**Hunters' Praise**
Part 8
As Darren emerged from the cave, the two male goblins followed closely behind, carrying the carcass of the rabbit he had hunted. The females, who had been tending to their young and various tasks, immediately noticed the newcomers and their bounty. Their faces lit up with excitement and admiration. The females rushed to greet Darren, cooing and chattering in their native language. They took turns touching his arms and chest, showing appreciation for the food he had brought. The two male goblins joined in, gesturing to Darren and speaking in their language. It seemed they were explaining the events that had transpired during the hunt. The females' eyes sparkled as they looked at Darren, and they began to murmur among themselves. One of them, the one who had first greeted him, stepped forward and touched his chest. She looked up at him with a smile, and a screen popped up: "Goblin Female (Pregnant)". The other females nodded in agreement, and soon, all of them had a similar screen hovering above their heads. Darren's eyes widened as he realized the implications. The goblins were not just accepting him; they were welcoming him as one of their own. The females began to prepare the rabbit for consumption, and Darren was invited to join them. As they ate and celebrated, the goblins' behavior became more affectionate. They would touch and groom each other, and some even began to play with the young ones. Darren was included in their interactions, and he found himself being petted and cooed over. The status screens above the goblins' heads began to change, reflecting their newfound respect and admiration for Darren. The screens read: * Goblin Female (LvL 1) - 1 (pregnant) * Goblin Female (LvL 1) * ... Darren's own status screen remained unchanged, but he felt a sense of pride and belonging. He had taken a step towards becoming a part of this tribe, and he was eager to see what the future held. As the night wore on, the goblins began to settle down, and Darren found himself being led to a comfortable spot near the fire. The females took turns grooming him, and he felt a deep sense of relaxation wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was home.