There had been a lot of builders working on Katya’s house, adding an extension. It was well known that she had taken on Kerne’s sister as an apprentice so it only made sense that more space would be needed. Then they’d taken in the new arrival – Talia. Someone had said that Talia used to be Rakken, and people had nodded sagely. Given the recent history of the Hold with werewolves, squid-headed aberrations, rampaging trolls, and a timeslip of some kind caused by fairies – well it wasn’t the most outlandish thing they’d heard.
There was a loud thud that sounded like furniture being moved around. A gruff voice said something indistinct. Then there were several more loud thuds and the sound of something heavy scraping across floorboards. There was a brief silence and then the sound of breaking glass
“Oops” The voice was so deep it rumbled, and travelled further than its owner probably appreciated.
“”Move your hairy arse!” yelled Faye, “I’ll clean that up, you go and get your bag!” There was an indistinct crunching noise and after a moment the front door opened. Curious onlookers quickly moved away as a brutish form began squeezing through it. Clad in rough furs and leather jerkin, the half-ogre eased his way back into the open air, then paused to inspect the lintel.
“Gonna need a bigger door.” Kher rumbled. “Specially if I’m bringing food in.”
“As long as its not rabbit!” snapped Katya, appearing in the entrance, waving him back.
“I make good rabbit stew, you liked it the other day.”
“Okay, as long as they can’t talk.” She crossed her arms, hair colour flickering as if burning. This was a reliable sign of stress that the villagers were used to.
“No talking rabbits, got it. How about talking squirrels? They’re nice and crunchy on a stick.” Kher almost managed to keep a deadpan tone and then ruined it with a cheeky grin.
“No talking animals at all! What did I say?” Katya crossed her arms. Behind her, Faye waved a wand and a glass bowl began to reassemble itself on a table.
“You don’t want to eat something that can talk itself out of the cooking pot. Nothing sent-ee-ent, you said. Dunno what they is, but I can get some really stupid sheep?” Kher had ambled across the yard in this time and was scooping up a large leather sack. He peered into it. “Nothing talking in here.” He gave it a gentle shake. “See?”
“If I find anything wearing a scarf or a waistcoat in that bag, I won’t be impressed young man!” Katya was trying to suppress her own smile. Kher swung the bag across his shoulder and picked up a large satchel. It was roughly the size of one of the local children who were hanging off the fence. “I mean it! If you’re moving in, I’m not having an argument with the dinner!”
Kher chuckled. He enjoyed teasing the firehair.