A Mug of Winter Cheer

Demi can’t help but notice, after listening to Mr. Boggs drone on about work, her compliment was completely ignored. But does it bother her, a star? No no nonono of course not! She just sits back, looking beautiful as ever for those paying attention, sipping from her mug.

At Parish's words, Yazeba realizes she has gone too far with her cruelty and aimed it at someone who, she realizes, does matter to her - even if (even now) she can't quite bring herself to use the word friend to describe her feelings. She takes another puff of her cigar and exhales with a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You are right, Parish. You deserve better than that. You have always been a stalwart companion and your heart has been big enough for the both of us." She pauses to take another drink of hot cocoa and stare into the fire. "After all, things must be balanced and potions are stronger and more effective if more than one ingredient is used. This place truly benefits from your sense of duty. And your meals provide comfort to the guests that I alone could not provide." She watches the flames dance in the fire, as if answers could be found in this process of combustion.

Parish seems somewhat mollified by Yazeba's not-quite apology. But across the room, Mr. Boggs stands and straightens his tie. "My apologies, Miss Gorgone. I shall return soon," he says to Demi. He picks up his mysterious briefcase and carries it at his side as he approaches Parish and Yazeba.

"Excuse my interruption. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Mr. Boggs says. "This is a fine establishment you are running here. So far, my time away from the Big City has been rather enjoyable. But the business structure of the Bed & Breakfast may not be at its most optimal configuration. After all, I know all too well how burdensome it can become to have an entire company's fortunes dependent on a single individual. Perhaps a restructuring might behoove all of the employees here? The appointment of an assistant manager may not be remiss."

---

Yazeba takes a slow sip of the cooling cocoa, savoring the interplay of the cinnamon and peppermint flavors. She looks at Mr. Boggs as he approaches and taps the edge of her mug with a fingernail. She turns back to the fire with a "Hmpf" as she listens to his business talk.

Even though Mr. Boggs isn't the best at picking up on social cues, he can feel the tension still lingering in the air. He thinks. What would he do to lighten the mood if this were a business meeting? He smiles slyly, then he picks up a spoon and taps it against his cocoa mug, the ringing noise echoing through the den. The other guests look up from their conversations.

"Excuse me. I would like to propose a toast," Mr. Boggs says. He puts the spoon down and loosens his tie a bit before continuing."Yes, a toast. First, to Parish, for providing us all with this delicious hot cocoa. Your culinary skills are second to none, and your service always comes with a smile."

He turns to Yazeba. "Miss Yazeba, you've created a wonderful refuge from the stresses of daily life. I couldn't have chosen a better place to take my first vacation. Thank you."

He turns then to Demi Gorgone. "I have met so many new people here at the Bed & Breakfast, but none as lovely or as charming as Miss Gorgone here. You are a singular sensation, and when your light and warmth shine on me, they make me feel like even my raincloud may one day go away." He favors her with his best charming smile.

"Hear, hear." Mr. Boggs raises his mug, then takes a long sip before sitting down across from Demi again.

---

Demi raises her glass. Not wanting to steal Boggs’ thunder, she only adds one line to the toast.

"To sunny skies in your future, Mr. Boggs."

Parish smiles after Mr. Boggs, his spirits buoyed by the businessman's compliment. He turns back to Yazeba. "You see, old friend? Both your staff and your guests respect you. We enjoy it when you deign to grace us with your presence. Perhaps you should come out of that stuffy study of yours and spend time with us more often?"

Yazeba maintains her silence, snide comments running through her mind. Seeing the others' happiness, she can't bring herself to say any of her comments. But that doesn't mean she is fine with just sitting here and having this saccharine wave wash over her. They seemed to expect her to say something nice and warm. This room with the cozy fire and the warm cocoa. Everything was too warm! With a discrete motion of her non-cocoa hand, she creates a cold blast of wind that blows down the chimney, bringing wet snow with it. The fire does not die out but it sputters and smokes as a wet chill begins to infiltrate the room.

Parish shivers as the icy wind blows through the living room. He gives Yazeba a look, then hops up to tend to the fire. After much fussing and moving of logs, it begins to burn brightly once again, the chill beginning to lessen. He turns back to his friend.

"You can choose to ignore your problems all you want, but that won't make them go away. Oftentimes, it just makes them worse. Sooner or later, you're going to have to face them. And I don't think your magic is going to help."

Demi sits back and sips her beverage. It’s nice to be the audience sometimes, especially when real-life is like a Hallmark holiday special. Life imitating art…

As the room gets chilly, so too does the rain drizzling onto Mr. Boggs' head. Ignoring his own discomfort, though, the businessman pulls out his large black umbrella, opening it and placing it between the cold wind and Demi Gorgone. "For your comfort, madame, which is paramount," he says.

In the face of Yazeba's continued obstinance, Parish sighs. "I'm trying, Yazeba. I really am. But how can I help when I don't know what's wrong?"

Demi very much appreciates Mr. Boggs knowing how to treat a lady.Demi answers the question by example. "Helping when you’re not entirely certain how is as simple as taking the chance as Mr. Boggs just did. And you know it works from the response.

"My response to you, Mr. Boggs, is that your umbrella leaves ample room for two if you don’t object to sitting just a little closer."

Demi does not back away, even if moving closer results in rainfall under the cover of the umbrella. (Cold doesn’t bother her anyway. She’s cold-blooded.)

Yazeba stares deep into the fire considering the question. Perhaps it is not possible to help without knowing the problem. But can she truly open up to the others and show them her weakness? Perhaps a select few could be trusted to share in the burdens she grapples with. Certainly, Parish is the obvious choice for such a one, but would he view her differently once she no longer appeared to be the strong, stoic witch he has known this whole time? She huffs in consternation.

Mr. Boggs' cheeks flush, but he is not one to deny a beautiful lady's request. He pulls his chair next to Demi's as he settles down next to her. "Ahem. Indeed. Even if all of the variables may not be readily apparent, the solution remains the same. Stay the course, and you will not be steered astray."

Parish considers the others' answers, nodding to himself. "Indeed. It just like on my quests of old. Be brave, be just, and be true to thyself. That is the measure of a true knight. So I will continue to offer help where it is required, even if it is not requested. And perhaps one day, that help will be appreciated."

Despite his worry, he gives Yazeba a smile.

---

Yazeba stands, draining the rest of the cocoa from her mug and plunking it down on the table loudly, clearly having no intention of cleaning up after herself at this time. She turns to Parish and says "Thank you for the hot cocoa, Parish. Perhaps next time you could put some whiskey in the drink. It would complement the flavor of the chocolate as well as the maudlin nature of the conversation." She is unable to force a smile onto her face as she bids farewell to Mr. Boggs and Ms. Gorgone with icy platitudes before retiring to her private room to brood.