Knock on Wood

Clara turned to look down at Minkin, frowning. "What's the matter?"

{{Lemme at 'em! I'll tear 'em ta shreds, I will!}}

Minikin recovered as best she could, but still hid behind Clara. "The captain of the ship that attacked us," she said, voice barely audible. "And his crew."

Clara followed her gaze, and her eyes widened.

Glancing back at the little girl, she offered a smile. "Don't worry. Just stay close to me, okay?"

Taking her hand, she gently led the girl discreetly past the stalls, not casting so much as a glance in their direction.

Minikin took Clara's hand, gripping it lightly. She was more than a bit worried... and not just because she didn't have a blunt object to defend herself with...

Calm. Don't let her see you sweat.

Clara sailed past the people at a brisk pace, keeping her eyes fixed ahead.

Tikkat clutched under one arm, Minikin tried to stay cool. Her thoughts raced, though. Gotta get back. Gotta tell the Captain...

Clara ducked into a nearby shop, Minkin in tow.

"See anything, Minikin?" she asked conversationally.

Lots. Guns, knives, swords... Minikin shook her head. "Nothing yet... what's this funny, spiky fruit thing?"

Clara grinned. "'S a pineapple. They're real sweet. Let's get one."

Momentarily distracted from Duvall and his crew (yeah... no.), the child nodded. "Okay!"

[[Duvall. Duvalt. XD]]

Clara selected a nice-looking one, and spied something red across the way. "...See that?" she said, pointing. "Those look like..."

"Cherries!"

{{Haha, yeah. I know. XD}}

[[So funny. XDDD TOTM.]]

Clara snagged some and purchased the fruit.

Looking down at her groceries, she glanced at the child. "Hmm...think we're about done?"

Minikin nodded. "I think so."

---------------

Duvall stepped into the carpenter's shop, glancing around appreciatively. "...Hm."

Clara nodded, finished up, and headed back to Glen's.

"Alright. We'll just get the lumber and call it a day. Little under two hours. I'm impressed with us."

A thought struck her, and she handed Minkin the coat she'd grabbed on the way out of the house. "And just in case we see those men again...here. Maybe it'll make you unrecognizable if you adjust it properly."

----

Glen sailed back toward the desk, nodding at the pirates. "Morning to you all. What can I do for you?"

The little girl blinked, but took the coat and shrugged it on. It was loose, nearly swallowing her slight frame, but it worked. Adjusting the collar, she looked up at Clara. "How's this?"

------------------

"And a fine mornin' to you, good sir," Duvall said smoothly, sweeping off his plumed hat in a fluid bow. "I'm looking for some wood to repair my ship."

Clara nodded. "Perfect."

-------

Glen blinked. "Huh. That's funny. I guess everyone's in need of repairs today..."

[[Ohhh, Glen DX]]

{{SOMEONE SHUT THAT MAN UP!!}}

"Okay," Minikin nodded, then falling silent once more.

------------------

"Ah, you don't say? Well, storms can be nasty at times..." Duvall trailed off, nodding to himself at some joke that only he knew the punch line to.

Clara sailed into the carpenter's shop, holding onto Minkin's hand.

"Oh, hello, Clara. I have your timber in the back. Give me a few minutes and I'll help you with it."

Clara blinked at the other customers, shaking her head. "I've got it, Glen. Don't worry about it."

Minikin's grasp tightened automatically as they entered the shop. She kept her head down, grateful for Clara's oversized coat that disguised her so well.

Duvall turned as they entered, and dipped his hat to Clara. "A fine morning to you, Missus. And to your young friend there."

The little girl stared at the floor, shaking slightly as she searched for anything to look at... Tikkat! Where had the little cat gone!?

"And to you, sir." Clara said calmly. "I just came to pick up an order and I'll won't be underfoot any longer."

{{Too many legs! Why can't ye 'uman folk be less leggy, eh?}}

Minikin searched frantically, while trying to keep from being noticed. "Tikk," she murmured, just loud enough for kitty ears to hear. "Where are you?"

Duvall looked over the child with little more than a passing glance.

Clara stepped around the counter, sailing past Glen.

"I'll just be fetching it."

He cast her one of his looks. "Clar, you're in no condition to--"

"I'm fine." she insisted. "Trust me."

Sighing, he let her pass.

A sharp wail cut through the calm (or not so much) atmostphere, followed by a hiss. Minikin gasped, catching herself just in time as one of Duvall's crew glanced her way. She stepped quickly after Clara, ducking behind the counter. "Oh, poor baby," she cooed quietly as the little cat jumped into her arms.

{{'e stepped on me tail, 'e did! Th' oaf!}}

Captain Duvall frowned. "Something the matter?"

Clara pretended not to hear, that she was already busying herself with the heavy timber.

"Hey, sweetie? Can you get the groceries?"