It had been easy enough to hitch the horses up to the cart that morning, and to thread the cover over the seats so that the sun didn't bother them too much on the ride. They'd be heading out soon -- it would be a whole day trip there and back, and as far as Mina knew, they'd have lunch there, do a little shopping, and she'd pick up a couple things that they needed around the tavern. With her going with Ruth to Nairn's wedding ceremony as his plus one, she wanted to make sure everything was good at the Back Water for Coop before she left.
And while she was there, she'd tell Ruth that this was to be their last time together. The stables had been fun, and the wedding would be a sort of goodbye to their time together, but it was happening for a good reason. So she was at peace with her decisions. She loaded up a couple of baskets into the cart and then hopped into the seat, backing the cart out to the front of the Back Water and tying the horses up at the pole for a moment, to head back inside and get some money from her room.
Coop, you almost ready to go? I got the cart ready for us. I'm gonna lock the back entrance. She called towards his room across the hall as she milled through her vanity and found the gold pieces she was looking for, sliding them into the pocket of her loose pants. She didn't like the idea of pants, but they were comfortable for the ride, and she'd be able to hop up and down in the cart easier that way, so pants it was for the day.
Coop? She called again, as she ducked out from under her little room under the stairs, braiding her loose hair into a single braid to keep it out of her face.
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over Cooper's room. He sat on the edge of his bed, a small wooden box open beside him. Inside were old papers, mementos from a past he rarely spoke of. His fingers traced the edges of a faded drawing – his wife and son, smiling back at him from a happier time. A pang of regret and nostalgia tugged at his heart, but he quickly pushed it aside.
Today was about the present. About spending the day with his daughter Mina, enjoying a trip to Kirkwall for lunch and shopping. It would be a long day, but he looked forward to the time with her.
I’ll be right there! he called back, quickly shuffling the papers back into the box. He slid it under the bed, burying his past mistakes once more. He took a deep breath, tying his boot laces with practiced efficiency.
Standing up, he straightened his shirt and made his way out of the room, his mind now focused on the day ahead. As he stepped into the hallway, he saw Mina waiting, her hair neatly braided and her eyes bright with anticipation.
You look nice, Mina, he said with a warm smile, genuinely appreciating the effort she’d put into her appearance. It wasn’t something he usually noticed, but then Mina was his second chance at getting things right. He was trying to prove he was worthy.
The man had raised her, from an infant. She knew that he hadn't had to, that he could have left her out in the wilds and a wolf or something would have taken care of her. Gods knew that daughters, let alone elven ones that got left on a bar top, weren't always smiled upon in families. Thankfully, Coop hadn't been that sort or man, one that would let her die of exposure or having been ate -- but she knew that it had been no picnic for him, raising a child that neither looked like him, nor would have any of his personality. It took a special type of person to have done what he did, and Mina thanked all her lucky stars that he had.
Aww, thanks Coop, Mina smoothed her long tunic down, before tugging a cap down over her ears, and tucking her brain up inside. She was small enough, that she could pass for a male child, riding next to her dad into town. It would be enough that no one would look at them on the road and target them -- where as if she had gone in her dress, or left her hair free, they might have been deemed easy pickings -- she was having none of it. The last bits of her appearance sorted, she held her arm out for him, grinning. And you polish up quite nice as well, if I do say so myself, and I do say so.
She had started the statement with a clear ending, and then realized she circled back as she spoke, giggling a little -- she wasn't an actual child anymore, but Coop always made her feel like she was always going to be his little girl. She reckoned that would never change, even as life progressed.
Cooper looked her over with a small smile, shaking his head just a bit, but clearly pleased.
Well, look at you, all clever and practical, he muttered, grabbing his cap from the hook by the door and settling it firmly over his own graying hair. Suppose we’re both lookin’ presentable for once—who’d have thought it. He chuckled, though there was a gruff fondness in his voice as he gestured for her to head out in front of him.
He walked over to double-check the lock on the back door, as if he needed the extra assurance. After all, the old tavern was a patchwork of memories and sweat, cobbled together like him and Mina’s life. Sealing it up, even just for the day, wasn’t something he took lightly.
Stepping out into the bright morning sun, Cooper squinted a bit, glancing at the cart and horses waiting for them. He was quiet for a moment, watching Mina as she made some final adjustments to the horses’ harnesses with practiced hands. She was more capable than most folks gave her credit for, and for a moment he felt that same pang of pride he’d felt the day she’d taken her first steps behind the bar, a steely determination in her eyes that seemed to say, *I belong here, too.*
Alright then, little lady, he finally said, hoisting himself up onto the driver’s seat with a slight grunt. Let’s get a move on before the whole day slips away from us. And you’d better believe we’re stoppin’ by the smithy—I ain’t about to haul this cart up to Kirkwall just to have it fall apart on me halfway.
Make us less a target on the road, I don't trust many people outside of the boundary, I've seen them at their worst! But, she was traveling now -- that was a win in her books. She had left the boundary of the Back Water the first time only a few months before, and looking back, she wasn't sure why she had stayed put as long as she had -- she had a lust to wander now, more so than before. There was wide open sky out there, and water for as far as the eye could see, perhaps even further out. But if it meant leaving Coop, she wasn't ready yet. Her entire life had been with the man, and she couldn't shake the idea that leaving out for more than a couple days at a time would kill them both.
She climbed up next to him on the bench of the wagon and nodded, grinning, Ready, and we have the whole day, I'm sure things will go just fine, and it's not like we don't regularly stay up till all hours. She giggled a little as she leaned over and rested her head on his arm, closing her eyes to enjoy the sun shine. Falling apart cart is a big old no in my books as well. She's gotta get us there, and then back with all the stuff we're gonna get.
She patted on her pocket, and then pulled out the sheaf of paper that held the shopping list. Mina was fairly excited that she was getting to go along this time, never before having really wanted to go, she always had things at the Water that needed to be done, but now that Colt had taken her off property and shown her some of what was out there, well, this was an adventure she wanted to have, and besides, it was work that would go faster with two sets of hands. Has the cart been un-reliable in the past?
Cooper glanced down at Mina as she leaned against his arm, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He clicked the reins lightly, setting the horses into motion, the cart creaking as it lurched forward.
Unreliable? he repeated with a low chuckle, shaking his head. Let’s just say this ol’ cart has seen better days. Had a wheel pop off once, right as we were haulin’ back a full load of supplies. Nearly sent me flyin’ into the ditch. Thought my heart was gonna leap outta my chest faster than that damn wheel rolled down the hill.
He gave a quick glance at her, his eyes soft with affection despite the gruffness in his voice.
But nah, we’ll be fine. The smithy’ll tighten it up, maybe replace a spoke or two. Nothin’ I can’t fix if it comes to it. He paused, eyeing the road ahead, scanning the horizon out of habit. Still, you’re right not to trust folks out here. We’ve had our share of trouble on these roads, but you know that already. Guess it pays to be cautious—keeps us breathin’ another day, at least.
Cooper let out a deep breath, the familiar creak of the cart wheels and the steady clop of the horses a comforting rhythm. He rested his hand on Mina’s head briefly before nudging her playfully.
But listen, you don’t gotta worry ‘bout the cart today. We’ll get where we’re goin’, grab what we need, and be back before sundown—no broken wheels or sudden disasters this time. He smirked, glancing at her list. And besides, with you ridin’ along, I’m sure things’ll go smoother than usual. I always could use an extra set of eyes to make sure I ain’t missin’ somethin’ important—like more biscuits. You did put biscuits on that list, right?
The question was half-joking, but the glint in his eyes made it clear he was only half-kidding. Biscuits were essential, after all.
I remember that night, I thought I was going to have to promise some of the regulars a quarter hour in my bed to get them to help me go out looking for you and then there you were coming up over the rise in the road, right as rain. I think that was one of the first times I really worried about you. She watched the road roll past, enjoying the scenery like she did when Colt or Ruth took her somewhere, none of her other clients tended to want to take her from the Back Water. And she was just fine with that, she'd rather it be with the people she loved that she got to experience the world with. She liked that idea just fine. I do like continuing to breathe.
She worked the small sheaf of parchment free from her pants pocket, looking it over, Fifteen pounds salt pork, beef, and lamb each, thirty hens and five roosters, two new goats, a new milk cow, a couple nugs, and nearly three hundred pounds of various vegetables and fruits, oh, here we are, three tins of the finest biscuits. It was under three fifty pound bags of flour and a five pound bag each of salt and yeast. I really should look at making our own yeast starter so we can stop buying it every time. And we ate though the chickens a little faster than we did last time you went to market. Did we hav... we didn't have extra company that I remember. I'll make sure to add another five hens to that, just in case. I don't like the drunks when they realize we have no meat to feed them. And she wasn't too keen on slaughtering the chickens herself, but she made do. That was a part of life. If she wanted to eat, she had to kill the livestock sometimes.
Maybe we should pick up some other sweets too, just to keep around? A small bag of hard candies might be nice to have as an every now and then treat, and it was good to keep something around for when someone might bring their kids in, it happened now and then, people traveling by foot from one place to another with little ones in tow, she liked to have a small treat to give them when they were well behaved in the main area. And then of course, a bolt of good fabric for a dress and tunic, and maybe a vest. She patted the gold pieces in her pocket, and realized she probably had brought more than enough to get five bolts of fabric, but she wanted to make sure she wasn't just spending her hard earned gold just to spend it. Should ... should I look for a couple more books to add to the collection we've started?
Cooper snorted softly, his laugh a mix of amusement and disbelief as he listened to Mina’s exhaustive list. He shook his head, though there was a warmth in his gaze that suggested he wouldn’t trade her for the world.
A quarter hour in your bed, huh? Don’t you go tellin’ folks that—I got enough to worry about without some fool gettin’ ideas. He let the reins slack a bit, giving the horses room to pick their pace. But yeah, I remember that night. Don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to see the back of this rickety ol’ cart in one piece. And you, standin’ there with your arms crossed like you were fixin’ to skin me alive. Hell of a welcome.
He leaned back slightly, one hand on the reins and the other resting on his knee as he took in the scenery with a practiced eye. The road was mostly empty, save for the occasional bird darting across the open sky, and the quiet clop of the horses was soothing.
Fifteen pounds of everything, huh? Guess that means we’re feedin’ the whole damn countryside. He chuckled, shaking his head again. But you’re right, better to have too much than not enough. Drunks without meat are a problem I don’t care to revisit anytime soon.
As Mina mentioned picking up sweets, his expression softened further.
Hard candies, huh? You spoil those kids more than they deserve, but yeah, get some. Folks remember the little things, y’know? Makes ‘em feel like they’re welcome, like they belong. And a bolt of fabric sounds like a good idea too. You’ve been lookin’ a little threadbare lately, not that I was gonna say anything. He smirked, giving her a sidelong glance.
When she mentioned books, he raised an eyebrow, clearly teasing.
Books? Well, ain’t you just the cultured one. Yeah, grab a couple if you see somethin’ good. Just don’t go blowin’ all our coin on fancy stories—we still gotta pay for this cart tune-up and all that meat, remember?
He flicked the reins again, guiding the cart around a gentle bend in the road, the trees opening up to reveal a wide stretch of rolling hills.
But you’re right, Mina. You’re right about all of it. I’d rather we spend the day loadin’ up and takin’ care of things than risk runnin’ short later. And if there’s somethin’ extra that catches your eye, well... maybe grab it. Life’s too short to count every damn penny all the time.
The last bit was grumbled, as if it was a lesson he was still trying to teach himself. His eyes softened as he glanced at her again, a flicker of pride shining through the usual gruff exterior.
You’re a good kid, y’know that? Smarter and tougher than most folks give you credit for. Don’t think I’ve said that enough lately.
I don't think we have too much to worry about that for much longer. Mina whispered as she felt the blush rise in her cheeks. Colton was a major player in her thoughts these days, the easy smile he had for her, and the respect he gave her in means other than paying for her services. Their trip to the beach had been one that had left her wondering what it would be like to have a life with him, with Colt, like that. An honest one, filled with love and days that melted like honey into a warm feeling that seemed to envelope the soul. She hadn't thought a life like that would ever be possible for her, but, now that she had seen glimpses of it, had small tastes of it, she wanted it even more than before.
Now she knew she had the chance.
As I remember as soon as you got to me though I had my arms up around your neck and was crying so, none of that hell of a welcome, she teased back as she leaned forward, one elbow on a knee, her head rested on her open palm as she tucked the shopping list back into her pocket. Pretty much, it'll prevent us from having to go back for at least the rest of the month. I wish I could learn how to grow some of these vegetables on my own, the potatoes at least. That would have us in a better position when it came to only needing the more exotic ones for our own personal consumption. I have no problem feeding the drunks potatoes, carrots, and nug stew. After a little while, and enough spices, I can make it taste like more expensive meats. Those were for them as well.
She fell silent as the road opened up in front of them. She had been a couple places now, with Colt and Ruth, but this road was far different than the travels she had done with them. She let out a low sound at the sight of the scenery before them, greens browns, and yellows, almost, as far as the eye could see. It would probably look lovelier once the trees gained their spring buds, more green added to the mix here and there, the pops of color that wildflowers would add to the mix with the changing of the seasons, but for now, it was adding to her experience of new things. You always had a hard candy for me when you needed me out from underfoot, I learned it from the best after all.
Would probably help if I didn't scrub my clothes with such intensity, wears through the fabric fast. It'll help once I have another dress or two to wear instead of just the one and these clothes. It'll help keep everything in better shape, longer. And same goes for you. A couple new tunics will do you good. And you've always praised me more than enough in my life, daddy, I've never been want for any of it, save maybe another hug or three here and there. She grinned back at him, teasing a bit. They never really had been physical touch with their affection, but sometimes you just needed a hug. And she was sure he had needed them as well over the years. As gruff as he was on the exterior, she knew Coop was a teddy bear on the inside.
He flicked the reins again, urging the horses into a steady rhythm as they rolled along the worn dirt road. The landscape stretched out before them, golden fields giving way to the distant shadow of the tree line. It was the kind of view he used to take for granted, but now, with Mina by his side, he found himself appreciating it a little more.
You’re not wrong about the garden idea, though. Wouldn’t hurt to start growin’ some of our own stock. Potatoes, onions, carrots—hell, we could get a decent crop goin’ if we put in the time. Less coin spent at the market, fewer trips out this way.
Leaning back, he exhaled slowly, letting the warm breeze wash over them. He didn’t say it, but he could tell something had shifted in her. Mina was growing—changing. She’d always had a fire in her, always been stubborn as a damn mule, but there was something else now. A restlessness. A curiosity about the world beyond the tavern walls.
He wasn’t blind to it. He’d known this day would come.
Y’know, kid, there ain’t a damn thing I regret about raisin’ you. Not a one. Just figured I’d say it, since you’re gettin’ all sentimental on me today.
It was gruff, a little rough around the edges, but there was an unmistakable honesty in it. Cooper had never been good at spilling his guts—never saw much use in it—but for Mina, he’d try.
Now, if you’re done makin’ me get all soft, let’s talk about what really matters—makin’ sure them biscuits are the good kind. And maybe we grab an extra tin, just in case. Y’know, for emergency purposes.
His smirk was barely there, but the way he tugged his cap down just a little lower told her all she needed to know.
