[ well! this has been exciting. after arriving on a ship somewhere, typing his name into a typewriter (fascinating!!) and getting back into his usual clothes, cyrus albright is not even remotely concerned about his surroundings. or, well, if he is, he's certainly not showing it. rather, upon arrival to eltrut, his head has basically been on a swivel, observing every single thing physically possible. this is a scholar's paradise if only because there is simply so much to learn that he's nearly dizzy with it, and while of course the lack of his companions is currently quite concerning, he imagines they'll find each other well enough. and besides! he was on a journey before. this just seems rather like a detour.

so! unbothered. thriving, in his lane, cyrus chats up locals and everyone in sight, and learns rather quickly about the inkwell, which is where you might find him... or, at least you will hear him from the open door outside: ]

A tattoo as a conduit for elemental energy? [ this is not a shocked or angry or Karening The Manager reaction, this is genuine surprise and delight that practically radiates through his voice. ] Oh, you simply must tell me how that works. What does it utilize? The body's natural humors? Does it serve as a connection point? Instead of using words or spells, to create a permanent bond with nature itself... what a fascinating concept. Have you been doing this for long -? Tell me, what are the practical implications? The limitations? Have you any literature on the subject...?

[ this poor tattoo artist. he keeps going. he really just keeps asking these questions, just, yapping away. ]

[ well, all of this is just fascinating, isn't it? there are a thousand local traditions to be exploring, and when one is in atlasdam - or perhaps, in his case, when one is in flamesgrace, or cragspear, or any other appropriate comparison - one must make as the flatlanders (or frostlanders, or cliftlanders) do. so ultimately, the idea of arriving somewhere quite strange has done little to bother one professor cyrus albright.

are you out and about capturing souls for envoy jades? you may see one of those lovely, miserable emberbloom souls floating placidly in front of a man in a fancy fit, who is listening to the young lady's troubles. ]

I see... so you are looking for your true love then? They've not abandoned you, have they? [ there is such a genuinely caring look on his face - the ghost shakes her head, clutching the flower, and the warmth in cyrus' tone soaks through his every word. ] I'm glad to hear it. I could hardly imagine such a fate for you, my dear girl, alongside the tragedy you were already victim to.

[ the ghost looks... enamored? this ghost looks completely, utterly enamored with him. cyrus, completely oblivious, sets his hand to his chin. a mystery! ]

So, they're amongst the living then... Well! Let's get to looking, shall we? I will not let you suffer everlong - rest assured, I'll find this person, no matter how long it takes. Now, let's see...

[ and thus begins his observation. surely, by coming to understand this ghostly shade through observation, he'll be able to match her with her missing true love. what he will not come to understand is that this spirit clearly has the hots for him. please help. ]

[ i love literally all of these prompts, so if you want something special, just ask and i'm happy to write it! ♥ plurk is protags or pm! ]