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I remember the night of our soft opening, how nervous I was. The tiny kitchen was sweltering, my hands shaking as I plated dish after dish. But then Koda was there, his massive frame somehow fitting perfectly in the cramped space, his presence instantly calming me.

"You've got this, little chef," he'd said, his yellow eyes filled with pride. "Show them what you can do."

And I did. That night, as the sounds of satisfaction and surprise filled the dining room, I knew we'd created something special.

Now, five years later, we've expanded twice, earned critical acclaim, and even garnered a James Beard nomination. But more than any accolade, what fills me with pride is the community we've built.

Our staff is a motley crew that reflects the diversity of New Orleans itself. There's Luis, our sous chef, a Cuban-American with a flair for spice and a laugh that fills the kitchen. Mai, our host, is a Vietnamese-American student who reminds me so much of myself when I first came to the city. And then there's Big John, our towering African-American bartender whose cocktail creations are the stuff of local legend.

But the heart of our restaurant, the thing that truly makes it special, is Koda. My orc, my mate, my partner in all things. He may have started out feeling out of place in the kitchen, more comfortable breaking bones than braising them, but he's become an integral part of our culinary team.

His palate, honed by years of military rations and orc cuisine, brings a unique perspective to our dishes. He has an uncanny ability to balance flavors, to find that perfect note that ties a dish together. And his strength comes in handy more often than you'd think – I've yet to see a jar he can't open or a heavy pot he can't lift with ease.

More than that, though, Koda has become the face of our restaurant. His imposing presence and gruff charm have made him a favorite among our regulars. He moves through the dining room each night, checking on tables, sharing stories, making every guest feel like they're part of our family.

And family, I've learned, is at the heart of New Orleans cuisine. It's not just about the ingredients or the techniques. It's about the stories, the traditions, the love that goes into every dish.

I feel a strong kick from within, and I laugh, rubbing my belly soothingly. "Alright, little one. I hear you. Time for breakfast."

Koda appears at my side, a steaming mug of coffee in one hand and a plate of fresh fruit in the other. "You two hungry?" he asks, his voice tender in a way only I get to hear.

I nod, allowing him to guide me to the small table on our balcony. As I sit, taking in the view of the French Quarter coming to life below us, I'm struck again by how blessed I am.

"What's on your mind, little chef?" Koda asks, his keen eyes missing nothing.

I smile, reaching out to take his hand. "Just thinking about how lucky I am. How amazing our life is."

Koda's grip tightens on mine, his thumb tracing the mating mark on my wrist. "We've come a long way," he says.

And we have. From that terrifying night when he saved me from the gang, through our time on the run, to building this life together. Every step has brought us closer, and makes our bond stronger.

"Do you ever miss it?" I ask suddenly. "The excitement, the danger?"

Koda is quiet for a moment, considering. "Sometimes," he admits finally. "Old habits die hard. But then I look at you, at our home, our restaurant, our baby on the way... and I wouldn't trade this for all the excitement in the world."

I feel tears prick at my eyes. Damned pregnancy hormones. "I love you, you big green softie."

Koda's laugh rumbles through me. "I love you too, little chef. More than I ever thought possible."

As we sit there, enjoying our breakfast and each other's company, I can't help but think about the future. About the son we'll soon welcome into the world, a perfect blend of human and orc, a living embodiment of our love.

I think about our restaurant, about the new dishes we'll create, the stories we'll tell through our food. I think about this city that's become our home, with all its magic and music and endless inspiration.

The road that brought us here was long and often dangerous. There were moments when I thought we wouldn't make it,when the obstacles seemed insurmountable. But we persevered, driven by a love that defied all odds.

Now, as I sit here with my mate, our child growing within me and the scents of our culinary creations wafting up from the restaurant below, I know that every hardship was worth it. Every danger we faced, every tear we shed, led us to this moment.

We are Pamela and Koda, human and orc, chef and warrior. We are a fusion of cultures, of experiences, of flavors. And together, we've created something beautiful with a life, a family, a legacy as rich and complex as the city we call home.

As the sounds of jazz float up from the street below, a signal that New Orleans is fully awake and ready for another day of magic, I close my eyes and offer a silent prayer of gratitude.

For my mate, for our child, for our restaurant. For second chances and unexpected love. For the beautiful, messy, delicious journey that brought us here.

And for the knowledge that the best is yet to come.