Perpetual Potluck

Truthfully, the only reason she had arrived at said potluck was pure chance. Masika had already been in the area for the Candleblight events prior, and when she noticed the denizens quickly setting up for another event, she found herself too nosy to resist. The intensity of the urge was increased even more when the aromas of so many wonderful dishes filled her nose, causing her to make her way over like a moth drawn to a flame.

She kept Ka close to her chest, carefully navigating through the increasing crowd of people attending the event. It was an energy unlike anything she had ever felt before. Like Candletown, it was filled with positivity and cheer, but this gathering had a different, added emotion. It was warm, like a mug of spiced cider on a cold night, a soft embrace to rouse someone from the sadness of their own thoughts. It was comforting, welcoming, accepting, a special occasion that brought people together for one reason and one reason only, which was to celebrate the cheers of working together.

Upon approaching the extravagant banquet tables, Masika set Ka on her shoulder and pushed her starleaf cloak to the side so that she could reach forward. There wasn’t even a moment’s hesitation before she began to eat, picking up anything that she could fit into her mouth and simply eating. It did get her a few looks, but she had picked up enough hints by now to know that she should take whole pieces or at least pour herself a bowl, if it happened to be a soup. It didn’t make a lot of sense to her, but she had learned after her time in Candletown that people were particular to other people’s hands touching their things. And with how nice this gathering was, she was doing her best to be respectful.

Once she had eaten to her heart’s content, her attention turned towards the massive, bubbling cauldron at the center of the event. People were gathered around it, idly talking to each other and chatting as they waited their turn to put something inside. Slowly Masika moved closer, watching with wonder as someone would step up and pull out some kind of ingredient, be it an herb, vegetable, meat, or something she had never seen before and drop it into the broth. She moved closer, looking over the edge curiously, only to find that the soup was a beautiful, shimmering umber color that smelled absolutely amazing.

Wanting to keep this moment captured forever, she pulled out her fate’s focus and flashed a picture before tucking it back away. She continued to rummage through her pockets for a moment before pulling out a small sack of candy that had been crushed into a sugary dust. If other people were adding in things, why shouldn’t she? A grin crossed Masika’s face as she turned the bag over, shaking the contents into the soup. It bubbled in response with a puff of blue smoke, and then settled back to simmering.

Once finished she stepped back and continued to watch as more ingredients were added to the soup. No one was eating yet,  but she could hear others murmuring that soon it would be ready to taste.