#dragonhcrt Th 1

[fangsanddaggers]

Berries For a Jam and Leaves for the Scent ||@dragonhcrt||

Astarion hadn't meant to be here as long as he had. But two sweet old ladies had asked for aid so he'd spent hours helping them bring back their baskets. They were full, but the poor things had canes and poor spines.

It's upon turning to leave for his own basket that he was informed he had a new partner. Fine. He just wanted to sniff leaves and decide if they or the flowers would be a good addition to perfumes.

"So, eager for your jar of these things?" They'd been quiet for some time as Astarion led the other to an untouched part of the space, happy to settle on his knees to pick carefully. "Any plans for what you want to make with them?" Perhaps he'd get some ideas to hand over to Nicholas when he see's him next.

[fangsanddaggers]

"Well, with my age, I have plenty of crafts I know. Perfumery is just one of them, though I'd argue I'm hardly the paragon of knowledge for it. Tailoring is a different story." Delicate fingers motion to his own body, adorned in finery of his own making.

Though, he does smile as he fills the basket, moving once more to the processing area, helping pick along the way and fill his companion's basket.

"I find it's easier to learn with your hands. Words are a lot to process and don't match up to experience. I'd gladly teach you some day." The idea of having another student warmed his chest, ever since Xuanyu learnt under him, he'd wanted to expand his teaching.

Marcellus is delighted to take the other's hand in a greeting. "Marcellus Ivoryscales." The handshake is firm, but not too tight. "If you don't mind, I'd love to know some tidbits if you have any. I'm not entirely familiar with craftsmanship." When it came to creating something food-wise, he had it in the bag with no problem. That was a different kind of skill set.

[fangsanddaggers]

Astarion preens softly at the sight, picking things before gently straightening, feeling the cat scramble to curl around his shoulders stubbornly. He relents at her needy behavior, an unseen hand pulling open the fabric on his spine to reveal a pouch.

Instantly, she dove into the space, wriggling down to stick her head up and look completely at ease in the sling, purring deeply as she finally settled.

"I've gotten into the craft in the last few months. Easy once you know what you're doing." Good thing he had centuries to learn bits and pieces here and there, even learning perfumery a long time ago at it's base to make his own scents, for Cazador never allowed him to purchase nor own true ones.

Even then, he'd trash what Astarion made when he found it.

"Astarion Ancunin." He offers his hand then to the other, lips curled sweetly.

Watching the Mainecoon just hop right on their owner's back is giving Wynter ideas and Marcellus can't help but chuckle with a shake of his head. "Clearly. Ah, I wouldn't be surprised if Wynter ended up copying your beautiful cat."

What would they be without their companion? Wynter was everything to Marcellus!

"Mmm, a perfume doesn't sound at all bad. It's a lovely idea." Would...Byleth enjoy a berry scented perfume?

[fangsanddaggers]

The elf smiled at the little critter, Gale his Mainecoon inching closer to sniff at them, then looked up at his basket wanting to help him too. He's made that mistake, the soft red around her maw proof enough.

"I was thinking of a berry nettle tea, or adding it to a perfume, perhaps." He hums, holding the basket out of the cheeky cat's reach, grunting when he bowed to get more only to have a floof on his spine.

"Kids, you can't do anything without them, but they brighten the world, hmm?" It's playful as he boops her nose, continuing to pick away despite the loaf falling asleep on him.

With this kind young man helping the poor old ladies, it was only right for Marcellus to help him help them. With his own basket being assisted with Wynter's diligence (he carries Marcellus' basket in his mouth), Marcellus was happy to carry his new companion.

"I heard we can make some warm berry tea with these. I figured I could make some and share them with the people." It didn't sound like a bad idea, considering the chilly air!