"It is. But it's how things are." Millie shrugged. "The Guild certification helps, though. Harder for them to dismiss us when we have the same credentials they do."
Marron thought about that—about how the street market had welcomed her when she was lost and defensive, how Millie had taught her without judgment, how these vendors were celebrating her success like it was their own.
This is what community looks like, she thought. This is what I've been missing.
"So," Millie said, pouring them both more wine. "What are you going to do next?"
"Next?"
"You're certified now. You could go back to traveling. Take contracts. Join a restaurant. Open your own place." Millie's ears twitched curiously. "What does Marron Louvel do with her shiny new credentials?"
Marron considered the question. Three days ago, she would have said she'd leave immediately—take her certification and move on to the next town, the next job, the next place where she could keep her head down and survive.
But now...
