Just a fluff piece that I decided to type up.
[sblock=Interlude]Interlude
The ambiance at Haru was decidedly cozy. Soft music was piped throughout the dining area while small candles flickered merrily, shedding their light from behind panes of multi-colored glass. The overall effect was soothing, velvety, and romantic.
Linda looked across the intimate table that she shared with Mitchell and regarded him with her soft brown eyes. "I'm still mad at you," she teased, not really meaning it. Apparently, she was duly impressed by his choice of venue, but was reluctant to admit that he was already back in her good graces.
"And I'm still sorry about last night," he told her, as he reached across to hold her hands. "But I promise that this entire evening, you have all of my attention. No distractions and no interruptions. Just us. And sushi."
She giggled, her eyes twinkling with reflected candlelight. "Yes, and sushi," she agreed.
As Mitchell gave his girlfriend's palms a gentle squeeze, a looming shadow fell across their table. He glanced up, fully expecting to see their waitress delivering their order. But it wasn't her. So much for no distractions, he thought with an inward groan of resignation.
Linda quickly sensed his tension through his touch and turned too. Recognition immediately set in. And with a tone of pleasant surprise, she blurted, "Father Evans! How are you? Are you here for the sushi too? Isn't this place wonderful?"
"Hello, children," he smiled. His voice was the texture of poured Bourbon, smooth and mellow with age. "I'm sorry to disturb you two, but I happened to notice you across the room and wanted to come over to say hi. And it's so nice to see you again, Linda. Do you mind if I borrow Mitchell for just a minute? Don't worry, I promise to bring him back."
"Sure," she replied as she reluctantly let go of her boyfriend's hands.
Mitchell hesitated for a second then stood, casting a dubious glare at his mentor as if to say, I'm still in trouble for last night. This better not be something crazy.
Father Evans clapped him reassuringly on the back as he led him away, guiding him towards the restaurant's bamboo-lined entrance. They both felt a subtle glimmer of power as the older priest manipulated the sound around them so that their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"So, Arathnos paid you a visit today?"
Mitchell couldn't hide the look of surprise from his face. "Wow, news travels fast. He came to deliver a dinner invitation from The Nemean."
"Beware the Hierarch," his teacher warned. "He will know that you are my student. There is no love lost between us. But he is also of our Order, so that might mitigate some of the preconceptions he'll have about you."
"Oh, great. Is there anything else important that I should know about?"
"Yes. Always remember that the salad fork is the little one on the outside," Father Evans joked.
The younger Obrimos rolled his eyes. "Thank you mighty mentor for that pearl of wisdom."
"You're welcome," he replied with a straight face. After a brief moment of silence, he added, "Just be yourself. You have a good heart and you will be a valuable addition to Awakened society. No matter what The Nemean may hold against me, he will still see that in you. Now go back to your beautiful girlfriend before she gets mad at the both of us."
Mitchell paused before parting ways. "Thank you, Melchior. For everything."
"You are like the son I never had. I'm proud of what you've accomplished in such a short period of time. Remember your lessons and seek me out when you are ready to tread the Scion's path."
The young mage watched as his beloved mentor exited the building and walked off into the night. With a heavy heart, he returned to Linda at their table. Their food had already arrived and was waiting.
She looked up at him with concern in her eyes, and asked, "Is everything okay?"
He smiled back at her, trying his best to appear reassuring. "Everything's fine. Let's eat."
And with that, the two of them spent the rest of their evening together enjoying a fine meal and each other's company, with all thoughts of mage-related stuff pushed to the side. For now at least.[/sblock]
