Arcanum

FAMILIARITY (PT. 2)

Hi! Here's part two. Sorry it took so longggg.
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I shook Miguel's hand as he gave me a hearty goodbye, and headed to Madam's room to give my final farewells.

Silco was finally gone. I had saved enough money to leave the Undercity, and make a life for myself in Piltover. I was done.

I knocked on the door, and a quiet voice allowed me to enter.

"Ah! Hello, dear. Please, sit, sit!" She exclaimed, gesturing to the chair in front of her.

"It's just wonderful, isn't it? Silco is finally gone and those kids of Vander's are up Topside now, negotiating our independence. Never thought we'd get here." I smiled, taking the cig she offered me.

"It is, Madam. I just came to say goodbye, it was such a pleasure working here." I placed the joint between my lips, leaning back into the chair.

"Oh yes, of course. I'll miss you, darling. You were one of my best workers! Please, if you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to pay me a visit." Madam professed, her hand over her heart. I nodded graciously.

"Well, darling. I'll offer you some tea before you go? One last smoke?" I nodded again, thanking her. She turned around to the small tea station behind her, brewing a herbal mix.

"Where do you plan to go now?" She questioned, handing me my teacup. I let the hot beverage warm my hands as I thought of what to say.

"Well... I'm not sure. I know that I want to go live Topside, possibly enroll in the academy. Tuition is exempt now for those from the Undercity." I said hesitantly, staring into the dregs of my cup.

"Well, that's wonderful! Do you have a place to live?" Madam took a long sip, gazing at me over the rim of her teacup.

"Ekko got me hooked up with a a small apartment. I'll be working at a nearby bar to pay the rent." I looked back down to my tea, reminiscing on all the years I had spent in this brothel, after Vander died. It was a safe space, in a way.

And then Vi came back. And all hell broke loose, in the best way possible. It was finally safe for me to leave because of her.

It had been years since she had visited me. I wonder, if she would be living topside as well?

"That's good to hear. Well, I won't keep you long! You finished your paperwork with Miguel?" She raised an eyebrow at me. I nodded.

"Alright, then you're all set. Here is your last paycheck, and a copy of your room key. Just as a souvenir." Madam smiled softly at me, handing me the shiny key to my dressing room. I smiled down at the familiar gold tool, running my thumb against the black numbers at the top. 524.

"Thank you, Madam. I'll be sure to visit soon." I got up, collecting my things.

"Thank you for the smoke, and the tea." I embraced her outreached hand, smiling down at her. She nodded solemnly at me, and I turned to the door.

I walked out, never looking back.

Miguel and the other girls waved at me as I left, some throwing cash and coins at me.