Magnus just made a sour face, making her chuckle once again.

“Oh, I didn't really laugh, my boy. I thought you asked a reasonable question there."

"You did? So he made up that talk about the cost of his teachings?"

Magnus said feeling the blood rise in him.

“Oh no, Magnus. The price he told you is perfectly reasonable I am afraid. He was teasing you, but he said the truth. The apprenticeship to a wizard, or sorceress is very expensive."

"Oh..." Magnus said, deflating once again.

“But you shouldn't lose hope, my boy" she said with a smile and waved her hand. His glass was lifted slowly towards his hand. He grabbed it instinctively, but kept watching at the glass and Fiona with awe.

“You... You are a sorceress?"

“Yes, I am." She said, smiling and looking him in the eyes. Magnus felt almost hypnotized.

“Eh, so... Would you be willing to take me as an apprentice? I mean I have no money... I am willing to work hard for it, but I can't even dream of my work being worth even a portion of that sum..."

“Let's say I am willing to consider it. But first tell me. Why do you think you have magic abilities?"

Magnus told her his two experiences, omitting the parts about fantasizing about women. He was blushing while he was telling the story, so she must have guessed something, as she was smiling the whole time.

“Hmm, ok. That does sound Like a manifestation of magical ability. Tell you what, Magnus. Tomorrow morning I will test your abilities, and if I am satisfied, we will work something out. You can even sleep in my room tonight. Beats sleeping in some filthy corner, doesn't it? " she said with a smirk.

Magnus stared at her, with surprise and excitement. He couldn't believe it. There was a chance he might become an apprentice after all! And to such a beautiful and classy sorceress. She invited him to sleep in her room... Magnus blushed again, wondering about the implications... then he dismissed them. No way she wants anything like that with the Likes of me... She was just being kind.

“Ma'am, I couldn't thank you enough! Of course I accept. I will just go and grab my bag..."

“Of course Magnus. When you finish with food and drink, my room is up the stairs, first one to the right. Knock three times." She said rising from the chair.

He nodded with enthusiasm and then went to get his bag. Fiona watched him walk away.

“He might just be perfect... Tall, well built and strong, thanks to the farm life no doubt. He is also quite handsome and I like his dark hair and eyes... yes... We will see tomorrow if he can be what I need him to be. It has been so long since I had a real plaything..."

She rose from the table and went to her room.

Several minutes later she heard three knocks on the door.