We walked to my new room, and I punched the code in for my door. As we walked in, I saw Mil’Grash, Bel’Chazz, Gruldia and the little blue lady from Doc’s office.

“What? How did you guys even get in here? Not that I’m not happy to see you all, but… How?” I asked, incredulous as I set my bag down in the corner.

“Oh, that’s my doing, Son. Mil’Grash had told me that you said something about being friends with her and the others. I took the liberty of inviting them. We Gods have privileges that you are unaware of, yet. This may be your room here in this space, but I, being your god, can override some of your wishes here,” He said, then gripped my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. “And I will never do so unless it is a dire necessity. Or a party in your honor,” He said with a twinkle in His eye.

“Thank you, Freyr. This is… This is awesome. Thank you all for coming. Let me get something cooked up for us,” I said, heading toward the kitchen.

“No.” Freyr said with a hand on my chest. “Sit. Enjoy your friends. This is your time. Let me take care of you, Son. All of you, actually. I’ll be back with some drinks,” he declared, and I nodded.

Mil’Grash approached me, and I smiled seeing her in casual wear. She had on a simple white short-sleeved shirt and a pair of blue jeans that accentuated her trim figure. Her midnight blue hair was down out of its severe bun, and looked lovely spilling about her shoulders. It framed her face quite nicely, and I told her so.

“Thank you, Ivor,” she said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear and blushing a deeper shade of green. “I honestly didn’t believe you when you said you’d like to get together outside of Council business. Freyr here set me straight. It seems you Norse Pagans value hospitality and your word highly. I won’t make that mistake again,” she said with a smile.

“Do you like hugs, Mil’Grash? I’ve been told I give the best in the world,” I said, opening my arms.

“You’re not in your world anymore, Ivor. I’ll find out for myself,” she said and hugged me tightly.

I returned the embrace with vigor, certain her toned body could take my force, and made sure to put all the care I could into the hug. I picked her up and swung her a bit, and she squealed and giggled like a child, then set her down with a smile.

“By all the gods, that felt nice. Not many can get good Orc hugs and survive. I think you’re right. You do give some of the best hugs in the multiverse. You guys gotta try this,” she said to the group.

Bel’Chazz was the first to approach me. “Proud of ya, kid. Ya done good in there, from what I’ve been told. Now if we could just get you to answer the damn door on time, I think you’d be jes’ fine,” he said, and we shared a laugh. “Now, I don’t think you’ll wanna give me a hug, kid. I’m a Kobold, after all. I’ll settle for a handshake, tho,” he said, his gruff voice sounding like a smile.

I knelt and set a hand on his shoulder. “Bel’Chazz, I really want to thank you for your diligence in bringing me here. Without you, I’d still be living a mundane, boring existence back on Earth. Thank you, my friend,” I said as I quickly pulled the scaled man into a hug and let him go after a moment. He stood there, stunned.

“Yeah, kid. No problem. Jes’ doin’ my job, is all. Glad you’re, uh… Glad you’re happy about it. If you’ll excuse me for a moment? I need ta use the restroom,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

I watched with a sad smile as the Kobold headed off down the hallway, rubbing his eyes fiercely.

The small blue fairy-like lady was standing on the counter, idly stroking Bailey’s fur as she watched. Bailey just laid there, so relaxed that he looked like a rat pancake.

“I’m too small to give a hug to, but when I heard from Doc about what happened with your companions, I had to come see for myself. They’re absolutely adorable. I’m Starene, by the way,” she said with a wave.

I sketched a bow. “It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Starene. You are free to visit, as well. I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to you, but I’ve no problem making more friends,” I said happily. “Where is Doc, by the way? I’d have expected to see him here, since the rest of you are here,” I asked.

Starene smiled, saying, “Oh, Doc’s species doesn’t do social gatherings outside of mating. They were quite pleased at the invitation, though.”

I nodded, making a mental note that calling on Doc randomly might not be such a good idea.

Gruldia approached me, obviously nervous. She was wearing what resembled an outfit from a Cyberpunk show ripped from the ‘80s. A leather miniskirt, black boots, a black leather bra that only barely contained her cartoonishly massive breasts with a fishnet top over that, and an off-the-shoulder hot pink shirt over that. She had on a black leather collar with metal spikes around her neck and matching bracelets to finish the ensemble. The sight of her made my heart race. Now that I could get a good look at her in something more than candlelight, I could see that she was of a height with Bel’Chazz.

“Hello, Gruldia. You look absolutely stunning. I’m glad to see you here,” I said warmly.

She turned a deep shade of green and looked up at me. “You think I look pretty, Ivor? Really?” she asked, a hopeful look in her eye. Her ears wiggled slightly.

I got down on one knee in front of the short Goblin woman and gently cupped her cheek. “I do, Gruldia. I think you look amazing. It suits you, I think,” I said softly and gently kissed her forehead.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Gruldia’s ears fluttered and she wrapped her short arms around me as best she could, burying her face in my neck, sniffling softly.

“Thank you, Ivor. That means more to me than you know,” she whispered.

I gently held the little Goblin until she pulled away, her eyes red-rimmed, a silly smile plastered on her face.

“So! Who wants to watch a movie? I have everything. From action to comedy to romance to horror; anything you want,” I said with a smile as I stood up.

Freyr walked in at that moment with a tray of drinks for us. “I have ale for the tall Orc lady, here you are, dear. Fruit juice for our lovely little azure Starene, a growler of beer for the resident Kobold, where is he? Ah, well, I’ll set it down on the coffee table here. A bottle of decent wine for our discerning Goblin Cleric; careful there. It’s good stuff. And a pitcher of lemonade for our newest Councilman. There you go, Son.” He handed everyone their drinks and sat down in one of the easy chairs, and reclined it. “I’ll wait here till the roast is finished, then get it out to us all,” he said with a yawn.

“I’ve just checked in with Bel’Chazz. He says he’ll be out in a moment,” stated Mil’Grash.

“Ivor? I’d like to see something fun and action-packed, if you have it,” ventured Gruldia.

“Anyone have any objections? I have a good film in mind,” I said.

Murmurs of assent could be heard, and even Bel’Chazz piped up with an agreement, so I tuned the TV to a movie that I’d always enjoyed, Big Hero 6.

I took a seat on the couch, by the armrest, and Gruldia hopped up beside me, wrapping her arms around my left arm.

“I got a better idea.” I picked the little woman up, and set her in my lap, where she curled up and lay her head on my chest. Idly, I stroked her thick, red hair, playing with the strands. “Is that better, Gruldia?” I asked in a soft, low voice.

“Infinitely,” she said with a sigh, and snuggled close.

A few moments later, Bel’Chazz arrived and sat on the couch next to Mil’Grash, who had Starene sitting on her shoulder.

With everyone assembled, drinks in hand, I dimmed the lights with a thought and settled in to enjoy the film.

About midway through the movie, I heard the ping of a message, and opened it up to a message from Mil’Grash.

Be careful with her. She’s used to being used and dropped like a bad habit when men see through the lust-induced haze.

I nodded, and composed a reply.

Don’t worry. I genuinely like her. I can resist the lust, remember? I really want to get to know Gruldia, not the sex-crazed Goblin everyone else sees. I can see how starved for care and genuine affection she is. She hasn’t once tried to stick her hands up my kilt. I think she just wants affection right now, and I’m happy to give it.

Her heart is safe with me. I promise.

I felt Mil’Grash lay her head on my shoulder, and I gently patted her leg.

I had good people in my life, now. I was Happy.

Once the movie ended, everyone got up and stretched. Except Gruldia, who was fast asleep in my lap. She hadn’t even touched her wine.

“Oh my, that’s just precious. Son, I think you should put her to bed. She seems worn out,” Freyr remarked softly.

“No, she’s comfortable for the first time in decades, Freyr. I’ve known her for a couple hundred years, sir. That Goblin is finally comfortable. And finally feels safe with someone. Let her rest right where she is. Please,” Mil’Grash told the deity.

Murmurs of confirmation came from the other two, and I simply smiled.

“She’s fine, Sir. I don’t mind in the slightest. I want everyone here to feel this comfortable and safe. Because you are when you’re here. You’re all welcome here. Just let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll key the door for you. I want my home to be a refuge of safety and comfort,” I said softly as I gently stroked Gruldia’s hair.

She began to stir and stretched in my lap, and looked up, seeing me as if for the first time. “Oh. Uhm, Hi. What happened, Ivor? Where’s the movie?” she asked.

“Darlin’, you slept through it. I had you here in my lap, playing with your hair, and the next thing any of us knew, you were out cold,” I said.

“None of us had the heart to wake you, Gruldia. It’s been so long since we saw you that comfortable, that we decided to let you rest,” Mil’Grash said sweetly.

“What? But… But I should’ve been awake. I’m sorry I ruined the movie for you, Ivor. I should probably go now,” she said sullenly and moved to climb out of my lap.

Which I didn’t allow. “You ruined nothing, Gruldia. In fact, you made it infinitely more enjoyable for me. It’s not every day I get to have a pretty woman like you fall asleep in my lap,” I said gently.

I leaned in, wrapping her in a gentle hug. “In fact, I’d not be opposed to this happening more often, my good girl,” I murmured softly in her ear, low and quiet enough that the others couldn’t hear.

She made a quiet ‘Eep’ sound and her pointed ears wiggled fiercely, as her body flushed with color. She returned the hug, her fingers digging almost painfully into my skin.

“Food’s ready!” Freyr called from the kitchen. “Let’s eat!”

Everyone else shuffled off into the kitchen, leaving myself and the Goblin on the couch.

“Well? Are you hungry, Gruldia? Freyr made a roast, and if I know him, it’s gonna be good,” I said softly.

She squeezed me tighter and looked up at my face sadly. “I don’t wanna let you go, Ivor. You might never hold this old Goblin again. It’s been so long since anyone did this,” she said quietly.

“Gruldia. You should know by now that I like you. Not just because I’ve seen the absolutely beautiful body under those clothes, but because something in you pulled at me. I dunno what, and I guess we’ll find out later, but it did. In fact, you have my permission to get a hug and a snuggle any time. Whenever you need,” I said, cupping her cheek. I let my hand slide back to caress her hair and the back of her head, causing her to sigh softly and lean into my hand.

“Ivor, you should stop right now. Otherwise, I’ll drag you to your room,” she said quietly, gazing into my eyes.

Her pupils were dilated, so I set the buxom woman down and stood quickly. “Let’s go eat, then. We can discuss other things later,” I said with a smile.