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. “Yeah. It will. I’ll have the best girl in the world by my side.”

Ria squealed and hugged you tighter. “And I’ll have the best guy.” She kissed your neck and warmth shot through your body. If this truly was real, you weren’t sure how you’d survive. But at least you had Ria to help you along the way.