Those Who Dream of Orcs

Cicada and Rugorim

Cicada ran upstairs to her room, jaws tight from smiling so hard. She had a wonderful time with Lord Rugorim and couldn't stop replaying the day's events in her mind. And the fact that Lord Rugorim wanted to see her again made her as giddy as a schoolgirl.

She carelessly plopped down on her bed, buried her face in her pillow kicking and laughing hysterically. She could hardly contain her excitement, her heart was full and her happiness was boiling over.

She couldn't believe she had been so bold as to kiss Lord Rugorim. Her heart was racing just thinking about it. She couldn't help herself, in that moment she felt like she had to or it would end up being a lost opportunity.

Truthfully she wanted Rugorim to kiss her back and she thought if she made the first move he would follow. She never expected him to stand there in shock with his mouth agape. But even still it was worth it.

All she could think about as she lay in her bed smiling up at the ceiling was kissing him again and that thought consumed her until she finally managed to close her eyes and fall asleep.

Cicada yawned wide and stretched with a huge smile on her face. She bent down humming to herself, grabbed a damp sheet from the laundry basket, and clipped it to the clothesline.

"You're certainly in a good mood this morning," Yrilssa replied. "Something good must have happened yesterday,"

"Oh good morning lady Yrilssa, did you sleep well?"

"I did, did you sleep with that orc?"

"I did not," Cicada answered, unsurprised by her question. "I told you Lord Rugorim is not like that. He's kind and gentle and-"

"Don't be ridiculous," Yrilssa hissed. "A kind and gentle orc, don't make me laugh. There is nothing kind or gentle about orcs, especially your precious Rugorim. Do you really think he got all those disgusting scars by being kind and gentle?"

"I suppose not, but-"

"But nothing, you forget your station Cicada,"

"I have not," Cicada protested.

"Really, what do you think the ladies back at court would say if they found out you are sweet on an orc. They laugh at you and you'd be the laughing stock of Selse Lenora and your family would disown you,"

"The ladies at court will talk no matter what. You Lady Yrilssa should know that better than anyone."

"Watch your mouth halfbreed," Yrilssa hissed, kicking the clean basket of laundry over. "You are a servant to the Seaton family and I'll not have you taint my family's good name,"

"I could never embarrass the Seaton family, my lady. You've already done that,"

A hard smack landed across Cicada's face, "You've certainly gotten a lot more mouthy all of a sudden,"

Cicada gathered up the laundry basket, tucked it under her arm, and walked away. Her cheek felt like it was on fire, but she didn't feel like dealing with Yrilssa, not today. She had such a good time with Lord Rugorim last night and she didn't want anything to ruin that.

She was surprised to see that Yrilssa hadn't followed her. Perhaps what she said had shaken her up a bit. Yrilssa was such a pain, now she had to rewash the laundry.

"Sometimes, I just don't know what that girl is thinking." Cicada sighed.

  Clipping the last piece of laundry to the clothesline, Cicada let out a low sigh, "finally done," she smiled.

"Cicada! Cicada!"

Cicada looked up when she heard her name being called. Murbol was running towards her across the garden with a huge smile on her face and waving frantically.