Annabelle Costello slinked her way through the back alleyways of the Sea Gate. The less people that could convince her to turn back, the better. The port couldn’t be too much farther. By the time she reaches port, she hoped she would get used to walking with the lifters in her father’s oversized boots.
It’s still not too late to turn back. The thought had echoed through her mind since she slipped away from home. She stopped in her tracks for a moment and took a deep breath. "No, Belle. You’re in too deep now,” she told herself softly, adjusting the strap of the satchel that carried a couple medical text books. If she was going to convice any crew that she could be a physician, it wouldn’t hurt to skim through those in her spare time. She would just have to hope all she’ll have to treat is rope burns and maybe at worst heat exhaustion…
You’ve already run away from home, you’ve stolen - no, borrowed - father’s coat and sword. Yes, borrowed. He won’t miss those while he’s laid up in bed, her thoughts continued as she started for the port again. All of this is for you, father. When I return, I know I can help you to get better. I know you’ll understand. I won’t lose you, too…
…
As she approached the port, she knew it was time to start her act. Shoulders back, chest puffed out, and head held high, she walked with a purposeful stride towards the docks. Time to find a voyage for a start. Then, we’ll keep going from there…