#theselfexiled

@the-self-exiled

The lady who led Crystallin up to her room was very apologetic, but she did carry some of Crystallin’s things in recompense.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to share a bathroom with Nere Noreth. But don’t worry, he gets up very early. It’s between your rooms, so make sure you lock both doors, though. But if you have any questions, you’re better off asking Naqa Aayikan opposite,” The lady paused, trying to find the right words as she put the bags down and unlocked Crystallin’s new room before apparently deciding not to explain and letting Crystallin find out for herself, “And please, no staring at Nere Noreth. Anyway-” She smiled brightly, picking up the bags and using them to nudge the door open.

The room was very small. It looked like it had been some sort of walk-in wardrobe from the bigger room next door which had been converted. The bed was a single one, shoved up against the wall with the small window, and the wardrobe was in the corner. Along the side was the small desk and the door to the bathroom was behind that. As if to pacify Crystallin, the lady opened said door to show her inside. It was large and spacious- almost the size of the bedroom, with a large walk-in shower that had a chair in it.

Unfortunately, all the cupboards were full.

The lady smiled nervously and mumbled something about Crystallin having to sort that out with Nere Noreth.

Somehow Vali was walking in circles. Just over a month ago he’d left this town, but now he’d ended up here again after some adventures and hitching rides. Last time he was walking these streets, he’d been in a bad place, but probably still rosier and less of a wreck. Being young and pretty really got you far, but he’d run out of money a while ago and had been sleeping rough too many times. He could hardly remember why he’d even gone onto this endeavour to start with. It had gotten out of control quite some time ago.

His feet hurt and he sat down on a damp bench. Vali remembered the sweet lady he’d met here in this part of the city and considered going back to her. This time he had his wallet and papers with him, that was a positive change. But he felt so much worse and unproportionally older.

With a sigh, he took his backpack off and sat crossed legged, hugging it and rested his head on top. He clumsily got his cracked phone out of his backpocket and stared at it. Nine percent of battery life left. With the device as wonky and it was that wouldn’t be enough to dial a number and establish a connection, so he couldn’t ask her... Vali grunted and stashed it away. With a groan he got to his feet again and let his feet drag him to Crystallin’s neighbourhood. He still felt like turning around and not bothering her, but he was desperate and quite honestly, he missed her. As he looked at her front door, fighting with himself, he suddenly heard the rolling of thunder and rang her bell.

@the-self-exiled

@the-self-exiled

           "Good morning Dr. Hopper!" Crystallin called cheerfully, waving her free hand as the other hand cradled a cardboard box.             

Archie made sure to keep Pongo close to his side as the dog urged him to cross the street to visit with people who clearly wanted to visit with him. Archie relented, crossing and smiled warmly at Crystallin.

@the-self-exiled

Rhado Dorrn took a moment to relax, sitting on the edge of a bed. It had been a busy morning. Now that things were settled, there were more children about, and that meant more little brats breaking their limbs at the very worst, and bruising them at the very least. One had tried to climb up Aradir’s balcony from the gardens on a dare- of course, the boy had fallen. A worse fate, Rhadho Dorrn had told him, than had he succeeded. The winged elf knew that their liege lord did not appreciate people being scared of him, but sometimes it came in rather useful.