"Oh, of course your duties have to come first, Alicia. I didn't expect otherwise." Mareth replied with a smile at the young woman, tilting her head a bit. She considered a moment before speaking quietly. "I am more than willing to teach you, Alicia. But as to your words...I do not come to the temple because there are...issues that I have. My heritage leaves me with an...internal taint that the higher priestesses might notice, and I've seen others with such heritage...killed simply because they are what they are. I cannot help my heritage, and from what I know, they would not simply let me be, otherwise. I'm trusting you with this knowledge, Alicia, because I like and respect you."<br/><br/>She reached out and closed the young woman's hand around the jar of lotion gently as she continued. "Take the lotion, Alicia. Consider things. I am an outsider here, and will be for some years yet, if I ever become<em>part</em>of the community. With training in alchemy and with potions...you could become a great healer indeed, and a valued member of the town. Not that I can't pay fairly well, mind. But it's your choice, Lady Alicia."<br/><br/>((Bluff about her heritage: 19+15=34, Diplomacy 18+15=33))