Darkness covered the small town of Sael, contrasting to the warm glow of the streetlights and multicolored shop signs that flickered on and off. Beautiful a night as it was, what people were left mostly hurried in pairs, muttering and laughing to their homes, and the shops became lonely.
Leaning forward on the little steel chair, Nevva sipped her coffee and placed it back on the table. She'd always liked those outdoor cafes, where she could read a book in peace and enjoy a drink. Well, that was before Saint Dane entered her life. No matter, she had free time now and nothing better to do.
Peace was just what she wanted, silence was what she needed. And yet in this moment of silent peace, she felt dull and lifeless. Or was it the people around her? She sighed and leaned back, watching a child across the street stomp in puddles.
"Arlin!"
She turned to the voice on her side of the street, a disheveled man in his late thirties, she guessed. He waved to the child who ran across the street toward them. The little girl had beautiful red hair in braids. Nevva smiled at her mild envy. She could have any hair she wanted, any face. Why then, does she stick with boring brown? Her thoughts were interrupted by the child's bright face smiling up at her. "Hi pretty lady, you want a present?"
Said Pretty Lady wasn't sure what to say to this, and glanced at the supposed father who hurried over. The child tugged at her shirt. "I gave mom presents all the time, and she was really pretty – but she's not around anymore, so I give presents to other pretty people!"
Nevva glanced down to what was offered in the child's hand. It was a keychain of some variety, with a small red kitty attached to it. Correction – a small red plush kitty. She smiled at the girl, "Thank you.."
"Arlin, this isn't 'give presents to pretty people' day – sorry about that Miss, have a nice night." With that, he and the child disappeared down the stretch of road. Nevva smiled and looked down at her new toy. "Give Presents to Pretty People day, huh?"
A new sound made her turn to where the father had been. Saint Dane wandered to her table and smiled. "Knew I'd find you at a coffee shop.. Enjoy yourself?"
She smiled in return. "Yes, thank you.. Have you finished your work for tonight?"
"I suppose so, which now leaves me with nothing to do." He glanced down the empty street and back at her. "A little lonely here.. Anything interesting happen while I was gone?"
She pondered this for a moment, then leaned forward taking his hand. She was amused at the look of genuine surprise as he glanced down at what she left. "Why is there a red toy in my hand?"
She stood and stretched her legs, ready to go back to their hotel. "Just taking part in Sael's holiday."