Immortal Serenade

6. A fairy's tale

Lin Xi sat down on a nearby bench, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. The weight of her guilt settled heavy on her shoulders, thinking about the two fairies she had killed and the punishment her friends had received because of her actions.

Chen Rui and Hei Bai sat down beside her, noticing her distress. "Hey, it's not your fault," Chen Rui said, trying to comfort her. "We made the decision together."

Hei Bai nodded in agreement. "We're in this together, always."

Lin Xi looked up at them, her eyes welling up with tears. "I'm so sorry...I never meant for this to happen."

Chen Rui put a hand on her shoulder. "We need to focus on survival now. We have to get familiar with this world and its ways."

Hei Bai's face lit up with an idea. "I know someone who can help us - Mei Lan."

Lin Xi's eyes locked onto Hei Bai's, a glimmer of hope in their depths. "Let's do it. Let's go to Mei Lan."

Chen Rui's practicality kicked in. "Hold on, we can't just go to Mei Lan's without any money. We need to exchange some crystals for currency first."

Lin Xi rummaged through her pockets, producing two shimmering crystals. "I only have these two left."

Hei Bai added three more to the pile. "I have these, but that's all."

Chen Rui contributed five crystals to the collection. "Alright, let's exchange all ten. It should give us enough to get by for a while."

At the local market, they found a trader willing to exchange the crystals for a decent sum of money. With their newfound wealth, they felt a sense of security and set off towards Mei Lan's house.

As they walked, the streets became increasingly familiar. Lin Xi's guilt still lingered, but with her friends by her side and a plan in motion, she felt a glimmer of hope.

After a few hours of walking, they arrived at Mei Lan's cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, and the sound of soft music wafted through the air.

Mei Lan's voice came from behind the door, "Who is it?"

Lin Xi took a deep breath and replied, "It's me, Lin Xi."

The door swung open, and Mei Lan's eyes widened in surprise. She gazed at Lin Xi, her expression a mix of emotions - shock, joy, sadness, and concern.

"Lin Xi...oh, come in, come in!" Mei Lan's voice trembled as she stepped aside, allowing them to enter.

As they entered the cozy cottage, Mei Lan's eyes never left Lin Xi's face. She looked like she was drinking in the sight of her, trying to process her emotions.

Lin Xi felt a lump form in her throat as she saw the depth of feeling in Mei Lan's eyes. She knew she had caused pain and worry for those who cared about her.

Mei Lan's hands fluttered around Lin Xi's face, as if she wanted to touch her but was hesitant. "I've been searching everywhere for you...I was so worried."

Chen Rui and Hei Bai exchanged a glance, sensing the emotional tension in the room. They hung back, allowing Mei Lan and Lin Xi a moment.

Mei Lan's eyes sparkled with warmth as she ushered them into her cozy cottage. "I'm so glad you're here, Lin Xi. I've thought about you often over the years."

Lin Xi smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in Mei Lan's presence. She had missed her friend dearly, and was grateful to be reunited.

As they sat down, Mei Lan noticed the strain on Lin Xi's face. "What's wrong, dear? You look troubled."