Amthea had just spent seven hours in a cramped bus, with no food or water, trying not to pass out from the smell of the passenger next to her, but she had never been more excited in her life. She had always wanted to move to New York, and her overprotective father FINALLY let her leave. He never let her do anything! Growing up she was home-schooled and almost completely shut off from society. That was why she was so relieved to get to escape and be independent for once in her life. Whatever sacrifices she had to make, including sitting next to that horrible smelly man, she was willing to make without a second thought.

Now she stood outside the station, holding her bags. She knew she should move, she had to get to her apartment and settle in, but she was too busy staring in awe at all the tall buildings and bustling streets. She was so busy staring, in fact, that she didn't notice the figure walking towards her until they collided.

Keats, lost in thought, bumped into the woman so hard that his hat fell off. She'd dropped a couple of her bags as well, which he quickly gathered and returned to her possession. 

"My profound apologies, Miss. My head was in the clouds. I suppose, based on the way you were admiring the architecture, that you're new to the city? Seemed like you were admiring the clouds as well, or at least the buildings around them."

Keats pressed down his suit, removing any wrinkles that would have formed from the collision, as well as surreptitiously checking to make sure he still carried his more expensive and important merchandise. Finally retrieving his hat, he held it over his heart and bowed slightly.

"But where are my manners? My name is John. A pleasure to meet you."

Zo noticed a young girl fall to the ground. She didn't want to be presumptuous, but she still walked a little closer to make sure. Catching a glimpse of the girl on the ground she realized it was Amthea! And Keats?! What was the chances of them meeting?

She walks up to the duo smiling

Looks like you really swept this girl off of her feet Keats. How is NY taking to you Amthea?

Amthea was surprised at his politeness but greeted him happily. 

"Hello! I'm Amthea, it is nice to meet you John! I just got off the bus from Virginia so I'm still adjusting to the wonders of the city!" She smiled. "So, what are you doing outside the station? Is it a welcome ritual for a gentleman to crash into a lady?" 

Amthea turned around, suddenly noticing the newcomer.

"Zo!" She threw her arms around the woman. "It's nice to see a familiar face! New York is going great so far, I'm so amazed at how many people can be in one place! I'm not so used to how loud it is, I can hardly hear anything!" 

Keats tips his hat toward Zo. 

A nice coincidence meeting you here, Zo. Is this a friend of yours?

Zo grinned and hugged Amthea back tightly

I know right! I swear I have gone deaf from living in this city. Gosh, I haven't seen you since I lived in DC! What was it.... 3 years ago? You really have grown up! How did you persuade your father to let you go here?

"It has been a long time! I'm still unsure how I was allowed to leave, but I guess my dad got tired of me nagging him! I'm getting a little nervous though, I'm really not used to being away from plantation..." She looked around the busy street and tried to push down her anxiety. "I'm glad that you are here."

Me too, and to imagine you bumped into Keats! Did you find a place to stay yet?

I have! It's a really small apartment, just something to stay in while I find a better home.

"Sure!" She turns to Keats. "Do you want to join us? It's alright if he joins us, right?" 

Keats smiles at amthea and Zo. 

"The offer is certainly tempting, but unfortunately I have some other business to attend to. Also, it sounds like you have a lot of catching up to do. Perhaps I'll see you out and about. I look forward to our paths crossing again."

Bowing his head respectfully, Keats checks his pocket and continues down the street. Turning around and walking backwards with his arms out, he calls back.

"It was nice meeting you, amthea. And it's always a pleasure, Zo. Next drink is on me... though maybe no barfight this time?"

Winking, he vanishes into the crowd. 

Zo looked at the place where Keats had disappeared before turning back to Amthea.

Guess that's that then! Come on, I have a really cool place to show you. 

She grabs Amthea's hand and starts walking with her to The Caged Bird. Greeting the guy as she walks in, she slips under the bar before turning back to Amthea. 

Look! I run my own bar! So what do you want?

Amthea looked around excitedly.

This is so cool! I'm not sure what to get, do you recommend anything? 

Everyone always recommends The Owl

She starts mixing the drink before setting it in front of Amthea, adding a mini umbrella as an afterthought

Enjoy!

This looks so pretty, thank you!
 

She tentatively took a sip and her face lit up.

This is delicious! What's in it? 

London dry gin, apple brandy, grenadine, and lime juice.

She says, pointing out each of the bottles as she goes.

I invented it myself so thank you

Zo leaves the actual bartender to it and walks back around to the where Amthea is sitting. She then gets the attention of the bartender

I'll have The Owl too please if you don't mind bartender

She grins, watching how the bartender (with some eyerolling) mixes her drink for her. After the drink gets placed down on the bar she turns back to Amthea.

So what is your plan for the city Amthea? Are you going to join the dark side?

The dark side?

Amthea looked around and leaned in closer

Are you talking about crime? She whispered