Family
Hannah
The first snow of the season kissed the ground on a particularly cold morning.
An ice-cold breeze swept through the camp, dragging tiny specks of white with it.
Inside our tent, we didn’t notice much of the cold.
The fireplace was lit and warmed the space.
We had added a few new furs and blankets to the sitting area.
Ever since the season turned, Drokahr and I had made it a habit to eat our meals inside our tent.
“Stay,” he said, about to make his way out to fetch our breakfast.
“No,” I said, already picking up my nice fur winter coat that Drokahr had gifted me the other day. I now had a few pieces of clothing, and he promised to have a chest made for me in spring so I could store my belongings.
He didn’t object, and we made our way to the dining tent.
Shivering, I drew the coat closer around me. “It is freezing!” I exclaimed.
“I told you to stay inside.”
Grinning up at him, I said, “No.” It seemed I had picked up his habit of giving short, curt answers. He rolled his eyes.
Back at our tent, with a steaming bowl of what tasted like porridge with dried pieces of fruit inside, Drokahr added another log to the fire and then sat down beside me. The snow was piling up fast outside now.
“We will meet my family tomorrow,” he stated, putting a spoonful of food into his mouth.
I enjoyed how he always included me in everything he did.
He never made me feel like a burden he had to drag along, and while he usually made short announcements about where we were going or what we were doing, it never felt like a command or that he forced me into something I didn’t want.
Instead, I got the feeling he wished for me to be by his side.
It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
“That sounds wonderful,” I answered.
After finishing our food, we once again headed towards the training grounds.
Before the first snow, Orcs of the clan had worked together to build a tent over the training grounds.
This, Drokahr had explained, they did every year.
One side of the tent remained open, letting in light and air.
A few fire bowls were added here and there, and luckily one was placed right next to the bench I usually sat on.
The soft smell of burning wood and the warmth made it enjoyable to sit and watch Drokahr train.
We rose early the next day, eating breakfast on the way as we headed towards the family camp. I was equal parts excited and nervous to meet his family. I knew I was an outsider and seen as a reward for a warrior, so I wasn’t exactly sure how they would react to me.
The road was covered in a thick layer of snow, torches burning alongside it, marking the way. A small stretch of trees marked the end of the warrior camp and the beginning of the family camp. Gradually, the tents grew larger, accommodating the different needs of families and their sizes.
A lively scene unfolded before us as we walked through the camp.
Orc families were playing outside, children running through the snow.
I could hear shouting and laughter as a group of four Orclings, maybe six or seven years old, threw snow at each other.
Looking up at Drokahr, I could see him watching too, smiling.
It warmed my heart to see him like that.
Continuing on, I soon heard the unmistakable sound of metal banging against metal.
The fresh, clean scent of snow mixed with the smell of burning fire and iron.
We made our way to one of the only buildings not made of fabric — a semi-open stone structure.
From afar, I could make out a large fireplace, smoke rising from its chimney.
In front of it stood an Orc. He was lean, his black hair braided down his neck, holding something in the fire.
“Malek,” Drokahr shouted beside me.
The Orc turned and laughed. “Drokahr! Finally. I was wondering when you would show up.”
They hugged each other tightly. “It is good to see you, brother,” Malek said, his smile making the corners of his eyes crinkle.
“Yes,” Drokahr replied.
Turning towards me, he said, “This is my pet, Hannah.”
I smiled up at Malek and introduced myself. He eyed me curiously, then said, “So that is your famous pet. I have already heard a bit about her. Welcome to camp, Hannah.”
I smiled and thanked him, though I wasn’t sure what he meant by “famous”. Not wanting to make the situation awkward, I decided to ask Drokahr about it later.
“Sen has been waiting for you eagerly,” Malek said, walking towards the tent next to the smithery. Opening the tent flap, he called out, “Hey Sen, Drokahr is here.”
From inside came scrambling and a loud bang, then an Orcling stumbled out, yelling, “Drokahr!”
His head was shaven, with only a small tuft of hair on top, tied together with a piece of string. Sen wore only a shirt, but that didn’t stop him from sprinting towards Drokahr and leaping into his arms.
Drokahr laughed. “Careful. You have grown well.”
“Drokahr, I got a sword! You must look! I am a warrior, just like you!” the young Orc exclaimed excitedly.
From inside the tent, a female Orc appeared, looking annoyed. “Sen! Inside, now! Dress yourself properly!”
Sen’s eyes widened at the scolding. Drokahr carried him back to the entrance of the tent and set him down. The child disappeared inside. The Orc woman followed him, one eyebrow raised and her fists on her hips, before her gaze softened as she turned back to us.
“It is good to see you again, Drokahr. It has been a while. What have you been up to?” she asked as they hugged.
“I am well. Nara, this is my pet, Hannah,” he introduced me.
“It is nice to meet you. Drokahr told me you made the pillows in the sitting area of his tent. They are beautiful,” I said, smiling.
Nara returned my smile. “Oh, it is nothing. Now don’t just stand there — come in.”
Leaving our snow-covered boots and jackets at the entrance, we made our way to the centre of the tent.
Theirs was far more spacious than ours; I counted at least three additional doorways leading to other parts of their home.
In the middle burned an open fire, pillows arranged around it.
Cupboards and chests lined one side of the tent, while colourful tapestries hung on the others.
Flowers, small animals, and other patterns were stitched into them.
Nara caught me staring. “I made them myself. They keep the cold out and trap the heat,” she explained.
“They are beautiful,” I said admiringly.
“Come, sit down, you two. Let’s warm up,” Nara said, moving towards the fire.
Drokahr gently circled my waist with one hand, pulling me towards the soft pillows. Once we settled down, Nara lifted what looked like a kettle hanging over the fire and poured its contents into mugs. Handing me one, I lifted it to my nose. It smelled sweet and fruity.
“It is dried roseberry,” Nara explained.
I took a sip, enjoying the warmth spreading through my body.
We settled into a comfortable conversation.
Of course, Malek and Nara wanted to know everything about me — where I came from and how I liked the camp.
My worries about them finding me strange were unfounded.
They genuinely seemed interested in me and eager to make me feel welcome. I relaxed beside Drokahr.
Sen soon joined us, showing off his wooden sword, swinging it through the air and pretending to fight enemies. Nara and Malek had to stop him from time to time when he threatened to crash it into nearby furniture.
“Come on, Drokahr, let’s go outside! Let’s play in the snow!” he begged, clearly wanting his uncle’s attention all to himself.
“Fine,” Drokahr said, making Sen jump and squeal with joy. He hurried off to put on his winter clothes, disappearing into one of the adjoining tents.
While Malek helped his son into his fur coat and boots, Nara introduced us to the twins.
They were sleeping in a crib near the fire, lined with red and blue fabrics.
Sen’s excitement had woken them. I had to hold back a squeal — they were that cute.
With their chubby cheeks and huge eyes, they were utterly adorable.
“Oh, how cute!” I exclaimed.
“Don’t be fooled by their innocent faces. Once they start crying, it will shake this tent,” Malek laughed, carrying a fully dressed Sen. He was covered head to toe in fur, only his eyes visible.
Once we were dressed, we went back outside. The sun stood high in a bright blue sky — a perfect winter’s day. The snow shimmered, reflecting the light. I watched Drokahr and Sen play, throwing snow at each other, running through the untouched white blanket.
Life was good, I thought, watching them. I left them to their fun, having a small project of my own in mind.
I began rolling a small ball of snow along the ground, circling until it grew larger and larger. Once satisfied, I repeated the process.
“What are you doing?” I heard behind me.
Turning, I saw Sen watching me.
“I am building a snowman,” I explained.
“What is a snowman?”
“Well, where I come from, in winter children and adults build snowmen. We roll three balls of snow then decorate them to look like us.”
Sen’s eyes lit up. “Can we make a snoworc?”
“Sure. Would you like to build one with me?”
“Yes! Drokahr! Drokahr! Come, we’re building a snoworc!” he yelled, running towards him.
Malek had joined Drokahr while I worked. They seemed deep in conversation until Sen grabbed Drokahr’s hand. Together we rolled two more snowballs, stacking them. Nara brought stones for eyes and a nose, and even Malek joined in, adding two arrowheads to mimic tusks.
Once finished, Nara joined us with the twins, admiring our snoworc. Sen was beyond excited, announcing he would show it to all his friends.
As the sun began to set, we said our goodbyes, promising to visit again soon. Drokahr and I made our way back to our tent. Settling in by the fire, he wrapped a blanket around us and pulled me close.
Drokahr
“So, Drokahr. I heard a few bits floating around camp,” Malek said, joining me outside. Sen was busy watching Hannah rolling a ball of snow around, which gave me a moment to focus on my brother.
“Hmm, and what have you heard?” I asked, my voice cautious, hands tucked into my fur-lined sleeves.
“That you flew off the handle. That you and your pet are quite close.”
“She belongs to me,” I stated matter-of-factly, my jaw tightening, “she is my pet.” That word had started to feel wrong ever since I had lost my temper that day. I didn’t know exactly why, but calling her a pet made my skin crawl.
“Really? All that there is to it? Do pet owners always touch their pets so much?”
I looked at him, trying to keep my expression neutral. “What do you mean?”
“Drokahr, they are talking. I don’t think you are as subtle as you think you are. Did she really sit on your lap during the Founding Tale?”
“She was cold.”
“I am not a fool, brother. Look, you know I care for you. You are family, and if she is that important to you then I am happy for you, but be careful. There are rules you two have to follow. Do what you want behind closed doors, but keep some distance outside.”
He was my brother; I trusted him. I could speak freely.
“She belongs with me. The thought of her not being around me feels… wrong,” I answered truthfully, my chest tightening with the admission.
Malek gave me a concerned look. “Be honest with me. Do you l–”
“Drokahr! Drokahr! Come, we’re building a Snoworc!” interrupted Sen. Relief washed over me as I exhaled slowly. Glad to have a distraction, I followed him toward Hannah, the crunch of snow loud under my boots.
Malek luckily didn’t try to continue our conversation. I knew what he was trying to ask me, but even if he had, I don’t think I could have given him a straight answer. Because I didn’t know myself.