Office Hours

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Despite the things going on, Kusuriyuri knew his duty as a professor. He opened his office door, placing a small sign just outside stating his office was open and to please remove shoes as it was entered.

Just inside the door, a few pairs of slippers waited for those visitors who would come.

Kusuriyuri himself knelt behind a low table preparing tea, a simple genmai cha this time, though he did have a jasmine lemongrass blend set aside as well.

As always, his case stands near at hand should anyone need divination or entertainments, though he has been surprised at the lack of requests for entertainment.

((OOC: The 'things going on' link is squicky, read at your own risk.))

Comments

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri thought a moment. "This one enjoys his duty, yes. It affords him the opportunity to learn and to teach, giving him purpose here."

He poured himself some tea. "Would you care for some? It is genmai cha."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

Vladimir had no idea what 'genmai cha' was, but, it did smell pleasant. "Ah yes, purpose- I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Ending up stuck in a strange school without an obvious job does make one consider the topic. And I'll certainly try some, thank you."

He contemplated the table, wondering exactly what he supposed to do. Sit on a cushion on the floor, apparently. Probably not so uncomfortable as sitting in the garden, but, he glanced around, looking for something slightly easier to deal with. Naturally, there wasn't anything, and so he maneuvered himself near the table and pressed something on one of the subtle bulges beneath his robes, reducing the strength of the suspensors and allowing him to actually sit down. He managed it somewhat uncomfortably, briefly cursing his decision to leave his bed, but, decided it wasn't nearly so bad as the garden. He could put up with it for a time, as he was interested in speaking to Kusuriyuri.

"So how does one go about teaching the subject of Divination? That's fortune-telling, right?"

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri poured tea and placed it in front of the Baron. "Fortune-telling is only the most superficial form of divination," he said His tone was still soft but began taking on the quality of 'lecture' rather than 'conversation.' "In it's full form, divination is to seek and understand the truth, about the self and about the world. Divination may reveal more of the past, of the present, of the future or none of these. It may only open the mind to that which is there."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

"Prescience?" The Baron squinted curiously at Kusuriyuri. He didn't look a damn thing like a Guildsman. Not that anyone ever saw the advanced ones, but, his eyes lacked the tell-tale traces of heavy spice usage. He spoke strangely enough to fit in, probably, and maybe prescience was actually what he was talking about. "Where I come from, there is an organization that claims to be able to see future events. I'd say they sometimes can, as, they are effective at what they do. They use it to enable space travel. They call it prescience."

Large amounts of spice could encourage prescience in individuals in whom it was already a latent trait. This was one of the qualities the Spacing Guild looked for in their candidate selection. He of course had never experienced prescience. Sure, he had strange dreams now and again, especially after a heavier spice treatment, but sensibly ignored them. ((He's the granddad of Paul Atreides. It's pretty safe to assume he's got some latent prescience. Just he doesn't use it, being unaware of it.))

He took out his poison snooper and ran it over the cup, showing up negative of course. Despite no signs of poison being a common threat in this new culture, old habits didn't fade easily. The tea did smell good, and, he was pleasantly surprised when he tried it. "It's good, thank you."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Saa," Kusuriyuri murmured. "This one has developed a knowing of truth from his need to know it. Mononoke can only be exorcised when their Truth, Form, and Regret are known. Those who wish may develop a similar knowing, though there is a need for time for it to grow into a full knowing. This one is unaware of this knowledge being used to travel through space, however." Though, he did use the knowledge to travel between worlds in order to fight the mononoke.

He bowed slightly at the comment on the tea. "You're welcome. This one is fond of tea. Kurama keeps him supplied." To those who knew him or were sensitive enough to the subtle nuances of his voice, they'd hear the fondness for Kurama in the saying of his name. To most, though, it would sound simply conversational.

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

He sipped the tea, and listened very carefully at Kusuriyuri. He couldn't have been saying what it sounded like he was saying, that he was a Truthsayer. He was pretty, but he was evidently male, and, Truthsayers were females. Very, very irritating ones. The idea of male Bene Gesserits didn't seem so awful at least. The playing field might be somewhat equalized. He had no idea what a mononoke was, and wasn't sure that asking was terribly wise, or if he'd just be told something mostly incomprehensible, that possibly shouldn't exist.

"I'm not sure if it's the same knowledge or not that is used by the Spacing Guild. They won't exist for thousands of years." He did seem to recall that history indicated an early link between the Spacing Guild and Bene Gesserit, which would be interesting consider, but it was far before the times of both.

"I've met Professor Kurama, he seems quite respectable." Vladimir had mostly enjoyed his recent conversation with Kurama, as it was informative, although he really hadn't needed to hear about the bureaucratic structure of Hell. He was trying not to think about that subject too much, as it created an unpleasant metaphysical dichotomy in his brain. "And, considering the talent of his student A, it is understandable that he'd supply a quality tea."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"A is very eager to learn. This one teaches him of medicine and Kurama teaches him of plants." That those lessons also included counseling and gentle guidance toward independence was unnecessary to mention. "He is this one's first student. It has been a most pleasant experience, to have a student."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

"Ah, yes, he'd mentioned he was learning about medicine as well. Very useful, that. He's a very bright young man, and extremely well-mannered. Good material. Apparently you've done well with him." Vladimir adjusted himself, attempting to become more comfortable and mostly failing. He contemplated a question that he'd been wondering about for a few days- it seemed like this man might have a few answers.

"I do have some concerns about him." He tapped one-handedly on the side of the table with the fingers of an unmoving hand, in a repetitive, unconscious pattern, as he tried to figure out the best way to phrase them. "It seems that something, hrm, seriously unpleasant has happened to the boy in the past. I'm not sure if it was psychological, physical, or both. He appears very repairable, provided no one screws him up again, but whatever it was had to be inflicted by someone." A displayed certain behavior patterns that reminded him very much of people who'd been through the torture chambers and come out alive. He'd seen it first hand enough to recognize it, having sent many people there himself. Those were generally bad prospects, however, and it was their best use. A seemed to have talents that were worthwhile to cultivate, and Vladimir hated when things went to waste.

"He seems to be putting forth an effort towards recovering from whatever this trauma was, which is good to see. He assisted me with some matters lately and did extremely well. But I'd like to be certain that he is not subjected to whatever caused this behavior again. It sounds like whatever this was, it may have been before he was at Hogwarts, but it seems like pressing him for the information could damage his recovery." He was curious to know if Kusuriyuri might think any of its source was still present here.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"He was ill used," Kusuriyuri said, using the most ambiguous phrase his language allowed him. "That one was here. When he first met this one, he wished to learn of poisons and revenge. This one pledged to teach him such when he understood the consequences of his desires." Which has, at this point, become moot, but the promise remains.

He frowned slightly. "His training before was also highly focused on a single, unobtainable goal. It was there he and the other were brought together. Here, he has been given both the opportunity to select his path and to obtain some measure of retribution." A could be very blood-thirsty when provoked to it, even still.

"His recovery has focused on teaching him, listening to him and giving him opportunity and place to be."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

He listened thoughtfully, finding Kusuriyuri's explanation to be somewhat at odds with A's apparent nature, which wasn't a front. If what he was being told was true, A's state appeared more delicate than he'd realized. "That something unpleasant happened to him is without doubt but. . . do you think that he's actually capable of understanding the subtleties of things like poisons and revenge? I don't think that he is. He might think that he is, but. . . the revenge of children is not a mature thing. It generally just leads to consequences, for them. They've got understand bigger pictures before they learn how it all really works. An ideal revenge should finish the story. It's a cold, dispassionate process. You learn this extremely well in interplanetary politics."

There were few art forms more exquisitely developed in the Imperium than revenge. It was the sort of thing that Great Houses like his own were willing to spend as long as it took on to do properly- ten thousand years, for his family's biggest vendetta. But it would be perfect. Real revenge required nothing short of elimination. Else you just had to do it again. He couldn't quite see A eliminating an entire organization or family.

"But, it sounds like you have been taking the right approach so far- it seems like he was badly programmed according to your implications, and his own. So it's probably good that he's here. From his basically helpful nature, one that seems to take a natural concern in the welfare of things, he's been put on a path that would suit him well by yourself and Professor Kurama. The care he takes with his plants is evident, he's dedicated, and his helpful nature would suit medicine well. It would be better than him getting himself in a worse situation. So it probably would not be wise to help teach him about planning a revenge unless you intend to teach it properly." He didn't think anyone who wasn't involved in politics could manage this. Something temporarily sufficient, perhaps, but, not perfect. And perfect was the only option for vengeance.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"Deshi is learning to dance upon the tsunami," Kusuriyuri said, unconsciously using his preferred term for A. "He is learning to read the ripples of his actions. It is a long process, but he is earnest in his studies." He paused a moment. "At first, he believed he must predict all, but that is beyond even this one." He considered the actual question. "This one believes he is capable of learning, yes. He has learned much, grown much. He did not know of the outside when this one met him."

Kusuriyuri sipped his tea. "He is at the point where he understands defense, the need for it. He has learned of the consequences of revenge and is not yet ready to fulfill it. But, the cause for such a request has been removed for now. For now, we focus on what is most important."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

Vladimir wasn't sure what the term 'deshi' meant, but, from context, he presumed that Kusuriyuri referred to A. It sounded as if Kusuriyuri was possible speaking of his interpretation of the subject of Divination, which sounded like probability tracking. So perhaps it wasn't so much like the Spacing Guild's prescience, as a portion of the work of a mentat, the computation of possibilities in order to determine the most likely outcomes. This seemed more sensible, considering spice was supposed to be invariably involved with the Guild's practices.

"I'd hope that he'd understand the need for defense at his age- where I am from, he'd have been expected to be arena-capable by his age, if he were a noble child. My father was, I was, my nephew is- but it appears we encourage them to mature more quickly. And I hope that he has actually has learned the consequences- in my experience, the consequence of an imperfect revenge is often death. They have to be carried out in entirely. That's the issue- revenge doesn't stop at an individual. There are patterns and ripples in the pond, and moves must be planned with extreme caution. He's a bright and dedicated young man, but, I don't think he is at all ready to deal with such a situation. It's clear he's still learning to socialize. And vengeance does tend to be a very social affair. But, I've taken an interest in his development. So I don't think he needs worry about it much now."

He smiled sardonically. He wasn't entirely sure why he'd taken an interest in A's well-being, but he didn't intend to let anyone mess with him.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri nodded in acknowledgment of the Baron's assessment. "This one once fought a mononoke who sought that same goal. When the family had been removed, it revealed its own truth that this one could exorcise it before its vengeance extended farther."

He bowed slightly. "This one has digressed."

He paused, taking a sip of tea. "From what this one was told, what he has observed, Deshi was not permitted much interaction, nor was he allowed outside. That he has learned so much in a short time..." he let the compliment trail off as he was still uncomfortable with them. "He has been this one's student a year."

It then occurred to him that he'd called A 'Deshi'. "Deshi refers to one who is a student, a disciple, who will one day become a master. It is this one's desire that A will not require his guidance at some point. However, while it is needed, it will be given."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

Vladimir nodded at Kusuriyuri's explanation about 'deshi'- the context wasn't entirely clear previously, but now it was. It still seemed best not to ask about mononoke. With exorcism involved, it sounded like literal religion again, and he'd already heard more than he'd like to about that.

"Considering the details you tell me, it's remarkable he's done as well as he has." He swirled about the tea remaining the cup before drinking it, replacing it with meticulous deliberation. "I'm pleased to see that there's some actual education going on here. I've been starting to get the impression that the organization isn't what it could be, but, it appears that those who are making an effort are doing so effectively. At least in some cases. I haven't seen that many yet."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"This one has found that if education is desired, it may be found in any place. If it is not wanted, it will be found nowhere."

He tilted his head, considering a moment just how much he should tell this Baron. Granted, his cultural background insisted that a ruler was to be told anything they desired to know, but there was also the matter of A's privacy.

"Reiki, a type of healing, was a large part of the beginning, with much counseling. It is not that Deshi needs to learn medicine, it is that he needs to learn to be."

He picked up his own tea and drank it, thinking some more. "It was also afforded him the opportunity for as effective a revenge as this place will allow. This one does not know the details, only that it served to give Deshi more confidence. Mello was there, if details are desired."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

"Well, I don't see where education is an option. Everyone has to do something, it's the only way for any to run an efficient society." He smirked slightly, contemplating his homeworld's sensible system. Either you did what you were supposed to, or you learned why it was a bad idea to refuse. At least things would eventually improve, he thought. After most of humanity gets slaughtered by thinking machines.

He sighed- whoever this man was, A was far too young to be encouraged to get himself into any serious trouble. Especially with his friend, who appeared to have a bad destiny stamped on him if he didn't learn discipline. "No one should be encouraging A to get 'revenge' unless it's done correctly. Any partial or childish form will be almost guaranteed to backfire in the long run. Children shouldn't play games intended for adults. A's friend Mello needs to learn a few things before he makes a fatal mistake as well. I've seen his type meet an unfortunate end most of the time, and hope he doesn't drag anyone else's potential down with him."

"A would be better off learning medicine. That's a valuable skill, and, if he has the inclination for it, it should be encouraged. To be is to do, after all- without serving a purpose, we're merely being indulgent. Which has its place- but only when one's performing one's purpose well."

This had been bothering him since ending up at Hogwarts. The lack of a clear purpose was confounding. Those without purpose might as well not exist. He of course maintained a sensible, age-long system on his own world- either serve your purpose, or be made to. There were few encouragements better than the inkvine whip. "It's the most vexing part of this place, a lack of purpose. I'd far rather be home, being useful. But I'm stuck here, and the only productive thing to so appears to be taking an interest in encouraging the potential of young people with some promise. It's something to do."

He attempted to shift himself to make himself more comfortable, but, decided this was impossible. He firmly decided to not sit on the floor any longer. He wasn't about to play silly culture games any longer when it meant a day of suffering for it. "It has been good to meet you. I expect we'll speak again soon enough. I appear to be taking a general interest in the improvement of this establishment, and you appear to be someone who has at least some concern about it." He smiled politely at Kusuriyuri as he engaged his suspensors once more, and returned to a standing position a couple inches off the floor.

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

"This one thinks you have misjudged both A and Mello," Kusuriyuri said softly. "And overestimated the type of revenge afforded to those who arrive her after their life is complete. What was done was effective, both in resolving the situation that brought about its need and in preventing further issues."

He picked up his tea cup, sipping before he continued. "Deshi learns medicine because he will and in the learning of it, learns to be. The latter being far more valuable a skill than the former. The latter would be meaningless without the former, only Form with no Truth."

He looked up, bowing slightly. "This one is concerned that he fulfill his appointed task and doing so to the best of his ability lest he make himself and his task a mockery."

[i-am-harkonnen.livejournal.com]

Vladimir had to agree with Kusuriyuri- he'd possibly misjudged them both in believing them salvagable. But now he was forced to put A into the 'maybe' bin, admitting that it wasn't that likely to happen. He did appear to be surrounded by questionable influences who'd gotten to him first.

The more he spoke to Kusuriyuri, the more Vladimir seemed to be growing irritated. He realized why after the man said 'Truth' yet again. He wasn't any better than the Bene Gesserit he was used to having to deal with. In fact, it sounded like he was trying hard to be like one. The same convuluted speech, the same attempt to sound wise and mysterious while not saying much of anything sensible. At least he didn't appear to be a glorified, fancy-talking whore, which was all the Sisterhood really was in his mind. But as Bene Gesserit were bad enough, people who wanted to be like them could potentially be much worse. Of course, he'd dealt with enough of the Sisterhood to not show an ounce of his feelings about matters if he didn't want to. Their existence was partially why the Imperium was entirely about masks and subtlety. And so, he replied with cordial politeness.

"I believe you may be right about misjudgement. But, I like to think that there's potential in things. And I hope that A will be able to realize his." But I don't think he will without some serious help, with what he's got stacked against him. He wasn't about to say this, but he thought it. The kid was a mess, was being influenced by brats who thought they were master criminals yet bragged about it, and someone who would fit in with the Bene Gesserit if he had a slightly different anatomy. And what was this about "after their life is complete"? Was he calling A a ghola? It would explain a lot, although, he was used to better product result. Perhaps an experimental ancient equivalent? He supposed he'd see how it played out a bit further before giving up entirely, but, he knew better than to bet on a bad chance. He'd have to have a nice, serious talk with A soon and see if it was worth it.

"It was certainly good to meet you." He smiled, and gave Kusuriyuri a polite nod. It of course wasn't a lie- you didn't lie to Truthsayers. It was good to know that some sort of want-to-be equivalent of them existed. "As I am planning to make myself useful in some position or other around here, I've thought it wise to start meeting the professorial staff. So I'm sure we'll meet again, soon enough. I've spoken with others on the staff who've expressed interest in improvements, and, intend to do what I am able to facilitate such. So be thinking about such matters. For now, I need to retire, but thank you for the tea and conversation."

[edomedpeddler.livejournal.com]

Kusuriyuri could see that the Baron had mistaken what he'd said, something that would have been clear in his own culture, but he allowed it to pass. If the Baron wished to know, he could ask again, or ask another.

He rose. "I look forward to working with you," he said as he bowed, deep enough for an equal, but not deep enough for a superior, though, unless the Baron knew his culture, he would miss the implications.