faderift | [Closed] Herb gathering

WHO: Kattrin and Medicine Seller
WHAT: Two people go out hunting for herbs and end up chatting
WHEN: Cloudreach 20
WHERE: Just outside Kirkwall city where the plants groooow
NOTES: Nothing of note yet but will update as necessary.

Kattrin knew that her herbs were running low. It was why she'd come out here in the first place. Of course the freedom from the city helped her to breathe easier for a short time as well and it certainly gave the fennec who followed her everywhere some fresh air too. The little creature could run around her while she carefully gathered the plants that she needed.

Sensing someone near her, she paused in her actions to look over, tucking some of her long hair behind her ear. It slipped back in front her face rather quickly though, something it did constantly and she'd just grown used to.

The man she saw seemed to have features of an elf yet didn't carry himself as such. Tilting her head, she studied him for a time unable to stop the curiosity she felt.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Spring came much quicker this far north and the Medicine Seller had set out from the city to exploring as far as his rift shard would permit.

And to replenish and replace his diminishing stock.

He had been spotted - not that it was terribly difficult to spot him, and he was quite aware of the scrutiny from the other picking herbs. He could sympathize about the hair in the face too, he really could. Sometimes there was just nothing for it.

"It would seem we are here for a similar purpose," he said, even-toned.

"I was not expecting to see another out here." Not that she minded. To know there were others with knowledge of herbs was welcome. Not everyone would want magic and the herbs could be used for a variety of things beyond healing as well. Something she'd learned from her days among the Avvar.

"You...are not an Elf." A guess really. Though she suspected that it was actually rather accurate. Of course it was difficult to say for sure until he chose to confirm or deny it really.

"This place is full of unexpected things," he agreed.

Including that.

It wasn't a first - at least not back home. Sometimes he'd run into someone he'd met a good thirty years prior and they'd take one look at his ageless face and they would know. But here? And so abruptly? The Medicine Seller was not only surprised - he was impressed.

The thin, watery grey light from an overcast sun glinted off his fangs as his lips curled into a smile.

"Neither are you," he countered. It was, at least, a confirmation.

"You have a look of someone who has seen much and Elvish features but you are not one of them." It was curious to say the least. And she wasn't asking for more information. It was up to him if he wanted to volunteer any. If he didn't then that was up to him really.

"I am human though. So, no, I am not an Elf." Now a human without a people too. That was more complicated and not part of the observations so she didn't say as much presently.

"What herbs do you seek?"

"You are very perceptive," he remarked. And he actually meant it. People back in his world either didn't notice, or were too afraid to say anything. Here, at least there was precedent for pointy ears and weird facial markings that led to presumptions. It seemed such pretenses were beneath her.

He focused on Kattrin more closely now; she felt spiritually powerful, though the way flow of things didn't feel quite like any mage he'd run into yet. Rather, he was thoroughly reminded of the presence onmyōji had - a similar spiritual connection that he was sure the Chantry would throw a collective fit about.

"I am looking for herbs that quell fevers, ease aches, and soothe sour wounds. ...You see, I am a medicine seller."

"I was raised to be so." Raised to be and taught to be by her spirit teacher when she was learning magic. It helped her to read signs in the world that could be coming from her gods. Perhaps she was not perfect with it but she'd learned enough before sending herself into exile. At least enough to trust her own instincts on these matters.

"A medicine seller..." That caused her to look at him in a new light. Not a bad one either. To sell medicines was a noble profession in her eyes. At least as far as doing things for money went. So she approved of him doing this and gestured to some of the plants she was kneeling in. "These will be of aid to you."

Just then the fennec bounded up her back to rest on her shoulder, causing her to glance to the side at him. The little thing studied the seller with what seemed to be the same amount of curiosity as herself, like he was trying to figure out what this person was.

He knelt down by the herbs she'd gestured to, and was about to take a few cuttings when a ...fox? Yes, that was, indeed, a fox. The fluffiest, longest-eared fox he'd seen. Though, he supposed, as humans had their many variations, so must foxes.

He bowed his head as though greeting a long-lost friend, and not some wild animal that had scampered over.

"You keep... peculiar company."

It was hard to say just who he was talking to.

"We found each other during my travels. I healed his injuries and he has guided me since."

Which was a way of acknowledging that it was odd but not overly so. She could see where he was coming from though. For most this would be strange. The company of an Avvar or the company of a fennec. Either way it was working for them at least.

"Have you no company to keep yourself?"

His lips curled a little into a smile as his eyes followed the fennec's movements.

"It is always wise to repay debts."

His gaze then turned to Kattrin.

"...It depends on what you consider company. The wind and trees provide suitable companionship."

It was a rather nice way of saying 'I'm a friendless misanthrope'.

"Though the meaning was creature, the question was open to interpretation."

She actually gave the strange man a little smile. He was odd but there was something about him that she liked. He almost reminded her of something otherworldly. Beyond being one from the rifts. She couldn't fully say why but it made her feel...comfortable.

"Such was my own company for a time before this little one found me."

"Ah. Then yes, there is one. But he is a... contrary thing."

He didn't talk much about the Other, and in many ways they were just the same person divided. Still, company was company, even if it was just an aspect of yourself that lived in a magic sword with a creepy face.

"So you are also one who travels. Unusual, given the dangers of this place."

Darkspawn, demons, knights with red bits growing out of them - all manner of troubles.

"I was born to a people who travel. It is not so strange to me to continue to do so."

She paused there though, looking at the plants she'd been collecting. Lowering her hands and her little knife she gave a small sigh.

"I am not one of them now but it is not so easy to forget about not living in permanence."

[Closed] Herb gathering

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