Why had she come here? What could have possibly provoked her to go to this desolate imperfect world? Lana's mind was foggy, her memories unclear, and she couldn't remember anything from the recent past. What she did remember was taking a long journey, miles and miles, to find a better life for herself and her unborn child who would soon be entering the world. Why then had she come here?

Alas, it was too late as she had made her deal with the guards and was now trapped here. How was she trapped here? She honestly could not answer the question, however, she knew that there was no way out unless she were to give them something which would destroy her very being. Now, she wandered around taking in her new surroundings while clutching her belly in an attempt to shield it from whatever may try and harm her greatest treasure.

Lana had wandered here with nothing but a knapsack and thankfully a jacket. Although it was not thick and probably wouldn't be able to compete with the cold which made her shiver, it would be some form of protection. The other things she kept was some food, water, and a photograph of her now dead husband.

He had been such a good man, the sole provider. Although he had hit her occasionally, she did not take it against him because he was a man and sometimes they were prone to violent tempers. Afterward, he would always come back to her apologizing and with some sort of present to show how sorry he was for leaving that bruise across her face which would prevent her from leaving the house for the next two weeks. She loved him dearly and had completely depended upon him for protection.

When she had become pregnant, Jake had been overjoyed. He hadn't hit her since then to show his pride in her that she had done something right and could finally be rewarded. Oh, the first 4 months had been magnificent until Jake had gotten sick with an advanced form of cancer. It hit him fast, shutting down his organs and eventually killing him while he lay in a hospital bed. His medical expenses forced Lana to sell the house and now she was alone. Alone but for the child which kicked in her belly.

Lana had left. She left the wretched town with its bad memories and went out to find solace, a peaceful place to have her child. Why then wouldn't the White City be perfect? As she had come upon the gates, the guards had made a deal with her as they had with all others who lived within and she had gladly taken it, never expecting that she would want to leave so soon after entering. But why did she ever come to this city in the first place? This she did not know. All she could remember was making the deal with the guards and then finding herself here, alone, in the empty streets with nothing but her meager belongings and the hope of a new start.

As she looked around her new settings, a new emotion gripped her: fear. She was afraid for now she had no one, no protection, and she was in a weakened state. How would she make a living? Where could she go? Perhaps she could find someone else, a new husband to make everything better for her. Had those been her initial thoughts upon leaving her old home? Confused and rather dazed she began to walk down the street in search of someone, anyone, who might offer her the chance of getting back onto her feet.

Lana truly had no idea what she had just gotten herself into.

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LiZi wuz hurr. (Don't you just HATE gangster talk?)