In a strange world as a Doppelganger

Chapter 22 - A lazy afternoon

The goblin walks up to me with big, proud steps. Could be that this is the one who cared for the hide? Goblin, level one. Does it have a skill that allowed it to do this maybe, or do I simply just lack tools and knowledge? As the goblin comes closer it unfolds the hide and presents it to me. The edges have been trimmed and the gunk has been removed from the inside. Holding out my hand, I gingerly accept the item. It's surprisingly soft to the touch, very pleasant, it does have a smell to it but not too bad. The goblin is fidgeting and looking on expectantly as I examine the hide it handed to me. It probably expects praise or some form of payment. 

"Ppayyjment?" I ask and do my best to lift a non-existing eyebrow. The goblin shrugs slowly and does a little pout-smile. What could I have to give in return for this? It becomes obvious after a second, the goblin is staring with big eyes at my beetle armor. It's kind of cute how little of a poker-face it has. After neatly folding the pelt I hold up a hand to tell it to wait. I crawl down into the hole and retrieve the other half of the shell. Somehow the goblins eyes become even bigger and when I hold the shell out for it, the goblin grins from ear to ear.

"For me?" the goblin looks from the shell, which is big enough to cover its entire head, to me with a toothy smile. I nod and fold my arms, I can't help but smile too. Turning around and holding the shell over its head like a trophy, it yells toward the nearby bushes. About two or three goblin heads pop up and they all cheer. I clear my throat to get the goblin's attention. When it looks back at me I point to the leftover beetle a few feet away on the ground.

"Waatt can yoou make ov thiis?" my speech really needs more practice. Goblin one over here scurries over to it, looks it over and gives me a quizzical look and a big smile. "No clue!" it then waves to the others to come over and before I know it the beetle remains are being carried away. I have my own garbage removal team. I chuckle to myself. Goblin one, which I have decided to call it, because the only thing I can tell them apart by is what they wear and this one has an apron of all things, proudly walks off with its new bug shell. 

I take a seat in the grass and start to give the badger hide another once-over. As it is right now it could make for a good blanket if it gets cold. I am not too sure what, or how, I would make out of this. A cloak maybe, but to what end? A skirt or pants, something to add a modicum of protection to my midsection. No, I have an idea. I'll put the actual making of it on hold for now, but I think I'll make something for my torso. Something to attack the shell to, making it a more comfortable and making sure it stays in place better than with just a string of leather. When I find the time, I'll ask the boggards for one of their bony needle tools. That's if I can't figure out how to make one myself. 

Feeling a great deal of fatigue still from the poison that is probably still coursing through me, I rest against the boulder for a while. Simply sitting there and listening to the forest. It's a nice little place I have got here, made some friends, found a hole to live in and I am starting to really come into this life. Slowly drifting off to sleep while thinking about the things I have been through lately. 

I think I napped for only an hour or so, the sun is still up when I open my eyes. My arm feels better and it looks like the swelling has gone down a little bit more, still red and sore though. If I feel any better tomorrow I will most likely go back to the bugs and keep hunting. Something is telling me to keep going, that I am getting close. There's an excitement inside of me that tells me so. Instead of going to sleep early I want to make the most use of the day. Using only one arm, I keep on digging further down in the burrow, expanding it even more. It's not a lot of advancement on the hole's size but I am happy with my effort. Would be great if I could fashion a door or latch for the hole that could be covered with grass. Another time maybe. 

I wake up the next morning from a dreamless night. Opening my eyes and making my way out of the burrow, I can tell that my body feels better. The puncture in my arm looks better, a few more days before it's nothing but a scab. Every day is filled with learning new things, it's making me excited to keep on going an experience new things. I promised myself that I would go back to the insect-filled parts of the woods today if I felt better. Spending a few minutes trying to tie the badger skin around me but it's no use. The beetle shell is slipped on instead and I grab my pouch, knife and sword. I am setting a mental goal to slay three insects before calling it quits today. Had I rested for a day or two more I might have asked more of myself. If I get hurt even once I am heading back as well, because of the risk that I could get poisoned. Putting these rules and restrictions on myself, I make my way to the bugs.