Anataeus: Finally, this setup is getting close to usable. ----------- Concordia: Aren’t we particular about how we work. Anataeus: It’s important for a workspace to feel comfortable. Concordia: Comfortable? That’s interesting. I always thought alchemists liked to work in dark caves, illuminated by torchlight... Anataeus: Quite the opposite. What could have given you that notion? Concordia: ...or high atop a lone tower in some isolated place... Anataeus: Hold on. Are you thinking of _wizards_? Concordia: Oh, yes, that’s what I was thinking of! Alchemists, wizards— they’re rather similar, don’t you think? Anataeus: Please tell me you’re joking. Alchemy is a science. Wizards aren’t even real! How could you compare them at all? Concordia: Don’t tell me you’ve never enjoyed thinking of what you do as a kind of magic! Anataeus: Not at all. Alchemy is a rigorous, evidence-based discipline developed over centuries of careful experimentation and theorizing... Concordia: Apparently it’s a very stuffy discipline as well. Anataeus: I’m just trying to explain it. Alchemy is categorically not magic. Concordia: I understand, yes, I understand. Now why don’t you cast a spell on yourself to loosen up a little? Anataeus: You’re just toying with me now. Concordia: Surely you can conjure something up. Anataeus: Please stop.