"Thanks for coming.  Remember if there is anything in particular you are looking for we take orders and can track it down for you."  Alison said with a smile as the Shifter couple walked out the door with their purchase.  Sighing happily, she turned from the register and walked over to the bookcase where the ledgers were kept.  She quickly recorded the sale and marked off the Victorian dresser that had been sold.  She noted that they were getting low on some of the furniture items and needed to restock.  She knew her parents would be thrilled.  They loved going on little trips to find new treasures to sell.  They said that it helped to keep their marriage alive by going new places and seeing new people.  Alison, however, could not imagine ever leaving Shivering Bay.  She had lived here her whole life and loved the place.  It was somewhere she could truly be herself and not have to worry about what others thought.  She did not know how her mother could stand to go to places further inland and away from the sea.  It made Alison cringe inside just to think about it.  

"Why don't you take a break dear.  You have been here all morning." her mom said and patted her on the back.  Nodding her head and giving her a half hug, Alison replied, "That sounds great.  If you don't mind then I think I will pop down to the little cafe and get a drink.  You want anything?"  "No.  I am fine.  In fact, why don't you just take the rest of the day off.  It has been kinda slow what with everyone down at the Farmer's market and I think we have it covered.  Daddy and I have a trip coming up in a few weeks and you will be in charge here with no time off so enjoy it while you can.  Go on now.  I have a million things to do to get ready.  Shoo."  

Laughing at her mom, she quickly grabbed her wallet and ran out the door.  She almost bumped into two faun young-lings who grinned at her and kept running intent in their pursuit of a small ball that was rolling down the sidewalk.  She nodded to the owner of the next door store as she passed.  The female fire elemental shot a small burst of flame up in acknowledgement but resumed heating the forge as her husband, the dragon/human hybrid pounded on the steel weapon he was making.  They ran a smithy that did a brisk business to the renaissance fairs and cos-players that loved that authentic feel for their costumes.  Plus, there were always the older ones in town that still believed in the old ways, before coexistence and made sure to keep weapons and things stockpiled for the day when things were sure to go to shit. 

Picking up her pace, Alison made her way down the street and past the rest of the businesses and vendors that had opened for the Market and pushed open the door of the cafe.  "Hey Sloane.  Nice ass."  she joked with the centaur barista who was bent over picking something up with his arms while his horse end was turned towards the door.  With a snort, Sloane turned towards her with his top half and said, "Cute.  You know you shouldn't tease me like that.  I just might take you up on your flirting one day and I know for a fact you couldn't handle all of this,"  he gestured to his manly physique as he crossed his arms.  

"Yeah, yeah.  Promises promises.  I'll take the usual." she replied and went to lean against the counter as he just grinned and went to make her drink.  She glanced around the cafe and saw that sitting in a small booth in the back was the man that was the talk of the town lately.  [i]Well I'll be.  I didn't know that the opportunity would arise this soon.  I thought I would have to go to his house to say hello.  Maybe I can finally find out some more about him instead of the big pile of nothing that is what is known so far.[/i]   

"Order up Alison."  Sloane yelled at her and she went to get her chai tea.  She hesitated for just a second before taking a deep breath and walking over to where Abel Revnik sat.  "Hi.  Do you mind if I sit down and we chat for a minute."  she asked.  She hoped she didn't scare him off.  Rumor also stated that he was a shy man who rarely just made idle conversation.  She smiled as she waited for his response.