A Marsh Guest

[themorbidsocialite]

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.

Comments

[themorbidsocialite]

Mori shook his head, smiling. "Not overwhelming at all. In fact, it's quite curious. There are, of course, native flora scattered around the Neath, including in and out of London. Do you believe the fungal hybridization might assist in preventing parasitic or invasive species of flora and fungus? Or is the attempt including an attempt to adjust the wildlife, at least in London, as London itself is by technicality not native to the Neath environment? What sort of plants would you bring first? And which ones do you believe will be the most effective propagators? Please, I invite you to go on."

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

At the invitation Maven smiled and continued, carrying the teapot and Spoiring wine to the table as she did, "Well, the idea was to diversify some of the flora within the London area. It would have to be a controlled experiment, because like you said, there's the risk of an invasive species disrupting the already established ecosystem of the Neath. But if successful and done carefully, it could increase the variety of food in the Neath."

She went into the kitchen to pick up the apple pie as she made her next point, "Take apples, for example. There didn't used to be any apples in England until people brought the crabapples of Asia to several other countries. I was talking earlier about how I was able to get canned apples from the market, but it isn't often available down here in the Neath, is often very expensive, and is even harder to get fresh. If we were to, say, eventually be able to grow an apple orchard, that could make such luxuries more widely available to everyone in London."

She gestured for Mori to come sit down, as the table was set; the beef and mushroom stew sat close enough to both of them to easily ladle a bowl full, with the wine bottle and teapot closest to Mori, with the apple pie being set just beside the soup bowl. "But something like an apple tree would probably be far too ambitious for just starting this experiment, so it would be more practical to pick something smaller to start, like maybe an herb that grows well on the Surface but not so well in the Neath."

[themorbidsocialite]

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?"

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

(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."

[themorbidsocialite]

"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.

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

"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."

[themorbidsocialite]

"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."

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

"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!"

[themorbidsocialite]

"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.

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

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!"

[themorbidsocialite]

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."

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

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.

[themorbidsocialite]

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!"

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

"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.

[themorbidsocialite]

Mori snickered slightly behind a hand. "Have you met our fellows of London, dear Maven? If you can taste the cinnamon, it's too much cinnamon for them. They would down a carafe of water with one bite. I find the amount of cinnamon just fine, not too much, not too little. You've done a wonderful job."

They savored each bite with a beaming delight, happy with both the dessert and the idea of a friend with good taste.

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

"Thank you, I am genuinely happy to hear that!" Maven said, and then laughed, "And that is fair! I remember what an adjustment it was to get used to my Father's family's food. I used to think I was bad with spices because my Mother would always have hers so much spicier than mine, my sister, and Father's, but then when I went to live with my Father's family the food was just... it was like nothing! I suppose it's like they say, you can't buy taste, in any sense of the word." Maven finished with an eye roll and a sarcastic smirk. Hearing her talk of her Father's family was probably the most disparaging Mori had seen her be of anyone.

[themorbidsocialite]

Caught somewhat by surprise, Mori laughed. "Cheers to that!" As he drank a few more sips of wine with the comedic toast, Mori began to wonder if the lack of blood for the time being was making him into a lightweight, the ratio of alcohol to blood far greater.

That would be a problem for later, however.

"If you don't mind me asking, where is your mother from? I don't wish to presume anything by guessing." But presuming that she wouldn't wish to talk of her father was likely a safe bet.

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven finished her sip before answering, "She was born in England, but my Nanaji was from India. She and Papa died when I was too young to really remember them. Though... sometimes I think I remember her singing, but I might just be mixing that up with memories of my Mother singing, she would sing the same songs Nanaji sung to her." She looked down at her wine glass, looking contemplative, "I had always thought I might travel there someday. I guess... that isn't possible anymore."

[themorbidsocialite]

Mori hummed sadly. "I'm sure we'll find some way. We can't possibly be trapped here forever, can we? India will await you, I'm sure of it."

He swirled his last sip of wine. "It's rather strange, both our mothers come from England and grandmothers from elsewhere. Odd, how that works but not unwelcome."

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven hummed back noncommittally. She finished the last bit of her wine glass and then pushed the glass away, bringing her tea cup closer instead, "I shouldn't have any more. I'm afraid I tend to be a bit... weepy if I drink too much."

She tilted her head at that, "Oh really? Where is your grandmother from?"

[themorbidsocialite]

"Fortunate, then, that I'm a joyous drinker. I'll drink for both of us," Mori said, snorting at his own joke and taking another sip and refilling his glass. He considered the drink as he thought about the answer to the question. "Transylvania? Romania, somewhere around Bistritz. Married my grandfather and moved to Shincliffe with him. I can't imagine how it must be, going from the Carpathians to little old Shincliffe. From India to England. To land in a place so unfamiliar, with very little to your name, with languages you can't speak, people who look like no one you've ever known."

Mori sat up a tad straighter. "Actually, that does sound a touch familiar."

[the_soft_hearted_maven]

Maven laughed at Mori's realization, "You're right! The parallels are kind of funny to think about and compare when you look at it that way." She looked down at the tea in her hands, "The Neath is such a fascinating place. I think my mother and father would have loved to see it. They always loved learning all about the world around them and exploring new places." She looked up, "What about you, do you think your family would enjoy the Neath?"

[themorbidsocialite]

"Ach, no, not really." Mori watched the wine tilt in the glass, or rather the glass tilt around the wine as the latter stayed level. "Well, I never really knew the rest of my family. Just my mother. Horrid woman, she was. And rather a terrible cook when it came to anything but the seasonings. But didn't know my father or foremothers or uncles. Couldn't tell you if any of them would like it."

Mori leaned back against the back of the chair, not lifting the legs. "And mother wouldn't have a lick of it. Devilish, she might've thought, neighboring close to Hell and with squid face people and all. Never did like the safety of darkness, her."

"Ah, but you know what you're parents are like! I'm curious to hear of them!"