"No," Ariel shook her with quiet confidence this time. She had only been in Black Marsh for a short time. The jewel's inactivity appeared to agree.

What followed was a number of bureaucratic questions that pertained to average incomes and personal details, such as full name, date of birth and other mundane details. Each time, the jewel didn't show any particular activity. It didn't take long before Hasyat had completed his queries. He looked over at the other two and spoke, [i]"She is eligible."[/i] He said in Jel.

Leaps-Over-Turtles shook his head and replied, still with his arms crossed. [i]"There are other apothecaries in the city,"[/i] He gestured to Ariel as he spoke to Hasyat and Juseich, [i]"Why do we need another? There are few medicines that the people need."[/i]

Looking to Leaps-Over-Turtles with a firm expression, Juseich put her forearms on the table. [i]"It is promotion to our expanding population, and if this business is viable, it adds to the economy."[/i]

Ariel looked at each of them as they spoke. She couldn't understand much, but they were likely trying to make a decision.

[i]"I do not see a viable business. I see a flood for the existing businesses, and a detriment to them all."[/i] Leaps-Over-Turtles voice was starting to rise, [i]"How can an outsider know how to provide for an Argonian city?"[/i]

Her expression turning contemplative, Juseich turned her head back to Ariel. [i]"It is rude to speak of others in person as if they were not present. Neiseed, if you please."[/i] Neiseed resumed translating. "What of your alchemy, Ariel? What do you know, and how did you learn it?"

Even as she carefully removed the parchment she brought with her listing her initial catalogue, Ariel's heart began to beat faster. She wasn't sure what the impression would be to her being a witch, but she wanted to avoid answering the question of her education if at all possible. She pushed the parchment along the table for the interviewers to consider. "I can make everything on this list, as well as a few specialised remedies and mixtures to order." Ariel said briskly, "I also intend to create some cosmetics for Argonians in particular. Waterproof body paint that can be easily removed, for instance."

Juseich looked over the list, but quickly passed it on to Hasyat, who was better versed in Cyrodilic script. Leaps-Over-Turtles and Juseich looked at Ariel expectantly as Hasyat studied the paper. She glanced at the jewel. She wasn't getting out of this. She considered lying, but as if it knew her thoughts, the gem began to flicker. She dismissed the thought and the gem calmed down, but she needed to provide an answer.

"I learned what I know because..." Ariel entire head buzzed with fear, "... because I was raised in a witches coven. I was banished because I disobeyed them."