Guided by the mysterious voice echoing in my mind, I immersed myself completely in the lives of the goblins surrounding me, seeking to understand every aspect of their way of life. Every day, I spent long hours carefully observing them, studying their interactions, their way of nourishing themselves, defending themselves, and surviving in this hostile world that had become mine.
The goblins had established their community in the heart of a dense forest, cleverly concealing their rudimentary huts. Constructed with natural materials such as knotty branches and dried leaves, these dwellings were carefully camouflaged to blend into the landscape and avoid drawing the attention of predators or other hostile peoples.
The cohesion within the goblin community was remarkable. Each goblin had a specific role to play in ensuring the survival and well-being of all. Some were designated as hunters, specializing in tracking prey and using primitive weapons such as bows, daggers and spears. Others were responsible for resource gathering, meal preparation, or construction of the dwellings. Each contributed in their own way, and all worked in harmony for the common good.
In order to fully integrate myself, I decided to volunteer to accompany one of the hunting groups on an expedition. Equipped with a rudimentary bow and arrows crafted from wood and bone tips, I prepared myself carefully for this first foray into the depths of the forest.
The hunting group, comprised of experienced goblins, set out cautiously through the winding trails of the dense vegetation. Our progress was slow and methodical, to avoid natural traps such as twisted roots emerging from the ground and tangled vines that could hinder us. The goblins moved with remarkable agility, silently slipping between trees and bushes.
The group leader, a robust gray goblin with piercing eyes, took the lead of the expedition, setting the example to follow. He spotted signs of passage, tracks left by animals, and guided us with remarkable expertise through the labyrinth of the forest.
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The forest itself was a complex and vibrant universe. Sunbeams, filtering through the thick foliage, created captivating plays of light on the forest floor. The melodious songs of birds and the rustling of animals added a natural symphony to our silent progress.
After a careful march, we finally spotted our first prey: a group of rabbits playing in a clearing. The goblins quickly dispersed, hiding behind trees and rocks to avoid alarming the rabbits. With precise gestures, they deployed cunningly concealed nets and prepared their bows for shooting.
Immersed in this simultaneously tense and exciting atmosphere, I positioned myself, carefully adjusting my grip on the bow. My heart was beating rapidly, a mix of excitement and apprehension as I prepared for my first shot as a goblin.
Suddenly, one of the goblins released his arrow, striking his target with disconcerting precision. The rabbits, taken by surprise, tried to flee, but the ingeniously set nets closed in on them, immobilizing them.
Seeing my opportunity, I released my own arrow. It cut through the air, tracing a precise trajectory to a rabbit that had not yet been captured. My arrow struck it squarely, and the small creature collapsed to the ground.
A mixture of excitement and pride filled me as I realized my success. I had achieved my first hunt as a goblin, proving my worth to my companions.
The other goblins approached, admiring my shot. The group leader, wearing a satisfied smile, stepped forward.
"You are new here, aren't you?" he asked in a deep, grave voice.
I nodded, acknowledging my newcomer status. "Yes, I just arrived in the forest, it's the first time I meet other goblins." I said so as not to sound too suspicious.
The leader crossed his arms, scrutinizing me carefully. "You have potential, that much is undeniable. If you continue to prove yourself useful and improve, you could find your place among us. Goblins are pretty weak, but we are capable of great things when we are united."
His words brought me an indescribable pleasure, strengthening my determination to become a respected goblin and change perceptions. I warmly thanked the group leader for his encouraging words and took note of his advice, determined to develop my skills, and prove my worth within this community.
to be continued...