Ninth Truth [Video]

[tadanokusuriuri]

[The Medicine Seller has lost his outermost robe, his obi, his headscarf, and one geta. His hair is disheveled, and there are smudges of ink and paint on his hands, arms, and face.]

[But, somehow, incredibly, he still manages to look as unruffled as if it was all just part of his plan. His posture is casually dignified, his expression neutral, his

Comments

[video]

[defiant_eye]

[ Meet Elle, post party; black-eyed, split-lipped, cut and bruised and potentially interested in those goods. ]

Like what?

[video]

[tadanokusuriuri]

[Selling medicines is just his cover job, but he's good enough at it; he's got his little spiels like any salesman, and he bows politely to her through the cameras.]

I specialize in Chinese medicines. In this case... [He takes out four brightly-colored jars, showing the inside of each briefly.] To dull the pain; a mild stimulant; to allow the body to absorb water more efficiently and speed recovery from exhaustion; and to harmonize the overall effect.

[Beat.]

I could also offer a salve for bruises and cuts, in your case.

[video]

[defiant_eye]

[ She's interested, but- ]

I'm interested.

[ -she's also piss broke. ]

How much?

[video]

[tadanokusuriuri]

[Well, since there's no universal currency here, the MS has just been operating on a rough barter system.]

...What sounds fair?