Somewhere, West Virginia, USA.

Jeb pulled around the back of his home, scaring a few Kobolds that weren't paying attention. Though some seemed to have gotten used to his truck over the past couple days, most were still weary of the four-wheeled metal monster that roared like a hungry beast.

He got out and with the help of the Trap Master and a few others distributed food and some more blankets around to the tribe. He brought the food for his planned date with Ruby and put them out of reach of any sticky-fingered lizards that might be tempted to snag a quick snack.

With food taken care of he went back out and began handing out his "borrowed" mining equipment. The Kobold's eyes lit up when they realized what this meant.

They could build a new home!

The Kobolds needed little guidance and Jeb found himself more or less forgotten as the Trap Master and others set about creating a work schedule and plans for their new home in Jeb's backyard.

Seeing that he wasn't needed, and with his own plans to work on, he went back inside and began his own schedule.

First was to tie/bolt down the expensive stuff. TV was the first thing, Jeb tying it to the stand with sturdy wire. He wasn't too worried about the stuff in his kitchen, it was either sturdy enough or out of reach.

He thought about getting one of those gates you get to keep dogs or kids out of areas. But that would raise too many questions and the last thing he wanted was some nosy-nancy coming by and stumbling on the Kobolds and ratting them out to the government.

"-eb?"

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Maybe tripwire or shrink-wrap, he thought.

"JEB!"

Jeb was shocked out of his thoughts by a voice calling him. He looked around for the voice, before looking down and finding Ruby and her mount, that seemed to follow her around during the day, looking up at him.

"Are you alright?"

Jeb kneeled down so that it was easier for them to converse, and not because it brought their faces closer together. Nope. Not at all.

"Yup, just rearrangin' a few things."

Her face brightened up.

"Can we help!?"

Jeb almost agreed, but thought of a better idea that would not only keep her from realizing that he was practically nailing everything down because of them, but also give her something to look forward to.

"Actually, I got this covered. But, I'm plannin' a dinner for us to get to know each other more. So why don't you go get ready and I'll let you know when its done?"

Her face lit up even more and she lunged forward and planted a kiss right on the lips and hugging him.

"Oh that sounds amazing! I can't wait to try your cooking!"

She suddenly jumped back.

"Oh! I have to go get cleaned up!"

She then ran to the basement to get ready. How a nekked Kobold "gets ready" was a mystery to Jeb, but it bought him some time at least.

He didn't have much left to do when Ruby showed up and what was left went by faster than he thought. With still plenty of time he went out back to check on the tribe.

He was shocked at just how fast they worked! There was already a small tunnel going into the hills/mountains behind his house. He saw Kobolds working away, hauling dirt and stone in sacks.

Jeb, seeing a way he could help out, unlocked his own shed and brought out a wheelbarrow and some buckets he had for collecting fruit and water.

They were grateful for the help and their progress sped up. He doubt they would get too far before they would need lumber for supports. But for now it was something.

With that done, he went back in to clean up himself.

He had a date to plan.

-----

Ruby was so excited!

She was looking forward to Jeb's dinner. The only Human food she's tasted was what survived during one of the Tribe's raids on a caravan, and what Jeb had down here in the metal containers.

Neither was particularly good. The caravan loot was mostly preserved for long journeys, salted, smoked or... She shivered. Pickled.

The stuff in the metal containers wasn't much better. Most was submerged in a type of syrup that gave it a sickly sweet taste to it. The rest was much the same of being either salted or smoked.

She hoped Jeb would have better taste.

She went out back and jumped into the stream, it was cold but at least she was clean. As she got out she spied the Tribe working on their new home.

First he offered them his own home, then he helps them build a new one so close to his own, she thought and a smile formed on her face.

She hurried back in to warm up. Standing near the stove and drying/warming back up she went about presenting herself for Jeb.

She couldn't wait for dinner!

I'll bet the Trap Master and the Chief will love having dinner with Jeb too, she thought.