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“I represent the farmers,” he said, gaining his footing and sounding more confident.
“And how do the farmers feel about the addition of the human females to the tribe?” Pip asked.
“Well, we are concerned about having more mouths to feed during the winter months, but have no other concerns,” Vigot answered
“And if we had human females that could aid in your farming?” Pip asked.
“Then we would have no concerns whatsoever,” Vigot responded. “Extra help would make it easier to feed extra mouths.”
Pip nodded, giving Vigot a small smile, “Then we will have no issues. I know there are at least a few of the humans who would love to lend a hand to farming at Fýrifírar.
I watched as Pip’s eyes moved to the next orc, Alvis. Alvis was going to be a challenge.
“Hello, I’m Piper. We have yet to meet. Who do you represent from Fýrifírar?” she said cordially.
“I represent the stable orkin, we breed and care for the hestrs,” Alvis explained.
“Ah. Well, I have met one of your hestrs first hand. Sindri and Agnarr saved my life. I want you to continue to do your good work. Do you have anything against incorporating the human women?” Pip asked.
“Honestly, I am torn,” Alvis responded, “I don’t like to see disruption in the tribe, but I am interested to see what the human women have to offer.”
“So the fact that we have a veterinarian—or an animal healer—amongst the human women, would appeal to you?” Pip asked pointedly.
Alvis looked surprised, “You have healers devoted to animals on Earth?”
“We do,” Pip responded. “And we have one here, very interested in your hestrs,” she said smiling.
“Well then, it looks like we have a deal,” Alvis said grinning.
I tried to hide my smile. Pip was winning over every single elder. The only remaining three were Jodis, Emla, and Runa. Pip knew she already had all three of them.
She turned to Jodis, smiling, “you must be Jodis?”
Jodis looked surprised, “How did you know?”
“Agnarr told me you are their head teacher. I was a teacher back on Earth. Like recognizes like,” she said laughing. “Do you like teaching the young orklings?”
“I love it, though it would be great if we had someone who was willing to step in and teach the orklings about human ways,” Jodis responded, looking hopeful.
“I am not going to lie, Jodis. I am happy to no longer be teaching. But once I gain my footing, I would consider stepping in to provide education on human customs—especially considering we will likely have many half-orkin young in the coming years,” Pip said thoughtfully.
At this, Magna didn’t even bother to disguise his scoff. Piper’s eyes whipped back to him.
“You know, you can leave, right?” she said.
Magna’s eyes narrowed, “I’m an elder.”
“Yes, and we clearly have the support of the majority of the elders in our decision to integrate the human females into the tribe, your voice is unnecessary if you are going to continue to fight against a decision that has already been made,” Piper said quietly. “As it stands, we have eight elders in support of the integration of the humans and one against. We have, what would be called in my world, a super majority. So you can see yourself out if you don’t wish to be part of a meaningful conversation about how that is going to happen.”
“And how do you know you have eight to one?” Magna said, attempting to look smug.
Pip looked at the two remaining elders, Emla and Runa.
“We have human cooks and healers, you good with us joining Fýrifírar?” she said in a dangerously casual tone.
Both females nodded silently.
Piper looked back to Magna, “See, you aren’t really needed here. You can either sit in silence or leave.”
