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Chapter Text

A stone weighed in my heart as I returned home not to visit but to bury my mother. I’d received a note sent to my current living quarters in a boarding house for unmarried women, telling me of the dreadful news alongside a small bouquet of roses a red so dark they appeared almost purple. There was barely enough time to pack and set out for home, so I simply brought the bouquet with me as a small comfort.

Going through the small cottage where I’d spent my childhood, there wasn’t too much to sift through save for the books my mother had made sure to keep for me. She’d prided herself on living only with what was needed and what could be provided by our efforts. Oddly enough, the flower garden outside appeared rather well-tended despite my mother taking ill some weeks past from what the letter said.

I pulled several of the books from the shelf when a smaller one tucked behind them thudded gently to the floor. Picking it up, it was bound with twine and included a letter tucked into the twine with my name on it.

Opening the letter, I inhaled a sharp breath as I read what must have been her final letter to me.

‘Darling,

If you are reading this, then the illness has taken me from this world to journey into the next. I grieve that I wasn’t able to spend more time with you or see you happy with someone special at your side much like it was with your father. Even now, I still miss him though I was able to find happiness once more.

You might remember little gifts and chores being done around the cottage as well as expanding the garden. That was due to my beloved Sorrel who obeyed my wishes not to reveal himself to you out of my concern. I regret not doing so earlier as now you might be frightened when he returns. But don’t fret, darling, his heart is as large as he is tall.

I’ve left my journal so you might understand why I fell in love with him and feel he was sent by your father to watch over me and you. Please read it before you cast judgment upon Sorrel or any of his kin that may visit alongside him.

All of my love,
Mama’

Holding up the letter, I sank into a nearby chair as I had discovered my mother’s greatest secret. I recalled the little gifts that she gave to me but always thought she’d made them. The pressed flower cards that became bookmarks for my small yet growing collection, the sweet-scented soap bar I tried to use as little as possible to last longer, and the honey cakes for each birthday and Yule.

Was Sorrel behind all of these as he took care of Mama? I furrowed my brow, picking up the small journal to remove the twine, and opened to the first page of my mother’s lovely scrawl to read.

~~~

I spent the rest of the day reading and buried deep in my own thoughts until finally closing the journal. So much had happened under my nose that she’d kept secret, finding Sorrel and coming to love him as she had my father. Memories flooded me with each page I read and scarcely managed to dam the approaching tears.

It was near dusk, and I stood up to prepare something simple for dinner until I saw movement outside. A large form moved around the garden, and I rushed to open the door, calling, “Who’s there? Come out now!”

The figure stopped and turned to face me, and I gaped, taking a step back at first at the sight of the massive orc. He took a step back as well, motioning towards the garden and softly saying, “Ach, apologies, little… ah, young miss. I come to tend… her garden.”

“Are you… ‘Sorrel’ then?” I asked, moving a few steps closer to the orc my mother had written about so lovingly.

Looking down, he closed his eyes and nodded. “Ach, I was. For your mama and… for you as well, Little Bloom. Not so little now I ken.”

Upon seeing the sad smile he gave me, I felt the well of emotion from losing my mother rise in my throat, escaping in a soft sob as I rushed to him. Here was someone who knew the loss I felt. I wrapped my arms around him and wept, barely feeling him tense up before he curled one arm about me.

Somehow we both were able to get inside the cottage where he managed to calm me enough to sit down. He asked if I had eaten anything today, and when I shook my head, he immediately went to the kitchen and larder. Preparing food, we spoke about Mama and how he’d met her and vowed to help in any way she needed.

Sólmundur, his real name, of Clan Bautul had come to call Mama his mate, the heart of his garden, and me his ‘Little Bloom.’ It was another name Mama had called me in childhood, and hearing it from him made sense now. When I asked why she’d never wanted him to speak with me, he gave another sad smile.

“Ach, your mama wish you to reach age to make that choice. I ken, those were no safe times for orcs and mates, and she fear for you, Little Bloom.”

Nodding and frowning, I knew the treaty with Orc Mountain had only recently been established with the lords of men. But of course, there were always rumors and slander and the like to cause trouble and mistrust.

I saw the proof of Sólmundur’s care for my mother in her garden with not a weed in sight and even in the cottage that still had food and nary a speck of dust. And of course I’d read the ultimate proof in her journal of all the little things he did for her and for me, too. Just without my knowledge. Damn, how could I have been so blind?

Inhaling and huffing out a sigh, I stated, “You sent the note to me, didn’t you? And the roses?”

“Ach, only the note. The roses were a gift my assistant sent.”

My eyebrows raised. “Your ‘assistant?’” I glanced towards the door, concerned we’d left him out.

Chuckling and shaking his head, Sólmundur waved his hand away. “I ask him to allow me to meet you. You ken women may think poorly of orcs. I no wish scare you, Little Bloom.”

While I wanted to protest this, the logic was sound given what the lordships would have the masses believe. Maybe as a child, I wouldn’t have thought twice about meeting an orc in the forest. Even one the size of Sólmundur. Time and horrible stories try to make enemies of us all.

“So… you’ve come to…?” I started to speak then stopped when he pulled a letter out of his tunic.

“Ach, her wish was to… be laid in the Mountain.” Sólmundur handed me the note, which I opened and read.

Since Mama couldn’t be buried with my father, she wished to be near the orc whom she loved and who loved her in return. I clenched my teeth at the thought of my father’s family and the way they had treated her. Several angry teardrops fell on the note before I even realized I was crying again.

“I’m sorry, Sólmundur,” I whispered, swiping the back of my hand across my eyes. “That makes sense she’d want to rest near you.”

“She wish keep you safe as well, Little Bloom,” he murmured, gently resting his huge hand on my arm.

Nodding and sniffling, I sighed, “I know but now I’m not sure what to do. Leaving as quick as I did was not something my boss was happy about. He said not to bother coming back.”

A low growl left Sólmundur’s throat, making me look up at his now stern frown, his eyes softening as he met my gaze. “Grieve for now, Little Bloom. Take time you need and all else, leave to me.”

“But–”

“Ach, no. I do this for both my Garden’s Heart and my Little Bloom. Bautul see to and protect their family,” he declared, getting up to his feet. “Now I tend the garden and give you rest.”

Part of me wanted to go and help Sólmundur just as I’d helped my mother in the garden before I’d gone off to learn scriptcraft and then work. But between the journey here, reliving and learning so many memories, and then finally crying my eyes out, the weight of everything had my eyes so tired. I rested my cheek against my crossed arms on the table to wait for him to come back but sleep came for me first.

When I woke up next, it was daylight and I was tucked in my old bed in the smaller room next to my mother’s. I found a note on the small side table from Sólmundur, saying that he needed to return to Orc Mountain, but he would come back in the afternoon. There were also some small meals, sandwiches and meat pies, he’d left along with a basket of fresh fruits.

‘Keep up your strength, Little Bloom.’

The last sentence nearly had me in tears again, having no one beyond my mother to care about me. I’d barely known my birth father when he passed suddenly and his family desired to force my mother to wed his unmarried second brother. Some stupid custom nobles in that area followed to ‘keep things in the family.’ And that cruel man was unmarried for a very good reason, which led to our fleeing as far as my mother could take us.

Now, I knew there had been another who cared for me even if I didn’t realize it at the time. Sólmundur had been there as I grew up, and now he was here again to help me grieve my… our loss. This orc might not have been my father, but he treated me as I imagined one would their daughter, showing much kindness in this trying time likely in spite of his own grief.

The next few weeks went by in a pattern I found myself returning to from my childhood, namely taking care of chores around the cottage while slowly packing things up. Whether to sell or take them with me, I still wasn’t sure, though it was a relief when Sólmundur returned each afternoon to help or just keep me company. He was impressed with the calligraphy script I practiced each day as well, a habit I’d formed to keep up my skill.

“I ken mayhap there is work for you in the Mountain, Little Bloom,” he stated, meeting my eyes as I looked up from my current practice sheet. “If you wish.”

“Really? What kind of work?”

Cocking his head to the side, Sólmundur rubbed his chin. “The Bautul garden always need tending, and the Ka-esh mayhap could use this skill of yours.” He tapped a black claw against the parchment.

I recalled him mentioning the other clans under Orc Mountain, and of the five, the Bautul and the Ka-esh sounded like their interests matched my own. Still I worried if I would really be helpful or if the other orcs would just find me to be a hindrance. But one thing I knew for certain, I couldn’t stay at the cottage for much longer. Not feeling as alone as I did when Sólmundur had to leave even though him being here also worried me that he was endangering himself.

“Are you sure I wouldn’t be viewed as… a burden, Sólmundur?” I asked, furrowing my brow.

Shaking his head with a soft scoff, he growled, “Ach, no. I worry for you staying here alone each time I must go. Even with my brothers standing watch, not enough to ease me.”

“Wait, other orcs have been guarding the cottage?!” This was news to me.

“I no leave you without protection,” Sólmundur hissed, his brow lowering with a frown. “They ken no enter the cottage or approach you. I see to that.”

Oh hell, now even more orcs were endangering themselves just to protect me. Despite what the treaty said, I didn’t trust the lords to keep to their word, especially if my father’s family were any example. Not entirely at least. They’d probably view Sólmundur and his kin as stalking my home to then kidnap me away. I wouldn’t have it.

Getting up from the table, I declared, “It’s settled then. I’ll take the job. When do we leave?”

He blinked his dark eyes at me, both eyebrows raising high on his scarred brow. “Little Bloom, slow down, you still grieve.”

“Maybe so, but I still haven’t been taken to see Mama’s resting place. And if she’s already safe within the Mountain, why not just go now?”

Motioning to the window at the fading sunlight, Sólmundur replied, “Is too late now. If certain this what you wish, mayhap we go in morning. Pack what you need take, I send my brothers for the rest.”

While I still worried about all of the orcs in the open, particularly the fatherly one sitting before me, it was best to wait. It would also give me time to decide what I needed to bring myself and what could wait until later. By the time he finally shooed me to bed, it was after midnight but I felt ready for whatever the next day brought.

TBC

Chapter Text

The journey was surprisingly quicker than expected despite taking mostly back routes through the forests. When the open roads were clear, Sólmundur led us that way and only redirected us when he scented too many men on the road ahead of us. I couldn’t really blame him and didn’t want any trouble befalling him on my account.

We stopped periodically to rest my feet and have small meals to keep up my strength, at least that’s what my mother’s kind orc said. He was becoming more and more like the figure of what I imagined my own father had been like, and I wondered how Sólmundur might react.

When I timidly asked how he’d feel if I called him ‘Papa,’ the orc stopped short on the path and turned to pull me into a strong embrace. I blinked in surprise until I heard him sniffle softly.

“Ach, Little Bloom, you have always been my kin. This, I ken, is a great honor you give me… only if you truly wish it.”

I stammered, “I-I mean it’ll take some time, and I’ll likely still call you by name, but… you’re the only father figure I’ve known. And I don’t want any trouble for you among your kin either, so-”

“My kin know better than cause trouble for me or you,” he huffed, smiling at my worried face. “It better this way as well as it allows you more protection in the Mountain. I not have any try harm or take you away, you ken?”

Sólmundur had explained before how unmated women who came to the Mountain were often pursued by orcs, sometimes against the woman’s wishes. While kidnapping and coercion were severely punished, there were some orcs that still lived by the old ways before the current captain took charge. It was easy for me to see why some orcs might accuse me of being a burden, but I couldn’t wrap my head around why any orc would want a spinster like me as a mate.

Besides, I wasn’t coming to the Mountain for anything more than to work and be near Mama’s resting place.

Once we reached the entrance to Orc Mountain, Sólmundur made sure to remain close beside me while leading us through various passages. The initial darkness of the corridors had my breaths coming in soft, shaky huffs, but seeing lanterns lighting the path into view was a relief.

We came across other orcs who gave me curious glances or sometimes a rare smile and nod, and I was surprised to see the variety of their sizes both in height and bulk. Skin color varied less widely, remaining between shades of light green and gray, and I noticed that Sólmundur’s skin leaned more green than gray at least in the sunlight.

Stopping in front of a doorway covered by a long cloth with a pattern of branches and leaves woven in shades of green, brown, and silver, he moved the cloth aside. “Welcome to your new home, Little Bloom. Not much, but I share all with you.”

“Thank you, Sólmundur, it’s so kind of you to give me a home as well as work to support myself. I’ll try not to be a burden to you more than necessary,” I stated with a resolute nod.

“No burden at all. The goddess will show your path in time, this I ken without doubt,” Sólmundur smiled, gently squeezing my shoulder.

There was a small alcove off from the main area of his quarters where a smaller bed and even a desk and chair had been set. Another cloth hung in front of the entrance to offer some privacy, and I smiled almost to the point of tears that he’d been preparing all of this for me. Dropping my bag on the bed, I rushed out to hug the big orc, stumbling to a halt at the sight of another orc in the room.

This orc wasn’t quite as bulky with muscle as Sólmundur but he came very close, especially since he was just as tall. He wore a sleeveless tunic and trousers, revealing several prominent scars along his thick upper arms and forearms. When I met his dark gaze, he blinked and glanced away, though doing so showed more of his broad and rather handsome profile. He was clearly younger given no silver streaked his black braided hair.

“Apologies, Sólmundur,” he said in a soft yet deep tone that sent a shiver down my spine. “I was unaware you’d both be… returning this day.”

Clapping a hand on the younger orc’s shoulder, Sólmundur shook his head. “Ach, no, it was a decision last moment, but we have arrived. And Little Bloom? This my assistant, Rósarr, also of Clan Bautul.”

“Oh! It’s nice to meet you, Rósarr,” I smiled and held out my hand, slowly withdrawing it as the other orc’s gaze flicked from the floor to my hand then to my eyes and back to the floor. “You’ve been helping Sólmundur to care for my mother’s garden, yes? Thank you so much for that, it looks better than ever.”

Rósarr gave a soft grunt and nod, mumbling, “I bring some food for you both.” And without another word, he vanished out into the corridor.

Furrowing my brow, I glanced at Sólmundur who was staring at the entrance with one raised eyebrow. “Did I… did I do something to insult him?”

“Ach, no, Little Bloom,” he growled, shaking his head as he faced me. “Rósarr is simply quiet to start when meeting. He notice much, a good skill to have mainly in caring for the garden. No worry for him as you no insult.”

I looked back at the entrance, still worried that I might have offended Rósarr or even interrupted whatever conversation they’d been having before I left my alcove. But I hadn’t sensed any form of malice or upset from the other orc despite him avoiding my gaze. It was going to take some getting used to other orcs beyond Sólmundur, and I was even more determined not to be any sort of burden. Hopefully, I’d make friends with Rósarr in time.

~~~

The first few weeks at Orc Mountain were spent mostly around the Bautul area from the garden to the common room and even to the battle pit of all things. We didn’t stay there too long as I was concerned about the orcs being put through the ringer inside despite Sólmundur’s reassurances that the training was much less intense than before.

I was relieved that Rósarr wasn’t in the battle pit the few times we were there, and it seemed as though Sólmundur was beyond that need to prepare. Still, the glimpses of brutality was a reminder that the orcs trained hard to become the force they were despite their numbers being fewer than the men. Visiting the crypts below was an even greater reminder of what they fought to achieve and avoid in the long run.

My mother’s body had been carefully wrapped and laid among other Bautul clan members, flowers placed both above her head and below her feet. This was likely the main reason Sólmundur tended to her garden at the cottage so ardently to ensure she was surrounded by the flowers she loved most.

“I ken she would find relief with you close now, Little Bloom,” he told me one day after our most recent visit. “She miss you fiercely, you ken? But she also wish for you to find your own path.”

Hearing these things from Sólmundur made my heart ache that she didn’t share her worries like this with me. But something in her journal gave me pause. Mama had mentioned being grateful to have her ‘Sorrel’ to speak of her worries with so she didn’t have to burden me with more concerns. Especially with my work being rather intense in the city.

While it was nice to have the time to gain my footing, my work in Orc Mountain didn’t really involve much script work. At least not in the formal sense. Instead I was given tasks by Gwyn, the midwife of the Mountain as well as mate to the Bautul seer, whatever that might be? He was a more carefree orc than I’d expected any of them to appear.

My tasks consisted of transcribing ledgers from the past harvest in the Bautul Garden, both in produce and herbs. The variety of what they grew was astonishing! Orchard, field, and vineyard, they seemed to cover so many tastes in vegetable, fruit, and herb.

The garden was also where Rósarr was most often found, and I was glad to have his help when Gwyn asked me to compose the current harvest’s ledgers. Apparently, there was a new field expansion which meant an additional ledger to keep track of what was grown and harvested. Surprising to me was that this new part of the garden was dedicated solely to flowers, and when I saw the transplants, my eyes grew misty.

“These are from Mama’s garden,” I whispered, bending over to gently touch the feathery plumes of an anise hyssop.

Rósarr knelt next to me, nodding and murmuring, “Ach, Joarr and his mate agree with Sólmundur’s suggestion to move some here.” Gently lifting the anise plant, he placed it inside the fresh tilled hole and covered the roots.

Slowly but surely, Rósarr had started opening up more and speaking a little at a time with me. He was incredibly insightful with regards to the garden, identifying the first stages of root rot, wilt disease, or the beginnings of a pest problem. What’s more was that he usually had a solution for any number of issues, which made me relieved that he’d been one of the orcs taking care of my mother’s garden.

“At our first meeting, Sólmundur said that you were the one that sent the dark red roses along with his note,” I said, studying the orc as he worked on planting the next flowers.

“Ach?”

Tilting my head to the side, I raised a curious eyebrow. “From what I’ve read about flower language, the dark crimson rose is for mourning.”

“This is truth. I thought… they might comfort you,” he responded in that deep tone like distant thunder, pausing in his digging though not looking up at me.

The roses had been a great comfort both upon receiving the news and also on my journey to the cottage. While there, they’d started to wilt and I immediately started the drying process to help preserve the petals’ sweet smell. I’d made a few scented sachets which now graced my alcove and the gathering area of Sólmundur’s quarters.

I fidgeted with the pocket sewn into my dress, having wanted to do something in exchange for Rósarr’s kindness in my grief. Not really knowing what his favorite scents were, I went with something a bit more general such as a peppermint and honeysuckle sachet. Peppermint for masculinity and honeysuckle to wish for happiness.

Slipping my hand into my pocket, I admitted, “They were lovely, and I ended up drying them to make scented sachets. I’ve also been wanting to thank you, Rósarr, so… here.” I removed a sachet that took up all of my palm, offering it to the orc.

Rósarr glanced at me, his dark eyes blinking as he reached out to take the sachet, dwarfing it in his grasp. He inhaled and his eyebrows rose, murmuring, “Peppermint… and honeysuckle.”

“I wasn’t sure what scents you liked, so I went with something simple. But I know orc noses are more sensitive than a human’s, so if you don’t like it, please just throw it away–” I knew I was babbling now but couldn’t make myself stop until he shook his head.

“No!” Rósarr protested much louder than I’d ever heard his voice before, cupping his large hands and covering the sachet as though shielding it from being taken away. “It’s a welcome gift. Thank you.”

Blinking out of my shock, I smiled brightly at the orc, feeling warmth bloom in my chest that he seemed to like this small gift so much. “I’m glad you like it, Rósarr. And if you want others with different scents, just let me know.”

—

(Rósarr)

Why must she grant me such kindness?

The pain from another turning her back on me still throbbed in my chest. It had been seven full moon turns since, yet at times the wound felt fresh as the day it happened.

A pretty young woman had sought help at her family’s farm as her father had taken ill and her mother was away. I answered the request, plowing and gathering crops while working to improve the soil. She had received me with hesitance that shifted to kind gratefulness for the season I worked on the farm. I thought mayhap she felt more and spoke such to her, but I was a fool.

“How could you think I’d want to be with an orc? You’ve been paid for your service, now please leave.”

After that, I had sworn not to grow close to another woman so soon after meeting. Sworn this to the goddess herself. In return for my devotion, She tormented me with Sólmundur’s kin.

I placed no blame on her wish to return my kindness. Yet her lovely face and kind voice plagued my nights alone in bed. And no distraction to help ease my distress.

Still, I smiled to see her each day she came to the garden, dark hair braided and ledger in hand while writing. Her script was smooth and easier to read than previous scrawls written in haste. She was a boon to the Mountain and Clan Bautul, and I ken Sólmundur was relieved to have her safe here.

Watching over her seemed the best course to aid him, and I would ensure she remained guarded in the Mountain.

TBC

Chapter Text

“I ken you gave Rósarr your gift, ach?” Sólmundur raised a thick eyebrow as we ate a hot breakfast in his quarters.

Nodding with a smile, I swallowed before saying, “Yes, he really liked it more than I expected he would. I mean, it’s just a scent sachet, not that hard to make.”

He shook his head and motioned to the one I’d hung near the entrance. “Scents mean much to orcs, you ken, Little Bloom. And such a gift will carry much.”

“But I just wanted to repay Rósarr’s kindness. I feel like we’re starting to become friends.”

An odd look crossed Sólmundur’s face almost as though the food was not to his liking, but he shook his head when he noticed me staring at him. “Ach, good for you to find friends here. And mayhap have new work for you from Ka-esh. I take you there after we finish.”

“New work? Like transcribing?” I sat up straighter in my chair, eager to put my continued daily practice to use at last. Not that I didn’t love helping in the Bautul garden, but this was a skill I was proud to show. “Oh, but I haven’t finished the new harvest ledgers yet.”

“Ach, Joarr say that will keep, Ka-esh need you more,” he said, waving his massive hand. He had another faraway look again then grit his teeth. “So he say to me.”

The Bautul seer certainly had a weird way of explaining things that I felt eluded most of the orcs though they did trust his word when he spoke to them. It was just odd to hear cryptic yet likely important messages from an orc who liked to spend his days either chasing or being chased by Gwyn in the orchard. Still it was endearing seeing them playing together even when she huffed and scolded him.

“Well, if that’s where I’m needed… who am I to argue?”

Sólmundur gently smiled and patted my hand. “I ken this make you happy, Little Bloom, as I see you write each eve. Ka-esh will welcome your help.”

“I hope so,” I admitted, recalling what I’d learned about the Ka-esh. Keeping to themselves and their research, I worried again that I might get in the way.

Grasping my hand, he furrowed his thick eyebrows, growling, “Ach, they will. Only… stay in library til I come bring you home, you ken?”

I blinked and tilted my head. “O-okay. I… can do some reading if I finish sooner than expected.”

“Ach, this is good.” Sólmundur released my hand, giving it another soft pat before returning to his food.

His reaction was a little odd, but I couldn’t help my excitement at the opportunity to write formally again. Even if my ex-boss had been extensive with my tasks, I enjoyed the feel of putting ink to paper and shaping the words in my own scrawl. I just hoped the Ka-esh would be pleased with my work.

~~

When we arrived in the Ka-esh library, it was much louder than I expected, though it seemed limited to two slender orcs snarling at one another. I couldn’t quite hear what was being said, but the orc on the left pointed a sharp clawed finger at the other who knocked that hand away.

Next to the pointing orc was a petite blonde woman looking rather vexed with the situation until she glanced our way. Her eyes widened and she smiled, rushing between the tables towards us, asking, “Oh, Sólmundur, is this ‘Holly’? Thank the gods you’re here!”

“Ach, is my heart’s daughter,” Sólmundur answered in pride, making me blush as he turned to me. “Little Bloom, this Rosa, mate to John, leader of Ka-esh. She tell you new work, ach?”

“Yes, we’re so relieved you’re here, isn’t that right, John-Ka?” Rosa called over her shoulder to the two orcs who were still quietly snarling as they approached. “She’ll be fine here, Sólmundur, I’ll take care of her.”

Grunting, he nodded to the smaller woman before smiling warmly at me, squeezing my shoulder as he left.

Blinking at the smiling woman, I stammered, “Uh, it’s nice to meet you. What can I do to help?”

“Well, there’s been an accident–” she started to speak.

“Ach, an ‘accident’ by the fool who cannot take proper safety measures before running about with his fool head in the clouds,” John interrupted with a pointed glare at the other orc.

I noticed the second orc’s right hand was wrapped in bandages and rested in a sling, widening my eyes at the injury and murmuring, “Damn.”

His narrowed black eyes darted to me with a sneer that practically ruined his smooth, attractive face. “We need no help from Bautul, John-Ka, just need more time to heal.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped, my mouth tight as heat flared up my neck to my cheeks.

Lifting his chin, he merely sniffed as if to say ‘you heard me’ and returned his expectant stare to John.

“Consider it punishment for foolhardy arrogance, Askul.” John scowled, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“It’s not arrogance if my concept works,” Askul countered, attempting to lift his right arm then pointing with his left hand. “And not foolhardy if it benefits us all.”

Grasping his right shoulder, John turned his hard gaze on the other Ka-esh, asserting, “We have safety protocols for a reason. To prevent injuries like this, you ken? You show much promise, yet you become own largest obstacle.”

Their conversation grew tiresome given how shitty Askul’s attitude was, and I cleared my throat. “Since this has nothing to do with me, I’ll just wait over there until I know why I’m needed here,” I grumbled, crossing my own arms and turning to walk away from the two orcs.

“Oh, Holly, I’m sorry for that,” Rosa expressed, following after me. “John’s been in such a state since Askul got hurt.”

I sighed and dropped my arms to my sides, facing her with a hesitant smile. “Maybe you can explain what my job will be then?”

“Ah, yes, we’ve located some rather old copies of texts regarding orcish culture!” The woman practically bounced with enthusiasm. “The issue is they’re worn and need to be transcribed into a new book, and Joarr mentioned that the Bautul might have someone who could help–”

“I ken we should see her write first afore giving her access to the texts, Rosa-Ka,” Askul coldly interjected, appearing next to us with John in tow. “See how her skills match up.”

What the hell crawled up his ass and died? This utter prick was becoming more and more infuriating the more time I spent around him. I’d heard that the Ka-esh were also known as the “pretty” orcs, but of the two examples I’d met, John was the better of them. Askul appeared just as vile as the words he spat despite the fact that he was injured. I would feel an ounce of pity for him if he wasn’t treating me like scum.

“Fine,” I ground out through my clenched teeth, turning to Rosa. “May I have some paper, pen, and ink?”

Retrieving the implements, I sat down at one of the tables with a blank page before me, the two orcs and the small woman crowding behind my chair. I dipped the pen into the inkwell and then steadily wrote three words in my best scrawl, ending with a flourish.

Sliding it towards Askul, I sweetly asked, “How’s this?”

‘Fuck you, Asshole.’

A laugh hidden by a cough along with a snort made me glance over my shoulder where Rosa was trembling with contained mirth while leaning against John. I returned my stare and sweet smile to Askul as he narrowed his eyes with a livid growl.

“I ken she can do the job, Askul,” John confirmed, reaching for the paper but it was snatched away.

Askul crushed it into his fist. “Fine. She can do it until I am healed or perhaps do so permanently if you feel I’m so easily replaced.” Turning on his heel, he stalked away.

Twisting my mouth to the side, I faced Rosa and John, exclaiming, “I don’t want to replace anyone and leave them without work. Even that prime example of jackassery.” I pointed towards Askul’s retreating form.

A scoff came from John as he shook his head. “Ach, no, you would not replace him for good. He’s behaving like a petulant orcling having a tantrum, but I ken he has much skill. If only he use more sense than is present in his head.”

“Askul is one of our best transcribers, but with his hand injured, you see the predicament we’re in now,” Rosa added with a sigh. “I’m sure once he’s had a chance to calm down, he’ll be more friendly.”

Somehow I doubted that fact, but I couldn’t help understanding the fear of being replaced by someone else. There were any number of times that my former employer would express his dislike of my current scriptwork and would demand I redo it. At even the slightest protest, he would threaten to find another scribe to do my job if I couldn’t.

That doesn’t excuse the orc’s rude behavior, just makes it more understandable.

“Anyway, let’s get you set up with the supplies you’ll need along with the first book.” Rosa broke through my thoughts. “You’ll have to work here since John’s very sensitive about books being taken outside the library. There’s one exception with a Skai mate, but she’s been extremely helpful to me, so I allow it!”

Hearing the other woman chatter about various happenings in the library eased my mind, and I looked forward to seeing these texts along with transcribing them. And hopefully, I wouldn’t see Askul the asshole much during the time I was here.

~~~

Wishful thinking it was when I thought Askul had been so repulsed by my presence that he’d never show his face around me again. The past two days I had a constant shadow hovering near where I was slowly transcribing the book Rosa gave me. He claimed he was just “checking my work” and “making sure I left the book” once I was done for the day.

Right, I thought, rolling my eyes each time the annoying Ka-esh chose to make a snide comment about my work.

The process was slow mostly because I spent part of the time double-checking the original text, but despite my best efforts there were some mistakes made. Thankfully, Rosa had also brought a liquid compound that I gently brushed over the errors, then waited for the page to dry before continuing.

During these waiting times, Askul was there to just grouse at me in general, making the process more tedious. I was immensely relieved they only needed me to work in the morning, and I would retreat to the Bautul garden afterward.

“I don’t know why he just can’t leave me alone, Rósarr,” I huffed while digging out some weeds that had gotten into one of the vegetable fields. “If I’m such a bother to him, he doesn’t have to be around me.”

Rósarr growled in his throat, and I turned to see his face scrunched in irritation, a look I’d not seen before, his hands clenching around the weeds in his grasp. A large hand on his shoulder drew both of our stares up to see Sólmundur raise a thick eyebrow.

“Some Ka-esh hesitant to work with other clans,” he admitted, shrugging and then gently shaking Rósarr’s shoulder. “They no like seen as weak.”

Scrunching my brow, I protested, “But Pa- er, Sólmundur, they work with the healer, research and write so much, and many other things at least from what Rosa says. Why would they be seen as weak?”

“Fighting skills often judged highest value, Little Bloom.” Sólmundur smiled ruefully and motioned to Rósarr. “In fight, who you feel win, Rósarr or Askul?”

Oh. The look on my face must have been answer enough as he nodded while Rósarr turned away, his pointed ear turning a soft pink. Having never seen him in the battle arena or even in a scuffle, I was still sure that my Bautul friend would likely win in a fight. Still he seemed more of a gentle soul than a brawler even if his appearance said otherwise.

“Ach, I bet on Rósarr each and every time, you ken?” An orc appeared from around Sólmundur, and I saw Joarr’s grinning face. “Even if you no like fight now.”

Rising to his feet, Rósarr brushed off his trousers, huffing, “I only fight when needed. There is more for life than battle. You ken this most, Joarr.” He faced the seer with a solemn stare, then moved to another part of the field to continue weeding.

It was difficult to imagine my Bautul friend as a battle-hardened warrior, but given what I’d learned in my weeks here, I knew things were a trial for orcs even before the treaty. Really especially before the treaty, and I shuddered at the idea of life in Orc Mountain under the captain’s tyrant of a father.

“Ach, Rósarr speak truth,” Joarr admitted, dropping to a crouch next to me and inspecting the soil. “I should no tease him too much, eh, ‘Little Bloom?’”

Whipping my head around, I gaped at the use of my personal name from someone outside of those I considered family. “Wh-what on earth–?!”

He chuckled and waved his hand. “Ach, ach, I no use that name. Your Papa ready to kill, ach?”

I blinked out of my stupor, glancing up to see Sólmundur hovering just behind Joarr, dark eyes narrowed and nostrils flared. Joarr hadn’t even turned around yet he knew just how my much larger Bautul Papa would react. Sometimes I wondered if he had a death wish or just liked to live life on the edge. Probably a mix of the two given that mushroom cultivation room I’d heard about.

“Is good you see valuable traits of Ka-esh, Holly.” Joarr had completely backtracked to what we’d been talking about before he interrupted. “They welcome you, ach?”

“Well… yes, it’s just Askul being an ass that sours something I’d usually enjoy,” I grumped, settling back on my heels.

Nodding his head, the seer dusted his hands of soil, suggesting, “Mayhap due to injury and getting too many lectures from John and Salvi. Burn like that no good for Ka-esh, so I no blame them, you ken?”

“Wait, he was burned?! He’s a transcriber and he burned his hand?” I demanded, my eyes wide at the idea. “Goddess, what the hell was he thinking?”

Joarr shrugged. “Askul test new weapon, it backfire on him. Why so irked over other’s mistake?”

“Because it’s my line of work, too, my livelihood,” I insisted, frowning and shaking my head. “Or at least it was. If I were to be injured like that, I don’t know what I’d do with myself. So that’s what John meant when he scolded him about safety protocols.”

Thinking back on when I’d occasionally get a burn from helping in the kitchen or even touching the wrong plant in the forest, my mother had just the thing to help ease the pain and aid in healing. It could be a peace offering to hopefully get Askul to relax while I work or he could just throw it away. Still nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I stood and straightened out my skirt, heading over to where Rósarr was weeding in the field. “Rósarr, do you think you could help me find some herbs? And tell me where I can get honey?”

“Ach, what herbs you need?” he rumbled in that gentle voice that made me smile as he looked up from his work. “And why honey?”

“I remember a salve my mother used to make to help with burns and thought it’d be something to give Askul. Might get him to finally just let me work in peace, you know?”

Again, Rósarr made that face which looked like he’d smelled something horrible, his blunt nose wrinkling as he flashed some of his teeth. I turned my head to sniff my shoulder since I had been working out in the sun for a few hours now. Maybe I did need a bath soon?

I apologized, “Sorry, I’ll wash up once we’re done, Rósarr.”

Sighing heavily, the Bautul closed his eyes and raised his face to the sun, growling, “Is no you, I ken your scent a sweet breeze of relief, Holly. You show… much kindness. Sometime too much.” He grumbled this last bit under his breath.

“I shouldn’t trouble you so much…”

“Ach, no. Trouble me, please.” He raised a hand, standing up next to me and his lips twitching up in the sweetest smile. “Come. We get herbs and be done with Ka-esh nonsense.”

Laughing at Rósarr’s remark, I followed after him, relieved to have his help especially when navigating the Bautul garden. I made a mental note to make a couple of new scent sachets for him and find out what his favorite fruit was to make jam. It had been awhile since I made jam rolls with my mother, and hoped that I could do the recipe justice on my own.

~~~

“What is this?” Askul growled, pointing at the jar I’d placed next to the pages I was working on that morning.

Glancing at him, I shrugged and answered, “It’s a salve that my mother used to help with burns for easing pain and healing. I’d heard more about your injury and thought you could use some.”

He narrowed his eyes in suspicion, his mouth set in a tight frown as he grasped the jar in his good hand. Using his thumb to pop off the cork lid I’d picked specifically to make it easier for the Ka-esh to open, he raised it to his nose and purposefully sniffed. I half-expected him to accuse me of trying to poison him or some other such nonsense, but rather than sniping at him, I just waited and watched the slender orc.

“You ken your salve better than what Ka-esh medical researchers provide? What orcs do naturally?” Askul hissed, setting the jar back down and replacing the cork.

Huffing out a sigh, I shook my head and returned to my writing. “No, I just wanted to offer some help since I know both John and Rosa are worried about you. Plus… I don’t like seeing another transcriber in pain or discomfort.”

That made him pause, furrowing his brow before rolling his eyes. “I ken I dealt with worse.”

“If you don’t want it, you can just throw it away or better yet give it to someone else so it won’t go to waste,” I suggested without looking at him, though my curiosity soon got the better of me. “What did happen to cause such injury?”

Raising an eyebrow, Askul flexed his still-wrapped injured hand, huffing, “Weapon prototype testing.”

“But what sort of weapon causes burns?”

“Fire-sling.”

I glanced up and blinked purposefully at him. “A what?”

Waving his good hand with another huff, he hissed, “Is no matter. It no work this time, but I try again once fully healed.”

“You seem very determined to have it work,” I observed, then glanced down at his belt where I saw a length of rope coiled in a holster. What drew my attention was what looked like three perfectly round stones attached to the unwound triple ends of the rope.

“Ach, Ka-esh no often fight like other clans. Ash-Kai have swords, Skai have blades of all sorts, and Bautul have axes,” Askul listed off other weapons from the four clans. “Yet Ka-esh need proper weapons to help from distance. Bows and crossbows good but could always improve upon these.”

I cocked my head to the side, staring up at his profile, for once not lined by his scowling. “And so you craft these… prototypes of new weapons that are more easily handled?”

“Ach,” he stated, turning to meet my gaze. The determination I saw there was a surprising change from the harsh glares he’d given me these past days. “I no let other clans think Ka-esh are unprepared for battle… should the need arise again, you ken?”

“That’s… very admirable of you, Askul,” I admitted, thinking that perhaps the anger he directed at me was really what he felt about his efforts being wasted.

Snorting and rolling his eyes, he growled, “Ha, ‘admirable’ to get lecture from not only John-Ka but Salvi as well. Not one but at least four!”

“Four seems… excessive.” My mouth twisted to the side as I bit back the thought that the other Ka-esh simply didn’t want him to come to further injury. “I’d think one good concerned lecture would be enough, especially if this is your first time getting hurt.”

Askul’s dark eyes widened and he cleared his throat, glancing away before spotting another slender Ka-esh moving by the shelves. “Come to return your mate’s ‘borrowed’ books, eh, Lucas? I ken that one pushes John’s patience more than me.”

“Ach, I ken he knows she just laugh in his face,” Lucas, the second Ka-esh, chuckled as he approached our table. He glanced at me with a questioning smile. “Greetings, Woman. You are Askul’s friend?”

Caught off guard by the question, I blinked and glanced back at Askul who appeared just as baffled. “Uh, more acquaintances since I’m usually in the Bautul wing. But since I was asked to help with transcribing, Askul’s been checking to make sure I’m alright… or if I have questions.”

Lucas glanced between the two of us before smiling and raising an eyebrow with a nod. “Ach, I ken Askul is best to answer questions for transcribing. I leave you to it.” As he passed, his elbow gently nudged Askul’s good side before he headed for the library exit.

Hearing a cough, I turned to find Askul staring at me curiously. “‘Acquaintances?’”

“Yes, well… better that than whatever we were at our first meeting, right?” I reminded him with a wry smile. “But I wouldn’t mind us being friends if you can tolerate my presence now.”

“Ach… mayhap,” he murmured, turning his back to me. “I ken you are quite able in writing skill… so I shall leave you to it.”

Before the orc could depart, I asked, “And what if I have a question?”

Askul barely glanced over his shoulder, shrugging. “I ken I will be… around.” Without another word, he strode off towards the library exit.

When I glanced at the table, the jar of salve was gone, and I bit back a laugh. I’m sure he will be around.

—

(Askul)

Sitting at my desk, I held the jar and scanned the instructions she’d written neatly on the paper label. A breath hissed between my teeth as I popped off the stopper with my thumb again, setting the salve down. I’d already removed the sling, it was only a reminder not to use my dominant hand, and unwound the wrapping.

A fingertip amount spread thin over the wound, I thought, following the instructions and resting my hand on the desk, palm up.

Among other papers stacked on my desk was a crinkled sheet I did my best to smooth back out. I’d been the one to crush it, yet I couldn’t throw it away.

She spoke truth, I am an asshole. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I knew the real source behind my anger was me. Even John and Salvi were justified in their lectures. Still I directed my ire at her as my so-named ‘replacement’ yet I alone thought her that.

For her to be considerate as she was just added another reminder of letting my stupid pride get in the way. Making it easy to open the salve jar with one hand, the woman was rather… inventive. I could certainly respect that trait given all of the weapon concept prints that littered my desk even now.

I flipped through the sheets, pulling one free to peruse where it had gone awry and how to fix it, yet her face came to mind despite my attempt to focus elsewhere. Her gaze had trained on the weapon I had coiled at my hip from what I recalled, clear curiosity in her eyes. A successful design and execution, I considered this my favorite to use even though I couldn’t do so now.

Mayhap I show her once I’m healed… should she show more interest, I thought, glancing back at the concept print before setting it back on the stack. That one would need to wait as well as I needed to fully heal.

Gazing at the jar once again, I contemplated several things around this enigmatic woman. Mostly in how to repay her kindness… and mayhap… apologize.

(TBC)

Chapter Text

Amazing. Absolutely amazing what just a simple gift did to improve one’s mood, and Askul’s had certainly improved. While he did continue to check on me in the library, it was to speak about what the text I was transcribing shared among other things. Rather than hovering about like some overbearing shadow, he sat across from me and pointed out different parts in the text that struck his interest.

What was more surprising was when Askul asked what I thought about the ideas in the text. Not in a haughty manner, just simple curiosity. It was actually quite pleasant discussing this with him despite my not being a scholar. I’d only ever learned to read and write for employment as a scribe, and most of my reading was done more for enjoyment.

“I ken we give lessons on learning Aelakesh… should you wish,” Askul mentioned once to me. “Good for you to speak with orcs mayhap have trouble with common tongue.”

Humming to myself, the idea had crossed my mind, mostly in that I believed it would be meeting my Bautul Papa in the middle. He knew the common tongue and may have learned more for Mama. Plus this was another skill I could add if I could assist in translation between the two languages.

I smiled and nodded. “That sounds like a good idea, Askul, thank you. Who would I need to speak with about that?”

The Ka-esh released a soft snort, shaking his head. “I teach you, Holly. You ken I allow other Ka-esh to do careless job with your learning? Ach, no. We start tomorrow once you finish allotted pages.”

Biting my lips, it was hard not to say he probably shouldn’t talk about his clan members like that, but the few others in the library didn’t even acknowledge Askul said anything. Such a bizarre though focused clan, yet I could still feel the camaraderie between them. Especially now that my Ka-esh friend had finally calmed down enough to be friendly and not as tense as before.

~~

“It’s actually been quite nice these past few days… Papa,” I declared with a smile as we finished up our work in the garden.

Sólmundur returned my smile, gently patting my back and saying, “Ach, is good, Little Bloom. I ken you no enjoy writing for Ka-esh as much til now?”

I shook my head. “It’s not that I wasn’t enjoying the transcribing, just that it was a bit harder to… how do I say this? Enter into the state of focus I usually do when I’m writing… if that makes sense?”

Tilting his head to the side, my Bautul Papa nodded. “Ach, I ken when I inspect and tend your Mama’s garden. I touch bloom, draw scent, and remember rich or bright color.”

“I suppose anyone can enter that sort of focused state.” I softly laughed, relieved that it didn’t sound that odd to him. “Some of the other scribes thought I was daft to talk about such things when it was just writing.”

Sólmundur frowned a bit at that, growling, “Is no just anything if make you happy. Men no seem open to such thoughts, you ken?”

Huffing out a soft snort, I agreed, “I’m seeing that more and more… Papa.” I wished it would come easier and more often when around others, yet I still hesitated to call him that in a group.

“You no need worry to call me such, Little Bloom.” He scooted over to wrap one massive arm around my shoulders. “I ken you are my kin no matter what you call me.”

I sniffled and hugged around him as best I could, blinking back the gathering tears. “But you call me your ‘heart’s daughter.’ I just want to honor you the same way.”

“Ach, you are, Holly,” Sólmundur said, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. “You give great honor in being here, feeling safe among our clan. No all do this as no all fully trust orcs.”

Blinking and wiping my eyes, I beamed, “How could I feel anything but safe with you and Rósarr looking out for me? And with Askul now teaching me Aelakesh, I feel like I should do something more.”

“A… ach, no, you do much now. Help for both Bautul and Ka-esh is enough, I ken.”

“Alright, if you say so, Papa,” I conceded while my mind still attempted to think of other tasks I could do to offer more help.

Leaving the garden and heading home to wash and eat, I entered my little alcove to find two things on my desk that weren’t there this morning. One was a small pouch that had a bar of soap smelling sweetly of lavender. There was also a small pink rosebud tucked next to the soap. A tiny note wrapped around the stem simply said, ‘To help you rest well.’

I smiled, saying, “Rósarr’s so thoughtful.” He must have remembered I was having trouble sleeping lately, and the soap should help me relax more easily at night after washing.

The other was a small wrapped bundle that I found contained several inkwells. Holding one up to my lamp, I gasped at the color. It was a vibrant red. The other two were a dark green and a deep yellow, and I spotted a note under the bundle. ‘In thanks for the salve.’

“Holly, are you well? I hear… ah.”

Turning to face my Bautul Papa, I laughed and shook my head. "Lavender soap and colored ink, Papa! Rósarr and Askul are both far too kind, aren't they?"

Another bizarre look crossed Sólmundur’s face with his brow and nose scrunched up and his mouth twisted to the side. And what’s more, he heaved an immense sigh that made his broad shoulders slump. What had I said to bring on such a reaction?!

"P… Papa?"

He seemed to shake himself out of the odd state, growling, "Ach, is nothing. You are right. They too kind. Time for dinner."

I almost didn't catch the sight of his gritted sharp teeth before he turned to exit my room. Setting both gifts back on my desk, I joined him to prepare dinner.

"Is… is something wrong?"

Glancing my way, Sólmundur bowed his head with a soft huff. "No, Little Bloom, I… ken you are grown. But is hard no see you as little one roaming forest."

He'd told me at one of our mealtime talks how when I was a child, he would follow me from a distance as I explored. The forest wasn’t without its usual dangers, but for a child who had only known city streets, it was an adventure. Yet I never noticed my personal protector, only the markers along the trees that helped guide me back to the cottage.

“I really wish I had known you then, too… Papa,” I whispered, furrowing my brow.

“Ach, the goddess blessed me with much, and I needs accept that you are also blessed by her.”

Blinking and nodding, I declared, “Of course I am! I have you and friends here, I… have more family than I realized even after losing Mama.”

Sólmundur nodded and shut his eyes tight though I saw a tear trickle down his cheek. “And you ken you are welcome here so long you wish, ach?” He smiled and opened his misty eyes to meet my gaze.

I embraced him from the side, sniffling, “Ach, I ken, Papa. And if you’re worried about the gifts, they’re just repaying my own gifts to them.” It couldn’t be more than that… right?

“I ken, Holly… I ken,” he murmured, gently patting my back. “Come, our meal no make itself.”

“Ach!” I concurred, quickly shoving any questioning thoughts to the back of my mind.

~~

“How’s your hand doing?” I asked once we’d reached the end of my current Aelakesh lesson.

Flexing his right hand, Askul shrugged as he wasn’t wearing the sling today. “Better, not quite fully healed. Mayhap in a day or two. Three at most.”

“That’s good news! I suppose that means my help won’t be needed with transcribing too much longer?”

He froze while gathering the papers from our lessons, blinking and clearing his throat, “Ach, John-Ka and Rosa-Ka much pleased with your writing. And I dislike not finish task once begun…”

Raising a curious eyebrow, I softly laughed and suggested, “And two transcribers will complete the job that much quicker, ach?”

Askul narrowed his eyes at me, flipping his braid over his shoulder. “Ach, I ken you no let it go to your head, Holly.” He arched both his slender eyebrows before his mouth twitched into a smile.

“Of course not, what would my Aelakesh teacher think if I did?” I teased, standing from my chair and gathering my few supplies.

“What indeed,” he murmured as he stood near me.

Reaching into my dress pocket, I pulled out a small folded sheet of paper and handed it to my Ka-esh friend. “Almost forgot to give you this. Let me know next lesson if I wrote it correctly since I’ve got to run.”

“Helping in the garden again?”

“I promised Rósarr to help with planting some apple seedlings in the orchard,” I answered, heading towards the exit and calling over my shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Askul!”

–

(Askul)

Pressing my mouth in a tight frown, I released a frustrated huff while heading towards my room. It was logical. She was kin to Sólmundur which meant she was around other Bautul. Yet there was only one name she spoke more than her heart father’s… and that troubled me in an unexpectedly annoying way.

What vexed me more was I knew the Bautul in question as a soft-spoken sort. Never spoke in anger unless provoked and showed meticulous care for their garden. Some Ka-esh would often ask his help in obtaining honey, and he readily obliged. Not the sort to earn one’s ire least as Bautul go.

Rumors I’d heard were he had taken up with another orc either Ash-Kai or Skai, both clans had come up. Mayhap this other orc had left the Mountain and… simply not returned. One could not blame Rósarr if he looked elsewhere. I ken where I would turn my gaze were I him.

“Ach, they are friends,” I hissed, rubbing a hand over my face. She never smelled of a mating bond, simply scenting of greenery or ink and paper. Only orc scent ever on her was her kin, Sólmundur.

Still there was more chance for her to… choose Rósarr. I shook my head, feeling it pointless to even give time to such thoughts.

Reaching my room and closing the door, I sat down and pulled the folded paper out from my tunic. My fingers worked slowly to not rip the note while unfolding it, and I soon scanned her scrawl in Aelakesh. I covered my eyes with a heavy sigh at the message that she’d even used the colored ink to draw several feathered quills.

Only one word could fully express the frenzy going through my mind now. “Fuck.”

~

Entering the garden, I stopped by one of the storage sheds to retrieve a shovel since we’d be digging holes for the seedlings. I also took the time to gather my dress’s skirt, tucking it between my legs and bringing the ends around to tie in front. Mama had taught me to do this to prevent my skirt getting caught while I was either helping in the garden or exploring the forest.

It made sense to do so when doing more intense garden work as well, not to mention it allowed more of a breeze. I grabbed the shovel and hefted it over my shoulder as I headed towards the orchard to meet Rósarr.

I hope my note to Askul made sense, I thought while picking my way through the fields. Maybe I should’ve waited a bit before writing it in Aelakesh, but I’m sure it shows how grateful I am to have him as a friend.

Despite having lived in Orc Mountain for over a month now, I still worried about being a hindrance to anyone. It made building friendships kind of slow, but somehow I managed to at least make a few friends in addition to my Bautul Papa. Most of the Bautul and Ka-esh I spoke with only in brief moments here and there, but it was usually in a friendly manner.

I had yet to venture into the other areas of the Mountain, namely the Ash-Kai, Grisk, and Skai wings. However, if I wanted to make the jam rolls for Rósarr, I’d need to visit the kitchens which were located in the Ash-Kai area. But I still needed to gather the ingredients to even make the jam despite what Joarr and Gwyn had both said about having plenty in the food stores.

It felt wrong to use ingredients without having something to exchange, and what did I have to offer? Nothing really. Plus I hadn’t asked Rósarr what fruit he likes best. Better to ask him first before making any plans.

Hmm, peaches, plums, apples… maybe blueberries? I went through a list of possible choices.

The orchard was in sight with Rósarr standing and facing towards me, and I raised a hand to wave before halting. A gray orc rushed from the shadows of the orchard’s trees, wrapping his arms around my Bautul friend and tackling him to the ground. Rósarr released a startled snarl, and I grasped the shovel tight in both hands, bolting towards him and the other orc.

“Leave him alone, you damn brute!” I shouted, skidding to a stop next to them, and braced my feet apart while swinging the shovel towards the gray orc’s head.

I missed, swinging just over him, and glared into a pair of black eyes that seemed to heat once our gazes locked. Gritting my teeth and preparing to follow through again, I barely heard Rósarr’s voice.

“Ach, no, Swee–Holly! No attack, is friend!”

“What?!” I grunted, unable to stop my back-swing, though a gray hand and arm shot up, grasping just below the shovel-head. Then, it was jerked out of my hands, leaving me unbalanced and falling forward to the grass with a shriek.

Recovering and huffing as I turned, my vision was immediately filled with this strange gray orc crouching down to stare at me. I shifted back to my rump, caught in his gaze, yet refused to show my nervous state and narrowed a glare on him. His presence didn’t feel predatory or menacing but instead intense as he seemed to scrutinize and judge whatever he saw.

“Stop, Valgeir, you frighten her,” Rósarr growled, shoving the other orc’s shoulder.

The gray orc merely held my glare for a few moments more before releasing a rich chuckle. “Ach, no. I ken I should fear her more, Ró. Brave woman come defend you.” He raised a heavy eyebrow that I just now noticed two scars stretched above and down over his right eye, wickedly grinning at me.

Twisting my mouth to the side, I remarked, “Seeing my friend in trouble, how was I supposed to react? Just let Rósarr get hurt when I could do something to help?”

“Ach, Holly, you even lose shoes I ken,” Rósarr pointed out, kneeling next to me while the other orc, Valgeir, stood up like an ominous shadow.

Good fucking goddess, he’s so tall. I blinked at the sight of his long body, wearing trousers and a sleeveless gray tunic, revealing a leather band around his left bicep.

Rolling his shoulders, Valgeir declared, “I find shoes, Ró. You wait here.” Then, he jogged off into the fields.

It finally registered about my shoes when I heard it the second time, glancing down at my bare feet now covered with bits of grass and dirt. “Oh, I guess they came off when I was running. I’m sorry for attacking your friend, Rósarr, I was just scared you’d be hurt.” Or worse, though I couldn’t voice that.

Shaking his head, my Bautul friend glanced out where Valgeir had disappeared, though I still saw the slight coloring of his cheeks. “You no ken he was friend. I… honored you come help.” He looked down at my bare feet, his brow creasing some.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been barefoot in a garden before,” I laughed, waving my hand. “Sometimes my shoes just slide right off, so I should probably get them repaired.”

“Ach, repair or replace I ken,” Valgeir quipped from behind, startling me as I whipped my head around to see him holding out my shoes with another grin. “Your shoes, Thornblossom.”

I blinked at the nickname, pressing my lips together and taking my shoes from him. “My name is ‘Holly,’ thank you, Shovel-Stealer.” We hadn’t really been introduced, and given the prickly name he’d called me, I felt this was justified as I brushed the grass and dirt from my feet.

To my surprise, his grin brightened further as he reached behind and held up the stolen shovel. “What, this? I no steal, only take to keep from cause harm by wild, raging Thornblossom.” He laid it across my lap.

“I wouldn’t have been ‘raging’ if some stranger hadn’t attacked my friend,” I muttered under my breath, using the handle to help me stand, and slipped on my shoes.

While dusting off my clothes, I gasped when he bent forward closer to my eye level. “Mayhap change that if make known. Valgeir of Clan Skai and close friend of Rósarr.”

Clan Skai, huh? I’d heard that Joarr had been raised as part of the Skai before later discovering he was in fact Bautul. Given Valgeir’s behavior, I could see the similarities though tackling his close friend seemed… severe? But then there were the other Skai spoken of either by Bautul or Ka-esh, their rather imposing Enforcer and the fierce, surly Right Hand of the Captain.

Then again, how could I not understand their own differences when I saw the same among the Bautul with fierce warriors like the Battle Captain and then careful tenders of the garden like my Papa? Still, while Valgeir was unknown to me, if he truly was good friends with Rósarr, I would place trust in that.

“Ach, I ken Valgeir was away from Mountain on mission. You only just return, ach?” Rósarr stated, placing a hand on the Skai’s shoulder and facing the other orc.

Releasing a heavy sigh and rolling his eyes, Valgeir nodded and rose to his full height almost a head taller than Rósarr. “Too long in field you ask me. You ken how Boss is, Ró.” He reached up and covered the Bautul’s hand, warmly patting him.

I glanced between the two orcs, feeling almost as if I was intruding on their friendly reunion. “Um, if you both wanted to catch up, we could take care of the seedlings later, Rósarr.”

They both faced me, shaking their heads as Valgeir rubbed the back of his neck. “Ach, no, apologies. I interrupt work, should leave you to it.”

“Well…” I motioned to the seedlings, then glanced at Rósarr, seeing him softly smile and nod. “If you’re not doing anything right now, why don’t you help us? To make up for stealing my shovel, you ken.”

Scratching nonchalantly at his cheek, the Skai shrugged and stepped closer. “Ach, I help you. As say afore, Thornblossom, I no steal shovel.” He passed by me only to reach out and snatch the shovel from my hand again.

I rolled my eyes and huffed, not bothering to correct or chastise him for either his remark or his action. With a soft chuckle, Rósarr motioned for me to follow Valgeir in taking care of our task now with additional help.

~~

“I ken you have shadow, Holly,” Askul quietly remarked close to the end of my next lesson, looking pointedly over my shoulder.

“Hmm?” I glanced up from the worksheet, then followed his gaze to discover a tall figure ambling by the shelves along the wall. “Oh, I didn’t know Valgeir was here. I’d hardly call him a shadow, Askul.”

Arching a slender eyebrow, my Ka-esh friend shook his head. “Skai known shadows of Orc Mountain, watch and listen always even when no look at anyone. He no different.”

“You mean they gather information? I’ll bet they’re a huge help to the Ka-esh then,” I smiled and finished up my worksheet.

“Ach mayhap,” he conceded, though his tone sounded skeptical as he reached for the paper. “Ka-esh and Skai tension from afore not as heavy now since John-Ka and Simon come to agreement.”

“Less tension usually means a more peaceful Mountain, ach?” When Askul made a pinched face at my observation, I asked, “What’s that look for?”

Releasing a sigh, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Sometime your optimism seem worrying, Holly. But I ken… it is welcome change.” He smiled ruefully at me.

“Sometimes, hope is the biggest spark for change,” I pointed out, returning his smile to let him know I wasn’t upset by his comment. “Oh! Did you get a chance to read my note? I hope I got the wording right in Aelakesh since I gave one to Rósarr yesterday, too.”

Askul glanced off to the side, tapping his claws against the table between us before inquiring, “Ach… what you wish convey in notes?”

“That I appreciated the gift and am happy having you as my friend just as I am yours. Was what I wrote correct?” Tilting my head to the side, his question had me worried I might have written an insult to both him and Rósarr.

After a moment, he nodded and smiled, saying, “Ach, is most good, Holly.”

I blew out a relieved sigh. “Thank the goddess, don’t scare me like that, Askul! I was afraid I’d made a fool of myself by offending you and Rósarr with my notes.”

“Apologies for scare but must excuse. Salvi ask my help with some such task.”

Nodding and standing from my chair, I added, “And I’m due to meet Sólmundur for lunch. Make sure you’re still careful with your hand.” I tapped my own palm before making my way to the library exit, waving to Valgeir as I left.

–

(Valgeir)

Skai-kesh, give me strength in this challenge ahead.

I was ill-prepared upon my return to the Mountain after many weeks away. While the mission had been needed and I usually relished such tasks, I’d missed much, including my Bautul brother.

Ró had been in a state over the woman who deceived him those months ago. I gave him what he needed when he wished, yet I had to leave him behind as well for this mission. He said he would be fine but still worry crept over me on the darkest nights away.

Now once I return to greet my dear friend, we’re both beset by another woman with the heart of a Bautul given her ferocity in defending him. I’d never seen one rush into an attack as she did with just a shovel. A shovel of all weapons! Scenting Ró’s fear that she might get hurt, I stopped the attack in short order even while catching another scent from him, one of affection and… longing.

I ken how long he had desired a woman even while we took care of one another, bringing each other pleasure. That alone kept me from speaking vows to Ró… and mayhap my own selfish wish.

Watching her with him yesterday as we planted, my chest filled with warmth even as it tightened. Here was a woman who mayhap could fill that hole in my brother. Yet I felt compelled to make certain of her intentions, especially after seeing the note she gave Ró.

This morn I followed her to the Ka-esh wing and slipped into their library, waiting and watching as Skai ought. Once she’d left, I approached the hunched over Ka-esh, Askul, and leaned against the table next to him, crossing my arms. “Ansans kjánaskapur.* I ken you lie to her.”

“Why think that?” He looked up from his hands, meeting my stare as his mouth tightened. “You no ken what she write.”

“No you but to Rósarr,” I remarked, glancing towards the closed door and knowing we were the only two present. “I ken she write ‘Ég er þín,’** ach?”

Askul’s wide eyes and glance away along with the heat in his face and slender ears told me everything.

“Ach, truth. You no read note with that meaning, ach?”

“First reading… ach. But no, I ken she no mean her words as such as she still learn Aelakesh,” he admitted in a sigh, and I also caught his longing scent.

Nodding and leaning down to put my face close to his, I concurred, “This is truth. You needs tell her, Askul, afore she write more notes she think innocent when not.”

The Ka-esh shook his head fiercely. “Helvíti***, I no think of this or mayhap put her in bad position.”

“Ach, now you ken,” I stated, tapping a finger on the side of his head which he batted away. “Ka-esh ken much, even more one who craft new weapon.”

Frowning and narrowing his eyes at me, I motioned to the coiled weapon at his hip. “No see weapon like it afore. Mayhap you demonstrate sometime after correct your Aelakesh student.”

“Ach, I ken, I ken,” Askul growled with a huff as he met my stare, regret in his eyes. “I no intend lie… only no wish cause her shame. Apologies to Rósarr for any confusion, Valgeir.”

“Mayhap no intend but still must make right. Face him with apologies as wise Ka-esh, Askul,” I advised, turning to leave as a memory came to mind.

“Ach, I ken she no mean thus, Valgeir. She is friend and I honored as one for her as well.”

Ró had said this after reading her note when she had left, yet I ken he spoke only half-truth as his scent told. This spurred my need to unearth all I could about her to make certain of her truth. If needs be, I would harden my own heart despite the clenching in my chest.

TBC

Chapter Text

(Rósarr)

“Rósarr.”

I looked up from inspecting the newest field in the Bautul garden, finding a Ka-esh approaching. Their slim build made clan members easy to identify even from a distance. His scent, however, was familiar in a way unlike others who came to me before.

Seeing his wrapped palm, I knew this Ka-esh, the one who had first aggrieved Holly and now taught her our tongue. Askul. My brow furrowed somewhat given his distressed look as he stopped next to my kneeling position.

“Ach?” I raised a thick eyebrow, meeting his stare before he lowered his head.

“Stand please, Rósarr,” he entreated, not raising his head. “I no speak thus while you kneel.”

Blinking at him, I dusted my hands and slowly rose to my feet, frowning at how much I stood over the slender orc. I ken my kin would oft use height and bulk as advantage, something I preferred not to do. But when asked such a request in serious tone, mayhap it needs be so.

I held both hands palm out to him. “Speak piece, Askul. No fear.”

The smaller orc inhaled and exhaled several breaths before finally speaking, “You ken I teach Holly Aelakesh now, ach? And I ken she give you note of thanks written in Aelakesh yesterday. I no… impress upon her deeper meaning behind certain words and phrases… at least to orcs.”

He kennen about the note, so mayhap he received one as well. Seeing his anguish, I sensed a certain kinship with Askul now as he mayhap also feel as I did upon first reading. Yet I ken she no mean that she was mine despite how my heart ached each time she was near. To see this Ka-esh with appealing features as distraught as I was… it eased some of the longing.

“So you ken, Rósarr, place blame for any hurt upon me, not Holly. I ken she would be most upset to have caused you pain… she will be distressed once I tell her,” Askul softly admitted. “Apologies to you, and I wish to make right.”

Nodding to him, I stepped closer and gently grasped his shoulder. “Ach, all forgiven, Askul. You no ken she write such notes, and I ken Holly… no intend such meaning.”

Askul raised his head, brow furrowed and eyes worried, beseeching, “I still wish to make right. What would you need of me? Ask, please.”

None who ever had slighted me afore had begged as much from me, another trait I favored in this Ka-esh. Apologies and forgiveness were all needs be done and said with sometime taking action in the battle pit. Still, I no ken what to ask.

Blinking as I recalled Holly’s note with small flowers drawn in each corner, I asked, “You make colored ink for her, ach?”

“Ach, gifts for her as she enjoy writing.”

“Why no blue?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, answering, “Blue is… difficult. Materials harder to come by to make. Certain minerals or… snail shells needed to create blue ink. Why ask?”

“Mayhap I help find materials if promise make blue ink for her,” I stated, lightly patting his shoulder.

“But that no for you, Rósarr.”

I smiled without even realizing while also thinking of her warm voice. “If make her happy, all that matters. And mayhap you assist in garden as well? A week should do.”

Meeting my eyes, Askul blinked and then glanced away though I still see his small smile as he nodded. “Ach, agreed. I promise make her ink and assist in Bautul garden.” He reached out to clap his unwrapped hand on my arm.

“Is good. Start next morn, Askul.” Moving to kneel down again, I faced him after he cleared his throat.

“I will tell Holly about the deeper meanings so no future confusion happens. And… she most like come see you after,” he asserted.

Frowning and shaking my head, I asked, “Why you think thus if she no at fault?”

“She no see that way, Rósarr, you ken? I take blame yet she say her mistake as well. Just her way.” Askul tugged at his braid, another small yet mayhap stricken smile on his face. “I no wish cause her shame at mistake… yet I cause her grief in other way.”

It was truth then. He longed for her as I did, yet it seemed we no ready to share this knowledge. No yet at least. Mayhap in time.

“Shame or grief, no ken til you tell her,” I murmured, tilting my head and gazing at him. “She tell you her truth, I ken. Mayhap not as bad as think, Askul.”

A soft huff slipped from his lips. “Ach, mayhap. I see you next morn, Rósarr. And… my thanks.”

~~

Why did the Bautul garden have to be so massive? I had a hard enough time just getting from the entrance to the first few fields, but it was even more challenging when searching for one orc.

During my lesson this morning, Askul had revealed that one phrase I’d used in the notes written to both him and Rósarr had much greater meaning behind it to orcs. He apologized profusely to me for not saying anything the previous day, but I still took partial blame since I probably should have just written the notes in common. Why I felt the need to practice writing Aelakesh I’d no clue and returned just as many apologies for doing so to my Ka-esh friend.

“If you’d prefer to stop teaching me, I understand, Askul,” I offered even though I preferred not to have another teacher.

His dark eyes flared as he raised both his hands in protest. “No! No, please… I ken you no mean such in note, Holly. And I ken to be more careful in my teaching and tell you words and phrases with greater meaning to remember.”

Smiling in relief, I admitted, “Thank you. I’d rather stick with one teacher, especially one that owns up to his mistakes.” It showed he wasn’t too proud to tell me when he’d made an error in judgment, which I appreciated and admired about him.

I’d left the library after my lesson and immediately went straight to the garden to find Rósarr, which had turned out much harder than I thought. In fact, there wasn’t anyone in the garden as I moved through the fields. Well, it was around time for lunch and the hottest part of the day, swiping the back of my hand over my forehead.

Huffing out a breath, my stomach released a soft growl in protest for postponing my own lunch right now. Maybe an apple or two will tide me over until I can find Rósarr, I thought and headed towards the orchard.

Luckily, someone had left a ladder leaning against one of the plum trees, and I grabbed it to move against a tree that had quite a few bright red apples. They were a bit higher up than I expected, slowly climbing the steps of the ladder. I reached the last few steps, stretching one arm out, and still the apples were just out of reach to my frustration.

Really, I should just go back down and head to the kitchen. Tilting my head, the apples seemed to shine in the sunlight breaking through the leaves, and my stomach released another louder growl. Oh damn it all, it’s just a couple more steps.

I moved up the last couple of steps until I was on top of the ladder, reaching out towards one of the apples. That was when I made a horrible mistake. My foot raised up and my shoe slid off my heel, and when I lowered back down to try again, I slipped and lost my footing on the edge of the ladder.

Screaming and flailing in panic as I fell backwards, I shut my eyes and braced for the impact that would possibly break bone if not my back. Instead, I grunted as long, muscular arms caught my body, and I trembled still in shock at my fall. A rumbling voice soon broke through my stupor.

“I ken shoes no like stay on feet, Thornblossom.”

My eyes blinked open to find Valgeir amusedly smirking as he held me tight in his arms while I glanced at my bare feet. Once again, my shoes had decided to abandon my feet in as many days. “W-well, I-I haven’t had the ch-chance to t-try and have them r-repaired yet.”

I couldn’t believe I was shaking so much even my voice was quivering, pressing closer against his solid chest.

Valgeir seemed to take notice and gently lowered both of us to sit on the ground, settling me in the nest of his long crossed legs. “Shh, shh, is okay, Thornblossom. You are no harm and now steady on ground. Breathe slow in and out.” His arm moved from around my back to gently smooth a hand over my hair while I leaned into his chest.

Doing as he suggested, I attempted to slow my breathing and took longer breaths when a nice sweetness had me pausing. It didn’t smell like any fruit even though we were in the orchard, and I inhaled once again, glancing up at the Skai. Was this his scent? Did all orcs smell like this and I was just somehow unaware of it?

No, Papa doesn’t smell like this, I thought, furrowing my brow. But did I just not notice other orcs’ scents?

“Look so serious,” Valgeir observed, his mouth tipping up in a half-smile. “What think about?”

Shaking my head, I sighed out a huff and leaned back. “It’s nothing, though I think I’ve calmed down enough. Still, I haven’t had that kind of scare in years.” I glanced towards the ladder with a frown.

He cocked his head to the side and remarked, “No one here to hold ladder steady. Is good I see you.”

“Yes, I’m… relieved that you were here, Valgeir,” I softly admitted, feeling blush heat my cheeks as I faced him. “Thank you for saving me. But why were you in the garden anyways?”

Leaning his head back, the Skai seemed to be searching for something if not stalling until he broke into a grin. “Ach, looking for Litla Kló. Much to explore in garden. See him up tree you climb?” He pointed towards the apple tree to the left of where the cluster of fruit hung.

I squinted and struggled to see what he was talking about. ‘Litla Kló?’ What in the world did that mean?

“Here, bend this way, mayhap see him,” Valgeir suggested, and I edged to the left and forward.

Is it an animal he’s trying to point out? It must be, right? Still having trouble spotting whatever it was he tried to show me, I turned to speak and squeaked in surprise to see the Skai’s chiseled face so close to mine.

My face immediately inflamed as I scooted off his lap to stand up, hearing his warm laughter as he said, “Ach, Thornblossom bloom so pretty.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mumbled, straightening my skirt and marching over to the ladder.

“Still wish for apple?”

Glancing back at Valgeir rising to his feet, I faced the ladder again, declaring, “It’s not just about the apples. I have to climb again otherwise I’ll never be able to get over the scare.” My eyes closed for a moment before I opened them and placed my hands on the rungs to climb.

As I slowly stepped up once more, scraping noises drew my attention away and I gaped at the Skai scaling the tree trunk. He merely grinned at me and clawed his way higher to settle down on a level area between the top of the ladder and the apples I’d tried to reach. “I help brave Bautul face fear. Come.”

He reached down one long sinewy arm, his hand hovering just above the ladder, and I released a steadying breath before continuing up. I soon reached the top of the ladder, much easier to do without my shoes, and stretched to grasp his hand. Gasping as he lifted me from the ladder, the Skai settled me down next to him on the strong boughs.

“Okay, that wasn’t as bad the second attempt,” I admitted with a laugh, gazing out into the orchard. An apple dropped into my lap and I grabbed it before it could roll down my legs.

Turning to Valgeir, he tossed another apple to me. “Vantage point no good as in forest. Still has merit.” He took a bite from his own crisp apple.

“It’s still a nice view of the garden and fields.” Bringing one apple up, I inhaled the sweet fruit while still catching some of the other scent mixed with it. Really that couldn’t be helped since I was sitting right next to the source if it was the Skai’s scent.

Then, I heard the tiniest whine of a sound and glanced around us. It almost sounded hoarse, but I couldn’t locate what was making such a noise.

“Ach, here you are, Kló.” The Skai reached up into a small cluster of bushy branches, gently bringing his arm down while holding a small black ball of fur. Setting the fur ball on his lap, it uncurled to reveal a sleek older kitten, blinking its green eyes at me.

“Oh!” I breathed, trying to keep my voice down to not startle the cat. “So you’re ‘Litla Kló.’ Your kitten, Valgeir?”

Nodding with a soft smile, he brushed one finger along the top of Kló’s head and back. “Ach, mine. His dam Cat, kitchen mouser brought by boss. You like?”

I couldn’t help smiling at the sight of this exceedingly tall orc simply petting such a tiny black kitten. “Yes, I’ve always loved cats. I wished we had one at the cottage, but Mama was too afraid it might get attacked or worse in the forest.”

“Ach, I ken your Mama right, but training can keep safe if cat ken where go.” Valgeir looked down as Kló clawed his way up the orc’s tunic to perch on his shoulder, the kitten staring at me and releasing that hoarse mew.

Tilting my head, I asked, “Is his voice okay?”

“He quiet one of litter. Perfect Skai cat,” he asserted, moving his arm to rest his hand on the branch between us.

I watched as Kló bounced down Valgeir’s arm and straight into my lap, remaining still as he sniffed my skirt and hand cupping the apples. Slowly, I extended one finger out, letting the kitten sniff it before he rubbed his cheek over my fingertip.

“He like you,” Valgeir murmured, making me smile again.

The feeling was definitely mutual as I moved my hand to stroke the adorable kitten. Mimicking what the Skai did before, I brushed my finger along the top of Kló’s head and down his back, his rump arching up as I reached the base of his tail. As I was scratching under his chin, Kló suddenly grabbed my wrist in his front legs, nipping between my thumb and forefinger.

Valgeir released a growl, softly admonishing, “Ach no, Kló. No bite woman with no her say.” He reached down to gingerly release my wrist, scooping up the hoarsely mewing kitten.

“It’s okay, kittens and cats are known to do that,” I laughed before registering what he said last, twisting my mouth to the side. “And just what is *that* supposed to mean, ‘with no her say?’”

Settling Kló on his shoulder, the Skai winked at me with a cheeky smirk. “Just so. Ach, I see Rósarr come this way.”

I looked out from the trees and spotted my Bautul friend approaching the orchard, sighing, “Oh, thank goodness. Now I don’t have to struggle more to hunt him down.” Glancing down at the top of the ladder, it was too far down to safely reach, which meant I’d need some help.

“‘Hunt down’ Rósarr? Thought you Bautul but mayhap Skai instead?”

“It’s a figure of speech, I wanted to speak with him quickly so I came here rather than going to have lunch first,” I explained with a huff. “Now are you going to keep teasing me or help me get down from here?”

Before I even looked at Valgeir, I knew that had been the wrong thing to ask as I saw his bright grin when he asked, “No can do both?”

I rolled my eyes, muttering, “Walked right into that answer.”

While the Skai still chuckled, he waited until I stored the apples in my dress pockets and then gently grasped my forearms to lower me down. My nerves must have shown on my face since he soothed, “Is okay, no let you fall. Trust, Thornblossom.”

Lifting my head to face him, Valgeir smiled down at me, dark eyes almost compelling me to hold their gaze. My feet touched the top of the ladder yet he waited until I felt steady enough to step down before he released me. Even then, the Skai slid from his perch to climb down just beside me on the ladder with Kló clinging to his shoulder.

“I wonder why you no at lunch, Holly,” Rósarr’s rumbling voice came up from below where he held the base of the ladder.

Finally reaching the ground with the Skai, I stood next to him and bent over to breathe out a sigh. “I was looking for you, and then got into a bit of trouble. Valgeir was here to help, thankfully.” I rose up and shyly smiled at my Bautul friend’s furrowing brow.

“Trouble?” He tilted his head to the side, shifting his gaze from me to Valgeir and then down to my bare feet.

I clenched my toes, trying to hide them since I still needed to fetch my shoes. “Yes, I was trying to get some apples and… slipped and fell. But Valgeir caught me, so it’s okay. I just need to think about getting some new shoes or finally doing something with the old ones.” Once again, I was babbling as I tried to explain myself since I never liked to worry anyone.

Rósarr grasped my shoulders in his large hands, stunning me enough to silence my words. His eyes locked with mine as he seemed to struggle with how to react until he released a sigh, pulling me against him and murmuring, “Apologies. I… relieved you safe, Holly.”

“Why apologize? It was my fault, Rósarr,” I mumbled in his embrace, rather surprised to have him hugging me now. Blinking, I caught another soft sweet scent again while pressed to the Bautul and inhaled once more, hearing him do the same.

He shook his head, releasing me enough to hold at arm’s length, and gazed down at me. “You should no able put self in such harm. Tools like ladder needs return to shed if no one in garden.”

Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that when I spotted the ladder with no one else around working in the orchard. Still, I didn’t want anyone punished for my own mistake and protested, “It was an honest mistake and could have happened to anyone. I think just a reminder to put tools away once you’re done is all that needs to be said.”

“She speak true, Ró,” Valgeir added as he leaned in towards the two of us. “Remind all first time. Happen second time, find who forget and meet in battle pit. Simple answer.”

“The battle pit?!” I cried, turning to face the Skai.

Angling his head to level a stare, Valgeir growled, “No orc wish for accident befall mate or kin. This our way, you ken? What you do if I no here when fall? No, I ken it no happen again.”

“I–” My mouth immediately closed as I could think of nothing to counter what he’d said. It could have ended in my death at the very worst, and goddess, to think of how Papa would react was enough to make me shudder.

Rósarr must have noticed my distress as he gently squeezed my shoulders, drawing my attention. “Ach, Valgeir mayhap harsh in answer, but he speak truth. We no allow women of Mountain injury. I ken… I most unsettled were you hurt, Holly.” His voice trailed off on the last sentence, but his tone prompted me to hug him as best I could.

I didn’t realize how my getting hurt could have affected my friends as well as Papa, murmuring, “I’ll be more careful in the future, Rósarr, and so you won’t need to rescue me again, Valgeir.” Giving the Skai a sheepish smile, he seemed surprised by my statement but simply released a soft snort from his nose.

“We see if no need rescue again, Thornblossom. You seek Ró, you find him. I take leave now, put Kló back in quarters.” He made several odd gestures with his right hand while gazing at the Bautul who nodded in return before Valgeir jogged off around the fields.

Glancing down, I saw my shoes placed neatly next to where I stood even though I hadn’t been able to locate them after losing them before my fall. I smiled and shook my head, slipping them onto my feet.

“You search for me, Holly?” Rósarr asked.

“Ah, yes. I wanted to apologize for what I said in the letter I gave you written in Aelakesh.” I met his eyes while speaking as I wanted him to understand my sincerity. “While I was unaware of the… meaning behind what I wrote, it was still an insensitive thing and if I have hurt you… emotionally, Rósarr, I’m so sorry.”

That warm, sweet smile I’d come to enjoy once more lit up his strong face, and he slowly reached a hand to lightly cup my cheek. “Is okay, Holly. I ken you no mean harm in words nor intend… deeper meaning behind them. Being alone so long, mayhap you worry for trouble any in Mountain.”

“Well… yes, I just don’t want to be a burden to anyone here or cause problems,” I confessed even as blush heated my cheeks at the warmth of his palm pressed to my face, my gaze flicking to the side.

Shaking his head, Rósarr bent down to press his lips to my forehead, resting his brow there which prompted me to meet his dark eyes. “As say afore, trouble me when need anything. Mayhap Valgeir… or Askul.”

That took me by surprise and I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I thought you wanted to ‘be done with Ka-esh nonsense.’ Has something changed there?”

“He teach you Aelakesh. Can no be done with nonsense as long you learn,” my Bautul gently growled, leaning back and releasing me to grasp the ladder. “Askul come to garden early morn, he promise help next seven days. Mayhap he learn some such no ken in book.”

“I’d never have expected that of most Ka-esh, but from what I’ve learned about Askul… it does make sense.” My stomach chose that moment to remind me that I still hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, and I clamped both hands over it, hissing, “Damn it, shut up, stomach.”

Chuckling soundly, Rósarr suggested, “Mayhap you eat now? I ken Valgeir no let you go hungry while in apple tree.”

“Yes, he was kind enough to get me a couple of apples, I’ve just been rather distracted to remember to eat. Oh! That reminds me, what fruit do you like best, Rósarr?” If I was going to make jam rolls, I wanted it to be sooner rather than later given the circumstances.

He tilted his head, gazing off into the orchard and furrowing his brow in thought. “All fruit is good, Holly. I enjoy much.”

“But surely you have a favorite that you seek out more than others,” I prodded him to elaborate.

Shrugging with that soft smile again, the Bautul replied, “Any fruit you like.”

I huffed out a sigh, digging one of the apples out of my pocket. “Valgeir and you must definitely be close if you’re starting to act as cheeky as him. Oh well, I’ll have to take what knowledge I get.” Taking a bite out of the apple, I headed towards the garden’s entrance.

“Mayhap… you wish make something?” he asked before I got too far.

“Uh-uh, you have your secrets and I have mine. You’ll just have to wait now, Rósarr,” I called over my shoulder, setting a brisk pace while eating my apple. Let him dwell on that for a while, the cheeky orc.

—

(Valgeir)

Thank Skai-kesh, I’d been there to catch her. Seeing her slip off the ladder had sent my heart straight to my throat, urging my legs to reach her in time. Just the feel of her body pressed tight against mine as I held her in my arms was worth the strain both in my legs and arms. I’d almost had to force a more relaxed bearing once she realized she was safe.

Damn those fucking shoes of hers, they might well result in her death.

Still I brought them back to her with another purpose in mind, and while I’d left her with Rósarr, I doubled back to catch some of their talk. Apologies from her, forgiveness from him as I’d already surmised. My brow furrowed some when Ró mentioned speaking to me or Askul should she need something.

Ach, the Ka-esh has already heeded my suggestion, I thought with a smirk. Mayhap this knowledge will come of use in time.

Hearing all I needed, I moved silently through the garden to return to the Skai wing.

On the way to my quarters, I came across Dalgash heading to his and Shomarr’’s chambers from some task. He mentioned their woman favored cats, pointing at Kló on my shoulder. I offered to allow Gash to watch him til evening as I ken it best not having little furry bodies underfoot in my room this time.

Gash cradled Kló in his arms, promising to return him, and practically purred how pleased their woman would be. I ken he speak truth, my Litla Kló is charming Skai cat.

In my chambers, I spread out on my bed, curling an arm under my head and closing my eyes. My nose picked up her scent clinging to my tunic, and I tugged it up to cover my face, inhaling deep. Her scent just like the garden… fresh, new, sweet… Skai-kesh, I ken why Ró and the Ka-esh so struck by Thornblossom.

“And I struck just as such,” I growled, moving my tunic. Mayhap I wait to wash this one…

Quiet footsteps revealed an arrival before the bed shifted and sank beneath more weight, and I cracked one eye open to see Rósarr rest on his side near me. I rolled to face him, wrapping an arm around my Bautul brother and drawing him against my chest. He inhaled deeply, relaxing in my embrace.

“Are you well, Ró? I ken it was longer than expected, my time away from the Mountain.”

Nodding and curling his arm around my side, he answered, “Ach, I am well, Vall, though I ken some nights felt longer while you were gone. Not your fault.”

I furrowed my brow, sliding my palm up and down his back. “Why were they longer?”

“My own struggles, no more than that.”

Frowning at his answer, I shoved him to his back with a sharp growl. “Rósarr. Speak your truth. What struggles have you?” I straddled his hips and planted my hands on either side of his head, caging him beneath my taller body.

I kennen he oftentimes held his truth so close to his chest, naught would pry it free from him. But seeing Ró as I had these past days, I’d noticed a definite change. Likely from a certain new arrival to the Mountain. I needed to hear his truth without further leading in order to decide how best to proceed.

Staring wide-eyed at me, his broad chest expanded and relaxed with several deep breaths before he hooked his arms under mine. “You scent of Holly,” Ró murmured, leaning up and nuzzling his face into my tunic.

“As do you, Ró,” I countered, raising an eyebrow at him, though he didn’t rise to my challenge.

Lowering my face, I loudly inhaled and immediately caught the blend of her scent with his, growling low in pleasure. His earthy scent combined with her fresh sweetness packed a heady punch to my senses, waking my prick in my trousers. But mine was not the only one affected.

My hips pressed down, grinding against the growing heft in Rósarr’s trousers that I knew so well. Baring my teeth, I nudged my way to his neck, scraping the sharp edges enough to feel but not break the skin. He shuddered beneath me, canting his hips up to rub our still clothed pricks together.

Moving my lips to his ear, I growled, “Speak to me, Rósarr. I ken what you long for and I ken a possible answer. But I needs you to tell me.” I raised my body up away from his, staring down at his furrowed brow.

“All my prayers to the goddess… go unheeded,” he hissed out, squeezing his eyes shut. “I swear not to do so again, yet… I long for her. Each day I see her is like fresh air and sun. But I ken she still grieve and wish to remain at Sólmundur’s side.”

“You wish for her, ach? Sólmundur most like know your truth. He speak to you?”

Rósarr shook his head.

“Most like he mayhap approve but wait for her or you to speak.” My own heart clenched at this truth, my Bautul brother shy as he was and Thornblossom… mayhap heedless? Or mayhap disbelieve that an orc would seek her out. Foolish thinking though not unheard.

Still one question remained as I gritted my teeth and released a huffed breath. “Wish me to step back, Ró? So you mayhap… seek to court her unhindered?”

He froze and stared at me, his dark eyes wide as he fiercely shook his head, tightening his grasp to pull me down. Trembling and burying his face into my neck, he murmured, “No, Vall. I wish… I wish us to find joy… with Holly… together.”

Blinking at his admission, heat crept up my neck and into my face to hear Rósarr’s truth. He wished for both me and her… together with him. My hand cupped around the back of his head, carding my claws through his loose braided hair. Closing my eyes, I smiled and pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Ach, my Rosevine,” I whispered to him. “I am honored you wish us to seek this brave Bautul woman out.”

A soft chuckle came from him as he pressed his nose and lips to my cheek. “I ken you favor her on sight, Vall.”

“Ach? What proof you have of this ‘truth’?” I raised an eyebrow with a smirk, reaching between us to untie first my trousers and then his.

Snorting a laugh, Rósarr leaned back to meet my stare, taunting, “You Skai not alone in finding truth. Whose backside were you pressed against when she rushed to defend me? I ken you were only just stirring once you tackled me… and fully hard when grabbing the shovel from her.”

My eyes narrowed, holding his teasing gaze while reaching inside his trousers, and grinned in satisfaction at his gasp. Thicker though shorter than mine, Ró’s prick was more sensitive as I gently stroked him, rolling my thumb over the light pink head. Another hissed growl and he bucked into my grasp.

I pointed out, “Fully hard as you now?”

“A-ach! No avoid, Vall,” he countered with a snarl, pressing his claws into my back through the tunic. The tunic that still held her scent… just as his did.

Releasing his prick, I leaned back and tugged my tunic over my head and arms, tossing it off the side of the bed and helping relieve Rósarr of his as well. I grasped both our pricks this time, pumping my hand and squeezing to draw out our seed.

“Ach… I favor her, Ró,” I admitted, shuddering and moving my hips for more friction between us. “She defend my Rosevine. Even from a Skai. That she ken you worthy of both her time and protection is enough to make your Skai wish to do the same… for her.”

Rósarr smoothed one hand up my chest to my neck and cupped the right side of my face, tracing one finger along the scars near my eye. Coaxing me down, he pressed his brow to mine, murmuring, “Ach, Vall. I ken she mayhap like you. Give her your time, she will see you as I do.”

Grasping our pricks and interlocking our fingers, he worked in tandem to my motions both with his hand and hips. I only caught the hint of her scent on his lips before he pressed them to mine, stoking the inferno already blazing within me. A heated snarl left my throat as I drove my tongue past his lips, seeking his out in a claiming dance.

Between the tangling of our tongues and combined stroking of our pricks, I felt the pressure building before both of us exploded in release. Seed covered our bodies and the furs on my bed much like in past trysts. This one felt different with an unspoken vow weighing between us as I rolled us to the side, still holding tightly to one another.

Ach, Rósarr. We will make certain she is ours.

(TBC)