Medical Outpost #133
Dr. Janner --
I am glad to report that Medical Outpost #133 has been built and is functional: as of this morning I have treated three local persons. And one pet. Also two dolls, which bodes well: if the children like me, then the next generation may be friendly toward our interests.
I have also identified unique animals and plants, and have a reasonable classification for 9 of the animals, 21 of the plants/mosses, and 53 fungi. Further, the region contains veins of a dense clay which the locals have several uses for and which may have useful material or medical properties. I will send sketches and descriptions of the living organisms and samples of the clay soon.
Of course, I remind you that my desert training means that my knowledge and skill set fits awkwardly in this arboreal setting, and if you were to assign me to the Mahrehn Wastes you might get more out of me. Perhaps you could replace me with an expert in fungi. Or someone who at least likes them.
I did have to delay opening the actual clinic until it was built. The Arobreans are polite enough folk but were not keen on the idea of me constructing my own platform-dwelling on the edges of the village. They were even less keen when I began making a tree-platform apart from the village entirely. Sheer idiocy, they said (I think that's what they said -- am still mastering the lingo).
Why couldn't I just share their spaces? they wanted to know. Arguing the importance of "sterile supplies" and the dangers posed by "communicable diseases" didn't get me far. Perhaps I couldn't accurately describe what was meant: they seemed, by turns, horrified and amused as I tried to clarify. Eventually I convinced the village priest that I have a ritual need of a specially-built area. Along those lines, I now insist that anyone entering my clinic wipe their hands & feet and this goes a long way toward convincing them that I am extremely serious about my "religion> They think, in point of fact, that I'm an absolute religious nut.
But, it seems, a harmless one.
The clinic now has a floor and a roof. Both are woven of a sort of living vine trained around and through the branches of a few trees. By binding the ends of the branches with rope and teasing apart budding vine-ends from neighboring platforms, and spending two years or so shaping the whole thing as it grows, one obtains the desired result.
I made good use of my spare time during those years learning about local flora and fauna and getting the people to believe that I can actually help heal some injuries, diseases, and maladies.
The floor vines have tiny, almost mossy leaves, and are not only soft and sweet-smelling but mildly antiseptic. The ceiling vines have been bred to yield a year-round display of star-white flowers below, and a very sturdy surface above, suitable for picnicing or general loitering. There are nearly always children on mine; they are incredibly curious little things.
--please excuse me -- it seems I'm wanted post-haste -- I'll give this to Imelda to deliver to town, and hope it finds you soon.
Be well! -- Stanna
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