#tar and tonic water

[cupozo]

Read @higgsbison's Tar and Tonic Water not too long ago it's such a good fic I love how it's written it genuinely made me laugh. love Jean's skills to death they're so delusional : ) Precipice being a congealed form... like fuck yeah that works so good for illustrating the repression. Jean's subconscious really said to the pit with you. but yeah, love the fic. with no expectations, I hope more chapters are written. Thank you for this food, I appreciate you higgsbison have some fanart

[higgsbison]

Randomly updates that one fic where Jean has custom skills and they're all absolutely, horrifically useless.

[euclydya]

Fun fact about us: we have the Genius page for CCCC open on Firefox at all times for some. reason

[sixofcrowdaydreams]

WIP Wednesday Monday

Tagged by @jazzythursday

Lately, I've been trying to write some canon adjacent moments. This is one scene in a series of snippets about Wylan's experiences with reading over the years.

Warning for nausea and vomiting (non-graphic). Wylan is not having a good time.

Wylan is eleven years old and he’s not hungry. He should be, he thinks. It’s been hours since he emptied his stomach on the floor of the library this morning, nauseous from the physician’s latest tonic. Just a spoonful of the brown medicine taken after breakfast, but it tasted vile. Thick like tar, it clung to the back of his throat no matter how much water he drank to wash it away. He’s still nauseous.  Though he can’t tell if his stomach is upset or he’s gone so long without eating that he’s circled back around to feeling ill.  Wylan should feel grateful, he supposes, that the physician’s latest attempt to cure his deficiency also dulls his appetite. There’s no plate in front of him. A hardbound book lays innocently on the rich hardwood of the dining table in front of him. All he has to do is read, then he can eat dinner. He makes the mistake of looking up enough for the letters to wiggle across the leather cover. His stomach rolls.  Ghezen rewards those who work hard, his father always says. That’s why their family has been blessed generation after generation. To his father’s disdain, Wylan, lazy and stupid, hasn’t honored Ghezen.  He tries to imagine the God of Commerce personally withholding his dinner, hands shaped like the Church of Barter wagging a massive finger in his direction. It’s hardly a punishment. Not when he feels like this. For lack of anything better to do, Wylan folds his hands in his lap, sits. Waits. Wills his stomach to stop twisting. He squeezes his eyes closed, but it doesn’t help.  At the head of the table his father eats. The room is silent, tense, only interrupted by the occasional clink of his fork and knife laid gently on the plate between bites.  Wylan calculates sums to distract himself. Multiplies by sevens as high as he can go. Seven times sixteen equals one hundred twelve. Seven times seventeen equals one hundred nineteen. Seven times–  His father scoffs, his disdain apparent. “You could at least make an attempt.”  Wylan opens his eyes, but doesn’t shake his head. He can’t without being ill.  “I don’t feel well.” The anger in his father’s eyes burns, he doesn’t care if Wylan’s stomach is as weak as his mind. The fact that no effort, no attempt has been made the entire meal, is a far worse sin than academic incompetence. “You aren’t allowed to leave until you open that book, Wylan.” Dutifully, he does. Then, promptly heaves onto the carpet.  Wylan barely hears the clatter as his father drops his utensils in disgust and walks out of the room, dinner unfinished.  When he stops retching his mouth burns with acid and his stomach feels no better. Wylan waits another few minutes, long enough to apologize to the staff, then leaves too.  The next evening he’s allowed to skip dining and sit in his room. It takes six more days before the physician gives him a new tonic. 

Tagging (but no pressure) @nerdlingmerchling @oneofthewednesdays @waterloou @hotpinkmurex

[16woodsequ]

Sunday Steve - Day Eight

Things that would be new or unfamiliar to Steve in the 21st century, either due to the time period he grew up in, or his social-economic status and other such factors.

Day Eight: Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo: The origins of the word shampoo comes from an Indian hair and body massage called champooi/champo.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s shampoo was a water soluble, dry shampoo powder that would be dissolved by the teaspoon in a cup of hot water (Link). Shampoo could also come as bars of soap, which could lather or be grated and dissolved into boiling water and left to cool and solidify.

A 1908 New York Times shampoo guide claims "hair is best shampooed at night, following thorough combing and brushing, and singeing split ends. Castile soap is applied with a stiff brush and rinsed four times every month to six weeks." (Link)

Bathing had become more and more common as part of the hygiene routine in the early 1900s, but shampooing was generally recommended every two weeks—or every four to six weeks (preferably using castile soap or tar soap) because shampoo was known for drying out and damaging hair. (Link)

While at-home shampooing was slowly becoming more common, it was more common—for those who could afford it—to get it commercially done. Most shampoo ads were targeted towards women, but men in barbershops "transitioned from using hair tonics to using shampoos to remove the build-up of heavy styling products" (Link).

The liquid shampoo first really started hitting the market in 1927. So by the 30s at-home shampooing became even more common. This is due to a combination of most Americans have in-house plumbing, their own bathrooms, and the shampoo formulas becoming less harsh and drying. The combination of all this meant one could wash their hair every week. (Link) (Every day shampooing began to be marketed in the 70s since oily hairstyles were out of fashion.)

Liquid shampoos were sold in glass bottles, while powdered shampoos came in tins.

Bottles of shampoo and lotions manufactured in the early 20th century by the C.L. Hamilton Co. of Washington, D.C., United States

It wasn't until 1934 that detergent-based (no-soap, modern) shampoos came onto the market (Link).

Sarah Rogers likely wouldn't have been able to afford to get her hair shampooed, but she could have made her own shampoo from castile soap bars (example youtube video) or bought shampoo powders which were then dissolved in water.

She would only wash her hair every few weeks, most likely brushing her hair and keeping it up in styles in-between washes. (Link) Using a clean brush to brush ones hair helped remove and evenly distribute oils.

In 1933 shampoo cost about 25-50 cents. (Link) (Link) I haven't dug deep to know exactly what kind of things Steve and Sarah would be able to afford. But it wouldn't surprise me if there were times they could and couldn't afford hair care products.

As for if Steve would shampoo his hair, he probably just used soap. Shampoo had soap in it until 1933 (which was why it was so drying) (Link). But men could afford to use soap on their hair since they usually had shorter hair and their natural head oils could help mitigate the damage.

I can find less information about men's hair routines if they couldn't afford to go to barbershops, so I'm less certain of what Steve would do. But 20s, 30s, and 40s men's hair styles had a lot of oil or greasy styling products. While these would need to be washed out for re-styling (probably weekly like women) the oil products would help against drying out the hair.

Men also always wore hats. Having stiff or slick-down hair was important so that hair styles wouldn't be ruined by putting on and removing hats. Hair oils would stain hats, chairs and other things heads came in contact with.

Circa 1920 Glostora hair oil and brush ad and Hair Slik ad

Don't be fooled by the ad. This vintage bottle of Glostora is 5 inches or 12.5 cm tall. It would be put on after shampooing, like conditioner.

In the Captain America: The First Avenger movie we can see that Steve's hair isn't slicked back. This could just be a modern day styling choice, but it could also show that Steve did not care about styling his hair.

Cleanliness was was important so he probably washed his hair every few weeks with soap and bathed regularly. But it doesn't look like he put heavy product in his hair. (Unlike Bucky, who probably had more reason to shampoo his hair. It wouldn't surprise me if Bucky went to the barbershop when he could afford it.)

Steve probably couldn't afford to do more to his hair than wash it with soap every few weeks. He likely made his own shampoo with castile or tar soap. This method makes more shampoo than the bottles of liquid shampoo being sold.

Conditioner: Conditioners originated from a product called brilliantine (developed in 1900) which was used to soften beards and moustaches. This product would be put on after styling in barbershops to make the hair shine and soften it. (Glostora and Hair Slik are similar products.) (Link)

"It was oil based, giving off a slimy residue to anything it touched. Homemakers knit lace doilies to cover the backs of high back chairs and couches to protect the furniture from men’s greasy heads" (Link)

Other items used similar to conditioners were hair tonics, or Wildwood Cream.

Conditioner became a necessity because of shampoo, as it is drying to the hair. So it wasn't used much until shampooing became more common (oil has a long history of being used to tame hair, but commercial conditioner products became more common along with shampoo use.) (Link)

Women caught on to these types of commercial products. I've had a hard time finding specific conditioner products from the 30s. Here is a hair care routine for women circa 1930 that mentions brillientine, so it looks like women began using brillientine as well before more specific conditioning products were developed.

There seemed to be more conditioner products developed by the 40s. Here's a conditioning cream from around the 40s, and a different one with a price (about 39¢).

1942 Drene Shampoo Hair Conditioner Vintage Print Ad

(Drene was the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo and you can see in the side panel of this ad they say "Don't rob your hair of its glamour by using soap or liquid soap shampoo—which always leave behind a dulling film that dims the natural lustre and color brilliance!")

Wrap up

Modern day hair routines would be recognisable but still somewhat unfamiliar to Steve. This is partially because men's hairstyles have changed drastically from the slick-back styles he is used to. Hats have also gone out of style.

Also, it is common now in America to wash one's hair around three times a week. This shift came about with the change in hair styles. Woman leaving hair down and covering it less necessitates the need to shampoo and condition it more. (Women shampooed their hair once a week in salons up to the 60s).

The products are also slightly different. Liquid shampoo is the dominate form now (I doubt Steve ever bought liquid shampoo) and they come in plastic bottles. The liquid shampoo is likely a much different formula than he's used to. Additionally, conditioning is a very specific step in the process and hair product ingredients have evolved.

There are also combination products like 2-1 shampoo and conditioner which came about in the late 1980s.

Along with the cultural changes, Steve's socioeconomic status would effect his perception of hair-care routines and buying hair products.

With modern (no soap) products, Steve's hair is probably softer and shinier. Steve would have been aware of no soap products, but I don't think he would have bought them. However, he could have had these products used on him during his USO tour. Interacting with the women there probably introduced him to many products he was less familiar with.

Men's hairstyling in the 1920s.

This post kind of got away from me! But I hope you enjoyed my deep dive into 20th century hair care.

[tmbatcat]

1) i LOVE your skills they're so cool :D!!! 2) YES you should absolutely draw The Time Being hakjhs 3) !!! oooh what's the fic you're halfway through reading, if you would like to share? :0!!

1) OMG i didn't know you knew about them!! I would go in a humongous rant about all of them if you would like to know more !! <3

2) I already drew a sketch but it looks like shit and i may just redraw it

3) Paddling Out by transhitman, I think you shared a super cool drawing by spilledkaleidoscope and now I'm at chapter 6

If you want some recommendations:

(Warning! Please first check the rating and tags before reading the fics, but in general it's just stuff that comes with Disco Elysium)

The Catacomb Killer by SupposedToBeWriting (117,000 words, 28 chapters, finished)

Tar and Tonic Water by Vee_hee_hee (19,000 words, 5 chapters, not finished) [Jean POV]

The Furies are NOT in the Mirror by Earl_of_Bats (3,000 words, 1 chapter, kinda finished?) [Skills shenanigans]

fuck the police, do theater by artificialheaart (series) (33,000 words, 6 works, kinda finished) [Harry is part of system and is in crippling pain]

[volivolition]

HEWWO wanted to send these in before we forgot Jfjskakdkfjsf hopefully we aren't sending them Too fast lmk if we are FHDJDJD But!!! two songs this time!! bc the first one is Very Very Short but

First one is!!! Cosmos by Jawbreaker Reunion!! You rbed a Jean fic that looks super interesting we'll have to read it later bUt it reminded us of our Jean's favourite song which is this!! he says it rlly reminds him of him and Harry tbh!

Second one is Sober by FIDLAR! v loud and energetic and Yeah this is an E-Chem song. FHHDSJFJDKSKFKD like. points at the lyrics. That's a fuckin e-chem song right there!! and a harry song tbh but it's on our Skills playlist 4 E-chem

ok that's all we hope you have a good day!! :3c

HEWWO!! my music friends the furies!! <333 send me as many as you want, anytime you feel like it!! :D it just takes me a while to formulate responses because im a sleepy guy with lots to say -ᴗ- <3 but i appreciate you taking time to share music with me!!!! i will listen to ALL of it :3 <3

cosmos fills me with EMOTIONS i really like this one!! makes me melancholy in a good way :'] <3 OH THE FUCKING. SUDDEN SWELL OF THE INSTRUMENTS. WAUGH... HELL YES this is going in my playlists hjkhf <3 oh when you're a satellite... weeps!! absolutely a jean and harry song, i love it, short and sweet :'] <3

(also YEAH TAR AND TONIC WATER IS SO FUNNY, its a wild ride of a story <3 i fondly think of it as "A Spilled Kaleidoscope"'s younger sibling fic in the "whoopsie-daisy, bro, your proximity to harry means you got voices now!! get used to it!!" concept)

POINTS AT SOBER YEAH. YEAH I ABSOLUTELY GET IT. songs that you can scream to!!!! "LOOK IM TRYING TO GET BETTER, WHY DO I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHY IM LIKE THIS" ough. OUGH OUCH THE LYRICS. e-chem and harry!!!! :'0 <333 love that, love that <3

thank you thank you i hope you're having a good day too!! :D <333

[applejongho]

the green tea selfies are unbelievably cute (i muffled my vaguely pained and loving groaning into the fur if my long-suffering cat) but also. that tea reportedly tastes Incredibly Bitter and Kind Of Vile.

(all im saying is jongho could drink like. paint stripper. birch tar tincture. freshly molten pitch. the murky waste water at the bottom of an industrial-sized dumpster that's behind a somewhat seedy and suspicious kebab joint, even. that man has a stomach and tastebuds made of steel and i fear him Very Much)

absolutely losing my fucking mind bc u are So correct, lis. he apparently likes tonic water with americano which is absolutely terrifying. all of the sugar points went to his personality and none to palette.

[titleleaf]

ficsmells of 2023

(a sequel to the long-bygone ficsmells of 2017)

pete campbell in "santa, buddy": pomade, laundry soap

mozart in "divertimento": wig powder, orange-flower water, sweat, ink

billy hargrove in "somebody's sins but not mine": cigarettes, Drakkar Noir

eddie munson in "we like it louder": sweat, woodsmoke, Old Spice, grime

eddie munson in "give you what you need": sweat, weed, Old Spice, body odor (look at him and tell me i'm wrong)

al shaw in "all the things you boys lie about": sweat, specifically Marlboro cigarettes

vecna tentacle monster in "alive after death": chlorine, semen, rotting meat

daimler in "no language but a cry": rosemary and clove pomatum

julian fromme in "the days of september that rise": swimming pool chlorine, skin/sweat

orson krennic in "the dose makes the poison": sweat, uniform wool, "light and woody" cologne

phil burbank in "coffin tack": this man STINKS + wet wool/leather

bob benson in "(the first time ever) i saw your face": 'Binaca and fine cologne'

henry drax in "the heidelburgh tun": sweat, body odor, wet wool, blood

cirk baufort in "false taste of paradise": sweat, clean cotton tee shirt, semen

father paul hill in "and all the senses rise against": semen, soap, salt, skin, trace cologne

noemí taboada in "lactarius indigo": typewriter ribbons, dusty card catalogs

boris lermontov in "adoration of the earth": carnation, glove leather, hair tonic (spice/herbal notes)

g. joubert in "til every taste is on the tongue": leather, carnation, rosewood, cedar

primo nizzuto in "sticky fingers": bergamot, orange oil

cornelius hickey in "the men will be good, but when?": picked rope, tar

brother matteo in "horologion": wool, wax

dr. stanley in "a progressive vice": camphor

cleopatra in "sykon": myrrh, balsam

james noel holland in "a pathless comet, and a curse": vetiver, neroli

julius caesar in "leopard" and "intempesta nox": calamus, sweet clover, marjoram

stewy hosseini in "the gatecrasher": rosemary, hinoki (I think I had a real cologne or combination of products in mind when I wrote this description but idk which)

stewy hosseini in "buy more stock in roses": cedarwood

marc antony in "nonae" and in "this battalion of lovers": olive oil, herbal water

henry iv in "much ado with red and white": clove-pinks, blood

prince hal in "surfeited with honey": rose, civet

shiv roy in "in the sanatorium": hair serum, expensive shampoo

kendall roy in "in the sanatorium": Tom Ford cologne

henry viii in "serpentello": civet, lavender, bay

samuel masham in "a trick of state": sandalwood, civet

hugo barrett and tony theservant1963 in "close my mouth": Russian birch, leather -- super common fragrance notes for men's fragrance of the era, I might have been thinking Creed Cuir de Russie, for reasons that have everything to do with the comedy value of Creed's pretentious branding

evelyn mulwray in "speak low": 'wet earth and salt water and magnolia flower, like a cloud of perfume staining the wrist of a pair of white leather glove'

colonel ives in "and the burden and the lesson": pomade, bay leaf, clove

noho hank in "yes, and": 'expensive stores at the mall' which 100% means he's wearing a cologne barry doesn't recognize

sal romano in "at last, something beautiful": this dude smells NICE in ways ginsberg cannot articulate

marcus isaacson in "something unreck'd": rose and petitgrain

jay gatsby in "a ruby in the vine": BLOOD AND MONEY

debbie mitford in "soft targets": jasmine, cigarette smoke

[mio-nika]

aight! as a person who probably has read most of the de fics on ficbook, what can you recommend me?

(i read things from ao3 too! there are just More Of Them)

Whoooo boy. Let's start from a little diclaimer I'm a little into detectives (as a genre) and into people beings being harmed in a line of duty.

So almost all of this would be case fics with like. Whump elements. No one actually dies, but someone could be a little maimed by a shrapnel from a fragmentation grenade. Usually it's Kim. It's always Kim :,( *please read it in the same cadance as 'its always Joey'*. Also just. You know. Canon-typical stuff.

1. The Catacomb Killer.

All my buddies like it! Basic premise: HDB wakes up from a blackout smelling of alchol near the dead body of a little girl. Whom he may or may not killed. He and Kim gets tasked to find a truth. But as always nothing is actually that simple.

2. Paddling Out (THE REPEATER CORPSE CONUNDRUM)

I have my own problems with this fic, but the level of mystery and the author's talent of writing highly visual scenes makes it almost worth it. The classic closed room case. The worker is killed on her station. Repeater stands in the middle of The Pale and no one was there except the victim. What happened 🤔

3. The Case of the Man Who Two-Thirds Wasn't There

It's less serious than pervious two, not as an insult. It just has MORE jokes. So it's lighter to read. The case: abandoned car motor carriage full of dead bodies and no one to blame. Includes the classic "all rich people are muderers" and high level insulindian political plotting.

4. A Cage, In Search of a Bird (Cageverse)

This is unironically can be read as an original. Like. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A BOOK. This reads like an actual book. Most of the story happens around jewish yevreysk people. And you know. Usually original characters in fics are kinda boring. Not boring, but more two-dimensional? But here, most of the original characters are REALLY flashed out. And the world-building levels are INSANE. The series of suspicious deaths and work-accidents of chemical plant workers. Somewhere around the second chapter I've thought about "chemical worker's song" and author included it as a reference two chapters later. So fucking nice. Also, if you need some slavic graadian representation, it's here too. Thank u, author.

And HDB adopts Cuno in here, and even tho I was horrified by a though of "recovering highly unstable ex-drug addict adopts a highly volatile child" author made it work. Amazing.

5. Tar and Tonic Water

I think this list does not include enough Jean, so this one is for him personally. It's both unfinished and not a case-fic, but I think its VERY FUNNY and a great just as a Jean study. Basically it's starts with HDB, Kim, Jean and Trant playing "fuck, marry, kill" completely sober and "ends" with Jean getting full metldown and his own Skill List. He's so much "not having a great time".

[happymillionsayurved]

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The Origins of Shilajit:

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The Composition of Shilajit:

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[higgsbison]

do you think you'll keep updating tar and tonic water? I'm obsessed with jean and I love your characterization of him and the humor in your fic!!

thank you 💛

I very likely will, but tbh I can't really promise any reasonable timeline of doing it, it will just happen when you least expect it, I fear 😔

[zaheersblog]

Richness of Sun-Dried Salajeet from Gilgit-Baltistan

Nestled within the majestic landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, lies a treasure as ancient as the mountains themselves – Sun-Dried Salajeet. This rare and potent substance, also known as Shilajit, has been revered for centuries for its purported health benefits and mystical properties. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the secrets and traditions surrounding this extraordinary substance.

What is Sun-Dried Salajeet?

Sun-Dried Salajeet is a resinous substance found in the rocks of the Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges, particularly abundant in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant matter and is rich in minerals, fulvic acid, and other organic compounds. Known for its dark, tar-like appearance, Salajeet is believed to possess rejuvenating and medicinal properties.

The Harvesting Process

The harvesting of Sun-Dried Salajeet is a labor-intensive process deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of the region. Local villagers venture into the rugged mountains during the summer months when the resin oozes out of cracks and crevices in the rocks due to the intense heat. They carefully collect the resin, which appears as dark, sticky masses, and bring them back to their villages for further processing.

Traditional Preparation Methods

Once collected, the Sun-Dried Salajeet undergoes a meticulous preparation process to remove impurities and enhance its potency. Traditionally, it is washed and purified with water, then left to dry under the sun, a process that can take several weeks. This exposure to sunlight is believed to enhance the beneficial properties of the Salajeet, making it more potent and effective.

Health Benefits and Cultural Significance

Sun-Dried Salajeet holds a revered status in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine, where it is considered a potent tonic for overall health and vitality. It is believed to boost energy levels, improve cognitive function, and enhance immune response. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Salajeet is also deeply intertwined with local folklore and spiritual beliefs, with many considering it a gift from the mountains themselves.

Preserving a Cultural Heritage

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Sun-Dried Salajeet beyond the borders of Gilgit-Baltistan, with people from around the world seeking its purported health benefits. However, with this increased demand comes the risk of overexploitation and depletion of this precious resource. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable harvesting practices and preserve the cultural heritage associated with Salajeet collection.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Salajeet of Gilgit-Baltistan is more than just a natural substance – it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and natural abundance of the region. From its origins deep within the mountains to its revered status in traditional medicine, Salajeet continues to captivate the imagination and curiosity of people around the world. As we marvel at its dark, mysterious allure, let us also remember the importance of preserving the traditions and landscapes that give rise to this extraordinary gift of nature.

[drsunshineee]

ok im gonna do one here now but with tar and tonic water skills because thats more my brain.

YOU: you remember that drugs exist

FRATERNITÉ: you should do drugs, maybe it will make you socially capable

HINDSIGHT: maybe dont do that

i love love LOVE when people write disco elysium inner monologues about their day to day life i need people to do it more. tell me what half light is constantly whispering in your ear. what is volition holding back. i need to know everything

[bluedragonbooks]

Adjacent 02 of 25

When Brother and I arrived at the Tavern, the Wizard had greeted Brother and arched an eyebrow at me.

"He's my brother, Ma said He should come along to take care of the meals and the fire and such ... so I can concentrate on my training, and the Quest; Oh, and he's training to be a healer."

The wizard eyed me up and down, and then pulled some sort of contraption out of his bag, an arrangement of lenses. He flicked thru a few, looking at me thru each one in turn before apparently coming to a conclusion."

"Hmph - half-blood then ..." he muttered.

I had a feeling for what must be coming, so I feigned ignorance and interrupted him with cheerful "That’s right Sire, Half-BROTHERS, no Champion blood in me Sire, Elric got all that - I'm just a commoner like me Mum, call me Dafid.

Elric was of course oblivious to the undertone, but I fixed the Wizard with a glare and then looked around the crowded tavern meaningfully. The Wizard opened his mouth as if to speak, paused and then nodded slightly.

So, subject closed ... at least for now.

...

Apparently, neither Wizarding nor Questing paid very much.

We were consigned to walking, as we couldn't afford horses; and contenting ourselves with barns instead of lodgings; tho we managed. Typically, we were graced an ale each at night and a hearty meal, even if the meat was scant, the vegetables were filling, and if we were lucky there would be gruel for breakfast, and if we were very lucky bread, cheese and maybe even an apple for the next day.

When I say "We" I meant "I", as each village seemed less impressed by Wizardry and Champions when it came to offering up shelter and provisions, and more likely to have a supply of ailments in need of a healer, and on spying my apothecary satchel, be willing to trade food and lodging for healing. Fortunately, most places were already well-supplied with the necessary herbs, so I didn't often need to raid my own supplies; they just lacked the knowledge or courage to brew the remedies. Though many remedies were often harmless, read useless; those that were potent, had a tendency to kill the untrained or unwary if mis-brewed.

Maidens Ease for Cramps or pain - Just steep 3 sprigs in a cup of hot water, sip the result thru the day. Only one cup per day, and only 3 sprigs if fresh, 4 sprigs if dry. Maidens Ease is good for pain, but not for lung troubles, as an overdose will stop your breath. Can be made as a tincture with Brandy; 3 drops in a cup of water are usually as sufficient as tea.

Poultices for Boils and Infections without sepsis - 2 spoons of pork fat and one of beeswax, the same of honey and good handful of Wintergreen; pound the Wintergreen into the honey; stir in the fat and the beeswax over a scant flame till barely melted. Allow to cool and smear it on a boiled cloth; apply to the wound and bind it loosely. Change daily. Pine Tar is almost as good if Wintergreen cannot be found.

Colic in Infants - a soothing tea of chamomile, vervain, liquorice, fennel, and lemon balm - just a teaspoon, no more than twice per feeding.

BrightsBane - for a precautionary tea for any maiden foolish enough to fall for my brothers’ charms; that usually bought us a hearty lunch from the maidens mother.

Gout - A tonic of bitter herbs for the liver, and instructions to ease up a little on the wine and rich foods.

At one place, I arrived in time for a difficult birthing; the local women were aghast at the idea of a male healer and one who was just a boy at that helping with the birthing; but, the local crone had looked me up and down much like the wizard, and threatened to curse them all with boils if they got in my way; The babe was stuck, the woman overwhelmed with pain, had clenched down and couldn't relax - trapped in a vicious cycle of pushing against her own pain. I called for boiled water and made a strong batch of Maidens Ease tea; it would help her relax her muscles and reduce the pain, but it was just a ruse; Once the mother had drunk enough, I looked at the old crone, and catching her gaze, inclined my head meaningfully.

"All of you get out; no point hanging around like carrion eaters; give the per woman her peace and let the boy concentrate." said the crone and started bustling them all out the door.

I used the distraction to check my father’s book.

"Anything you need Lad" asked the crone.

"Cold water in a metal bowl, copper if you've can; rosemary and salt if you can access them without suspicion; otherwise just guard the door."

The woman looked at me, then nodded, and went to her cabinet. She had everything I needed.

I put the bowl of water next to the woman, sprinkled the salt around, and held the rosemary to the candle. I nodded to the old woman, and she moved to the door.

What I did next was one of my Father's small magics; the props were mostly for effect and to distract any scrutiny. The old woman knew or suspected as much. The Mother was too delirious to notice, but I was being careful anyway.

I calmed my breath, and placed a hand on the lower part of the mothers torso, just above the bone on the front of her hips.

The baby was mostly crowned, and only stuck because pain was causing its mother to clench. The spell was a simple one and required little effort on my part; my plan was just to remove the pain and let nature take its course.

I sang softly, partly out of caution and partly because the invocation needed was only small. On the third round, I felt the woman's muscles unclench, and moved quickly, catching the babe as it was expelled by the next contraction. A boy!

His throat was stopped with mucus, so I held him upside down and bracing his neck, gave him a good shake. The mucus dropped free, and he gave a good howl.

I beckoned the crone and handed him over, leaving her to deal with cord, after-birth, aunts and neighbours alike.

I took the bowl with its now uncomfortably hot water outside and carefully poured it into a pile of nightsoil where the pain would quickly dissipate and cause no harm.

That night we got rooms, hot baths, and good roast meat.

The crone came to see me off. She offered me a cloth wrapped amulet and said "I haven’t heard the old words in a long time Lad; you seem to know how dangerous they are. You'd best take this; I'm not long for the world, and there is no-one here I trust to keep it hidden; and it's too dangerous to leave it lying about. I saw what you did with the water, the amulet is like that; you can push things into it and it eats them."

They named the boy "Elric" in honour of the Champion who brought the healer to their village ... sigh.

[pixelizedprince]

Hey tumblr post that I lost that was promoting the Tar and Tonic Water Jeangst disco elysium fic, it wasn't a complete missed connection I hunted his happy ass down on ao3 but I just wanted to say, I love you