ABBY

Chapter 19

It’s early morning and the market is a bustling, noisy chaos of mingling bodies and food carts making for the best standing spot. The fog hangs thick in the streets as Abby, Christopher, Samuel and Joseph make their way to a small bakery, located at the edge of the huge market square, to get some coffee and pies for breakfast. Turning a corner, the streets are crowded, and Abby feels as if she’s suffocating. Her small stature is not helping, and she gets pushed and shoved by the bodies moving down the busy street. The three huge men soon flank her, and the way gets opened to walk freely. She can breathe again.

After enjoying a premium brewed coffee and delicious pie, the group splits up. Chris has business in the hardware and industrial area concerning the repairs to the ship. The damage is far greater that they initially thought and it's taking same time to get all the necessary supplies together. Fortunately, he has a load of contacts. From Dwarfs to Werewolves, the possibilities are endless and repairs are under way.

Joseph needs some supplies in the kitchen and he's off to the market for fresh produce and meat. With the pack of ravenous appetites on the ship, he has his hands full sometimes. The kitchen is the heartbeat of the ship. If the crew is not eating well, the ship is not sailing well. At least that is how he sees it. Luckily, Dr. Hugh hooked him up with some medical supplies and those are still fine. There weren't any serious injuries, apart from Abby nearly breaking herself by colliding with Samuel. Castelena is the last place to search for decent medical supplies let alone assistance.

Samuel stays put, however. Abby turns to him. "Anything you need, Sam?" She asks. "Nope. I'll be you shadow for today, Captain." The big man answers as he scans the crowd. There's a lot of people out in the streets today and since there is a target pasted on Abby's back, he'll be sticking around since the other two have errands to run.

Nodding, Abby starts walking in the direction of a tailor she knows. Her wardrobe is a total mess and this person is just the right one to go to.  Having a constant presence around her in the form of her crew is becoming a second nature. Abby gave up on the notion of being alone. Since the poisoning attempt, the crew is on guard and wary of anyone getting too close to her. 

Getting closer to the tailor's shop, Abby is getting more and more quiet. Samuel looks at her but stays silent as well. Abby misses her mother dearly on these shopping trips. Even though she was still very young when her mother died, Abby remembers everything about her. From her smell to her voice. She's longing to have that partner on shopping sprees and tea parties. 

Samuel picked it up on their first visit to the marketplace. Abby watched with longing eyes as young girls tugged at their mothers’ hand to show them the jewellery and colourful fabrics. Something that was stolen from her. His heart broke for her. She may look the content and strong Captain, but deep down inside, she's a broken mess. 

She may not share her experiences with him, but Samuel enjoys watching her glide her hand over fine silks or trying on some expensive earrings. He's captivated by the ghost of a smile that plays on her lips when she tastes some exotic food and savoring the taste. He sees the finer side of her, and he knows her weaknesses. He is her protector. It's a promise he made to himself the moment he met her. She has Alpha blood running through her veins and for some reason his wolf is submissive even though he's a Wanderer.

While walking, Samuel notices some men following them. Fortunately, he also knows that they are close to the tailor's shop, yet he still keeps an eye on the unwanted guests. "We're being followed, aren't we?" Abby asks suddenly, but still looks straight ahead. "Yes, we are. Three at the back and two across the street." Samuel answers. Abby stays calm, but her heart is thundering against her rib cage. Could this be another attempt or is it just spies? They keep their distance, however.

Seeing the "OPEN" sign on the door, Abby fastens her pace. Entering the shop, her breath is racing. "Abigail Davidson! My goodness. It's been ages." A smooth, clear voice resounds through the small shop and soon a tall, elegant woman steps out from between the rows of fabric.Her dark brown hair shining in the morning sun that is streaming into the small space through the window. Her delicate face framed by the curls.

Nova Shell is a Sea Fay who opened shop in Castelena when the place was still liveable. She makes her penny through merchants and pirates coming through the harbour town on a regular basis. Always looking for some new fashion sense. Abby happen to stumble into her shop one day and they became close friends. She's fascinated by Abby's petite frame and loves to play dress-up. Abby reminds her of a porcelain doll. 

"Hello, Nova." Abby greets her as the door closes behind them. Nova notices her flustered face but leaves it at that. "I see your guard dog is also here." She says as she glares at Samuel. He ignores her comment and looks out the window instead, biting back the growl forming in his gut. "He's a Lycan and he's my protector, not a dog and not a guardian." Abby defends him.

"Will you ever stop choosing their side, Girl. Between the Warlocks, Lycans and werewolves. you truly are the perfect example of a pack of misfits." Nova complains, but Abby is not budging.  "If I don't, then who will? If I add you, the circle will be complete." Abby snickers.

"Not a chance. I do have my pride to protect, you know and there is no way I'll ever join your crew of savage wolves. Those mutts have no manners." She continues her raging, getting a soft laugh from Abby. Nova catches a glimpse of Samuel who’s still staring out the window. "You had followers, didn't you?" She asks and gets a nod from him.

Sighing, she turns to face Abby. "So, to what do I owe this wonderful little visit, my dear?"

She asks, making her way around the counter. "Well, I was hoping you might be able to make me a new outfit or three. Mine's a bit worn from all the salt and sun every day." Abby says, pushing her bottom lip out a bit in a playful pout.

Looking at her, Nova's expression softens. "You will be the death of me." She says under her breath. Samuel gives a cough to hide his smirk. "I saw that, Dog. I'll have you on a leach before you know it." Nova sneers and Samuel gives a low growl. Abby gives a defeated sigh. These two never get along. Nova is a strong-willed and independent woman. Most men are intimidated by her and The Dragon's Destiny crew, is no different.

"Enough, guys.  We're here for cloths. Not a competition of strong will." Abby whines as she makes her way over to the fabrics. Nova and Samuel, however, are still having a staring match. Ignoring the two, Abby runs her hand over the fabrics. She enjoys the soft, delicate feel under her fingers and palm, appreciating the smell of the dye in her nostrils.

Wish Mother was here...