Zinnia stepped out of the dim cave, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed a figure approaching—an adventurer, armed and purposeful. Fear tightened her chest, and her amber eyes widened in panic. Her mind raced, thoughts tumbling over one another as she realized the danger her family was in. Swallowing hard, she forced herself to move, her knees trembling as she stepped forward to intercept them.
She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears, each step a monumental effort against the weight of her terror. Her delicate, pointed ears twitched nervously, and her breaths came in quick, shallow bursts. When she was close enough, she raised a shaky hand, trying to appear non-threatening despite her overwhelming fear.
Zinnia: "P-please, stop!" Her voice quivered, desperation lacing her words. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, reflecting the sunlight as she looked up at the adventurer. "We haven't done anything wrong. My family... we're not like other goblins. We only hunt small animals and gather berries. We don't hurt humans."
She took a shaky breath, her hands clasped in front of her as she tried to convey her sincerity. Her mind screamed at her to be convincing, to find the right words that might save them.
Zinnia: "My parents are ill, and my brothers are too young to fend for themselves. I'm the only one who can take care of them. Please, I'm begging you, don't harm us. We just want to live in peace."
Her amber eyes pleaded silently, the fear and determination in them unmistakable. She took a tentative step closer, her voice softening with a mixture of hope and dread.
Zinnia: "I’ll do anything to protect my family. Just... please, show us mercy."
