The soft pitter-pat heralded the start of fresh rainfall. Â Most of the trees that bore wide forest leaves that sheltered the city of Gridania all summer long now found themselves bare: exposing the curved wooden roofs and canvas awnings below to the sudden chorus of rain drops. Â It was just the sort of weather that punctuated Gridania's warmer winter afternoons - no frost dared threaten snow from this rain.
Aya turned her eyes upward, shielding them from the rain with her hand. Â The trip to Gridania, one of several this season, had been something of a break in the routine of Ul'dah life. Â But, it seemed, the weather just couldn't hold out for the entire stay. Â She quickened her pace, hurrying along the well trod path that wound its way through the wooded area in the northern reaches of the humble city, known as Old Gridania.
She was on her way back to her room - Beneath Lea's Branches had proven more than a comfortable place to board, but something of a home-away-from-home. Â Or perhaps, a home away from home-away-from-home. Â Sometimes it became hard to tell. Â She'd been wise enough to dress for the weather: and the tug of a leather belt closed her coat yet more tightly around her. Â For a woman once accustomed to the hoarfrost of Ishgard, this would seem a trivial matter. Â But there was something to a cold rain, especially with even a hint of wind, that sent a shiver right to the woman's bones.
As the rain thickened, the remaining distance came to feel insurmountable- she pursed her lips in uncharacteristic frustration, letting out an annoyed sigh as she rounded a corner. Â But the sight before filled her a sudden sense of welcome relief: The Rabbit Hole. Â
It was one of her favorite Gridanian spots: an adorable little open-air cafe ensconced comfortably within the confines of what had once been a forest clearing. Â The decor was quaint. Â It recalled the simple, natural setting of Gridania, while the atmosphere recalled the time before the Calamity.
She quickened her pace, nearing a jog as she sought refuge from the storm. Â Most of the seating were benches, tables, and chairs either in the open or tucked beneath awnings, but the central bar of the cafe rest on a slightly elevated wooden platform. Â Stools of polished wood promised relief, a crackling fire warmth, and the heavy canvas awnings above, protection. Â Altogether it meant comfort, despite the open air: and better than that, a warm cup of tea.
Several of the stools were taken, but the welcome sight had already left the young woman feeling excited- and excitement meant she welcomed the opportunity to meet someone new. Â With surprising speed she slid onto the stool of her choice, not bothering to take a seat, but instead mounting it in one graceful motion. Â She removed her drenched hat with more care, trying her best to ensure that no errand drops splashed her neighbor as she set it onto the empty stool by her other side.
With a warm smile, cheeks rosy with the sting of cold air, she turned her attention to the woman seated next to her. Â A rather energetic looking Keeper girl. Â
"Bon après-midi!" she grinned in a cheerful Ishgardian voice, "Good afternoon, I do hope I'm not disturbing you!"
She diverted her attention momentarily to the young, lanky Elezen fellow behind the counter. "The honey tea, please. Â A touch of milk would be wonderful!" Â
Aya turned her eyes upward, shielding them from the rain with her hand. Â The trip to Gridania, one of several this season, had been something of a break in the routine of Ul'dah life. Â But, it seemed, the weather just couldn't hold out for the entire stay. Â She quickened her pace, hurrying along the well trod path that wound its way through the wooded area in the northern reaches of the humble city, known as Old Gridania.
She was on her way back to her room - Beneath Lea's Branches had proven more than a comfortable place to board, but something of a home-away-from-home. Â Or perhaps, a home away from home-away-from-home. Â Sometimes it became hard to tell. Â She'd been wise enough to dress for the weather: and the tug of a leather belt closed her coat yet more tightly around her. Â For a woman once accustomed to the hoarfrost of Ishgard, this would seem a trivial matter. Â But there was something to a cold rain, especially with even a hint of wind, that sent a shiver right to the woman's bones.
As the rain thickened, the remaining distance came to feel insurmountable- she pursed her lips in uncharacteristic frustration, letting out an annoyed sigh as she rounded a corner. Â But the sight before filled her a sudden sense of welcome relief: The Rabbit Hole. Â
It was one of her favorite Gridanian spots: an adorable little open-air cafe ensconced comfortably within the confines of what had once been a forest clearing. Â The decor was quaint. Â It recalled the simple, natural setting of Gridania, while the atmosphere recalled the time before the Calamity.
She quickened her pace, nearing a jog as she sought refuge from the storm. Â Most of the seating were benches, tables, and chairs either in the open or tucked beneath awnings, but the central bar of the cafe rest on a slightly elevated wooden platform. Â Stools of polished wood promised relief, a crackling fire warmth, and the heavy canvas awnings above, protection. Â Altogether it meant comfort, despite the open air: and better than that, a warm cup of tea.
Several of the stools were taken, but the welcome sight had already left the young woman feeling excited- and excitement meant she welcomed the opportunity to meet someone new. Â With surprising speed she slid onto the stool of her choice, not bothering to take a seat, but instead mounting it in one graceful motion. Â She removed her drenched hat with more care, trying her best to ensure that no errand drops splashed her neighbor as she set it onto the empty stool by her other side.
With a warm smile, cheeks rosy with the sting of cold air, she turned her attention to the woman seated next to her. Â A rather energetic looking Keeper girl. Â
"Bon après-midi!" she grinned in a cheerful Ishgardian voice, "Good afternoon, I do hope I'm not disturbing you!"
She diverted her attention momentarily to the young, lanky Elezen fellow behind the counter. "The honey tea, please. Â A touch of milk would be wonderful!" Â
![[Image: 21282370099_a814a08664_o.png]](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/590/21282370099_a814a08664_o.png)
