The Marigold Cafe

[SFS 4] A single marigold in a vase on the windowsill. The bright yellow caught her eye, and the feeling of foreshadowing that came over her as she lifted the flower and twirled it between her fingers. What's next? she asked it. To anyone else it would seem an insignificant detail of the room, but for her it felt like the most important clue of all.

Just because she had been inducted into the society of time-twisters, did not make finding her missions easy. Some arrived - figuratively or literally - on her doorstep, as that first package had. Others made themselves known to her, or needed to be found. Before it was too late, some part of her insisted. It kept her walking the streets looking for signs. Then this actual painted sign stuck out to her: The Marigold Cafe

It was cozy and welcoming, while intriguing and mysterious. Vines curled up the blue beams and plants grew out of decorative teapots. She read the tasty treats on the chalk board, like raspberry lemon tart and peach cobbler. "Would you care for our lavender chamomile tea?" the waiter asked, "freshly brewed." She nodded as she slid into a seat. "And the ginger crisp cookies, please." It was like dining in a garden. Though she intended to go unnoticed and simply watch the other customers pass to and fro, the waiters and a surprising portion of the clientele seemed to have sharp eyes. Even when she tried to (very mildly) use her ability of disappearance, that usually made people in her vicinity less aware of her presence... almost to see what would happen here... the astute waiter still delivered her order to the table promptly. What's more, while in that state of being less-than-there, is exactly when she was approached by Pierre. Of course, he had marigolds his hair.

"Mon cheri, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. If I may join you for just a minute of your time?" She was curious enough to allow it. Curiouser, she noticed his suit, that seemed around its edges to be something like hers. Real yet unreal. Was he also...? Asking him seemed an undue risk, as it would also reveal herself and put her in a vulnerable position. He might ask a question in return, as was due, and one she'd be less willing to answer. But she did wonder. Meanwhile he'd taken her hand and leaned in as though to kiss it, but paused at the last second, watching for her reaction. "Too soon? Then shall we start with a shake?" He turned his hand to the side, thereby turning it into a handshake. "A pleasure, truly. To meet such a special lady on such a lovely day." She tried not to let the flattery work on her. He was clearly trying to read her, and to charm her. But he made this so absurdly obvious by his tone, that she ultimately found it endearing.

After casting an eye about the room, he cut straight to the chase. "I take it we are, hm, in the same business of finding things, and placing things, and just generally being in the right place at the right time." He stated it with confidence, so either he knew, or knew enough to risk saying so. "I hope that we can make many happy meetings such as this, and be the best of friends." In other words, he was making sure she wouldn't get in his way. Her words must be well chosen in response. No promises nor denials. "Surely a noble hope, that I trust we will both endeavor to uphold." He smiled approvingly, and nodded. "Indeed."

It seemed like the smell of marigolds followed her home, like the memory of their mysterious meeting. But it wasn't as though he could cause this on purpose. Or so she thought, until she tucked her hands in her pockets and felt a soft stuffing, and found them to be full of yellow flower petals that scattered into the street around her. She sighed. Was this a greeting, a gift, or a challenge? Then she laughed and tucked one of the flowers behind her ear. Whatever came next, she would be ready for it.