"Yes, he's here. Yamiji, go get your father."
The boy nods and runs in the house. Kyoshiro emerges, a robe hanging open, revealing his taut and lanky body. He looks to you, spots the token and sighs.
"Tomorrow," he says, tossing Skaar a pouch with a few gold coins in it. "Let me enjoy the rest of the day with my family. My men still need rest as well."
Skaar nods. He pauses to study the boy again and thinks of Kaar.
"What's the coin for?"
"Get yourself a room and relax," Kyoshiro says. "Hong has done much for us. We always repay our respect and gratitude to him and those he has deemed worthy."
Skaar quickly tosses the pouch back.
"Keep it. I got coin. Use it to buy somethin' for the boy", the hulking greenskin says matching the marveling child's gaze.
"See ya in the mornin'."
Skaar turns and heads toward the inn.
"Come on Corda. Let's see if we can get some red meat. I'm starvin'."
You return to the Sun Blossom Inn. The innkeeper bows deeply to Skaar upon noticing the token.
"What may I do for you, honored student of Hong?"
"Room for the night and food for the two of us", Skaar grunts.
The big orc touches the amulet gently.
"Hong means a lot to you folks doesn't he?"
"Hong is the reason this town knows peace," the innkeeper says. "He is a humble man and probably did not share his stories."
Skaar nods, ”You can tell ‘em over dinner.”
The innkeeper bows and heads to the kitchen while you place your belongings in a room. You return to the dining area to find a large slab of beef sizzling on a hot skillet. The innkeeper wheels in trays of vegetables, fish and rice.
Skaar grins around his thick tusks at the sight of the sizzling meat. He quickly seats himself and pounds the spot next to him with a gesture at Corda..
"Come on girl, take a seat. I've been needin' this almost as much as I've been needin' a tumble. Mmm, that smell!"
The innkeeper politely allows you to enjoy a good amount of the food offered before taking a seat.
"Honorable Hong was born Fei Lu Hong, almost one hundred years ago. Fei Lu was a brash and cocky man, using his talents to steal, bully and otherwise torment others. He fell in with a group of bandits known as "The Golden Dragons" and they quickly became a terror of this region. But such was his prowess that the leader of this gang dismissed all but Fei Lu. Soon, Fei Lu realized that he did not need the support of this leader, quickly defeating him in a duel and taking leadership of the Golden Dragons.
None would join him out of fear, so Fei Lu was always alone. Doors would be shut at rumors of his arrival and no man would ever look him in the eye. Fei Lu left for a mountain for many years dwelling upon his loneliness. It was then he realized the values and traits of Strength and Wisdom. When he returned to civilization almost twenty years later, he began by serving others and once worked for me, though he was my senior, without asking for pay.
Five years later, separatists began stirring up trouble in the region, trying to rally support against the Emperor. Fei Lu had not fought a single opponent since he retreated to the mountains, but he was the first to meet these rebels and crush their rebellion. The separatists were led by a corrupt governor named Shin Wei, who was also a master of Tora no Ken, a forbidden style of martial arts. It was not clear whether Fei Lu knew about Shin Wei, but he did not flinch when Shin Wei challenged him to a duel.
Shin Wei was a flashy fighter, a flaw that Fei Lu exploited, defeating the corrupt man with a single blow. It was then that Fei Lu felt that he had redeemed himself. He renounced his name at that point, simply calling himself Hong. Hong then left for the mountains for another five years to dwell upon what he had learned.
A great and evil dragon appeared in the province, killing people and eating cattle. Hong soon appeared as if from nowhere and challenged it to a duel. The proud dragon accepted and fought with Hong for forty-seven consecutive days, neither resting or eating. On the forty-eighth day, Hong gave the dragon a day of rest, which the tired dragon accepted. Hong spent that day training while the dragon slept. On the forty-ninth day, they resumed their battle. The mountains quaked with the force of Hong's punches and kicks. The dragon was in no shape to continue and, on the fiftieth day, Hong finished the battle decisively.
The province gave him a new name, Mei Yo Hong or "Honorable" Hong. The Emperor asked him his desire and Honorable Hong only asked for a plot of land on which he could build his monastery. He accepted all students that came to him, either dismissing them or taking them on based on their talents. Even a simple shopkeeper could become one of Hong's students, he knew not to judge a person on appearance or profession. It was as if he knew what truly was within a person's heart.
He built that monastery with his own hands, a reflection of the journey he made. In order to climb up a better person, one has to descend to the bottom first. It's quite poetic, if you think about it. But whenever Hong recognizes someone as his peer, we show that person the respect we would show to Hong himself."
Skaar feasts as the story's told, pausing only long enough to drain the shallow cup of rice wine he's presented with or share a look with Corda.
Hong's history shared quite a bit with his own. He'd come from a dark place, sought forgiveness/redemption, and fought for it. In the end he'd gotten it, making himself the stuff of legends and earning the love and appreciation of those around him. Skaar wondered if his efforts would end the same.
Wrestling a dragon for fifty days would make for a pretty good story..."
The big orc offers a nod and a slight bow as he'd seem the locals do in thanks for the tale.
"What do ya think girl? You think someday innkeepers will be climbin' over each other to tell the story of Honorable Skaar?"
Corda looked straight into the Orc's eyes with love and admiration, then answered, "I do."
Skaar belches happily after he's eaten his fill. He offers their hosts another bow and tips more of the bitter spirits into his maw.
"You get enough to eat", he asks Corda.
"Not yet." she replied coyly.
”That so?” Skaar says with a raised brow. ”Let’s get outta here. I’m sure I can help with that.”
The big orc stands and scoops up Corda in one arm, ”You sure you’re ready for this?”
Giving the Orc a quick peck on the cheek, Corda responded, "Are you?" Once they reach their room, the young Witch pulls out the outfit she looked at during the Full Moon. "Turn around." She said to the Orc. Quickly she changed garments. Pulling out her cauldron and brewed a quick tinkture. Handing it to Skaar, she said, "Drink."
Skaar chuckles at Corda’s bravado. He downs the unknown concoction and remembers, briefly, the conversation he’d seen in his vision.
"Out of love or..."
Gently, she pushed Skaar onto the bed, then, very slinkly climbed on top, as if she had done so many times before, but had not. She looked deep into the Orc's eyes, "A hugo 'u."
Corda was awake before the sun was up, even though she didn't sleep much. The young Witch dressed, woke up Skaar and told him to meet her outside.
Sometime later, Skaar relaxes with Corda nestled against his side. The girl had done well despite it being her first time and she’d been brave showing no fear despite the size of the task before her. It was obvious that she’d been waiting for this as long as he had – maybe longer.
Maybe love’s not so bad… he thinks as the girl moves a bit in his arm.
***
Skaar grumbles as he wakes, squinting against the bright light.
”What is it?” he says as he ties his breechcloth off and follows her outside.
Once outside, Corda answered, "Just wait." A little while later the sun began to rise. As the rays struck the young woman, something begain to happen. Her clothes began to shift into a more aluring configuration and the color of her hair darkened. However, the most amazing change came in the form of a full body tribal tatoo, that was deep blue in color. The look of which resembled those that Skaar may have seen on some of the older female Orcs from his tribe. Yet this did not detract from her beauty, in fact, they seemed to highlight it. Corda spun around once and asked, "What do you think?"
"I like it", Skaar grunts after a grin.
"Does it mean anythin'?"
"That I am now a woman, according to Ancient Orc tradition." She responded. Walking up and throwing her arms about his neck, Corda continued, "I am your's, now and always." She kissed him passionately.
Skaar is taken off-guard by Corda’s embrace but he doesn’t fight it. Instead he finds himself growling in pleasure and lifting the girl off the ground.
”Well if you’re feelin’ strong enough for that, I ‘spose breakfast can wait. I’m sure Kyoshio won’t mind a few more hours with his family…” Skaar grunts as heads back toward the bedroom.
Corda couldn't help but smile as she followed the Orc back to bed. The door wasn't closed thirty seconds before she jumped on Skaar, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.
***
Having had an excellent start to the day, Skaar and Corda make it down to the docks near noon.
"Sorry we're late. Had a slow morning", the big orc grunts.
"Yeah, I'm not much of a morning person." Corda chimed in with a smile.
Kyoshiro nods and welcomes you aboard. You set off from Jin Zhao under sunny skies and a cool breeze. The next week goes by uneventfully as you return to Zahvroma. The fort has changed much in your absence, the presence of a few houses and business spreading out from the original spot. Skaar sees the headstone of Aurelea's grave as the boat docks at the still unfinished harbor. Kyoshiro bids you good luck in your endeavors as you leave the boat.
As you step off the dock, you catch sight of Werner Tollit and one of Hattori's crewmen walking around the harbor. The old fisherman catches sight of Corda and he hobbles towards her, Ryota supporting him.
"My daughter!" he exclaims, tears running from his eyes. "At last, I can see you again."
He gives a brief nod to Skaar. "So you're the one she's been traveling with. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The fisherman extends a gnarled and aged hand toward the orc.
Shooting Skaar a quick look of 'you knew', Corda's eyes tear up as she asks, "You can see? When did this happen?"
Skaar shakes the old man’s hand firmly.
”It’s been an honor to have your girl along. She’s brave and strong. She’s been a lot of help”, the big orc says.
Skaar pauses to reflect on the vision he’d seen between the old fisherman and the Hattori crewman. It took an effort to keep the joy of the memory from making its way across the hulking greenskin’s savage features. Instead he remains stoic and nods.
”I didn’t find what I was lookin’ for but I mighta found somethin’ better”, he adds with a glance at Corda and massive hand around the crane amulet hanging from his bull neck.
Werner puts a hand on Ryota's shoulder. "This young man helped me to see and hear again. He has been a gift from the gods. He's decided to stay here with me, in case you ever decide to leave again."
Werner smiles toothily and Ryota bows towards you. "Ah, Corda-san, your father has spoken much about you. We have decided to open an apothecary here and would be happy if you would join us in that endeavor. I can get the supplies from Hattori, he'll definitely be glad to help."
The old fisherman looks at Skaar intently. "So, is my daughter a woman now?"
Skaar stands tall putting his powerful form on display for the old fisherman. He had nothing to hide from him.
”Corda had a woman’s heart before she left with me”, Skaar declares. ”But yea, I took her maidenhead and made her a woman.”
"Well, I hope that one day you'll make a good husband for her and a good father for the children, gods willing. And you better marry her! In my youth, I've wrestled sea monsters. An orc should be much more difficult," Werner says with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"If she was to honor me with a child, I would protect and care for both of them with every ounce of my strength", the big orc says with conviction.
"I'd even wrestle a bull minotaur... again", he adds with a wink at Corda.
"Glad to hear it," Werner says. "You've probably got some catching up to do around here and I'd like to spend a little time with my daughter."
The three leave Skaar, a warm wind behind him pushing the orc towards a greater destiny.