Argus sat the bowl of fruit on the well worn and simple table in what was his kitchen. Arranna sat opposite him waiting expectantly for him to join her.
"What troubles you father?" Sonya asked quietly. Her eyes, wide in innocence, dug into his soul. He knew that what he was to tell her would not be easy.
Ass he sat down and poured her a glass of wine, he sighed as he looked into his glass. "I must go to the temple in Firishon. The Shendar Corven there has passed and I have been selected to replace him." He paused and looked up into her eyes. Instead of the pain and accusation he expected, he saw only expectation and joy and a gentle smile on her lips. "Does it please you that I leave you, daughter? Does it not sadden you that it will not be until you complete your training that I see you again? I tell you news that saddens me deeply and you smile. Am I that harsh?"
Sonya's face registered confusion and hurt, "No father, I am glad for you. I will surely miss you and it does pain me, but I am more glad for you than for the pain I feel for myself. You are most deserving of this and I no longer require your care," reaching across the table, she placed a hand on his arm, "though I do enjoy it, and you have become a much better cook, you have made me quite able to care for myself."
"I am sorry, daughter," he spoke softly, "I am torn. I wish so much to be with you and watch over you, but I must also do my duty."
"You have, father, you have. Though you are not my birth father, I could wish for no better father than you. My only concern with this is who will keep you from trouble and do your laundry if I am not there?" she finished with a giggle.
"I was doing my own laundry long before you were able to dress yourself, thank you," he replied with a laugh.
"When do you leave? I must make sure you receive a proper send off."
"I leave in two hours, I can wait no longer than that if I am to reach Nargina before nightfall. I will miss you daughter."
"Two hours! How can I prepare you for your journey in such short a time?," Sonya took a look around the room and saw his pack against the wall for the first time, "I see you are prepared already. You already knew you were leaving and failed to tell me. Why did you wait? Did you fear I would love you less or is it that you felt I would try and keep you here?"
"Daughter, I did not tell you because I could not face my own pain," Argus stared at the table, tears welling in his eyes, "You became my world after Claras died. Now I am leaving that world to join a new one. Though I wish only to watch you grow, I can no longer be selfish. You have become a fine young woman and I am honored to have you as my daughter. Be at peace, and know that I will always be your father. I will write every chance I get and I look forward to reading your letters as well. There are weekly couriers and I expect a letter on each one, just as you may expect one. I also trust that when you finish your testing you will visit me."
Sonya stood and crossed to where he sat. Enfolding him in her arms in a strong hug, she simply held him as her tears began to flow. "I will, father. I will study even harder knowing that I will see you all the sooner for it. Now, let us get you ready for travel. I will clean your apartments and ensure the rest of your clothing and items follow you."
They were silent as Sonya helped Argus don his armor and tie the bedroll and travel necessities onto the pack mule. A small contingent of six other clerics were waiting on him as he took the reins of his horse. Sonya crossed to him and gave him a lingering hug.
"Take care, father," she said softly through the knot in her throat, "May the light keep you and guide you. Peace be upon you in your journeys and may they be quick and safe."
"Peace be upon you, daughter, may you be blessed in the light and in your days."
Not trusting himself to look at her with out tears blinding him, Argus mounted and rode out of the temple grounds. Sonya watched from the gate until long after the dust settled and the group was no more than a speck on the horizon.
"The light keep you and shelter you," she whispered as she turned into the yard wiping tears from her eyes, "The light keep you."
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