Grathik narrows his eyes. “Most females prefer Elves. Think Goblins ugly.”
I glance at Auren as though inspecting a mildly irritating decoration. “I suppose the Elves are pretty,” I admit. “But goodness, that becomes dreadfully dull after a while.”
One Goblin snorts. “Elves boring.”
“Yes,” I agree. “Quite.”
I clap my hands again. “Well then. Shall we begin our journey?”
The Goblins look uncertain.
“Oh dear,” I add suddenly, trying to keep them off balance.
“What?”
“That attire will simply not do.”
They look down at themselves.
“You cannot escort a lady while looking like that,” I explain patiently. “You’ve clearly spent far too long roaming these woods.”
They shift awkwardly.
I sigh heavily. “If only there was a stream or a river nearby.”
Grathik frowns. “Why?’
“So you could bathe and wash your clothes, of course,” I say as if this is all expected and very reasonable.
One of them grins. “Stream over hill.” He gestures away from the camp.
“How wonderful,” I say with my best smile. “You’ve saved the day.”
He lifts his chin, proud of himself.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” I blink innocently at them.
They glance at one another in confusion.
“Well, go on then. Hurry up and wash.” I smile again. “The sooner you’re finished, the faster we can begin our journey.”
Several of them nod as if this all makes sense and they head in the direction of the stream. All but two of them: Grathik and one of his men.
“We watch prisoners,” he says to me.
“Of course.” I nod. “You’re very wise. One cannot be too careful when dealing with shifty Elves.”
He nods firmly, while Auren closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose between two fingers.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” I say delicately. “I must attend to a… private matter.”
They stare blankly, obviously confused, so I clear my throat and state bluntly, “I need to make water.”
Understanding dawns, and a deep blush spreads across their cheeks.
“Oooooh,” Grathik says and then turns his back to me. The other one turns away as well.
Rolling my eyes, I walk behind a nearby tree. Then I slip around the back of the glowing barrier.
