mandrakeroot | TLV Inbox

mandrakeroot

Mandrake here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

mandrakeroot

I enjoy learning new things.

[It's always been more than enough escape. Fiction is pointless, escapism for commoners.

He nods, far more pleased to fill this request.]

This way. I've shelved a few books Chinese mythology, Zhang's appears to offer a look into where some of the stories might have come from. There's one on holidays, which also comes with history. A few on religion, though those are on a different shelf. [He can list off titles and places without hesitation, automatic memorization has many uses.]

From:

goingtobeunwell

[He'll follow, interested in the way he seems to rattle off all of this information.]

Religion, I think. Best place to begin when one is mostly ignorant of the topic.

From:

mandrakeroot

[He does have to use a ladder to reach the books he wants, but he doesn't have to double check any locations.]

This should serve as an introduction. [He gives Crozier a consider look, before jumping down and pulling out anther book.] This is a basic history. It might help to have a timeline, of sorts, as these things can vary drastically with time.

Do you have a bag?

From:

goingtobeunwell

[He does, in fact, have a canvas bag, which he pulls from a pocket and unfurls.]

I think I'll be plenty busy with all of this. You've read most of it?

From:

mandrakeroot

No.

[A touch regretfully, even if it's not his main area of interest.]

There isn't time for that. But I try to at least look through the introductions.

From:

goingtobeunwell

What do you normally study? What's your preferred area?

From:

mandrakeroot

I wouldn't say I have one preferred area. I like books on how things work. I try to maintain my languages. I've been studying medical texts, as they're more advanced than what I'm used to.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Ah, I'm also fascinated by the medical texts from future eras. What languages do you speak?

From:

mandrakeroot

French, Czech, Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew, Middle English and Coptic. For the ancient ones, reading, not speaking, of course. [He can also speak some Japanese and a spattering of other languages, but not well enough he would count it.]

It is interesting. My last temporary wardens have given me access to some basic scientific tools, so I've been working on expanding my understanding.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Impressive.

[And he genuinely means it, though he doesn't quite get the connection between scientific exploration and learning languages.]

What sort of scientific tools?

From:

mandrakeroot

[He shrugs. The languages are standard, which doesn't mean he won't take 'impressive' as his fair due.]

A microscope, slides, various materials to allow me to work on biology experiments.

From:

goingtobeunwell

You still have these things, mn? [He wouldn't think it would be taken away from him once a warden is forced to move on.]

From:

mandrakeroot

I do. Though some of the materials have been used up.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Make a list of what you need.

[He adjusts the bag over his shoulder.]

I'll see what's feasible.

From:

mandrakeroot

[He nods.]

Thank you.

After my experiences on - the other ship, I've been working on some first aid practices. So it'd be nice to have material for that, too. If I can put them on the list?

From:

goingtobeunwell

Aye, put them on the list. I'll see what I can do.

The Clipper or the Galley? [Christ, either one would have been terrible.]

From:

mandrakeroot

The Galley.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[He winces in spite of himself.]

Yes, yes I'll see what I can scrounge from the Admiral for you. Have you ever studied astronomy?

From:

mandrakeroot

I have, though usually in conjunction with other subjects.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Oh? How so?

From:

mandrakeroot

Astronomy plays a part in various religions, as well as having a connection to alchemy and various rituals. There are debates on whether it's actually needed for those rituals, but they're not conclusive enough to remove it.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Oh. Alchemy. That's a little disappointing, but Crozier doesn't let it show on his face. Perhaps a little pure science without magic would interest the lad at some far-removed point.]

Ah, of course, of course. Well, I'm off to haul these books back to my cabin. Submit that list to me soon, mn?

From:

mandrakeroot

[When it comes to science without magic, his focus is pretty firmly on medicine, but his somewhat obsessive interest in learning often has room for more.

He nods, turning back to shelving.]

I will.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Well. Not the best first meeting, but certainly not one of his worst. He nods and heads out with his books, though returns them a few days later for ones pertaining to exotic birds.]

From:

mandrakeroot

[Considering Nathaniel, it could've been a lot worse. He sends a list of equipment later that day, after his shift, just containing materials for his basic experiments, as he's said: slides, cleaning equipment, petri dishes, test tubes, thermometers, pipettes, dye and a cold storage box.

When Crozier returns for exotic birds, he even approaches first again.]

Hello.