No Place Like Home, But Some Like It - VII
 

Grizgad had visited many places on Earth and several other planets, and even a few versions of it. But now, she felt like visiting someplace with parallels to her homeland of Middle-Earth.

Right now, she was off to the world of Leitram, to experience all it that it had to offer.

She arrived on the lands owned by Calaster Novin, the infamous Goblin Slayer, though some now called him the Goblin Layer, as all six of his wives were among the rare highly intelligent goblins.

She was quite excited as she approached the master himself.

Calaster was chopping wood at this time, his shirt off to reveal all the scars he had acquired as trophies over the years. But he stopped when he saw the Uruk-hai chieftain. "Pleasure to have you, Lady Grizgad," he said with a grin.

"It's always nice to be where anyone will have me."

"And we goblins are especially glad to have you," said Shielan, waddling over in only her decorative disposable, "To us, Uruk-hai are like royalty."

She chuckled at that. "That means a lot."

Sheilan just smiled and hugged Grizgad. She only came up to the chieftain's bosom, but her own strength was not to be made light of.

They proceeded to walk inside at once.

Their three-story cabin had seen quite a few upgrades over the years, as well as a few renovations to accommodate Calaster's ever-growing brood.

Grigzad was quite excited by what she saw.

Indeed, Calaster's children had prepared a very special welcome for her advent, complete with some posters and a lovely feast.

"Thank you for all this effort you've put in."

"You are quite welcome, Lady Grizgad," said Sheilan's oldest son, Trousz, "Please, make yourself at home."

She nodded and sat in a lovely chair.

Once she was settled, Calaster, his wives, and his many sons and daughters took their own seats and tucked in.

"This is rather lovely," she said.

"What can we say? There's a lot of money to be made in wiping out our brainless and savage ilk," said Yozza as she fed her youngest, a baby girl, directly.

Grigzad proceeded to savor the food.

"We're glad you finally decided to pay us a visit," said Mulsey as they ate, "Emilie has frequented our universe often, almost to the point that we think it's among her top ten favorites."

She nodded. "It definitely feels rather nice to be here."

"Well, we have a whole lot of things planned for you," said Rinnah, "We'll be kicking off with a good old goblin hunting session after we eat."

"I can't wait to start," Grigzad said.

"Just make sure you arm yourself to the teeth," Boxatte cautioned her. "Yes, our kin may be simpleminded, but they are treacherous," said Ginnie.

"I always come prepared," she stated.

"That's what we admire about your kind," said Sheilan. With that, the meal resumed.

They made sure to have their fill.

Once they were finished eating, Calaster and his wives went to suit up.

Grigzad was happy to get battle ready.

Once they were properly armed and in their armor, Calaster went to his eldest daughter. "Honnally, you're in charge while we're away."

"Thank you for that, Daddy," she replied.

He just smiled and kissed her cheeks, before he went to mount his faithful mare Hilda.

The party rode off, determined.

"So, about what size force can we expect?" Grizgad asked as they headed down the mountain.

"It varies," Boxatte said. "But even just a handful can be extremely dangerous and shouldn't be underestimated."

"Thankfully, I never underestimate my adversaries," said Grizgad, "It's how I came to be chieftain."

They soon reached an encampment.

Calaster and Grizgad took point, whereas Sheilan, Boxatte, and Rinnah veered around the right and Mulsey, Yozza, and Ginnie veered to the left.

There were about a dozen of them in total, and they were rather large.