Argis

Argis looked up to see Ashiel standing next to their table. Both she and Sabine were startled; they hadn’t noticed his approach.

“Ashiel! We certainly weren’t expecting to see you again so soon,” Argis exclaimed. “But I certainly don't mind.” She leaned out of her chair to peer at the people gathering behind him. “You brought friends, too? How nice! Who may they be?"

Ashiel turned around to see a man and a woman now standing behind him. His eyebrows raised for a moment, but his surprise was quickly hidden.

“Oh. These are some of my friends. I suppose you wouldn’t mind if they were here?”

Both Argis and Sabine shook their heads. They didn't want him to leave.

“I'm Argis, and this is my friend Sabine. Pleasure to meet the two of you,” Argis said.

“Argis?” asked the man standing behind Ashiel. He seemed to think about something for a moment, but said nothing else.

The girls slid their chairs closer to one another so Ashiel’s friends could join them at their table. They were a bit crowded now, but Argis didn't mind. After all, the people sitting with them looked foreign, piquing her curiosity.

The woman had long, red hair that was tied back with a leather band. Her eyes were green, but not nearly as intensely colored as Ashiel's. She carried herself in a dignified manner, which Argis respected, but seemed rather shy. She avoided direct eye contact with both Sabine and Argis, preferring instead to trace the intricate patterns of the wood on the table.

Although the woman held a certain beauty, Argis particularly admired the looks of the man. She liked how dark freckles scattered his cheeks - they were even darker than his skin, and provided a pleasing contrast. He glanced her way, and Argis gave him a flirtatious smile before returning her attention to Ashiel.

“I apologize for listening to your conversation,” Ashiel began. “But I came back here to speak with you two. Sabine informed me that you would be spending the lunch hour with the cuisine here.”

He paused to look around the sitting room, finding it very crowded. Then, he turned back to the girls and finished his thought.

“As I was approaching, I heard that you, Argis, were interested in leaving the city?”

Argis hadn’t processed a word that he said. Her head had started to ache, so she was downing a glass of water in an attempt to relieve herself of the pain when he was speaking. However, a sharp kick from Sabine made Argis realize she had missed something. After apologizing profusely for her lack of attention, Ashiel graciously repeated his question.

“Oh?” Arigs said, making sure to concentrate through the pain this time. “I am indeed interested. I haven’t been out of Ather since I was five years old!”

Ashiel smiled at her and motioned to the man across the table. “Sabine and Argis, I would like to introduce you to my friend Kadir. He will be travelling around the country on work, so will be leaving Ather within the next week.”

Kadir nodded and looked at Argis with sapphire eyes. His eyes are beautiful, she thought. So intense. Another wave of pain caused Argis to grimace and excuse herself from the table. “I’m going to the washroom,” she explained. But when she stood from her chair, she bumped the table with her hip, spilling the salt and pepper shakers. She apologized again, and Sabine quickly cleaned up the mess with her magic.

"Argis, do you want me to accompany you?" her friend inquired. A shake of the head was enough to answer, as Sabine really didn't want to leave the table. Argis turned to leave, but suddenly remembered that Ashiel had reason to come visit them. She turned back toward the table to ask about it.

"Ashiel? Was there something you needed to speak to us about?" Argis inquired.

"Oh, it wasn't that important. I'm sorry to hold you up - are you feeling alright?"

Argis nodded and went to the washroom. Once inside, she pulled a hex from her cloak. According to Ethel, she had been prone to migraines since childhood. Her guardian had spent many years ensuring that Argis always had a treatment for them on her person, and now, Argis silently thanked her.

Argis returned to the table after she was sure her hex had worked. She felt much better, and was able to focus on the conversation. Although she had just met Kadir, the man she had been admiring, she determined that he was very kind and gentlemanly - much like Ashiel. She and Sabine had great fun getting to know the two, but Argis was disappointed that they were not introduced to the men’s female companion. The woman didn’t talk to anyone, so they didn’t talk to her. However, her eyes bounced back and forth between the conversation. She’s definitely listening, Argis decided.

The group had spent several hours in the cafe before they decided to leave, realizing the staff did not appreciate them taking up so many seats. They parted with many laughs and promises to meet up again.

"You'll come with Kadir around the country, of course?" Ashiel asked teasingly.

"Oh Kadir, you had better prepare to take a companion!" replied Argis. "I will quite enjoy seeing the sights of the world with you!"

The group laughed again, then parted ways.

“Oh Argis, they’re so nice!” Sabine squealed once they were out of hearing distance. “Ashiel was so thoughtful, introducing us to his friends!”

Argis replied, “Yes, indeed. But I only wonder who their mysterious companion is. She didn’t talk much.”

“Are you jealous?” Sabine asked.

“Sabine Rowen Chante!” Argis exclaimed, using her friend's full name. “You're accusing me of being jealous? You should see yourself speak!”

Sabine's eyes widened in mock offense as she turned down the street that led to her house.

"Goodbye, Argis," she said haughtily as she walked away.

Argis stood in the middle of the street as people passed around them.

"Sabine!" she called out. Her friend could not hear her, so Argis broke into a run. She dodged the passerby as she turned the same corner Sabine had. When she caught up, they were on a much quieter street. The houses were grander, the yards were larger, and the people were fewer.

"Sabine," Argis said again. Sabine heard this time, and turned around to face Argis.

"Sabine, what would you think if I really did want to leave Ather? If I wanted to travel with Kadir?"

Sabine almost laughed - what a ridiculous notion! Argis wanted to leave the city she had spent her whole life in to travel with some man she had just met? Surely, she jested. But Sabine refrained from laughing when she realized that Argis was serious. Argis was almost never serious.

"Argis, surely you aren't actually considering this? You met Kadir just today!"

"But Sabine," Arigs said quietly. "This might be my only chance to ever go. You know how Ethel is. If I don't leave now, I might not ever."

Argis watched her friend's face as a mix of emotions and thoughts raced across it. Usually, Argis could tell what she was thinking; Sabine had never been able to hide her thoughts well. But now, Argis couldn't read her face.

Argis remained silent as Sabine began to speak. "Just, please, don't do anything rash. We'll see them again tomorrow. We can discuss this further afterward."

And then, Sabine turned and left Argis in the street.