Fighting hearts

Two

It'd been a week since she'd asked Roth to escort her after work. He'd said yes and even offered to walk her home daily if she wanted to. The orc held his word and more, because he also came to pick her up every afternoon, a few hours before the first match would start. Together, they would enjoy a forty-five-minute walk through the hills and valleys before reaching the pits.

Evie was thankful for such a friend. Because even though she hated to admit it, she was afraid sometimes, knowing that she would never be able to physically stand up to the many drunk pigs out there, lusting over a single woman like herself. But with Roth by her side, nobody dared to even look at her.

Sometimes, it felt like she was using him, and Evie would apologize, but Roth said it was an honor to help her out and he didn't mind. And he seemed to really have fun while talking to her. He also said that she was there to help him as well, but helping him was her job, so it didn't feel the same. She wanted to repay him for such kindness. If only she knew a way. Maybe she could repay him with food? After all, her mother had always told her that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

***

That afternoon, when Evie and Roth walked through the mountain range, she grabbed something out of her straw basket and offered it to him on their way to the valley. "Look what I have here. I made them myself."

It was a package wrapped in gray-brown linen cloth. A silent Roth looked dumbfounded as he accepted the gift, mouth hanging open as if he had never received a gift before.

Evie was excited. "Well, go on and open it!"

The orc carefully opened his present and found a stack of biscuits inside.

Ugly biscuits. Evie thought Roth would burst into laughter as soon as he saw them, but he didn't. He smiled instead.

"You made these?" he asked softly.

"Yes, for you."

"For..." He halted his steps. Evie did, too. "For me?"

She chuckled. "Yes, that's what I said. And I know they're not attractive, but I tried my best."

She truly had, spending all morning in the kitchen. She had to burn the first batch, which wasn't surprising as cooking and baking had never been her talent. Her nurturing skills definitely didn't reach into the kitchen.

"I... wow... Thank you, Evie. "

They didn't look that bad, did they? Of course, they were ugly, but it could be worse.

Evie was embarrassed. "You can try one if you like. I am sure they taste better than they look! There's oatmeal, dried apricots, and honey in them."

"Better than they look? But they look amazing!" He brought one to his nose and sniffed. "And they smell just as nice."

"They smell nice, I agree. But they're a little gross-looking." She chuckled while they continued their walk. "If you think they're pretty, you're flat-out lying!"

"I'd never lie to you," he said quickly. "To me, they're perfect." He put one in his mouth and talked with his mouthful, even spitting out a few chunks, saying they tasted delicious.

Evie found it endearing in a way. "Give me half of one," she asked. Now, she was curious because the one she ate at home had tasted rather burned.

"Yes, miss." Roth grabbed another biscuit and wanted to stuff the rest of them into his trouser pocket.

Evie wouldn't have that. "Oh, that will turn into a mess, Roth." She took the package from his hands and stuffed it into her basket. "I'll keep them for you."