Your next journey awaits at M V L
After the meeting, Rain stepped out of the camp, the desert air cool against his skin. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the encampment. He scanned the area until he spotted Thraigar, his massive form unmistakable even among the towering Goliaths.
Thraigar was engaged in a boisterous conversation with two other Goliaths, their laughter booming across the sand. As Rain approached, Thraigar turned and his face split into a wide grin.
"Rain!" Thraigar called out, waving him over. "Come, meet my friends."
Rain approached the trio, and Thraigar clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder that Rain almost fall to the ground if he didn't catch his bearing first.
Ri and Chi were quick to rush to his defense, but Rain raised a hand, reassuring them he was fine. Their tendency to be overprotective was endearing yet unnecessary. However, Ri and Chi exchanged glances, a palpable tension filled the air, and a spark of rivalry ignited between them.
Rain sighed, redirecting his focus back to Thraigar and his friends.
"This is Thorgar," Thraigar introduced, gesturing to the Goliath on his right. Thorgar was an imposing figure, even by Goliath standards, with a physique that seemed carved from stone. His skin bore the intricate tattoos of his tribe, and his eyes held a sharp, intelligent gleam.
"Thorgar is the strongest in our tribe," Thraigar continued. "He's next in line to be our leader."
Thorgar nodded in acknowledgment, his expression serious but friendly. "It's an honor to meet you, my friend. I've heard much about your leadership."
Rain returned the nod, appreciating the respect in Thorgar's gaze. "The honor is mine, Thorgar. I'm glad Thraigar has finally reconnected with his tribe, though it's not exactly the reunion we had in mind."
Thorgar crossed his arms and hummed thoughtfully. "In every misfortune, there lies a hidden fortune. This battle has brought Thraigar back to us. It's fate, orchestrated by the spirits, so we have no reason to complain. We're just grateful Thraigar is safe and sound."
Thraigar then turned to the other Goliath, a fierce-looking woman with eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. "And this is Valara, our strongest female warrior. She's as fierce as she is skilled."
Valara inclined her head, her expression stern yet respectful. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Rain. Thraigar has spoken highly of you, and I'm grateful for all you've done to look after him. He can be a handful, and I know that isn't easy."
Rain huffed a laugh, "Not at all. Thraigar had been very helpful to us. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."
Valara smirked. "You must be joking. Thraigar lacks any sense of self-awareness or danger. He can't even read a map. For a Goliath, his strength is hardly impressive, and he's too kind for his own good. I'm sure he's been nothing but trouble."
It feels like when the time comes, everyone will simply pursue their own interests, neglecting the greater good."
Rain reached out and took her hand in his, his grip steady and reassuring. "Right now, I don't care about personal agendas — they're normal and everywhere. But what matters is that those agendas have united us for a single purpose."
He looked into her eyes with sincerity. "If you're still unsure, then trust me. My own agenda has always been, from start to finish — eliminate any threat to my land and my people. Nothing more, nothing less."
Santi's expression softened, a hint of a smile touching her lips. "You seemed to know what to say."
Rain smiled back, a warmth spreading through him. "We're in this together, Santi. And as long as we stand united, there's nothing we can't overcome."
She nodded after a while. "You're right. Thank you Rain."
"No problem."
They locked eyes for a moment, and Rain suddenly realized he was still holding Santi's hand. His face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly let go.
"Ah! S-sorry about that!"
Santi chuckled, her smile brightening the evening. Rain found himself captivated by her expression. Up until now, Santi had always seemed so stern and unyielding, her usual demeanor guarded and serious.
"You're more beautiful when you smile," Rain said with a grin. "You should smile more often."
Santi's cheeks flushed as she looked away, her face tinged with a soft pink. The unexpected compliment had caught her off guard.
Just then, Chi appeared between them, her sudden presence startling both Rain and Santi.
'What's going on here, my lord? What are you doing at a time like this?' Chi's voice was sharp, and her gaze was full of suspicion.
"C-Chi?! It's not what you think! We were just talking!" Rain stammered, trying to explain, but Chi was not in the mood for excuses.
Santi watched the scene unfold with a giggle, her amusement clear despite the tension.