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“I know we can,” I responded without hesitation.
PIPER
I took a deep breath as I entered the carpentry workshop, feeling all eyes turn to me. As Agnarr's human Elska mate, I knew I was viewed with suspicion by the orkin. But I held my head high, determined to earn their respect.
"Good morning," I greeted them warmly. “You must be Osif?”
“Já.” The elder orkin eyed me warily.
"I've come to discuss lodging needs for my fellow human women who have joined the tribe. They feel as though they are displacing other orkin, having to live in the homes of unmated males. I, along with Jarlin Astrid and Jarl Agnarr, ask that you build proper dedicated housing for the humans. Astrid has agreed that we will cover all costs associated with building the homes."
The carpenter's face remained stoic. "You’re asking quite a lot. The Fýrifírar tribe has never accepted outsiders before."
I nodded understandingly. "I know it will be a lot of work to house these women, but I think they will bring valuable contributions to the tribe. It is at the direction of Jarlin Astrid that I am here.”
The carpenter hesitated, his expression doubtful. After a long moment, he finally replied. "It will be as Jarlin Astrid wishes."
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I know the women will be grateful for any consideration. If we could move onto the housing for Jarl Agnarr and I?” I asked, plastering on my best teacher smile.
The carpenter grunted in a way that I took as an invitation to go on. I was going to win this orc over if it was the death of me. I had an idea.
“Can you keep a secret?” I whispered.
The older orc looked up at me suspiciously.
“It depends on what kind of secret,” he said, squinting at me.
“I want a surprise for Jarl Agnarr,” I said conspiratorially.
“Já, and what would that be?”
“You know the tree he felled on me?” I asked.
“Já, that rumor has gone around the tribe quite a few times now. Jarl Agnarr is not trained in felling trees, as I am,” he said, puffing out his chest.
“That is abundantly clear, otherwise I wouldn’t have ended up under it,” I laughed, boldly placing my hand on his.
He almost smiled at this. Almost.
“Well, I would like to use that tree to build some of the furniture in our new home, namely our bed, our dining table, and our mantlepiece,” I leaned in closer to whisper, “I think Jarl Agnarr views that tree as a mistake, but I view it as the beginning of our relationship. I want to surprise him with it.”
Osif looked at me for a long moment before sighing, “Já, that is an excellent idea. Agnarr would be pleased with the use of that tree. There is enough wood to use it for all that you ask.”
Thrilled, I reached over Osif’s bench and hugged him. He went stiff and looked startled but didn’t pull away. Even though I still wasn’t big on hugging, but I felt like I was playing the role I needed to play with him. Eventually, I separated from him, a smile plastered on my face. I went on to describe a four-poster bed and other furniture needs for the home. I detailed everything down to the desk I intended to be fucked over repeatedly. Osif nodded at all of my requests, noting them down on his ledger.
“You know, my grandfather was a carpenter?” I asked.
Osif looked up at me, curiously, “Was he?”
“Yes, he designed my bookshelves when I was a child. I loved to read. I never had enough space for my books.”
“We can build you bookshelves for your new home with Jarl Agnarr, as many as you’d like,” Osif murmured.
After a bit more conversation about the needs for our new home I left. I’d done it. Osif was mine. I felt lighter. I had Osif on my side. My mixture of enthusiasm and vulnerability apparently worked just as well on orkin as it worked on American teenagers. I cackled inwardly at how easy it was going to be to win over these gruff older orkin.
AGNARR
I sat back and listened as the elders bickered amongst themselves. We had five elders firmly on our side. Jodis, the elder from the teachers, was young. She wanted more students and had no reason to disrespect the human women. Emla had already met Piper and several of the humans, she was 100% in support of integrating the human women into our society. Inga, Astrid’s daughter, was in training to be a healer, so it was no surprise that the healers would side with Astrid’s wishes. Emla’s voice, as the elder representing the healers, would not be dismissed. The elder representing the cooks, Runa, had no reason to disagree with Astrid and was a close friend. She was easy to convince. Astrid’s son Ottar, worked in the kitchens. The head of the guards, Vott, wanted more women for his warriors to mate with—regardless of race. He was pro, no questions asked. Bram, the head of the businesses in town, saw new families as new businesses. He had no objections.
