The cool January afternoon gave way to sunset as the citizens of Paris started to make their way home for the evening. While the Feast of Fools had concluded a few days ago, many still retained the effects of merriment as they settled back into their daily lives. Notre Dame stood like a gem in the center of the city, the large rose window reflecting the pink and red rays back at the city.

Esmeralda stopped her dancing and collected the last of her coins. Djahli still danced and trotted at her heels, bleating gleefully at the knowledge they would soon have their evening meal. A few of her Roma companions collected their instruments, before the group split the day's earnings and started for the Pomme D'Eve, their favorite tavern (and for some, their favorite brothel). Esmeralda tucked away her share with a smile. Phoebus should be getting off patrol soon to join her, and Quasimodo promised to join them for a little while before heading back to the cathedral to ring the vespers. She sat down, hooked her tambourine on a leather strap and tied it to her waist. She then grabbed her cloak and pulled it around her shoulders.

"Are you coming, Esmeralda?" asked Danior, the pipe player.

"Go ahead, Danior," she replied. "I'm going to rest my feet for a moment, then I'll be right behind you."

"Don't linger too long," Danior warned her.

"I'll be fine," Esmeralda told him.

Ever since Frollo's downfall, the streets became safer for them after dark, but still not without its risks. Still, she could take care of herself. Esmeralda reached down and petted Djahli's soft head, right behind his horns as he preferred. The little goat bleated again and nuzzled into her hand. Esmeralda stretched her legs and flexed her toes to ease the soreness of her aching feet, then stood, ready to make her way to the Pomme D'Eve.

Her companions were already out of sight. The sun set a little more. Long shadows stretched into the streets of Paris. Esmeralda picked up her pace. The coins on her sash jingled along with the little cymbals on her tambourine. Djahli trotted by her side, happy enough to accompany her.  Soon enough, they'd be at the tavern, among warm torches and firelight, good food and good company.

Djahli suddenly stopped and bleated. Esmeralda stopped and quickly took note of her surroundings.

"Who's there?" she asked.

Djahli took a step back, listening. Esmeralda looked up and down the street, at the houses and little shops at either shop. Across the way, she saw a merchant collecting the last of his wares.

"No one but me, miss," he said.

Esmeralda watched him, but nodded. Still, something felt...[i]off[/i].

"...Come on, Djahli," she said. "The sooner we reach the tavern, the better."

The little goat gave a gruff nod, then trotted beside her again. Unbeknownst to either of them, a creature from the shadows watched their every movement.