Dawn broke over the settlement with a golden warmth that made everything feel peaceful. Satou stood at the edge of the village square, watching the morning activities with satisfaction. Goblins and orcs moved together, building, training, living. It was working. Against all odds, their alliance was actually working.
"Big brother!"
Jessica and Kelvin came running up, their Hobgoblin forms allowing them to cover ground quickly. Both wore simple leather armor that the orc craftsmen had helped them make, and carried spears they'd been practicing with.
"Ready for today?" Satou asked, though he already knew the answer from their eager expressions.
"Yes!" they said in unison.
Today was important. Satou had decided it was time to scout the neighboring forests more thoroughly. They needed to know what other creatures lived nearby, what resources were available, and what threats might be lurking. And if he was being honest with himself, he also saw it as an opportunity.
