Apr 30, 2025
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Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3:
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Forever-home Renovated Archive
Archive of our Own link
Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3:
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Forever Home renovated Chapter 3
â-Rip your toenails out one by one if I had the chance!â Richter spat. Alright, his tirade was unfair. He wasnât sure what he expected when he stepped out into the open. He guessed just to be looked at? Possibly talked to? That he could have handled so close. Instead, he found himself hating the man outside the window.
âCouldnât have just kept your grabby hands to yourself. Youâve earned every single bite you got!â He threw his hands down on his knees and stood up. It was irrational, but the whole thing had to be the giantâs fault. He didnât blame him for the kidnapping that was probably well out of the bearded bastardâs control. He did however blame him for the most recent loss of dignity.
He spent the morning pouting and pacing around the house again. He tried to make sense of the books, failed, and stuffed them back in place. He tried to tidy the place or rearrange it in his own fashion. It occurred to him that years spent sleeping under any sort of stable roof, on the floor made him a poor housekeeper.
Any decompressing action he took just frustrated him more. In the end, he had only one real source of entertainment. He sat and watched the giant. Who in turn, only showed himself a few times, at least at an angle Richter could see from the house.
He had no real sense of time. He was aware quite a bit had passed however. Because his keeper was in and out of the room every so often. He had no choice but to assume it was the afternoon by now. He was starting to wonder when the next feeding time was. As his stomach was starting to tighten.
Richter groaned. He wanted something to occupy himself with. All he had so far was looking outside. There was a perfect track for jogging outside. The likelihood of being grabbed was too high though. He could only sit with his own thoughts so long. His eyes stared wistfully at the jogging track. Longing and fury built in his chest.
His frustration rekindled, and he stormed into the kitchen and grabbed himself a glass of water. He tried to decide if talking to the big guy was even helpful. If for no other reason, it was probably better for his mental health. He slumped against the counter with his back facing the clear wall. Light filtered in, but it lacked the warmth of a nice sunny day.
It also didnât change position like it did outside. He found himself missing the clear sounds of the abandoned city. Silence didnât happen. Not really. Even now, he could hear bird song outside his cage. Which made no sense because he was in a house, inside another house. He assumed. Heâd been asleep when they arrived so he had no real concept of his masterâs dwellings.
Maybe the birds were normal? He spun about and managed to catch a glimpse of them picking at the lawn outside. He couldn't help but laugh incredulously. There were actual sparrows outside. They fled when they saw him, and he couldnât help but try and follow them.
They were well gone by the time he got outside. Though the giant spun about to look at him. Richter used the open doorway to shelter himself a bit, but kept his gaze outside for the animals. It was the first sense of familiarity heâd had since arriving.
When he was sure his little friends wouldnât be coming back, he returned to his sulking. He sat in the kitchen and stared out the window. The birds were a surprise at first, but now, he could relate to them slightly. He too was dealing with something much larger than himself.
Idly he started to think about his situation. Maybe he was like the birds. Flighty and scared. Even if there was no real malice from the Jötun. He couldnât help but compare himself to his apparent master. He meant no harm but the birds didnât know that. They didnât know he wasnât going to chase and eat them. Or, maybe they did, but still thought of him as a big terrifying monster. He could relate.
Out the window, the Jötun watched him. Leaned quietly against the wall and staring into the enclosure directly at him. He really wished the big guy wouldnât stare so. With a huff, Richter slid from the bench to the floor. He rested on his belly and relished in the cold texture.
Interestingly enough, when he stopped leering, the animals returned. Richterâs attention snapped back to them, and he made an effort to be smaller. Quieter. Even that movement spooked them. Thankfully they didnât flee this time though. He supposed he really was like his avian friends. Only he couldnât fly away. If he could, he wouldnât even be here.
They flitted about and dug for worms. Though he was unsure if theyâd find any. He wasnât even sure sparrows ate worms. They lacked the sharp beaks that robins carried. Richter wondered if they were even supposed to be in the house. The giant gave no response to them, but let his hand droop into the enclosure. Richter was ready to watch the animals scatter again, but they paid him no mind.
Perhaps he was too big for them to fathom, or maybe they were accustomed to him. He was almost envious if that was the case. Slowly he scooted a little closer, and again, the birds were gone. Richter grumbled softly. He never had time to master the art of birds, he supposed.
Hunting, yes. Mostly urban hunting. His parents never dared to leave the city when he was travelling with them. His father thought the monsters were more numerous out there, where they could move freely. It was actually more likely to be the opposite, now that Richter gave it thought. The dense trees outside of the city made for better hiding and hunting.
It was too late to think about now. Richter shut his eyes. He could hear the creature above him cluck his tongue, and chose to ignore it. No point in paying close attention. He only reacted when the monstrosity cheered out loud. He snapped to attention and stared horror when he saw the back of the giantâs hand beside him.
Richter jerked violently to the side, and spat more curses at the brute. He rolled almost under the bench by the time he stopped to analyze the situation. When the hand didnât approach or move at all, Richter played the situation out in his mind. He was inside the shelter, not in the yard. The Jötun was on the other side of the wall. Richterâs shoulders relaxed, and he let his eyes shut. This was acceptable.
He could live with slow exposure therapy. Richter was still halfway across the room, but he could stay there. It was about then he realized the Jötun was talking at him. His tone was high pitched and cheery. Slowly Richter pieced the idea together in his mind, and laughed. âAre you... Praising me?â He chuckled incredulously.
When the jötun brightened up and got a little louder, he shook his head. Probably something along the lines of âgood boyâ or something like that. âYou titanic nerd.â He snorted. Richterâs head lolled to the side as he rested his chin on his folded arms. He stared out the window softly.
He had to consider this situation as though he were the giant. Like with the birds, his master probably meant him no harm. On that note, if the constant grabbing werenât so intrusive, he could actually see it as being enjoyable. The giantâs grip was broad and warm. He was careful not to squish Richter even when heâd fully encased the man.
The hand came a little closer, and Richter again tensed. His eyes locked warily on the giant as the dreaded enclosing fingers came to rest. Again, Richter could relax. His body slowed down and he settled into a comfortable position.
He started to feel himself drift off, sleep overtook him slowly. Until the giant clucked his tongue again. Richter snorted and clicked his own tongue back mockingly. He scooted out from under the bench, and looked to the wall. There was an entire hand covering the glass wall now. Richterâs gut churned uncomfortably. He shook his head and backed further away.
He was certain he wasnât about to be grabbed. The brute wasnât about to reach through glass. Nor was he reaching for the panel to open the wall. It made no sense what so ever to flatten your hand against the enclosure just to reach in anyways. He was already caught and couldnât get any more âin captivityâ than this. So the Giant wasnât about to snatch him up. Logically he knew he was safe.
Yet he couldnât shake the association. Heâd been snatched up by store employees and his initial captors so often that the sight of an open hand was disconcerting. He put as much space between them as he could. Once he backed into the counter, he started to climb it just to get distance.
The Jötun retracted his hand as though it had been burned. To be fair, Richter could still see the red mark from where heâd bitten down. He winced guiltily at that. Some things he couldnât deny. The fact that heâd bitten the giant was one of them.
Come to think of it, the other was that heâd seen actual magic again. Seeing a gryphon and a mermaid had been one thing. Those paled, however, in the face of actual spells being slung about. It was hardly the first time heâd seen or experienced magic. The lights dancing around the ceiling were proof of that. Heâd been pinned and had something done to him before as well. Some sort of spell he had no context for.
None of it compared to what his master just did. Heâd absolutely been hurt from the fall down the stairs. Then miraculously, it was gone. The pain, the shock, even the residual damage. He was pretty sure heâd at least have scrapes on his chin from the embarrassing fall. Yet there he was, unharmed and unhindered. A hapless brute wouldnât bother to notice such things.
Richter rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. He couldnât exactly apologize out side of actively touching the spot heâd bit. That option was too out of the way right now. He wouldnât be able to handle it. Instead he took a breath, and slid slowly off the counter top.
They hadnât known one another long. His heart was still jackrabbiting any time he saw the big guy. But he knew when he was in the wrong. He took a breath, and scratched the short hair on the back of his neck while he spoke.
âI...I know you can't understand me. Other wise, this is the sickest joke I've ever seen. But you have to know that I need time.â He folded his arms around himself.
âIâm not an egotistical maniac. I can admit Iâm scared. I donât like this. I donât want to be coddled and cooed at. I donât want to be stared at all the time and picked up and told Iâm a âgood boyâ or what ever. But I donât have a choice here.â He started to pace as he spoke.
They were both intelligent beings and he had to think of it like that. âJust donât be a dick. Please?â The jötun was already walking away, having taken Richters food tray. He slumped. At least heâd get to eat. That was a bonus to being ignored. If it was anything like before, heâd be glad for the meal.
When the tray was slid back in place, he found it piled with new delights. More vegetables, but also fruit, and some small bits of jerky that heâd had in the store. He was about to go for the table until the jötun clicked his tongue again. Richter paid him full attention this time. Confused.
Apparently that was the correct answer, because the big guy smiled at, and praised him. A moment later the tray was pulled away, and something more was placed on it. Once it returned, Richter found himself staring at a small, round cake of some sort.
He was pointed to his meal, and the giant left his sight. So treats were on the table. Quite literally. Richter shrugged, and sat down to eat. Operant conditioning aside, he was genuinely glad that food at least was readily available.
With a huff, he decided to start with desert first. The cake just about melted in his mouth. He hadnât tasted vanilla since he was twelve, and only found himself enraptured by the rediscovered flavour. It was sweeter than he was used to, and spongy like a proper pastry. It lacked some of the undertones that were burned into his memory, but heâd sworn he was just taken back in time via his sense of taste.
Of course it didnât help that he was in a climate controlled building with no threat of muggers or predators. With a sigh, he watched outside the garden. The birds were back, and it finally started to make sense. They were like flies. You never knew how a fly got in the house, but there was always at least one every year. They probably slipped in through the door.
A house this large likely had plenty of food scraps they could subside on. More over, they were so small the big guy hardly had to worry about them. He almost appeared to enjoy their presence. He supposed if flies sang so beautifully humans would mind them less too.
With a sigh, Richter came to a grim realization. Heâd go mad if he didnât step out of the shelter at least once. It was worth at least stepping out when the unnamed master was out. A groan tore from his throat. âThis is going to suck.â
He finished his meal and exited the house once he was sure the jötun was out of sight. Of course the back wall was solid, so âout of sightâ was more like âeither out of the room or just behind the houseâ. He stepped onto the grass, and almost instantly he heard the shifting of the jötun behind him. Richter debated on springing back inside, but the last time didnât end well.
There was a stain in the grass below his feet. Copper red. He probably split his chin on his fall. With a wince, he rubbed his own chin. Sure enough some crusty material came up on his fingertips. What he wouldnât give for a pocket mirror.
He contented himself with sitting in the doorway, and watching with discomfort as his master took his food dish. The giant crossed the room, but beyond the high walls Richter could only see the top of his head. He could hear water, and the dish smashing noisily. He chose to lay his head on his knees. He wanted to explore the whole area but couldnât bring himself to be so exposed again.
The garden was beautiful now that he took the time to look at it. The bushes bore fruit, the tree was in flower. The birds tapped his feet. Richter jumped, and frightened off the curious little feather balls. He slumped with disappointment.
A soft hiss alerted him to the fact he was being watched. The jötun sat with mild interest. Snickering at Richters failed attempt at bird watching. With dramatic flair, Richter dragged himself into the house. He was laughed at for his rebellion. Defeated, Richter shot him a middle finger, and stormed up the stairs. He glared at the step that carried a small splash of red.
The house was white. He hadnât taken the time to think of it, but the stairs and lower floors were almost marble white. He scoffed. It would only be easier to see the mess that way. Possibly that was the point. Cleaning became easy if you saw every little splash and splotch.
His bedroom was a nice respite from the constant view of the larger world outside. He sat down and pressed his fingers to old scars. This would just become normal eventually. All things did. He hated change. Hated the unsure feeling of forces beyond his power acting on his life.
He wondered if his parents had a similar fate. Though he tried to push their memories back further, and further, he still thought of them. The terror in his motherâs eyes when their captor came. The angry shouts of his father while he hacked away at the beasts fingers with his hatchet. Richterâs mother had kicked him into a basement during the attack. Or, capture. Maybe they were still out there now.
Were they together still? Or did they get separated? Did they hold each other through these dark times? It was by far a better fate than drowning in a flooded river. He started to think of her. He shook his head violently. Better to deal with the giant right now than think of that. Richter forced himself to look out the tinted glass.
Sure enough, his Master was working on that book, looking down at him. He wondered what the man was even writing. He played with the idea. Hour whatever, the small angry thing took a nap. Further monitoring needed. He snorted and sat himself up. Probably was still calling him âRickyâ in that damn book.
He tried to think of something less daunting. Maybe daydream. When he was a child, he went on adventures with his favourite cartoon characters in the private space of his mind. Until the world crumbled. Then they changed. Either about finding food during the lean times, or finding a community of people who skipped the collapse.
Now? He tried to think about something other than survival. That was almost guaranteed. He tried to think of the future, but saw nothing. Nothing he could definitively say âthatâs probably going to happenâ. Instead he thought of the immediate moment. With a miserable shrug, he realized that he was going to take a long time to adjust.
~
âJust once I wish these sorts of things were better handled. Why does it fall to the curious to explore every aspect of the world?â He tapped his pen irritably on the pages. What was he supposed to write that hadnât already been said? Ricky was quite determined to avoid him. Though he did respond if prompted.
A sharp ache struck up Bearâs forearm. Unspent magic that sat just below his skin searched for an escape. A grim reminder that he had an actual job. A role that heâd been neglecting for a while. His time as a recluse was up. Heâd have to return to his duties soon.
Being an elemental creature, Bear, as well as every other giant, had a role to play in his world. He bit his lip thinking about it. Other wars were fought, heâd fought in them. Never did they leave such a scar as the one fought between the true gods and the false dieties. The god war was long before his own birth and yet it still left shudders in the physical world.
Elements clashed violently, in an attempt to equalize and settle. They made waves that Trampled and devoured each other despite being the same force. Only after a god war would you find a desert surrounded by tundra.
Thus the need for Elemental giants to maintain some semblance of a boarder. Almost like dams in that thrashing tide. A wall to limit the damage. Without them, there would be no stability for life to flourish. It was indeed the lack of stability that led to many of the wars that occured.
Bearâs own forest was beginning to feel the ice from the neighbouring perimeter creep in. He could feel it. Unlike the natural sleep of winter, this was a biting chill that shook his bones. He gave a short prayer to the goddess of life, and stood. Time was up. Heâd have to bite back.
The question was where to start. Bear made a small sketch of Ricky while he pondered his actions. Ricky himself was an unknown element to this. Where did his species fit in the natural order? Bear himself was responsible for nurturing the woods and wildlife. Did Rickyâs kind need to populate the land as well?
He drummed his fingers on the wall of the enclosure. That was until Ricky shouted at him. There was something strangely intelligent about the little stinker. It was like watching a grizzly figure out a complex puzzle. Gears were turning in that little mind.
He jotted down in his notes to try giving Ricky a puzzle to play with. It was probably best he took the time away. The break from his constant presence might encourage more natural behaviours. Though he hated to miss out on the little fellowâs exploration.
With a long suffering sigh, he stared into the enclosure one last time. Which must have upset Ricky, who promptly threw a pillow at the wall. The giant smirked. Bear wasnât always the type to keep a pet. Aside from actual bears. They were more affectionate than they were given credit for. If not a bit sharper than Ricky. He stared at his bitten hand and huffed.
Ricky needed something to do. Other than being pestered by his overgrown master. So Bear stood. âYou win, Ricky. Stay out of trouble alright?â He patted the wall twice, and walked away. He made his way out the door, and made a point to close it louder than usual.
The road wound before him, with the ever present crunch of debris under his feet. First order of business was to go and handle the encroaching cold from the mountains. He started west, and tromped his way to the mountainâs base. There he caught sight of the local ice giant. Though she tried to keep the wall back on her own, she was failing.
The freeze was turning the bark of the trees white. The leaves were a dully fatal brown. Several hadnât even had the time to drop into hibernation. The worst of it was the rotted undergrowth. Visible only if he squinted, and invisible to any giant who didnât know what to look for. Sometimes it paid to have a familiar, who could point things like that out. Who knew, he might need to consider a familiar someday.
She was young for a giantess. Only a fraction of his age. Created from sheer snow and ice, her body gleamed in the sunlight. Sparkling like fresh snow. She wore something like a rough tunic, with a large cloak of fur. Something sheâd have spent ages to make.
He couldnât help the guilt. Heâd left this poor youngster to manage the whole thing for a little too long. Her hands were cracked from spending so much time outside of her frozen climate. The whole time she never complained, or tried to find him. Didnât even send a messenger from the mountains. She just gave him time. Heâd have to make this count.
Her cold blue eyes turned to him, and she huffed. âTook you a while old timer.â Ah, the impertinence of youth, he chuckled at her antics. The ice giant hurriedly scooped a couple of encroaching polar beasts into a fist. A snarl marred her features. Her frustration was more than understandable.
It wasnât uncommon for animals to try and expand their territory. It was however, unusual for them to be so brazen in front of a carnivorous giant. He wondered if they knew she couldnât focus on them for too long. He also debated on whether or not sheâd devour them later. It took very little to keep ice giants full, but what they did take taught the younger, foolish ones the folly of expanding off the mountains.
Theyâd be uncontested if they were to breach into the temperate lands Bear oversaw. The climate was cool enough that the animals wouldnât suffer the heat. The wildlife had no countering magic. Unlike the polar beasts they could not freeze the world around them. Just as magic warped the land, it warped the beasts of it. Meaning polar beasts were more than capable of stopping prey in their steps before even catching up physically.
She popped the animals into a pouch on her side and shot him a glare. Bear could only shrug. She could only make ice, make walls and breaks. She couldnât restore what she failed to protect. That was his job. âStand back pup. Let this old timer work.â He waved her off. With a stretch, he plunged both hands into the soil. It was still warm, probably from the efforts of the ice giant.
With a huff, he shoved as much innate magic into the ground. All about him new, green life sprung and forced the weakened ice back up the mountain it was contained on. Warm browns and shocking colours snapped from the earth. New flowers bloomed instantly in the surviving brush behind him. He shoved as much life into the ground as he could until nothing cold lasted in his border.
Satisfied with his work, he shook himself free of the dirt. Next, Bear collected the deadened trees from the Ice giants realm. âYouâve been gone a while.â She commented. She gripped a frozen tree and ripped it from the earth. âEvery thing okay?â Her eyes grew more concerned as she spoke. She was young, but not foolish. He smirked and trapped the frost giant into a casual hug.
âAllâs well. Iâve been preparing to take on a new pet is all. Yourself? I hear someone has been trying to steal your heart away.â He winked at the giantess and saw her flush a deeper blue. He could hardly remember her name. Though he knew she was entangled with a black ice giant. One who left invisible, impossibly cold stains at the highest points of their landmass. She welcomed him into her home. Both shared sides of the territory to manage.
The woman shoved herself hard from his form. With an awkward cough she turned her back on him. âYeah well. Heâs... Gods above and below Bear, donât make me get all mushy. Heâs nice. Alright. Heâs nice.â She rubbed the back of her neck.
âYou should tell him that.â He grinned. âHonesty is the best way to a healthy love life.â He bumped her hip. The woman rolled her eyes and shoved the older giant into the snow beside her. He was larger, but hardly cared to romp about like some young beast. The crack of ice and snow sounded below him.
âI donât need relationship advice from someone who hasnât even TOLD his intended.â She scoffed. It was his turn to grow red in the cheeks. Well, green. He couldnât actually flush red.
âNow hold on a minute young lady. Thatâs not-â He ended up with a face full of snow.
âDonât start. We all see it. Youâve known each-other for centuries now.â She rolled her eyes. âAnd for the gods favour stop dropping off the face of the earth like that. We debated on scrying just to make sure you were still alive.â
âWeâ. That was a word he still had trouble grasping. The land around him was so vast for his part. But there were communities. He could name at least two more forest giants around. The lady behind him was also a neighbour, and her new partner. They had two fire giants nearby as well. Keeping the heart of their lands. They visited sometimes. Particularly around festivals. But for the most part, they were passing faces.
Giants spend most time solitary. They visited one another as friends, sometimes even joined territories to create something new. For the most part though, there was just no need to stay so close. It was kind of them to at least think of him.
Bear glared at her flatly. âYou know, knocking exists. You could indeed, just visit.â He shook the snow out of his beard and scoffed. âAnd Iâm not going to tell him squat. Heâs shown no interest in me so there ainât much point to it. Kiddo.â
The giantess stared at him flatly. Then burst into laughter. âDid you forget my name again? Going senile or something?â
âItâs been a decade since we last spoke. Scorn me.â He chuckled. He was starting to wish heâd had been a better neighbour. Satisfied with the overall management, Bear turned back to the woods. Neither of them were too concerned about his forgetting her name. Heâd remember it eventually.
The woman spun about and shouted after him. âTell him you idiot! The whole range has been waiting for you two to finally say something!â He sped out of earshot. His relationship with his long time friend was no business of the whole damn community. There were at least seven or eight Giants in the area. Making it awkward with one would only bring him trouble. Thus, he chose not to act on his feelings for Archibald.
The two had gone to war along side one another. When Archibald went missing for too long, it had been Bear who demanded his rescue. They found him inside a mountain, battling with a score of sun-elves. Theyâd tried to take up smithing from the magical stone that grew off the giant. Almost managed to pin Archibald down and properly chain him for mining.
As it turned out, nothing an elf could forge could not hold a giant down. Archibald had rooted through the whole mountain, snatching up his attackers. That had been a grim day for elf kind. When the dust had settled, the found Archibald lecturing his captives.
The iron wars were started from a logical place. Iron was poison to elves. Dwarves mined it and brought it readily into the surface. Conflict was bound to happen. It just happened a bit more violently than anticipated. No one expected the sun elves to start it. They also hadnât expect them to try and turn on the giants. That was what started their involvement. Giants, dragons and other elementals hardly ever joined wars unless provoked. The kidnapping of three giants sure as hells provoked them.
While he ruminated on this, the sprawl of woodland around him thinned. The forest giant stumbled over a stump. Bear glanced to the bared earth below. Another patch of untended land. Something had taken the trees in a strange way. They were cut clean, mere stumps in the earth. He couldnât think of a creature that took wood in such a way. He shook his head in confusion. New critters? Just one more thing to look into.
Perhaps he needed to be more proactive in his tending of the land. Things had fallen into so much disrepair. Bear would have to walk about and double check on the state of affairs more frequently.
He dropped one of the deadened logs onto the ground, and crushed it underfoot. With a sprinkle of magic, the land started to consume the rotted tree. Probably would become a nice meadow. Though he wondered what had taken the trees in the first place.
He stepped carefully to watch for any flushed out animals. Perhaps the culprits were among the dense woodland. For the most part he caught glimpses of birds, deer, and tiny creatures he could hardly comprehend. Heâd had them described to him, but could never actually make them out.
He returned to the warp gate and stepped through. Fresh timber was good nesting material for certain dragons. As well as good feasting material for his own people. He brought it into a market stall to sell. From there, he returned to the pet shop.
A simple puzzle was best for now. He stepped into the building and came face to face with the same employee. âMr Heart! Welcome back. Is your pet to your liking? Or were you looking to get him some company?â The young giant scampered around the counter.
Bear could catch just a glimpse of a glass cage. Inside was a familiar face. One of the elves heâd fought back in the war. âIs that... Avari?â The elf spun about. His ears pinned back, and he gave his biggest hiss. It was him alright. Same blonde hair loose at his shoulders. Same bad attitude. Though Bear couldnât blame him much. He had been at the forefront of the war itâs self.
Heâd been there, when the giants ended their bloodless campaign, and chose to simply end things. It had happened after a particularly nasty fatality. One Bear could not accept. Giants ended things peacefully if possible. However, it was never a guarantee. Which many beings forgot until the iron war.
Bear clearly remembered the bite of the elfâs weapon in his ankle. The sting of loosed magic snapping through his tendons in an attempt to wound him. Just enough to prevent the giant from moving. There was a sickening satisfaction that it hadnât worked. That his body didnât allow him to falter.
Avari likely only did what he did to survive. There was no ill will towards the elf. Though he still couldnât help but feel bitter about the whole situation. Bear watched him now, as he stared into the giantâs eyes with recognition. There was a hint of fear in his body language. Although it was subtle, probably due to the size of the man.
âOh, yes. Heâs a surrender. He um... Tried to murder his last master.â The younger giant tapped his fingers together. âNo more similar sized masters for him. Iâm afraid. Though you two seem to know one another, it might be a good match if-â
Bear held up a hand to stop him. âWeâve got bad blood. I donât think itâs in either of our best interest to make that arrangement.â He shook his head. He could hear the elf protesting much the same. With more swearing and far more hissing. He found elf hisses to be the funniest thing. They were tiny, and cute. Sad that they only really came from true hatred and terror.
With a nod of recognition, Bear passed by Avari. The sun elf hissed again, refusing to speak like an actual person to him in particular. Honestly he reminded Bear of Ricky. With less biting. Perhaps Avari would have been a more agreeable choice. He snorted at his own private joke.
âGetting my scamp a puzzle. Any recommendations?â He tried to include the youngster. Who, in turn, leaped at the chance to be helpful to his hero. Thankfully the boy had been dissuaded from any further pushing of another pet. The fresh giant brought up a list of puzzles and toys. One was a strange wooden structure, made into a dome of open windows.
âWeâve seen these where Scamps tend to hang around. The oneâs weâve found appear to be a metal of some sort. But we canât really have that around the elves. So weâre trying shaped wood. Grown by giants like yourself!â He held it out. âThey love to climb on top of these things! Some of the other critters like it too. Griphons love to perch on them.â
As if to prove his point, an indignant squawk dragged both their attention. A griphon had been climbing on itâs own little dome when itâs cagemate chased it off and sat atteh very top above it. They launched into a play chase around the enclosure. The dome ended up in his basket not long after.
With a chuckle, he took a glance at the scamp section. Just to see if any behaved like Ricky. A few did. Mostly males. Others hid. He laughed as one threw his entire bedding at the glass. So throwing objects was absolutely part of the behaviour.
Some of the enclosures now carried more enrichment, and he took note of the most used toys. Most of it was improvised from different animals. A large ball was being thrown at him by an adult. Some soft fabric tents were being hidden beneath. There was an odd individual who just sat and stared, holding a stuffed toy to his chest. Unconcerned by anything around him.
It was during his inspiration walk that Bear spotted his first youngster. It stayed close to the adult with it. He couldnât discern whether the young one was male or female. The adult, however was female. She shoved the child behind her and balled her fist. He chose to back away.
âOh those two? The ones who sold them to us say they were caught separately. But the little one clung to the adult so closely that we decided theyâre a package deal.â The young cashier smiled. âI wish we knew where the actual parent was though.â
âMight have been orphaned. Though it is interesting that theyâll adopt unrelated young.â Bear commented. He chose a few small toys. Though he oped out of the tents for now. Stuffed animals were added to the selection though. One gripphon toy caught his eyes. A fluffy bundle of feathers on a stick. That too, was put into the basket.
With is new puzzles in tow, and a bath set up, Bear paid for his trinkets. Avari scoffed from his position. He took note of the scars on Bears hand. A satisfied smile spread over his features. âI hope your pet never stops biting you.â The elf spat. It had almost been a century since heâd last heard that hateful voice.
Yet he felt he deserved the scorn it carried. âAnd I hope you heal from the things apologies cannot mend.â Bear sighed. Avari hissed at him one final time, and threw him a rude gesture for good measure. He shut himself in a little tent to hide away.
With that, Bear gathered his new gifts for Ricky, and made his way back home. He wished the elf well, even if they were bitter towards one another. Bear found it hard to forgive the attempted hamstringing. At least at the beginning. Not one elf death had happened when Avari tried it. In fact, it was that action that cemented the deal. Bear still would rather see the little guy in a safe situation.
The war had come to mind a lot this day. It would probably be a bad night for sleep then. It always was when the memories came back. With a scoff, Bear sped up. Heâd worry about that later. Or better yet, not at all. He wouldnât let himself dwell on it this day. Heâd feed Ricky, and give him toys, and watch him be happy and thrive.
Even if his heart was trying to beat faster. Even if the spot where heâd been struck in battle itched. Bear chose to block it out. He held it firmly with one hand. He quickened his pace. If he just got home fast enough, he might be able to catch Ricky outside of his shelter. That was a nice thing to think about. Ricky was his focus now. Ricky, and the forest.
His two responsibilities he could make his priority. If he could tame Ricky down enough, he might even be able to combine the two. He entertained the idea of carrying the little fellow along while tending his forest. A worthy distraction. He wondered if Ricky was much of an explorer.
~
Meanwhile, back at the house, Richter was climbing his shelter. He eyed the wall with a grin. It wouldnât take much to build a way out. If he just was stubborn enough. Thankfully, he was indeed, quite stubborn. It wouldnât be freedom, but itâd be something. Something other than the dull garden he was already growing tired of seeing.
Forever home 18
The meetings were the worst of it. Plenty of pre-council interviews. Now this. This was the last of it. Richter stood, tense as the council loomed over them. Five humans stood in front three giants, and an ogre. Facing the leaders of each speaking species. Richter took a breath, clasped his hands behind his back, and listened to the proceedings.
âSo you see, great council, we feel our friends situation unfair. As it was created by an uninformed decision.â Bear spoke plainly. Hands resting on the table the five humans stood on. A large giantess, old and saggy, with great amounts of gold hanging from her person tapped her chin.
âSo you say. Well, if these small ones can in fact speak, let them do so. We will proceed from there.â She waved towards the five, an encouraging smile on her features. âGo on. You have the floor.â
Richter cleared his throat, and took two steps forward. No more, no less. Otherwise it would be rude. âThank you, councilwoman. My name is Richter M. Robinson from Ottawa. I was captured a few months ago, spent three in a shelter before I fell under the exceptional care of William B. Heart.â He began.
âYe, ye, skip the formalities.â The ogre leader spoke, waving an impatient claw. He pointed to Neil. âYou. Three thing you like, then your name. Now.â
Neil stammered, confused, before speaking up. âOh, ah. I like to cook, and I enjoy learning. Not  like academic stuff but practical things. Iâm... Iâve found a taste for channelling magic. My Name is Neil Carlos James Sir.â
âThatâs a smart one. Red head, youâre up. One thing you like, followed by your name, and two things you dislike.â The ogre continued. Eyes level on the croud.
âSeriously? Okay. I like long walks through the fields in warm summers. My name is Mary Grace, no middle name. I hate snow and Calamari. That enough?â She folded her arms, shifting to her left in an airy way.
The questions continued on to Richters mother and father. Two things his father liked, then name and relation to the group. For his mother, two new facts that none of the five had said before. Then her name. She got bonus points for arguing the fact that her being Richters mother was something no one else claimed in the collective. And that it should be counted because of wording.
In the end, the small band of humans were asked to sit quietly while the council conferred. Eventually the Dwarven councilman stepped forward. âAlright. Weâll get started on a group examination. And weâll call you in about a month with the results. You lot made it this far, so you can last that long.â
He patted Richters arm fondly. âIâm rootinâ for you buggers. Itâll be nice to have one more non magical race among the council. Youâll have to decide who among you five will stand on the council after this.â He gave a warm grin, nudging the humans towards their keepers.
Bear was the first to scoop his companion up, sitting Richter in his pocket stiffly. They said their thank yous and left the room silently. Richter, however, had a nervous churning in his gut. He knew this part was coming. Knew that heâd be sent away to wait on the social conduct of total strangers to decide whatâs to be done with humanity.
Part of him wished he wasnât one of the forerunners for this examination. If he were part of the test group, heâd be able to influence the results a little more. But there he was, seated in his little shelter, now with extra company. The other four had decided to stay with him. If only for now. Until they had the results.
Things were starting to look up though, and there was hope in his chest. The way the giants spoke of it, it almost sounded like the responsibility act was lifted already. Just a bunch of free humans starting to chat excitedly over their next step. The fact that the council had been so easily impressed made things look all the brighter.
His father turned around in the garden with a whistle. âDamn kid. Itâs like nothing ever happened on your end. Got plenty of space away from the big brute.â
âYeah. Youâd think.â Richter smirked, glancing over the wall to where Archibald and Bear were seated at the table. Agatha and Janette left for home a little early. As it was the childâs bed time soon. Mary, on the other hand, chose to stay behind. That way theyâd get word at the same time.
Worm could be heard laughing boisterously from somewhere among the china the pair served tea in. From the way Archibald flushed pink, it was apparent that there had been a raunchy joke somewhere in there. Probably didnât translate for the rest of the house.
Richter led the house in dinner, and bed arrangements. Before sitting on the stairs to the plastic hutch. Waiting patiently for Bearâs nightly visit. A glass of water in hand Nothing changed really. Only now they spoke over tea late at night.
Only, nothing happened. Bear didnât arrive. He probably didnât want to wake the house. And so, Richter sat alone. Contemplating. He sipped gingerly from his glass and leaned on the steps. Watching the ceiling.
Something was going to happen. Something was going to change. And he had no idea how he felt about that fact. Hell, he didnât even have a plan for his desired result. But it was so close within his grasp. Only a month away. He stared at his own hand, humming.
Slowly, he started deciding what heâd do with a free future. Away from this little garden, perhaps. Or he might forgo the idea and stay with Bear as a roommate. Perhaps heâd find love. Hook up with someone special. And regail his children about that time he lived as a pet hamster.
That last thought didnât quite sit right. His stomach plummeted at the thought of taking on another woman after... No. He might adopt some orphan then. Give someone else the same chance at a better life. Perhaps heâd introduce the kid to Bear.
A shuffling caught his attention. Archibald was attempting to sneak through the kitchen. Buck naked with only a sheet covering his delicates. He was rummaging though the cabinets muttering about water. Richter stifled a laugh. A deeper whisper caught his attention.
âNeed any help there bud?â
âYou get your ass back to that bed and let me be awesome! I got this.â Archibald made a noise of triumph as he snagged a glass and poured a healthy helping of water into it. Before âsneakingâ back into the bedroom... Bears bedroom.
With the giants out of earshot Richter burst into a series of giggles. Muttering to himself. âAbout time.â Before turning back to his own glass. He rolled it in his hands before standing up, and dusting his knees off. More for effect than anything else.
So Bear would not be visiting tonight. That was probably fine. He was just glad the two were quiet. Hopefully after the glory and rose tinted joy of their passion wore off, there would be an enduring relationship. Richter wouldnât mind living with Neil for a while.
And wasnât there an option? Taking on a role as Bearâs Familiar. Neil often loved to show off his little magic tricks given to him through Archibaldâs abilities. Richter wasnât sure what Bearâs magic would bring to him, but it would give him something to do. That was an exiting prospect. Heâd ask Bear about it in the morning. After ribbing him about Archibald of course.
Not much important happened over the month. Agatha and Janette visited daily, and the whole house stayed huddled together. Muttering excitedly when the month was up. They gathered around the communication orb and crowded in as it flickered to life. The giantess stood in itâs features.
She hid behind some large paper, and Bear grimaced. âThis isnât going to be good.â He whispered. Richter had no idea what he was saying. But the despair on the womanâs face said it all. She cleared her throat a few more times. Trying not to choke as she stayed firmly behind the papers.
âSo... The evaluation is over.â She began hesitantly. âAnd Iâm sure youâre all smart enough not to be fooled by my...Cheery disposition. So Iâll just cut to the chase.â
âWe... We are still under the act. Arenât we?â Richter bemoaned. His shoulders slumping. The woman behind the glass pulled the paper away. Eyes puffy and red.
âIt wasnât an easy decision. Weâve only had to make it once before. Thereâs no amount of apology that will make this right. But Iâm sorry anyways.â She cleared her throat once more, warding away a fresh spring of tears. âYouâve been through so much. All of you. Too many of your people attacked the emissaries and even each other at some points.â
Richterâs father shoved him aside, snarling into the orbâs surface. âDammit They were scared! Of course theyâd lash out. Just... Just give them one more month! Just tell them what all this is about! Theyâll cut the act!â He barked, slapping the rounded glass.
âWe did. Halfway through examination we gave them the reason behind it. Or. We tried. They wouldnât have it. In conclusion, humans are suspicious by nature. Timid. There is some good news behind this.â She forced a smile. âThereâs a chance for a re-test, in a few generations. After things have settled.â
âExcuse me. GENERATIONS?!â The man slammed his hand on the nearest surface, evidently Archibaldâs thumb. âSo what youâre saying is âthe great grand kids will be fine but youâre shit out of luck if you ever want to taste freedom againâ RIGHT?!â
âEvidently yes. On the bright side, thereâs going to be some living improvements on your end! Mandatory translation spells, bathing facilities and private areas. A choice through out the adoption process so youâll not have to live with someone you donât like, and finally, the ability to join a-â She flushed scarlet. âWell to choose a mate if you so desire. OR NOT. But... Well there it is.â
âIn addition, families will no longer be split up, weâre going to make a major effort to reunite children with their parents. Mated pairs-â
âMARRIED COUPLES....Please donât make this worse than it is.â Richterâs mother interjected.
âMarried couples will be reunited as well, at their request. Finally everyone will have access to a communication orb like this one, in order to contact relatives more readily.â The woman sighed, leaning back away from the orb.
âAgain. Iâm sorry. But some good did come from all this. Right?â There was a hush at the table, a few uncomfortable shifting, and some weak mumbling of complaint. â...Right. No making this better then. Iâll take my leave. Be well.â Her image flickered out. The house sat in a lull of shock and disbelief.
Neil cleared his throat first. Stepping up to speak. âWell. We all knew this was a possibility.â He sighed. Glancing at four faces like his own. Richters parents sat together, holding one another. Mary just huffed, sitting against the glass orb.
Richter, however.
*
âJust shut up Neil.â Richterâs voice sounded so tiny untranslated. He stood apart from the group. Holding his arms tightly to his side. Worry pooled in Bears gut, he almost wanted to reach out and hold the man. Comfort him. All he could see was that frightened little face in a pool of yellow towel.
âRichter? Do you-â
âRickyâs fine.â The man interrupted. Making his way to the edge of the table, he dropped. Moving to walk away from the group. âI just want to be alone for a moment.â He glanced over his shoulder, nodded, then strode into the living room.
Bear knew exactly where he was going. Richter had a favourite spot under his sofa. Even pulled a few pillows down there. The man would curl up down there on bad days. Which prompted a protocol for these things. âHey guys? Why donât we all go our separate ways? I think we all need some time to parse this out.â
Neil gave Bear a long, accusing stare. If the blond man gave him a death glare, the manâs parents gave Bear a full on assault. He heaved a sigh and folded his arms defiantly, glaring down at the humans in a look that bartered no nonsense. âGo. Youâve all known him longer than I have. Yes. But I know Richter just as well as any of you. Iâll look after him.â
Archibald was quick to back the giantâs authority. Something Bear wondered about. Was this thanks to their developing relationship? Or because theyâve always worked as a team. Regardless, Neil found himself scooped back into that rock solid palm. With Worm and company hitching a ride on the growing rock shelves decorating his shoulders.
Mary sighed, before climbing Janetteâs pigtails and perching on the childâs shoulder. âWell. At least some good came from that shiiiiiiiiiFT. Shift.â She side eyed the girl she was currently sitting with. The mother giving her a long suffering look.
âGood save.â Neil quipped from Archibaldâs pocket.
The guests left the house, and soon it was just Bear and Richter again. The man strode along the house, filling a small saucer with warm milk and honey. A biscuit was dipped in the middle and nudged to the edge. Something for Richter to nibble while he was down there. A few bottles of water were collected as well.
These were all pushed under the sofa, a tiny chirp told him the offering was accepted. âCome on out when youâre ready. Iâll just be reading out here.â With that, Bear was curled on top of the same sofa. Waiting patiently for Richter to have his time. When he emerged, the human would be showered with good things until he stopped moping about.
Eventually he saw the bright yellow of the manâs shirt escape the floral pink of the sofaâs skirt. Attempting to drag the dishes out from under. Obligingly the giant reached down and pulled the china the rest of the way. Using his thumb to scoop Richter in the process.
âFeeling better?â
âNo. And I probably wonât for a while. But... I canât stay down there forever. Iâll depress the dust bunnies.â
âExcuse you? I sweep down there.â
âNot well enough. Seriously thereâs a whole Safari down there.â
âWell maybe I should make you earn your keep then.â Bear smirked. There was a moment of laughter. Then a dull quiet. One that hurt. Richter heaved a sigh, shoving his hand through his hair.
âBear. I donât... This isnât going to get better, at least not right away. But. I want to stay here. If thatâs okay with you. I donât think Iâd trust anyone else with my existence. At least in a non romantic way.â He slumped. Bearâs thumb ran over his back in a soothing gesture.
âOf course. Though... I wonder how youâd feel... Living with Archibald and Neil? We were thinking of becoming roommates.â
âI think you mean a fuck buddies. And thatâs fine. Itâs hilarious to watch Archibaldâs duck impression.â The look of horror on Bears face was enough to lighten the mood. Richter requested to be returned to his garden. And spent most of his time slumped under the tree grove. Sometimes passing out for a while, sometimes moving in a sort of malaise.
Bear just gave him his time. He had an inkling something was up. Usually an accepting people were excluded from the responsibility act immediately. After only a week or two in examination. It wasnât hard to spot a species wanting to live in peace. But heâd hoped. Heâd hoped and prayed this wouldnât be the case.
It wasnât fair. Really. For every pacifist, there was a warlord. He made a point to bring Richter food in the grove. And when night rolled around, a spare blanket and pillows. Honestly there was no harm in him sleeping there. Aside from a crick in the neck or two. Nothing the man couldnât handle.
Honestly Richter was due some good pampering. And now would be the time. As the giant turned to leave his shuddering charge, the humanâs voice piped up. âBear?â
âHm?â
âI... I made a promise a while ago. Do you mind if we visit....Avery soon? I know itâs unorthodox, and you both have bad blood between you. But-â
âItâs fair. He kicked this whole thing off. He has a right to know how it turned out.â As much as he hated it. The statement was true. Without Averyâs impulse decision, Bear would never have known Richter was... A person. Well he probably would have figured it out over time. But this was the fastest way. He let his hand fall into the enclosure and brushed Richterâs shoulders gently.
âIâll call Lev in the morning. And weâll arrange for a visit in a week or so. I want every one involved ready for this. Itâs not fair of me to just drop in on the guy.â Bear huffed. Avery was on the forefront of it all really. He watched friends, perhaps family, become no more than a smear on the giants hands. All from a point close enough to remember their faces. The horror crossing them as realization crossed the troupes, those very hands descending were not to capture. But to kill.
Out of every elf in that whole damn war. Avery had the most right to be bitter. He had reason to be hurt, scared, angry even. As for Bear? If he could take every drop of blood back, he would. A pat on his thumb cleared those thoughts away, and he glanced down at Richterâs warm little eyes.
âHey. You zoned out for a minute there.â His voice trembled with worry.
A bitter laugh bubbled up from the man. âYeah. Just remembering.â He shook his head and smiled down to the human with a little shrug. âIâm not going to pretend it never happened. That war fucked us up beyond belief. But Avery and I have found something in common.â
âDonât you dare get sappy on me big guy.â Richter laughed. Sitting on Bearâs index finger. âIâm happy for you. And Archibald. It took you both long enough.â
âYeah. I finally got tired of waiting for him. And asked the man myself.â Honestly, things were amazing between them. Though Bear could feel that something was off. Probably the fact that so many people were around them. Maybe they rushed into the physical side of a relationship too fast. He shook those thoughts off. Right now, Richter needed his attention, not Archibald.
âWell. Goodnight.â The squeak of Richterâs voice was enough to shake Bear from his thoughts. It was like he didnât want to be heard, but was forcing himself to be understood. It came out proportional for his size, but clearly in common tongue.
âGoodnight... Ricky are you okay? Really?â
The man stopped in place, glanced back with a bright smile, and answered. âNo.â
âRichter. Iâve been with you long enough to know what THAT means.â He folded his arms, but made no move to grab him. Richter had been through enough that day. Heâd probably been through enough to last any human a life time. Reaching out and touching him might make the situation worse.
The human threw a hand up and sighed. âI donât want to talk about it. Iâll be fine in a few days. Goodnight master.â He strode towards the house and entered. Unwilling to be heard. Unwilling to be understood. The words didnât translate. Nor did his voice adjust. That posture, Bear had seen it before.
*
Richter leaned on the clear plastic wall of his bedroom. Staring at those delicately hand painted stars. Perhaps he could talk Bear into letting him see real stars again. It wouldnât actually be that hard. Bear was content to treat him like a small, cuddly person now. For all Richter knew, he probably was always willing to do so.
So, not much changed after all. He was fine with that, personally. However, not everyone would be. Richter knew he was an oddball. He acclimated to domestication like a duckling on itâs first swim. It just clicked. Sure, he was scared for a while. But he knew well this wasnât what everyone else wanted. Or needed. His attempts to make things better just made it worse.
Heâd prefer a silent misunderstanding to a life of false freedom. At least, he wanted that for the others. In truth, Richter was certain he took to this new existence a bit too well. Often he wondered if Bear had changed his mind through magics. But he remembered the bad times. Times that wouldnât have been fresh in his mind if it had been tampered with.
He sighed, pressing his cheek against the cool plastic. A painful tightening in his throat cued him in, he was close to crying. The man pressed his thumb in the space between itâs matching appendage and forefinger on the opposite hand. Pinching it. A few stray tears made a shimmering trail down to his chin.
There was no holding it back. For the first time since his arrival, Richter let himself sob. Praying Bear stayed in his own room. Just for this night. There was no fixing this. Not in his lifetime. Heâd failed, so badly. What was worse was he wasnât even suffering for his failure. He just made everyone else miserable. Never himself.
And he dragged his parents, best friend, and a total stranger down with him. If the shame were entirely on him, he could live with it. But no. No no no. It had to be set on the backs of three of the people he loved. Mary as well. Though she seamed like she could care less.
He had no damn right to cry for himself. He had no right to speak on behalf of his species. He was fine. But he wasnât happy. He would feign it, for Bearâs sake, but there would be a stubborn misery in his gut. The man was sure of it.
Richter eventually ended up crying himself nearly to sleep. When a familiar sensation nudged his back. And a comforting rumble sounded behind him. âI know buddy. Itâll be a little bitter at first. But Richter I swear to you. Itâll be okay.â He rolled over, taking in that massive face. In the darkness, all he could see was the blot in the sky that made up Bearâs visage.
Without his consent, Richter was scooped into a cupped hand. He hadnât the energy to fight it. So he lay there, in Bears palm. Allowing himself to be cradled against his chest, and shushed quietly. No fighting. No fussing. Â Just a steady heartbeat, and a supportive warmth. For that night, he was safe. If not a little bothered.
Let someone else worry about the bullshit for a night. For now, Richter was safe. He shut his eyes. Letting the tension fall. The tears didnât stop. But that was fine. It was all fine. For now, he could just give up. He didnât have to lead.
Forever home 16
So this happened today. I donât think anyone is going to complain.
A long ride home.
A story with Richter in it. A mixture of trying something new, and writing something song inspired.
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Sheltered.
Lord howdy I found a finished AU of forever home. Tossing it here
Forever home 13
Thanks for waiting guys.
What are Richter's favourite and least favourite parts of being a pet?
{Sitting at part 12}
âHm⊠Favorite parts? You probably mean aside from the whole âfree room and boardâ eh? Well, play time is always fun. Itâs nice to let loos and laugh a bit while fending off fingers the size of you. Seeing the world from a giants hands? canât be beat. Of course, thereâs the comfort of knowing that any problem you have is handled by someone else. Within reason. And honestly? Iâm kind of enjoying how often I get called cute. Er. Donât tell Bear.â He shrugs.
âThings I donât like⊠Well. I do miss having control over my own damn personal grooming. Good god itâd be nice to have a proper bath. Oh, and a proper shave would be amazing. AndâŠSometimes I still get hung up over the fact that I was BOUGHT yâknow? Before now I didnât really have any say in what clothes I was provided, or what I ate⊠But thatâll change! I think the worst part though⊠Is not having the power to DO anything. Not contributing to the house Iâve been brought to. Scariest thing ever, was when Bear collapsed and I couldnât help in any wayâŠSorry. Iâd rather a different topic if we could please.â