Although credited to Fumbiles, it stars a Fumblies NPC, Scaros.

It's also a nice detour story back to the Loathing Kingdom's Seaside Town, which is nice.

 
Courting Princess Goblin

Scaros, the second in command of the Fumblies' Command, has been experiencing many strange things ever since the undead threat had went away. He had been having strange dreams and he can suddenly do things he hadn't been able to before. It had taken months of study and reflection to come to grips with his dreams and his new abilities. Abilities that included to a minor degree basic elemental control and some undead control. Yet that was no problem as Fumblies had left him in the charge of all but the forces he had taken when the half-orc had left for Honorburg with Kadlin about a week before.

Scaros had been using that time to his benefit as he had made sure to keep the troops productive and busy with helping out in the protection of the town. But the biggest benefit to him was that Princess Goblin had stayed in Seaside Town. Being as he was a scarred war veteran who had no wife back home Scaros of course planned on acting upon fact that the he had the former king's sister nearby as a possible mate.

So using all of his charm and self confidence he had finally worked up the nerve to approach his quarry. He was dressed in his military uniform and looked sharp as he had spent hours making sure it was in tip top shape. He went to where he knew the Princess hung out and waited for her to arrive.

It's a lengthy wait before she and another princess walked in. Lady Goblin eyes the newcomer up. "You're with Sir Falanges of the Thordicus clan, correct?"

"Yes Ma'am, I am his second in command." Scaros bows in her direction before standing at a relaxed attention.

She nods in respect. "A good Goblin. Please meet Princess Zeala of Adrule."

The other woman, a blond princess with long elven ears, smiles slightly. "A pleasure."

"Glad to meet you Princess Zeala." Scaros nods in her direction before once more turning to look at Princess Goblin. "If you are currently busy I can return later."

"Now is as good as any," Lady Goblina responds. "I'll fetch a servant, should you want anything. Do tell what your business is on this day, fellow Goblin."

"Well ma'am, I was wondering if you wanted see a play or something with me." Scaros speaks calmly as he looks into her eyes, trying to hide the nervousness that comes from his being here in this situation.

Lady Goblin pauses, blinking. "Beg your pardon?"

"I asked if you would like to go see a play with me sometime." Scaros uses his military drill instilled calm to keep from running away from the situation. That and he finds her to be highly attractive.

"Possibly," she asked, cautious. "Why?"

"Oh, just say yes," Zeala said with a bright smile now.

"I would like to get to know you better and find you to be very beautiful Ma'am." Scaros speaks with a firm respectful kindness as he looks to her for a reaction.

"Ah, well, I.." she seems to be looking for excuses.

Scaros nods taking note of her lack of enthusiasm over his offer. He's managed to get to where was by knowing how to read the reactions of others. He takes her hesitation as his cue to leave. He slowly bows to both Princesses. "I am sorry if bothered you." With that he slowly turns and walks off already planning his next move.

"But if you're so inclined," Lady Goblin says, walking behind him. "I'd like a guide to show me around town, assuming you're familiar with it."

Scaros does a slight double take as he hears the voice behind him. Stopping he offers her his arm and nods slightly. "I know quite a bit about Seaside Town. What would you like to see first?"

"Why don't we start with the infamous Market Square I've heard so much about?" Lady Goblin says. "Do you mind if I invite Princess Zeala along?"

"Oh no," Zeala says, guessing Scaros would probably want to make it a two person tour. "I've things to do and spells to prepare, but thank you. I'm sure Scaros can keep you safe in the city."

"Awwww," answers Lady Goblin. "Are you sure?"

"I am," she says in a firm voice. "Go. Enjoy yourselves. Get to know each other."

Scaros nods his thanks to Zeala before he starts to lead the way to the Market Square. A portion that had a Brute and a few Knobs stationed in for immediate action should they be needed. "Ma'am have you considered returning home?" As soon as the question leaves his mouth, Scaros mentally kicks himself.

"I've committed to the other princesses," she says after a long pause. "I have to admit, your friend made some good points, however. I don't know what I'll be doing when the others leave, I must admit."

"Well I know you would find a warm welcome here if you stayed." Scaros smiles as he leads the Princess onward towards the Market Square pointing out things of interest along the way.

~*~*~*~*~

Several hours later, the pair has finished their tour of the city; already Knob Globins were whispering that their Princess might have found someone to marry. Scaros leads her out of the Market Square carrying some of her purchases. "So do you want to stop by where you are staying to drop these off or head to the theater?"

She billowed a laugh. "Ahh, I've not had this much fun in weeks! I suppose we should fetch someone to return them. It seems unfair to burden you with them for the whole show. Whatever is showing in live theater these days, anyway?"

Scaros lets out a whistle and a pair of uniformed Knobs run up to him. "You are to deliver these bags to the Princess Goblin's dwelling and don't get lost." The Knobs run off with the bags as Scaros turns back to the Princess. "Well I think there are a few romance dramas being acted out. Though to be honest I haven't spent time in the theater to see."

"Then let's go see," she says cheerfully. "Unless, of course, we have time to see the mysterious LAAAMÉ observatory."

"Well I think we can fit that in and just see a play later." Scaros looks at her hoping that she would agree to a second outing once this night was over. "Though I vaguely remember hearing that it had burned in the undead attack."

"Oh, that would be a shame," Lady Goblina says with a frown, before perking up to then say, "Why don't we go see if they built something in its place?"

"Well that would be fun." Scaros smiles he leads the way to where the observatory had once stood. While he leads the way he tells her a bit about himself though it was impossible to tell if she was interested or listening. One of the pitfalls of dating someone who does political relations on an hourly basis.

"Are you enjoy the evening mi Lady?"

"I am, thank you," she admitted, admiring the stars above the city. "The food was delicious. It reminded me of the rat poison goulash they served when I was a girl."

"Ahh it has been a long time since I had that." Scaros had long since quit being nervous of the situation; in fact, he's having a blast. He smiles seeing her looking at the stars. "Do you want to see somewhere we can see the stars better?"

"I would hate to be late for the play," she says apologetically, not really sure what to think of this Knob Goblin. She start opening up to him but a Lady in her position must be careful. "It's been so long since I've been treated to the unique style of our Kingdom's storytelling."

"Well how about we head to the theater now and get some good seats." Scaros is just enjoying the time he spent with her, not ready for the night to end.

Lady Goblin nods, just as eager to get there. "I suppose I could always use my influence to get us the best seats, regardless."

Scaros smiles as he leads to the nicest theater in town. He didn't know what was playing but he knew it would be worth the time it allowed him spend with her. Once at the Ol' Grand Theatre, the two looked over the four choice plays. Hippo Chutzpah, a ballet about confused tutu-clad hippos with identity problems being hunted by ballet with evil, egotistical cape-wearing crocodiles with demonic black cat sidekicks.

There's also The Life and Times of Baio and Bakula, a supposed historic tale which took more liberties with historical facts, and for some reason, included pirates, lumberjacks, ninjas, witches, ninjas, cyborgs and robots in a tribute to overkill, all presented in glorious "B movie" quality. That would start any minute.

For Dallas Dynasty Falcon Crest Survivors, a semi improved retro-soap drama, and Behind the 17 Ball, a horror/ romance/ adventure show, they'd have to wait five minutes, and fifteen minutes, respectively.

After looking over the choices, Lady Goblin turns to Scaros with a curious look on her face. "You're hosting this tour, so which would you suggest?"

"Hmmm of these choices I think we should go with Behind the 17 Ball." In his mind Scaros could feel that it would be the most interesting of the choices. That and it would allow him an additional fifteen minutes to be with the Princess.

"How exciting!" She lets out a squeal of delight that annoyed all non Knob Goblins in near proximity.

Scaros smiled as he took note of her excitement. The squeal is unneeded but it did make him wonder what other things would garner that reaction from her. As they sit in the balcony he gets comfortable and slips his arm around her. After an unsure, tentative response, she puts her hand over his, not snuggling against him but not removing his hand, either.

~*~*~*~*~

The play now over, Scaros knows that he at some point has to get her back to where she stays. Yet he looks at her hopefully as they leave the theater. "Do you want to see the stars now or are you ready to return to your quarters?"

"I'd best return before they send the guards out to 'save' me," Lady Goblin admits. "But it was a lovely time. Thank you."

Scaros laughs in amusement as he offers his arm to her so he can take her back to where she stays. She accepts and the two walked down the street, taking a shortcut down Frequent Crime Alley. To the absolute shock of the reader, three enormous cross eyed bugbears, dressed in gang colors, immediately jump out, each wielding two knives.

"Gimme yew money, or kill yewselves faw being human, or else!" One says with a nasty lisp.

Scaros sighs as he shakes his head in amusement. What a way to end the night. Looking to Lady Goblina he draws his sword and then steps in front of her with a grimace on his lips. "Who you calling a human, flea bag?"

"H-he.. he c-called-d you a hum.. human fleabag!" another stutters.

Scaros shakes his head again and chuckles. "Now are you going to leave us be or will I have to get busy with my sword?"

"Are a fool, you are," the third one says, with the worst voice inflection of all. "Face our force, you will. Lose, you must. Is no try. Is only minor felonies and assault. Die, make you, we will!"

"Y-y-y-y-y-y-y-eah! Take th-that!"

"Awe you sowwie now?!"

Despite the trash talk, Goblina isn't impressed. "Okay, do you mind beating them up so we can get going?"

"With pleasure." With a swift lunge forward Scaros had slams the hilt of his sword into the face of the first thug. Before it could react Scaros is already moving forward with a kick to the crotch of the second. And the third's taken out by a swift fist to the face.

As the third stumbles back, Scaros grins before sliding his sword back into its sheath. With that he once more begins leading Lady Goblina to her chambers.

"Hardly worth the effort," she says in relation to the thugs.

Scaros nods. "Yeah but be sure that this alley will be cleared out tomorrow." Scaros slips his arm around her as they walked. Before long, they are at the Council building, where the princesses had more or less taken over out of boredom. Several thick, burly guards rush up to greet them.

"It's later than I thought," she says thoughtfully. "Again, I appreciate the tour."

"You are most welcome mi Lady." He bows toward her again and as he stands up a smile was on his lips. "Maybe we can do this again sometime."

"Maybe," she says, giving him a peck on the cheek and turning to vanish into the Council's building with no further comment, but a sly smile on her face.

I (Dash) wrote the princesses for this one. I quite liked rereading it, especially the little touches to get some KOL'ness into Seaside Town!

Although it was a nice little diversion from Seaside Town, it's time to get back to the stories of Dash, Sunset, Cattaras, Fumbles, Becky, Aleena and the others.