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“So let me guess,” Astrid said calmly, “Skaard and Iric want to stay, with hopes of finding a human mate. It was only Ozur, your youngest, that you were able to convince of the ‘weakness’ of human females?”
Magna looked dumbstruck, blinking rapidly.
“Alright, go speak with your followers and form a plan. Please send us either Skaard or Iric in your stead,” Astrid said, clearly bored of Magna.
“Also, as you are making your plans, please take into consideration that we won’t be allowing you to take any of our hestrs. Any of the traveling you do will have to take place on foot,” Alvis interjected.
Magna rose, looking disgusted at the elders at the table, “We will never retain our status as a strong okin race if we are willing to breed with these weak pathetic females,” he sneered.
It was happening before I could stop it, Pip was out of her seat so quickly that the chair toppled over behind her. She reached Magna in three strides, hauled back, and slapped him directly across the mouth. It was only Magna’s moment of shock that saved Pip. I stood and placed myself behind her, hand around her waist.
“You can go,” I said firmly.
Magna hesitated, looking as if he actually considered taking me on, but stepped back in defeat.
“I shall send Skaard,” Magna said as he walked out, not bothering to look back.
CHAPTER13
PIPER
As I returned to my seat I tried to compose myself. I’d just slapped an elder across the face. That was probably not the best choice. But I couldn’t take Magna referring to us asweakhumans anymore. Agnarr’s unwavering support helped comfort me, but I still felt ill at ease as I looked around the table at the other elders. I was expecting looks of judgment or reproach, but all of the elders were looking at me with support and perhaps, sympathy?
“I’m sorry you had to experience Magna,” Emla started.
“He’s of an older perspective,” Jodis explained. “It is probably for the best that he is no longer part of the discussions.”
“His age doesn’t permit him to treat the humans with such disrespect. It's going to bode well for us that he is being replaced by Skaard. He’s of a much different mindset,” Astrid stated.
“Well, as we wait for Skaard to join us, can we continue in preparation for the integration of the humans?” I asked.
“Yes, let's continue,” Runa said eagerly.
We were planning a formal dinner to introduce the humans, having kept them isolated for over a week. I had breakfast with them this morning and I could tell they were feeling cooped up, even if they were still hesitant about meeting the rest of the orkin.
“We can have the cooks plan an elaborate meal,” Runa returned to the conversation.
“That isn’t necessary, I promise you, they have been impressed with the food they have been provided thus far, as have I,” I said grinning.
Runa’s withered cheeks darkened with a blush, “My thanks, Jarlin Piper.”
“We will be happy with whatever you prepare. Back in the States, most cities don’t eat communally. Women cook for themselves, their partners, and their families most nights. Things have changed over time, but most women are expected to be the cook in the family. I think all of these women are grateful for a home-cooked meal that they didn’t have to make,” I explained.
Agnarr stroked my thigh under the table, I was learning this was his way of checking in on me. I grasped his hand, giving it a quick squeeze to let him know I was just fine.
“Would it be appropriate to have some of our younger orklings perform a song to welcome the women?” Jodis asked quietly.
“That would be lovely.”
“They could also help with decorating the longhouse to make it a bit more festive,” she said, sounding slightly more confident.
“That sounds excellent,” Agnarr said, hand still on my thigh.
“Is there anything else we can do to make the event more festive?” Astrid asked.
I thought about it for a bit, “Do orcs dance?” I asked.
The room erupted in laughter, I wasn’t sure if that was a firm no or a firm yes. Seeing the confused look on my face, Agnarr leaned in to explain.
