2. Koda
CHAPTER 2
KODA
" D ad! Dad, wake up!" I crack one eye open to find my son practically bouncing on my chest, his reddish-brown fur sticking up in about seventeen different directions. So much for sleeping in.
"I'm up, I'm up," I grunt, my own dark fur catching on the bedding as I stretch to my full height. "Though I'm pretty sure the town doesn't open at dawn."
"But you promised we could go berry picking this morning," Whisper's voice drops a bit as he catches himself being too excited. He scuffs one oversized foot against the ground, a habit he's had since he was tiny. "And we will." I duck to avoid hitting my head on the ceiling beam.
“Unless of course you want to stop by the Bullhorn first. I kind of thought we could check in and see if Kalen is still planning on hosting that introductory level Cubicles and Chihuahuas afternoon. But, I guess we could just go berry picking right away instead...”
I can see him trying not to look too enthusiastic. “Well, I suppose we could stop by and check on that first. But then berry picking, okay?
“Sound like a plan buddy, but first, breakfast. Can't have the chief of the sasquatch clan passing out from hunger in the middle of town." I say, pulling out the heavy iron skillet. Scrambled eggs and French toast sound good?”
"I guess so. Sure." "Come on, that's your favorite!" "It is." You'd never know it looking at him though. Eight years I've been doing this solo parent thing, and I still feel like I'm fumbling in the dark sometimes. Sure would be nice to have Shellyn's touch right about now - she always knew exactly what to say.
Breakfast goes about as well as expected - which means Whisper pushes his French toast around more than he eats it.
"Three more bites," I say, falling into our usual morning routine. "A growing sasquatch needs?—"
"A proper breakfast," Whisper finishes in a well-rehearsed voice, having heard this speech countless times. He dutifully takes another bite, but I can tell he’s not exactly happy about it.
Well, too bad, I guess. A youngling needs to eat.
I’m doing my best here Shellyn.
The morning air is crisp as we head into town, following the winding path that leads out of our own grove of massive trees, and through the old growth ancient oaks that have probably been here longer than Fablewood itself. A few early-rising pixies dart between the branches, their wings catching the dawn light. Whisper barely notices them - there was a time he would have tried to chase them, just to see their trails of sparkles.
I guess he’s growing up.
I let out a sigh.
But he is not grown yet.
The Bullhorn sits at the heart of the old quarter, where cobblestone streets and weathered stone buildings are the norm.
As we approach the tavern, I catch a glimpse of the proprietor, Kalen and his new human mate, Olivia through the window, heads bent together, sharing some private joke. My chest tightens with an emotion I refuse to name. It’s annoying though. I should be happy for my friend. And for Thokk too.
Then why do I feel this sudden hollowness now that they have found mates?
I shake off the odd sensations this new reality brings up.
I've got a clan to lead and a son to raise. That's more than enough.
And the last thing I need is the headache of dealing with a human.
Taking a deep breath, I pull open the heavy oaken door.
Apparently, Olivia has already started making changes - something about a human tradition of morning gatherings. Rather than it just being Kalen and Olivia as I expected, it seems today is supposed to be the start of a new breakfast offering, something he has of course never done. But now that I think of it, he did mention something about it yesterday. But new or not, there seems to be quite a buzz over it. Monsters, in general, are not morning people. But somehow here they all are. I suspect the interest has more to do with everyone wanting to see what other surprises these human mates might bring to Fablewood than any real interest in their strange morning rituals.
As we enter, I'm surprised to see the place so packed with monsters curious to learn about this "breakfast" concept. Kalen's behind the bar, barely avoiding hitting his horns on the new lanterns Olivia convinced him to hang.
"Don't say it," the minotaur warns as I raise an eyebrow. "They add ambiance."
It’s obvious they are not his doing. But what’s the saying? ‘Happy mate, all is great.’
. "Far be it for me to judge the taste of your new mate..."
Despite the turnout, most of the monsters still look like they're not quite sure why they're here - or awake - at this hour. The smell of fresh-baked something fills the air. Seems Olivia's wasted no time taking over Kalen's kitchen too. Whisper spots Thokk and Zoe at our usual table, and while he may be shy, I can tell he is as curious about the new human with our orc friend as everyone else. For my part I practically jump at the sight of her. Not even a week ago humans were forbidden here. It will take more than a few days to get used to seeing them among us.
Before I can nudge Whisper forward to be polite and say hello, Finn trots over, his hooves clicking on the wooden floor. "Morning Chief! And young master Whisper." The satyr gives a theatrical bow that actually gets a tiny smile from my son. "Don't call me that," I grumble, though in truth, I kind of like it.
"But you are the chief, aren't you?" Finn's eyes dance with mischief.
"Of Fablewood's sasquatch residents? Yes. But say that too loud and the town Elders will get their panties all in a knot. They don't like their authority challenged in any way shape or form."
"Oh, come on, Faelar's not so bad. At least?—"
“But that fairy one is a different story...” Thokk chimes in.
As if on cue, Olivia comes storming up from the cellar, waving an ancient-looking scroll. "Zoe! You have to see what I found in another hidden cubby!"
"Let me guess," Kalen says, already preparing her usual tea. "More mysterious seals? Maybe a clue to yet another secret doorway somewhere?"
"Actually..." She pauses, noticing Whisper attempting to become invisible behind me.
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Hi Whisper."
I can tell he’s blushing, though he has no reason to.
“Hi.”
At least he said hello. The other day Kalen had her in disguise, and Whisper might have developed an innocent cub’s crush on her.
But alas that ended when he learned she was just wearing a fur coat, and was not a young girl sasquatch at all.
"Speaking of interrupting," Finn says with his usual lack of subtlety, "Kalen was just telling me about teaching some new players that game you have all been into. You know, the one with the coffee-obsessed humans after the apocalypse?" Whisper perks right up at that.
"That's right!” Kalen quickly continues for him. I thought we could do an introductory campaign of Cubicles and Chihuahua’s! Whisper, if you're interested, there are some character options I think you might really-“
Oh no, I just realized something.
"Son, did you finish your history lessons?” I cut in.
“Almost, I just have-“
“After he finishes his history lessons then. Can't have games interfering with studies."
Whisper's face falls slightly. “But dad you said-“
“Son, you know studies come first.”
Kalen opens his mouth like he wants to argue, but thinks better of it. Even Finn's ever-present grin dims a touch.
I almost open my own mouth to soften my point, but I close it just as quickly. Whisper's already staring at the floor again, looking more uncomfortable than ever.
“I guess...” He looks utterly dejected.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
To make it worse I know Kalen had partly planned it for Whisper’s benefit too. I appreciate their efforts, but sometimes it seems things just don’t work out.
"Hey, we can do it another time," Zoe says softly, barely glancing up from her scrolls. "But if you ever want to learn the game..." Whisper just stares at the floor harder.
"We could start with something simple," Kalen offers, clearly trying to help. "Maybe a school teacher character? They're pretty straightforward—" But Whisper's practically trying to merge with the floor at this point. Finn opens his mouth, probably with another well-meaning suggestion, but I shake my head slightly. When he gets like this it’s usually better to just let it drop. I let out a breath.
"So, any news on your friend?" I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from my shy cub. "The one who may or may not have disappeared?" Olivia and Zoe exchange worried looks. "Nothing," Olivia sighs. "One minute we were chasing her cat through this old building, I read something on the wall, there was this flash of light and... well, you know the rest." "Maybe she never left," Zoe suggests brightly. “She’s probably still looking for her cat around the university quad!
“Right, maybe she didn’t go anywhere, but saw me go “Poof?”
“Oh my God. Then she’s probably over at the museum right now trying to tell Douchebag Dan and poor Amanda all about it!”
“Can you imagine?” Mia’s kind of a lot for anyone to handle as she is, but going around talking like that they’d have her committed for sure.”
“Oh Gosh, I hope she’s okay.”
"Anyway," Kalen says, sliding a plate of something warm and sweet-smelling onto our table, "who wants to try the first ever batch of Bullhorn breakfast pastries? Olivia calls them 'scones.'"
"Brave volunteers step right up," Thokk rumbles.
“God, I still can’t believe you monsters don’t have coffee!” Olivia blurts out.
“Perhaps we can come up with a replacement?” Kalen puts his hands on his hips.
"There is no replacement for coffee," Zoe insists. "It's like... like magic in liquid form. Plus, it comes from a special bean.”
“A bean? That’s it?” Finn puts his hands up palms up for emphasis. “I can get you magic beans no problem.”
“No magic can beat coffee bean magic, but thanks. No, we need the real thing. We’ll figure something out.”
“And Soon.” Olivia has a very determined look on her face I note.
"You know," Finn says, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "I could probably slip past the wards and find some of this coffee for you. I mean, we're not actually in another dimension - just hidden away in your world." "That's right!" Olivia brightens. "Sometimes I forget we're technically still in the same forest where the museum is. Just... the magical part of it." "Which means there's probably a coffee shop within walking distance," Zoe adds wistfully. "Absolutely not," I cut in, using my chief voice without meaning to. "No one's risking exposure for beans, magical or otherwise." "Spoilsport," Finn mutters, but he's grinning.
The conversation drifts as more monsters filter in, drawn by curiosity and the smell of baking. I notice how they all try to act casual while sneaking glances at our new resident humans. It’s to be expected for sure. Truth is I am still sneaking glances myself.
As I take in the room full of animated conversation my eye is drawn to Thokk and Zoe. They seem engaged in sharing some little secret or another, and I can’t help but be affected by way she draws out his smile with just a look. Before I can distract myself, I feel that annoying ache in my chest again.
Maybe it’s these strange confections.
Heartburn, yes that’s it.
But I know better.
Dammit. Some sasquatch chief I make, getting all caught up in feelings. Last thing I need are all the complications having a mate would bring.
But try as I might, the yearning feeling won’t go away.
Truth is it would be nice to have someone to talk to. It gets old being everyone else’s rock. Level-headed Koda. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to have someone I could turn to. A nice she-squatch. With soft downy fur, yes. I have to pull myself back to the moment as my mind begins to drift.
And then there is Whisper. It’s obvious he needs a mother’s presence.
But he seems okay, just the same. Perhaps a bit awkward, or maybe just shy. But surely he will grow out of it. I note that he's eyeing one of those scone things with interest. "Hey, you can try one of those if you-“ A commotion at the door cuts me off. One of the younger sasquatches bursts in, looking frazzled.
"Chief Koda!" he pants. "Sorry to interrupt, but there's something strange happening up by the sacred grounds!"
"Strange how?" I'm already rising, Chief-mode kicking in.
"Not sure exactly. The cubs were playing up there - which I know they shouldn't be," he adds quickly, "but they came running back talking about a strange creature... all swirls and colors and... well, they're pretty worked up."
"Probably just pixies again," I say, though something in his expression makes me doubt it. "I'll check it out. Whisper, stay here, okay?”
But Olivia hasn’t missed a beat and with a nod from me hands him the pastry. "I shouldn’t be long," I promise, following the scout out into the morning sun. Whatever's up there, it better not be serious. I've got a berry picking date to keep.