Text | UN : Medicinal

[meds4sale]

It is odd - coming up to my first month here, it has been the longest I have ever stayed in a single place for quite some time. As the colder season approaches, one must rapidly come to terms with the fact an itinerant lifestyle is no longer sustainable. After all, the jaws of winter claim far more than the jaws of beasts.

Fortunately, I have found a suitable residence in Ache - according to the locals, the former owner was taken about five years ago by something dreadful and it has remained empty ever since.

The farmhouse does cut a rather peculiar sight - a newer building conjoined onto a significantly older one and though both are in dire need of repairs, the older structure has weathered its neglect far better than the newer one. For now, I am staying in the old building, but I would much prefer to repurpose it into a proper apothecary, and use the newer structure as living quarters.

If there is anyone with tools or the skills to help with the needed repairs, I have several means of compensation, including incense, medicine, omamori, blood jewels, and food from the cherry, chestnut and persimmon trees, and various gourds growing around the farmhouse.



For the extent of the damage, I have taken some photographs. I apologize for any poor quality; I am rather new to using a camera.



The kitchen area is relatively undamaged. But this is about the only part of the newer building that has not been dealt a terrible blow.




The tatami room has seen the worst of it; it seems this is where whatever took the previous owner broke in. As you can see the damage is extensive. The bathroom is also what one might describe as 'in a state'. Upstairs, the damage is more manageable, though I would appreciate any assistance in getting rid of the musty old furniture.

On a brighter note; with the new lifestyle that comes with my arrival to Trench and being, quite literally, stripped of most of my worldly possessions, I have finally gotten around to updating my wardrobe to be more in line with current, 20th century fashions. It is a shame I could not find one of those cloche hats that are so popular among young people these days, however. They are quite fetching.

I would ask the opinion of the more fashion forward among you if I have gotten the style correct; I would rather not be mistaken for a sandwich board salesman ever again.




You know, I think I rather like playing with the camera on this.

Comments

[meds4sale]

Indeed, when profit is the singular motivation for anything, it becomes a seedbed for the most despicable things. Even in these modern times, medical institutions are rife with abuse.

'Traditional' you say? I suppose some of it is, though I am up to date on current practices.

[ 'Current' being the mid/late 1920s. He should probably specify that. ]

Then again, even those will likely one day be considered 'traditional'.

I have, indeed, noticed the monster problem. It is why I chose a place so far from the city - I wish to study the effects of blood pollution on the local fauna and flora. Perhaps something can be done to mitigate such things.

Though I am uncertain what fire has to do with anything?

[righthemisphere]

For fighting the monsters. Never mind, it made more sense in my head.

If you could do me a favor, though, and not let that stuff leech towards my farm? I've got crops and animals out here.

[meds4sale]

You fight the monsters with fire?

If such things are creeping towards your farm, perhaps I can offer you some protective wards? Or are you concerned that my studying it will further its spread?

[righthemisphere]

I do, yeah. It's an ability of mine.

And both? Wards would be great, but also the blood pollution and corruption stuff is a concern. Ache keeps all the agriculture for the city not to mention the mushroom farms. I worry that holding experiments out here could hurt our food supply.

[meds4sale]

How interesting. Are you a sorcerer of sorts then?

I would be glad to set some up if it pleases. As for studying the blood pollution - I intend to keep my studies on site. Not only would it be a bad idea to have it anywhere near the medicine or my equipment, but I have already been made aware of how easily it can spread if mishandled.

[righthemisphere]

No, I wouldn't say I'm a sorcerer, but that would be cool. It's something I got when I arrived here. Fire and electricity.

That's reassuring, thank you. The last thing we need is another food shortage.

[meds4sale]

Abilities from the alterations to our blood, I take it?

Another? Has someone caused a food shortage before?

[righthemisphere]

Back in the place before this one, yeah. One day the supplies just stopped. It was a hungry time.

Um. It has been bring to my attention that I live in Feed. It's across the main road I guess I'm still remembering all these dumb names.

I'll still help you but be careful bringing Dean in. He can't tell his ass from his elbow.

[meds4sale]

That would be Deerington, yes? I have heard a good deal about that place.

Feed is where they raise livestock, no? And there is nothing to worry about; it is difficult keeping track of names in a new place.

Is Dean the one you are quarreling with? I can see that you two are very close. I will do my best to ensure your paths do not cross; I would not wish to provoke a confrontation.

[righthemisphere]

We aren't close.

[meds4sale]

Alas sarcasm is not easily conveyed through text. My apologies.

As I said, I will try to ensure your paths do not cross. I would be loathe to put either of you in a difficult situation when you have made such generous offers.

[righthemisphere]

It's fine, just complicated. I'm sure we'll figure it out.

[meds4sale]

Indeed, you two already seem on your way to some agreement. But I shall not tempt fate. One hole in my home is already bad enough.

[righthemisphere]

No promises for him but I'll behave.

[meds4sale]

That is most considerate; I do appreciate it.