mandrakeroot | TLV Inbox

mandrakeroot

Mandrake here.

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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.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Crozier gives Nathaniel a little nod as he approaches. Unfortunately he doesn't have news from the Admiral yet, but he's happy to engage with him.]

Afternoon. Faring well?

From:

mandrakeroot

[He assumes he might have to wait for those, but he does have other questions.]

Yes. I hope you're doing well.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[There's no need to get personable yet, so he nods.]

I am. I was just in need of some new books. [He looks through the stacks, finger on the spines as he casually goes from book-to-book.] I've yet to hear back from the Admiral, but I did put in your request.

From:

mandrakeroot

[Nathaniel's aware that there's occasionally a need to be personable, but it's not something he particularly enjoys. Bland politeness mixed with professionalism is more his preferred method of interaction.]

I know he works at varying times, and that's before taking into account recent events. At least the request is in.

[Time for other business.] I was told you used to be an inmate.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Indeed. [He eyes a book by Joseph Dalton Hooker and smiles to himself. Ah, he'd hoped he would have done well for himself. The Kew Gardens, mn?]

Never had a permanent warden myself; I was lucky to have muddled through, so-to-speak.

From:

mandrakeroot

I see. [A positive sign.]

How do you think it works?

From:

goingtobeunwell

If you're looking for a rubric I honestly doubt there is one. What was needed from me doesn't apply to you.

[He stops looking through the stacks and turns to face him.]

Personal growth is something that differs from person-to-person. I suspect there are things the Admiral is looking for, but there's a highly likelihood that the bar is 'functioning human being who doesn't purposely hurt themselves or someone else'.