Cooking It Up [Sanc Staff]

by **Elem Bree** on November 6th, 2012, 7:47 am

Elem watched Serrif as he began to prepare another setup for the second concoction. It looked very similar to the first, which made sense, as a fire was pretty much a fire. When he spoke of the time involved in finding an antidote, it dawned on Elem that time was definitely an issue. He had never been poisoned himself nor treated anyone who had been poisoned. If it was affecting the body and killing it beyond its own capability to fight it, the healer would have little if any time to search for the right antidote at the right time. It reminded him of the sanctity of Rak'keli's touch. Being a healer without one would be very difficult.

An eyebrow was raised when Serrif seemed to have a lapse in memory. He watched the Muran man flip through his own journal and notes, looking for material that was relevant to this particular mushroom and process. It gave Elem a bit of a sinking feeling because he would have to rely on his memory and many little things might slip through the cracks between the end of the session and his time to make notes in his room. Once it was discovered that the setup would be identical, Elem noted the large P Serrif wrote on the new glassware and while he spoke of sand, the Zeltivan only had one thing on his mind.

"Serrif, I really feel like I need to get my journal and take notes. I felt that way when I first came in, but didn't want to miss anything. I want to have this process noted for my own records in case I find myself in your position. It looks like it is the same setup, so while the mushrooms are condensing, I am going to go get my quiil and ink and a journal. I will be right back." He didn't really give the Muran time to retort, wanting to be back as soon as possible. Stopping at the logbook and signing out, he walked coolly out of the room.

Once outside, Elem sprinted down the hall, narrowly avoiding Larik. "Sorry!", was all he got out, his mind set on getting his stuff. Before he knew it, he was in his room, scrabbling fora quill and a vial of ink. He flipped through one of the blank books he had brought with him, making sure it was actually blank. Once he was satisfied, he took off with the same speed, slowing down just before he reached the door. He stopped, caught his breath and walked back in. Elem took the time to log himself back in and then sat his things down nearby, where he had cut up the mushrooms.

Dipping the quill in the uncapped ink vial, he wrote "Concoctions"on the inside of the book. Elem dated the day at the top of the page and began to make notations to catch himself up to their current point. The mushrooms and their color, his pnemonic device to remember, the reasons to use fire and alcohol, the condensing, the glass stirrer and weight proportions of patients. He kept writing, looking up at Serrif. "So sorry, I really want to do this right. Where will we find sand?"

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 10th, 2012, 11:18 pm

Serrif was glad to have his notes, there were several times that he would be lost without them, and the delicate knowledge given to him from his mentors would be muddled in his mind never to be seen clearly again. Which was why he found it extremely important to keep very detailed notes on what he did and what he had done in the past. He wrote everything that happened even if it seemed little and unimportant at the time. Everything did matter. Little adjustments here or there could make all the difference in the world somewhere else down the line. And it was those small minute adjustments that would get lost if not written down carefully.

The process was going as planned when Elem spoke about keeping a journal or something. He was glad Elem was coming to this realization himself rather than being told. It took Serrif several seasons before he took notes himself about what he did with Lym. And by that time he knew he had lost valuable information; but Lym was understanding and would go over everything one last time with Serrif so that he could take notes the second time around. Elem went off to find something to write in and before Serrif could react he was gone.

So Serrif instead reached underneath the table and pulled up one of the many blank books that Kavala had on hand for people to write in. She had done the same thing for him when he came here, he had just forgotten to relay this information to Elem. It was important to keep the notes here with the equipment. Or at the very least keep a record of these things when they happened. Only moments later Elem came back into the lab and began writing.

“This book will be your Sanctuary record here.” He said tapping the top of a leather bound book that he had set on the table.

“I have Kavala, you and I all have one. Anyone that uses the lab actually has one where they can detail what they have done. This copy stays with the Sanctuary. So if you want to keep a personal record to take with you a second book like the one you have will be needed.”He smiled and nodded, the man was learning fast and with Serrif’s help he would rise to his level in competence quickly. Which was good because the Sanctuary could use a few more philterers and herbalists.

“The sand can be any sand that you see as sterile. I have some set aside from when Kavala and I cut out the within. I sterilized it by putting it in boiling water and then sifting it to get out anything that wasn’t fine sand. Then I set it aside in a vial. I’m going to use it like a fine granular filter. The liquid won’t go through it easily but what comes through on the other side will be slightly scrubbed and no large particles will get through it.”

by **Elem Bree** on November 11th, 2012, 8:33 pm

As Elem continued to jot what he had in his mind down on paper before it evaporated, much like the solution in the glass ware, a tapping sound brought his attention to Serrif's finger on a leather bound book. he respected Serrif's advice and help, but what he was saying seemed unnecessary. Elem nodded and smiled, thanking the man for pointing it out, his head returning to the glassware setup, a crude drawing of the one in question being scrawled on the pages before him.

"Ah, I wasn't aware that we had these. Once we are finished, I'll transcribe my notes to the official record. When I jot notes down, my handwriting is atrocious. I can read it, but I know what I am writing or what the notes mean. If there is to be a permanent record for future generations to read, I'll take the time to make it legible." Elem remained smiling, mostly genuine. Serrif began speaking about the lesson and the notes continued, now not so scratchy as they were going on at the same time.

"So, you use a sieve or something at the bottom to keep the particles out? How do we dispose of the sand later to insure we do not harm anyone? Like in the case of the poison? We wouldn't want the waste materials to be toxic to the environment or any animal life." Elem made a place for these questions in his notebook, making little marks here and there, while flipping back through, detailing which parts would go in the permanent record as well.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 12th, 2012, 2:48 pm

He smiled and nodded. “I treat the book here much the same way. I use it to polish my notes and organize everything once I know what happened. I keep more illegible and less organized notes for my own personal use. Heck I’ll likely never need to put my notes through a cipher I am the only one that can read them.” He was glad to see that he and Elem had indeed met on an idea.

Elem would make a good healer here in the clinic; he seemed to think logically and in a straight line from A to B. Serrif didn’t always do that and sometimes had to pull up his head to get a view of the big picture. Something he was learning to do amid all the chaos. There was a big picture here, one that he knew only Kavala could see at times. She knew what this place would become and it seemed like the rest of them were along for the ride. But it was a ride he was more than willing to aid her in. The Sanctuary was going to become something great through Kavala’s tireless work and the sacrifices of the rest of the staff.

“Sand disposal in the Temple was different than here. I will have to consult with Kavala about proper procedure. For now we will store the used sand in a container and mark it making sure none use it for anything. I haven’t discussed disposal methods here with her yet.” That was something he would need to do with Kavala.

“And with the sand there are several methods that could be used. One involves a sieve and the other involves putting the sand into a fine mesh teabag and putting a funnel into the final glassware. Then putting this mesh teabag in the funnel so the final liquid has to sift through it. That is the method I am familiar with.” It was the one he was most comfortable with.

by **Elem Bree** on November 13th, 2012, 9:23 pm

Well, at least the two could agree on one thing. He was glad for that. He wasn't trying to make an enemy out of the guy, but they were clearly associates and colleagues for the most part. They would probably work, study and fight alongside each other, but the idea of kicking back with a nice glass of wine with the man seemed alien to Elem. The Zeltivan could probably do with a friend or two in a strange place, so far from home. He was just picky.

Hearing that there was not an established waste disposal program, Elem had an idea. "Well, I can look into it myself. I saw a book in the Library about waste disposal. While it is mostly about our own waste, I might be able to come up with some ideas. While the spore laden liquid may be poisonous to consume directly, it is probably also very rich in nutrients for new growth. Maybe a compost pile for the gardens up top would be best. that way we could knock out tow projects at once, clearing more animal waste from the grounds and also recycling some of our waste products here. Nothing we use is so toxic that it can't be used as a starter for new soil, anyway." Elem suspected his mother, Andra, would be proud to hear her son come up with a natural solution that would aid in gardening. It gave him a good feeling. he made a note in his journal about waste disposal solutions.

Elem's sieve suggestion had only been logic, but he liked Serrif's idea even better. "It sounds like it would be more complete in the filtering process. So, outside of cleanup, does that end this process?"

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 15th, 2012, 2:07 pm

Yeah outside cleanup we are done here. Just need to let all this filter out and then we are done.” He stretched some and knew that was all for these two things, but there was always more to make here in the sanctuary. Always work to be done.

“I’m unsure, I just know in the temple they had some sterilization liquid that would be used to cleanse anything touched by a poison. This one isn’t all too toxic. But nevertheless it is still dangerous. And needs to be treated as so.” He knew to treat everything with respect especially in disposal. One needed to be careful not to mix certain things together or else very horrible results could and usually did follow.

“We just need to filter the liquids through a sand filter when we finish and then after that we clean up. Kavala asks we put everything above in the clinic after labeling it fully. The process of making the medicines will take a little while because we are making a good amount of it. But all in good time I suppose.”

by **Elem Bree** on November 19th, 2012, 9:19 pm

Going back through his notes, Elem listened to Serrif, but he was also checking back over his work, pulling out the official record and making proper notations of the processes in his best legible handwriting. If the official record stayed in the lab, he would clearly need to compose his recollections and records before leaving that day. "I believe that I can go through my notes and memory and continue the process myself to make extra amounts, if you have other things to do. It would help me to be able to go through the process on my own. With this experience and my record, it should be no problem to accomplish this, if that suits you."

Elem couldn't see any reason why he couldn't do the stock work. Serrif, being the more senior member, had other responsibilities and Elem had plenty of time. He also was looking forward to crafting his own solutions after he had made a fair volume of the solutions that the two had worked on that day. Always plenty to do at the Sanctuary and now there was no need for the two of them to eat up precious time and resources both hovering over the same project. He was appreciative of Serrif's time, however. "Thanks for your help and instruction in this matter. I am sure we will work together again many times." Elem smiled and continued to copy his notes in a manner that anyone could read.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 28th, 2012, 3:55 pm

“Go ahead, just make sure to make proper notes and label everything appropriately.” Serrif reminded as he stretched some and looked out over everything that was brewing. He had some things he wanted to do and well with Elem here he could do it while keeping an eye on the man at the same time.

He wanted to make something a little different, ever since meeting that multi armed woman in the garden he had taken to wanting to learn something a little different from his usual. He wanted to make perfume of some kind. He wanted to make something sweet smelling and pleasant to the nose. But doing so would require him to step into territory he was somewhat unfamiliar with…and that prospect was interesting. He had a few things here he wanted to try, some of the flowers and such from that day in the garden had been saved and preserved, he had also gone back for more so he could have some that was fresh.

While he had been in town he had copied down some notes from a book about this. There were only vague mentions of perfumery in the book because such an art wasn’t common here in Riverfall. Seemed there was plenty on vinting and such though. It was a small book entitled Essentials in Perfumery

There are several different ways to make perfumes. There are essential oil perfumes, water-based perfumes and alcohol-based perfumes. All of them are simple, but each "base" (oil, water or alcohol) will completely change the scent and makeup of the perfume, even if using the same flowers or scents. Essential oils have deep, smooth tones; water-based perfumes have light, airy tones; and alcohol-based scents have spicy, bright tones.

For essential oils, buy the oils with scents you love. Citrus scents will give a burst of energy, whereas scents like eucalyptus will have a calming effect. Purchase sweet almond oil as a carrier oil for the base of the perfume.

For water-based perfumes, all you really need are flowers. Pick flowers with the strongest scents like lilacs, clemantis or honeysuckle. Purchase cheesecloth to use when draining the perfume.

For alcohol based perfumes use high proof pure alcohol as well as some essential oils. Choose a few different favorite scents or oils for this type of perfume.

So he needed to decide what he wanted to make then. There were plenty of options and well each type would help him decide what he was to do. He had only read little bits here and there about what he could do. Grazed over information before he found that little book on the topic, this would’ve been intimidating to try and do a year ago. But with his knowledge of philtering it would be a little easier now to do. He also wanted to have something to show if she stopped by sometime.

Racking his mind he went through the storeroom shelves and found some of the flowers and such that he had acquired. He had labeled these specially with purple crayon, “Perf” on each of them denoting what the intended use was. He could always go get more if he needed to, but he didn’t see much other use for these flowering petals other than perfumes. But one never knew; Kavala could one day come on in and see that one of these flowers was good for something else. He knew with her level of medicine such a thing could happen.

With these petals he would likely want to make a perfume that was light and airy, so he wanted a water based perfume of some kind. So he looked through his notes on the matter, he would have to trust his self written notes completely in order to get what he wanted as an end result.

Making water-based perfumes is very simple and will have little or no cost. Gather your favorite highly scented flowers. Completely cover a bowl with cheesecloth, and place the fresh flowers on top of the cheesecloth. Pour 2 cups of water over the flowers so they are completely covered by the water. Place a lid on the bowl, and let it sit over night.

After half a day to a full day pull out the cheesecloth and remove it from the bowl. Gently wring out the remaining water into a small pot save every last drop. On a very low heat let the perfume simmer until a very small almost minute amount is left in the pot. Pour what is left into a bottle, seal it with wax, a cork or even both and then store it in a cool and dark place. It should hold its scent for around a month or so. After this period discard the perfume.

“Have you ever made perfumes before Elem?” Serrif asked lightly as he laid out the required materials.

He had a good amount of flower petals and centers that he wanted to turn into a perfume. Plenty of material for him to turn into a fun trial of sorts. It would be interesting to try this for the first time. But it all seemed rather rudimentary to him. He was only making a single perfume of a single scent; he wasn’t going to start mixing scents yet; that would likely end in tragedy in more than one way. So for now he would stick with the basics. The things that were outlined and not branch out too far from there.

“This should be entertaining.” That was surely an understatement if he ever made one.

With a large glass jar with a screw on lid. He didn’t know if the lid was needed or not. But whatever the case was he would put the lid on to help avoid contamination in the lab. It would have to sit for over a night in order to soak up all the scents; and that was plenty of time to get contaminated with something interesting. The last thing he wanted was a perfume that turned into a poison.

“Do you think I should put a lid while it soaks or not?” He wanted Elem’s input on this matter, the man had proved he had a wealth of information already, maybe he knew something of this? It was possible especially since he had studied at a university where cross knowledge was common. Serrif was much more a skilled technician when it came to medicine and the likes. And he wanted to branch out some and learn a few more things.

by **Elem Bree** on December 3rd, 2012, 7:44 am

As he continued to work on his notations, Elem could tell that Serrif was far from finished with his work. Looking up on occasion, he seemed to be after various ingredients that he had stored away prior, since he seemed to know exactly where to go. When the subjects of perfumes came up, Elem continued to look at his books, hoping he could somehow burrow into the spine of them. "Perfumes? No, I'm afraid not. They never had any value to me, since they were of little use medically. I suppose women like them, but I've not had nearly the experience you have in the area." He certainly wasn't trying to pump up the older man's ego, but really, older probably meant more women.

Looking up again, as it seemed Serrif was looking for an audience, Elem dipped his quill into the ink vial and let it rest there briefly, folding his hands and watching with as much interest as he could muster. The scent of the flowers were already apparent, but considering they had just finished with fungals, anything would probably smell better. "Well, while it is not my area of expertise, since I don't really have one, I would guess that it might help to keep the aroma contained. Steeping it would probably help. Maybe if you put some kind of neutral substance inside, like a piece of parchment, you could extract that for smelling and letting it dry. If it seemed to be not what you liked, you could easily change the original batch and just keep trying scraps until you found one you liked. That's just logic, though. Not experience." he certainly would prefer the laboratory stay neutral. Flowery odors could cover odors that had a point. Elem put the quill back to the pages.