“So, we’ve signed the contract, you’ve paid the first month of rent, here are your keys.”
Arkay blinked several times as the tall, bald, dragon-like being held out a pair of keys. He gently took the keys, then glanced over to the door.
“Electricity and internet need to be put in your name. We will sort out the water on Wednesday. Aside from that, this is everything. You are free to do as you please, as long as you follow the leasing rules in the contract.”
Arkay blinked again, then smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Anyway, I have got to get going. The shop needs locking up.”
Arkay watched the dragon-like being head down the elevator, then turned his attention back to the keys in his hand. They were rather shiny, probably new, although the ring chain connecting them together wasn’t as shiny. He inspected them in his hand, jingling them around a little, before taking one of the keys and putting it in the keyhole of the door. He turned the key, gently at first, then with a bit more effort, and the door opened up, revealing a small apartment.
Inside was a main room, with several doorways. To Arkay’s right was a small bedroom. To his left, there was a bathroom and a small kitchen. Everything about the apartment was pretty small. But this didn’t really bother Arkay. The important thing was that this place was going to be his new home.
Not just a new home though. There was only one bedroom. This place was Arkay’s home now, and no one else’s. He was finally, after so long, going to live alone, with no room mates or anything.
“Looks nice!” a voice exclaimed behind Arkay, making him jump slightly. The voice belonged to Vikalos, the large Decay Lord who had been checking in on Arkay for a while. “Very small. But also very nice.”
“I like it!” Arkay almost squeaked. He had been nervous all day about signing the contract and getting the keys, but it all turned out fine. The landlord’s nephew had explained everything properly and they’d managed to get the contract signed without any issues. But now that was all sorted, Arkay was now a bit excited. After all, this was going to be his first time properly living alone. His own space. His own home.
“You are going to need a few bits and pieces though. It will be very warm in here.”
“I have two fans already, I’ll probably buy another!” Arkay explained. “I’ve been working it all out in my head. I just hope I have enough space for everything.”
“Have you been packing things up?”
“Yeah, I’ve also thrown away a lot of stuff I don’t need or want. I’m hoping to cut everything down.”
“Good, good. Turns out you didn’t need me at all!” Vikalos beamed. “You sorted it all out no problem.”
“Yeah!” Arkay took a deep breath, some of those nerves had come back a little. “Feels like I need to do a lot though. Electricity tomorrow. Water next week. Need to see what to do with internet connections. And I need to buy a shower curtain.”
Vikalos had a wander around, being careful not to bang his head on the low doorways. “I think you got a good deal. What with rents increasing.”
“It’s got what I need.”
“Yes, it does. Are you excited?”
Arkay nodded. “Really excited.”
“Good. I am very happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
Vikalos made his way back to the door. “I need to head off now, so I will leave you to it. If you need anything, let me know.”
“Will do!” Arkay beamed.
“Have a good evening.”
“Thanks!”
Vikalos headed outside, then disappeared down the stairs. Arkay stood in silence for a bit, then shrugged. “Guess I’d better start moving things then!”