>>5919808The three of you line up for your own waffles, with Izzy insisting upon covering the bill.
“Neither of you have been properly working for a year,” she points out, “while I’ve still been drawing a salary. Tips, you really should consider speaking with Mother about your Apprenticeship…”
You wave the notion away noncommittally. It’s something to consider when the current crisis is dealt with, perhaps… Or perhaps not. Perhaps never. You honestly haven’t given much thought to your ‘career’ as a Tower-taught Mage Apprentice in some time. And right now, sitting down with Izirina Henzler and Costella Fanucci, there’s only one thing on your mind.
“By the Gods Above and Hells Below,” your murmur through a mouthful, “these ‘waffles’ ARE bloody good, aren’t they?”
“Mmmhmm!” Costella agrees.
Even Izirina seems astonished at them, almost standing up to charge the gnome at the waffle-iron and to ask him his secrets before Costella gently grasps her wrist and shakes her head, pulling her back down. When you’ve all devoured much of your meal, and the morning-afternoon rush has thinned out enough to afford you some privacy, you finally broach the subject that brought you here.
“So,” you say, since nobody else seems to be starting, “Costella, you wanted to talk about… Us? The three of us?”
Costella gulps, swigging some farm-fresh milk for a moment and averting her eyes.
“Oh?” Izzy asks. “We’re talking about Tips’ proposal.”
“THAT,” you butt in, “is NOT the word I would sue.”
Costella is bright red, while Izzy simply seems perplexed, looking between the two of you.
“A proposal implies, like, an ENGAGEMENT and MARRIAGE, Izzy,” Costella clarifies.
Izzy looks annoyed at that, just for a moment, before saying: “I KNOW that, Costella. But isn’t that what’s on offer, essentially?”
“I—” You blurt out, before stopping short. “WHAT?!"
