Of Books, Paintings and Mononoke.((open RP, library))

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Having received directions to the library, Kusuriyuri found himself a little baffled by the sheer number of books availible. He glanced around himself, relieved the walls were covered in bookcases. The moving pictures were too close to mononoke, and though he appeared unruffled, that all his instincts and tools told him there were no mononoke when his senses insisted there should be bothered him.

Another thing that was off was how differently everyone behaved. He wasn't used to the boldness, the confusion over simple conversations, having to be embarrassingly direct. Though, in his profession, directness was more expected than most. It was almost barbaric, but in a way, almost childlike. It wasn't something that bothered him, just something that would take getting used to. It wasn't in his nature to be as direct as some of the people he talked to.

It was in his nature to seek out answers, though. And, here, within the vast number of tomes, he would find answers.

Now, where to begin? Trusting the path that has served him well, he selects a book at random. After the first choice, the way becomes clearer.

((OOC: I know he can sometimes be difficult to understand. Just ask and I'll provided 'translation' or go with confusion *grins*))

Comments

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kaga-san. I am Kusuriyuri. I am from Japan, though I was told it was almost seventy years since I left it."

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"Seventy years? That would be 1938, then, when you came here?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri frowns slightly. He is unfamiliar with this particular dating system. "It was the second year of the Shouwa period when I last remember." Had things changed that much?

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

Oh, damn, now he has to pull out pen and paper. He always does when converting period years to Anno Domini years. "1927, then?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"That may be so," he allowed. He would ask the proper year, but the answer would make little sense to him, as little sense as the numbers did. But, it did give him a basis to work from. He could covert, now.

"If I may be so bold, the people here seem..." He trailed off, not wanting to give offense. Another Japanese person would understand his discomfiture with how direct and open and rude the people were, he was sure. He did not believe culture would change that much in such a short amount of time. It was too deeply ingrained in the Japanese to be Japanese, after all.

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"Foreign?" That was the best word he would use.

And as much as he'd hate to promote a stereotype, it did seem to him that the Japanese challengers were more reserved (Toshiro Kandagawa a glaring exception) while the foreign challengers (namely the Americans) were more assertive.

When the hell did this become social commentary?

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"I have not met many foreigners. My travels kept me from them. It is disconcerting," he murmurs, his eyes on the book. "If I may be so presumptuous, how did you adjust?" Assuming that Kaga has. Kusuriyuri is in need of information in order to prepare himself for his class, and learning to approach those foreign to him was a wise place to begin.

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"I don't...I haven't completely adjusted to it, myself. Back in Japan I didn't deal with as many foreigners as domestic chefs. And it would only be for a few days, at most. Being around them for an extended period of time is a new experience for me as well. Sometimes...I don't like it."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"That is so," Kusuriyuri agrees. It is a relief to have someone to talk to that will not overtax him by trying to figure out just how and what to say. "Then, together, we shall work hard." He nods. This is the best. "Perhaps, we may drink together some time, then?" Sake, tea, it didn't matter, just the company of a countryman and the ritual of togetherness would be soothing.

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"We can, if you like." It had been a while since he had any sort of repast with anyone. And if this man was interested, it had also been a while since he's done a tea ceremony, as well.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri bows. "I am unfortunately unable until after my class, but I would be delighted to after."

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"A class? It wouldn't happen to be the Divination class, would it?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"That is so," Kusuriyuri acknowledges. "You have signed up for it, if I recall correctly, Kaga-san."

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"I have. So you're Kusuriyuri-sensei?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"That is so," he replies with a small smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you," he adds.

[gourmetchairman.livejournal.com]

"Likewise, sensei." He turned back to his book.