[color=DCDCDC] “Gotta say, I love the ribs. Great stuff- wonder if they enchanted the sauce.”[/color] Cassandra looked up as a sparrow started singing. It was the perfect addition to the scenery. The witch smiled as she took another big bite. She simply [i]had[/i] to find out who was manning the grill and get some lessons. But there would be time for that after the ceremony.

[color=DCDCDC] “By the spirits, look at the two of us. The quiet boy and little miss Goth, having a nice warm conversation like old friends. What’s this going to do to our reputations?” [/color] She giggled. [color=DCDCDC] “Let me tell you a secret- it’s all bullshit. I mean, my magic’s not exactly the happy sort, so that’s what people expect. And that’s what I give them. But if you don’t let your hair down, you’ll go nuts.”[/color] Cassandra grunted as she forced through a tough bit of meat. [color=DCDCDC] “It is what it is, I guess. But don’t tell anyone!” [/color]