The, "New Wave Oven," it was called. It was some kind of induction heating system that was used for quickly cooking food without needing to heat up yo...r entire stove.We all laughed because I think everyone there knew that Liz couldn't cook to save her ass. She was beautiful and brilliant, but domestic skills were simply not her strong point. Liz and I always said that she couldn't make a decent meal in the kitchen but she cooked in the bedroom.After everyone had a laugh at the present, my. She pulled me close and said “yeah whatever”. And then she pressed her lips up against the back of my ear and kissed it. I got goose bumps on my arm and the back of my neck; suddenly I was very aware of exactly how naked I was under my t-shirt. My mind wandered a little bit, I knew Nicky was bisexual and that her boyfriend Ben and she did the swinger thing sometimes. She always made little jokey comments, telling me how good I looked or how sexy I am. On a couple of occasions she had even. "Understood, Honored Mage." Now show me to your camp. We must begin at once." Of course. This way, please."From where he lay huddled, the edge of the rocky ledge a little over a man's height above him, Jollis remained stone-still until he no longer heard the footfalls of the Mage. He let out a slow sigh and looked around. Nothing but thick forest further on, and one flank of the brief ridge was concealed by the thick trunk of a tree. Fallen branches covered the other approach. Only its distance. “That’s me,” he said.“My name is Mr. Hamilton. I am the emissary of the Council. I am here to give you your orientation.”It looked like the Council was going to play hardball, Jake thought. He pushed down the urge to panic.How shall we play this? Jake sent.Is there anything to be gained in cooperating with him? Boris asked.The Council might cut Jake more slack, Alice sent. They’ll be less likely to punish him.Let’s see if we can find out the answer to that question, Jake sent. Alice and Nina,.