[ now bram looks intrigued, as well. it was certainly far too early to form any particular opinions about the doctor, but he's not sure he would have expected a fellow student of the more esoteric arts. .. maybe that's what they all have in common, though? some sort of interest or background in magic? there's no way to tell yet, but it's certainly a thought. after all, they seem to particularly revere magic and its use here. ]

As you might imagine, my family has taken great pride over the centuries in their alchemical work, research, and innovation. [ he huffs a small laugh, flipping his arms up on the pages of the book so the silvery trace of his veins can be seen beneath the thin, bruised skin and scarring. ] And they were central to creating and volunteering for the Mercurie program. [ a beat, a musing noise. ] It's not mercury, of course, it's only what it looks like.

[ he flips his wrists back over, brushing his sleeves back down once more. ] My own more practical skills are along the lines of hedgewitchery, which you might guess is not particularly respectable, but I find it interesting, and in any case, being the Mercurie of this generation of my family, I get away with rather a lot. [ his expression flashes in a quick grin, gray eyes bright with amusement, although it sobers again a few moments later as he peers up intently at stephen. ] What's your area of study? Or areas, I suppose?

[ all-encompassing personal investment certainly makes it sound as if he has multiple disciplines he's interested in. and that it's also professional is curious. what is it that he does for a living..? ]