A World Between Realms

Unexpected Encounters

As the academy quieted down for the evening, each student retired to their respective rooms for some much-needed rest, preparing for the demanding days ahead. The announcement of the selection trials had stirred a mixture of emotions and thoughts in everyone, compelling them to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in the historical events about to unfold.

Sophie, however, felt a compelling need for solitude. She wandered away from her usual surroundings, seeking the tranquility of the academy gardens. There, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft fragrance of night-blooming flowers, she found a bench and sat down, lost in her thoughts. The garden, under the moon's soft glow, offered her a serene escape where she could gather her thoughts and steady her mind.

Unknown to her, Argus was also in the gardens, utilising the network of secret passages he had discovered over the years. These hidden paths allowed him fast navigation across the academy grounds, a strategic advantage that he often used to think privately or move unnoticed among the students and faculty.

As fate would have it, one of Argus's secret passages led him directly into the garden where Sophie sat lost in contemplation. From his perspective, she appeared almost like a quiet amazonian, deep in thought. Observing her, Argus felt a pang of curiosity about what could draw such solemn reflection from someone usually so spirited. He paused, considering her from a distance, noting the intensity of her focus that rendered her oblivious to his presence. After a moment's hesitation, driven by a blend of intrigue and concern, Argus decided to approach her, his steps soft on the grassy path, wondering what thoughts captivated her so entirely.

Midway through his approach, Argus hesitated, suddenly reminded of their last encounter at the weaponry—an exchange that had been less than amicable. The memory of that tense interaction made him second-guess his decision to disturb her solitude. He paused, standing still on the path, conflicted between his curiosity and the potential to reopen old conflict.

Argus weighed the moment, his gaze lingering on Sophie as she remained unaware of his presence. After a brief internal debate, he took a deep breath, steeling himself against the past discomfort, and continued forward. She seemed so out of character from the fiery competitor he knew her to be.

"Sophie," he called out gently, not wanting to startle her but desiring to break her reverie.

Sophie looked up, surprised to find Argus there, her expression a mix of curiosity and a slight wariness. "Argus," she replied, her tone cautious. "I didn't hear you come up."

Argus approached quietly, a smirk playing on his lips as he acknowledged his own secretive nature without speaking. He stood nearby, observing the serene scene, and simply nodded to himself.

The unexpected meeting under the moonlit sky opened a space for a conversation neither had anticipated but perhaps both needed.

Sophie eyed Argus warily, the silence hanging between them reminiscent of their last tense encounter at the weaponry. She remembered well how he often chose silence over speech when asked a direct question. "This grumpy lord has a habit of not answering when asked," she thought, a mix of frustration and curiosity brewing within her as she recalled his usual reticence. This pattern of behaviour, now evident again in the quiet of the garden.

Sophie shifted slightly on the bench, her curiosity getting the better of her as she faced the quiet figure of Argus. Although she noticed his reluctance to engage in conversation, the silence grew too heavy, and her desire to understand his presence there overcame her initial reticence.

"Seems like you're not much in the mood for talking," she started, her voice tinged with a mix of irony and genuine inquiry. "So, what brings you here? You could go anywhere you like. What's the point in just standing around? You're a bit of a weird grumpy lord, you know, She gave him a small, challenging smile, hoping to coax him into sharing more about his unexpected appearance in her quiet refuge.

Argus looked at Sophie, his eyes reflecting a hint of amusement. He took a few steps closer, choosing his words carefully. "I wander a lot. Sometimes, these legs prefer the quiet paths and the less trodden ways. And tonight, this garden seemed like a good place to think."

Sophie listened, her initial irritation softening into a more reflective mood. Argus's presence no longer seemed just an intrusion but a shared pursuit of solitude and perhaps, an unspoken understanding of the challenges they both faced.

"Fair enough," Sophie conceded, allowing a pause before adding, "And since we're both here for peace, might as well enjoy the quiet together, unless you have more cryptic wanderings to attend to tonight?" Her tone was lighter now, an olive branch extended in the cool night air between them.