“There is venison from a deer I hunted last month,” I explain. “So, I will make venison stew. We preserve meat in the cold storage building near the center of the commune. Vegetables often come from the communal garden. It will not take long to make the stew because I precooked a batch of seasoned meat yesterday.”
She seems impressed and sits at the small kitchen table, watching as I chop vegetables.
Dinah follows and begins to investigate the kitchen. The small grey and white kitten sniffs around and tries to climb chair legs with her tiny claws. The creature tumbles, gets back up immediately and tries again.
Anna laughs at her antics. “She’s so determined.”
I turn to look at my future Bride. “Like someone else I know,” I comment.
Our eyes meet and something warm passes between us.
I continue preparing our meal, enjoying having her nearby, chatting with me as I make food for the both of us.
Anna steals a piece of carrot to munch. “I want to know more about how you learned to cook so good. Who taught you?”
A chuckle rumbles in my chest. “I don’t cook that well. When I was living with my cousins in Truckee I was only allowed to chop vegetables because I was considered the worst at cooking. My parents taught me how to cook but I was never as goodas them. My father taught both my mother and myself all the recipes of old, passed down for generations. My mother taught me how to make many simple human meals, like the breakfast we had this morning.
“Which do you like better, human or orc food?”
“Human food is highly palatable, but orc food is better for my body, giving me the nutrients I need to remain strong and satisfied.” I stir the pot, finding the vegetables tender, so I add the venison, along with vegetable stock and extra spices. “We prefer traditional game meat mainly deer, elk and wild boar, what we hunt ourselves.”
“That makes sense.”
“We like fish too from the rivers and lakes nearby. Salmon, trout, bass. The waters here are clean and full.” I glance at her. “Do you prefer fish or game meat?”
Anna considers. “I’m willing to try anything. I’ve never been a picky eater and I like trying different types of food. I’m not allergic to anything either. I’ve eaten venison before and liked it. The orc meal you made us yesterday was wonderful so I’m happy with the idea of you making us a mixture of both orc and human foods. I’d like to eventually try all your favorite orc dishes.”
“Good. I’ll cook you both. We can even fish together in the river, if you’d like, in the summer, when the weather warms more.”
She nods slowly. “I’d like that.”
My bride doesn’t mind me making plans that are months away, showing that she’s already thinking about staying long term. I want Anna to consider this her new home.
The stew simmers, filling the cabin with rich, hearty smells. “My parents are hunters,” I remind her. “A hunting team. They’re out now, tracking elk in the northern territories.”
“How long have they been gone?”
“Almost a week. They’re due back in a few days.” I stir the pot again. “My mother will be excited to meet you.”
Anna blushes. “Really?”
“She’s been waiting for me to find a Bride for years.”
Anna doesn’t correct the word. Just nods, thoughtful.
The tiny kitten scurries between my feet. She tries to jump onto a chair which I think she hopes will lead to the counter, obviously can’t make it and falls back, to land on her feet. It’s an impossible task, but she tries again immediately. I bend down to scoop up the kitten. “Not on the counters during cooking,” I admonish.
Dinah meows in protest, loud for such a small creature.
“She has opinions already,” Anna laughs.
“Apparently.”
Finally, the food is ready and I ladle the stew into two bowls for us at the kitchen table. Anna spent time setting the table up and getting our drinks and utensils ready. She even lit a scented candle in the center of the table. It is a nice atmosphere.
Anna’s eyes widen. “This is a lot of food.”
“It’s been a long day. You are a delicate female and I need to keep you fed and healthy.”
