The Northern Quarter 2

Now that I think about it, I never properly explored the Northern residential district as it was officially named but everyone called it just the Northern Quarter.

It was a place filled to the brim with apartments and lodgings, where most workers and the poor lived.

When I was first exploring the city several years ago, it seemed too scary and dangerous to venture there.

My uncle warned me that the plethora of dark alleyways behind the tall apartment buildings are swarming with beggars, criminals, and other questionable beings doing their shady dealings, and I should avoid them at all costs.

But despite the unflattering image the quarter had, I could feel the bustle of life all around me when I entered the quarter.

The streets were filled with people. Hawkers selling their wares, street performers entertaining the crowds with their music and dance, and children running around playing their games. The smell of delicious street food wafted through the air.

The buildings were crammed together, leaning precariously towards one another as if supporting each other in their dilapidated state. The upper floors jutted out over the streets below, casting shadows upon the cobblestones. Laundry lines crisscrossed overhead, laden with clothes and linens of every color.

The apartments themselves were cramped and poorly lit, with small windows looking out onto the streets below. The district residents lived close to one another, often sharing their living spaces with several generations of family members.

I wandered through the quarter for hours, taking in all the sights while looking for a suitable place to live.

I looked through several free apartments. They were small and cramped, with only a few rooms to accommodate entire families. Even though I could rent an apartment meant for a whole family for the price of a single inn room back in the Southern Quarter, it would still cost too much. All I needed was a suitable room, but I couldn't find any.

That is not too surprising since there is very hardly any demand for them. Children usually stay with their parents until they are married, or at least until they start working and want to live on their own. Young single men often stay in shared rooms in one of the many worker's lodgings.

This option is certainly cheap, but it's not something I could accept. I need privacy to practice my magic in peace. Not to mention, not being constantly afraid of being robbed or attacked by drunks is a pleasant bonus.

As I was frustrated by not finding anything after a day of searching, the night began to descend upon the city.

The district took on a different, more eerie feel. The narrow streets became dark and shadowy, with only the dim light of flickering torches guiding the way.

I rushed through the streets with my heart pounding in my chest. The evening here was certainly scary, but I was determined to succeed. I didn't want to return to my uncle's house empty-handed, wasting a whole day for nothing.

I learned from one of the landlords about an old woman named Martha. She is one of the sellers at the local market, and apparently, she knows every gossip in the quarter.

So if anyone knew about a free room, it would be her.

As I entered the market, I was getting stares from several suspicious-looking people standing in a dark alcove. It was quite late for a lone kid to be out.

However, I was in my poor villager's clothes, so everyone thought of me as nobody. I moved quickly while maintaining a low profile, so no one would think twice about me.

'Yeah, that's right, look away; there is nothing to see here' I thought as I carefully and cautiously navigated the market.

Not that I was particularly afraid of random thugs trying to rob me. But I would gather a lot of unwanted attention if their heads suddenly exploded in the middle of the street. Not to mention the chore of cleaning all the blood off my clothes.

'Perhaps I should look for a way to kill without leaving a trace.'

'Wait... Why am I thinking about killing people?' I must be getting tired...

'Focus dammit!' I need to find that woman before it gets too dark to see since I don't have a torch with me.

I got to the center of the small plaza. There were still many stalls open despite the late hour, neatly arranged around an old water fountain.

'I found her!'

The old Martha stood there among the women selling food and other household items.

Luckily, I was given her description, so I didn't have to ask around the market, and I headed straight to her.

"Good evening. Are you Martha?" I asked her, trying to sound polite so that I could make a good first impression.

"Yes, that's me." She replied with a perplexed look on her face.

"What do you need, boy? Did you move here recently? I'm pretty sure I never saw your face before."

"And what are you doing out so late? Did your parents not teach you that it's dangerous for a kid to walk alone in the night around here?"

As soon as she recovered from her initial surprise, she threw me a barrage of questions without giving me time to respond.

It was my turn to be surprised by her outgoing personality. No wonder she knows every gossip here, I thought, but I quickly recovered and told her my request.

"Ehm. I'm Darian. I'm not from here, but I will start an apprenticeship in the city. And I'm looking for a room to rent since my master doesn't have one in her shop. I was told that you know a lot of people around here, so you would know if there is anything."

"Hahaha! You make it sound like I'm some old gossip. But you're right. If you will move here, you should know that we are a tight-knit community and we care for our own."

She thought for a bit and then said, "I quite like you, Darian. You're very polite, not like those scoundrels who run around here all day and do mischief."

"Come back here tomorrow at noon. I will ask around for you."

"Now run along quickly; it's not safe for you to linger here at night!"

"Thank you, Martha; I will keep that in mind."

I ran back to my uncle's house, excited to be closer to my goal. It didn't mean I had a room yet, but it was a start.

The next day, Martha kept her word and introduced me to an old tailor. He was already retired, and after his wife died a few years ago, he lived alone.

It seems he and Martha were old acquaintances since they were quite familiar with each other. He had an empty attic room that he was willing to rent to help him make ends meet.

He was even willing to wait until I started my apprenticeship, under one condition. I had to help with shopping and running errands for him since he had trouble walking. I was fine with that.

Compared to the shabby apartments I saw before, this house was sturdy and well taken care of. The room was clean and fully furnished, which was a nice bonus. I thanked Martha for her help because, without her, I wouldn't be able to get such a nice place at such a low price.

She must have really liked me to arrange this.

***

I smiled as I lay in bed, remembering how I got here. Now that I had successfully finished my first month as an apprentice, I felt more confident that I could make a living in the city.

Despite the numerous challenges, there were also many possibilities before me, and all I needed to do was grab them. Tomorrow I will have my first chance to explore the city since I started working here. I can't wait to see what kind of adventures it will bring.