"Hey you old Teuf!"
"Hey yourself, naked ape!"
The two, human and hellkin eyed each other a moment before giving each other big hugs with warm, cheerful smiles. -- Anon Guest
Some words can kill. In the remote and isolated valleys of Nohmyraa, the residents call any Hellkin 'teuf' shortly before a noose is tightened around their neck or, in the case of those hours old, a pillow is pressed to their face.
The polite say, "Harukh," or, "D'varuv." Those less inclined to be nice say "Orc," or, "Dwarf."
So, when a tall, bald Human walked entered the Butting Goat Tavern, all seemed well enough. Until he approached a Hellkin already drinking there and said, "Hey, you old Teuf."
The rest of the patrons held their breath. They knew this Hellkin, and how he had maimed people for using that word.
"Hey yourself, naked ape," said Kosh. He grinned and caught up the Human in a bear hug. "How's the Knife's Bridge, Rauchig? Set up a house there, yet?"
"Asshole," laughed Rauchig, hugging him back. "You know damn well I live under it so I can be a troll and a lord."
"Also helps with the Tatterdemaling[1], nein?" Kosh gestured to the barkeep for another tankard.
"Gotta live up to all those puff titles." They sat together. "When I heard your kid was on the throne, I thought you'd died."
"Ah, so you come to pay your respects and got disappointed," Kosh laughed. "I don't give refunds."
"Naw, I came to stab you in the back like you used to prophesy."
"In that case, I'd better make sure you're so drunk you can't see me."
The rest of the tavern relaxed. This wasn't another confrontation about to splash on everyone else. This was two old farts laughing over old times. Much like anyone else of a similar age.
[1] Tatterdemalion: one who inspects and digs through riverbanks and shorelines in search of valuable items. Tatterdemaling is the verbal form of this occupation.
[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash]
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