New York City was busy. Much busier than it was upstate, which was where Sleipnir had been before someone told him "Go to the city. There's lots of people there." And he was looking for people, or one or two people in particular, so he ventured to the city.
As he ducked into the nearest door to get out of the crowded street, he wondered if maybe he'd gotten in over his head. There might be too many people here. He stuffed a hand into his pocket and pulled out a few crumpled bills. It was enough to get him a drink now, something to eat later, but he'd need to find work soon.
He ordered a tea at the counter, smoothed out the bills as best his could while he waited. He glanced around at the few tables - there was an open table near a window, and an open seat with a young woman. She looked nice enough, he decided, and when he got his cup, he walked over and stood across from her.
"Hi," he said, smiling wide. "Can I sit here? Are you waiting for someone?"