Sanctuary: Safe Haven

With the plan set, Canna swiftly exited his domain, the wind brushing past him as he stepped into the dense, vibrant forest. Mortem slid into the shadows, his presence melding seamlessly with the darkness of the forest, while Flora disappeared into the plants below, her form dissolving into the earth as she began her search for the elusive birds.

While his subordinates began their tasks, Canna focused on his journey to find Stormtusk and his herd. He could feel a connection to the massive Thunder mammoth, sensing that Stormtusk was still somewhere to the east. The bond between them was faint but undeniable, guiding Canna like a beacon through the wilderness.

He set off at a brisk pace, his senses alert as he navigated through the forest. The hours passed quietly, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of distant animals. As he walked, Canna took the opportunity to gather some of the plants and trees that caught his eye.

Each specimen he collected was carefully uprooted and stored, a potential addition to his ever-growing sanctuary.

The tranquility of his journey was suddenly disrupted when a faint but unmistakable scent reached his nose. Blood. Canna's instincts immediately kicked in, and he came to a halt, his body tense and ready for anything. The smell was subtle, but it was there, carried on the wind like a warning. Without wasting a moment, Canna summoned a portal and called for Grimruk.

The portal shimmered, and out stepped the imposing figure of the black orc, Grimruk, wielding a halberd as large as he was. The weapon, massive and lethal, was an extension of Grimruk's formidable strength and combat prowess.

"Grimruk, accompany me," Canna commanded, his voice low and serious. Sensing the urgency in his master's tone, Grimruk nodded without hesitation. The two set off together, their senses on high alert as they followed the scent of blood through the forest.

As they drew closer to the source, they could hear the faintest sound—a stifled cry, almost too soft to notice. It was the sound of something small, something trying desperately to stay hidden. The cries were weak, muffled, as if whoever or whatever was making them was trying not to be heard.

Canna and Grimruk approached cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. The scent of blood grew stronger, mixed with the musty smell of damp earth and decaying leaves. Finally, they reached the base of a massive tree, its roots gnarled and twisted, forming a hollow beneath its trunk. It was here that the sound was coming from.

Peering into the hollow, Canna's heart wrenched at the sight before him. Curled up inside the small, dark space was a little girl—a beastkin child. Her appearance was pitiful, to say the least. She had large, tear-filled eyes that shone with fear and sorrow, her small frame trembling as she tried to suppress her sobs. Her dress, once white, was now in tatters, stained with dirt and blood.

Her long hair, tangled and matted, cascaded down her back, and a fluffy tail curled tightly around her body as if seeking to protect her. Wounds covered her body, some fresh, others old and scarred over, telling a story of prolonged suffering. But what struck Canna the most was the metal slave collar around her neck, a cruel symbol of the life she had endured.

The girl's body shook with quiet sobs, her small hands clutching the fabric of her torn dress as if it were her last lifeline. She looked terrified, her eyes wide as she pressed herself deeper into the hollow, trying to make herself invisible.

Canna felt a surge of sadness and anger well up inside him. The sight of such a young child, beaten, bloodied, and broken, hiding away in fear, was enough to make his heart ache. He could only imagine the horrors she had been through, and the thought of anyone treating a child this way filled him with a deep, simmering rage.

But now was not the time for anger. Right now, that little girl needed comfort, not fury. Canna knelt down in front of the hollow, his expression softening as he tried to appear as non-threatening as possible.

"Hey there," he said gently, his voice calm and soothing. "It's okay. You're safe now."

The girl flinched at the sound of his voice, her tear-filled eyes darting towards him. She didn't respond, instead curling up tighter, as if expecting to be struck. Canna's heart broke a little more at the sight.

"It's okay," he repeated, keeping his voice low and soft. "I won't hurt you. I promise."

Grimruk, who had been standing silently behind Canna, watched the scene with a deep frown. The sight of the injured child stirred something inside him, something protective and fierce. But he knew better than to approach—his towering, intimidating figure would only frighten the girl more.

Canna reached out slowly, extending his hand towards the girl but stopping short of touching her. "I know you're scared," he said, his tone filled with empathy. "But I promise, no one will hurt you anymore. You can come with us. We'll take care of you."

The girl stared at his hand, her breathing ragged and uneven. She was clearly torn between her fear and the desperate need for safety. For a moment, she remained frozen, her instincts screaming at her to stay hidden.

But something in Canna's eyes, in the gentle tone of his voice, seemed to reach her. Slowly, hesitantly, she began to uncurl, her small body still trembling. She looked up at Canna, her eyes filled with uncertainty and mistrust, but also with a tiny spark of hope.

Canna smiled, trying to appear as warm and reassuring as possible. "That's it," he encouraged softly. "You're safe now. I promise."

After what felt like an eternity, the girl reached out with one small, trembling hand, placing it in Canna's. Her touch was light, hesitant, as if she was still unsure whether to trust him or not. Canna gently squeezed her hand, his smile never faltering.

"There you go," he whispered. "You're safe now."

The girl took a shaky step forward, her small body almost collapsing from exhaustion and fear. Canna carefully scooped her up into his arms, cradling her gently against his chest. The girl stiffened at first, but then, as the warmth of Canna's embrace enveloped her, she relaxed. Her small hands clutched at his shirt, her head resting against his shoulder.

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"You'll be alright," Canna murmured, his voice soothing as he stroked her tangled hair. "No one will hurt you anymore. You're safe with me."

The girl opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she simply buried her face in Canna's shoulder, her body going limp as exhaustion finally took over. The tension in her small frame melted away, and within moments, she was fast asleep, her breath coming in soft, steady rhythms.

Canna held her close, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. He couldn't begin to imagine the horrors this child had faced, but he knew one thing for certain—he would protect her, just as he protected all those under his care.

Grimruk stepped closer, his eyes filled with a rare softness as he looked at the sleeping child in Canna's arms. "What should we do, Master?" he asked quietly.

Canna glanced down at the girl, a determined look settling on his face. "We take her back to the domain," he said firmly. "She needs rest, and care. We'll make sure she gets it."