{Aegis}
Rosalie's workshop smelled like burnt herbs that Aegis couldn't identify. Probably best not to ask.
Aegis leaned against one of the workbenches, watching Rosalie dart between cauldrons and ingredient shelves. Her green hair was messier than usual, sticking up at odd angles, and her glasses had slipped down her nose for the third time in the last minute. She pushed them back up without breaking stride, already reaching for another vial.
"So," Aegis said. "The Consortium."
"The Consortium!" Rosalie spun around, her yellow eyes going wide. "Aegis, do you have any idea how big this is? The Valdrian Trade Consortium doesn't just invite anyone. They've got representatives from every major trading house in the kingdom. Every single one! If we impress them—"
"We could secure contracts that would make House Starcaller a permanent fixture in Valdrian commerce."
