I Go A Walkin'

"It does also prevent someone from experimenting with things they aren't ready for. Either in terms of raw experience, or maybe they don't have quite the right magical bent." Nevin gave a slight shrug and a grin before focusing his eyes on Elisa. "I might stop by the school - perhaps the college offers a night course or something that I could work into my schedule. Something to keep in mind, thank you." He nodded to the brown-haired girl. That was another thing that he was having to adjust to - it wasn't just on him to research things now. Others could, and had, done research on magical materials here on Manta Carlos. There was nothing wrong with reaching out to publicly available information. That's what the compendium he was constantly referring to was, after all.

The offer from Henghai was also fairly intriguing. Being able to ask questions and learn from an elemental was potentially a unique opportunity. It would cut down on the time he had to experiments if the centauroid could answer questions that he had about things. Nevin rubbed his chin with one hand. "I will probably take you up on your offer, Henghai, thank you. My shop is fairly simple, at the moment, offering a variety of basic alchemical remedies and the like. Healing salves, things for a few minor illnesses, things that I can keep stocked without too much trouble. Though, I do offer a kind of 'consignment' or contract work, if someone needs something more specialized." That was another way he got ideas for things to work on, after all. Some people had some bizarre requests, and being exposed to those requests kept creativity flowing.

"You'll want to watch your step if and when you do visit. I ah, wasn't too familiar with the Island's layout when I purchased my shop location, so the area it's in is rather close to the more... indiscreet areas." And that was all the alchemist was going to say about that, at least with the young girl present. He raised an eyebrow as she knelt down by the plant, her hand reaching out, and then turned his head towards Henghai. Nevin was trying to remember where he recognized that name from, but couldn't quite place it. Then he snapped his fingers, long digits slapping sharply against his palm as he figured it out. That was one of the plants that he'd had a mild interest in looking for, but he hadn't known what the blasted thing actually looked like. Well, with the example that Eliza was currently plucking, he at least now had a visual comparison to work with.

"I know what I'm looking for, now, so I can gather some myself if need be." The offer from the young woman was generous, but Nevin didn't want to make her feel like she had to give him something. His eyes slid over to Henghai as the centauroid spoke. The symptoms he described were similar to an intense topical irritant.

And using 'poison as a cure' as it were was a decently common solution for a lot of things. Antivenom was made from venom, after all. Nevin rubbed his chin as he turned the issue over in his mind. Figuring out a way to subvert the irritants in the plant's oil - the likely carrier - would take some time and testing. Would the plant itself be enough to actually work as a curative, when prepared, or would it need additional substances? The redhead started humming under his breath before sharply shaking his head.

"That's a nice little conundrum, good Henghai." Nevin knelt down near Elisa and gathered a few samples of the plant - taking care to take not just the flower, but also the stem and roots. He tucked these into his own bag before standing back upright, noticing a slight sheen on the spots where he had touched the plants.

"Do be careful not to touch your bare skin with your gloves, Miss Elisa. Now, then." He swung his gaze back to the leafy, verdant form of Henghai. "I'll do a few experiments as I can with these, and let you know if I can figure out something. I'd not realized it was a somewhat common problem." And it gave the alchemist something concrete to work on for a time, between actual commissions. A little thought project could keep the mind working on top shape.