Ribbons of sunlight unfurled from a thin layer of clouds gathering in the sky as the morning passed into the afternoon. Buildings stretched high in the city of Tallus, watching over the simple cobbled streets and old, family-owned market stalls.

Tallus is known for being peacful most days, unless something was different from the norm, which was unusual. That’s when I knew something was wrong when people hid behind their doors, watching through windows at the cobbled streets. I wondered what was going on, so I went to investigate. Whispers echoed down alleyways as I found the source of all the commotion.

A man. Strangely tanned, strangly calm.

_Someone from the west, _I presumed. _He must be brave to travel into a city like this one._

Leaning against a wall, I folded my arms and yawned, watching him walk past many judging stares at a steady pace with unwavering tranquility. This wasn’t worth my time. I was ready to protect the city from harm or flee from a fire, not set my eyes on a figure that has no interesting qualities other than the fact he was from a different part of the land.

I turned and moved down an empty alley, seeking peace. That’s when I heard a voice sound from behind me.

“Wait!”

I turned my head slightly to see the western man running to catch up with me.

“I’m not interested!” I called back to him, quickening my pace.

He kept moving a little faster. “Please!”

“Maybe another time.” I turned sharply to my right then to my left, trying to confuse him but he wasn’t as dim witted as I had hoped.

“My name is Thal, by the way!” He said, his voice laced with a thick accent I couldn’t recognise.

I sighed, reluctantly halting and turning on my heal. “What is it you need?”

“Well, I travelled here becomes my home was destroyed. But, not many seem to like me…I was just hoping for someone to give me some guidance, some tips maybe?” Thal smiled.

“This town isn’t very friendly to outsiders. I suggest you stay away from socialising with people unless they talk to you first.” I began, carefully placing my words. “Some rough social areas may be more hazardous to you than to a normal person, so maybe stay out of those too. Never break the laws or you’ll find your head in a basket. If you are in trouble, I live just down this alley. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get home.”

“Thank you!” Thal bowed his head slightly. “It’s nice to see someone cares for my safety.”

I nodded, leaving him on his own, guilt causing my mind to spin. _He won’t last a day here._

The next day I heard a loud knocking at my door. Luckily I was awake at that early hour so I opened it. Thal stood there, drenched in sweat, blood leaking from his nose and mouth and panic arching his eyebrows.

“What’s going on?” I asked him quickly, dread rising in my stomach.

Thal’s voice shook, making it even harder to understand his words. “Th-they’re after me! Please, tell me what to do!”

“Slow down. Where are they now?” I tried to calm myself.

He took a deep breath. “I d-don’t know. They could be here any second!”

“Get in here! Hide!” I lead him into my house, locking the door and moving him into a small cupboard.

I heard a banging at my door.

Stealing myself, I walked toward the door and turned the knob, revealing a group of large figures, all muscular, scarred and angry.

“What can I do for you, sirs?” I smiled, counting their numbers and estimating how likely it is to beat them in a fight. My conclusion was that their were a dozen of them and it would be best if a fight didn’t break out, because I would be beaten in seconds.

“Have you seen the western man? Saw him head this way.” One asked, surprisingly patiently.

I shook my head. “Haven’t seen him. He must have taken a different turn. I’ve been checking my windows lots lately to see if he approaches. I’de be damned if he entered this household.

“Then may we do you a favour and search it?” The thug grinned, cracking his knuckles.

“Of course.” I smiled wider, hiding my panic. “Be my guest.”

They entered the house on by one, checking under beds, tabled, even in the smallest of drawers. They almost turned the place upside down before one placed a hand onto the door of the cupboard. They opened it ever so slowly…

_(Let me know if I should continue this! I don’t really know where it’s going so some ideas and feedback would me greatly appreciated!)_