[Azurewind Market] Medicinal Madness (Qit, Oonah)

[Aneka Tristal]

Medicinal Madness

Vhalar 27, 718

The heat from the hot cycle has finally started dying down, the comfortable days were wonderful, but the nights were chilly and the blankets weren't all that thick and cozy. Then again, at least they had blankets, but someone to cuddle might have been nice. She then thought about how cozy it must be back at home with Ilia and... Phobos... alone... during a chilly night, probably in the same bed together.

"Gah!" Aneka suddenly yelled out as she was walking down the cobblestone road. Her younger sister, Ilu jumped at the sudden outburst. Aneka's face was beet red as the thought clung to her mind like a spider.

Ilu just looked at Aneka with a somewhat concerned and somewhat confused looked. "Sis? I just asked if we could buy some things while we're here in the market? What's wrong with Aloe Vera?" She asked as Aneka crouched down and covered her blushing face.

"W-What? Oh, sorry I was just thinking again." She laughed somewhat weakly and got up, looking at her shorter black haired sister.

Ilu was just the cutest little girl, she was thin, and somewhat pale, she looked sickly but her eyes shone with wonder all the time, her face just seemed to light up whenever she talks with her family or about Ilaren, she's as devoted as they come.

"Have you been reading those books again? The ones big sis Ilia said I shouldn't read?" She said and tilted her head as she asked the question. Aneka just rubbed her face, trying to get the blush off.

"Haha, n-no, I was just thinking about something." She coughed trying to get the conversation back on track. "Anyway, what are we looking for? You wanted to learn about medicine and stuff right?"

Ilu nodded rather excitedly. "Yes! I'm trying to learn how to makes salves and balms and stuff! Maybe I can help you when you get hurt when you pick fights."

"How many times have I told ya, Ilu? I don't get hurt, I am the hurt!" She said and flexed her somewhat muscular arms. Ilu just laughed and clapped her hands.

"Right! You're the strongest person ever!" She said and hugged her sister sweetly.

"I'm not, there's one other, but you don't know him." She said with a smile and rubbed Ilu's head. "Let's get going, and find what ya need. I don't know plants so I don't know what you need."

"I'm sure I can find something." She said as she wandered through the stalls, looking this way and that, the market was huge, and the stalls by the large stone walls had crowds upon crowds looking at each and every ware there.

"Stay close, Ilu." Aneka called out and followed her as Ilu ran ahead. She tried to keep up but instead bumped into someone, and fell on her ass. "Ow! Hey! Watch it!" She yelled and rubbed her somewhat sore butt. "You okay?"


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Qit'ria]

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text

It was the last trial Qit and Oonah would remain in Rharne before heading toward the city of Volta, to catch a ship to Rynmere. She considered just flying there, but she didn't know the exact way, and if they were burning mages in Rynmere, they'd be on the look out for strange, flying creatures for sure. No, she'd paid apt attention these last ten trials at how to be in a city. Faith was a big help in that.

Today was another practice run in the city. To blend in as a "normal" city person. Oonah was walking with her as always, Qit'ria in the dress she found herself growing more fond of, though more so with the feathered cavalier. Caz'aria hung in her baby straps from Qit's chest and was cooing and giggling more often these days. She was such a happy and energetic baby. Qit'ria could tell the little one loved seeing all the new things in the city, if only because she couldn't see clearly before.

To Oonah in Common, so as to better practice it, "Do think. Do you think city of stone gooder than wood? I not do think."

Qit ruffled Caza's feathers. The huntress moved with ease through the crowd, realizing it was better to be agile like a fish around rocks than a bear through the brush. She dipped and danced and glided through the crowd so as to not bump or be bumped by anyone. To onlookers, she might appear as just another young, carefree woman, though those with a discerning eye could see the agility and lightness of foot in her actions.


That is until a woman came barreling toward Qit and Caza. Qit saw her coming, and a quick check of her surroundings showed no way to dance out of the course. So she braced herself, turning away so Caza would be safe, and dipped a shoulder down a bit. The woman collided with Qit and promptly fell to the ground, beginning to utter curses. Qit'ria turned, glaring down at the woman who dared accuse her of being at fault.

Her normal reaction would've been to unleash a bear's roar at the woman and likely attack her. So instead, she kicked at the dust on the road, sending it toward her, "Blind?!" Only then did Qit turn toward Aneka, revealing she was carrying a baby, "You watch!" She then spat on the ground, turning to walk off, "Cunt." After all, it was the only swear in Common she knew.

She was fuming as she walked away from the woman, looking back and down to see if Oonah was still with her.

[Oonah]

Tree Talk Xanthean Common

Oonah's head tilted up and around as she sidled alongside Qit and Caza. They were definitely blending in better, moving with the flow rather than through it. For her part, people rarely looked down where she would be seen so it was up to her to avoid being stepped on. Fortunately there was more space below with legs and avoiding swinging packages was relatively easy. Although she still got tangled and snagged in her 'city clothes,' strolling along in her quickstep rhythm had become more a pleasure than burden. Hopefully their next destination wouldn't be so particular about dress.

The myriad of sights, sounds, and scents weren't nearly as overwhelming to her senses as they had been. Granted, she probably wasn't ready to go it alone in a place like this; but Qit had proven a solid protector and handy escape pole if situations turned sour. Yes, sometimes it was because of Qit that they turned sour, but the Sev'ryn had been able to handle it without resorting to or receiving anything stronger than unkind words and foul looks.

While they meandered the market square, she looked up toward her friend to correct her slightly, "Wood is better, not gooder to me. But wood and stone carving are not like in forest. I guess too many people here to find trees and caves to live in. It strange too to not go to forest but to go to table to get herbs too." She frowned as that last sentence threw her all out of whack. "Table for healer you see, say so? Would find Chamomile flowers for Blackbird when begin teething." She didn't mention covertly slipping a tincture into Qit's teas now and then so she could attest to its calming qualities. Experimenting had nearly used up her supply and she was getting close to perfecting the dose so needed to stock up.

Craning her head looking for a medicinal stall she didn't notice the young girl dart past them or the young woman until she landed with a thud at their feet. Oonah scowled, squinting as she was caught in the cloud of dust kicked toward the girl who was now at level with her. Fortunately the spittle missed, yet she winced at the foul word Qit spat. She wasn't sure what 'cunt' meant but she'd heard her friend called it often. It was sad that she would use a word so hurtful to herself on others.

Reflective eyes gone dark, nearly black, Oonah considered the girl first, "K you be?" then glowered up at Qit who had paused to look back. With woody arms akimbo and a little foot stomp she looked between them both and scolded, "Was accident I think. Get mean, be mean is not good way to be! Bad show. Not good ending. Make ending better!"

Such indignation coming from the tiny Tunawa may have been funny to see but she wasn't going to let it go this time.

[Aneka Tristal]

Medicinal Madness

It was completely and utterly Aneka's fault for running through a crowd, the person she bumped into had every right to be angry, and doubly so since she had a baby with her as well.

Although Aneka didn't take insults lying down. "Who are you calling cunt!?" She yelled back and got up, staring daggers at the woman before she felt a hand on her arm, pulling her back.

"No, no fighting sis. She has a baby, you don't." Ilu said and pulled Aneka back. Her voice was calm, but as soon as Aneka turned from the rather angry mother and child to her sister, she saw that she was glaring at her to back off. This wasn't a fight that she could or should win.

"Get off me, munchkin." She said and coughed, shrugging off Ilu's hand and placing her own on her head, giving her a little head pat. She was hardly paying attention to the other two. At first she thought the woman had two children, a baby and a young child, but then as she looked closer, she was fairly sure children aren't usually made of wood.

"Oh... Umm... Hello, my name is Aneka, sorry about bumping into your friend." She said and looked over to the woman. "I'm sorry, are you okay?" She said and offered a hand to the woman. She really did feel a bit bad after that and also getting angry didn't help either. "It was my fault, I'm sorry, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"Sis, I know you want to be nice and all and be a good influence on me, but I need to buy some herbs. I heard Yarrow is good for treating cuts and bruises and I want to see if it's true!" She said excitedly and tugged on Aneka's arm.

"Hold on! Hold on!" She said and sighed, looking over to the small wooden creature in front of her. "Sorry about hitting your friend, I was trying to keep up with this rascal, she's excited to try and get herbs and medicine and learn what they do." She said and looked at Ilu's innocent smile, but the little girl's enthusiasm and energy suggested something else other than medicinal use for the plants.

But Ilu is such an innocent little girl, there's no way she's plotting something to use something nefarious.

"Oh, and this is my sister, Ilu. She really shouldn't be running off into a crowd like that." Aneka said and gave Ilu a little head rub.


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Qit'ria]

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text

Qit'ria glared daggers at Oonah as the little woman scolded her. But Oonah was right, and Qit'ria's face broke into a grin. She was glad Oonah was with her, even if the little woman insisted on putting those weird herbs in her tea when she thought Qit wasn't looking. They didn't hurt Qit so she let the woman have her fun. Qit'ria huffed at Oonah before looking at the fallen woman, now standing, who was clearly a lot more bark than bite.

Qit'ria wanted nothing more than to open hand slap the woman. Best she learn now to be careful instead of when she runs absentmindedly into a bear and gets eaten. With a bit of a sneer, "Yes, you sorry. Yes, I okay. Caza okay." She looked at Oonah, who seemed to be fine now, but still wearing that disapproving face. "Yes, you make up to us. Take us to table of herbs. You tell us names of herbs. Common names. And you more careful be. Bears eat those not watching where walk." This last one she said as a bit of a threat as she smiled her bear mouth wide, showing off the bear's fangs she had in her mouth.

Qit'ria turned to the smaller one. The bigger one said her name was Ankle. The smaller one was Eeloo. Qit'ria smiled at the girl, "You fast, like deer in forest. But sister part of herd. Sister slow, but still herd. Wait for sister."

Looking over at Oonah again, "Come, all made gooder. We go see table of herbs."

The table was actually a fairly large and extensive herbalism stall, with healing herbs, herbs for cooking and for teas, others for incense and perfume, and some milder poisons for dealing with pests. Qit'ria recognized many of them, both from her time as a child with Yeye, who preferred to use herbal remedies as well as her times roaming the lands and learning from experience which herbs did what. She picked up a chamomile leaf, the same thing Oonah would sneak into her teas, looking at Ankle. "What this? Make sleepy, yes?"

The selection did surprise Qit, and she knew that deep down, if she'd ever been a healer like her father, she'd use plants to do it. Her brother preferred more modern medicine, which seemed to involve a lot of books. Qit didn't like books. Nor reading. As her fingers moved over the herbs, she looked at the vines bracelet on her arm and smiled. She missed her spirit friend back in Desnind. The city had turned against her, but her friend was with her always. In a way, she felt like she was a tree in that spirit's forest, out on a walk in the world.

She pointed at a sprig of poison ivy, complete with the white berries. "Do that poison you, Oonah? It make skin itch like fleas. Found whole lot in Scalvoris woods. Careful there when visit. Giant boneman eat you. Wolf woman live in dumb house by forest too. She burn..." Qit'ria looked around, then pointed at some pipe tobacco, "that in... wood spoon and breathe it."

Looking at Ankle and Eeloo, "I call Qit'ria. Baby is Caz'aria." She let Oonah introduce herself if she so desired.

[Oonah]

Tree Talk Xanthean Common

Oonah growled low under her breath as the young woman thew Qit's inappropriate expletive back, which would typically really set things rolling; but thank the Immortals, the young one had some sense. It didn't take long for her to realize Ilu was the same type of support for Aneka that Oonah was for Qit. The older girl did a fair job of making up for her part of the blunder. And Qit did very well scolding the girl as a good mother should and, Oonah had a hard time keeping her grimness, not just accepting the apology but succinctly demanding a price for recompense. She would't have thought of that.

"Yarrow, say you?" On their way to the herb table. "Is very good healer. Stops bleeding. Tea is good for," she trilled a word, put the back of her hand to her forehead and coughed, then chirruped another word circling her arms around her stomach. "Good for 'not feel good'. Too much make scratchy skin."

As they reached the table, Oonah quickly climbed up the stall rails to better see the produce. Just as she spotted the bundles of dry Chamomile next to the same potted plants, Qit reached out to tweak a leaf and ask Anika it's properties. Busted. She stifled a nervous giggle. Nothing about Qit's innocent question, body language, or actions suggested it but Oonah knew she'd been found out. It Was a bit of a relief that she didn't have to feel like she was sneaking even if it was for Qit's well being. Which Qit obviously accepted as a good thing.

Looking over the variety and appreciating an ability to pick and choose anything she wanted with ease she began to consider what other common afflictions and useful herbal remedies she might begin...experim..er working with. Stimulants...Restlessness...Cramps...Laxative...

Qit's pointing out the poison ivy next caused the Tunawa to gasp. Innocent question or subtle warning, as if the Huntress were reading her mind. She chose to take it as innocent although she was beginning to realize that Qit just may be more sly than she realized, "Poison Ivy, yes, bad itch, much badder than Yarrow."

Turning toward Ilu and Anika, already knowing the answer she asked a question of her own , "Find you here the best plant to calm Poison Ivy?"

She lifted a dry prickly bundle, "No touch live plant, but dried is ok. Know you good of Stinging Nettle?"

Very aware that Qit might be watching she chose a more pleasantly effective plant that was difficult to find in the wild for her purchase. She held up a gnarly yellowish root to allow anyone to guess what it might be used for, "Ginseng, know you?"

Looking to all three she held up another bundle before adding it to her selection, "Very useful is Solomon's Seal. Good for ichy skin. Can make sweat. But best to help female's belly an no babies make. Can be burnt and breathed for crazy calming and crying child." On second thought she added a second bundle of Solomon's Seal to her pile.

"Learning and knowing good." Nodding about she indicated her shopping was done and hoped the prices wouldn't be too high for what she normally picked for free.

Reference

'Peterson Field Guides', Medicinal Plants and Herbs, 2000.

[Aneka Tristal]

Medicinal Madness

Aneka noticed that bear-like snarl and held her ground against it, but before she could say anything Ilu tugged on Aneka's arm. A subtle message to just let it go.

Ilu though smiled back to Qit'ria and nodded. "I won't leave my sis again! She's just so slow and I want to see the plants that are on sale today too! She beamed happily at Qit and looked over to Caza, and studied her. "She's cute, and very quiet. Hello there." She cooed at the baby innocently.

Aneka just followed the others, she really didn't like Qit but truth be told it was her fault anyway. "I'll be happy to show you to the herbalist stall but... I don't really know much about plants at all so..."

"I can tell them about plants!" Ilu piped up happily, she had a skip to her step when they all finally got to the herbalist stall, there were fresh cut herbs and plants that Aneka couldn't name, the only thing she did know was Poison Ivy and the reason for that was she hide in a bush that had poison ivy when she was younger playing hide-and-seek.

"I wanna know more about plants that could heal! Mostly things that are good for cuts, bruises, fever and things to reduce swelling. Maybe some teas to calm down yourself. Ilu looked down the table, looking at the various plants and roots. "Ohhh! Ginger! This is good for cooking, and works as a pain reliever! I heard they taste good as a tea though."

"Ugh... I don't like ginger, they taste funny." Aneka said and looked away at the root with mild disgust.

"You just don't like vegetables or medicine. But that's the best way to heal usually! Drinking it or eating it." Ilu said and looked over to Oonah. Anaka just coughed a bit, not really liking any herbs or teas that are eaten or drank. "What good is poison ivy? Is it just a pest or is there any actual use for it?" She asked Oonah, seeing as she seems to be more knowledgeable about plants itself.

"No babies? Solomon's seal? Is it good dried or does it have to be used fresh?" Aneka asked, a bit curious as to the effects of the plant Oonah was saying.

Ilu just took a few bundles of Yarrow, Ginseng and Ginger, and just in case one bundle of Stinging Nettle as well, she placed it in Aneka's bag and Aneka took out some money to pay for it.

"You know, maybe we could look around for plants in the woods next time? I mean you could use the fresh air, Munchkin." She said to Ilu and pats her head. "Being stuck in the city all the time isn't good for you, you know? Even if you have the best plants, sometimes just going out the city might be fun, you know?"

"But we can just buy the medicine here. Why do we need to go out?" Ilu asked, she has always been inside the city, rarely leaving it, she felt safe behind the walls of buildings and the city itself but that was no way to live, Aneka hoped to break that fear one day, but for now, they got what they needed for now.

"So how are you liking the city, Qit and Oonah? Have you two been here long?" She asked, trying to make small talk, Oonah seemed to be the type that gathers her own herbs, maybe she can help her with her sister with her fear.


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Qit'ria]

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text

Qit watched and listened intently as Oonah taught her the names to the plants. Several she knew from trial and error in the wilds but many she hadn't associated with a name, and learned many new functions now. Qit looked at this "stinging nettle" saying the words aloud in Common. "I eat lots once when hunt not good. Make lots piss. Smell bad, taste bad." She shook her head at the ginger. She'd never seen that one before. She bought one as well.

Qit'ria was curious at this Solomon's Seal. She didn't need it for Caza. She was a perfect baby, even when crying. Qit could always calm the baby down and soon she'd be tough enough to not cry anymore. So Qit didn't buy any, but she cast suspicious eyes on Oonah who did. At the girl's question on poison ivy, Qit smiled. "Burn leaves, toss in rabbit hole. Make them leave. Good to plant around camp. Keep people away."

Then Ilu asked her sister a question that should've been asked to Qit. She frowned at Aneka, how could she let her sister be raised in such a way? Looking at Ilu, "In world, walls no protect you. Walls are cage. Only protect is family, friends," Qit flexed her bulging bicep, "You own strength." She gestured to the city around them, "Rabbit hole. What you do if fox come in? Can live in forest? Know how?"

She pointed westward, toward the forests and villages, "You go out, so you know you can go out. You go out, you free. You strong. Here, you weak baby rabbit." Her pointing hand curled into a fist, "Out there, you mighty forest cat."

Qit then looked at Aneka, "No like city. Smell like piss and shit and sweat. City full of weak people. Scared people. Mean people."

She looked down at Oonah, "We take them to forest, yes? Show them why forest gooder than city? Small one near Faith house."

[Oonah]

Tree Talk Xanthean Common

Oonah listened in and provided her input into the conversations feeling quite at home for the first time since leaving Desnind. Fluffy clouds reflected in her sky blue eyes and a contented smile played across her face. Their tossing plant lore back and forth reminded her of her early learnings, when it seemed more fun than lesson, challenging or trying to top another student with more information. It felt pleasing to share her knowledge with others and have someone look to her for more. Ilu's expectant expressions toward Oonah made the small Tunawa healer walk a little straighter. For the first time she really thought about what it might be like to teach... someday.

If these two had only ever purchased their herbs from someone else, not knowing how to forage for their own could be dangers. "True, many plants can be for eating or medicine, making more healthy, but not poison forget. Many plants can have parts used for all three. Know must for each plant - when and where and what and how. Show you we can." Qit would be the better to demonstrate sampling plants as Oonah's body wouldn't react the same as theirs would. "Too true, drinking or eating is ways can be to get healing but too can also use as a..." thinking aloud she trilled through a word, then mimic'd wrapping a bandage around her arm, "Word be what for 'crushed-plant-on-wound-under-wrap'?"

Carrying her large bundles under each arm, Oonah proceeded toward the herbalist to purchase her items. The woman behind the counter had a pleasant smile and shrewd eyes. She was older, slim and wirey with sun-touched skin and was Sev'ryn it seemed. Refreshingly she greeted them in their native Xanthean language, 'Ooi! A Tunawa! Bless Moseke's heart! Welcome to my booth. Did you find everything you were looking for?'

The woman's gaze was approving of the young ladies accompanying Oonah, but pointedly overlooked Qit'Ria and Caza as if not seeing them. It wasn't the best reaction but it was better than the worst they had received since coming to this land. Oonah tried not to be hurt for her friend as she'd started coming to terms with the fact that people didn't know how to respond well to things they didn't understand. Even so, it wasn't right.

"Yes, all I needed and more. But there is so much to look through that I'm not certain my friends found what they needed." Oonah's smile was sicky sweet but her flat grey eyes dared the woman to not offer service to them all. Turning back towards her friends, Oonah translated, "She asks if help we need for finding anything else"

[Strange]

Thread Review

Qit'ria

Qit'ria

Skill Points: +15 (cannot be used for magic)
Magic XP: None.

Renown: +5 for making a small scene.

Injuries/Overstepping: None.
Wealth Points: None.
Loot: None.

Skill Knowledge:

• Caregiving: Using metaphors for children to understand things
• Caregiving: Not letting children be sheltered
• Intimidation: Kicking dust at someone
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal to treat itchy skin
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal makes you sweat
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal prevents pregnancy
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal is calming if smoked
• Unarmed Combat (Inner Beast): Lower the shoulder when someone is running into you

Non-Skill Knowledge:

• none requested.

Notes: n/a.
Player Word Count: 1390 words.

Oonah

Oonah

Skill Points: +15 (cannot be used for magic)
Magic XP: None.

Renown: +5 for making a small scene.

Injuries/Overstepping: None.
Wealth Points: None.
Loot: None.

Skill Knowledge:

• Linguistics - practicing the Common language in casual and medicinal conversations
• Teaching - Various wilderness herbs and their various uses.
• Psychology - Recognizing subtle meanings and innocent teasing
• Stealth - Blending into the population and not being stepped upon or whacked with a bag
• Etiquette - Show good manners by apologizing, not cursing, when accidents happen.
• Medicine - increasing doses in tinctures have different levels of effect
• Intimidation - Vendors should recognize and serve all potential customers without bias.
• Caregiving - Selecting useful plants to treat common child troubles

Non-Skill Knowledge:

• Transportation - walking in a quick step rhythm, even in a dress, helps stay caught up.
• PC - Aneka Tristal, the embodiment of impetuous youth
• NPC - Ilu Tristal, Aneka's little sister

Notes: Knowledge requests added per PM.
Player Word Count: 1562 words.

Aneka

Aneka Tristal

Skill Points: +15 (cannot be used for magic)
Magic XP: None.

Renown: +5 for making a small scene.

Injuries/Overstepping: None.
Wealth Points: None.
Loot: None.

Skill Knowledge:

• Medicine: Solomon's Seal to treat itchy skin
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal makes you sweat
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal prevents pregnancy
• Medicine: Solomon's Seal is calming if smoked
• Medicine: Yarrrow good for cuts and bruises
• Field Craft: Ginger good for tea and a pain reliever
• Field Craft: Poison Ivy, good for keeping people away from camp and to draw out prey
• Field Craft: Several plants can be used for medicine, Poison or Food, sometimes all three.

Non-Skill Knowledge:

• None Requested

Notes: n/a
Player Word Count: 1601 words.

Well... that started out cute. Then Qit happened. Good thing Oonah was there to smooth things over. It was cute the tiny Tunawa reminding Qit of manners. Aneka and her sister, or uh Ankle and Eeloo, took the run-in pretty well, considering.

Inclusion of actual referenced plants/herbs was a neat bonus. The thread might've gotten abandoned, but it also made it to a nice spot as well between the characters.

Good job all of you and enjoy your rewards!

PM me if you have any questions, issues or concerns.

Total Word Count: 4553 words.

Review Request Link: viewtopic.php?p=118780#p118780
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