[In day-to-day practice, Baizhu spends much of his time wearing a little smile, carrying the hint of amusement in his bearing. Some might claim his patients find it reassuring; others will gripe about his humor in the face of their pain, but they don't put any sting into it, because the truth is that Bubu Pharmacy offers the best care in Liyue Harbor, even if Dr. Baizhu is unsettling sometimes - the golden eyes above that knowing smile can pry the secrets of an ailment right out of you. But you want him smiling, or at least on the easygoing side, according to rumor. As a patient, you only have to worry when the amusement fades into even, unruffled calm.
As now.]
Certainly not.
[Not if he can help it. Refusing to entertain the idea that he's not at all sure he can, Baizhu pushes his spectacles almost imperceptibly higher. Given the nature of Aether's complaint, things like "a reassuring pat on the shoulder" are unlikely to be very reassuring at all, so he refrains.]
You don't carry yourself the way one would expect of someone missing an appendage they're used to having, so determining whether and by what means your body is making up for the change could at least point toward some possibilities for treatment.
[At no point does any of his standard mirth return. Aether deserves, and will receive, an initial assessment befitting someone already quite intelligent about his own suffering.]
It doesn't surprise me to hear that you seek experiences that bring you relief. [Absolution, for his confession. There are worse things Aether could do, though risking his life - or at least simulating it enough to provoke a response from his body - is fairly far down on the list of acceptable treatment.] Even temporary ones. Pain slows and impedes healing, and you've been caught in its snare for some time.
[Baizhu stands.]
I'd like to examine you, but for that, you'll need to expose your back. If it will be too painful for you to do on your own, then I can offer some assistance, or call for Gui if you would prefer it.
no subject
As now.]
Certainly not.
[Not if he can help it. Refusing to entertain the idea that he's not at all sure he can, Baizhu pushes his spectacles almost imperceptibly higher. Given the nature of Aether's complaint, things like "a reassuring pat on the shoulder" are unlikely to be very reassuring at all, so he refrains.]
You don't carry yourself the way one would expect of someone missing an appendage they're used to having, so determining whether and by what means your body is making up for the change could at least point toward some possibilities for treatment.
[At no point does any of his standard mirth return. Aether deserves, and will receive, an initial assessment befitting someone already quite intelligent about his own suffering.]
It doesn't surprise me to hear that you seek experiences that bring you relief. [Absolution, for his confession. There are worse things Aether could do, though risking his life - or at least simulating it enough to provoke a response from his body - is fairly far down on the list of acceptable treatment.] Even temporary ones. Pain slows and impedes healing, and you've been caught in its snare for some time.
[Baizhu stands.]
I'd like to examine you, but for that, you'll need to expose your back. If it will be too painful for you to do on your own, then I can offer some assistance, or call for Gui if you would prefer it.