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]

As helpful as such a form would be, just knowing how to move in shadow can be enough.

[beshackled]

You have such a skill...?

[He already knows her to be a capable fighter, so he is not entirely surprised by the revelation.]

'Twould certainly make things easier.

[likethestars]

[ Now that she thinks about how that sounds she needs to clarify. ]

Not...literally. I can be very sneaky when needed, however.

[beshackled]

[Erichthonios cannot help but smile more broadly in response. An unusually bright expression for him.]

I understood. Manipulating the darkness to move from one place to another tends to draw attention rather than permit one to move beneath it.

[likethestars]

That is a handy ability to have, however. I've seen ninjas move in similar ways.

[beshackled]

Mayhap you may tell me of them sometime. I should be glad to hear a tale or two.

[likethestars]

I can tell you what I know.

[ Though she's not great at telling tales. ]

[beshackled]

I shall look forward to it.