As It Is

A Wolf

Boston was loud. It was cluttered with people, horses, and carriages. It smelled of earthy dirt and mud, of pungent sweat and musk. You stayed close behind Shay, cautiously peering up at people's faces as they passed by.

Liam was next to him and every once in awhile he would glance over his shoulder at you as if he were making sure you hadn't disappeared or attacked anyone. But you felt that it was the first because Liam had taken a kinder approach to you, as best as he could manage. He still didn't fully trust your state of mind but he wasn't quite as harsh.

You tried to look the harbormaster in the eye as he spoke to Shay. There was an exchange of coin, Liam adding a few extra thoughts as they headed back to the bustling streets. Not a slave, you tried to remember. A free woman, you considered, glancing about the tall buildings and the pigeons that fluttered overhead, the sun that gleamed and the wisps of clouds that dotted the evening sky.

Pale pinks, you considered, against a baby blue sky.

"You been listening, lass?" Shay pressed the tips of his fingers into your arm, drawing your attention back to the pair of them, back down to the grays and browns of the city. "Go on inside the shop and grab some new clothes. I've the coin."

You pulled your attention from him to the building he nudged his head at. You treaded between Shay and Liam towards the wooden door and into the slight darkness of the shop. The glass windows barely let any sunlight in to see the merchant at the far end of the long room. You stepped just barely inside and hesitated in your next steps. You were far enough away from Shay but close enough to hear Liam's complaints.

"You can't bring her with us, Shay." Liam snapped a hand around his shoulder, forcing the man to peer at him. "The Order can not risk her temper."

"What temper? She hasn't done anything wrong since the fort." Shay jerked away from him and joined you inside the doorway. He settled a hand on the curve of your back. "Go on, lass. Let's find you something that fits."

You took a few reluctant steps further inside. You waited for Shay to take the lead but it was obvious that he was waiting on you. You looked back at him for answers, for some show of support that you were doing the right thing.

He chuckled and approached the man in the back of the store, that cheerful grin on his lips. "Morning. My friend here's in need of a set of clothes. You wouldn't by chance sell her any."

The clerk bobbed his head, attention weaving between the two people in view and Liam standing in the doorway. "Let me take some measurements. I'll see what I've got in stock for her. Don't sell too many dresses, I'm afraid."

Shay's laugh rolled sweetly from him. "I think she'd rather prefer something more fitting for a sailor than a lady. Ain't the right, lass?"

He seemed to jolt slightly but he kept his opinions quiet. He moved around the counter and began the tedious task of measuring your arm length, your body rigid as he moved around you. It was only Shay's encouraging smile that kept you from growling and hissing. You made little to no fuss, only jerking away from him when he made an attempt to measure your chest and waist.

When it was finally over the clerk moved about the store, grabbing up a shirt and trousers, fetching a jacket from one of the shelves in the back. He set a pair of boots with the garments on the counter and gave Shay a confirming nod. "Everything should fit her just fine. She can try them on and I'll make adjustments if need be."

Shay swept his eyes over to you. He nodded his encouragement, motioning for you to go over and grab your things. You stood your ground, glaring back at him until he muttered, "Go on now, lass. They're your things not mine."