“It's so perfectly clear! No shimmering or anything to give it away, but that, that doorway goes to someplace far from here! The trees on the other side aren't even close!”
“That is our turn, actually,” grinned Theodore. “East Black Forest. Right at two hundred miles from here over land.” Theodore laughed as he watched Anna run back and forth across the threshold of the great wormhole.
“Save for the wind on the other side, there is no sensation that it isn't just another door! The wind doesn't blow through the wormholes?”
“Nope! No clue how that works out. Come on through and stay through!”
Anna grinned and took Theodore's hand, “Hey, the Gatehouse on this side is really small!”
“Yep, there are a bunch of big ones that have multiple gates, and a giant sprinkling of smaller ones that have just a single gate. Don't slow down now, we've got a ways to go before the next Gatehouse!”
They quickly passed through a far smaller, but no less charming town, before heading into the deep woods. It was fairly dark, under the tall trees, but it was comforting to Theodore nonetheless. The cities, well... they just seemed oppressive and tight at times. Theodore laughed as he looked at Anna, wide eyed and giddy at the new environment. “Not been in natural forest much?”
Anna just grinned, “Not since I was about four! And this one is far more impressive! The trees are massive and,” she laughed out loud, “no mosquitoes!”
“Yeah, blood sucking bugs could ruin many things!” grinned Theodore. “There is a traveler's fountain about an hour up the road. You going to make it?”
“Of course!”
Three long and wonderfully peaceful hours later, they arrived in the next town. Lunchtime was fast approaching so they made the easy decision to take a break and eat at an outdoor café. Theodore had an amusing time helping Anna navigate the menu: while she knew what most of the words meant, that didn't really go far to explain what the food was.
“Battered, deep fried and covered in gravy!” laughed Anna. “How can you go wrong with that!”
Theodore grinned, there was sort of an honest truth to that, “Oh, by the way. Most of the drinks they serve at lunch are alcoholic. But it's a really low proof.”
“Hey,” grinned Anna, “why wasn't that on the travel brochure?”
“There was a travel brochure?”
There was more curiosity of Anna's presence than at the first town, but it was politely met and received. The locals were pleasantly surprised at Anna's skill in the Old Tongue. While by no means perfect, it was happily received. Theodore marveled at Anna's ear, she latched on to the regional accent almost immediately, only her grammar gave her away... well that and the lack of a fur coat...
With lunch pleasantly put away, they casually continued about their way. Another pair of Gatehouses and they were in deeper woods yet. Deeper, but not darker, the canopies of the great trees let in precious light, but there was no arguing with the nature of the trees! Massive, swelling more than a hundred meters into the sky. Another hour wore on and the pair was starting to get tired. It was pleasant enough, but they had put some distance on their legs that morning. But the path finally broke free to a clearing that revealed a moderate sized town beyond.
“This is it! My parents live well outside of town, but at least it is this town!”
Anna perked up as she looked ahead, “Hey! It's a pretty one, too. A little bigger than the last?”
“Yep! Nice comfortable sized. Marionsford. And the river it straddles...”
“The River Marion?”
“Guessed it in one! Come on!”
They both picked up their pace a bit as they strolled into town. It was a charming place, not that the others hadn't been as well, but one's hometown always has a certain feel to it. They grinned as they watched couples kissing on the bridge when suddenly Theodore spotted someone and called out, “Emily! Second Mother! I'm home!”
15
Emily, with Rose in hand and little Abby tight across her shoulder, quickly came bounding over to Theodore. One warm hug later and Emily's warm smile suddenly vanished, “You're home early! Something went wrong? Your grades were still stellar...”
Theodore hugged his nervous mother again and held her free hand tight, “My grades were fine, I'm on leave for a semester. There was another attack, so I thought it best to come home and enjoy the break while the police tried to sort it all out.”
Emily nodded nervously, “You'll need to tell us all about it. Best get you home so you don't have to tell the story a dozen times!” Her face melted as she made eye contact with Anna, “You were the pretty girl that helped us before! You and your good doctor mother! Are you in trouble, too?”
“Yes, ma'am,” replied Anna with a polite smile and her best effort yet at the Old Tongue. “I... I got sucked up into the mess again... We figured it might be safer for me to hide out here too! I have some money and I'm perfectly willing to get a job to help...”
Emily just laughed and kissed Anna lightly on the cheek, “We'll worry about such trifles later! Let's get you two back to the house!”
Anna just beamed, “Thank you.”
“Would you like to carry Abby? You seemed taken with her before...” asked Emily with a broad smile.
“Yes, ma'am! I'd be delighted!”
“First Mother, I'm home!” beamed Theodore as he entered the front of their small but dignified home.
Fiona, First Mother and Charlotte, Third Mother, quickly came out to greet the group. There were many smiles flashed around but just as quickly as with Emily, a nervous air soon filled the room. His father, Aidden, soon joined them and they all crowded around the dinner table while Theodore recounted the last week's hectic activities.
“Good you came home. Both of you,” began his father. “It is far safer here than back in those cities. A stranger here, no matter how polite, is still a stranger and easy to pick out.” He turned and looked to Fiona knowingly.
Fiona smiled broadly back at her husband before turning to face Theodore and Anna. “I concur and gladly invite you to stay, Anna.” She offered a brief laugh, “We'd offered you that before for summer, and well, it seems rough hands have brought you to us half a season early, but no less welcome.”
Anna beamed, “I'll do my best to be a gracious guest. I do have some of your money and I'm perfectly willing to help around the house, cook, clean... or in town as needed!”
Fiona grinned, “You are a good girl indeed! We'll find something to make do of your idle time, but exploring and learning your way around our town should be your first priority. They are all good people and if they know you well, that forms our first line of defense. We are, after all, a community!”
“You and your mother did well with the wounded at the port...” reflected Emily.
“My mother is a doctor and I have emergency medical training,” offered Anna.
“Ever handle deliveries? The midwife in town could use some help,” observed Emily.
“I've done quite a few actually, and I'd be delighted to help where I can!”
Fiona just laughed, “The poor girl has been here less than an hour! Don't try to put her to work so quickly!” She smiled broadly at Anna, “You have a good heart about you, don't let the evil that has passed your way temper that.”
Anna just blushed, “Thank you, ma'am.”
Fiona just laughed and tutted Anna, “Call me Fiona, please. Or First Mother, if you like. I respond to both!”
“If we clean out the attic and move that stuff to the shed, it's just a fresh coat of paint away from being civilized up there,” offered Aidden.
“I can paint walls, and it's probably easier for me to clean up afterward. No fur!” beamed Anna.
Fiona just laughed, “And what type of host would I be if I put you to work on day one? No! You youngsters head out! Emily, you're back early. I take it they interrupted your shopping?”
“Yes, Fiona. Want me to take them back into town?”
“
Please, please! Show them around! Introduce them to the midwife if you like even. Just don't volunteer our poor guest for anything!”
Anna grinned as she shifted Abby on her shoulder, “Can I volunteer myself?”
“Shoo!” laughed Fiona and herded them toward the door.
16
The five of them, Anna carrying dear little Abby, while Rose alternated from Theodore's hand to Emily's, were soon back in town. Hearts were lighter that the unpleasant reasons for their early arrival had been laid to the open, and yet so well received by the family as a whole. Emily gave Anna the whirlwind tour of the town. Theodore was proud of his fellow townspeople as, while some were nervous around the obvious offworlder that was Anna, they were all at least polite. Civility. More so than at the university.
Emily made quick work of the shopping, with others watching the children such tasks went much faster! Theodore shouldered the groceries and they were soon back to the town tour.
“Mary Firemeadow's place is right over here,” grinned Emily. “Might as well have you poke your head in and say 'hi!'”
Theodore laughed, “Um, Mary is the midwife in the town. I guess Second Mother is bound and determined that you two should meet today.”
Anna just grinned as they approached a broad squat house with the markings of an apothecary out front. As they approached the front door, a busy lady with a soft striped coat in her early forties quickly exited the building. She flashed Emily a quick smile, “If you are needing Siân, she's in the back. Just knock loudly on the door. I'm a bit busy right now...”
“Actually, we came looking for you,” began Emily as everyone picked up their pace to keep up with the spritely lady. “I was wanting to introduce you to our guest for this summer, Anna Westmore. Her mother is a doctor and she's done her fair share of emergency work as well.”
Mary grinned as she looked Anna quickly up and down, “Medicine out here is different in some regards, others are the same. A cut is a cut is a cut... You ever helped with any deliveries?”
“Taik infants, only four. Other infants of all species, well over fifty,” grinned Anna as she fought to keep up with the lady.
“Want to make that five?” the lady grinned back.
“Like right now?”
“You won't catch me walking this fast otherwise,” grinned Mary back.
Anna's faced exploded, “Certainly! I'd be delighted!”
Theodore laughed, “Um, Second Mother, did you know Mary had a call today?”
Emily just grinned slyly back, “Maybe... but honestly I was expecting tomorrow!”
“That's the problem with babies,” grinned Mary. “They have their own schedule and no one is going to tell them otherwise!”
“You're going to stick around, right Theodore?” asked Anna suddenly serious. “I mean I've studied your language hard, but there is a lot of particular vocabulary that I'm certain I've not learned.”
Theodore's fur flared and his ears flushed.
Mary laughed at his display, “I think the poor boy might be a little squeamish! Do you speak Gamerah?”
Anna beamed, “Very well! It's probably the second most common trade language.”
“Good, good! We'll get by fine. Let the poor boy have his peace!”
“Um,” began Theodore ever so eloquently, “I'll hang around to help make sure you make it back home.”
“Good answer!” laughed Mary. “Come come, it's the Fairwinds. They are right outside of town.”
“Theodore, pass me the groceries and I'll take the little ones back to the house,” smiled Emily.
The food and children quickly departed with Emily while Anna and Theodore had to run to catch up with Mary. She had a place to be!
“Emily planned this whole thing, didn't she?” grinned Anna. “That is why she was so insistent back at the house!”
“Second Mother is a bit over organized it seems,” laughed Theodore.
“Someone has to be in that family,” remarked Mary offhandedly. “Mrrr... that was poor of me. I do apologize, Theodore.”
Theodore cringed at the statement but held his tongue and just nodded. It wasn't an inaccurate statement, but it still rubbed his fur backwards. Anna just smiled and took his hand. Theodore needed that, and soon found he had no choice but to smile back.
Theodore sat in the kitchen with Paula Fairwind, First Mother of the house, her husband Liam and their two year old daughter Pearl. The mood was light and friendly and light snacks graced the table.
“So, you met Anna back at the university?” asked Paula with a broad grin and honest curiosity.
Theodore shook his head and smiled, “No. We met her and her parents when the starship had to make that emergency landing. Both her mother and father are doctors. They were most helpful!”
“And she speaks the Old Tongue! Quite progressive of her education.”
“Her mother is flawless in the Old Tongue, but Anna didn't start to study Old Tongue until we met. Anna knows many other languages as well, and it was through her skill with language that we first met at the port as she had to save me from petty bureaucrats who didn't speak the trade tongue.”
“I'm surprised to see you back so early, I thought you were in school for at least another month yet.”
Theodore gritted his teeth, “Yeah, well there was another scary complication so we came out here so the police could try and take care of things.”
“Oh, I'm terribly sorry! Um, off to happier things, yes?” replied Paula with mother-like comfort.
“Yes, ma'am!”
“If you want happier things,” beamed Mary from the hallway. “It's a boy! All parties tired but doing well! Give us a few minutes to clean everyone up and we'll pass the newest around!”
Paula and Liam nuzzled each other playfully while little Pearl just grinned and bounced in place. Theodore couldn't help but to smile along as well. The Fairwinds' family had just gotten larger!
Theodore quickly found himself running back to the Firemeadow's residence: Mary had left in such a hurry, she had forgotten to grab a change of clothes and Mary was quite insistent on staying with her new charge for at least two days. Theodore enjoyed the distraction as well as the fresh air. The smell at the house was... odd and the prevailing conversation was Mary going over fairly graphic technical and physiological terms with Anna, back and forth from Gamerah to the Old Tongue. None of which was in his comfort zone.
Siân met Theodore with happy smiles at the news of the new child and a bit of a chuckle that Mary had left so quickly. “We thought it was going to be later this week; no sense in arguing with the baby, however! Step inside out of the sun, I'll grab some things for Mary.” He stepped into the lobby and Isabel, Second Mother to the house, quickly bid him sit and got him a fresh drink.
Scarcely five minutes later he was back on the road again with a basket under his arm. He kept a quick pace, not quite as manic as his trip out, but he had a certain nervousness about leaving Anna alone...
A nervousness that bore no fruit as Anna was the delightful center of attention as he returned. Mary was quite openly bragging on her and poor Anna was still blushing. Theodore laughed to himself at her display, when humans blushed, they blushed! Her whole head turned red! Anna smiled at Theodore's return and, at the insistence of the now larger family, they stayed around for super. But soon supper had passed and Anna and Theodore found themselves walking hand in hand back to Theodore's place.
“Um, I don't mean to pry,” began Anna carefully.
Theodore instantly laughed, “I thought I was the one all apologetic. Spit it out, let's hear it!”
“Um, is there something between Mary and your family?”
“Nope. Mary sacrifices politeness for the sake of expedience. And as a result she tends to be rather blunt in all her communication. She's a Third Mother that could easily have been a First Mother but she likes her station and the flexibility it offers. I'm going to assume that your question has something to do with the quip she made about org
anization in my house.”
“Yeah, that seemed a little rude...”
“Not Mary's finest hour. You notice she did apologize at least... But the long facts are true: my First Mother is not even remotely organized. First Mothers tend to run the family business, and, well... she's an artist. A very good artist, but still much more an artist than a businesswoman. She gets preoccupied by her work, lost in details... all sorts of things that just aren't good for a very tidy household. Emily is a micromanager. The two ladies could not be more different, but they both need each other. Emily needs to dream a little and Fiona needs to be a lot better organized. We were a hollow house until I was about four... very nontraditional!”
“Hollow house?” asked Anna curiously.
“We were a family with a First and Third Mother, a child, that was me, but no formal Second Mother. Charlotte sorta filled in as a Second Mother, but she was another house artisan first and foremost. Dad did a lot of free hunting to make sure that food was plentiful, so I sorta raised myself to start with.”
“Didn't seem to hurt your schooling,” grinned Anna.
Theodore managed a good laugh, “True enough!” An honest sense of warmth washed over him, “Emily came in, squared away what schooling I did have, got the books in order and soon we were making money. She started promoting my mothers, and getting sittings and things organized. All sorts of stuff. She really did our family proud.”
“With such a business flair, I'm surprised she didn't come in as a Fourth Mother or something.”
Theodore grinned, “First and foremost Emily loves kids and teaching. I think the main problem is my First and Third Mothers are just giant kids! It has worked out well enough. Money became stable and then Rose quickly came along. It was a great delight to have little Abby come along even if I was off at school. I figure I'll have a few more siblings here in the next few years now that things are doing so well.”
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