themorbidsocialite | A Marsh Guest

Bugsby's Marshes were home to a wide and varied array of micro- and macroorganisms, the biodiversity one of its most notable features. Yes, a great many of the creatures were incredibly dangerous, but wasn't every environment filled with such risk? Surely, all one had to do to avoid assault was avoid bothering the various animals. Surely.

This was how the Morbid Socialite- Mori- found himself in the depths of the marshes, gathering samples of water, plant life, lichen, and insects to start his research. He was too busy marking notes on a variety of mushroom to notice the eyes on him. The thoughtful hum to themselves and the squeaking of tall boots, worn to avoid staining the hems of their trousers, were enough to hide the sound of something treading through the muck. They only noticed the disturbance when the bugs they'd been surrounded by had scattered. He turned and his eyes widened, finding a second pair staring into his.

"Oh, bloody 'ell."

Screaming echoed across the marsh, likely reaching at least someone's ears.

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Mori nodded along, listening well. When the time came, he sat and served himself a bowl of the stew. "You'll want to avoid most varieties of mint, as they tend to become overabundant in many areas, of course. Perhaps you were thinking of a heartier sort of plant like a basil or coriander? I'm certain many a chef and cook in the city would thank you."

With a bite of the stew, their eyes alighted. "Mm! Just as I am thanking you now. This is wonderful work. What is your recipe, if I might ask?"

(OOC: Made a mistake, retconning beef to chicken)

Maven's face flushed at the compliment, "Thank you! It's based on a recipe my mother and maternal aunt would make. Not all the ingredients are available or at least very accessible, but I've been able to make a fairly good approximation, particularly with peppercap mushrooms." As she describes the recipe to Mori, it's clearly an Indian-rooted recipe that has morphed over time for someone living in England and who might have difficulty getting all the ingredients for the original version. Such a situation is likely even more difficult in the Neath, with its underground location and the Masters' stranglehold on the marketplace.

"And I agree, basil or coriander would be wonderful choices!" Maven agreed, "Coriander would definitely help bring this stew a little closer to how I remember the recipe being. And basil is just wonderful to have in general. The dried kind in the market is fine, but there's nothing quite like fresh basil."

"Did you have any plans for how to pollinate? I know lamplighter bees can be found aplenty, but they're quite particular in their tastes."

Mori found the taste somewhat familiar, but didn't mention it at all, instead just enjoying what was offered and gratefully accepting seconds. While the stew was taken with haste, the wine was slowly drained, savored as it lighted upon the tongue.

"That is also something I need to figure out," Maven nodded in agreement, the look on her face saying that this was something on her mind, "Because for the smaller experiment it'll be possible to just do the pollination by hand. But if there were plans to increase the scope later on in the future, that might be more difficult. There could be the possibility of making some deal with the Brass Embassy about using some of the lamplighter bees, but... that could go very poorly, in many ways. So for now I'm just taking it all one step at a time and not worrying about it for now since for the smaller experiment it won't matter. Plus, if they do need controlled pollination, that could help solve the problem of the any fast-growing plants getting out of hand and messing with the ecosystem."

She poured herself a drink and said, "Really, the main thing I'm trying to figure out is that first step. I need to get some seeds imported and get something set up so I can grow them normally at first, with artificial lighting, then I can start the actual experiment. But before any of that, I need to learn how Batbiorangilogical Studies actually works."

She watched Mori drink the wine, "I hope Spoiring is alright. I figured, with the Correspondence course and, well, everything else, it would be an overall good choice to help with our sleep."

"Oh, it's quite more than alright. I find the piquant flavor delightful." Another sip and Mori considered something. "I have one or two old classmates I'm still in contact with on the Surface, if you need any ties. I don't wish to presume, however, as I'm sure you have your own connections and mine are rather flaky at best. Couldn't pin them down for a date even if the Trumpets were blowing, let alone a chat and a Personal Favor. But they may still be able to provide something, if you're in need of it."

"Really? That would be so helpful if you could, thank you!" Maven was smiling at the offer, "I've been trying to secure some myself, but every little bit helps!"

"Of course. Even beyond simply owing you for the assistance tonight, I enjoy helping my friends, of which I count you among their number. My resources are your resources."

Having availed themselves of seconds, Mori offered to cut the pie for the both of them, saving the Maven the hassle.

Maven smiled thankfully at that. She had been so worried earlier, when Mori seemed so ready and willing to cut ties. She hoped she could show herself to be a trustworthy friend and confidante.

She took the slice from them, "Thank you for cutting the pie, I hope you enjoy it!"

A mutual emotion, a deeply unsettling fear of having to lose a friend for something he couldn't afford to give up. And Mori did think of the Maven as a friend, one he didn't want to give up, even if he had needed to. Luckily, with food and a kick in the trousers, the bloodless delirium faded and settled into simply a bone deep exhaustion.

"I'm certain, if it's anything like your stew, it'll be delightful. Cheers."

Maven took a bite of the pie. While fresh apples would probably have been better, the pie still tasted really good to her. She was glad she managed to get some cinnamon from the market too. She remembered the last time she tried this recipe, there had been no cinnamon on market for so long so she tried it without it. It wasn't bad, but definitely not as good. She briefly thought about the two friends who gave her this recipe, hoping they were happy wherever they were... She looked at Mori as they took a bite, hoping they were enjoying it.

Mori's bite started tentatively, until something lit behind the eyes. The crisp crust, the tender apples, the cinnamon and saccharine syrup-like filling. "Goodness..." It took all in them to fight the urge to gorge themselves on it. It was sweet and delightful and it was very obvious in his expression that he was enjoying it immensely. "And you made this yourself? It's remarkable!"

"Thank you! I'm glad it tastes alright!" Maven smiled happily, "I admit, I was a little unsure because I used a bit less cinnamon than the recipe called for. I love the taste of cinnamon, but sometimes I find too much to be overwhelming. I like it this way, but I'm always worried someone else will find it bland."

There was still a good, even amount of cinnamon all throughout the pie even with the reduction, so it definitely wasn't lacking in cinnamon taste.

A Marsh Guest

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