The Night is Dark...

You gulp as you step out of the cafe. The streets are dark. Heavy clouds and a sliver of a crescent moon are all that greet you above, and the moon shares its light only sparingly. You can barely see the next cobbled tile in front of you, much less see down the street with any definition. The wind blows by, and steels you of your warmth. It's not that cold, but the breeze reminds you of the short skirt your wear, as well as the glistening layer of sweat you built up during the day. Goosebumps ripple across your skin as a second breeze comes.

Shouting sounds out in the distance, followed by a roar of barking and growls. It doesn't sound pleasant... As a young man, you didn't fear the night, and it never occurred to you that the streets of this world don't have lights to illuminate them at night. With the waifish form you wear now, all of those dangers seem imminent. Those shouts are men looking for a drunken fuck, willing or not. Those shadows hide a myriad of dangers, both human and otherwise. And you're a tiny little girl, with a gold and silver piece between her chest. Buried treasure to reward any pirate brave enough to hunt her out. Your mouth goes dry.

Behind you, the red glow of fire invites you back into the cafe. It's such a juxtaposition to the dark cool blue of the night's walk home.