01. video.

[feintofhart]

[ The video flicks on to show one Claude von Riegan, having dispensed with his usual fineries of billowing fabrics and elaborate capes to more simple fare, simply a loose white linen shirt and brown trousers, seated at the desk of what looks to be an incredibly cluttered shop. Herbs hang from strings from the ceilings, the dark, burnished wood of the shelves covered in various dusty jars filled with strange liquids and ground plants and all manner of things; what little table space is not covered in these mystery jars is instead covered in stacks of books and parchment strewn about. It is, as some may be able to recognize, Aldrip's apothecary. ]

Hey, everyone. For as long as I've been here, I don't think I've ever properly introduced myself... so allow me to make up for lost time. My name is Claude von Riegan, and I've been here for, oh... three, four months? Longer than I thought I'd be stuck here, to be honest. But I've got more than simple introductions on my mind today.

[ He reaches into one of the jars and plucks out a few herbs, adding it to whatever concoction is in his mortar and pestle, the grinding of stone against stone a low, pleasant sound. ]

I'm sure you've all noticed that our humble hosts have been disappearing, one after the other. [ He holds up a paper, noting a date and time that has already passed, an invitation to meet with Those Who Were. ] This seems to be the culprit -- someone sending them missives, telling them to meet with their gods, or holy figures, or whatever else you'd like to call them. Something worth investigating, I think.

[ He pauses, putting a pinch of some other spice into his bowl. ]

But in the meantime, they've left their businesses behind. So I've gone ahead and temporarily commandeered the apothecary until they return. It's too important an institution to leave empty, and besides, this place could do with some organization. And some good dusting. And, frankly, some revamped bookkeeping, because it's just in shambles.

The thing is, though, is that my own knowledge of herbalism is confined to my own world -- and it's specialized knowledge, at that. So if you know anything about it, or know of anything I ought to be stocking, that you might be needing, do me a favour and let me know. [ He licks the tip of his pinky, dips it into his concoction, and licks it off, only to shudder in revulsion. ] Eurgh, that's nasty.

[ He clears his throat. ]

Or, of course, you can help me search for our missing persons. I haven't had much luck, but hey! Maybe you will.

Comments

[likethestars]

If they're going to the forest then that seems the best place to start. I don't know much about the people's customs here, but I heard talk of a bunker in the forest. Mayhap they have been taken there?

[feintofhart]

That's definitely possible. But something like this... [ He grimaces. ] Let's just say last time I was in a religious ceremony, it didn't exactly go well. If we're going to go there, we should go prepared for something weird going on.

Or they're all just having a perfectly nice ceremony, and we're the rude intruders. Little bit of both, maybe?

[likethestars]

An adventurer is always prepared... or mostly prepared given a great deal of my supplies did not arrive with me. Anyroad, I am always prepared for action if need be.

There is only one way to find out, aye?

[feintofhart]

There's no question as to what we have to do. I just don't know how well it would be received -- or if we'll still be welcome here if we throw their plans into disarray.

Still, I'd rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. We'll have to head in there soon, try to figure out what it is that's going on.

[likethestars]

True. It wouldn't be much of an issue for me, though I imagine most wouldn't do as well if put out on their own.


[ She's been doing fine on her own, but she knows not everyone is used to roughing it. Though they aren't alone here, this group seems to have many willing to help and look after others. ]

I agree.

[feintofhart]

Yeah, you've mentioned that you're used to traveling, haven't you? I am too, to some extent, but never without a home base to call my own. But I realize that thinking that far down the line is catastrophizing. I'm certain I'll be able to wheedle my way into some sort of compromise, if it comes to that.

[ It's just a matter of framing it in the right way. That much, he's confident about. ]

They might even wind up thanking us. There's something sinister about this whole thing.

[likethestars]

I didn't have a home for a long time. It is certainly better to have a place to return to from time to time.

You are better with words than I am, then.

[feintofhart]

I am!

[ He says it as a statement of fact, not as the clear boast that it is. ]

Words are my weapon of choice, at the end of all things. But we all have different strengths. I'm a man who enjoys his creature comforts -- if we do get ousted, it's up to people like you to help teach poor little me how to live off the land like a proper adventurer.

[likethestars]

[ She can't help but let out a little huff of a laugh at that. ]

Sure, sure, I'll show you how it's done. Granted, I still rely on trade to ensure my survival, I'm not completely living off the land.

[feintofhart]

Well hey, the world's a lot bigger than Aldrip. Even if we piss people here off, the next town is just a day's ride away. They seemed pretty okay with us, last time I was there.

How'd you get into the whole traveling life anyway?

[likethestars]

True. I've been planning a take a trip around for some time now. However, things have not been overly convenient for travel lately.

[ There's a moment of quiet before she decides to give the cop-out answer. ]

I wanted to see the world.

[feintofhart]

A noble enough pursuit. There's so much of the world we can't understand unless we see it for ourselves... though it usually takes a great deal for someone warm and comfortable at home to stake out on their own. Unless you managed to rope some companions in with you for the journey?

[likethestars]

After my tenth year I no longer had a home and it took some time before I found companions to travel with.