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"Well, there is going to be extra work involved in adding a sauna and bathing situation for the humans, but once I explained to Osif human modesty, he was willing to take on the extra work."
"Já, I did not know communal bathing was outside the norm for the humans. I am making adjustments to allow for that," Osif explained.
"As always, Osif, I appreciate your willingness to adjust to human customs," I smiled warmly at Osif, grateful for his adaptability and kindness toward us newcomers. Though I had grown more comfortable with the norms of Fýrifírar culture, I knew many of the human women would appreciate some concessions.
We continued examining the plans and discussing layouts and materials. I was impressed by how thoughtfully Billie and Osif had approached designing accommodations to meet the needs of the different groups.
"I think this all looks wonderful," I said finally. "You've both put so much care into ensuring everyone feels comfortable and respected here. I'm thrilled with the progress."
Billie beamed at the praise. "Well, thanks, Piper. We're excited, too. It'll be nice having our own space while still being close to the heart of things."
"Absolutely," I agreed. I took a breath before continuing. "Speaking of being at the heart of things, I wanted to talk to you about taking on more of a leadership role among the group."
Billie's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? Really?"
I nodded, "You're a natural leader, Billie. The women respect you and feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns. And I know from our time on Earth how skilled you are at managing people and projects."
Billie looked thoughtful as she considered my words. “I think it would change things a bit if I had some sort of official title, but you know I’d do anything for you. I’ll step up if you and the other elders think it would help."
"It would help tremendously," I assured her. I glanced at Osif. "What do you think about Billie joining the council to represent the human women?"
Osif inclined his head respectfully. "I believe she will serve well in such a role."
I smiled, laying a hand on Billie's shoulder. "Then it's settled. We'll announce the next council meeting. Thank you, Billie. I'm grateful to have you supporting me and our people."
Billie pulled me into another quick, fierce hug. "Happy to do it," she said. As we pulled apart, her expression grew more serious. "And just know I've got your back, Piper. However I can help lift some of the burden from you, I'm here."
Her heartfelt words nearly brought me to tears. But I just nodded, hoping she could read the depths of my gratitude. With Billie joining leadership, the future of Fýrifírar felt brighter than ever. Billie and I left Osif, and I wanted time with just her.
As we left Osif's cabin, Billie and I walked arm in arm.
"What are you thinking?" I asked eventually.
"I think you have been given an enormous burden of being the new jarlin and a human. I know that there are orkin who have left the tribe over the addition of the human women, and I know that there are orkin who are undecided. It is a steep hill to climb," she said plainly.
“Mmm,” I assented.
"Given all that has taken place, I would be happy to join the council of elders as the representative for the humans. You have enough on your plate already” she paused, shifting the topic. “How are things with you outside the jarl jarlin thing?”
I blushed. I knew what she was asking about. Billie was the only person I’d been fully transparent with about being mated to an orc. I’d given all the women a basic anatomy lesson and assured them that everything fit just fine, but it was harder for me to go into details while being seen as their leader. Billie knew about the accidental hickeys, the hair-pulling, and the mind-blowing orgasms. We’d both been raised in the church and had left it as adults, so I felt a sense of kinship with her.No bonding like trauma bonding.
“Honestly, still amazing. If you’d told me I would be having sex multiple times a day six months ago, I would have looked at you like you were insane, but that seems to be the norm for mates, according to Saela and Tora,” I said, grinning, but looking down at the path.
Billie looked wistful. I knew she was more than ready to have a mate, she’d confided in me that she’d been very unhappily single on Earth. She’d had several casual relationships, but nothing that stuck. I truly hoped she found someone here.
“We’re still learning to communicate, though,” I offered. “I’m not used to having a partner who is even interested in my needs, let alone asking me to voice them. It’s awkward at first,” I said truthfully.
“I get that. When I first really started dating and figured out what I liked, it took me a long time to verbalize it, let alone expect it. Does Agnarr—” she paused, fishing for the right words, “Does he respond to your requests?”
I laughed quietly, “I think Agnarr would do anything I asked. It is just me getting used to asking. He likes things just a bit on the rougher side, and I am definitely down with being thrown about a little.”
“Any regrets? About being fate-bonded to an orc rather than married to a human man?” she asked mischievously.
I laughed, “The last dude I was with wouldn’t even go down on me unless I was waxed bare and straight out of the shower. Even then, he treated it as a chore. Who’s going to get off that way?”
“No one,” she deadpanned.
We both broke out in a fit of giggles.
