In a strange world as a Doppelganger

Chapter 26

Stumbling back to the little hut where I have been staying, I think back on things. My view of the goblins was definitely off, the way the run their community and the sense of belonging they share with one another. I guess it was just unlucky that my first encounters went as they did.

I get under the blanket and fall asleep thinking I wish I could go back.
The last thing I felt before slumber took me was a strange sensation in my limbs.

When I wake up, my head is pounding and my limbs hurt, sore like the day after a hard workout. The room feels smaller and my feet are sticking out over the edge of the bed. Opening my eyes properly I see the old lady goblin tapping her foot on the dirt floor and looking at me with a mix of glee and annoyance. "Done bein' goblin are you?" it takes a moment before I can register the words. They sound different but somehow still makes sense.

[Language Proficiency: Goblin]

Been a hot minute since I heard that sound in my head. Makes sense though? Being a goblin gave me something new. I stand up and almost bang my head in the ceiling. Being tall has its pros and cons. I simply nod at the goblin as I move to gather my things, somewhat afraid of trying to speak the language. Embarrassed might be a more accurate word actually.

As I step through the little opening and out into the tiny village, I see heads turning my way. Some people scurry away when they see me, some look ready to fight and otherd just seem very curious. I feel a little unsure of what to do. Looking around and having a think, it's probably best that I head back to my clearing for now. At least to check on the rat and see if there's anything I should grab.

"I'll be back" I croax out to those who can hear me. There's a moment of cringing recognition inside me at the words but I can't recall where I've heard them.

As I start walking through the woods, the morning sun beaming through the canopy. I give a thought to the fact that I turned in and out of being goblin. How does it work? Is there a trigger? What did I do fornit to happen?
I stop for a second, clench my jaw and fists, thinking the word: goblin.
Repeatedly and loudly in my head. I feel like I am about to faint from exertion and when I finally relax my body...
I fall face first onto the trail I've been walking along.

I wake up, once again, in the granny goblins hut.
"Can't make up yer mind?"
I look down and see my green feet.
I did it?!
"The hunting party found you, not far out", she walks over with a bowl of stew.
It smells delicious, there's root vegetables and tender game in it.
"Did it faster this time though, it's only lunch time", wrinkling her nose she raises an eyebrow.
It only took a handful of hours this time? First time I was out a good while and then I did it over a nights sleep.
In a moment of excitement I nearlt try doing it again, but I catch myself and look at the goblin.
"Would it be much of a hassle if I tried again?" I try to look pleading, small and vulnerable.
She gives me a dead look and says
"Goblins don't really have to face for what you're trying to do. But sure! Just once though. If you're planming on staying any longer than morning I suggest you consider finding a more permanent sleeping arrangement.
Go ahead, do what you do, I'll keep an eye on you", with a sigh she sits down on a stool and leans back while seeming to study me.

I take a deep breath and try to visualize myself turning back into my tall, slender and pale form.
I can just about feel a creaking in my bones when my vision grows dim.
In the darkness of unconsciousness I see the sad person.
Walking down a street with a stern look on their face, somehow I know they're holding back tears.
People are throwing glances, whispering and avoiding.
Clothes are torn, hair is filthy and feet caked in dirt.

Shooting awake, anticipation at max, I look around.
"Barely 3 hours I'd say. Definitely faster than last I witnessed", granny goblin comes over and puts a hand on my forhead.
"How do you feel?"
I fight the urge to recoil from her touch. Even though I know she only meant to check on me my body tenses up in a strange form of repuslion at the sudden contact.
"I feel... fine?" I close and open my fists a few times. My long clawed hands look just as I remember.
"Fine? Well that's good I suppose", she walks back towards a shelf with potted plants and grabs a few leaves.
She hands them to me and nod.
"Eat, they give a little boost."
I hold the leaves in my hand, they're faintly star-shaped.
I put one in my mouth and swallow. It takes a moment but I definitely feel like I am waking up faster.
I put the rest in my mouth and am handed a small cup of water to wash them down with.
"Thank you", I say in goblin. Though I most definitely have an accent when speaking in this form.
"I'll get out of your hair now", I stand up and gather my effects yet again.
"Don't be a stranger! But I recommend you come back with more green on you", a wide smile as she holds the cloth door open for me.

For the second time today I head back towards the clearing with the boulder. I have an idea I badly want to try but I don't want to do it here.