RP:Cooking With Poison
Summary: Chisel thinks to learn the intricacies of cooking, though her main issue is that she is not entirely sure which plants might be toxic or not. Meri throws out a couple of solutions, Chisel throws out an alternative for Meri. Ultimately the two decide that Meri should return sometime with a couple of books and Alvina.
Ancient Forest
Skylarks swoop through the leaves of this old forest, as well as many other birds and bugs. The mysticism that enshrouds this place is great, beyond space and time, a type of power that grips and tells a story. It's as if the trees speak, but they make no sound. Their trunks are notched and grow gnarled from age, twisting round and round. Archaic trees stretch west and east, as well as the lord of this forest to the north. To the south lies evidence to the completion of one chapter in this world's storied past, but the gravesite is no longer accessible. Adjacent to the subtle marker in the south is a building which is even less visible. One would have to be looking for it to even know it was there.
Finding Chisel was not always an easy task, or at least so Meri was lead to believe. Perhaps the murder doll could be could in Artia's garden's in Larket, perhaps she was out patrolling the various forests that she protects. It would plausible that the marionette could be in any number of places, but Meri was certain that there was one surefire way to get her attention. Armed with a very particular map, Meri makes her way through the forests to one destination in particular, the very same place that Chisel revealed to her during their previous chat. The tattoo artist is not traveling on foot but once more has brought along her horse, making traveling faster and more efficient. Plus Meri enjoyed Kadence, the gray mare made the for good company. Once she reaches the location within the ancient forest that she and Chisel visited, she waits outside the wall of trees that shield the area from strange travels. There is every confidence that the plants will be communicating with Chisel to let her know there is someone outside her space, waiting.
And they did. The thick hedgerows even began parting away as soon as the dryad responded, Closing behind Meri as soon as she enters the hoard. Chisel was somewhere close, patrolling as always. A guardian never rests. Soon making her way into the Ancient forest, hopefully the woman wasn't waiting too long. Then again she is quite sure Meri could keep herself busy, either filling up her pockets with riches or enjoy a drink... or several inside the broken fort. Soon finding herself by the hoard as well, wondering what's the occasion. She rarely gets visitors. Curious of what the woman has to offer this time.
Today Meri has nothing to offer but company and conversation, no gift and no real motive for the occasion. Well. There may be a want on Meri's part to escape the everyday beat of civilization, and visiting a friendly acquaintance seemed like a perfectly good excuse to go traipsing through the forest. The drink is not something that Meri is after, at least not immediately. She hovers outside of the castle itself while she waits for Chisel, sort of meandering around. If she happens across one of those precious gems, the temptation to pocket the item won't be passed up...but she doesn't even bother trying to be sneaky about it. They have greatly established that the plants will tattle-tale on Meri's every move. It's also not something Meri is concerned about, they are just garbages, right? And if Chisel is offended, well she is probably scary mad and I bet Meri will cough them up fast. Hah. By the time Chisel has arrived, Meri has come to stand in front of that ship, studying it in silence until she notices the marionette. A smile pulls across her red lips, "Hi there, murder-doll. It has been a little while since we have chatted, no? I thought I would drop in and pay you a visit, if I am not keeping you from anything?"
Chisel did somewhat appeared right beside the woman out of nowhere. She is a person of the forest afterall. Tracking and calmly walking through the forest was her thing and the woman may or may have seen her approach? She doesn't know or mind at this point. They are friends of course, that's why. She looked upon the ship before turning to Meri as soon as she spoke. "Yes it has been a while drunk-artist." teasing the woman back. "No, not really. Just the usual forest scouting, nothing really new or exciting really. Redundant in face but I'm sure a day of break would be nice from time to time." She extended her hand as the forest began to move, couple of vines worked on one of the piles, this one has furniture in it. Trying to find one that hasn't broken down setting it up nearby and cleaning it with the help of a bit of brushing. Sturdy enough for them to sit on, out there under the sky with thick canopy covering them from the heat. "Not many visitors for me really.. the last person I talked to before now is you as well. That was weeks ago? Not many talks to me really."
That smile lingers when Chisel refers to her as the drunk-artist, but moments later the smile is gone. Instead there is a look of curiosity on her face as those blue eyes watch the vines, note the way the dig through a near by pile. Realization soon sets in when she spies the furniture they are freeing, setting up and then cleaning up for the two to set upon. Meri would settle down on the furniture without hesitation as soon as she is given the chance. "I guess it is safe to say that your scouts of the forest have been rather uneventful if I was the last person that you spoke with?" Red lips are pressed together faintly, the pause given not long enough for Chisel to get an answer in edge wise. Yet. "I suppose that could be viewed as both good and bad." Tattooed shoulders rise and fall in a shrug of uncertainty, blue eyes falling to the leaves that offer shade and comfort from the heat of the sun. "Larket is anything but quiet these days, though. Do you have thoughts on all of the witch drama that is taking place within it's borders?" Just a couple of thoughts and questions for Chisel to consider, but that was what company was good for, no?
"Well I guess they were simply too afraid to even be near me. All I have ever said is 'Who goes there?' or 'What are you doing here?' and they all start running. Rude I'd say." She smiles as like always food and drinks are provided, fruit as always. She stared upon it and frowned. "Maybe I should start trying to learn the intricacies of cooking." She looked upon what's available on the table. Bland, she can only imagine. Though she isn't exactly the one to judge, she is a dryad, there is no need for her to eat. Though she could taste things, that's why she likes tea. "I mean... I am quite into the preservation of the forest and the animals within it. Though there are times animals may need to be killed off for numerous reasons. Like that boar that I caught the other day... He was tearing through the young shrubs like there was no tomorrow. When I asked him why, he said he was bored. He got quite a scolding mind you but if he continues to act like that, he'll be treated as a pest and those things needs to be cleansed from my territories." she reached in to have a slice of apple, quietly chewing as she listened to the woman. "I'm sorry but... to be honest, I am quite apathetic towards the drama of mortals. I maybe living amongst them, protecting that garden within their so called 'borders' but you know me. I don't accept borders drawn by mortals as the forest has no boundaries. If they asked me, I'll answer but so far no one hasn't really approached me for this."
The way that Meri smirks at this account of Chisel with the boar probably reveals just how human she really is. Not that there was a doubt? Just. Humans. In her mind it was quite humorous to imagine the little murder-doll having a conversation with a boar, who she firmly believes oinks back in communication? Is this the sound boars make? Right now, with this blonde, in her mind, it is. There is a soft chuckle, Meri reaching out to grab some of that fruit. "I always thought that was what boars were supposed to do? Dig around in the dirt? What else is a boar supposed to do with his time when he gets bored?" Boredom sometimes could be a very real problem. Her mind does not wander on this for long, and between bites of apple Meri goes on to explain. "I suppose that I was not really meaning to imply that you needed to actually care about the things that us mortals do but sometimes our dramas do influence what we do to the environment around us? So there is also no harm in it either. But I was mostly just trying to make conversation." Which she was ultimately successful in, they established something, discussed something. "As far as learning to cook....I am afraid that is one area that I don't really do well in. But a lot of people really like it. I guess. I don't get why, outside of having tasty things to eat....But. I bet you could find someone to give you lessons?" Of course many people were capable of teaching themselves to cook just fine, but for Meri? She'd like lessons. It is a very intimidating adventure(/she just doesn't want and thus is dramatic about it.)
"I dunno... anything else that doesn't include destroying my plants." She shook her head, trying to rid of the thought. "Well I... 'can' cook.. problem is, I don't know if the ingredients I use is safe to eat. I am immune to all sorts of poisons and venoms from plants and animals... And some of them has 'quite' a taste on them. So I can't really prepare those for friends and visitors such as yourself. I don't want you dropping dead before me." She listens as she pours the woman some of her cold apple tea as she said. "I don't see the difference really. Last time that I remember that drama occured with mortals, a war broke out and damaged my trees. I'm pretty sure you could imagine what happened next. Even used their corpses for replanting." she frowned alittle. "Petty revenge? I'm sure. But their reasons are petty as well. But who am I to judge, Having aged for so long makes one forget the little things. Like.. those gemstones..." pointing at the familiar pile. "I'm quite sure those are important for someone, for reasons I can only call petty or treat the whole bunch garbage. But it is important to them. I wonder if who is right though."
The greedier side of Meri thinking 'all the gemstones are mine now.' It puts the gemstones in the bag or...okay, sorry Chisel. Don't kill me. Mind reading is not amongst one of her many abilities is it? These greedy thoughts are not actually expressed out loud, Meri does have some manners. "Well yes. The reasons are almost always petty. Even the present drama. I believe the claim is that witches are bad because they caused an earthquake? Which really strikes me as odd because could not a mage or a Druid in theory also do this? So why witches?" Meri shrugs. Not that Chisel cares, Meri is just agreeing with the pettiness of it all. "Anyway...If you do not need cooking lessons? I do have a couple of suggestions." Meri goes on to explain as she prepares herself some tea, she could probably ask to meander inside for the booze but maybe Chisel will teach Meri to have an affinity for this herbal stuff yet. "First, I could always bring you some books? And you could read about what plants may be toxic to us mortals or not. Or. There is always our mutual friend Cal." Meri may be using friend loosely, as Meri is more friendly with him than Chisel is. "Sort of his this fondness for plants too. I bet he would know which ones might poison people and which ones would be safe for cooking. Maybe. Never hurts to ask. Either way, a reason for another conversation, no?"
"I only met 'Cal' once call him a friend. I might talk to him but not here." She shrugs quietly, "Well people have done worst things for the ones they didn't know. Without proper proof about the quake, they are condemning these people." She leans back resting her spine for a sec. She can't recall when was the last time she was able to 'just rest'. "There are books here, literature and maps of all sorts, some are in different language but all are stored inside. I never read any of them though so I don't know if there is any in cooking. Also..." looking at Meri, frowning alittle but shaking her head soon after. "I... well... there is a way... to be immune to poisons and venoms... but its not pretty..." Which maybe a bit extreme just to get someone to try one's cooking. A ritual perhaps? some sort of dryad magic that she could share to her? probably.
What Chisel has to say is taken in and digested thoughtfully and in silence. See, it wasn't too long ago that Meri was running around making reckless deals for abilities, and it probably was not the smartest move on her part. This time around, the suggestion is given thought and pause. The issues are addressed in the order they are brought up. "Oh, I mean. I did not mean to imply that I would bring him here? I would bring the books here, if you wanted. Otherwise, I had more meant that you would probably find the guy. If you wanted." A thoughtful brow is lifted as Meri continues on, also adjusting her position in the seat but not to ease her spin. Sometimes one just needs to move around to keep the legs from falling asleep! "Anyway, what do you mean it's not pretty? Like this sounds like an intense discussion needs to be had on how this potential immunity to poison would play out..." Meri clears her throat. "Although, I kind of admit. I am slightly curious. Maybe poisonous herbs taste good? It's not like I would exactly be any wiser at this point in time..." Because she if she tried them she would be poisoned, obviously, duh. "I could be missing out..."
"Many of the poisons does taste great... but the mortal body tend to... die long before they could enjoy the flavor." She blinks a couple of times as she listens to the woman's inquiry. "Well... A gift from a dryad may grant one immunity but only if one is strong enough to take it... If the gift accepted you however, you'll be immune to all poisons and venoms made from natural materials. Which allows you to eat any cooking, taste every flavor. And can only be poisoned with magical means. The problem is.... you would never enjoy liquor anymore because in a sense, it is a distilled poison from a plant. And you can't have children. Worst case scenario is death while covered from head to toe with skin boils. Even worst case scenario is surviving with the skin boils, having a horrible appearance, no immunity, no liquor, no children" she stared at the woman before reaching in for another apple. She knows the woman would not enjoy the pros and cons. "I can give the gift at any time as I have the necessary piece of the ritual in my person. The fluids that would enter one's body, should it accept it would changed it, providing stronger defense against poisons. If it did not accept it however... would cause the blood to become acid like... that's.. why the boils." She just shook her head knowing its not pretty. "Well sure, bring your books. Maybe I should start reading the ones in there as well. Hopefully find some culinary ones as well."
Oh these pros and cons were quite hefty. Meri was not the sort of woman who was too hung up on the idea of having children, she had not managed to produce any of her own yet (much to her relief), and she was not super excited to jump on the baby-band-wagon either. That was a non-issue. Getting drunk, this was something that Meri did enjoy doing, though as a psion it does stand to reason that she would fare far better in life if she had a clear and sober mind. Hm. Slight problem. But as long as she could enjoy the taste? Maybe? Growing in significance could be the fact that she could survive all of this, with no immunity, and end up with horrible skin boils. Though at least to combat that, Meri had an innate ability to heal/regenerate herself by leeching off of the life around her, much like the healer Sabrina accept the Master Healer's ability to do this was far greater. Meri's was subtle, if the damage was significant enough she may not be able to regenerate fast enough and thus would still die. "Ah, it sounds like quite a risk and a gamble. I mean, we're friends and all and it would be no good if you accidentally killed your friend." Meri chuckles. "But I will have a long think on it. If it were something that we would even entertain doing, I feel like I would want a healer present just in case I am not strong enough to accept this gift?" To prevent the death aspect of things, of course. Could dryads heal? Meri did not know. "Perhaps let us just start with some books."
"Quite. Quite a risk. You can enjoy the flavor of the liquor but never feel its buzz. Eventually it would just be like water." She ponders alittle. "Well if you know someone who has powerful enough magic then sure, that might work. But do you really wish to go through that just to taste my cooking? Its a bit extreme don't you think?" She haven't met someone that accepted the gift right away after hearing the cons... probably she should stop explaining that part? More volunteers if that would be the case. In her lifetime she had met other dryads and saw them do the ritual. When she asked them where did they learned it, they say their tree taught it to them. Something she doesn't have. One could see the sadness upon her face as she looked down, remembering that her tree is missing before turning back up to the woman smiling. "I could just try to avoid the poisons that I know altogether, but that would leave me with very limited options and tastes. So.. yea, the books might be a good option for now."
"Well don't take these sentiments wrong? But the reason is not solely for the cooking. There is also the element of curiosity as to what a plant like hemlock tastes like. Spicy? Sweet? Bitter? Or what about those damn berries in the forest that you are not supposed to eat?" Of course there were plenty of berries that were just fine to eat but as if Meri knew the difference. The fact that she could throw out a plant name like 'hemlock' is not the norm. (She probably maybe wanted to poison someone at some point or something - or maybe it was just one of the more commonly known poisonous plants out there). The fact that Chisel agrees that it is quite the risk only fuels the hesitation that Meri is feeling. Yes, Chisel, not telling your subjects all the cons of these experiments probably would gain you more test subjects but would probably lose you a friend or two in the process. There are pros and cons to everything. "Books it is then. I will do some shopping around, maybe the apothecary in Cenril would be a good place to start." Which of course meant that another visit would be in order, whenever Meri decided to depart. Though she is shifting around in the seat again, it is not because she is making any attempt to leave. The dolly gets another question, "You looked sad for a moment there. Why?"
"Only one way to find out I'm afraid. I can describe the taste to you but taste isn't something that can be conveyed properly into words." she watches the woman in fascination even. Wondering what is going on on that mortal head of hers. She is only worried about the risk simply because the woman is her friend. It it was some other mortal, she would've probably went on with the experiment. "I would need to brush up some of those old tomes inside then, though this seems to be a military outpost on its previous life, I'm pretty sure what I have most of here would be of the same variety, But the travelers that lost their way here.. and their lives may have dropped a book or two, I should check those out." She could only imagine how long would it take for her to read all of those as there is quite a bit inside. "Oh? me? I just... uhm... remember something really, Talking about it however kinda rubs an open wound." she smiles at the woman, but it was clearly out of courtesy.
Ultimately, Meri has actually been fairly expressive with her thoughts on the issue, more than she is with a lot of people. Questions were asked, concerns were voiced, she was not convinced that Chisel was secretly plotting her death like the murder-doll that she is. "I suppose a visit to a military outpost wouldn't hurt, they might have left an interesting book or two behind. Some of them could be related to herbs. I suppose there is only one way to find out...." But on the off chance that Chisel found nothing at this military outpost, Meri would still at least come through by locating and purchasing a few books on the dryads behalf. As far as Meri's final question about why Chisel looked sad? The answer that she ears is just accepted with a nod and a light frown, not because Meri did not get an answer, but because Chisel was a pretty cool murder-doll. Friends don't like seeing their friends upset? And Meri had a penchant for spotting those fake smiles, her own was often the same. Just a well-practiced lie.
"Yes, one way to find out. Read them. Oddly enough, I can't seem to get myself to... read them, In a sense I am an immortal and yet I find it annoying that I don't have enough time. Either time is the problem or faith upon the mortals who walks this land. If I only could do so I would protect every forest in these lands but my 'daily' time is already stretched too thin, walking around and taking care of the ones around Larket." she shook her head and have some more of her tea. Sighing quietly as she looked upon the cup, swirling its contents a bit. "I am out here protecting the forest and yet I don't know where that tree is. I don't even know if its safe." she closed her eyes for a few seconds before looking up to the woman and having some more tea. "Unless every book here is for military purposes." she adds.
Dedicating time to reading was not something that Meri herself was much good at either. Even if she did find pockets of free time, she would rather spend it doing other things like painting morbid pictures for murder-dolls, drinking, the occasional party, and the list could go on. "Well I guess it is a good thing that the books I mean to bring you are probably more uhh...." Hold on Chisel, Meri has to search through that blonde skull of hers for a fancy word that describes a book she very rarely uses. "Like a reference book? An encyclopedia! Yeah!" Oh Chisel, your little human friend sometimes. At least she makes an effort to understand things, sometimes, depending on how much she likes an individual. Shady people can't be shady if they are truly friends with everyone, but in Chisel's case? The marionette is definitely counted amongst Meri's friends. "You don't know where that tree is? Or if it is safe? The tree you mean?" Unwittingly, Meri is back to asking questions about that subject Chisel wishes to avoid. There might be an inkling that this could be the reason Chisel was looking sad? But it's impossible for Meri to say for certain, it's had to read the marionette sometimes.
"Well if you need funds to buy such, there is always some here." pointing around her. Though as the woman began to inquire once again, she felt like it is time for her to tell. "My Tree..." a pause of a solid few seconds, may have stretched to a minute or so even before she finally continued. "A dryad and her tree is always linked to one another, like a child to its mother. But when I.... died, My tree accepted my fate and severed its connection to me. I'm not sure if its on purpose.. or maybe just weird happenstance. But that is just how nature goes. I died." she closed her eyes and places down her tea. "And I lived again... but the line is already gone and I can't find it. That's why I am protecting so much forest, hoping in one of those is my tree but I could only imagine how many trees are here in this world."
Why yes, Chisel. Meri will gladly rid this place of all of more of those garbages, if the offer is being made. Just doing her helpful, civic duty, right? Garbages should not be left laying around. They should be cleaned up...and sold. Except Meri is not going to jump to and start collecting. More like she would snag a few more precious stones on her way out, for good measure. Greedy. Woman. For now she engaged in a serious conversation with Chisel and it would be quite rude to jump up and start collecting. It is far less rude to collect another bite of fruit though, which is popped into her mouth. Meri is not all smiles as she listens to this, though she only has a vague understanding of the importance and significance of what Chisel is telling her. "That sounds...Tedious. Are you sure you will even know your tree when you see it? I guess perhaps it will remember you and maybe say something to you? Is that how it is supposed to work?" A bit of a frown forms after Meri swallows that small bite of fruit. The fruit was declious, it subject that brought about the frown.
"I was killed before I was born. My tree may have not even seen me either. Besides when I awoken my body was changed so much that I doubt I had the same appearance as before to begin with... I don't know what my tree looks like and my tree doesn't know what I look like. It may have even thought that I already died.. which I did so, It stopped looking for me. I don't hear it anymore." The tone on her voice was so sad almost as if she is crying, but she can't. She is a doll after all, there are just things that can't be done... like crying. She exhales loudly as if trying to calm herself down, loosen the weight on her chest as it were. Biting her lower lip a couple of times as she swirl the contents of her cup. "So... maybe that is why I hated mortals so much..."
This sounds like quite the predicament that Chisel was in. It was entirely plausible, based on the explanation that she was just listening to, that the marionette sitting next to her may never be able to find her tree. An apology seemed absolutely useless coming front Meri, it is not like an 'I'm sorry' would suddenly restore the lost connection to the tree. It seemed equally fruitless to try and offer to help look for a tree that Meri would be in no way shape or form able to identify. At best she could be company while Chisel wanders through the forest in her search? That seemed like such a meek and puny offer. Meri ultimately settles on a frown, one that is heavy set upon her red lips. "I think this is a perfectly valid reason to hate mortals." Or hated. In addition to all of the other reasons that mortals seem to provide more than willingly. "I hope that you are able to reunite with your tree, sooner over later." A beat. "I suppose the hour is starting to get late which means that I take Kadence and be on my way. But I will be back soon with a few books for you to reference, yes?"
"Yea..." and just that, she didn't say anything else for a moment. Quietly staring at her cup before finally drinking its contents, she looked upon the woman as she continues to talk. "I am quite enjoying our little chats... gets to me keep my mind off things. Hopefully the books does the same." Smiling at her as she slowly stood up. "I'll open the door for you." Extending her arm toward the floral barrier, parting it and providing the beaten stone path for the woman and her horse. "Have you met Ms. Alvina by the way? If you have, maybe try to bring her along next time? I also have given her a map. I don't know, they say the more the merrier. Hopefully that's true."
Meri's departure would be inevitable, the barrier would part to allow passage for Meri and her horse to leave and Meri would take it. But she was in no rush, Chisel was a friend, they were still having words and Meri had some sentiments to leave her with. "I actually do know Alvina, and I will invite her along next time that I come out to visit with you. I am sure she would be happy to come along and chat. It was good seeing you again, Chisel." Barring any last words from Chisel, Meri and Kadence would soon be out of sight and earshot. Well, technically not really, right? Not so long as they were both within the forest itself, maybe once Meri made it into the city? Hm.