[anchor=OptionFive][/anchor]
Searing 12th, Year 117
He did it. Linden was on a train to visit his dear friend Alyssum in the exotic land of Kalzasi. While a part of him hoped it would be filled with good times and banter, there was another reason why Linden was going there. Well, make that two or three. One, he was told by Dolur that their library might have some text on a procedure that he is needing to learn. Two, look to see if there were any plants he could purchase and grow back home in Raellon. Three, see if they had a book for purchase on the local and regional plant life.
Getting off the train at Adithaksh, Linden stretched his legs and looked at his itinerary. He left his horse Cas back in Alfsos so it would be easier for him to travel back home once he comes back. Thank goodness for friends everywhere really. Not to mention it would be easier on them both since Linden wouldn't have to worry about transferring them from train to train.
"Do you need aid?" Asked a rough, female voice in common as Linden looked to his left and laid eyes on an Orkhan. She was about his height with rich forest green skin and blue eyes. Her tusks were white and black hair was pulled back in a long, single braid with the sides of the head were shaved.
"Oh yes!" He beamed and showed her the itinerary. "Do you know where this platform is? I thought it would in the same area I would have gotten off the train but it seems the number I am searching for isn't on this side."
"I see," she responds and takes the paper to look it over. Her eyes glance over to catch Linden just staring at her. "Is there something on my face?"
"Hmmm? Oh no! No, not at all. I'm just never really get to see Orkhan's where I am from and your skin is amazing and vibrant! Your tusks are in great shape and-" Linden turned red and began to laugh nervously. "I'm so sorry. It's a force of habit from my line of work and I didn't mean to be rude. I swear I am always mindful of manners!"
"It's fine. Just let me get you going on your way and I suggest picking up your bag so no one tries to take it from you. It doesn't happen all the time, but people like you who get distracted may have things come up missing," her tone warned him that he was more than likely being rude which was the reason why Linden was quiet around new people. But damn, he couldn't help it when there were those from different regions before him and he just had to... Stare. "The platform you are looking for will be on the other side. So just go up those stairs and follow that large group of people. They will be heading to Zaichaer and once you get to the platform, relax and look around. You got at least an hour before you need to board."
"Oh thank you so much, Miss and I would probably have gotten lost too or barely make it to my train."
"You are very welcome. Just don't stare so intently even if you don't mean anything by it. Some may take it the wrong way or be worried something is off about themselves," she smirks while handing back his paper. "Have a safe journey, sir."
As the two shake and part ways, Linden makes his way to the stairs that will take him to the other side as he skips every other step in excitement. While people were coming and going, he did see a spot where he could look out as the large windows that showed him the ocean.
"Wow," he sighs as he clutches his bag close to him and stared in wonderment.
I wonder if anyone ever stopped to look out this window before?
The bright, clear blue sky with clouds was beautiful off to the distance as one of the ships were sailing. The fin-like red sail looking transparent from the sun as it changed the colors to a reddish-orange. Smaller boats can be seen which most likely fishing vessels were dragging in the fresh catch of the day.
Turning to get back into the traffic of people, Linden collided with a man wearing a black leather coat that had the familiar scent of blood. Their coat was drawn closed in front of them as a pale face looked down at him. One eye appeared to be blind but seeing as two markings came from the one eye down their cheek. "Watch it."
"I'm sorry-"
The man turned and walked away as Linden figured he should have paid attention since he was at the station. People were coming and going so it was understandable they didn't wish to be run into by someone. Sighing, Linden steps out and begins walking to the platform he was supposed to be at and found there to be no train since he was early.
Finding a place to seat himself, he opens up his bag to take out a small book and pencil to begin writing down his objectives:
- Reducing surgical site infections and proper drainage of puss.
- Excision of masses with blood drainage from the site.
- IMPORTANT: Handling necrotic tissue and how to remove them effectively to promote healing and without amputation.
- Look to see if there are any plants or medicinals that can help improve current cleanser and any new stitching techniques.
- Look into different materials for stitching if possible.
- Speak to someone in Apothecary and Alchemy to determine if there is a way to make some medicine more "child-friendly" without losing effectiveness.
- Look into finding a proper way to do skin grafts for wounds that are too large and need the extra tissue.
The last thing he wrote he began to go into detail. Drawing parts of the body for annotations to better describe his thought process. Pictures were worth a thousand words they say and hopefully, he will get the point across.
In no time the train soon rolled up as it released a loud hiss of steam. "Has it been an hour already?" Linden says amazed and closes his small book and places it back in his bag while tucking the pencil over his ear.
A station attendant began to call out for passengers going to Zaichaer to begin boarding. Smiling he quickly made his way over to one of the carts to show his itinerary where he was told to move down five carts to the attendant there since his seat was there. With a nod and a dash, Linden was speed walking down and made sure to not run into anyone. Just estatic to be getting closer to his destination, however long it takes.
Linden was glad that he was the first one in the cabin and wondered if he was lucky enough to be in it alone or if it would be full. A selfish part of him hoped that maybe, just maybe, he gets to share it with just one person. Two at the max, but having space to sprawl out was always nice.
