"Oh, it isn't a problem...I just had some things I needed to do in the basement." Mareth replied with a smile, then pondered the comments before nodding. "Well, then...let me go over the requirements, hmm? I'm likely to take another apprentice if possible...but that'll be later. What I need is someone who can run the shop when I'm out adventuring or picking up supplies from other towns, and who can fulfill basic alchemical requests. The latter can be taught, of course, so you needn't worry about that. In fact, given your own requirements, I believe I'll<em>need</em>a second apprentice, if only to account for all the days of the week. The question is...are you wishing to learn to brew potions and make alchemical devices, Alicia? Such will mean a<em>lot</em>of time with me, at least in the beginning. Alchemy is an art and science in one."