I Go A Walkin'

"I, on the other hand, haven't, other than just being generally wary of a magical forest." Nevin chuckled and shook his head slightly. "I'm a relatively new arrival to the island, so this is the first time I've really gone walking out here in the woods. I've made it a point, though, to keep a rather healthy distance from anything that might decide I am better suited to being fertilizer, rather than alive. Haven't run into anything like that, though." A slight roll of his shoulders came with the end of his words, then he drummed the fingers of one hand on his leg as he thought about the girl's question.

"As for me? Alchemy is rather exciting. I'm not a healer primarily, but more of an experimenter. I grew up outside the Islands, so my ability to actually work with proper reagents was limited. So coming to Manta Carlos has been a rather eye-opening experience." He gave a slight smile. "I'll admit, it's been entertaining to find out how real magical plants work with my alchemy." He gave a slight nod to Henghai.

"Though I tend not to focus on one branch of alchemy, but spread out my research to different avenues. It helps keep me from stagnating, I've found. Which is a good thing, as it is the profession I make my living through. Having a varied stock for sale makes more people come in, I think."

"It can be dangerous, yes, but then again a lot of things that end up worth doing can be pretty dangerous. You've just got to be careful. If danger was avoided entirely, then a lot of research would have stagnated long ago. It's a matter of balancing, danger with safety." Nevin nodded slightly towards Henghai when he spoke, agreeing the cautions the man mentioned.

"I tend to wear gloves, at least when out and about." He wiggled his fingers slightly. "In the lab is another matter, but right now I have only myself to be careful for so I tend to play a bit faster and looser than I should." It was a minor problem, when he was working he preferred to be comfortable. At least in terms of attire. "At least in terms of protective clothing, that is." Then he blinked and tilted his head to one side as he stared at the young woman.

"I... not at the moment? I only recently opened my shop, so I don't have a reliable customer base. I am making ends meet for myself, but I don't think I could afford a helper, at least not right now. We might be able to work out something for part time work, but nothing on a super reliable basis?" The alchemist shrugged slightly. Someone else had asked him the same question, so it was at least something he had considered. This young lady was interested in the field, though, which put her a bit ahead of the one who just needed a part time job.

"Hmm." Nevin rubbed the back of his head, running his hand under the brim of his hat. "I have a few things that are going, more long term projects. Trying to see if I can distill some uncommon properties from things. Medicines and the like. I'm also doing some comparative analysis, to make sure I have products that will work for members of various races. Things that work for a pure human, for example, might not work on those like Henghai here, correct sir?" The alchemist turned his head towards the other man for a moment, then back to the young girl.

"Beyond that, well, I'd best keep to myself, shouldn't I?" He chuckled. "I don't know if things will pan out or if they'll go face first into the ground. I've found it best to keep some things close to the chest, keeps competition down." Not really something he was too concerned about here, but it was better to stay in good habits. "Though, in truth, a part of that is because I'm still getting familiar with products here on the islands, so I'm still learning what half the plants here do. For all I know the things I'm experimenting with have already been done. So keeping things to my chest keeps me from being embarrassed and shown up." A laugh rolled from his lips as he shook his head. Compared to those like Henghai, who'd been living on Manta Carlos and were used to the place, Nevin knew next to nothing. While he had experience, he was still playing catch-up on knowing how to use the more potent magical plants and fauna.