1-8 qps, depending on length and quality.
Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : x
Length bonus +1-2 qps : o
Part of a series +1 qps: o
Summary: +1 qps : x
Total: 3 qps, awarding for the editing mostly. Awarded Erynn for the rp.
****************************************************
The Insomniac and the Egoist
OR
Herbs for Hibernation
===
I was digging through old patient records looking for a specific piece of writing I did for an dear friend and I came across the following notes. The theme, insomnia, resonated with me quite strongly at the time because of events in my personal life. Erynn's exhausted and desperate portrayal of an insomniac was all too heart breaking for its accuracy. Alas, it sat and mouldered for 10 years and never got the polishing and attention it deserved.
In accordance with the Personal Identifying Information Protection and Perennial Pain in the Ass Act (PIIPPPIAA), ratified and signed in Malkier by all nations and recognised by Women's Circles from the Aryth to Sharan, if I want to make interactions between me and my clients public, I need to ensure all identifying information like names or professions needs to first be scrubbed from the record. Accordingly, I have delegated this task to my most capable and trustworthy colleague, Neela. There isn't time for me to review the final edits that she does but she is a trustworthy and dependable sort so I don't forsee any difficulties in removing all traces and identifying information about this tired soul from the record.
===
scribbled at the bottom in a hasty scrawl, the paper torn in places from the savagery of the pen strokes
That wretched and vicious little vole editted out the wrong things! She scrubbed all mention of my brilliance and attentive care (all of my own, personal emotes) and left in this poor, desperate client's name! There's a filthy, overgrown pile of compost in Whitebridge that just got a new promotion straight into the middle of Neela's bedroom! When the Thiefbane comes knocking at the door, waving their shiny PIIPPPIAA badges in my face Neela better be ready to take the fall for this PIIPPPIAAPOOP.
OOC:
My client saves my inputs seperately from the mud output. This log took place in 2013, long before we got room emotes showing our own emotes back to us so all you can see when I emote is just: "Ok". Normally when editting, I would copy the emote from the input buffer into the mud output to make it look seemless but I never did save the input buffer for this log so had no way to regnerate my emotes that way. As a result, the log loses a fair bit. I do tend to get emoty intead of talky so a lot of my side of things is missing. But this log meant a lot to me because of the insomnia angle and I really would love for it to get some eyeballs so I am posting anyway.
***
Context: a chance meeting between a well-worn wayfarer and witty and winsome Wisdom in Whitebridge results in an impromptu examination of the wayfarer, an appeal from her for herbal relief and and extra large serving of pathos for everyone involved.
Primary participant: The acclaimed and celebrated goddess of beauty and snuggles, Wisdom Thena
Primary participant: The tragic casualty, Erynn Jarellin
===
Field
Uniformly short and even blades of grass cover a flat expanse along the
southern edge of Whitebridge. The clearly well-tended space sprawls north
and west. A small path runs along the south edge of the verge, eventually
turning into the paved road which runs along the city wall to the east. A
few shops cluster on the south border of the footpath, facing the gardens.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
A campfire burns slowly, sending smoke into the sky.
The fishmonger is here, hoping to buy your catch.
Erynn has arrived from the north.
You ruthlessly tackle her to the ground.
You stoke the fire.
The smell of baking fills the area.
A cake is ready.
You say 'Captured.'
You nod to yourself. Very reassuring.
Erynn splutters.
Erynn groans loudly.
You say 'It groans! Is it sick?'
You say 'perhaps some sheepstongue root to cure this unknown illness?'
Erynn stands up and stares at you.
Erynn says 'Are you a wisdom?'
Erynn says 'Yes of course you must be.'
You say 'That depends.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'What have you heard?'
You say 'Who sent you?'
Erynn says 'I...'
You peer closely at her, trying to figure her out.
You say 'You'll never find it you know!'
Erynn cries on your shoulder.
Erynn says 'I know!'
Erynn says 'It's gone...'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'And that is the way it should be.'
You say 'Wait ... you do know what "it" is, yes?'
Erynn clings to your shoulder.
Erynn says 'Oh, this is terrible.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn stands up, trying to keep her expression even.
You say 'It's terrible because you don't know what it is?'
Erynn says 'I am sorry, this is not appropriate behavior.'
Erynn says 'I need something to help me sleep.'
Erynn looks at you hopefully.
You say 'Well you'll never find it if you fall asleep you know. The early bird catches the earing my father always used to say.'
Erynn's expression changes to astonishment.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'Why don't you follow me to somewhere more comfortable and you can explain further.'
You beckon everyone to follow you.
Erynn starts following you.
Eastbridge Avenue
The wide avenue opens to the west onto a large field in Whitebridge's park.
To the east the avenue runs along the inside of the city walls.
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Erynn has arrived from the west.
Before a Well-Kept House
The cobbled streets of Whitebridge bend around the curve of the city walls,
the wide lane dusty and worn. To the north lies a large, well-presented
house, a bundle of herbs neatly bound with a blue and white checked ribbon
hanging in the window. The street continues to the east and west.
[ obvious exits: N E W ]
Erynn has arrived from the west.
A Quiet House
This is a neat and well arranged house set in the middle of the city. The
house is well furnished, and the room is centered on a large table. A
couch and several chairs surround the table. Bookshelves are stuffed
full with various tomes. The door lies to the south.
[ obvious exits: N S W ]
Beathas Navinen, the Wisdom of Whitebridge stands at the ready.
Erynn has arrived from the south.
A Peaceful Bedroom
This small room has a cozy, comforting feeling. Unadorned save for
avendesora leaves carved on the mantle and doorway, the room is warm and
clean. There is a small fire burning beneath a kettle in the fireplace at
all times. A shelf of neatly labeled jars, clean cloths and dishes stands
against the wall. Bolstered high with pillows, the bed is the focal point
of the room, with a high back and slightly slanted foot. Across from the
bed is a bank of windows to let light stream in, bathing everything in a
healthful glow. Several chairs are gathered around the fireplace.
[ obvious exits: E ]
A sailor is here.
A wisdom stands here ready to help.
Meraneve Hellamen stands here, ready to assist with bringing a child into the world.
Erynn has arrived from the east.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn collapses onto the edge of a chair.
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
You say 'Meranever will make ...'
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
Erynn says 'Pardon?'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
You say 'That ... what ... drink ...'
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
Erynn glances around and notices Meraneve.
You point at her [Meraneve].
Erynn says 'Oh...'
Erynn looks at her with slightly uncertainty.
Erynn rubs her forehead with a tired hand.
Erynn says 'You do mix herbs, yes?'
Erynn says 'They were never my forte...'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'Well, yes, I do. But I thought you were looking for something hun. Many people have a bit of herblore if it is a common potion you are looking for. '
You say 'Or have I misunderstood?'
Erynn sighs softly.
Erynn says 'I am in need of a tincture to help me sleep.'
Erynn looks at you thoughtfully.
You say 'Oh, I thought you were here about those jewels.'
Erynn sheathes a dagger of green jade into a set of cloth sleeves.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn arches an eyebrow, momentarily distracted by your antics.
You say 'I mean ... sleeping draughts are strong and serious medicine hun. They are not to be taken lightly. Why is it that you are looking for one?'
Erynn says 'You...could not possibly understand.'
Erynn sighs again, then peers at a stain on her dress as if noticing it for the first time.
You say 'Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I find that some attempt at understanding, doomed though it may be, is required when handing out such strong medicines.'
You say 'That road leads to angry mobs outside doors and charges of aiding and abetting.'
[shiver]
Brrrrrrrrr.
You think really hard.
Erynn says 'I am old.'
Erynn says 'Older than you, to be certain.'
Erynn says 'I have been burnt out, Saidar...'
Erynn looks resolute.
Erynn says 'Is lost to me.'
Erynn looks at you.
What's bothering you?
You say 'I ...'
You say 'Err ...'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'I'm not sure that I am the right person to be talking to about that Saidy-stuff.'
Erynn says 'I am tired and without purpose, I just need to sleep.'
Erynn says 'I have just run out of my tinctures, it seems to be difficult to find a Wisdom in this city.'
Erynn says 'Despite the location...'
You say 'You say that you have run out of tinctures? How long have you been relying on them to find sleep?'
Erynn stares at her palms as if trying to discern something from them.
Erynn says 'Two years.'
You say 'Herbs can bring sleep when it is absolutely required but should be used sparingly. '
You gasp in astonishment.
Erynn nods.
You say 'It's best to treat the condition that causes insomnia rather than force sleep on an unwilling body and mind.'
You say 'Two years ... oh my, oh my.'
You say 'And you take them every time?'
Erynn says 'Every time, yes.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'Did the Wisdom who mixed up your original tinctures not explain the dangers of such a thing?'
Erynn looks into your face tiredly.
Erynn sighs loudly.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn says 'I know these dangers well.'
Erynn pauses.
Erynn says 'They were originally mixed for me in the Tower.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn stares at you as if to impart something important.
You say 'Oh, I had heard ... that is, I thought the Aes Sedai didn't believe in the value of herbs.'
Erynn chuckles dryly.
Erynn says 'You underestimate the determination of the Yellows.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'Well I certainly can't help you with the underlying cause. That sounds like Saidy-stuff to me hun.'
Erynn shivers slightly.
Erynn says 'There is nothing for the cause.'
You say 'How long has it been since you last slept?'
Erynn says 'It cannot be healed.'
Erynn says 'Three days.'
You say 'And do you know what was in your tinctures? Was it a blend containing Foxtail? Or perhaps Sleepwell? I can't imagine the Tower ladies would have given you
a forkroot concoction no matter how potent it may be for sleep.'
Erynn shifts her feet.
Erynn says 'I know there are many herbs that have the same effects, I do not care what is in it, so long as it works.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
[frown]
What's bothering you?
You say 'Well, I could give you a blend which you should brew a tea from.'
Erynn nods slowly.
You say 'I think that if it is different from the tinctures which the Yellows made up for you, we might avoid some of the more ...'
Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!
You say 'Onerous side effects.'
You say 'For a while at least.'
Erynn says 'Yes, that would be fine, I think.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn says 'It has been some time since I saw them.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
[sneeze]
Gesundheit!
Erynn says 'You are not the first herbalist I have seen, perhaps the first Wisdom.'
You say 'And what did these other ... herbalists tell you about such medicines hun?'
You say 'I will need a herb pouch.'
Meraneve Hellamen inspects the shelves, picking up a herb pouch and handing it to Thena.
Erynn furrows her brow.
Erynn says 'I have...a purse...'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn rubs her hands together briefly and looks at the ceiling.
You say 'And your purse is far too light for my tastes hun. I know because I checked already.'
You blink your eyes innocently.
You say 'Don't worry about talk of coin and such.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn strokes her chin thoughtfully.
You say 'But these herbalists ... do tell me about them please.'
Erynn looks confused for a moment.
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn says 'Nothing overly special to remark on I suppose. Every village has someone who sells them.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn says 'I was never particularly convinced of the usefulness of plants.'
Erynn says 'At least, not until I used them.'
[frown]
What's bothering you?
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
You say 'I mixed you up something to make tea with hun.'
Erynn grips the pouch in a rather disconcerting manner.
You say 'There is enough there for 2 brews of about 2 cups each.'
You say 'It is very important that your tea be very weak. Leave the herbs to brew for a minute only.'
You say 'Not more than that.'
You say 'Do you understand?'
Erynn nods at you, "Yes, thank you".
You say 'One cup of the tea should be sufficient but you can drink the second after a half hour if you still don't find sleep.'
Erynn nods in acknowledgement.
You say 'As I said, there is only enough there for two brews because I want you to come back to see me very soon.'
You say 'Now, repeat my instructions back to me please.'
Erynn gazes at you steadily.
Erynn says 'No more than a minute, half the pouch into the brew, it makes 2 cups.'
You say 'Good. Mind that you follow those closely.'
You say 'I would prefer that you wait at least 4 days between you doses but ...'
You sigh.
You say 'If you can't sleep, you will drink it regardless.'
Erynn looks doubtful.
You say 'Pease do come back to me rather than seeing some nameless herbalist at the back of a dark alley somewhere hun.'
Erynn says 'Thank you.'
You say 'Oh, and one last thing I forgot to mention.'
You say 'The efficacy of the tea increases greatly if you are snuggled often.'
You nod to yourself. Very reassuring.
You snuggle her.
You snuggle her.
Erynn tucks the pouch into her purse and ties the strings with shaking hands.
Erynn stiffens, then relaxes.
You say 'Which is another reason why you need to come back.'
Erynn pats your back uncertainly.
You say 'What was that Saidy-stuff you said which causes your lack of sleep?'
Erynn says 'It is nothing.'
Erynn says 'I should not have mentioned it.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn looks at you keenly.
Erynn says 'I do rather think you are toying with me.'
Erynn rubs her forehead again.
You gasp in astonishment.
You say 'Indeed not!'
You snuggle her.
You say 'This is my serious snuggle.'
You say 'See!'
Erynn gives you a brief smile.
You say 'It's just that ...'
You shrug.
You say 'As soon as I hear about Saidy-stuff something in my head goes kaboom and my ears just turn off.'
You say 'Either that or it goes in one and out the other.'
You giggle.
You say 'Which is why I want to write it down.'
Erynn says 'Oh yes, I understand the feeling.'
You say 'Maybe one of my more ... abstract ... sisters knows something about your ailment.'
Erynn says 'I cannot reach the power.'
Erynn says 'I will never touch it again.'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn's free hand curls into a fist.
Erynn says 'This cannot be healed.'
Erynn says 'It is like...'
[ Thena does something charming and adorable ]
Ok.
Erynn says 'I cannot even remember the days of my youth when I was without it.'
Erynn looks confused again, and begins to perspire with concentration.
You hug her.
Erynn grips your shoulder thankfully.
Erynn says 'It has been some time since I have spoken of it.'
You say 'You go and get some sleep. I'll do my best to find out all I can about this business. And remember what I said about that tea. Especially the time between if at all possible.'
Erynn hauls her pack to her shoulder wearily.
You say 'Do you have a place to stay?'
Erynn says 'Thank you Wisdom.'
Erynn says 'I do, yes.'
You say 'Good. I think that we have a free bed here but you would have to share a room with Neela and I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone.'
[shiver]
Brrrrrrrrr.
You say 'Especially not someone needing sleep.'
Erynn looks decidedly uncomfortable.
Erynn says 'Yes, thank you, I have a place.'
Erynn says 'Ah, as do I.'
You snuggle her.
You say 'Good luck hun. I shall see you soon.'
Erynn nods.
Erynn waves at you halfheartedly.
Erynn leaves east.