Evening passed in a wake of star-sprinkled twilight. High above the menagerie, strips of porous web-glass permitted a cool breeze to pass into the garden from the outside world. Keysean, presently nestled in the warmth of Darlaune's lap, shivered as feeling returned to his limbs.
Darlaune smiled wide down upon him, pink lips over perfect teeth, eyes glittering in the light reflecting off of some nearby body of water. She ran her fingers across the fur of his neck, eliciting soft purrs that rumbled through his throat and nose and persuaded his eyes to close tight. Unconsciously, he stretched out a paw.
Suddenly, recalling where he was and the direness of the day's occurrences, he jumped to his paws and slipped out of the girl's lap. Pouting, she stood over him.
"Good evening, Key-kitty,"
