A slice of life

Lyanna

I heave a sigh of relief as I finally reach the bustling city. My jaws drop with astonishment to see how pretty it actually is!

This is the place, the city of outcasts. Texvane.

This is the city where faeries who have been banished come and start a new life. Rumors have it that some outcasts from the wolves' kingdom also come here, though I don't know how true that is.

 It's already dusk by the time I arrive in the city, giving it an even more ethereal nightly glow.

 There are flashy lights everywhere, ranging from the sidewalks to the roadside clubs, and the few houses, the lights bathe the area in a colorful display.

The place is bustling with life even at this time of the evening. There are young couples perched on everywhere, peppering each other's faces in kisses.

Gross.

There are also single ladies who are going about in crop tops and mini skirts, some are seemingly drunk, while others are just buzzing in and out of the roadside clubs.

I look around, the air is getting denser with each passing minute, and it is eating me up to the bones.

The motorcycles that rave past me are not helping matters either.

"Oh well, what a wonderful evening to be outside huh," I roll my eyes, rubbing my shoulders to give myself some warmth.

I keep wandering still wondering where I can lay my head for the night. I keep walking further till I reach a stall. It's being run by a woman selling tea.

"Hello ma'am," I turn aside, "Where do you think I can find an inn around here?"

She stops whatever she's doing to give me a skeptical look, "Oh, you're another outcast?" Her voice has a touch of the south.

I bite my lower lip, my stomach twisting in shame, "Yes, I am."

She shakes her head, "Poor child."

"Where can I find an inn?" I ask again, feeling impatient already.

"There are no inns around here, you can only rent a place for a few months. After all, you're an outcast, there's nowhere else for you to go."

I hold myself from saying something so mean to her. Instead, I fake a smile.

"So where can I find these places?"

She points in a direction across the road, "Just go a little further down that lonely street off the road, you'd see the bill up."

I look over my shoulder to see the street she's talking about, "Thank you very much."

I walk out of that place, my head spinning slightly. Almost immediately, I crossed the road, rushing towards the street the lady had directed me to earlier.

The street is much quieter than the bustling express back there. Just a few people are outside, some going towards the express, while some of them are strolling into the street.

"Where is the bill?" My lips turn downwards as I survey the place.

"Didn't she say a sign would be up?"

"Hello. Are you lost?"

I turn to see a petite blonde behind me.

"Hello. Uh, I'm new around here, and I would like for a place to stay."

She flashes me a toothy smile, "Come with me. There's a vacancy in the block of flats I live in, the room next to mine."

I breathe in a sigh of relief, "Thank you very much miss.."

"Irene."

"Nice to meet you Irene. I'm Lyanna."

She stretches out her hand for a handshake, "Nice to meet you too. Faery or werewolf?"

I raise my brows. So werewolves do come around here?

"I'm a faery," I clear my throat.

She grins, "Damn, you're the only faery I've met so far. I'm a werewolf."

I blink in surprise, "Wait. A werewolf? You mean the werewolves and faeries here don't slice off each other's necks?"

"Fuck whoever brought about that hatred. We're all outcasts in here, what's the point of hating?"

A smile curls up at the corner of my lips, "I guess you're right."

We arrive at the block of flats.

"We're here," she grabs my hand, and leads me inside.

A shiver runs down my spine as we enter inside. A strange feeling of sadness engulfs me.

Still taking my hand, Irene leads me to the first flat on the first floor.

"Mr. Rydell!"

"Uh, aren't you supposed to knock?" I look at her in disbelief.

"Oh he has a problem with his ears. He won't hear me knock."

A chuckle escapes my lips, "Odd."

The door opens revealing a man probably in his late forties. He looks so tired and worn out, I wonder what he does all day.

"I got us a new tenant. She's Lyanna," Irene still maintains her high-pitched voice.

"Oh?" He turns to look at me.

I come forward to meet him, "Hello sir."

"A little louder."

I clear my throat, increasing my pitch, "Good evening sir!"

"Good evening Lyanna," he waves, "It's nice to have you here."

"I was wondering if I could rent one of your rooms for three months."

"That's possible."

"About the payment.. I only have a card on me right now, so would that do?" I scratch the back of my neck.

Mr. Rydell stares at me for a while, his eyes are so concentrated on me, it feels as though he's staring through my soul.

"A card would be fine," he finally responds.

I sigh deeply. Thank goodness father gave me a card before I left, I would have probably died on the streets penniless.

"Here you go," I hand the card over to him.

Irene slaps my hand back, talking in hushed tones, "You don't just give people your card like that! He hasn't told you how to go about it yet, calm down."

"Oops," I grit my teeth in embarrassment.

"Lyanna, my agent will come to you tomorrow. She'd complete everything necessary since it's a rent. It's already late, you can crash for the night."

'Wow, that's so nice of him!'

"Thank you Mr. Rydell," I bow slightly.

He nods, "Irene, there was a vacant room close to yours right?"

"Yes sir!" She grins.

"Please lead her to it. Thank you very much," he shakes her hand, then mine, before going back into his place.

"That was quick," I chuckle nervously.

"He's getting old, and he lives alone, so he doesn't like to stress himself too much. It'll be too much for him."

"He doesn't have children?" I ask, my voice laced with concern.

We have already gotten to the elevator.

Irene continues, "His children are all away studying. His wife is dead, so he's all alone."

I shake my head, "Damn, poor guy."

The elevator comes to a stop, and we step out.

"This is the thirteenth floor," she leads me towards a door, "And this is your new room. That's mine beside yours."

I throw my arms around her, "Thank you so much Irene. You're so nice."

She laughs, disengaging from the hug, "Have a good night's rest Lyanna."

"You too."

She pats my back, before going back to her flat.

I sigh tiredly, "Oh well."

I turn the doorknob entering inside, "This is going to be one long night."