001

[cursedarrows]

[There is a pause. Silence as the channel runs, spinning faint static through emptiness. It's followed by a quiet, drawn breath –- as though the person on the other side of the connection steadies himself before speaking.]

Hello.

I'd like to know more about this place. Lady Unohana helped me greatly, but . . . just by looking at the walls near the diamond, reading through what is written here, I have the feeling this place is more complex than just a few words.

What do you think is most important to know about this place? Nothing in particular. Just . . . anything you have learned, from the large to the small.

[Faintly wry,] I take it that gold is not the currency in this land either.

Comments

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[Ashitaka hasn't ever been called "dearie." It gives him some pause, debating what exactly to make of it.]

Nuggets do seem to attract attention.

[video]

[faustianism]

Just so long as they do not attract the wrong attention. [Smiles. Don't worry, everyone is called dearie.]

I wouldn't go hawking them in an open square, as a recommendation. But if you find a good deal for them in a shop, you should be fine.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

How would I know if I am getting a good deal?

[It may be difficult to tell if the question is genuine naivete or a test of the man on the other side of the screen. It may well be both. Ashitaka maintains the same quiet expression.]

[video]

[faustianism]

They should be giving you the going rate of gold these days. It's such a good investment, to have a precious metal, and many places will give you a very good price for it. In my opinion, there are many pawnshops around here that offer good deals on it, though I suggest going to a Newcomer-run business, rather then any other.

[He shakes his head.] They will always try to swindle you, just because you're not from around here.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

Do you know a place?

[video]

[faustianism]

I happen to run a little pawnshop that's off the beaten path. [Chuckles.] So I can't say my help was entirely altruistic.

[video]

[cursedarrows]

[There is some pause. Ashitaka's gaze shifts sideways from the screen as though considering.]

If you will give me directions, I will come.

[video]

[faustianism]

Part of the place is being renovated, so we are in between names for the shop. But we are in sector four, at the crossroads before you get to sector three.

[He sends him the address.] The street is fairly easy to find, but the shop is a little out of the way.