Jade and Caleb walked hand-in-hand through the park, feet rustling through the fallen leaves. The air was crisp and invigorating, and those species who had to wear sweaters and hats to protect themselves from the encroaching chill were beginning to do so. Autumn was in full swing, and this was a special time of year in Celtius.

Jade was particularly enjoying the quiet stroll. Newly engaged, she was completely love-drunk; an emotion that was new for her despite her 295 years on earth. Caleb had awakened something within; a fire that Jade thought didn’t exist but simply had never been stoked to life. Now the fire burned, and Jade knew it would never be extinguished.

As the two headed deeper down the path into the trees, Jade heard a rustle. Caleb apparently heard it too, as he instinctively put a protective arm up to shield Jade from whatever potential dangers approached  A somewhat ragged looking young man appeared, and he was breathing heavily, as if he had just been running. “Caleb,” the stranger said. “We have to talk.”

“Caleb? Who is this?” Jade asked, concerned. He smiled down to her. “A colleague of sorts. Hold on just one moment while I speak with him darling. I’ll be right back.” He walked several yards away with the other man and they conversed, heads close together. Jade watched them, confused. What the heck was going on?

Jade reached to get a coffee cup. The trouble with dating a guy who was 6′4″ was that everything was always just a little out of reach. She flicked her fingers and magicked the cup down to her level before snatching it out of the air. It seemed like a lazy use for her gift, but...what was the point of having it if not to use it? 

She filled the mug with coffee and inhaled the aroma as it steamed. She heard the shuffling of sleepy feet enter the room.  “Oh you’re up,” she said brightly. “I made coffee.  How did you sleep?