The old man nods, answering Noriko's question about his health with a simple "Ritual."<br/><br/>A few moments after looking over the document, the thaumaturge hums, and excuses himself to find some tools. "I think I'll give myself a bit less than even odds. Can't guarantee anything, mind."<br/><br/>When he returns, he returns with several strange devices, an abacus, and several books and scrolls. "Now, it will certainly take time. But I think if you can get me one of those flutes like in the drawing, it could cover my fees for working on this."<br/><br/>He chews some blackened plant noisily. "And if you can't, well, there's always money and what not, yes?"