Thread by @snickelsox

Orc: I wish to breed.

Bard: *sputter hack cough wheeze*

O: Are you injured? Has another witch cursed you?

B: No, I’m just… That’s abrupt, even for you.

O: I will not apologize for my desires.

B: Nor would I ask you too. Just uh… are you sure?

O: Absolutely.
#DnD

B: Ok… well… with who?

O: I wish you to sire my children. This is not obvious? Why would you ask me this question? Do you doubt my commitment to you?

B: No, I just wanted to hear you say it.

O: Devil. You know of my great affection for you.

O: You have proven yourself to be a capable lover, more than able to complete the task. You have met my family and shown great humility and kindness towards them. I have seen your love first hand and, as a result, I wish to create and raise children with you.

B: Ok, I love you as well, but I wasn’t prepared for this.

O: You are unprepared to be a parent?

B: I didn’t say that.

O: You are unwilling?

B: No… kinda.

O: I understand. Is this something you may reverse your decision on in the future? I am willing to wait but I will have children in my lifetime.

B: Yes, I un- No, er… you’re not hearing me.

O: Then speak clearly.

B: I had a life before you. A full one.

O: I am aware we have not known each other since our births.

B: I had love in those lives.

O: I am ill concerned with previous lovers.

B: I… there are… already children.

O: Oh… I did not know. Why are you just now telling me?

The bard hung their head low. They took in a deep breath, nostrils audibly pulling in the air. They opened their mouth to speak but the words caught in their throat. All they managed was a deep sigh.

The orc stood over them, their powerful build casting a long shadow over their small human lover. They reached down and wrapped a hand around their chin, pulling their face up. The orc’s hand was wet with tears and the bard began to shake with the force of it.

Wordlessly, the orc kneeled, putting them just at the bard’s chest. They wrapped their powerful arms around their love and squeezed. The bard let open the gates of their bottled emotion, sloppily wrapping their arms over the orc’s massive shoulders and weeping.

They both stayed there, holding and being held, until the sadness had its way with the bard. As it passed, the orc offered cloth up, wiping away the torment as well as they could. Finally, the bard raised their head and took a tremendous breath, filling the void left by the tears

“Speak to me?” the orc asked. “I do not understand where you are. I wish to.”
“I already have children,” the bard said softly.
“Where are they?” the orc asked.
“I don’t-’ the bard choked for a moment. “I don’t really know.”

“I was young. I was… always young. I ran away from them. I didn’t… I didn't even try,” they said. There was bitterness in their voice.
The orc stared up at them silently.
“You probably hate me for that… I know I do,” the bard said.

“I… you…” the orc began. They breathed deeply before trying again. “It is much to comprehend. It is not what I know of you. I have seen you interact with children. You are kind, loving. This conflict is difficult to reconcile.”

“I always told myself I wasn’t ready. I said that they would have a better life without me in it. I couldn’t be a parent, I would just mess them up. I made excuses, I let the fear move my feet. I am who I am because… I’m trying to make up for it.”

“How many are there?” the orc asked.
“Three that I’m sure of. Maybe two more,” the bard responded.
“The guilt weighs heavy on you,” the orc said flatly.
“I didn't expect it to. I’ve tried not to let it but…”
“It crushes you.”
“Every day.”

The orc stood, bringing their large shadow again over the bard. The bard tried to look into the orc’s eyes but failed. Their head swung to the ground again, defeat pulling their shoulders low.
“I’m sorry,” the musician said to the ground.

“Do not dare apologize to me. I expect more direct communication in the future, but your life, your choices… you do not answer to me,” the orc said sharply.
“I… ok,” the bard responded.
“Now, what do you want to do?”

“Not feel this way,” the bard said.
“Then we must resolve the battle within,” the orc said.
“We?”
“I am with you, through all of this. I am your companion, either against a dragon or your demons. I cannot fight them for you but I will stand by your side.”

“I… don’t…” the bard started.
“Do you wish me to help you create a battle plan?”
“Yes?” the bard said. Their posture had recovered somewhat. They stared directly at the orc’s chest, holding themselves up with everything they had.

“These children… they are deserving of a chance. They may wish to meet you, they may wish to love you, they may wish to hate you. That is their decision but they are deserving of the option. I suggest we meet this truth, without reservation.”

“I don’t know if I can face them,” the bard said meekly.
“Then you can only release yourself from the guilt or let it crush you. Would that I could lift the weight myself, but I cannot,’ the orc said.
“Ok…” the bard took a deep breath. “Ok,” they said sharply, confidently.

“We will… try,” the bard said.
“Remember, my love, you are not who you were then. Going forward, you are who you are now,” the orc said.
“What do you mean?”
“You are not to judge your past decisions, only accept them.”
“Yeah… ok. I’ll try.”

The bard stood tall now, having gathered the courage to face their love directly. Their shoulders were broad, their face strong. The orc could see the signs of their physical training and, were they a lesser being, they would have been intimidated with the musician before them.

“Are you sure you’re ok with this? With me?” the bard asked.
“I love you, for all that you are,” the orc responded.
“And my kids?” the bard asked.
“For all that you are,” the orc said somewhat softly.

A flash came across the bard’s face and they quickly reached into their bag. They pulled out a letter, still sealed, and regarded it.
“This… I don’t know what it says but I know it’s from one of them. I’ve been afraid to open it,” they said.
“I understand,” the orc responded.

“Once I open this… there’s no going back, is there?” the bard asked.
“There is not.” the orc said.
“You ready for that?”
“I was not prepared for this but I will stand by you as long as this endeavor takes.”
“You sure?”
“Absolutely.”
#SoxStory

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Art by @LluisAbadias

The story continues.

https://twitter.com/snickelsox/status/1650878607412133891?s=20