Curiosity Killed the Cat [OPEN]

[kinko]

WHO: The Medicine Seller and anyone in Cadens.
WHAT: He's good and rested, and now it's time to get into reestablishing business as usual, exploration, acclimation, and bothering people.
WHEN: Throughout December.
WARNINGS: None for now!


[Hall of Natural Relics/Museum of Medicine]
[He'd headed for the Hall of Natural Relics first. More really as a precaution, just to see precisely what 'natural relics' might exactly entail here. ... Nothing too surprising, as it turned out. A natural history museum and, for the moment at least, little more than that. He'd show some particular interest in the preserved plants, and even more for whatever oddities that were on display, milling about those for far longer, but eventually his attention would wander elsewhere.

The Museum of Medicine would particularly captivate him, with no small amount of questions posed in regards to almost every exhibit on display. Once more however, his attention would zero in upon specifics: some rather direct and probing questions centered squarely around more gruesome matters; histories of unethical practices, past and present superstitions regarding illnesses, and less than pleasant natural cures. He didn't seem particularly shy about asking them either, though a respectful, neutral, almost coldly clinical tone was steadfastly maintained. Though that might have done very little to reduce the intensity of the questions themselves.]

[Tavern]
[Though the outfit he wore now was far plainer than what he'd normally have, that might not make him stand out any less. At least all that wild hair had been bound back and pinned up again, though there was really no fully taming it; flax colored curls and locks still finding a way to slip out here and there. He'd really have to get a proper bandanna back later... Nothing to be done, nor would be done ever, about the markings on his face though, and he made no effort at all to conceal them. Nor would anything be done about those long and pointed ears, apparently his method of working around his appearance was just plain and blunt apathy.

He'd arrived at the noisiest hour, at this particular tavern's absolute fullest, making pains to seek out a table that might give him a full and mostly uninterrupted view of the area. If it was empty? Well he'd just settle down then, no drink, no food, no attempt to blend in or look subtle. And if it was occupied? Well things became a bit more complicated, because he wasn't keen on finding a different spot. Rather, the occupant would find themselves no longer alone over here, the presence of the Medicine Seller pointedly... difficult to ignore, as he paused by the table.]

Excuse me... You aren't waiting for anyone, are you? [The tone just loud enough to be audible over the din, but otherwise soft, almost monotone in its sound.]

Comments

tavern.

[wiedzminka]

[ The crowd doesn't bother her. In fact, knowing that occupying a noisy, bustling tavern will make her annoying to watch is almost amusing; Ciri hopes the guard tailing her tonight has a very frustrating time. Luckily, the tail isn't obvious, and the man won't do anything but keep an eye out from afar, probably suspecting Ciri doesn't even realize he's there. Irritating as it is to be constantly followed around by some unlucky member of the city guard, Ciri has resigned herself to the vague punishment for now. One would think that if Cadens really wanted to be rid of the bandits menacing its desert byroads, they wouldn't be so annoying about it when someone killed a few.

She has spent a lot of time at home recently, but tonight, on a whim, she is here. People at the market keep saying the drinks are worth the crowds.

...though she has not quite decided if they're worth a weird-eared stranger looming over her trying to get a seat. Perhaps. If the drink is free.

Ciri nods at the empty chair across the table. ]

Buy me a drink and seat's all yours.

[kinko]

[There's a moment of consideration. It's brief, but there, as he moves his attention from her, to a wandering server... Before beckoning the server over as he posed his next question to Ciri,] Thank you. Which drink?

[No argument, it was a fair enough trade for the spot as far as he was concerned. And it wasn't as if he was about to spend this coin on a drink for himself anyway.]

[wiedzminka]

You good for the coin?

[ Ciri's been told by the locals that this tavern is quite popular around this time of year for their winter drinks. Even though winter never really comes to Cadens (at least, not Ciri's definition of winter), the nights are bitterly cold despite the dryness. Possibly even more so because of it.

A hot drink, something fortifying. She is tired, and in the mood for something frivolous, especially on another man's coin. ]

Caudelle. Heard it's a seasonal specialty.

[ The serving girl beams, nodding enthusiastically and recommending it herself, as if Ciri hadn't already ordered the drink. ]

[kinko]

As long as it is the only thing I may purchase tonight. [Well, anything not business related, anyway.] It is worth the coin, I don't mind.

[Well with both the request from Ciri and the ringing endorsement from the serving girl, how could he turn that down?] Very well, one Caudelle, then. A proper payment for the seat.

May I ask your name? If I'm to be sharing a table with you, it seems rude not to address you properly.

[wiedzminka]

You may.

[ A beat. Ciri's lips quirk at one corner, enjoying the joke at his expense for just a few moments before she relents. ]

I'm Ciri.

[ Something else caught her attention though. She cocks her head, resting her chin on the heel of her palm, elbow on the table. ]

One would think that you wished to find a seat in this establishment to enjoy a drink of your own.

[ Considering he'd just said he only meant to buy her one... that's a bit odd, isn't it? ]

[kinko]

[It was a joke taken in good humor, the ghost of a smile on his own face momentarily visible past the painted one.] I am pleased to meet you then, Ciri. Thank you, for allowing me a seat.

[A seat that he took, as she posed her question to him. The answer came easily, with a certain air of practiced ease, as if he'd answered the very same one many, many times before.] I enjoy the crowd within a tavern, and that is all the enjoyment that I need. I fear I'm not one for drinks, otherwise; I simply cannot hold them.

It also may behoove me to see what is popular here, I've a mind to continue my business, since it seems I've no way home at present.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri waits a beat, politely, thinking he's going to offer his name in return. He does not, and continues on as if asking her and then failing to provide the same courtesy is a perfectly normal thing. She frowns slightly. Not the least suspicious person she's ever (sort of) shared a drink with, but also not the most. ]

And what sort of business is that, stranger?

The kind where you take people's names and give nothing in return?

[kinko]

[A pause, actual consideration in it,] Ah... I suppose that was rude of me. Forgive me, I'm not often asked for mine. It's rarely of great importance, you see.

Kusuriuri, if it would please you. I'm a medicine seller by trade.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri, having no knowledge whatsoever of any place called Japan or its language, does not understand that the 'name' he gives literally just means the trade he follows it up with. Probably for the best. She only nods, accepting this; people from different worlds naturally have different names. ]

A medicine seller, you say?

[ This catches her attention. Ciri leans her elbows on the table, sitting up slightly. ]

What kind of medicines do you specialize in?

tavern

[priestified]

[ Maxwell is a frequent visitor to the taverns. Not always the same tavern, but always the same seat: wherever he has the clearest view of every person and every exit in the place. He hasn't had much time to make enemies in this place, but old habits die hard when one lives the life he's led.

He grimaces slightly in the doorway when he notices a stranger already seated where we intends to go, but the expression doesn't last, quickly replaced by the genial look he sends the barkeep's way as he waves a casual and familiar greeting. ]

Evenin', Horus. The usual, if you don't mind. I'm good for the coin t'night.

[ He has a gruff smoker's voice, but it's friendly and loud, easily cutting through the din of boisterous conversation in the tavern. And he's dressed in all black, a somber contrast to the jaunty cadence of his speech. ]

You're in my spot, y'know.

[ He stops in front of the table, but only briefly, because then he settles down into a seat with an unsubtle grunt of appreciation for finally getting to rest his bones. Not across from the unusual stranger, but beside him. Like hell he's sacrificing his view. ]

I take it you're new here?

[ He gestures to all of the Medicine Seller's... everything. ]

[kinko]

Hm? [In that brief pause, the Medicine Seller pulled his gaze away from the bar to focus on Maxwell instead, taking a moment to quietly appraise the other man.] Ah. My apologies. It is after all, a very good spot.

[For all that the word 'apologies' was in there, he didn't even sound vaguely apologetic. Amused, perhaps, but not at all sorry, nor did he seem perplexed or vexed when the other man took a seat beside him. In fact, he did well to move just a little to the side to better accommodate any arm room the other man might need on the table.]

I suppose I have done very little to hide that fact, haven't I? Yes. I've only arrived within the past day.

Then you, I would say, are not? Surely though, not a local.

[priestified]

[ Damn right it's a good spot. He knows how to pick spots, it's one of his many specialties. The fact that this colorfully painted stranger isn't bothering to say his sorries doesn't seem to even register with Maxwell, who also wouldn't dream of apologizing over such a thing.

At any rate, there is not a trace of challenge in his posture as he relaxes into the space the Medicine Seller makes for him by inching over. He will graciously accept the stranger's enigmatic smile over some kind of scene. ]

What gave it away? Well, you're better off being yourself than pretending to be any different, that's what I always say.

[ He chuckles, confirming the Medicine Seller's suspicions easily enough. A mug of ale arrives at the table soon after him, and his hearty thanks to the server is virtually the only pause in the steady flow of his conversation. ]

Just yesterday, huh? You must be exhausted. I just got here a month ago and believe me, I remember it, heh. So did you dress up for the big occasion or is that -

[ he gestures loosely to the markings on the man's face before reaching for his drink, ]

- your, uh, daily look?

[kinko]

I am in a far better state than I was yesterday, but indeed... Far more tired than I'm comfortable with. I could not bring myself to remain still for much longer, however.

[The server came and went without any request from the Medicine Seller, who seemed content to sit there and watch the other man drink, with only a cursory and fleeting examination of the drink handed over.] I've a world to adjust to, after all... It seems fairly busy here, it might do well for me to stock in drink again, perhaps.

Hm? [He turned his attention away from the drink to focus on Maxwell] Ah... No. I'm a Medicine Seller by trade, you see. It's eye catching, think of it as a way to draw in potential customers.

If I may ask, where are you from? I've never left my country before, let alone arrive in a city with such a collection of far flung visitors. I'll admit, I'm quite curious about everything.

[priestified]

Medicine, liquor... same difference, eh?

[ He laughs at his own joke, the sound soon swallowed up by that tankard of ale. He suspects this medicine seller could make a killing in a place like Cadens, selling drink. Soldiers love to drink to forget being soldiers.

He'll keep that thought to himself, for now. He is already acutely aware of the curious stare that lingers on his drink and then on himself. Maxwell doesn't let it bother him.

He will, however, have a hard time forgetting this man. ]

I noticed that. [ His grin remains easy. ] Hard to say I'm from anywhere, but before I wound up here I was livin' on Mars. You heard of Mars?

I ask because, y'know -

[ Maxwell gestures to ears, and then to the Medicine Seller's much more pointy ones. He's already met new arrivals not from Earth, both human-shaped and not, so... ]

[kinko]

It can easily be sold that way. It does make for a pretty enough excuse when all else fails. ['Medicate' away troublesome problems, all sorts of pain temporarily forgotten at the drop of a hat. Or rather at the tip of a bottle, really.

Not something he'd ever personally experienced, merely through observation.]

The planet? I fear I've only heard bits and pieces of it, I'm not in the business of planetology. There were rumors abound that people lived upon it. [But then, at that point in time, there'd been no reaching the planet from earth. Which begged the question,] Were you born there? You appear just as human as our hosts.

[It was enough to cause a gentle break in the usual soft monotone, a slight uptick somewhere, the suggestion of a growing interest in the exact origin of his company... But first-]

I'm of earth, and no where else.

[priestified]

Ah ha.

[ He nods in understanding. So there's some version of Earth out there with pointy-eared folk, then. And sure, why not? That seems just as likely as anything else, given everything that's happened to them so far. ]

Oh, I'm human all right. All we got where I'm from, just boring ol' humans, whether they're from Earth or Mars or the Moon. Anyway, I wasn't born there. Place wasn't even terraformed yet when I was a pipsqueak, y'see. No, I come from a cozy lil' patch of space called L2 V-08744.

[ From the way he draws out 'cozy,' one can easily infer that Maxwell's birthplace wasn't cozy at all.

His expression doesn't sour, however. He's left the bitterness of those days long behind, he'd like to think. ]

Anyway, Mars - [ he bounces off the subject lightly, deliberately ] - that's brand new territory, still pretty wild.

[kinko]

[Considering how strange it was here already, how strange it was just to arrive here, why not have pointy eared people on earth somewhere? Anything was possible at this point, right? Worked out well for him, the less elaborate the story had to be, the more believable it was. And hey, he was from earth, that was true!]

So mankind has reached the stars, where you have come from. What a fascinating thought... Why have they chosen to reach beyond, I wonder? Simple curiosity, or necessity?

[Ah, no, that didn't sound cozy at all by that tone. The distinct lack of bitterness in his expression was fairly telling, as if the pain had been allowed to dull and heal over like an old scar. Regardless, the Medicine Seller's gaze would, for the moment, become more searching, the silence lingering for a moment as if to see if the other man might expand upon that point.

No, nope, deflected. Something to remember for later then.] It's unlikely that I will ever see it, I could not begin to imagine what it must be like in worlds beyond this one. What is there to do upon Mars, then? What do you do?

Museum of Medicine

[cryptsleeper]

[The Museum of Medicine, such as it is, also has a small research library. As botany and medicine are oft intertwined, that is where Alucard has found himself, looking into the nature of several natural mosses he's caught growing on gravestones of late, and how best to manage them without being too harmful for the natural world.

Grave moss is, apparently, also a folk cure, which is a matter that has him rolling his eyes every so often as he takes careful notes, pencil moving at an unhurried pace.

He's exiting the library when a familiar shape passes by, the sign that Alucard emerges besides directing individuals to the library or to the Special Exhibition: Astronomy and Healing focused on the old reliance of star movements and how they used to factor into medical practice.

Or as much of Wallachia sees it, current medical trends. God, the 1400s are terrible.]

--Ah. You found your way here.

[kinko]

[To be truthful, the matter of the celestial was of interest to him as well... It was of course, on the list of places to visit regardless, just due to what practice it was being factored into, but-]

So I have, an inevitability given my profession.

Do you have an interest in medicine, Adrien? Or were you looking for ways to fill an afternoon?

[cryptsleeper]

I was availing myself of the botany section of the library.

[No details, no elaboration. Botany can relate to so many things, after all.]

Anything of interest to you thus far?

[kinko]

Ah? Should you be amenable to it, I've some knowledge on the subject. As it pertains to Japanese flora, of course... But I would hardly mind sharing what I know.

A few things, yes. It's in my best interest to familiarize myself with the local medical practices, after all. [Equally void in details, equally lacking in elaboration, but maintaining that same light if somewhat cool air of casual amiability. No doubt dampened some by that persistent, soft monotone, but regardless, there was no open sign of distrust.]

[cryptsleeper]

I'm afraid that such knowledge won't help with local moss.

[It is just enough information to hint at project, but no elaboration permitted whatsoever. Alucard shrugs, tucking his notes under his arms.]

I'm afraid I need to move past you in order to get to the exit.

[kinko]

[He wouldn't block him, stepping lightly to the side.]

The behavior of moss is fairly similar, regardless of region. [Idly mentioned, no intention of forcing him to stay.] Should you change your mind and feel at ease to share, feel free to find me.

[cryptsleeper]

As you said, it is only moss. I'm not sure there's much excitement to be had.

[But Alucard will scoot a little bit ahead, nodding once as a polite thank you.]

OKAY IM HERE HERE I AM, did you want to have the Seller follow Alucard for some sad moss time then?

[kinko]

[No response this time, the Medicine Seller simply watching as the other man scooted past him and out of the library, into the hall.

No, moss itself wasn't particularly interesting, Alucard was absolutely correct on that front. But it went without saying that it wasn't necessarily some deep abiding infatuation with moss that was driving him right now.

... He'd wait a little then, before he'd take a bit of a detour from his planned route.]