Chapter 54 Dinner With Family

  “Oh drat it, I dropped dinner when Minnie attacked me, there’s meat pies, baked taters and boiled peas. I’ll be right back.” ,Will said. “I’ll come too dad.”, said Minnie. “May I come too, I feel a bit sick on the water..”, Percy asked. “Oh oh, we live on the water little guy, you gonna be okay?”, Minnie asked. “I’ll get used to it.”, he sighed. Will was in the front as they went back along the now dim path, there the bag was, stood upright thank goodness, dinner. It hadn’t been all that long, the weather was still mostly mild. Minnie retrieved the large sack, sniffed the contents, and grinned “Yum.”.

  As they headed back Percy asked Minnie how she grew so big. “Dad said it happened while we slept, those first few days aboard the Rose. She’s magic you know.”, she told him. “We changed while we stayed in the dock, there must be magic there too. I woke up one day and was like this, Ron too, I’d like to be taller though.”, Percy said, his stomach suddenly rumbled. “Me too, pretty busy day and I’m kinda starving.”, Will added. “Be busy tomorrow too, fixing and preparing for the littles to come on board in a few days.”, Minnie added. They had reached the dock, Naomi had lighted a lantern outside and the light pooled around it. She and Ron were sitting on the edge waiting for the others. “What do you mean littles coming?”, Percy asked as they boarded the boat and headed down. “Well, that’s a bit of a story.”, Will answered, “Let’s get dinner on the go and we’ll talk as we eat.”.

  Opening the bag found the various packets that Will had mentioned, three large meat pies, two beef, one chicken. Several baked potatoes wrapped in cloths to keep warm, a large crock of peas in butter and two fresh loaves. For a few minutes it was serving out, pass the salt, I need butter, now I need more butter and so on. But finally everyone was happily eating. Will described their life to the boys. How they went from town to town and helped gather the supplies that were needed. The coal runs for both towns, gathering the different ores, copper and iron. Fishing for the sharps and the floaters, so easy to catch and so tasty. Sometimes gathering huge amounts of the mats of weed that grew on the lake surface. Minnie told of the barges that they towed across the lake, how dangerous that was but so much easier. Will mentioned that Laketown had asked for a logging run and they had built two big barges ready to fill, then a coal trip too. “We’re going to be busy for a while aren’t we?”, Naomi said with a sigh. “Yeah, no southern trip yet.”, Will replied.

  The two lads were looking a bit overwhelmed at all the stories but had managed to eat their share. Ron had started to doze leaning against Naomis arm. She, of course, held him close so he wouldn’t fall over. Percy was still awake but had tired eyes. Will got Minnie’s attention and waved to the mess door. When they were there he asked Minnie to go to their cabin. Closing the door, “So before I offer those guys a room each, I want to check with you. We only have two spare cabins, do you want your own room, or stay with me still?”. She sat on the big bed with a sigh, “I’ve thought about it, I really have. To have my own space, my stuff, my clothes, it would be nice sometimes. But in here.”, she tapped her chest, “I’m still part of you, that little doggo mom handed to you. I don’t remember that day, but somehow I do, does that make sense?”. She pointed around the room “This is our stuff, just like the memory of that first day on the Rose is ours. It was just you and me. It’s hard for me to imagine being anywhere else.”. Will nodded, “One day Naomi might leave us, if she finds someone. They could stay on of course but the people here are different. The fear of the water is deep in their minds.”. “We’ve talked of that, Naomi and me, when we have a sleepover. Sometimes she’s lonely and thinks of children, hers. But then she’s sad at the thought of leaving us.” Minnie said. Will sighed, he saw that coming when she joined and bonded with the Rose. Someday she would leave. “How will it work, we’re going to live so long, her too, what about her littles and her partner? They won’t.”, Minnie asked.

  Will didn’t know the answers. There was no handbook to being an immortal, no guide for being different. These questions could only be answered by time, and by then it might be too late for some things. “I need a cuppa.”, he muttered. “Oh I forgot to tell you, that weirdo Ron likes tea.”, Minnie laughed. “I knew I liked him better.”, said Will with a snort. And was promptly smacked with a pillow, nearly knocking him off the bed. “Jerk.” was the response from Minnie. “We’ve gone too deep, getting off the question. My feeling is this, if you choose to stay I’ll love it, hearing you breathe helps me sleep, I worry when I don’t know where you are, what you’re doing. But I think I’m holding on too tight, smothering you, stopping you from growing.”. Minnie looked sad, “I don’t know what to do.”. Will agreed, he didn’t know either. Minnie was unique, there was a special bond between a person and their dog to begin with. That bond had only been intensified when arriving here and both of them had started changing. Him younger and younger as they days and weeks went on, new abilities and talents. Her the same, becoming physically different but retaining many of the qualities and characteristics of her simple beginnings as a dog. Unwavering loyalty, constant good humour, hard worker, playful and untidy.

  “Sweetie, I have to be honest. I would get used to you not being beside me, but I don’t want to. It’s you and me first, against everything that life throws at us, okay.”, Will said. At those words Minnie hugged him, pretty darned hard too. He could feel his ribs creaking a bit, “Me too dad, I’m staying, forever.”. And that was that. After a bit of face wiping they went back into the mess hall. Naomi looked at them knowingly, Minnie went to sit beside her and nodded. Will could see the two little fellows were about tapped out so he asked “Do you guys want to figure out a bedroom for tonight, there’s a couple open. Percy nodded so they went to have a look. The rooms were identical, fairly small and cosy, a porthole in the middle of the outer wall. Radiators to provide heat lined the shared walls, only drawback was no head in this one. For some odd reason Naomi’s was the only one with facilities. While everyone was inspecting and commenting on which was nicer, Will had a look at the temporary crew quarters. There were two bigger rooms side by side across from the mess and the crew lounge. He was calculating if he could give the lads one of these rooms, much better to have facilities. The crew room could have one more bunk set up, perhaps two. Then use the smaller room for a crew recreation room, for the teens to lay about in, relax and so on. The only concern was the girls and boys together, yeah that wouldn’t work. Maybe a small room and the larger, and a shared head.

  Returning to where the rest were he found no decision had been made. Percy and Ron didn’t seem to care and were happy just to have a spot to sleep but only as long as they stayed together.. “Could we install a head, toilet and sink anyway. The only one with a shower bath is the main cabin anyway. Everyone else uses the bathing room downstairs, and I like a bath more than a shower.”, Minnie said. Why not, thought Will, plumbings easy enough and the toilet could just empty to a tank, then be flushed to the lake. “Yes we could do that, if you guys are okay in this one closer to Minnie and I, Naomi across the corridor. Or a little further down a ways across from the lounge.” Will agreed. Ron looked around at the cosy room, easily big enough for a set of bunks, or two single beds, he nodded at Percy. “We like this one, closer to you all.”, he said, “But this is a lot of space for us, we were sleeping in a cupboard before.”. “Well,”, said Naomi, “Your not wizards, at least not yet so you have a bedroom here.”. The boys looked at each other and shrugged, no idea, but a bedroom sounded just fine. “Clear the way!”, came a call from the doorway as Minnie carried in a large wardrobe that had been stored in the crew quarters for now. The she went back and brought in one of the spare beds, “Until we get you new ones tomorrow you can sleep well tonight. Naomi got busy and made the bed up with fresh sheets and quilts. Will went below and brought up one of the barrels of unused clothing. “There might be something in here for you, and we’ll pick up new clothes tomorrow in the village.”, he said setting it down gently. The room had gone from empty to nearly fitted out in just a few minutes.

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  “Do you need anything from the docks for tonight, otherwise I’m going to check on deck then close us up for the night.”, Will said. “I’m going to put the kettle on, maybe heat some milk up, with honey in it. Minnie loves it, you might too, or have tea.”, Naomi said standing after tidying up and headed to the galley. Ron went with her, he had woken up a bit and was fascinated with the galley. He was poking around through all the cupboards, pointing at times to see what it was or how it worked. Percy tagged along with Will and Minnie to pick up some things from their lair.

  Will finally got a good look at the dock and what a difference had been made. Every work surface, every tool and supply storage had been cleaned and tidied and there were quite a few crates neatly stored to one side. “Broken stuff.”, Minnie said after investigating. Percy nodded “We found lots of stuff like that, just kept for no reason. Was it all you?”. Will laughed “Oh no, that’s hundreds of years worth. We tidied a bit a few months ago, looking for something but didn’t do anything like this, you guys worked hard.”. The little guy shrugged “Nothing else to do, and it bothered me that things were messy.”. He opened the cupboard they had been sleeping in, pulled out a few blankets and two large pillows. Then a bag of food, “That’s all we have.”. Will looked down as his newest family member, “My man, my dear little man, we are going to spoil you and Ron so much. When we go shopping tomorrow we’ll have to take two shopping carts for everything we’re going to buy.”. Minnie laughed “Oh yeah we will.”.

  No anchors to check on, no worries about waves or sea monsters, the good strong roof above would protect them all tonight. It was a bit chilly so when they went below Will lighted the boiler, just enough to warm the radiators. He found everyone in the lounge when he came back up from the lower deck. Drinking tea with biscuits, well mostly everyone was, Minnie was explaining how awful it was. Ron was nodding while drinking a nice full cuppa, making sure Minnie saw every sip. Percy didn’t care for it much, preferring the warm milk with honey. The radiators had warmed the room nicely and the smell of the fresh shortbread was wonderful. Two more easy chairs had been brought up from the storeroom but Will was determined to buy new tomorrow. Now that the Christmas tree had been taken down there was more room and the chairs had been arranged in a circle, table in the centre. The hour wasn’t all that late but it had been, to say the least, a busy day. Naomi had drifted off, Minnie was a bit glassy eyed and Percy and Ron were snoring in the chairs. “What a thrilling bunch.”, he sighed and started waking and shooing off to bed.

  Naomi stumbled off with a “Night dad.”. Will gently shook first Percy’s shoulder and then Ron’s and guided them to their room. He sat between the two sleepy fellows, “I’m still not sure how you guys got here, but I’m glad you are. You’re safe with us now, this is your home now. If you need anything you don’t have to ask, whatever I have is yours now. Just don’t go in the boiler room, it’s dangerous okay?”. He got a tight hug from both of them. Minnie was standing in the doorway, “Night fellas, I’m so happy to see you again.”. Will shut their door, rested against the wall for a minute. “You okay dad?”, Minnie asked. “To be honest, not really. It’s been an odd day, Will probably be an odd week and I’m okay with that but it’s a lot. Just wondering if Elaith has any other surprises in store.”, he answered. “Let’s sit on deck, drink tea and look at the stars for a while.”, Minnie said, taking his hand. He looked at his little companion in amazement “That sounds good, I’m glad you’re finally coming to like tea.”. She looked at him “Are you nuts, it’s still yucky, I’m gonna have some more milk with honey, now that’s a nice drink.”. Will laughed “Don’t ever change sweetie.”.

  Will blinked awake the next morning. Reaching out he only found a cold spot where Minnie had been all night. Now that he was more aware he could hear happy laughter coming through his cabin door and the enticing smell of bacon. Wondering what that was about he quickly dressed and went to investigate. Entering the galley he was delighted to see that some magic had been worked overnight. The boys had changed after arriving in this world, then more while living in the dock, but one night on the Rose had brought more. In one case that is. It seemed Ron had grown a bit overnight and was now head and shoulders over Percy, who looked quite disgruntled. “It’s just not fair Minnie.”, he was complaining, “He’s nearly as tall as you and I’m still tiny.”. “Well, “, Naomi added, “From what dad told me it took Minnie a few days to change to what she is now, and sometimes she still grows a bit taller.”. Minnie nodded, mouth full of bacon. The tiny fellow sighed then brightened seeing Will. “Good morning father, did you see?”, he pointed at his brother. Ron stood and showed off his new height, still not too tall but much more than he had been. And as Will just noticed, was wearing much different clothes than before. Their voices had changed a little as well, words were a bit clearer and the feline muzzles had shrunk a bit. “Wow, I thought there might be changes, look at you go Ronnie, you too Percy.”, he remarked pouring a cup of tea. Naomi stood and went in the galley and brought him out a covered plate, whipping off the top revealing a full breakfast. Will picked up the plate and gave an appreciative sniff. “Ah that’s just the ticket, only thing missing is black pudding.”. Starting to eat he noticed Minnie looking over, “Yes sweetie?”. “Gotta know, what’s black pudding?”. “Certain type of sausage made of oats, herbs and pig blood, sliced thick and fried.”. He continued eating for a moment, savouring the crispy potatoes until he noticed it was quiet. Four pairs of eyes were looking at him, “Sausage made of blood, and you like it, ick.”, Minnie said for all of them. Shrugging Will continued on “I like it, nearly as good as haggis.”. This time Naomi asked “What’s that then?”. He waited until he saw Minnie take a bite of bacon, “A sheep’s stomach stuffed with meat and barley then roasted.”. “Oh yuck dad, you did that on purpose.”, she accused him. He nodded “Sure did.”.

  After everyone had eaten their fill it was time to plan their day. Will and Minnie planned to clear the remains of the old rudder, start to refit the damaged one. And do a full hull survey. “Going to be a wet day.”, Minnie sighed. Naomi laughed at her “That’s what you get for being handy, I’m just the pretty one.”. Minnie gasped in shock and horror, then laughed “Oh right, where’s your silky long ears, your shiny face fur hmmm? I mean your head hair is very pretty.”. Naomi smiled “Thanks Min.”, at least until Minnie sneaked behind her and thoroughly messed her carefully fixed hair. A scream like a leaking boiler echoed in the mess and Minnie ran for her life. Percy looked worried and asked “Are they okay?”. Will snorted “This happens at least once a week, just what they do.”. There was a rush of scampering feet on the deck above them, a high pitched shriek then nothing. “Let’s go see Ron,” , Percy urged his brother. Will decided to tag along, he needed to go up on deck anyway. The three made their way up to find a dripping wet Minnie and an equally wet Naomi. “Hi pop.”, Minnie looked up from chatting with the other girl. Will laughed “Told you so.”, he said to the little boys.

  Everyone had their plans for the day. Naomi was measuring the crew bunks for the final size of the sleeping bags, then in the afternoon heading into town to the seamstress. Minnie and Will were about to start on the rudder repair, that was going to be a two day job at least. Ron had asked Naomi if he could tag along with her while she went about her day. “I just feel more comfortable belowdeck right now”, he said in a hoarse whisper. The tea really did help his throat, and Naomi was going to try float weed compresses on the scars on his neck. Percy on the other hand was fascinated by the workings of the boat and volunteered to help with the repair. “You might get wet you know, not on purpose but it could.”, Will minded him gently. Minnie held her hand up, “Not from me, dad might cause he’s a monster.”. Percy laughed, a little nervously. What had he got himself in to?