The Magician

Chapter II

A familiar, smoky scent wafted by, and I knew Asra had just walked past my bedroom. I popped my head around the door and watched him disappear into his own room, a trail of steam behind him from his freshly brewed tea. Slightly disappointed at his quiet behaviour, I flopped back onto the bed. I was still curious about Julian's mention of the shop, and how he seemed to know Asra. Perhaps that would be a question for another time. Sighing softly, I curled into the feather-filled pillows and quilts, and settled down to rest.

I awoke halfway sometime during the night, sensing a presence nearby. In the dark, and through my squinted, sleepy eyes, I could only make out a cloud of fluffy white hair, but that was all I needed.

"Asra?" I murmured.

There was a short intake of breath, and all of a sudden, a soft, cool hand brushed a stray lock of hair from my face. The same smoky tea scent drifted through the room, and Asra was gone again.

The next time I woke up, the early morning sun streamed through the window, already warm. I dressed, and made my way downstairs, to what appeared to be an empty shop. For a few moments, I allowed myself to enjoy the peace, rearranging vials, crystals and bundles of herbs on small shelves around the shop, before properly opening. Knowing we were unlikely to receive any customers for a while yet, I held aside one of the jewel-toned drapes to peer into the back room. Asra sat in the dim haze, incense burning and teacup steaming. He appeared deep in thought, consulting his tarot cards in silence.

"Master. Good morning!" I called softly.

He looked up, startled for a moment, then tutted, realising it was me.

"You're still calling me that. There's really no need."

He smiled and beckoned for me to join him, arranging a second cup and filling it with tea. After all this time, I still wasn't sure if I liked the rich, amber-coloured drink - Lapsang souchong, it was called - but Asra brewed it religiously whenever he was around at home. It's scent was warm and comforting, and was what I automatically associated with him. I felt awkward, sitting at his low table. It was quite rare that I was ever in this room, only ever for practicing reading the cards with Asra. He, on the other hand, lolled easily across the cushions strewn over the floor surrounding the round table, his white shirt agape to reveal his bare, tanned chest.

"What's on your mind?" He asked, propping himself up on one elbow.

I could ask him the same thing. The way he'd been before, brow furrowed, staring into the cards, made me think he was worried over something. Instead, I opted for honesty and a shy smile.

"I've actually, um, been seeing someone...recently...a few times"

He looked like he expected me to say this. Not an ounce of surprise crossed his face. A soft flush coloured the apples of his cheeks, and, after a moments pause, smiled a bright, dimpled beam.

"Well that's just wonderful!!" He exclaimed. "Is he perfect? You deserve perfect."

"Given that it's only been a few weeks, I can't really say. But he seems to think the world of me."

Asra smiled again, and hastily gathered his cards back into two neat stacks, and stood. Offering his hand to help me up, he looked through the swathes of fabric to see outside.

"We should make sure we're ready for any customers." He said, suddenly all business.

And just like that, the strange, personal moment was gone and things were back to normal.