Morok’s unwelcome visit changed something in the way the orcs behaved, especially toward Beth. She noticed that every time she left the house, they would stare at her longer, approach her and talk to her, – something they hadn’t done before, – and even ask her if she needed anything or wanted company. They were more open and talkative, and she found that she didn’t mind it.
She considered it a good sign.
Even a better sign was when Kinna the Mage knocked on Beth’s door when Uthar was away hunting, and when Beth answered, she didn’t scowl at her, but actually... smiled.
“Hi, Beth. May I come in?”
“Umm...”
And Kinna waited respectfully, as opposed to walking past her, like Beth had expected. Because in her experience, the mage didn’t ask for permission, and if she did, it was only for show.
“Sure.” Beth stepped aside. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” She hoped she didn’t sound sarcastic. Because she was. A little. “Umm... tea? I’ve just made it.”
“No, thank you. I only drink the teas I make.”
They sat down on the couch, leaving as much distance between them as they could.
“In fact, I brought you something to drink.” And she produced a small bottle from one of her many hidden pockets. “Here. You can drink it right now.”
Beth accepted the bottle but held it only with the tips of her fingers, as if afraid it might be poison. She gave the mage an awkward smile.
“What is it?”
“Don’t make that face,” Kinna frowned. “I’m not trying to poison you. It’s something that will tell us if you are with child or not.”
“Oh. Isn’t it a little early?”
“If you are with child, we will know immediately. Orc babies grow much faster in their mothers’ bellies than human babies. You must know that.”
Beth did know that. She’d learned at the institute that orc pregnancies lasted five months instead of nine.
“Okay... So, I just drink it?” She unscrewed the cap.
“Yes. And then you’ll have to urinate, and if it’s green, you’re with child. If it’s normal, you have to try harder.”
Beth sighed and drank the potion. It didn’t taste too bad. She was pretty sure she wasn’t pregnant, though. She had no morning sickness, and it was true that her period was late, but not by a lot, and she’d always had irregular periods, anyway.
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, then Beth started fidgeting.
“I’m going to bring tea,” she decided.
“Might be a good idea. You need more liquids if you want to urinate soon.”
Beth groaned. “Let’s use the word pee instead of urinate, shall we? Of better yet, let’s not talk about bodily functions at all.”
Kinna cocked an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Sure. As long as it happens, and you tell me the color.”
Beth shook her head and busied herself with the kettle and two cups. She brought the tea to the living room and poured it.
“Why are you being nice to me?”
“I’m not. I’m just doing my duty as the mage of this horde. Uthar wants you to get pregnant soon, so I need to make sure that happens.”
“Why the change of heart? I thought you hated me.”
Kinna sighed. “I don’t hate you. I just don’t like you.” She paused and thought for a second. “Maybe even that’s not true. I don’t like you with him.” Her voice choked a bit at the end.
Beth sipped her tea and looked at Kinna cautiously. “Because you would’ve liked him... with you.”