Author's Note

This was a rather unpleasant month for me so I got to write out another chapter. Just as before the story is left mostly unedited and was written in a slightly more faster pace so that should get things moving along.
Keep those expectations low and you will not be disappointed. That is a life lesson right there.

Comments are appreciated so tell me if it is any good or not.

Chapter six

We walked on a clearly made out dirt road for what felt like about a minute before we reached the first house. There was no distinctive barrier or sign indicating the beginning or the end of the city. It almost looked like all of the houses had just suddenly sprung up in to some kind of grid form. Although I could see that from distance there were some house that were further away from the rest, so they were not constructed in any visible order. At least not like the houses in a suburb, placed side by side in to a designed pattern.

There was no concrete or sign of any purposefully made road. In fact the dirt road that we were walking on had melted off into a light green grass that was more reminiscent of a properly cut front lawn than the streets of a city. The reason why dirt roads are formed the way they are is do to continuous pressure and erosion made by people and animals that have used the same path for years had made it so that grass and weeds could not grow. That does not mean some small patches of grass will not grow here and there, however I have noticed that there was no small patches or signs of grass on the road that we walked on. I assumed it was due to the maintenance and use of the locals, however now that I see the streets of the city I am not so sure. The streets should have been empty ground and dirt, and instead it is short grass that actually makes it look like it had grown around the buildings or even more accurately as though the buildings have just suddenly appeared on clear field. Reminds me of how Ponyville was exactly the same way, except I was not thinking about such things at the time I was there.

To distract myself from over thinking these things and possibly giving myself another headache again, my attention instead focuses on the buildings themselves. There were distinct differences between some houses in that all of them were two, three or even more floors and yet not one was a single floor building. Some were made of red bricks, while the majority were light yellowish made out of some material that I cannot identify and had the old fashioned style houses that had wooden support frames visible on the outside. The brick buildings seem more modern in that their roofs actually had tiles while the older styled ones had what looked like hay staked on it. In any case both types of buildings seemed too advanced architecturally in that people of the time period that used these kinds of building materials could not conceive nor actually construct them in such a way. Some had balconies and outward extensions that made a rooms on the top floors have more space inside. I cannot decide if either the society was highly advanced in architecture, or someone had drawn up some plans while they were drunk and had actually been able to pull it off without getting it to break down. Or the more likely answer is because some artist drew it that way and it became a standard building model for the show. If it were not for the brick houses then I would have actually mistaken this place for Ponyville because it looks so much like it. Well, except for the griffins that were populating the streets of the city.

There were a lot of griffins out on the streets, walking in various directions, talking to each other, carrying paper bags and straw baskets with food sticking out and just going about their daily lives. There were a lot of them, however I would not say that thee were so much that they would crowd up the place. They were all light colored in different shades of brown, gray, blue, green and some other colors. No sharp dark colors or contrasts except maybe some highlights on the top of their heads or under their eyes for the girls. Some had slight darker shading at the tips of the wing feathers. The lion parts of their bodies seem the least colored portions as they have the lightest shades, it was as if they were colored in by pencils. The most noticeable thing about them however was that they were all smiling. Every single one of them was walking and talking while smiling. Not a single frown, serious or sad face anywhere to be seen. It was actually kind of weird, like a cult or even 'Stepford wives' kind of weird.

Even in a society where all of the population's needs are met, no one would be happy constantly everyday. Maybe for the begging day or even week, however eventually everyone adapts and gets used to it. Accepting things as part of their average everyday lives. They could probably be content however not constantly smiling about it. Right? I mean I honestly would not know. I never really had anything remotely like that to compare it to. Except maybe my early childhood, before I knew anything or even had an idea of how the world really worked. I was just happy to sit and watch television for hours on end, go outside to play and not have any care in the world. A time that is now long gone and something that people can never relive no matter how badly they try. Anyway, I just find it to be rather strange with how they just keep smiling. Maybe this world follows the general rules of the show in having background characters always smiling without drawing too much attention to themselves. It makes me wonder if this is how it is everywhere and if the whole city just resembles a random background of the inhabitants going about their day. This place still does not resemble a city in my opinion as much as it looks more like a small town. Beak said that the city goes beyond and into the maintains. Maybe there will be more large buildings and apartment houses.

My thoughts stop as I have noticed that my presence has finally cough the attention of the locals. Those who saw me have stopped whatever it was that they were doing, their smiles faded and their conversations were replaced with hushed whispers. Those who did not see me had their attention directed at me by their peers who were nearby. None had looks of fear or even concern as much as plain curiosity at something that is unknown. No doubt observing every detail of my as anyone else in their position would do so. My black clothes, my rough leather backpack, my accessories and no doubt the long wrapped object slung over my back. Anyone with any brains could easily deduce a sword or some other weapon shape. The fact that they are not backing off or even panicking in any way tells me that the cover sheet over the sword works enough to hide it. That's cartoon logic for you I suppose.

Again with the staring, it slowly gets on my nerves with each step that I make further into the city. My heart begins to beat rapidly while my breathing slows down. I feel on edge with a knot in my stomach that could drop at any moment. That feeling of dread that that is always there at the back of my mind begins to make itself known.

This was a mistake. I should not have came here, I should have just walked somewhere else outside of the city or better even staid on the boat. Away from everyone, away from their stares. Panic was starting to set in and my thoughts become ever more erratic. Rationality almost gone, replaced with a familiar feeling of fight or flight. The sword's weight reminding me of what I cary with me, my hand nears the knife on my belt. I have to try and stay calm, no sudden movements or this situation will become a major shit storm. Don't over react, don't loose it. Not now! Stay calm, they are just fucking cartoons!

“Hey guys how are?” Beak suddenly speaks up to the griffins staring at me. A part of me on reflex wanted to react by withdrawing my hand and hitting him with my elbow. That would not have ended well for me or for him.

“Oh hi, long time no see. Say who's that?” One male griffin spoke up in response while still looking at me. His voice did not have an indication of any fear or hostility, just curious inquiry. Strangely it was calm even, like the idea of danger did not even cross his mind.

“This is my friend Traveler. We picked him up on our last stop before coming back here.” Great, now that name is going to stick here too.

“Huh. So he's with you? Never seen his kind before.”

“We tend to keep to ourselves.” I responded as calmly as I could. I need to regain control of this situation. Before everything starts going sideways.

“Oh, well.. umm... welcome to Avias.” While he did not seemed to be surprised by me talking, he did however appear to have trouble in finding what to say. Probably unsure on how to proceed with this interaction.

They are cautious of me, they are afraid even if they do not show it. I can use that if things start going down to shit. I still need to relax, at least enough to have a clear head and to think things through.

“Thank you. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” My usual response with a slight forced smile.

That was apparently enough to calm some of the nearby griffins as their smiles returned and some started to go back to what they were doing before. Others farther away were still looking at me, however they seemed more relaxed even if nothing about them has really changed. Strange how some small sign of civility is enough to calm people down, or mythical cartoon creatures in this case. Their reactions, how they stood and looked at me was all to familiar when I first visited Ponyville. The ponies stoping what they were doing and looking at the stranger that did not belong there. Even how they calmed down more or less at my introduction was the same, another common attribute that is shared by the ponies and griffins. A repeat of history as it were, the only two major differences is when I first arrived at Ponyville I did not have any unpleasant tension growing in my stomach and the second one being that I intend to keep quiet about who and what I am. Attract as little attention as I possibly could, which is a hard thing in my case.

The small group of the griffins that have joined me and Beak on our walk to the city began to talk to the present company around us. While Beak continued to talk with the griffin that had just welcomed me here. I did not pay attention as to what they were talking about, as I was still trying to calm myself down from the adrenaline rush. My nerves were still on edge, as though my head was going on the chopping block of the guillotine. The knot in my stomach remained, as though a warning that things are still not in the clear.

So I just stood there like an idiot while I waiting until Beak stops talking. Not sure why I bother waiting because I am already in the city so there is no need for me to stay there and wait for him. We were going our separate ways anyway so maybe it would be a good time to do that. However, I am still rather tense and should at least try to calm down now. Also, Beak did sort of inadvertently calmed everyone down and defused the tension enough for them to not look at me as much. I should at least thank him for that and everything else that he done for me up to now. He was friendly when most were too afraid and he was nice to me, he deserves some gratitude for that.

Their talking does not last for too long before they say their goodbyes and surprisingly the new griffins says his farewells to me too. I did not expect any other interaction with the guy.

“Nice meeting you Traveler. See you around.” He walked off with a smile on his face and just like that it all ended. No one seemed worried or afraid, somer still looking my way however not enough to cause for concern.

As we began walking again to some unknown destination, the locals actually greeted us as well as me along our way. All had smiles and were generally nice with their “hello's” and “how are you's.” It was still rather weird for me, it actually got weirder with how they kept on greeting us as we passed them. Even new griffins were generally welcoming, as if they were there when I first came in and already knew that I pose them no threat. Well, at least no immediate threat.

Some even had tried to engage in small talk and conversation with all of us. Asking how was the trip back, if there was anything new and interesting, how we all met and where I was. I tried to keep the small talk short and move on. At least they were only asking the same questions that I was already asked on the ship, with the same answers to keep up my evident consistency. Cant let myself get caught in my own lies if want to void any problems.

I find it strange how most of them want to talk to me, it is rather uncomfortable. Most people would honestly try to ignore one another as most places follow the same cultural norm of leaving strangers alone. I rather enjoy that notion, not having to deal with unwanted attention and not have to pretend to be nice while all I really want is for them to shut up and leave me alone. The modern society in America seemed rather fixated on building social barriers towards other people, essentially separating each other and distancing one another further. A concept that I grew well accustomed to and even to like when I first arrived in the states. This society or perhaps more appropriately this small city apparently does not follow this particular norm. If anything this society/small city/town seems open and friendly toward each other as well as to the unknown. I find this to be rather disturbing. It is almost like what one would expect for Ponyville to be like after watching the show.

However that is obviously not the case as it would seem. Or who knows, maybe I am just that special enough to get the ass end of the stick in that situation. Maybe some other dumbass who would get himself thrown into my shoes would have faired better. Hell, maybe he would have had all of his life's problems solved while he was there too. All handed to him on a silver platter while the ponies practically wipe his ass for him. Is that not what people generally think would happen if they arrived at Equestria? Well that and most likely hope of eventually fucking a pony.

After some walking and passing by buildings that all looked the same with some slight changes, the griffins that have tagged along with Beak and me have split up into various directions after saying their farewells. Beak and I kept on walking forward, or rather I was just following where he was going. Not much was said between us. There were no visible stores as we walked by the houses, the houses themselves were not really arranged in any clear order. Ones back door entrance faced someone else's front door and mail box. Each house had their own small decoration, however nothing that screamed originality. Each had some plants on the windows, on the sides of the front door or both. Different colored doors or mailboxes along with maybe an occasional different colored drapes behind the windows. No house had any front lawn, they were all too close to each other and the street literally surounds the house. Some old fashioned metal garbage cans were spread out next to some houses, really nothing worth even looking at. Even the sky seems to be clear of any griffins, you would think that they would fly around everywhere seeing as how they have wings. No wait never mind, that was one that just flew by some distance ahead of us.

Maybe this would be as good of a time as any to ask Beak about the city' main locations and to go our separate ways.

“Hey Beak, can you tell me how I can find some places? Or better yet, is there a map of the city that I could get somewhere?”

“I don't know about a map, maybe in the city hall but thats too far away. And you would probably find what you are looking for by the time you get there. What exactly is it that you are looking for?” He chose to stop and talk in the middle of the street. At least we were not getting in the way of griffins walking on this particular street.

“A market, a library and a museum.” A general open street vendor store is good for seeing interesting items that I might be able to trade some of my stuff for and while unknown to most people, a vendor with items from different locations tends to know more things that others. A good source of information on locations, customs and anything else revolving around the culture of interest. The library is obviously for research and information, assuming that I can get around the weird squiggly line and geometric shape writing. A librarian will more useful than a book in that particular situation. And a museum to have some visual understanding of this worlds past, or at least this country's. One cannot really move forward into the future without first at least having some idea of its past.

“Well you can find the market and some stores if you turn here.” Unfolding his right wing he points to the right from where we were standing. So all of sudden he starts using his wing to point with while for some reason he was using his hand/claw, whatever. Those wings are rather limber with the way everyone here uses them. “Walk straight two blocks and then make a left and you should see the market square from there.”

Not too far from here then, good. I have a great sense of orientation so even if we move from here, I would still be able to find it. Just need to have some unique building or something constant that would serve as a landmark. The house while unreliable as landmarks with the possibility of having multiple versions of the same design would have to do. The three house surrounding us would be unlikely to have copies aligned in the same pattern so they will be fine for now until I find somehting better.

“Thanks. And hod I find the rest?”

“The library is actually not too far from the market square, just follow the big main road out on to the street until you start to see some stores. It will be the long building next to the 'Chairs and Forks' store.”

Oh dear god, they actually have one of those weird stores where only two objects that have nothing in common are being soled. And here I thought that that kind of stupid thing was only exclusively available for ponies. Ignoring everything about it that makes absolutely no freaking sense what so ever, I will just point out that it is a poor choice economically to only sell two specific things and noting else related to it. Could have just been a furniture or tableware store, definitely would have been more profitable. Just saying.

“And the museum is pretty far away from here. It's close to the city hall building, but you would have to walk all the way there next to the mountain.” He looked up at the mountain further ahead of us as he spoked, almost as if to make a point. He did not exactly give directions to the museum, however since he said it was near city hall then I just need to get there and find my way from there.

He did say that the main parts of the city were more further away. The problem with cartoon mountains is that there is vary poor dept perception to them. They may seem like they are far away and later turn out to be far more closer and vise versa. Whatever little details that I could make out from here tell me that it is not all that far away, maybe an hours walk or even less at my pace.

“Thanks.”

“So... I guess you probably want to go where you were going to, huh?” An obvious look of sadness if I have ever seen one and a voice as if the guy just herd some bad news. I hope this guy does not make this weird.

“Yes, I should if I want to make it before nightfall. But hey, I want to thank you for everything, especially with the crowd back there.”

“Oh that was nothing, you don't have to thank me.”

“Still, thanks”

“Ok then, your welcome. I will see you around then, right?” Again with the hopeful sounding voice, why does everyone here seem so clingy?

“Yea, definitely. See you around.” Probably not.

“Goodbye.” We shake hands and part ways as he continues on his track, probably going home.

The best thing that I could do would be to go to the library to get familiar with area and to get started my research. As I follow the directions to the market, my thoughts come back to the reality that I am alone in a foreign country, walking around in a city that I have never been to before. And just like that the panic starts all over again. In all honesty maybe I was too rash in my decision to leave the Everfree and explore on my own, I though about it for a long time, however maybe it was not long enough. Being lost somewhere where I have not been to before is not a pleasant experience. I have nowhere really to go, no one to turn to in my time of need or to rely on anyone. In truth, that is what I have always wanted. To be free from having to depend on anyone for anything, to not have to rely on people who could just as easily throw me under a buss if they felt like it. While I know that my parent would never do, it certainly felt like they wanted to sometimes. There is also a different kind of freedom to being self reliant, there is no one to depend on me.

I had people depend on me before and it really sucked. They always want something more out of you, even when you help and give them everything it is never enough. Why would anyone want people to rely on them? The less people that need you, the less work and responsibilities you have. And yet people continue to make choices that end up with even more needy people attached to them. I heard the counter argument to that from a classmate once when I proposed my argument. If people rely on you then there are people that need you. Personally I do not want to be needed, I do not have some weak emotional dependency to being wanted by others or to fit somewhere in.

However, a familiar place would probably help me calm down. The griffins out on the streets continue as they were, some greeting me, some waving and saying hello, while those who did not yet hear about me were looking at me form a distance with curious and cautious expressions. Still weird.

I have finally noticed what would appear to be the marketplace from a distance. It was a large open space where wooden booths were placed in in lines. From what I could tell they were selling various items ranging form food, to rugs to some other things. Just what I was hoping the place to be. If it were only food being sold then the stores would not be useful to me. With limited a budget I could not afford much anyway. The detail that had really made itself apparent o me was the fact that the whole marketplace was full of griffins. It was overcrowded, there were some that were trying to do their shopping while hovering in the air above the booths. There would be no point in trying to go there now as nothing would be accomplished with looking up things or getting any information from the vendors. That and I would probably end up murdering someone if I get agitated enough with the still present anxiety.

So instead I have decided to walk around the crowded market and houses to find the main road out of it, it was on the right from where I first came close to the place. The stares from the griffins was unavoidable, even by just walking around the place and some houses there were stares and hushed whispers following me. I did the right thing of not going into that crowded space. Everyone would have probably stopped doing everything and just stood there looking at me awkwardly. That is something I would really like to avoid.

It got to the point where I was really starting to get annoyed. I understand their curiosity and interest, however it did make this any easier nor did it lessen my aggravation. There was a pair almost next tom who were sating intently and whispering amongst themselves while looking at me. I stopped and just stood there looking at them in the eyes while they still kept on whispering. They did not even bother to hide the fact that they were looking at me and talking about me, in fact their whispering had gotten even more exited. I guess it should have been no surprise to anyone with what happened next.

“What!” I could not take it anymore. I was no longer panicking or concerned about my situation, I was angry. My voice was loud, not loud enough to be called a yell however it was enough to get attention from the pair and the surrounding locals.

“N-nothing! Nothing!” The first one spoke up first with wide eyes, a scared expression on his face and a voice that showed surprise and fear.They did not expect me to react

“Yea, nothing! Sorry!” The other one quickly agreed with his friend before both of them walked way from me rather quickly. They were obviously scared and hopefully this little show had made it clear that I do not like being stared at.

The locals were still there standing and watching, shunned up by my little display of annoyance. Apparently they did not learn the lesson here, lets try this again.

“What are you all looking at.” While not loud, my voice did cary the edge aggression that should have told anyone that I am not be screwed with. And it would seem that it was enough as everyone quickly looked away and started walking in various directions. None were looking at me as some held their heads low as to not make eye contact. It proves to show that a little rage actually can solve some of life's problems.

Returning to my walk along the main street, stores started showing up on both sides. There were many different stores that made it evident that there was actually more to this small city/town then it appeared at first glance. There was a hardware store, a bed and mattress store, bakery, furniture, clothes jewelry an artist gallery, arts and crafts supply, toy store, an outdoor restaurant, a store that only soled bathtubs, a box store. No seriously, a store that had a sign that said 'The Box Store' and had boxes of various shapes and sizes made from different things displayed in the window.

All the signs were legible and printed in clear english if not in a childish font. Except for the restaurant as it tried to make itself look fancy with a cursive font, the waiters wearing bow ties and some even having the stereotypical curly mustaches. There were white stylish tables with matching white chairs set out near the entrance, most were filled up with customers sitting and eating their food either alone or with company. The food being served was sandwiches, chicken drum sticks, cooked steak, mashed potatoes, various salads that I could not make out due to a lack of details in their composition, desserts like ice cream, chocolate chip cookies and muffins served with tea or maybe even coffee. Some of the griffins who were seated and eating had looked up at me as I walked by, even the waiters had stopped what they were doing to look.

What really got my attention was the clothing store as it made me wonder why would griffins need clothes. Then again why would ponies need clothes and yet Rarity was able to keep herself in business for some time. Maybe it was the same for the griffins, dresses for parties and formal occasions. I will need to make a stop there later to get a spool of sowing thread for future use. Maybe even try to see about some socks, a new shirt and some other clothes for the various seasons. However paying for those things is a different issue on its own. Unfortunately that while I am in a city I need currency to get by and without a source of income there is vary little chance of me getting to acquire anything that I will need. Maybe the small change on me will be enough to at least buy some sowing supplies for repairs.

The store 'Chairs and Forks' comes up and next to it stands a long single floor building that has a wooden post with a picture of a stack of books on it. I guess the image is for those who cannot read the word library and would not mistaken it for something else. It was rather plain looking, modern even with the building being made from red bricks. Two windows facing the front with the main entrance being a pair of brown wooden double doors. With s piece of paper having been nailed on it, some note maybe a the library hours. Although why nail a peace of paper instead of using tape or a stapler is beyond me. No way in hell can anyone tell me that those things do not exist here, there are way bigger things that should not exist here and yet they are.

Approaching the front doors and try to see what was on the appear revealed it to be written in clear english for once. The note read 'Library closed for book re-shelving day.'

“...You have got to be fucking kidding me.” Good thing that there was no one close enough to hear me otherwise I do not know how that would have been received. Damn you Twilight! Even here your OCD with book organization manages to take hold. I used to work in my high school's library, shelving and re-shelving books is not that freaking hard! Learn the damn Dewey decimal system!

Fuck. Now what the hell am I supposed to do? It will be evening in a few hours and while the weather is good now it might get cold at night, I need to find a place for me to stay the night. Seeing as how I am in a city, have nowhere to go, not enough money for some kind of motel or inn if they have one, the only places I have left to go would be a local homeless shelter, a secluded and secure alley or under a bridge. I do not think that there are homeless shelters in this small city or even this world for that matter. And I did not see any bridges out here while walking through the city. So that would leave the alley as my best choice. Besides, this kind of city does not look like it would have any abandoned or even condemned buildings and even if it did then it would take too long to find one. I could also go out of the city and find some woods or sleep in a tree. However that would be too far and would take too long. A park would also be fine, however I did not see any so far and it would probably be too exposed for me to stay there. With the alley at least I am where I need to be and could go out right to the library in the morning, assuming that it will not be closed for some other stupid reason.

Might as well try to find an alley somewhere near the library so that I would not have to go too far. However I will have to wait until nightfall before settling in so as to avoid any unpleasant and rather awkward stares from the locals. Not exactly comfortable when others see one's predicament in life that forces a person to sleep in the streets. I can only imagine what it is like for people who had their lives go down hill and end up homeless for the first time. People would have to forfeit some if not all of their pride and self esteem to survive. Reading about such things is one thing, however to actually be going through it is completely different. It makes me feel vary uncomfortable, in part because it would be embarrassing to be caught sleeping somewhere near a dumpster. Even if this is a cartoon city with cartoon characters for citizens, it is still be awkward to be in such a situation. Never really though that I would end up like this, in a way the past fears of becoming nothing and ending up a homeless bum has come true for me. The forest was one thing, it was survival and freedom where no one was around to judge me or look down upon me. If anything I could look down upon others because my skills would keep me alive and moderately comfortable while the inexperienced others would starve and die. This, this however is just rock bottom, some people have actually committed suicide than to end up sleeping in the streets. In a way maybe I am rather lucky for not having much if not any pride and self respect, it will make things easier for me in the future as I will no doubt have to sleep outside in the open night sky for many evenings.

I have walked around the library and even some of the surrounding buildings to discover that pretty much every single part of the city road was being used like a highway. The placement of the buildings made even less sense as they were not arranged in any visible order that would be functional, some of the streets were wider than others while others were short enough to only make ten steps before it ended. There were no alleys that I could find anywhere near the damn library. In fact I am starting to think that this city/suburban town has no alleys which translates to me being screwed. All I could do is expand my search further before settling to go outside of the city, maybe even returning back to the docks and staying behind one of the storage buildings.

It was slowly becoming dark and the wind was picking up speed, time had passed by quickly. My exploring of the city has taken far longer than I though it would for such a small place. Walking around back and forth has eventually led me back to the market square. It was already closed with no one being present, not even some passing by griffins. Some of the booths were empty while others were gone, most likely wheeled away by the owners. The streets were for the most part slowly becoming empty with only one fourth of the numbers that I have seen at the beginning. All were walking and talking, barely even noticing me as they were too focused on their conversations. The few that did looked away to avoid eye contact, at least they were not staring anymore. The stores were still open with lights coming out of the windows and doors, some last minute nigh shoppers trying to buy stuff before the stores close. The restaurant was closed with the tables and chairs remaining outside, not a good idea if it were to rain. Although with the weather being their bitch and all I guess they can afford to be careless, they would still have to clean them everyday anyway. It was when walking by the restaurant when I noticed a narrow space between it and another building next to it. I was not looking at that direction at the time as I was still dealing with my agitation from the two gawking griffins to notice it. An actually alley that would work just fine, narrow enough to hide me unless someone were to stand directly in front of the entrance to see me.

Inside there was a door at the side of the restaurant, probably leading to the kitchen. On the right of the door and near the end of the alley was a rather large dark green metal trash container. If I were to move it slightly then I could cover the back entrance and decrease the chances of getting noticed. While no one was looking, I went inside the alley and quickly started to move the metal container. There were no griffins on the other side of the street so none would see me move it. The trash container had no wheel on the bottom, so I had to push it from one side to get it to move. It was heavy and reeked of spoiled and rotting food, it was unpleasant however nothing new to me. I got it to move in position without making any loud noises that would attract attention. So found myself a spot for the night, too bad I could not start a fire to warm up and pass the time before I fall asleep. A hobo fire in a trash can would have been fine, however if that kind of scene is not common in that specific location then it will certainly cause some unwanted attention. So much for sleeping by the fire. That is assuming that I will actually sleep instead of returning to my insomnia pattern again. I always had a problem with sleeping in new locations on the first night. So I probably will not be doing much of any sleeping.

Taking of my back pack and placing it on the grown I sat down near the front entrance of the alley with my back leaning on the the restaurant building. My wrapped up sword placed vertically in front of me while my left hand was holding it place, I simply stare ahead at the opposite wall blankly. The sounds of griffins talking reaches my ears, they were too far away to make any sense of what they were saying. It was all just static notice to me, much like any voices in cities. This was not a city, at least not by the standards of New York. Cities tend to be full at all the hours of the day, and yet this one looks like it was actually going to sleep soon.

Not bad for a first day in a new place, I traded in a semi comfortable bed on a ship for an alley that had a smelling trash can covering one entrance. Yup, this is my life. This is what it came down to. You were right mom, I guess I did not amount to anything after all. If my internet browsing history did not make you cry then this surely will. Good thing you are not around to see this, I know that you would just use it as an excuse to scream at me even more. You know, despite everything I still-

“Trav? What are you doing here?” An all too familiar voice rings out, startling me out of my thoughts. There standing not too far from the alley entrance was Beak with two large paper bags on his back and one in his arm.

“Relaxing.” My response came out as more of a question than a statement. I am not even sure how to react to him being there. Probably the same way I would react if I were back home, general indifference towards everything.

“Out there? Are you... is this where you are staying tonight?” He sounded incredulous when he asked me that question. He was rather quick to deducing that.

Looking first down at the grown as though I were searching something and then back at him to respond.

“Yea, pretty much.” My reply was rather nonchalant as I was staring to care less about how he or anyone else would look at me.

Opening and closing his mouth a few times as though unable to say anything he quickly shakes his head before finding the words he wanted to speak.

“No friend of mine is going to spend the night out in some dirty street.” I really did not think that we were friends after spending only as short time together. “Lets go, your coming home with me.”
I am fairly certain that while that could be made to sound bad, I could not think of anything on how to make it lewd. And why would I? The internet has lost its influence on me.

“Look, I appreciate what you are trying to do-”

“No buts! You are coming with me to my place and we will have a nice evening dinner with my family.” Well that sums up everything in one line. Do people really say things like that, their whole plans instead of a short mention?

“Beak, I do not want to to be an inconvenience. Especially when you have your family over.”

“They love it when company joins them for dinner! Come on dude. It's better than staying here.” Cant argue with that, a free meal and roof over my head sounds rather good right about now. This is actually all well timed really. Either I am extremely lucky lately or some unseen force is guiding things my way. Kind of makes me wonder what kind of a fall I am being set up for. Screw it, a meal and a bed sounds too good to pass up.

“Alright. Thanks dude, I mean it.” Getting up and picking up all my things, I walk up to him, “Let me help you with those bags.”

“No its alright.”

“Come on, let me at least do something for offering to take me in.”

“Well, ok.” Picking up the two bags from his back, I could tell that it was filed with food and some other items. He obviously was one of the few last minute shoppers.

We started off walking with me holding the two bags while he placed the third one on his back, somehow being able to balance it like it was nothing. Practice I guess. It really is interesting how this opportunity had presented itself so perfectly. My paranoia was telling me that it was too convenient and that something was going on. While the more apathetic and lethargic side of me is saying fuck it. I hope that I am not making a mistake, with my track record so far it would not surprise me if in fact I am making a bad decision. I still have my knives and sword so I should be ready for anything bad. Although I am not so certain that I am ready for dinner with Beak's family. I barely know the guy and he offers me to stay at his place and eat his food. What if he is a serial killer who makes dinner out of unsuspecting visitors, cutting them up in his basement and wearing his victims skin like some griffon version of Buffalo Bill? Or what if it is even worse? What if he is actually gay and I am just there to make his coming out to his parents easier? I think I rather prefer him being a serial killer, at least then I could just kill him and vent out some of my frustration.

Either way, this is going to be an interesting evening.