ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

Currently, it seems like when you activate an item which requires targeting, it always uses up two turns -- one turn passes before your targeting cursor appears (and is still wasted even if you cancel), and a second turn is wasted after you select your target.

Is this intentional behavior?

A second one is not taken after you target - no time then passes before it is your turn again. So it takes one turn, but the action is delayed.