A sight for sore eyes (Agathon)

[Gia]

Winter 75, 512 Gia pulled her cloak about her more closely, trying to ward off the chill evening air. The sun was almost completely set, the sky above her dark indigo and only one thin pale streak of yellowish white marking the last attempt of Syna to rule the sky. But her lover and partner Leth was already visible, a milky globe a few degrees up above the southern horizon. A few stars twinkled to keep him company, but Gia was not interested in standing about and gazing up at the celestial bodies. She had an appointment to keep and she was cold and it would be in a warm place so she hurried along. Despite the cold, the streets were still quite full and people scurried and scuttled in every direction. She stepped to avoid a carter and his mule, then had to leap back to get out of the way of a group of men, already tipsy and singing loudly the lewd ballad of the Maiden and the Bear. Thinking to avoid the main street, and thus lessen her travel time, Gia ducked into an alley. She hustled along, knowing narrow, dark places weren’t really the best place to be at night, in a town like this one. But she had lived here all her life and she was perhaps more reckless for it. Almost to the end of the alley, seeing the rectangle of lighter dim that heralded the other street she need to get to, she also saw silhouetted against that light a figure, in a cloak, and hood. The person was leaning against the wall, and she would have to pass right in front of them in order to gain the street. She hesitated but she didn’t want to retrace her steps, and thus be late for her meeting. And there wasn’t any particular reason to think whoever it was lurking at the end of the alley meant her any harm – there could be any number of reasons why he or she was loitering there. Right? Swallowing back any nervousness, she moved on and once she reached the hooded figure, she murmured, “Excuse me, please,” in hopes that they would just step out of her way and let her pass.

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon had been out for the whole day and he was getting exhausted. It was one of those loathsome days when he just couldn't find a proper target. Not only that, but while trying to follow a man whose pockets seemed pretty heavy, he had accidentally stumbled on an apple seller's cart and fallen down along with it. Scrapping his left knee and elbow weren't enough though, he had to get up and run as fast as he could, since all the apples disappeared in seconds after they touched the ground and the apple seller would definitely not be happy about it. Ah, Sunberth. And now, tired, hurt and angry, Agathon was walking around in Sunberth's darkest alleys, waiting for something interesting to happen. Walking around as silently as his condition allowed him to, he tried to avoid people's eyes like always. That was the life of a small thief in Sunberth. Agathon was merely a shadow. He had no friends and no family anymore. He was all alone and he didn't care...Or at least he tried not to care. He had been like that for many years and put up with it, he could do it for some more...Until he was able to leave the city. His head started hurting out of sudden. It just wasn't his day. A cold or the flu maybe? That would keep him out of the streets for a few days. The blood has stopped running down his knee, but it would still hurt every time he took a step. He laid back against the nearest wall to catch a breath. He was just about to start walking again, when he heard someone's steps. He quickly looked left, only to see a woman walking his way. Her face reminded him of something. Her long straight blonde hair, her hazel-green eyes. They all looked familiar. Where had he seen this person before? His question was answered in no time, as soon the woman said ''Excuse me, please.'' everything came back to him. Memories of a girl who could always cheer him up, no matter what with her many talents. ''Gia..Is that you?'' he said as he turned around and looked at the woman who had just passed him. She stopped surprised by the fact that the stranger knew who she was. ''Gia!'' he said again more enthusiastically than before, since the woman stopped. ''Do you remember me?'' He stood up straight and took his hood off, letting the moonlight highlight the characteristics of his visage.

[Gia]

Being allowed to pass without any fuss was apparently not going to happen, Gia thought unhappily, as the person with the hooded cloak shifted and began to speak. But the very last thing she expected to hear coming from the unknown idler’s mouth was her own name! She stopped dead in her tracks and swirled about to look at the one who had spoken to her. Once again her name fell from his lips, and she strained eyes and ears and memory to both see the features under the hood and to place that voice. But nothing came immediately, until the slouching form straightened up and tossed the hood back. Gia stared for no more than two seconds before she exclaimed in surprise. “Cotton Top! Is that you?!” Her hand came up to her mouth in her habitual gesture of joyful amazement, and she smiled broadly. Then, without waiting for confirmation, she threw her arms about the boy’s neck and gave him a huge hug. “Agathon!” she said, hugging him tight. “I haven’t seen you in ages! How are you? Where on earth have you been hiding?!” OOCHope you don't mind the nick name Feel free to make one up for Gia!

[Agathon Minorium]

Now he was sure that it was Gia. The girl that he used to play with when he was twelve years old or so. He thought she had left the city years ago, but there she was, giving him a huge hug. He couldn't believe it. ''Cinnamon!'' he said as he hugged her back tightly. ''I thought you had left the city!''. Yes, most of his friends had disappeared before he decided that he wouldn't go out with other children anymore. But now his childhood friend was there and he wanted to find out all about how her life was.

But then again he was ashamed about his own. About the fact that he had to steal from other people and barely make enough to survive. But that was how it was and he wasn't planning to lie to her if she asked. ''Tell me cinnamon..How's your life?..Where do you work? How have you been doing?'' he let her go and looked at her in the eyes. She had turned into a very beautiful woman, she wasn't the kid that he used to know. He had so much to ask he didn't know where to start from! '' How about i...buy you something to eat. Maybe at the pig's foot tavern? We could talk there.'' He smiled at her. His heart was beating fast. He couldn't believe that this was reality, in his mind he thought that he would wake up any second now. The gods had finally blessed this boy's life with some sunshine after many years.

[Gia]

Cinnamon! She hadn’t heard that name in years! To hear it now brought a huge grin to her face and merited another hug for Cotton. His question though, brought the corners of her mouth down a slight bit. Oh how they used to plot and scheme and dream about that – leaving this ugly, heartless city! When Gia had first met Xadel, his tales of the other places he had seen set her mind racing even more – yet here she still was – stuck in this cesspool. The armpit of humanity, or so it seemed to her. But she smiled nonetheless, despite her chagrin over never having made it out. “No – I never did. And I see you are still here as well.” She had looped her arm through his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “But maybe someday – right?” she suggested, hope still in her voice, and her heart. In answer to his barrage of questions she laughed. “Oh I became queen, don’t you know?” Gia pulled her face into a long, haughty expression, and she threw her hand down as if he might bow and kiss her knuckles. “It’s boring but it pays well.” She erupted into a fit of giggles and then smirked. “And if you don’t believe that, well – it’s the same old, same old, really. Still dancing for my supper. And singing, juggling – no more lute playing though.” Her face fell into real lines of dismay. “My lute got smashed to pieces, and I haven’t enough money to buy another – not yet, anyway.” Gia, though, was possessed of one of those mercurial personalities that could never be settled in one mood for long, especially not a negative one. “Other than that,” she said, with another grin, “I’ve been fine. Still running around with the same crowd, basically.” She punched him very, very lightly on the chest. “What about you? How come we never see you around anywhere, Cotton? Have you gone to ground with some rich, old woman for a wife?” Gia’s eyes glinted as she teased her old friend, recalling how he had often said that he would marry a rich old woman one day – with one foot in the grave and the other on a patch of oil. She had always laughed at that one. Agathon was next suggesting they go to the Pig’s Foot and have something to eat – on him – and Gia let out a, “Oho!” She waggled a playful finger in his face. “So you do have a rich girlfriend – I knew it!” She laughed, and then shook her head. “I can’t go right now – I’m just on my way to an appointment. But – why don’t you come with me? It won’t take long, I promise! And then you can have me for the rest of the night!” She beamed at him, knowing he wouldn’t take that the wrong way. Or at least, she hadn’t meant anything, other than they could keep each other company. But in point of fact, it had been so many years since they were kids together, and now they were both adults. So…one never knew what path life would set one’s feet on, did they…?

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon blushed after Gia gave him a second hug. He wasn't used to being touched by other people, especially by beautiful girls. But even though he was blushing, he couldn't quite understand the reason why, or get akward in any way. He looked at her in the eyes and smiled. ''One day i'm gonna leave this place..For sure. If you haven't left by then...I'll take you with me! It's a promise! ''You became a queen you say? Why are you laughing? A girl like deserves nothing less than a palace!'' Gia was like an angel compared to most of the people in Sunberth. She could always cheer him up no matter what and she would always help him when he was in trouble. Apart from that she wasn't lacking at physical appearance at all. He truly believed every single word that he spoke. ''I see. Well, you're pretty good at it! I remember i always use to enjoy the shows you put up for me. As for me? Well...You know.. I'm still helping people lose weight by making their pockets lighter! There's not much of a choice in Sunberth...'' he frowned a bit. He truly hated his job as much as this city. He just wished he was everywhere else but here... But it wasn't the time to whine about his fate and he had big plans for the future that would change everything. He quickly looked down to the ground, took a big breath of Sunberth's filthy air, looked back at Gia and smiled at her. ''A rich girlfriend? Where will...a punk like me find a Girlfriend...and especially a rich one! I haven't had many friends lately, you know...'' he barely managed not to break his smile. He really didn't want to ruin the mood so he didn't say more about that. He was very happy to see her after that many years, he didn't want to throw it away. ''An appointment? Okay, sounds great! After you.''another big smile shaped on his face as his waited for Gia to lead the way.

[Gia]

Gia had smiled and laughed at Agathon’s responses. He had always been such a sweet boy – quiet and somewhat a loner, but always thoughtful and kind – at least towards her. It made her sad now to think they had lost contact with one another for all these years, and she resolved that wouldn’t happen again. To that end, she hugged his arm all the more tightly as she replied, “Oh, well I will hold you to that promise, good Sir Cotton. You must sweep me away to my magical realm where only happiness is allowed, and I shall be queen and you shall be my prince escort.” She giggled in such a silly way, dropping back into those fanciful dreams of childhood. “And I will make a royal decree that you may pick all the pockets in the kingdom and no-one will be allowed to raise a word in protest! And I shall perform for you every night, until I grow old and fat from eating all the sweets in the kitchens.” Gia grinned widely – she had always had a sweet tooth but alas never enough money to indulge it very often. She knew she was being very foolish, with her childish imagery, and she did hear, and know, the real, true desperation behind Agathon’s words – for she had lived it herself, that same life of having no real options, and being stuck in poverty. But, like her friend, she wanted to make light of it and not dwell on what, really, could not be changed. To his last answer, Gia gave him yet another hug, and said in a lower, more serious but very warm voice, close to his ear, “Well, we have found one another, so – you have me again. I’m sorry I let you wander out of my life, Cotton. You were always such a good friend to me.’ She then pulled back and took his hand and smiled brightly. “Well, come on then. This way!” She tugged enthusiastically at his hand and led him along, chattering at him while they walked quickly through the cold streets, barely letting him get a word in edgewise as she talked a dime to a dozen. It didn’t take more then a few minutes to reach their destination – a tiny shop with a faded door and grimy windows, such that one would hardly know what it was selling. She opened the door and a bell hung above it tinkled as she stepped inside, dragging Agathon in with her. In response to the bell, a slatternly looking middle-aged lady came out form a back room. At her breast was a nursing babe and at her skirts another wide-eyed child of perhaps two. Her face brightened at the sight of Gia and she said in a raspy voice, “You’re right on time, dearie. Just got them finished too, I did. Here let me show you.” All the while, the woman had been coming towards them. She stopped at a table littered with sewing paraphenalia, and lifted up some frilly cloth, bringing whatever it was along with her, expertly using just the one hand while the other arm cradled the child at her breast. With a deft flip, she laid the cloth out on the counter where they stood, disclosing their identity. Two small slips of silky cloth, edged in lace, a camisole top and underpants – a very posh set of undergarments indeed! "There now, whatcha' think?" she croaked, obviously quite proud of her handiwork.

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon hugged Gia back as he replied in the same serious but gentle voice as Gia had talked to him a few seconds ago. ''It's not your fault..But..You're right...Now that we found each other we should keep in touch.''he looked at her and smiled.''I don't want to miss all the privileges that I'll have after...you become a queen! '' He nodded and followed Gia, who actually seemed quite energetic for such a cold night in Sunberth. She kept monopolizing the conversation but Agathon did not mind. After all, he would rather listen to someone than speak himself. In fact, he was a great listener. Sometimes he would be so interested to what other people had to say that he wouldn't even speak before he was asked to. And so the five minute walk that they had before they reached a tiny, half wrecked and totally suspicious looking little shop seemed like it was only a few seconds. When he realized that they would walk in that shop he actually got kind of worried. For what reason would Gia go in a place like that?.. He decided to follow her, nevertheless, as he tightened his hand around hers. As they went in the door collided with a bell that hung from the ceiling, whose metal sound called out a middle aged lady and her two children, a baby and a little boy. Agathon remained silent, as the woman ( who seemed particularly happy when she saw them) started speaking to Gia. He completely ignored the woman's words as he looked at the little boy who following her quickly and without making a sound. The child looked thin and dirty, like most of the other little kids in Sunberth. It reminded him of himself when he was younger. He left Gia's hand, kneeled down and smiled at the little kid, as his mother went to the counter and laid a cloth in front of Gia. ''What's your name little guy?'' he asked gently. ''Calvin.'' answered the boy hastily as he moved towards Agathon. ''What's yours?'' ''Agathon!'' he said as he gave the boy a smile even bigger than before. He did not expect the little boy to be to lively. He looked at the boy's mother. She was still talking with Gia. He put his hand in his pocket and took out 5 silver mizas. ''This is for you and your mother. Go surprise her later on.'' he put the money the boy's right hand and quickly stood up as the boy thanked him. Gia and the woman had finished talking but Agathon wasn't quite sure what it was about. It appeared as if the woman was a tailor from who Gia had ordered clothes. ''Are you ready to go?'' he asked as he moved towards her. ''I'm starving!'' He couldn't wait to go to the tavern, not only for the food but also to get a chance to sit and talk with Gia. Who knew how things would go.

[Gia]

Gia gasped with delighted satisfaction as the garments were displayed, her hand – freed from Agathon’s when he went to speak with the child – reaching out in pure joy to run lightly over the silky fabric. “Oh – oh, Matilde! They are just…gorgeous!” she sighed, rapturously, her eyes going to the woman, then to the undergarments, then back to the woman. “May I…?” she breathed an unfinished question and Matilde nodded gleefully. “Course you can, m’dear. Go right ahead.” She nodded and grinned, her smile a bit gappy with the teeth she was missing. But she oozed an air of generous good will towards the girl. The smile that graced Gia’s face might have lit up the whole town, and she took up the camisole, holding it up to her chest, smoothing it with her hand over her curves and planes. Holding it in place with one hand, she brought the short bloomers up to let them hang from waist level, and she turned this way and that, admiring the way the material shimmered slightly in the light of the store’s lamps. Turning about, she was slightly surprised to see Agathon crouched down before the little toddler. She had lost track of him in the minute she had been engrossed in examining the clothing. Apparently he must have thought she was done for he asked about eating again. Gia smiled at him, still holding the clothing up to her thin frame. “Not until you tell me how beautiful I am, with these gorgeous underpants, Cotton!” she teased, with a self mocking tone. But she did step closer to him and added, “Just touch them, Cotton! It’s real silk! And lace! Feel them, go on!” She was insistent and sincere in her instruction, but then her voice took on a dreamy quality, as she mused, “Just imagine what I would look like, wearing these. I would be just like a queen.”

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon blushed and quickly looked away as Gia came closer to him with her new undergarments. He wasn't used to such things and it was a bit too sudden for him. He quickly turned around as she asked him to touch them. He gulped as his hand slowly moved towards her underwear. ''Hey...You're right! They're so soft! Lady, you have one pair of amazing hands!'' he said to the tailor who responded with a big smile.

And then for one second he did what Gia had told him to. He imagined her wearing the underwear and immidiatly blushed again, as he looked towards the ground and threw the idea out of his head.

''Well, i can't really see you with these when i imagine you as a queen, your beautiful dress is in the way...And i'm not sure whether that's good or bad..''
He tilted his head a bit as he smiled to her gently. ''Either way, you're a positive adversisment for what you're wearing and not the other way around!''

''So, how much do you have to pay for this beautiful set of undergarments?'' he said as he put his hand into his pocket. He might was a thief, but he was also a very generous friend.