RP:Plants Can Fix Any Problem

Summary: Plants can fix any problem! Well... okay... maybe not -every- problem, but they can definitely assist in murder and making money!

Botanical Gardens, Larket

Work was… well… work. But, at least Meri was here to assist Callum. Not only did it help to pass the time, but he could teach her botany things as well in the meantime. There were many sections to the gardens, some for desert plants, another for tropical, and so on. CalluMeri, however, were in the one dedicated to spices and herbs for potions and cooking and such. “This one’s sage. There’s a few different kinds: clary, diviner’s, white. But, this one is the common variety. Mainly for cooking in savory dishes. Some witches, from what I’ve heard, use it to cleanse their home of impurities, others make it, and the other sages, into essential oils for baths and soaps and such. Used for… prosperity spells too, I think. It’s been awhile since I really delved into that aspect of herbal magic, though. Never was my forte--though I think it was more my parents wouldn’t have approved of their son being a witch as opposed to a trained mage. Funny how it kind’ve ended up that way, at least with the herbs anyway.” He dwelled on it a moment, then moved on. He pointed out the other sages, noted their differences, gave her the rundown for those too. “I don’t expect you to remember this all either. Took me ages to learn. That’s why I figured we’d start with the easy stuff first.

Valrae 's boot clad feet wander lazily into the garden of Larket. Her long honey and wheat hair is pulled away from her face and into a high, glossy pony tail. Her eyes are lined sharply, her lips a deep mauve. Crystals of rose quartz and jade drip from long golden chains around her throat, the multiple piercings of her ears. Her cable knit sweater is soft green and oversized, so much so that the sleeves are rolled to her wrists, and her white cotton pants are tucked into tall leather boots. A brown canvas bag is slung over one shoulder, a large envelope clutched in her free hand. She's come to find Callum (and hopefully Meri!) and turn in a resume for the job he'd offered her. Not that he'd said she need one, it just felt like good form. The other reason, the one that she's pushed to the darkest recess of her mind because it made her stomach feel sick and slimy, was because her garden simply didn't hold all the right herbs she needed to assassinate the King. Gulp. Finally, she spots the couple and turns her meandering feet their direction. She catches the end of the sage conversation. "There is an old wivestale," Valrae adds, a smile tilting the corners as her lips as she nears the pair, "That if you have sage every May you'll receive the gift of immortality. I think the trick is," Her eyes twinkle with mischief, "That no mortal will see enough Mays for the trick to work at any rate."

Meri was here assisting, yes, except with her assistance came a whole bunch of questions and a ton of learning. It might be more fair to say she was a student more than assistant, but she did strive to help Cal as much as her knowledge allowed. There is a smile held on her red lips as she listens to Cal instruct her on all the uses of sage, from practical to magical. A spell for prosperity? Meri's blue eyes widen at the suggestion. Did Valrae know a spell for prosperity? It's very shortly after that thought, during the lesson on the different types of sage, that Valrae appears, causing Meri's lips to curve further into a pleasantly surprised smile. "I think it is a good thing that immortality is not something that I am after. I am quite content growing old and gray. A prosperity spell though? That might be something that I would be interested in learning about. Do you know one?" May as well voice the thought that she was thinking. "We should do a prosperity spell." Leave it to Meri to latch on to that idea. Blue eyes bounce between Cal and Valrae to gauge their reactions to her suggestion but they ultimately settle on the other blonde. "It's good to see you again, Val. How have you been? What brings you out this way?"

Callum raised a brow at Valrae as she made herself known and added in her own bit of knowledge. A dip of his head is granted to the witch, and then a smirk to Meri as she certainly did latch onto the subject of money. “Probably best to have the help of a witch if we did. No good comes from just merely dabbling in magic when you want something of personal gain--and it’s not necessarily just with witchcraft either. Can’t begin to tell you how many times my plants’ve died just because I was impatient as hell.” He paused, tilting his head to eye the sage, “But, I’d be inclined to try it if Valrae here wanted to assist.” He couldn’t say no to more money, you know. Hopefully that saying ‘mo’ money, mo’ problems’ doesn’t kick in with this. “As for immortality, there’s far more ways to achieve such a thing than just having long life.” The Catalian shrugged, then finally eyed Valrae, “So, what can we do for you?”

Valrae grins at Meri and finds herself nodding. "Agreed. Age is a gift not everyone receives," She gives casual shrug. "And immortality is overrated." She adds a snort. "I know a few spells for prosperity though." Her grin turns mischievous. "How willing are you to lick a frog?" She waits a beat to laugh and wave her folder to signal that she's teasing. "But yeah, playing with magic is never a good idea." She looks at Callum with keen interest. "You're pretty knowledgeable for someone who doesn't follow the craft," Her voice carried the tone of mild impress. "But a mojo bag is the quickest, safest thing to work up. I could do it with the things here, actually..." The witch readjusts her bag and absolutely does not mentally go through the checklist of things she's hoping to skim from the garden. Maybe if Meri jumped on the mojo bag idea she could take a solo stroll through the garden and collect a few things without either of them looking too closely. But the subject shifts and she follows along easily. "I was looking for my own favor today actually," She holds the folder aloft. "I wanted to know if you were still looking for help here and turn in a resume," Her dark eyes turned to Cal again. "I know you didn't ask for one but," Val shrugs again, her smile a little vulnerable. "I thought I could try to seem professional. How am I doing?"

Meri did not want to lick a frog, it was painfully obvious that a prosperity spell was not worth any amount of frog licking. A look is sent Cal's direction, but Valrae makes it known that she is teasing before Meri can dwell on it for too long. "A mojo bag....?" Meri inquires, a bit more skeptically but still sounding rather intrigued. It was not as exciting as the promise of a prosperity spell. However Meri does not actually push that line of chatter for the moment, Valrae presents her resume to Cal and it seems like the two need to partake in a moment of business. Meri's still within eye sight and ear shot but she is not joining in on this bit of the conversation. Valrae and Callum are both flashed a warm smile as Meri takes a couple of steps away from them, turning her gaze back to the sage that Cal was just telling her about. She is trying to recall their names and the details shared about the varieties of the plant.

Callum shrugged again as he’s questioned on his knowledge of all things witchcraft, “I don’t know nearly enough as someone that actually practices it, but it was in books I read at the mage academy I went to. Herbal things tie into it quite a bit, as you’re obviously aware, so I thought to keep some of it in mind, just in case--mainly for rejuvenation purposes of any sort, for things I could sell. Potions, elixirs, that sort of thing. Not everyone’s keen on just taking the herbs themselves, most want it done for them so it’s ready to drink--or… however it’s been prepared. I don’t know much when it comes to the elements either, besides water and air. Had a bit of tunnel vision in school. Only wanted to know what I needed to know to make money.” He’d take the offered folder after delving a little into his past, though not enough for her to discover his true origin. So far, only Meri knew he’s Catalian. The raven-haired male opened it up and looked over the paperwork inside, nodding along as he skimmed over it. He hesitated, looked like he might object to things, but… he soon grinned and nodded, “Looks perfectly fine to me. I’m glad you wanted the job or else I’d’ve had to look elsewhere! The Mage’s Guild was, uh, not so kind to me, so I’m having to settle for the academy here. That means my time’ll be divided and I may not be here as often as I’d like. Do you know much of water or air magic? Just enough maybe in case you’d need it in a pinch?”

Valrae says, "A mojo bag works like a charm. It's a tiny bag you can slip in your pocket to attract whatever you be-spell it to. In this case, prosperity." Meri moves away, presumably to give them room for job talk, and the witch focuses her energy on Callum. Surprised, she finds herself nodding eagerly. "I had a pretty lucrative business in Cenril," She begins, "I sold potions, tonics, charms and things," Poisons, not unlike the one that loomed like a boiling storm over her mind. "What little I could grow in my windowsill was hardly enough but here I've enough room for my own garden." She looks around. "Though it's not quite as impressive, it is well tended and a source of personal pride. I know a few witch tricks to help with growth, longevity, hardiness." She watched him glance over her folder and felt nervousness that had nothing to do with her secrets. There were letters recommendations, a well put together section listing her talents, knowledge, and experience. "I have a small background in more arcane magics. I was apprenticed into the guild myself and had training with the basic elements, water and air included." Her head tilts curiously when Callum mentions his trouble with the mage's guild. She hasn't been as active as she should be and so she had little to no idea of the goings on. She frowns. "The mage's guild gave you trouble?"

Meri could obviously overhear the conversation, even if she was trying to give them a little bit of space to job talk. Her facial expressions would make it obvious her thoughts as the two converse. First there is a soft smile, glad to see that this meeting is going far more favorably than the last. That smile fades as the two of them start into Cal's issue with the mage's guild and Meri ends up wrinkling her nose to express her obvious disapproval for that particular establishment. While Meri doesn't want to interject and start talking over either Valrae or Callum in light of their little job-chat and resume-review, Valrae's explanation of a mojo bag would not be ignored. When Valrae said 'mojo', Meri's mind went a whole different direction. A little more Austin Powers...Meri is not sure she wants that sort of mojo. This sounds far less intimidating, and if it meant that it might bring CalluMeri some extra gold, "I bet we'd be into a mojo bag. Once you guys are done with your job chat." Because Cal could definitely use an assistant if he is also going to be studying at the academy and Meri was really only so much help, she lacked the knowledge (but she was learning!) and she also had her own business that she could not ignore.

Callum outwardly agreed with Meri, first and foremost, to let her know that he’d not forgotten her, “I’m sure a mojo bag would be nice. Even if the odds aren’t in our favor, it wouldn’t hurt to try,” was said with a smile to his girlfriend. His attention shifted back to Valrae then, addressing the guild issue, “A member and I didn’t quite agree on things, it was a clash of personalities, I suppose. He saw fit to flaunt his magic and brag about all the money the guild makes, but couldn’t seem to see my side of why I took issue with that. It’s… I don’t know. I really don’t want to sway your view of the guild as a whole when it was mainly one member, not even a high-ranking one at that, and one master that took his side, likely because I’m not one of them.” See, even Cal knew what it was like to be an outcast. “I’ve spoken to Josleen and she’s going to write a recommendation for me to the headmaster to the academy here. She may be a complete psycho, but I can at least bend her to my will when I need it. Especially when I go about saving people that aren’t witches.” There was a sigh and an eyeroll at the thought of Josleen and Macon and all their numerous faults. “I’ll get what I need there, I think.” He shook his head, shifting the topic elsewhere, “Anyway. You can start as soon as you like. With as close of an eye as I keep on things here, most of it will be just culling the dead and keeping the living living. Shouldn’t be too much dead, with my herbomancy helping things, but I can’t give them immortality.”

In truth, Valrae really needed this job. Not only because she wanted to find the best tools to bring about the kings demise, but because being a witch in Larket was brutal. In Cenril, her wares sold quickly and quietly. Here, amid the tumultuous, witch-fearing climate that was clogging the streets of Larket things weren't moving smoothly... And a witch gotta eat. The guild mess troubled her enough to keep her nerves still enough. She was a member, however passive, and was obviously touchy about singling people or persons out on the sole bias of biased opinion. And because she knew Meri, and was getting to know a bit more about Cal himself, she had her own partiality to him now. "I'm not a queen and I hardly have any sway, but I am a member of the guild. I could do the same." The witch offers, though she doesn't really know how much her word would help. Valrae smiles at Meri again, trying to hide her eagerness to make a mojo bag and not seem over enthused. "I could just take a look around, find a few things and get a feel of the space" She offers. "All I would need from you two is a coin, of any value, and a piece and a small cloth - that I might have in my bag." Her fingers twitch on the strap of her bag, the only outward sign of her nerves. "I don't live far. If it's all the same to you, I could scope out things, maybe have you show me a trick or two and start tomorrow?"

Meri did not feel forgotten, not even close. It would be silly for her to, especially since she made the choice to make a bit of distance between herself, Cal and Valrae. She's a chatter, it usually fairly easy for her to get going on subjects with friends if she is given half the chance. The smile Cal sends her way is met with a fond one of her own. As the conversation on work seems to be wrapping up, Meri slides back over to Cal and Valrae, opting to stand next to the Catalian. "Well, I think we'll have to work on getting you the coin and the cloth. I mean. The coin we have on hand," Or so Meri assumes that Cal has some pocket change on hand. She probably has a little something something stashed away in her satchel out of sight. "But the cloth? I mean, I am sure I have an old shirt at home with a few holes or paint stains in it that I won't mind taking a knife too. Good thing that you don't live super far away from here. Cal and I could always drop it off to you? Oooor...since you're likely going to be working here..." They could bring said items here, or stash them away in a someplace for Valrae to find. The details about when Valrae can scope things out are left entirely up to Cal. His gig, she just liked to help/pester.

Callum caught that bit of nervousness as Valrae spoke, a furrowing of brows was made, but he soon offered her a smile too, “That’s perfectly fine. The gardens are open at all hours, but if you’re going to be wandering around on your own, best for the guards to know you work there instead of chancing you getting hauled off for whatever reason. Knowing the monarchy and the majority of their henchmen, I wouldn’t put it past them. On our way home, I’ll stop by the castle tonight and let them know so they don’t give you any trouble. Jos was already aware of my need for an assistant, so there’s that at least.” At the talk about the mojo bag, he let out a ‘hm’. He looked down at his shirt--it was his favorite one; a long-sleeved button up forest green shirt that went so well with his black pants and black waistcoat--eyed it briefly, then untucked the bottom hem of it. The area that’d been tucked into his pants was just frayed enough from constant wear that he’d be able to tear what might be enough for Valrae. So, he did so, but it wasn’t without a bit of sadness. “It’s my favorite shirt. I’ve had it since before I came here.” He didn’t elaborate on just where he came from. Maybe he meant Cenril? Meri would know. He definitely meant Catal. “It’s always brought me good luck. I was wearing it when I met her even.” He jerked a thumb in Meri’s direction with a slight grin. “Maybe it’ll help with this too.” With minor hesitation, if only because he was sad about ripping his shirt, he’d hand over the cloth and coin to the witch, “Have at whatever you need here, or there’s my garden and greenhouse at home too. You can leave the bag here if you wish, since we’ll both be here or you can drop it by the house.”

Valrae clears her throat and tries to rein it in. "That's a good idea," She replies honestly. The last thing she needed was more trouble. A fresh wave of fear darkens her features as Cal mentions Josleen and suddenly realizes just how dangerously close she's stepping to fire. "The queen..." A frown bows her mauve painted lips. "She'll have to know I work here." It really wasn't a question, just a statement dripping dismay. The witch is quick to try and recover herself though. "I mean, she's not exactly my biggest fan is all," She looks between Meri and Callum. "We have history, even without her feelings for witches. Maybe some of them are because of me," She admits, guilt coloring her tone. The mojo bag take center stage of their conversation again and Cal rips his shirt. Valrae accepts the cloth and gives him a small, bitter sweet smile. "There is power in giving things that are precious to us away for a goal. It will make the magic all the stronger for it." With the cloth in hand, she re-situates her bag and ignores the way guilt for the thing she feels she must do gnawing at her heart. "I'll introduce myself then and get to work on this bag." And steal. Before her first official day. Valrae was definitely not going to make Employee of the Month.

Meri nods in agreement, that was definitely the shirt that Cal was wearing when he met her. At the time he would not have considered it a lucky moment, it took him a little bit to warm up to the idea. (I mean she did steal his stuff, and sure she gave it back, but she made fun of him too a little bit when she gave it back. She-devils.) Meri's jaw drops for a fraction of a second to voice her protest but she is not able to spill the words out fast enough. Cal has already ripped his shirt. It wasn't just his favorite shirt, a lot of gal's have opinions on the things their boyfriends where. Meri's not super inclined to tell him -not- to dress, Cal has pretty good taste, but she still has things she likes seeing him in over others. That was a good shirt. But as Valrae explains that it's sacrifice would not be wasted, Meri starts to see that Cal was smart for giving up his favorite even if they could have gone home and gotten the needed items later. "Well then. On that note, I think it's time for Cal and I to head home. Seems like he needs a change of a shirt." Her gaze drifts to Callum for the confirm.

Callum would nod in agreeance to both the blondes. “If you’d like, I won’t give her your name. Maybe you could sort something out… a glamour spell of some sort? I don’t know. Enchanting and the like was never something I got into. I only know about it vaguely because it was all the rage with the girls at school. And, no thank you on the swaying of guild people. If I join, I’ll do so in time. Just not right now.” He’d almost forgotten her offer of such. “And yes, it’s time to go home. Do what you need to do and I’m sure things’ll be fine. Be careful, Valrae. I’ll do what I can to protect you from them, but you need to be as safe as possible too.” With that said, he’d let the witch go about her business so him and Meri could finally go home. Looks like they’d need to go shopping for a new green shirt soon. He’d even let Meri pick it out.