Platonically keep talking with Nathan, M
From Create Your Own Story
You shake your head in mock disappointment. "Well, if my compliments won't get me anywhere, how about you enlighten me on your grand vegetable project here? What's the story behind this poor elder root's demise?"
Nathan looks at you, the irritation in his eyes softening into mild amusement. "This elder root is going to be the main ingredient for a potion I'm working on. A potion for my next class, actually."
Intrigued, you feign surprise. "A potion, huh? You never struck me as the magical brew type. What's this one for? Turning frogs into princes or maybe making everyone break into spontaneous laughter?" In truth, Nathan was probably the second best in the house at potions ... which was a shame considering he was the only one taking it as a module this year. Tyler would have been a wizz at potion crafting, she was amazing at herbology and growing plants, everyone had assumed the next step for her would be potion master, putting those green thumbs to a creative use - but it was Alx that had saved all their assess during a potion demonstration in their induction.
Induction was fun. You got to try nearly every lesson option if you wanted to - and Alex had been a hero for stopping Tyler from blowing up the whole lab.
Nathan smirks, appreciating the humor. "Close, but not quite. It's a potion for my Alchemy class. Supposedly, it's meant to condense happiness into a concentrated form."
You arch an eyebrow, genuinely interested now. "Condensed happiness? Sounds like something the world could use. Actually, don't you need a license for that kind of potion? I swear you do"
Nathan starts gathering the chopped elder root into a cauldron. "Well, it involves a combination of rare ingredients, precise timing, and a touch of magic, obviously. The elder root, when prepared just right, is said to amplify feelings of joy and contentment. It's not as simple as it sounds, though." he nods distractedly at the counter top, a small card peeking out beneath a bundle of twine "The university pays for us to have short-term license certificates. So long as I don't sell it to anyone I'm perfectly above the law"
Nathan pours a liquid into the cauldron, stirring it with a practiced hand.
You smile, appreciating the ambition. "Well, I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Let me know if you need a taste tester. I wouldn't mind a dose of condensed happiness."
Nathan chuckles, finally fully breaking into a smile. "I'll keep that in mind. But for now, I have to focus on getting this potion just right"
