Allen fanned the four badges beside the quiet apparatus while their engraved placements caught the lamplight above his desk.
Elise gave up pretending to be patient and stepped forward with both palms already cupped.
"Your official credential," Allen said, setting the badge into her hands, "try to keep it longer than an afternoon."
She traced the number with her thumb while he reached for the next plaque.
"A replacement costs a fee you will dislike," he added, tapping the stack of forms beside his elbow, "and enough paperwork to make the fee feel pleasant."
[ Guild credential | Elise | Placement 14,820 ]
"Thank you, Guildmaster, I'll make sure it stays with me." She bowed so low her journal nearly slid off her arm.
For once she forgot to sulk about trailing Hajin's number on the final reading.
Sable accepted the next badge without a speech and tested its fastening against her belt twice.
[ Guild credential | Sable | Placement 9,210 ]
