Chapter V: Companions

All the stalls were still open, so Selene and Argent were still able to find some treats. Selene had not eaten, so she picked a few for herself as well. She bit down on one such item, some kind of fried dough confection called a ‘meat bun’ by the vendor, as she kept pace with Argent. Their smell had reminded her of fried kebabs from back home. The taste was quite different thanks to the fried dough and local spices. She decided it was pretty good all the same, licking her fingers as the juice dribbled down her hand.

The tavern was a fair distance from the port, likely to avoid cruder clientele. Laughter and singing could be clearly heard above the common din of festivities.

Must be packed, she thought.

Upon entering, Selene realized the sounds were centralized in a single corner, around a rather loud and boisterous half-orc monk.

Selene’s eyes widened as she recognized the familiar face. “Hamish?”

Argent followed her line of sight to Hamish as his laughter boomed throughout the establishment. His face unreadable, he simply asked, “You know him?”

“Yeah, he’s on the ship as me.” She then added, slightly flustered as he drained a massive keg of alcohol in one go, “He’s a friend, and he’s...coming with me to Syndramire.”

“Ah, I see,” was all he said, before motioning for her to follow.

They continued in the exact opposite direction of the noise, towards the quietest corner. At the table closest to the corner sat a human woman. She was breathtaking. Vibrant, crimson hair, olive skin, and dark brown eyes, she was like a princess pulled right out of a story book.

The woman’s eyes were transfixed. Focused completely on the people on the other side of the tavern. A plate of food sat in front of her completely untouched. A smile played on her lips as she lightly tapped the table to the beat of the song Hamish’s group were singing. Argent sat down wordlessly beside her, motioning Selene to do the same. She did as told and sat in the chair opposite the woman, who now seemed almost in a trance.

Argent leaned over so his face was next to hers, facing the crowd, “Enjoying the show, Ari?”

Ari jumped, returning to reality. Her expression quickly shifted from surprise to admonishment as she faced the elf beside her, “Argent! You had me worried. Where have you-”

She paused when her eyes met Selene’s. Selene quickly bent forward, letting her hat cover her face. If she was royalty, Selene felt extremely underdressed.

“Who is this?”

“She is the reason I’m late, Ari.” Argent said as he grabbed Selene’s shoulder, “This is Selene, and she’s also going to Syndramire. She will be joining us, and I will be training her.”

Selene’s hat kept her from seeing their faces or reactions, but she looked up when an outstretched hand came into view. She glanced up to see the woman reaching across the table, a shy smile touching her lips, “I am Arifrenya. You can call me Ari. It is good to meet you, Selene.”

Selene blushed, and wordlessly took the proffered hand. She tried to say something polite back, but instead she blurted the last thought she had, “You’re like a princess.”

Ari’s cheeks flushed briefly a crimson comparable to her hair, when Argent responded, “Believe me, she’s not.”

The woman frowned at Argent, who shrugged. “He’s right, I’m not a princess.” She then flicked his nose, “But he’s no prince charming, either.”

Argent’s face crinkled at the touch. Selene giggled. She never expected an elf, let alone Argent, to make a face like that.

Ari glanced to Selene, giving her a knowing grin, then turned toward Argent, “So I hope your cute little distraction didn’t make you forget your little errand?”

“Of course not. We just took the scenic route to learn more about each other.” Argent smiled, laying a small assortment of treats ranging from sweet to savory on the table. Selene followed suit with her own.

Ari grabbed the nearest treat and took a small, polite bite, then said, “I’ve never seen Argent take a scenic route. What happened?”

Selene stammered, “Well...I...uhhh…”

“She took my money when I was haggling with a vendor.” Argent chuckled.

Ari’s eyes widened, “You managed to sneak up on him?” Selene nodded, suddenly embarrassed, “Not bad, what happened next?”

Selene retold the events in full. She gave it some theatrical flair, but avoided embellishment.

As she spoke, Ari was in the process of finding and consuming the sweetest treats Argent brought. Argent ate the savory. Once finished, a brief silence fell as the two continued to eat. Selene, not wanting to be left out, grabbed one as well. The one she grabbed looked like dried meat, but tasted like some kind of fruit salted to bring out the sweetness. It was good, but Selene preferred dried meat.

When Ari finished her last one, some kind of sticky candied fruit, she heaved a satisfied sigh. Then she asked, “So, you really are going to Syndramire as well?”

Selene swallowed before answering, “Yes. I am.”

Ari nodded, “Why? Do you have family there? I hear Malenai are pretty common there.”

Selene bit her lip. “Well…”

Argent swallowed the last bite of his meat bun, some juices rolling down his chin. Ari, with slight disdain, handed him a napkin. He took it and wiped his face as he said, “Best tell her, Selene. Ari’s not one to let things slide.”

“Ummm...well...you see…” Selene mentally grasped at straws, trying to come up with some way out of this conversation.

A familiar voice came from above her head. “Selene?”

Selene looked up, staring into auburn eyes. “Hey, Hamish.”

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Hamish laughed, “Haha! I thought it was you I see over here, my friend. Did not expect to see you here.” He looked round the table, “Not interrupting meal, I hope?”

Selene saw the perfect chance to change subject, so she responded, “No, not at all. In fact, I was just meeting some new friends who’ll be with us on the ship. They’re also going to Syndramire. Why don’t you join us?”

Hamish’s eyes widened, “Oh, may I?” Argent shrugged and Ari gestured to the remaining chair at the table.

Hamish happily obliged, the chair groaning under his weight. He paid it no mind as he declared with a broad smile on his face, “Welcome aboard, my elf friends, I am Brother Hamish.”

Elf friends? Ari isn’t… Selene turned back to her new companions. Sure enough, Arifrenya had pointed ears to match Argent’s. Oh. I guess she is.

“You’re a monk?” Argent asked, incredulously.

“Yes. I come from far west, little island called Adovask.”

Argent’s eyes flashed recognition, “I’ve been there, but I don’t recall seeing any monks like you.”

Hamish laughed loudly, “Yes, I am strange sight, even back home, but I am Brackva. Or...how you say in this language?” He mulled it over, trying to come up with a proper term, finally he gave up, “No matter. I am...protector, I protect innocent where spirit leads me. Like leaf on breeze.”

Argent nodded. Ari was back to watching the crowd across the tavern, who continued their song and dance without Hamish.

Selene, on the other hand, was in awe, “Wow, so you’re like a knight! But without the armor.”

Hamish laughed heartily, “Yes, like knight. But use fists and spirit instead of sword and armor.”

“But don’t monks avoid drinking and other stuff like that?” Ari chirped in, still watching the crowd.

“Oh, yes! Is very simple. As monk cannot get drunk, or...overindulge, as you say. I enjoy drink, good food and company, but always stop before I go too far. But I am big, so ‘too far’ is miles away.” Hamish laughed heartily at his own joke.

No one else seemed to get it, so an awkward silence fell.

“So….what reason are you going to Syndramire, Hamish?” Ari asked.

“Oh. I go to Syndramire because Selene.” Hamish’s grin disappeared as he added, “She is very brave, but Syndramire is cursed. Stories back home say it is evil place, so I go to protect her.”

Argent nodded, “I agree, I hope to prepare her as best I can before we arrive.”

“Speaking of, why do you want to go to Syndramire, Selene?” Ari cut in turning the conversation back to Selene. All eyes returning to her.

Selene bit her lip and twirled her hair with her finger, her tail tapping the floor softly. She sighed, realizing that she had to spill the beans.

She leaned over, reaching for her boot. She drew the knife and placed it gingerly on the table. “I need to find out where this came from.”

Argent grabbed the blade and studied it closely, “A strange blade, I do not know if I’ve ever seen one quite like it. Why do you have it?”

Selene looked away. She refused to talk about that night, preferring a partial truth. “...I found it. In a bad spot.”

“Bad spot?” Hamish asked.

Ari gasped, “Did somebody attack you?”

Selene thought it over, careful with her words. “...Yes, but I’m fine. I got away.”

“So is this revenge?” Argent asked.

“No! Maybe….I don’t know.” Selene sighed, frustrated. “I just need to find out...why…”

Silence fell. Selene stared at her shoes as her tail curled around her feet. She felt ashamed, and frustrated. She struggled to comprehend her own feelings. Shouldn’t she want revenge? Shouldn’t she want the people to hurt like they hurt Arveene? Perhaps, but…

All I know is I have to go. I have to see for myself who these people are. Selene’s hands, balled into fists on her lap, clenched tightly. I need to find out why they killed her, no matter what.

Argent was the first to speak, he placed a hand on Selene’s shoulder. “It’s okay.”

Selene looked up. Argent’s voice was soft, comforting, “You don’t need to explain. Whatever the reason, we’ll help you any way we can.”

Ari immediately jumped in, clearly upset, “I’m sorry if I upset you, Selene. I just can’t help myself sometimes. I’ll help however I can, too. I know a thing or two about magic, maybe I could teach you?”

Before Selene could respond, Hamish jumped in as well, “Friend, do not worry. I help as well. Whatever you need.”

Selene felt a familiar warmth surround her. She smiled, “Yes. Thank you. All of you.”

From there the subject returned to lighter things. The group shared a couple stories as they sat there a moment longer, but it was getting late. Finally, they called it a night, promising to meet tomorrow after a good night’s sleep.

Selene, however, could not sleep. So much had changed. A few days ago she was alone, facing the prospect of exploring Syndramire on her own. Now, she had companions. Her mind replayed the events of the day over in her head, relishing the warmth that filled her chest even now. Finally, she closed her eyes, with one thought on her mind.

She was no longer alone.

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Time flew by once the ship embarked. Each day was spent preparing for Syndramire. Argent taught her combat above and below deck, whenever room was available.

Training was extensive, intensive, and exhaustive.

There were lighter and heavier days dependent on weather and space available, but every day followed a similar regime. First, Argent would demonstrate something for her to practice using any of the weapons in her arsenal. Then she would go about practicing until Argent was satisfied, then there would be a sparring match.

Sparring came in multiple forms. Sometimes they used daggers, other times swords, and still others gave her free reign to use everything at her disposal. Argent reasoned she needed proficiency in all her weapons, but that combat itself would require all she knew.

“Don’t let your guard down, especially when on the offensive.” Argent said for the umpteenth time, tapping her side with his sword sheath as she passed him after a failed charge.

Argent never struck with intent to harm, only teach. He believed failure taught better than bruises. Selene turned round, taking a defensive stance. Her short sword gleamed in the sunlight as she tightened her grip. There was no time for her to waste practicing with sticks. She needed to use all her arsenal as if they were extensions of herself.

“Speed is your strength, Selene, but you will fight enemies faster than you and stronger than you. You need to learn how to fight both with and against your advantages. For now, focus on countering my speed.” Argent lectured, as he often did when she made a mistake.

Selene sighed, but nodded. The failures hurt, but she swallowed her pride. She accepted his offer to train, and she would take everything he gave her.

After practice, she would often spend time freshening up with Ari. Ari quickly realized she was a terrible teacher, incapable of explaining even the most basic form of magic.

The only explanation she could ever give was, “I guess I’m a...savant, let’s say. I picked all this magic up naturally over time.”

This did not mean Ari had given up on teaching, only that she asked for more time to prepare. In the meanwhile, they often spent time before supper relaxing off to the side, people watching. Selene came to learn this was Ari’s favorite pastime. Selene would try to add commentary or make up conversations people were having as they watched, usually eliciting a fit of giggles from Ari.

After people watching, Hamish tried to teach her some techniques as well. Selene’s excitement quickly faded when he clarified they would not be combat techniques. “Techniques for body and mind. Keep both sharp and clear.”

These sessions involved stances and movements Hamish said helped balance the body’s humors. These stances often involved things like palms pressed together, while standing on one leg. Then keep your weight centered over your stomach as you slowly lift your leg behind you and lean forward. Thanks to her tail and natural balance, Selene did not find these particularly hard. She often felt refreshed afterwards, relaxing tired bones before a meal.

Nights were spent together as a group, eating and drinking. Generally little of consequence was shared. They took this time to relax, to learn what the others liked and disliked. This journey would likely be long, and group cohesion was necessary to survival. Selene cherished everything she learned from these interactions.

She learned that Argent wrote poetry, simple pieces depicting moments in life. He was reluctant to share them, but after mild prodding they got to hear a few. They were bad, but quite sincere. Ari suppressed several giggles hearing some, remembering what it referenced. Ari and Argent had apparently spent a good part of their lives together, far longer than Selene had even been alive. Both seemed to enjoy her stories, though Argent had the bad habit of correcting what he called historical inaccuracies.

Hamish also started sharing stories, though his were often short and ended comically. His stories were always sure to get peels of laughter all around, even from Argent.

After supper and evening chats, Ari and Selene often left the others alone and went off to clean up before bed. Not much could be done on the ship, so Ari often just left it at hair maintenance. The two chatted all the while. Selene noticed that during these times, Ari seemed a little more forthright about things, especially when it came to Argent.

“He tries to act serious all the time, Selene, but don’t let that facade fool you,” She said one night as she combed out Selene’s hair, “He’s brave, kind, and he cares a lot about making sure you’re happy, even if it’s only little things...especially the little things.”

Selene was not born yesterday. While she had never fallen in love, she knew enough stories to know that Ari was nursing something similar.

In the times when Argent was not the subject of conversation, Ari would often take opportunities for silly antics. Nothing major, but enough that they were usually giggling by the end.

These nights shared reminded Selene of days better spent with friends and family. They warmed her soul as the air grew cold.

As fall fell to winter, and Syndramire awaits.