Open Afternoon Delights

[Adoian]

88th of Summer

Every day that the oppressive heat of Summer burned Lhavit’s grasses and Adoian thought he could stand no more, Syna proved him wrong. Her light shone bright overhead in a continuously cloudless sky. Not a single drop of rain had fallen since last season, and even Mhakula’s gardens, so meticulously cared for as they are, were struggling. The Shinya and Constellations still told city denizens to collect river water when possible despite the now safe water source within the piping system. Even still, the river ran so shallowly now that it was almost safe to swim in.

The grass crunched under Ado’s sandals as he crossed the gardens to where the berry bushes were rapidly ripening. He wore the wide-brimmed hat bought earlier in the season, protecting his face and shoulders from the brunt of the intense sun. The rest of his body was very tan. Dark freckles spread across his chest, down his arms to the backs of his hands, and all over his legs and feet. Typically for the warmer seasons, he would wear an open vest to let the breeze in to keep him cool. But this summer, there was no breeze, and he had to protect his skin from burning too bad, so he wore his simple, loose-fitting green tunic.

Teahouse guests sat under the gazebos, fanning themselves with an array of colorful folding fans that were very popular in the markets right now. Most Lhavitians favored bright colors, sheer clothes, and flowing fabrics. Most women had their hair in ornately styled up-dos, jewelry adorning every wrist, ankle, finger, and ear. In this city, glamour, glitter, and shine were an essential part of life.

Even Ado had his fluorite necklace, though it was the only piece of jewelry he owned. He found that extensive bracelets and other minutiae tended to get in the way of his work.

The berry bushes were in sorry shape but not hopeless. Ado squatted down in front of the blueberries, setting his basket down next to him. Just like all of the other plants in the garden, they ripened far sooner than they typically should have, given their opportunity to grow without winter to slow them down.

He reached through the bush, pushing aside some of the thicker branches to see if there were any more berries to be found. Atsuya was vigilant when it came to the gardens, and Ado only ever needed to come harvest on days that she was booked for training. As it was, he only found a couple of bushels that fell off into his hands. It seemed the main growing period for the blueberries would be ending soon.

It was much the same for the elderberry and juniper berry bushes. Ado didn’t bother checking the strawberries, knowing their harvest period had been over before summer had even arrived.

Ado picked up his basket, hardly half-filled, and trudged his way back through the gardens toward the teahouse. He was sweating bullets and could feel the waves of heat rolling through him. Picking berries was hardly a strenuous task, but in this warmth, he could sit perfectly still and sweat through his shirt in a matter of minutes.

*WC: 531

[Adoian]

Ado entered the teahouse through the kitchen door, set his basket on a workbench, then bent over a barrel of water to cool his head down. He caught some between his hands and splashed it up over his face and then the back of his neck. It wasn’t the instant relief he was seeking, but it helped.

A knock came at the kitchen door, but it opened before Ado was able to speak. A sure sign that it was Guzo entering. The man who owned the establishment didn’t need permission to enter the rooms, but he at least made sure you knew he was coming in.

“Ado, I would like your help with something,” Guzo began, ambling over to the barrel where Ado was still dripping. Ado grabbed a towel from a hook and wiped the water from his face.

“If I have to take another step out there, I may just melt,” Ado responded. Guzo chuckled and shook his head.

“No, you’ve done quite enough in the gardens. Today we will have a special guest, and I would like the dining room made up exceptionally for them.” Guzo explained.

“A special guest?” Ado asked. It wasn’t uncommon for Mhakula to have the occasional politician, Shinya, or Constellation come in for tea. Even members from the three tower families weren’t strangers to the teahouse. But they typically would not change the dining room in any way for these people unless they arranged a party ahead of time. Perhaps they were preparing for travelers from another part of Mizahar?

“Yes, so come help me set up.” With that, Guzo left, expecting Ado to follow. Ado sighed, so Guzo was going to play the mystery out with this one. No matter, at least he wouldn’t be under Syna’s relentless heat.

Guzo ordered him to start moving the chairs and tables to the room’s edges when he entered the dining room, making an ample space in the center. Ado raised a brow in question but received no answer, so he went about his task. For now, the teahouses’ guests were enjoying their drinks outside, so there was nobody to move or work around.

Guzo spent the next bell behind the counter, working on something that Ado couldn’t see. He seemed to be baking something, as far as Ado could tell. The teahouse served small pastries, danishes, cookies, and muffins, but typically Guzo came in earlier and got them all done before business started for the day. It was an odd time to bake, but Ado shrugged it off. Maybe he was just behind today.

“What’s next?” Ado asked, coming to the counter to see what Guzo was working on. He had a flat stone with five biscuits on it, each with a different vegetable on top: carrots, spinach, squash, celery, and pumpkin.

Ado’s eyes lit up. Guzo had made these snacks a few times before, and Ado cursed himself for not realizing the man’s plan in the first place.

“You’ve invited an Okomo today?” Ado exclaimed, unable to contain a smile. Guzo nodded and set the tray on the counter. It had been quite some time since they’d had an Okomo visit Mhakula due to all of the changes and struggles the city had faced.

“That’s right, and she will be here any minute, so be prepared to greet our guests.”

*WC: 558