Oden’s wrinkled hands placed the last of the dishes onto the shelves. With a content sigh, he wiped the sweat from his brow and threw the towel over his shoulder. It was unusual for the tavern to be busy this early in the morning, but he was getting used to it, even if the dark elves were harsh customers. However, the coin he was making made it easier to handle their strong personalities.

“Human.”

Oden took a deep breath and put on his polite smile. “Yes ma’am?” He turned to address a stern elven woman. Her sharp avian features made her stand out from any of the other women he’d known.

The woman’s hard gaze softened as she gave him a small smile. “Thank you for the meal.” She bowed slightly which caused some of the male elves glare at him. “It was delicious.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed.” Oden laughed. He fought the urge to approach the bar. “I have a tray ready for your friend upstairs, if you’d like to take it to her.”

“Keilliane is still asleep.” The woman glanced upward with a frown. “She’ll probably wake up around noon. Could you keep her food warm, please?”

“Of course, I’ll keep the stew on the fire for her. Simply let me know when you’d like to take some food to her.”

“Thank you.”

“Gheldrielle.” The dark elves rose from their table. “We need to inspect the new village. I doubt that human’s golems will construct houses for our needs.”

“Then I’d best come as well. I need to make sure my house is large enough to make my poultices.” Gheldrielle sighed, but she glanced at Oden in worry.

“My daughter is here. She can bring food to your friend.” Gheldrielle gave him a small smile before heading out with the others.

Quiet fell over the hall as the door closed behind them, and Oden went about cleaning up the tavern. It didn’t take long, so he threw a few more logs onto the fire. Warmth filled the hall and Oden sat down in one of the chairs around the fireplace. He planned to enjoy the peace while he had it. The sweet smell of bread wafted into the room, and Sierra’s gentle singing drifted from the kitchen. Oden glanced over at a rocking chair sitting in the corner.

Its aged wood needed polishing, and several cracks could be seen on the spokes. A quilted blanket with frayed stitching sat draped along the back of the chair. Oden fingered the ring on his left hand as his eye watered. His daughter’s song summoned a long-cherished memory.

A visage of true beauty sat in the chair with the loveliest smile he’d ever seen. Her sweet voice sang a simple lullaby as she sewed the cherished quilt, her stomach bulged beneath it. Oden nearly lost himself, but a gentle nudge drew him back. For a moment, he nearly mistook his daughter for his late wife.

“Papa, I’m going to visit Nathaniel’s house.” Sierra smiled. It made her look even more like her mother.

“Have fun dear.” Oden replied, wiping his eyes.

Sierra quickly glanced at the lone rocking chair and kissed his cheek. “Love you, Papa.”

“Love you too, sweetie.” He smiled as Sierra left. When the door snapped shut, a sudden sadness came over him as he realized how alone he was. Slowly, he walked over to the chair and ran his hands tenderly over it. “It won’t be much longer now.” He picked at the stray threads on the quilt with a frown. “I should get this repaired.” The ringing of a bell filled the tavern, and he turned away from the chair.

Oden groaned as he headed to the kitchen and filled a bowl with the stew. The bell rang again, and he quickly glanced outside, but he couldn’t see any of the elves. The bell rang again with an angry shrill. Oden had no other choice but to take the bowl himself.

He stopped in front of the door at the back of the hall and knocked on it. “What took you so long?” A harsh voice growled from the other side. “Did the humans stop you?”

Oden took a deep breath and forced a smile to his lips. “I’m sorry ma’am, but your friends are out at the moment.”

Footsteps crashed on the other side of the door. “Then where’s the girl? Why isn’t she bringing me food?”

“My daughter went off to run an errand, but I brought you something to eat.”

A strained silence fell over them. “What is it?”

“Sweet potato stew.”

“Leave it on the floor. I’ll take it after you leave.”

“Can you pick it up?”

Silence filled the hall. “You may come in.” Oden gently opened the door. The dark elf woman stood against the far wall glaring at him. “Set it down on the side table.”

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Oden nodded as he slowly entered the room. The sweet scent from the soup quickly filled the room, and he smiled as the woman eyed the bowl. Her tongue ran along her lower lip, but her body remained against the wall. Each muscle stiff, ready to move at her command.

Oden sat the bowl down and moved towards the door. “There’s still plenty left, so help yourself.” He smiled, closing the door. He waited until he heard the bed creak before heading back.

His heart hammered in his chest when he entered the main hall. Thankfully, none of the elves had returned, and he wouldn’t have to explain why he was upstairs. However, the bell rang again by the time he reached the kitchen. Concern twisted his lips as he headed back.

Oden gently knocked on the door before peeking inside. “Did you not like the food?”

The elven woman glanced over at him, her face a slightly purple hue. “The opposite actually.” She said, holding out the bowl. “I’d like more… please.”

“Would you like a new bowl, or should I reuse that one?”

“What kind of question is that.” She huffed in annoyance. “Use this bowl. No need dirtying another bowl on my account.” She continued to stare at him when he didn’t approach. “You may come get it, otherwise what would be the point.”

Oden stepped lightly into the room and grasped the bowl, making sure to avoid her fingers. Once it was firmly in hand, the elven woman snapped her hand back. Her stern gaze pierced him.

“I’ll be back then.” He said with a warm smile which softened the woman’s glare. It didn’t take long for him to bring back another bowl. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“Honestly, I’m glad that I can stomach it.” She replied, sipping the soup. “Eating has been difficult lately, but your food is the only thing I’m able to consume.”

“My late wife went through something similar.” Oden chuckled. “It took me months to find food she could handle. This stew being one of them.”

“I see.” Keilliane muttered with a strange smile. “Are you the one whose been cooking?”

“Mostly, but my daughter has taken over a few times.”

Keilliane frowned, but her eyes held a soft light. “Then I owe your life partner thanks.” Her words came out strained.

“I think you should focus on getting stronger.” Oden replied with a sigh. “You’re under great stress which isn’t good for you or the baby. I’d hate for another child to lose their mother in this place.”

“Maybe it’d be for the best.” She sneered, rubbing her belly. “Better than having a mother that despises you. My people cherish life, and yet I don’t think it’d be possible for me love this creature.” Her harsh words conflicted with her teary eyes. “This child will have no place to call home. No one to love it.”

Oden glanced towards the floor. “It’s not the child’s fault. You shouldn’t blame it.”

“I know that!” Keilliane snapped, tears leaking down her cheeks. “But I still see his face. I feel his hands on my skin and hear his voice in my ears. What’s worse is that this thing carries a part of him.” Her nails dug into the blanket, pulling tightly against the seams. “As if you could ever understand what it’s like to hate your child.”

“I understand perfectly.” His soft words wiped the hatred from her face. The silence was heavy, and the questions in her eyes jabbed at his old scars. “I lost my wife in childbirth.” It hurt to breathe as he tugged at the old memories. “It was a harsh winter, and in my foolishness, I hadn’t properly prepared for winter. She got sick in her final months and passed shortly after giving birth. I knew it was my fault, yet I blamed my daughter instead. Thankfully, there was a family that took her in, and for two years, all I did was drown in my sorrows.”

“But you love your daughter now. What happened?”

An exhausted chuckle escaped Oden’s lips. “I had someone beat some sense into me. Gordon, an old friend, he and his wife were taking care of my daughter, but after two years, he decided it was time for me to step up. It ended in a fight, and the next thing I know, I’m being dragged to his house to see my daughter.” Oden wiped at the tears threatening to fall. “When I saw my daughter again, I was struck with how much she looked like my wife. It was then that I realized how foolish I was, and I swore to be the best father I could to her.”

“That’s lovely,” Keilliane replied coldly. “But I doubt I’ll share such sentiments, and I’m sure no one will take care of this child.”

“I will.” Keilliane stared at him in shock. “And I swear that I’ll treat it like it’s my own.”

She turned away and stared out the window. “If that is your wish human, then you may have it.” She held out the bowl. “I’m feeling tired, and I’d like to get some rest before my clan return.”

“I better get started on dinner. Any recommendations?”

“I’d like something light and creamy… please.”

Oden smiled warmly at her. “I have an excellent recipe for you.” He chuckled as he closed the door.

----------------------------------------

Keilliane slid further under the covers and stared up at the ceiling. Her hands shook as she tightly gripped the duvet. She tried to make her heart quiet by taking several deep breaths, but the chill along her skin wouldn’t leave. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with a human man. Thankfully, it wasn’t like before.

It took all her strength to remain calm in the tavernkeeper’s presence, a feat that brought a small smile, but it was still harrowing. Each of his movements felt threatening, and it brought back memories of him. Truthfully, all of his kind reminded her of him.

Keilliane’s memories assaulted her as she laid there. Rough hands digging into her flesh, hot, stinking breath against her skin, cruel laughter assaulting her ears. All of it made her want to tear out the vile spawn resting inside her, but the thought of destroying an innocent life made her equally sick.

I will, and I swear I’ll treat it like it’s my own.

“Maybe it’s for the best.” She whispered, rubbing her stomach.

Oddly enough, the gentleness of the tavern keeper’s voice soothed her nerves, and allowed her to fall asleep. She remained in a deep, dreamless slumber until a commotion forced her awake.

“Keilliane, are you alright?”

She groaned as someone shook her. “I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” She frowned at Gheldrielle’s worried glances.

“That’s good.” Gheldrielle sighed, sinking onto the bed. “I imagined the worst when I heard the human was up here.”

“The tavern keeper simply brought me food.” Keilliane replied with a huff. “He kept a respectful distance from me and remained cordial the entire time. I started wondering if he truly was human.” She chuckled but it was cut short by Gheldrielle’s guilty stare. “What happened?”

Her friend fidgeted on the bed. “Your brother attacked the tavern keeper,” She said, “Lady Belladryn imprisoned him for the assault.” Words failed to escape Keilliane’s lips. “It’s my fault for not staying.”

“What’s going happened to Unaellion?”

“I don’t know, but it’s in the Inventor’s hands.”