Just a bit late

You make your way back to the butcher's shop. You eye the brothel warily as you pass by it this time, now that it has been called to your attention. That they would **** the poor girls to not have any children... If you knew any signs to ward off evil spirits, you would definitely use them right now.

When you reach the butcher's shop, Mienna is pacing impatiently back and forth. She sees you and stomps up to you. "Finally! What took you so long!?" She glares up at Raven, then immediately looks behind you; but Skoll is still the only young one you have in tow. That makes her calm down a little bit, at least. It's probably better to not tell her about Tia just now.

"Skoll found an extra quest, so we had to take time for that. This is Raven, she'll be coming with us when we leave."

"Why?" Mienna asked suspiciously.

"As a... babysitter," you make up on the spot. "All you children make quite a handful, so before I have more I thought I should hire some extra hands to help care for you all."

"Hired? We don't have any money to hire a babysitter! You! I'm sorry for whatever Mama said or did to you, but we really don't-"

"Just food!" Raven interrupts. "I don't want a wage; just let me eat with you and travel with you! That's all I ask!" Wow, this woman is good. She's going along with you as naturally as if you'd actually already discussed all this. Even Mienna falters in the face of her earnestness.

"I... I mean... That's right! We have a wolf with us! Surely you can't-!"

"Verita!" Skoll exclaims. She runs up to her older sister, who is standing patiently with a sleeping Doffson on her back. They exchange a nuzzle, rubbing noses together in a display of affection unfamiliar to you but endearing just the same.

"She's a beautiful creature," Raven answers Mienna's half-delivered excuse.

"Uurrgh... Well! We still-! Mama, you should be more careful! Too many people-"

"I, uh, sorta already mentioned I'm a monster in front of her. She's still on board, Mienna, so she's coming with us."

The color drains out of her face and Mienna clutches her head. "Oh gods, why did I let her go without me?" Mienna bewails her misfortune.

"I was wondering that too, but..." You trail off when you see the scowl she sends your way. As a youth, even if only barely, it's not as cute as the pouty face she made when she was small; by the time she's an adult it looks like her glare will be fierce. "I'll go make sure Skoll finishes the quest."

You beat a hasty retreat, missing the short exchange between Mienna and Raven behind you.

"Should I be babysitting the children? Or her?"
"Definitely her."

Skoll hands the package of lingerie up to Mr. Patterson. He receives it gladly. "She does fast work, that Mrs. Mattigrue. Best I've ever seen, too. She's done a lot to help me and my wife. Well, here's the payment for finishing that for me. Thank you again. And feel free to stop by tomorrow if you're looking for more work."

Skoll nods dutifully, then runs over to you. She looks up at you expectantly, her ears perked. "Well done, hun," you tell her with a smile and head pats. Is her head easier to reach than it was earlier? She looks taller than when you set out on this quest. "And what did you earn?"

"Ten coins. Two levels."

Ah-ha. She is level 3 now. So she grew bigger with her level.

"Wait, two levels? I didn't even get one!" Mienna protests.

"Yes, but you're already a youth. Skoll is still a child, remember? I'll bet Doffson earned a level, too."

"Shoot. That means I have to do more to earn each level, on top of needing more levels."

"We better step to it, then! Are there more quests to be done here?"

Mienna frowns up at you. "There were, except that somebody took all day to finish the first one. Most of the shops are closed now."

"Oh. So we have to wait until tomorrow?"

"Yes. And that's the problem. We need somewhere to stay, and with this many people we can't afford a room at an inn."

Oh. Whoops. "Umm... Do we have to go back to the cave?"

Mienna was already shaking her head. "It's too far; we'll be wasting too much time. But staying on the street is no good..."

"Pardon me, ma'am," Mr. Patterson calls from behind you. You both turn to look at him. "Are you looking for a place to stay for a night?"

"We are, but-" Mienna starts.

"Well, if you'd be willing to do my wife a favor, you could join us for the night. We've always planned for a big family, so our home has a lot of space. My daughters would be eager for the company, too."

You're ecstatic, but Mienna is still suspicious. "You aren't just doing this because Mama's sexy, right?"

Mr. Patterson laughs. "Don't worry, girl. I won't lay a finger on your mother. My wife is the only one for me. How about it?"