[Marc and Ms. Phillipson]<br/><br/>The woman said nothing as Marc laid the silver bracelet of his license on the counter, completely unmoving. Her eyes glinted first with irritation under a raised eyebrow... then she seemed to consider something. Then she sighed and picked up his license.<br/><br/>"Mister Dioceco, I believe that we 'have gotten off on the wrong foot', as the saying goes. If I have offended you personally or professionally with my questions or statements, I apologize for doing so: such was not my intention. Allow me to start over and state my inquiries in a less roundabout fashion."<br/><br/>She rolled Marc's A-class license around her fingers. Without it, he couldn't get an easy reading on her own license level... not that he'd be worried, right?<br/><br/>"My name is Bethany Phillipson," she introduced herself and met his eyes calmly. "I came into this shop to satisfy my own curiosity. I do not have any knowledge of magic, nor did I know that things of a magical nature were sold here. I do not desire to prove or disprove the existence of magic, and I realize that such skeptical statements about your craft were rude. Again, I apologize for offending you."<br/><br/>Gently, she set Marc's license back on the counter with a click.<br/><br/>"Rather than proof of legitimacy, what I desired to discover is if magic would be of any interest or use to me personally. Would you be willing to forgive my lack of tact, and perhaps help me determine if there are any aspects of magic or magical wares that would interest me?" She asks, respectfully professional.<br/><br/>00000000000000<br/><br/>[Remmy and ****]<br/><br/>The alien laughs softly.<br/><br/>"*We* are the Hive, and the Hive is Us. You are part of the Hive now too,<span style="font-style: italic">smuseli</span>... though if you wish to host with me, I will be happy to have you."<br/><br/>the tentacles around Remmy squish and the heat of the alien pulses slightly.<br/><br/>"We are called the Mantrusect. Our species requires living prey/hosts to feed and reproduce. By connecting with others, we sustain ourselves and our 'prey/host/friend/partner/lover'. You will have a healthy existence inside the Hive, and my sisters: as you give us life, we shall preserve you and keep you healthy for your entire lifespan, away from danger and uncertain survival, and never alone again. Tell me your name,<span style="font-style: italic">smuseli</span>... I wish to remember you, if the Queen decides you should serve the Hive away from me."