"There was a time I would have been able to help, Aerin, but I am afraid the funds have dried up. Turning lead into gold is not nearly as lucrative as everyone thinks."
Aerin nodded along with his words. Were it as easy and lucrative as simply muttering a spell, alchemists throughout Tazlure would have long since flooded the market with 'easy gold' and turned what was formerly mere lead into the precious metal of rarity. Thankfully, however, they had not, for she much preferred the light weight of a pocket full of gold to that of a handful of lead. "Oh it is quite alright, Professor, and I would not feel right - even if the funds were there - to have my teacher paying for my lessons." Aerin interjected with a smile and small blush.
"The University requires payment of a semester at a time, 4 crowns."
Aerin tried to remain optimistic at his words. She was, after all, halfway there - which was far better than showing up bannerless on the docks. Aerin wholly doubted that she would raise the money in a few days, much less a few marks, which meant that her education may have to go on hold for a bit longer. But not indefinitely... she thought with a smile and another glance at the glass, remembering the visions that she had witnessed within.
"But do not lose hope. It is my understanding that interested persons are prepared to sponsor promising young wizards. I would enquire at the Temple of Pecunia. And if you need to convince anyone of the your likely success as a student here, refer them to me."
If the professor were thus inclined and staring closely, he would have probably seen the element of fire exist only behind Aerin's eyes as the rest of her body cradled in the sweet caress of ice, chills running down her spine at the thought of a diety - even one besides Dominicus - being in command of her studies. "Pecunia... I have heard the name, but nothing more than that..." she repeated, unable to mask the faint flavor of sour in her tone. She had seen the 'demands' that Dominicus had placed on her own family, the 'sacrifices' that her father had made which had darkened her views of religion as a whole. "And what would Pecunia demand of me in return for this 'sponsorship', I wonder. Have you known any others who have entered into such a pact with this temple?"
Aerin was not wholly dismissing the thought of entering negotiations with a sponsor, even from the temple, but did not want to feel any loopholes in a sponsorship agreement become a noose tightening around her throat.