Stranger Danger

Emilia puts Bora next to the wall that’s left of her, so she is leaning on it. It was convenient that she was so angular now. “It’s a space pocket. Around 200 years ago, so the year of discovery and bravery. Back then, magic was still very much unknown territory and the nobles monopolising it didn’t help the matter. The magic war broke out and till this day it’s recorded as one of the most brutal wars. It was in that war that the genius Morgan von Pendragon invented magic that could change inner dimensions. Even today, it’s an integrated spelling that needs someone of the highest calibre to perform. History lesson over.” Emilia finished explaining by taking a sip of water the waiter had brought over a few minutes ago. The dots on Bora’s book form grew bigger and the witch decided to interpret this as fascination. “Want to know more, this brain has got a lot of information stored up there.” Emilia knew so much about magical history that she didn’t even know what do with it. “I would like to hear more.” A voice coming from her right says. Emilia flinched and looked up to see the beautiful down-turned dark blue eyes, pale skin with a few freckles spread across their face to a sharp nose with a tiny blood sponge on the tip of it and long wavy brown hair framing it. They wore a dark brown cloak which covered them from foot to shoulders. “Can I help you?” Emilia asked out of politeness, but what she really meant was ‘who are you and why are you talking to me?’ . The stranger looked at the witch and then at the opposite seat. Emilia, following their eye movement, also looked over to find at the very corner a sign that spelt out ‘occupied’. She gasped, and her cheeks felt warmer than before. The witch immediately stood grabbing Bora and her basket to leave, as clearly this seat wasn’t so free, as the witch thought “I apologise, I haven’t seen it. I will leave immediately.” She said, looking for another place to sit in. To her dismay, everything else was also occupied. “You can stay. It’s fine. I have been getting bored here on my own anyway. Of course, only if you don’t mind.” The stranger said, sitting down where the sign was picking it up and putting it on the table. “It’s my fault anyway, I forgot to put this thing on the table.” They explained. Emilia didn’t want to just stand around, and her legs were begging for respite and their food hadn’t arrived yet. She sat back down, putting Bora on the table. “Thank you so much. Hello, I’m Emilia, a witch.” She introduced herself, stretching out her hand to the stranger. “Hello, Emilia, I’m Rosanna. I’m an archer. ” Rosanna took Emilia’s hand and shook it a few times before letting go. “I’m interested in hearing more of what you have to say.” Rosanna said, reminding the witch that they probably saw them talk to Bora or through their eyes alone. Her face heated up again in embarrassment. “Oh I was just… You know talking to myself as us witches tend to do.” Emilia tried to deflect. Rosanna was about to say something when the waitress arrived. “Here are your two fried golden fly wings and two Sunberry juices, enjoy them.” The waitress said with a bright smile, putting down the food, one each for both of them. When the waitress left, Rosanna pushed the food and drink to the witch, but she pushed it right back. “You can have it see it as a thanks for letting us— me stay.” Emilia flunkered the last part but hoped Rosanna wouldn’t think much of it. When Rosanna took a sip of the Sunberry juice, Emilia relaxed a bit more. Bora was still watching them, but to everyone else, she just looked like a book with two purple dots. Emilia apologised to Bora internally.