-That's it! 

Rik stood up and turned to walk away, while Bron grabbed her arm pulling her back, the laughter of the group filling the stillness of the night.

-Come on, Rik! We're just playing around! No need to get so uppity!

He pushed her down on the log. Although unwilling to sit still, she knew that if she fought back, her weakness would become more of a laughing stoke. She told herself to keep it cool and it will all pass by tomorrow. But when she saw Bron's grinning face, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she couldn't really keep it cool.

-You know, Rik... – Chety climbed back on the log, bursting in spurts of laughter. - …you know. I just realized, that…all these stories…all these stories…have something in common…

-Rik being hit in the belly? – Tarek suggested, still chuckling

-Nonono…well…yeah…but no! You always get beaten by small, furry men…

-Hehehe…you know, Chety! You're right! – Bron laughed and turned back towards Rik, who was starring daggers at him. – Is that it, Riki ol girl? You've got something for short furry men?

-Fuck off, Bron!

-You you…you get all flustered and let your guard down?

-I'm warning you…

-Hey, Chety! Turns out Sky wasn't the problem at all! She's just mad cuz you ain't got no fur on ya!

-That's it!

Rik stood up, grabbing Bron by the collar of his shirt. Still chuckling, he grabbed her hand and with a small twist on the wrist he made her let him go and sat her down. Before she could react in any way, he pushed a pint in her hands.

-Have a drink!  Relax a bit! You've been so tense the entire night! Hey…I can make Chety give you a ab massage if ya like!

-You mother…!

-Don't worry! I'll make him wear a fur cloak! I'm sure I have something!

-Bron, you sack of shit! I am going to end you!

-Now, now Rik. – Tarek spoke up, helping Chety not to fall off his seat – No need to get so hostile. You know we make these jokes all the time.

-Yes, but…

-You are part of the group. Which means you share in our happiness and our sorrow. This is part of our happiness. You can choose if you want it to be part of your sorrow.

-I…ugh…

Unable to say or do anything, she felt defeated. She grit her teeth, scrapping them side by side, trying to contain her anger. And yet, it had been building up ever so slowly throughout the night. Ever since, Bron mentioned her gut. If it wasn't for him, no one would have laughed at her. No one would have thought of her as being weak. No one would have known her secret.

-Tomorrow we can get you some armor for that – Bron patted her gently on the belly – You know, to avoid any further mishaps.

That was it. She snapped.

Like all female gnolls, Rik had a certain sense of pride. And like all female gnolls, when that pride was hurt, she would react viciously. And like all female gnolls, that viciousness manifested itself through a berserker rage. Although she controlled herself as much as she could, she had given in, signaled by a dim yellow glow in her eyes. Still having some sense of sanity, Rik stood up and turned towards Bron.

-Am I a joke to you?

-What? No…

-Do you think I'm funny?

-No, come on, Rik, we're just…

-I'm not talking to them. I'm talking to you. You think I am a joke, don't you?

-Y-you're doing that thing, aren't you? You're eyes are getting kind of yell…

-You think of me as a weakling, don't you?

-Is Rik doing the eye thing? – Chety spoke up, sobering in a second. – Ah, shit…

-Rik, come on…-Bron continued and was immediately interrupted

Rik undid her belt, her cod piece falling to the ground with a soft thud.

-Come on tough guy. I'll wipe the floor with you and then I'll fuck you so hard, you'll love me.

In front of Bron's face was Rik's fully erect, seven inch pseudo-penis. The orc looked at Rik and simply raised his eyebrow.

-I'm not gonna fight you, Rik.

-If you don't want to fight me, I can just plow you right here if you'd like.

Bron knew he was in it bad. She wasn't completely out of it, but she was getting there. They had been in a few fights when Rik went berserk. He knew what she was capable in this state and he knew that normally he couldn't take her on. But now…he did know her weak spot. Maybe he had a fighting chance.

-Listen, Rik. Why don't you just calm down. Take your seat. And finish your drink. We can talk about this tomorrow…

His sentence was cut short as Rik punched him straight in the nose. He stumbled back, quickly regaining his composure.

-What's the matter, bitch-boy? – she snarled, cracking her knuckles and stepping forwards.

-Well…I guess we're doing this.