Dining hall || with Amani
As Amani’s gaze swept over Arya’s attire, Arya fought the urge to roll her eyes at the thinly veiled scrutiny. Instead, she met Amani’s gaze with a cool confidence, her expression betraying nothing as she listened to her observations. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of amusement at the theatrics; Amani always had a way with words, weaving intricate webs of conversation that danced on the edge of truth and fiction.
Arya smirked at the implication, her own eyes roaming over Amani’s signature green attire with a knowing glint. "I suppose it depends on your definition of ‘interesting,’” she replied smoothly, her tone carrying a hint of playful ambiguity. “I like to think of it as a thin line between interesting and over the top. After all, isn’t it the blend of both that truly makes a statement?”
As Amani continued to speak, Arya’s gaze drifted around the cafeteria, taking in the bustling energy of the room with detached interest. The sound of Amani’s fingers tapping against the spine of her book echoed faintly in the air, a rhythmic backdrop to their conversation. The mention of Wyndham College’s penchant for extravagance elicited a soft chuckle from Arya. “Ah, yes,” she replied with a wry twist to her lips, “the magic of the academy. It’s really a wonder we don’t all sprout wings and fly off into the sunset.”
She couldn’t help but notice the subtle undercurrent of arrogance in Amani’s tone, the thinly veiled attempt to assert dominance in their conversation. But Arya was not one to be easily swayed by such tactics. “I suppose first impressions are important, but then again, it’s what comes after that truly defines us, wouldn’t you agree?” Her words held a hint of underlying meaning, a subtle reminder that first impressions were only the beginning of a much larger narrative.
“I’m confident in my abilities,” Arya replied smoothly, her tone measured and composed. “Success tends to follow those who are unafraid to seize opportunity when it presents itself.” She offered a subtle nod, her words carrying an underlying current of determination and self-assurance.
As her eyes fell upon the emerald hue of Amani’s attire, Arya couldn’t help but feel a surge of amusement at the irony of it all. “Ah, green,” she remarked casually, her tone deceptively light. “After all, nothing says ‘prosperity and growth’ like the color of envy and greed.” Arya’s smirk widened slightly as she continued, her words laced with a subtle hint of sarcasm. “But I guess we all have our superstitions."
Amani’s playful gesture of pulling out a chair did not go unnoticed by Arya, who accepted the seat with a gracious nod of thanks. As she settled into her seat, Arya couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the subtle power play unfolding between them. Despite their complicated history, there was still a lingering tension between them, a silent battle of wills that played out in every word and gesture.
Arya’s lips quirked into a sardonic smile as she listened to Amani’s playful banter, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Ah, Amani,” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “how noble of you to consider the feelings of others. Truly, you’re a paragon of virtue, it’s almost inspiring.” She took another sip of her chai, letting the warmth of the drink soothe her nerves as she prepared herself for the verbal sparring match that was sure to follow. “In a world full of liars, it’s nice to know where we stand.”
Arya’s gaze flickered briefly to the window, where the morning sunlight danced across the courtyard outside, casting delicate patterns of light and shadow on the walls. Despite the playful banter between her and Amani, Arya couldn’t shake the underlying tension that simmered beneath the surface of their conversation. “Well,” she began, her tone measured and composed, “I can assure you that my life is anything but boring.”
As Amani mentioned Inessa again (obsessive much?), Arya’s demeanor shifted subtly, her jaw tensing ever so slightly at the mention of her friend’s name. “And as for ‘Gardens’,” she replied evenly, her tone carefully neutral. “I suppose even the most vibrant flowers need a bit of watering now and then.” Her words carried a hidden barb, a subtle reminder to Amani that she would not tolerate any disrespect towards her close friend. “I find it far more stimulating than engaging in petty gossip and thinly veiled insults, but to each their own.” She tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Amani with a subtle challenge, as if daring her to continue down this path of passive aggression.
@Madilfill Inessa mentioned