The Ruby Empire

Gilta the Orc

Female Monster x Male Reader

The village you live in has always had it's own strange traditions and practices. One such tradition began several years ago when it came under the protection of an Orc clan. Back then, the village was struggling and on the verge of the collapse. The Orc clan agreed to rescue it under one very strange condition, they got to select villagers as mates. Once a year they came into the village without ceremony, selected their desired mate and left. Most of the time the Orc's picked up their chosen and slung them over their shoulder.

It was always such a strange thing to see. Everyday life continued on as the Orcs stole away villagers to make their mates. It wasn't like those people were never heard from again. A lot of times they returned the very next day to go about their work. More often than not they held a contented grin on their face.

You were just happy it hadn't happened to you yet. You still had yet warmed up to your Orc overlords. You didn't much care of them. You were content to grow and sell your flowers. Your gardening expertise was often called on and you were relieved when you had to travel during the Orc repairing. Although, this year, you were stuck. Heavy rains had slowed business and the muddy roads had ceased nearly all traffic.

One day, as you're setting up shop, you notice a female orc approach your stand. She's tall with strong arms. A massive battle axe hangs from her back like a trophy. One of her tusks is capped with gold. You realize this means she's a top-ranked warrior.

"Did you grow these?" She asks you.

"I did," you answer bruskly. Orcs never buy flowers. You figured she was only here to hassle you.

"Must take a delicate hand," she replies, sniffing the tulip. "After all this rain too."

You glance back at her, seeing her long hair is down and not tied in a braid. You furrowed your brow and sigh. "Yeah, it's been a hard year."

She sets the tulip down and turns to you. "Men rarely deal with flowers."

You sigh, realizing she is goading you. "So what?" You scoff. "I'm a man and grow flowers. Does that tickle your funny bone?"

Her green eyes widen and she shakes her head. "Just making conversation," she scoffs. "No need to get your apron in a bunch."

"You orcs are all alike," you grumble under your breath.

"Excuse me?" She snarls, leaning in close to you.

You meet her steeled gaze with your own. She may stand several heads above you, but you aren't going to back down.

"I came to admire your wares. I didn't come to pick a fight, pretty one," she snorts.

"Pretty one?" You huff.

She smirks and places a gold coin on your cart. She then takes a bouquet. "Prettiest flower on the cart," she remarks. "Until you open your mouth." She struts away and you're left staring after her. You aren't sure what just happened. Was it good? Bad?

You take the gold coin she left and the weight of it shocks you. She could have bought your house for that coin. A small bouquet of flowers was nothing.

The next day, the same orc returns. "Ready to apologize to me?"

You huff. "My feelings haven't changed," you reply. "But-"

"Oh, a but," she laughs. "This ought to be good."

"Your patronage was very much appreciated. So thank you for that," you mutter as you continue to set up your cart.

"Do you give your flowers to anyone?" She asks as she leans in close. "Anyone special?"

You huff. "That wouldn't be very good business practice now would it?"