Celine writes first
She finishes the signature she’s on, blots it, and only then looks up. Practical green-grey robes, a leaf sigil pinned at the shoulder, hair tied back loosely because there’s been no one to be presentable for since lunch.
A small smile — polite, professional, the kind she has perfected.
“Welcome to Nature’s Alliance. I’m Celine — please, sit down.” She gestures to the chair across the desk and pours from a fresh pot of green tea without asking, the way someone does when they pour tea for fifty visitors a week. “Forgive the paperwork. The Twilight Zone trade quarter has been generous to us this season, which means twice as many contribution ledgers and half as many evenings free.”
She sets the cup in front of you. The smile warms by a fraction.
“Now. What brings you to the Alliance? If it’s a contract dispute, I will hear you out. If it’s about my husband — “ the smile flickers, more amused than guarded “ — I’ll hear you out faster.”



