This was a good day to sit outside.
There was a bench just outside one of the National Central Library’s chief branches, settled perfectly in an area that became well-sheltered from the sun as it fell lower in the sky. It was not a particularly hot day, but not a particularly cold one, either, and the shade, balanced by a hot cup of coffee, provided an alluring retreat.
Alex’s fingers tapped slowly on the sides of her paper cup, while she watched the library’s front doors, and all the people who went in and out -- state alchemists, with their watches displayed proudly for the guard inside, who stood just behind one of the front windows. Sometimes the alchemists would be recognized by their faces, but other times, they’d have to pull on that silver chain -- and, if they were cocky, swing that exclusive watch around like a keychain.
It was nearing the end of business hours, and the guard was growing more and more restless -- shifting his weight, shaking his head, checking his own watch -- but not quite restless enough to make a mistake.
Alex sighed. This was definitely not her first cup of coffee, and though it was only half-empty, she was jittery -- more restless than the guard she was watching. Throwing her gaze from one side to the other nervously, she downed the rest of her drink in one swig, and crumpled the cup as she stood, throwing it in the nearby bin.
Picking up the jacket that completed her military uniform, she threw it over her shoulder, and began to stride, unhesitatingly, toward the corner of the library.
If getting in the front wasn’t going to happen, she was at least going to take a look once around the perimeter.