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Video UN: Whatever

[Alec is sitting in his room at the inn, trying to ignore the spectral whippet gnawing on a squeaky bone behind him. He doesn't know where she got it and he isn't inclined to ask]

Right. [he rubs his eyes with a hand and then stares at the camera]

Let's get this shit show organized. The sooner we get everything done, the sooner we can leave so it's time to figure out who can do what. Who are you and what can you do? What are your strengths and weaknesses? We should have some sort of formal training so that like can work with like and eventually figure out how to work together as a cohesive unit in case something big comes along.

[he doesn't want to even think of what that might be]

Also are there any legitimate doctors around? And I don't mean someone who can do 'healing' [he waves his hands] whatever the fuck that means, but someone with medical training. If you have that... let's talk.

[he has a small problem that if he doesn't get it fixed will soon turn into a very large problem so he's doing what he can]

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[Half-Doctor. Either way, far from ideal.

Still, he carries himself in a calm way and, despite his worn clothes there's a sort of elegance to the way he looks. Also he's neat and clean. So there's that.]

I'm not sure there are a lot of choices. Of the places I have access to that affords us some privacy there's the room I've been offered. [But he also knows that's not something everyone would be comfortable with.] But wherever you would be the most comfortable is fine.

[he thinks]

I know a cafe not far from here. [it wasn't ideal but better than nothing] I'll spot you.

I'm hardly going to refuse your generosity.

[It wasn't his ideal place to do this either but whatever the patient was most comfortable with was probably best.

So he continues to smile and agrees easily.]

Please lead the way.

[he does lead the way, but warily, checking as if to see if someone was following them. At the cafe, he picked a table furthest from the door and slid down into the chair, pressing back away from the window.]

Get what you like.

[he eyed the young man a moment]

What kind of conditions have you worked with?

[He doesn't make a comment about the spot that was chosen though he felt like it confirmed a lot about the man across from him.

A private person, certainly, and distrustful. Though not someone who chooses a spot based on keeping the best escape route.

He takes a quick look at the menu. Naturally, it is full of things he doesn't quite recognize.]

Just tea would be fine. Though I'm not familiar with the kinds listed here.

[His expressions have remained mild-mannered and calm. Even when admitting to ignorance it doesn't change. He's clearly not embarrassed by not knowing.]

I have treated common illnesses, I also know a little about antidotes for poisons as well as medicine for numbing pain. I've also learned acupuncture techniques for improving help and staving off headaches. For more difficult conditions...I have learned about them. The Chen family's library is well kept but naturally it won't cover every possible health problem or poison.

[And then, as if it were an after thought:] My teacher has been focusing her research on a particular sort of poison that is almost a curse...I have a lot of experience with that but I doubt it is what ails you.

[But you did ask about his experiences...

He holds out his hand.]

If you let me feel your pulse I could probably give you a better idea of how much or little I can help.

[He tries not to sound presumptuous. He's patient and gentle. If he's refused he won't push.]

Well I'm not going to order for you. [grumbled. The kid would just have to take his risks. As he spoke though the feeling of doom settled about Alec and he knew that he would die here. He was fucked. Absolutely fucked. Not unless he let a healer muck about with his body and that wasn't going to happen.

With a barely concealed sigh he held out his hand, though he doubted the man would be able to diagnose a heart condition with a pulse check]

[He couldn't help but be a little amused. This person sure was prickly.

Still, he keeps his amusement to himself.]

Then, I guess it will be a surprise then.

[At least he orders based on price. As in he picks the tea that's the least expensive.

Then he takes the hand that's held out. His own fingers are calloused from holding a bow and sword, but his grip is gentle. He turns Alec's hand so the palm is facing up, then gently laid it on the table so he could press three fingers to his wrist.

The pressure is firm but not painful and it alternates between the fingers, pressing harder with one before switching to another.

His expression doesn't change much besides a slight crease in his brow.]

It seems there's a problem with your heart that doesn't appear to be recent. Your body also appears to be weak. [He pulled his hand back frowning now.] Can I assume that you know already that your condition isn't good?

[He feels like you must, surely? That sort of weakness in the body, it reminded him a little of someone else he knew who had run himself ragged for years.]

Yep. [he was both relieved and a little creeped out that he could tell. He'd better not have used magic to do it, but if he had, how could Alec tell? He wasn't going to think about it.]

I'm not dying at least. [but there was the implication that he wasn't far from it] Is there anything you can to to keep me from that.

[He's quiet for a moment before he sighs. It's the sigh of someone who knows someone who thinks exactly like that.]

Let's try to do better than simply not dying. [He considered the question.] Luckily, this sort of condition isn't too rare unless there are other complications that aren't detectable at the moment. We can can start with a prescription for Zhi Gan Cao Tang. It's ingredients are all milder medicinal herbs that can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. We can see how it goes from there. [He pulls out some paper. It's just from the hotel room but it works well enough.] This place puts more importance on magic and potions so some of these are harder to come by in the markets but if they exist at all I can probably find them.

[He finishes writing out a list of plants and the amount for each. The list includes things like ginger, ginseng...but also a whole host of things that whatever is acting as the translation agent here probably can't translate that are various roots and stems and leaves. ~~I'm sorry I gave up on translations after the third thing that just gave me a scientific name.~~]

Naturally, medicine is only one part of it. You should also try to make changes to your daily habits to improve your health. Sleeping early, staying away from alcohol, not straining yourself, avoiding fatty or fried foods and maintaining a peaceful mental state. That sort of thing.

[a huff of a laugh]

Trust me that's all I can hope for.

[and at least the kid sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Not that Alec could tell for sure. He didn't know what sounded like Chinese but then he didn't know what went into aspirin either so he'd just have to trust him.]

Everything but the mental state, I can do. [or straining himself, but given this situation, what else was he supposed to do?]

Right. I'll pay you whatever you need. Just let me know how much-- though I might need time to gather the money.

[He isn't even surprised to hear that.

At least he didn't sigh this time, only smiled faintly.]

I've heard meditation is helpful. [Then he pulls another piece of paper on the pad.] I can prescribe something for that. It's just a sachet to keep for the smell so it shouldn't interact badly with the medicine you'll be taking.

[He'd offer some of his own but he sort of.....needs it. So.]

As for price... [He puts the pen and paper away as he pauses, as if to consider. His smile was gentle and sincere.] I'd say, considering my lack of experience, the price of a cup of tea should suffice.

Can't sit still long enough. Too much to do. [and he's never gone in for that sort of thing to begin with]

Don't sell your abilities so short. I'll at least need to pay you for the supplies.

As I said, this place has an over-reliance on magic. Most of these ingredients I will probably forage for in the forest on my own so the only investment will be time.

[But there were people like that, the ones who couldn't simply accept a favour...especially when it's something so important.]

You can pay me back if you want, but there's no need to worry about it until you find steady income. The Chen family are not the sort to refuse a patient for lack of payment. I won't disrespect my teacher's teaching by going against that. Besides... [His gaze slid towards the window.] Someone important to me also has health issues though it is not related to the heart. If he were in your position...I would hope someone would help him as well.

Mm. [he hated to remind people of anyone. It left an unsettled feeling in the pit of his gut for some reason. Especially in relation to this. Still he had nothing else to do but accept it]

Fine. But I will pay you back, in favors if nothing else. [he does intend money but steady income is not something he's certain to get] How soon can you get me something?

[He considers that. If they were in Great Liang he could pick up most of these things from the nearest medicine seller...but here...]

I'll go into the forest as soon as I can. Within the week, I should be able to let you know if I can find all the ingredients...and if I find it then I should have the medicine ready very soon after. [Some of it may have to be dried but there's probably something that can speed that up here.] If there are any changes in your condition from now and then please let me know as soon as possible.

[Because he's your primary healthcare provider now, he supposed?]

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Video UN: Whatever

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