3. Bunny Lover

Bunny Lover

  • G

    Part 1
    Ever since her husband died, Dina thought about leaving the home in the High Forest that they had shared, and moving back to the city. Every time these thoughts entered her mind, they were driven back by the memories of her husband. Every bush and rock in the woods seemed to have a part of him. Being near to these things brought a feeling of safety to Dina.

    Eric Holter, her husband, was a ranger who knew every inch of ground for miles around them. He would take Dina for hikes in the area, explaining the purpose of every plant, and the sounds of every creature. He invited her to share the beauty and the mystery that had always been his home. They would talk of how someday they would have a son or daughter to pass on the knowledge. Sometimes he would go off by himself and return a few days later with a rare plant or tales of his tracking prowess.

    A tenday had passed with no word from him, and Dina was starting to worry. The sky had darkened and thunder rumbled in the distance. She would repeatedly go outside and search the area, but to no avail. Soon the rain came, and it was as if the sky had opened and let loose a pent up anger. The sound of the large drops cascading off of every tree and bush was almost deafening. Running for the house, Dina tripped over an exposed root just before she reached the door. She fell face down in the mud, cursing herself. As she started to rise, a shape moving toward her from the side of the house caught her attention. Her first thought was that Eric had come home and a smile started to form on her lips. The smile froze, and was replaced by a look of sheer terror, as the huge orc came into view. She bolted for the door, but the orc was too quick, and as he grabbed her, they both tumbled through the doorway, falling to the floor. Screaming and kicking, she tried to force the brute off of her, but her adversary was too strong and too determined. He punched her and ripped at her clothes until they were tattered shreds, and she lay still.

    Knowing she could not overpower the orc, Dina gave in to his assault, all the while thinking of a way to avoid the death she knew would surely come to her after the brute had his way with her. Her eyes happened to spot the leather belt that the orc had removed and tossed aside hastily in his eagerness to be pleased. Stuck in a scabbard was a knife. Not just any knife, but one she knew so well. Eric’s knife.

    Her eyes misted as she slowly reached for it and pulled it from its sheath. Her rage bubbled up like the water in a cauldron. As the orc grunted out his passion with eyes closed, she plunged the dagger deep into its neck, pulled it out, and stuck it back in again quickly. The orc screamed and rolled off of her grabbing for the knife. She scrambled up and quickly grabbed the long sword that Eric had been teaching her to use, and slashed the kneeling orc across his chest, then on the back swing, plunged it into his heart. She collapsed, bleeding and naked to the floor.

    When her eyes opened the next morning, her first thought was that she had a very bad dream, but the body of the dead orc confirmed the reality of it. She dragged the body outside and burned it, trying to rid herself of the humiliation and disgust. In a couple of tendays she would realize that this was a memory that would never leave her.

    Part 2

    Yes, it was true. What her and Eric tried for 2 years to achieve, one smelly, hideous orc accomplished in ten minutes. Dina was pregnant. How could she love this monster that grew inside her? All her thoughts focused on how to get rid of this unwanted seed. Each day she would gather various plants known to her to help abort the child. Nothing would work. Finally, she changed her plan. She would murder the child just after it was born.

    The baby in her womb grew quickly, and soon her distended stomach seemed ready to burst. When the day finally came, she made her preparations, took off all her clothes and laid her husband’s dagger on the table next to where she squatted. For thirteen hours of almost unbearable pain, her thought was only on one thing. Soon she would be rid of this evil spawn, and Eric’s death would finally be avenged.

    She pushed the baby out and as it lay on the blanket she had spread on the floor, she reached for the knife. Before she could end it’s life, exhaustion overtook her and she collapsed next to the baby. When she regained consciousness, she was aware of something touching her head, pulling gently on her hair. She turned to face the baby, its eyes wide open and staring at her. Soft noises seemed to welcome her and seeing the helplessness of the child, she knew now she could never murder it.

    The years passed, and Hirk grew quickly. Never did he exhibit any of the viciousness of his sire. Dina tried to teach him the ways and appreciation of the woods that her and Eric always wanted to pass on. His capacity for learning was diminished, but Dina was patient with him. Soon he started to develop a fondness for the woods and especially rabbits. The only problem, and it was one that always made Dina laugh, was that he would call any small animal with fur a bunny. As much as she tried to teach him the differences between badgers, rabbits, rats, and other small animals, he refused to call them anything but bunnies.

    When Hirk was in his 21st year, Dina came down with a sickness that no herbs were able to cure. When she finally passed, Hirk buried her with Eric’s knife and set out on his own for the first time in his life. After wandering about, he met up with a caravan headed northeast. They promised to take him with them if he would act as guard plus do a few chores. For months, Hirk worked hard, doing all of the tasks that the others refused to do, and holding his own at times when they had to fight off predators. He became quite proficient with a long bow, and would make up healing salves from some of the plants they found along the way. After a long journey, they arrived in the Rawlinswood. Looking around, it so reminded Hirk of his home, that he decided to stay awhile.

    ((login - Grivel))
    ((char - Hirk Kolter))


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