"I shall keep that in mind - if this courtship is ever in danger of my losing my charms I shall simply have to buy a bakery." He broke off a piece, and took a small bite, before his lips quirked up wryly, "He was one of my charges, in Ostwick. One of the many mages who proved to me that mages could do the right thing - even if they felt like they were backed into a corner."

He looked off across the mountains, "I know the Circle wasn't easy on him -- but he made the best of it. As he's making the best of it here. I'm proud of him."

Which ... sounded surprisingly older brother-ish.