The king offered a boon, it was, respectfully, turned down. A gift, then, was offered of a new checker board, hir's was getting old and some pieces had gone missing. This was accepted, but only if he'd be willing to sit and play a game or two.
@internutter/challenge-04791-m042-unfamiliar-to-some -- Anon Guest
What fascinated Verin about her request was that the Thrice-Sworn King did not go out and purchase a new board from a shop. He gathered materials and tools to make it himself. With the help of his wife and the interference of his children. Who, judging solely by the tone of voice, he attempted to teach.
They were small children in a new place. Nothing was going to maintain their attention for long.
Verin could at least help herd them. Human and Hellkin alike were much happier than their father, and even picked up a functional amount of Woods Elven, enough to correct their dad's grammar and pronunciation. The fact that those corrections were greeted with cheer and respectful attempts told Verin all she needed to know about her once-patient's skill as a parent.
There had to be a story regarding how such a wary, bristly creature managed to find love enough to teach his children to be friendly and open to new friends in the world. Verin suspected that it would be too long to tell in one sitting[1]. She also suspected the hefty influence of the clearly loving wife.
Verin was glad for him, and taught a few of the children how to make small, pretty things out of grasses. Those who could stay still to learn, at least.
It took a majority of the day, even with assistance, to create the new board and counters. Gleaming fresh and colourful under new stains and varnish. With the king preventing his little daughter from touching it while it was still sticky.
The help of a translator helped him say, "We can camp for the night. Tomorrow? Another game for old time's sake. I will teach my children."
Verin joked, "You may try to teach your children."
The king, once he understood it, found it hilarious.
[1] Trust me. It is.
[Photo by Leonard Reese on Unsplash]
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