“I’ve always wanted to help plan a wedding...”
Anna looks overwhelmed, while trying to remain polite.
“Breakfast is ready,” I shout and grab plates, utensils and napkins. I need to intervene before my mother plans the entire ceremony and causes my female to run from the room, screaming.
Father brings the eggs to the table. “Maggie, let them figure it out on their own.”
Mother huffs at the admonition but stops. For now.
Anna gives me a nervous smile. I place a hand on her back and lead her to a seat, right next to mine.
We all sit crowded around the kitchen table. Two large orcs and two small human females. Dinah weaves between legsunderneath. I look around at the faces assembled and it feels like... family. Mother’s wedding talk might be premature but the image is planted now. Anna in human-style wedding dress. I want it desperately.
Mother compliments the food. “Keric, you did well with the eggs.”
I notice Father doesn’t correct her and just lets me take the credit.
“Isn’t it wonderful having a partner who cooks?” she says to Anna.
“Yes, Keric’s been amazing. He does all the cooking because I have zero skills in that area. I’m excellent at calling for takeout,” she laughs, “or picking out a good restaurant but none of my skills are necessary here.”
They continue to talk about my cooking skills and mom tells stories of how I learned to cook, and then Cadoc changes the subject. He asks about the conspiracy and Anna explains the situation carefully to them. It’s a more edited version, but enough so they better understand what we’re up against.
“Brave,” Father says, complimenting her survival skills. “And very moral of you to not let those humans continue to steal your cultural antiquities and sell them, committing crimes. Not many humans would’ve survived three years alone. My son chose well.”
Anna’s cheeks pinken and she thanks him “for his kind words.”
My mother then proceeds to tell embarrassing stories about me as a child. “He tried to hunt a rabbit when he was five. Came home covered in mud, empty-handed, sobbing because the rabbit was ‘too fast.’”
“Mother, please?—”
Anna laughs, genuinely delighted. She asks questions more questions about me and listens to all the stories and laughs at all their favorite jokes. My parents eat it up.
Time passes easily. An hour, maybe more. Finally, Mother stands. “We should go Cadoc, let these two have their evening.”
Evening? I glance at the window. It’s barely noon but I don’t correct her.
Cadoc opens the front door. Mom hugs Anna tight. “Welcome to the family, dear.”
“But we’re not—” Anna tries again.
“You will be. I know these things.” She winks.
My father clasps my shoulder and leans close. “Don’t mess this up.”
“I won’t.”
He nods approvingly. Then turns to Anna. “I am glad that you chose to stay with us here, at the commune.”
“Thank you. Both of you,” Anna says, genuine warmth in her voice.
More hugs from Mother. “Come for dinner soon. I want to introduce you to everyone. I know you’ve met a lot of the brides and orcs but there still a lot more people to know and I’d love to be someone who can show you around and help you get settled. Can I give you my contact information. Is that okay?”
Anna happily agrees and they exchange phones to leave contact info. My parents finally leave. I close the door.
Sudden silence fills the air. The only sound is the crackle of the fire and the tinkle of a play toy that Dinah bats around.
After hours of company, the cabin feels quiet. But charged.
