"Is almost the whole town," Sergei noted as he scanned the beach. The glow of fires could be seen a good distance down the shore.

Elena gave a little smile, "Doesn't the shore look wonderful? All those warm, glowing fires lighting up the sand and reflecting off the waves?"

Sergei nodded, putting one arm around her. "Should we walk down to the water?" he asked her.

Elena smiled up at him and rested her hand on his, "I would like that, it's been to long since you and I just walked somewhere,"

He smiled and bent to give her a brief kiss before leading her down the shore.

"It's strange to think that we've been here for so long, seems like time has gone so quickly," she mused as she lead Sergei along the shore, watching the waves splash around her hooves.

"There is always something to do here," said Sergei. "Is a very nice place. What do they say? The time is flying when you are having fun."

"Yes, that is what they say, and it is true," she gave his hand a squeeze, "Since we have come here it is as if there are no bad memories, only happy ones,"

"I am very happy being here with you," he replied warmly.

She leaned into him a bit and kissed his hand, "I love you, dear,"

He scooped her up in his arms and gave her a kiss on the lips. "I love you, too," he answered with a grin and a playful twinkle in his eye just before running down the beach with her held securely over his shoulders.

Elena gave a soft shriek, "What are you doing?!" she cried, half-laughing at him, "I'll fall!" she clung tightly as Sergei took off down the beach.

Sergei just laughed and kept running for several yards before stopping and setting her down with a twirl. "I will never be dropping you," he promised.

Elena smoothed down her wild curls and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I know you wouldn't," she said leaning into him.

He smiled and ran a hand over her hair before taking hers in his again as they continued on their walk.

....

Further down the beach Saya was attempting to pry open a large oyster, "Russell! I can not get zis ting open! Vhy is dis so hard?"