Thread: The Witch and the Alchemist (closed)

Abigail's heart jumped in her chest when the girl stood from the bed and almost fell over. She let out a heavy breath to see the girl was fine and put a hand to her breast for a moment, before Dorelia had both of her hands in her own. Shopping? the woman thought, confused and still momentarily speechless, with her heart pounding rapidly. And it didn't calm as Dorelia pulled her along after putting the cross around her neck. Abigail was pulled along, listening to the girl speak and becoming confused from time to time by what she said. She wanted to get a job? She wanted to sell something? What did she need money for? People were providing her with enough charity that Abigail really didn't understand why the girl suddenly felt the need to provide for herself. At her home, finally Abigail was able to catch her breath and when the girl explained about the gift understanding filled her eyes. Oh, I think that is a splendid idea! she said smiling and clasping her hands in front of her. We have lots of things in the marketplace that would make wonderful gifts. She was also just about to suggest that Dorelia need not pay for it, that she herself had money and would provide, but thought better of it. She didn't quite understand how the custom went and if it would mean less if the person giving the gift didn't make it or buy it all on their own. And also, she realized how independent the girl wanted to be and although it ached in her heart, she couldn't continue to baby her. So she stayed quiet about her thoughts and listened with a proud smile on her face as Dorelia kept talking. It almost sounded like a rocky romance with the way these two were acting, and it made her blush and smile more at that thought. But then it wavered a bit when she thought of Landon's history with women, either ignoring their advances or chasing them away. That dope better not screw this up! she thought to herself, a sudden protectiveness over Dorelia filling her. Hearing the girl discuss getting a job also made Abigail's heart ache with a mixture of clingy sadness and pride. She was of course a grown up but Abigail couldn't help but pine for a time when she was completely dependent on her. It had been a good week, since she'd met the girl, taking care of her so much and looking after her. But now she was better and looking to stand on her own two feet. It was very admirable and Abigail would do all she could to support her in her goals. Well, she began, thinking as she spoke. It all depends on what skills you possess. There are many things you could do. You could help in the bakery, as an assistant to Maggie. She bakes the most excellent breads and sweet cakes. And she could teach you how to use the oven and how to make things with it. If you're good with children, maybe you could help out at the school. You could work with the seamster, Beatrice. She mends almost all of the fabrics in town and people pay her good money for it. But she's getting on in years and her hands tend to bother her. She could teach you sewing as well. She smiled reassuringly. You could have any job you wanted to have here, even if you don't have the skills necessary, they can always be taught. Abigail thought to herself before she answered the next question. If you wanted to do the bowl of water with the tea leaves, she said, her eyes looking slightly upward in thought. I'm sure one or two of the women in town would be willing to trade for something. But if you wanted to get a different gift, there are some shops, like a bookstore I know Lan likes and an herbalist he gets ingredients from. I think several things were broken in his lab that first day and I do not think he's had a chance to replace any of them. So, you could have the glass blower make him some new beakers, although that'll probably take some time and be more expensive than anything else you might give him. She hoped she had been helpful with the information she'd provided.