“So you are to return to the provings?" Talina asked him as she poured a bowl from the cooking pot for Torren and then herself.

“That's the plan." Gregory had finished his meal just after Talina and Torren had emerged from their tent. He'd scooped Janette up to sit in his lap. She was peeling an apple for them to share for dessert and he'd been busying himself lightly teasing his lips across her earlobe.

"It is not a good one." Talina took her bowl and jabbed a spoon into it almost spitefully.

Gregory turned his attention from nibbling on his favourite redhead to Look over at Talina.

"It won't be Like it was Last time. I can handle myself better, and Ulag's proven his point. So I doubt we're going to be set up against the wrecking machines again."

“The Berserkers," Talina corrected him. "They are the worst you could face, but not the only ones who are dangerous. ALL orcs fight for glory in the provings. They are young, and prone to excessive violence. Your new pack Leaves much to be desired."

"Come on, ULf seems to have a good head on his shoulders. They can't be that bad."

“One of them doesn't have all his limbs. One has taken too many hard knocks to the head. Two look like they'd get blown away in a stiff breeze. Then there's Ulla, who might kill you herself before the other packs can get their fists on you. I've watched them fight. They are a glorious mess."

“Well, that's something to look forward to then."

“You'll get ‘em. of apple between Gregory's lips.

Janette unexpectedly spoke up before popping a slice

He blinked at her, then remembered to chew. "You've changed your tone." “What? Hey, I don't want you going back there but if you are dead set on it then I might as well be supportive.” She leaned in and pecked his cheek with her silky lips. The touch left a pleasant tingle on his skin.

"Thanks, Jan."

“No problemo. Just promise me that you won't get your head knocked in again."

That brought an unexpected Laugh from him before he nodded obediently. "Alright, I promise I won't get my head knocked in.”

“Well, since you two have decided to take Leave of your senses, I'LL eat elsewhere.“ Talina hopped up onto her feet and took her meal back to her tent.

They all watched after her before Torren turned back to look at Gregory, "She's just worried about you, sir."

“Torren, don't call me ‘sir’. It makes me feel old." Gregory smiled and then shifted his gaze to watch after Talina.

“You should go to her."

“When she's in that sour a mood? Would you like to go and spend some time with Algra right now?"

Gregory glanced back to their tent where Algra was Likely breaking things. He didn't particularly want to be on the list of available things to break.

“Fair point."

“Talina does speak the truth though, si- um,"

“Don't call me 'um' either, Torren. My name's Gregory, or Greg."

The bulky smith nodded his apology before continuing.