[Ennui]

She recommended them I'm sure she has good taste.  So you must be the proprietor of the coffee shop then?  Do you carry unflavored coffee?  I'd quite prefer a dark roast as well if you carry any.

I'm surprised how easily you seem to be able to get these ingredients.  Is your method a secret?  Jeanette seemed rather matter of fact about it but these days all these things are typically much harder to come by.

[Mercy Merchant]

Sophie laughs.  "The only real secret is finding the people who know how to get the supplies.  And, yes, I am also the proprietor of the coffee shop, but most of the time I am too busy here to really manage it, so I have someone from the community in to help me.  So you want a plain dark roast?  I can get you some, but you really should try the spiced rum.  Your food will be out in a few minutes; I hope that you enjoy it.  Oh, you did not say if you want it spicy or mild?"

[Ennui]

Oh, I'll take both kinds.  As for the food, just make it however you do normally if it needs to be spicier I'll have you make it spicier next time.  If it's too spicy I'll know better next time, but unless you can't taste the food underneath the heat it's probably not too spicy.

[Mercy Merchant]

Sophie nods and smiles at you as she walks away to talk to the diners at one of the other tables.  Glinda leans forward a bit and says, "Did I not tell you this whole community is like a place from another time and location.  But the food is very good and the atmosphere is very laid back and easy."

[Ennui]

Yes, but I didn't think you meant literally.  The astral here is mesmerizing.  I'm not sure I could cast a spell here even if I tried.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda nods her head and chuckles.  "It is a bit uncomfortable for me, which is why I cannot stay here longer than a couple of hours at a time.  It is the same every time I have been here and I do not know if this is some natural astral event or someone manipulating the astral streams.  Frankly, both options are a bit unnerving."

[Ennui]

I'm rather surprised that they have managed to avoid more public scrutiny.  I can think of any number of groups who might want to study a place like this.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Hmmmm.  Good point.  But it could be that the astral phenomena here does a good job of discouraging that sort of thing; I know that I could not stay here long enough to do any real research."

[Ennui]

Perhaps, but I'm getting pretty much the opposite vibe.  Like it's inviting me to get lost in it.  So many things to investigate.  Our new friends, this place, the new reagent you showed me not to mention my regular studies.  I'm going to spread myself too thin on multiple fronts I feel.  I finish with a laugh shaking my head.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Yes, I can sympathize with your problem as I have been in a similar situation more than once.  Your life has changed a lot in the past day or two and it will probably never be the same.  Try not to regret it..  Mmmm, it looks like our food is coming."

Jeanette is carefully making her way across the floor, wending her way between the other tables while carrying a large tray with some bowls on it.  She makes it without sloshing a drop and put the bowls down between you, along with some extra tableware.  The tray also had four small cups of coffee that would be appropriate in a child's tea set service and she places two cups in front of each of you, pointing to them.  "This is the plain dark roast and this is the spiced rum.  I am to tell you that the rum gives it a nice kick, if that is what you are looking for.  Here is some cream and sugar if you need it.  I am to wait to see which you like so I can bring a pot out to you."

[Ennui]

I dutifully taste the coffees but say, They are both lovely but I will stick with the tea sweetie.  Another cup of the dark roast will be lovely with dessert if I have room after all this, though. 

I taste the stew and gumbo, chewing slowly and savoring the flavor of real food.

[Mercy Merchant]

The food is definitely worth savoring, both dishes containing generous chunks of meat and different vegetables in savory sauces.  Glinda lets you take as much as you want then tastes of hers, smiling at the look on your face.  "By the way you seem to be enjoying the food, I think I can say this place is a hit.  I am glad that you enjoy it.  So, which do you like the best?"

[Ennui]

I'm going to have to go with the gumbo.  The crawfish just reminds me a little of krill.  It's good, better than krill for sure still reminds me of it a bit.  I work methodically through the meal eating slowly, enjoying the flavor judging the spiciness.  When finished I lean back and rub my tummy.

Oh, that was yummy.  I'm definitely coming back here.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda digs in with relish, seeming to greatly enjoy her food.  When finished, she too, sits back and makes appreciative sounds.  The girl comes to the table and begins to move empty plates onto a tray.  "It looks like you enjoyed the meal.  I hope that you have room for at least one slice of spice bread?"

[Ennui]

Oh, I suppose.  I probably shouldn't though.  Just one slice and coffee please.  The food was excellent.  Thank you for the suggestions.