Chapter 50: Courses 3

Elania touched down outside the entry point of the mushroohum arena, her boots kicking up a small cloud of dust as she landed. The two Neftasu Guards stationed outside snapped to attention, their hands raised in crisp salutes.

Elania returned the gesture with a nod, her eyes sliding to a young woman who waited nervously to the side.

The woman offered a polite smile.

Elania’s face split into a grin as her suspicion confirmed itself. It had been a long while, but she recognized Allie. It was easy when there had been scant few people who had actually treated her as a person in her early Neftasu days.

“Allie, right?” Elania strode forward, her hand outstretched. “I never got the chance to thank you properly for taking care of me back then. The bath, the hair combing... it meant more than you know.”

Allie blinked, surprise etched across her features. She accepted Elania’s hand, her grip firm. “Oh, it was nothing, really. I’m just glad to see you’re doing alright.”

Elania shook her head, her smile softening. “It was not ‘nothing.’ Your kindness kept me going when I was at a pretty low place. I won’t forget that.”

A flush crept up Allie’s neck. “I’m happy I could help, even if it was just a little bit.”

Elania released Allie’s hand, her expression turning curious. “So, tell me about your alchemy experience. Your application mentioned you had some background in it.”

Allie nodded, her posture straightening. “My parents were herbalists. I grew up working with them, learning the trade. But the shop was supposed to pass to my brother.”

Elania tilted her head. “And you didn’t want to keep working as a herbalist?”

Allie shook her head slightly. “It was deemed best if I didn’t compete with him. That’s how I ended up as a maid.”

Oh. Elania’s lips turned to a frown as she understood the subtext. “Well, I’m glad you applied for this position. It seems much closer to what you really want to do?”

Allie smiled, genuine excitement sparking. “It is. I’ve wanted to get back into herbalism and alchemy, but without any official experience, the district organizers wouldn’t take me as one. They were going to offer me duties as a maid or waitress again.”

Elania gestured to the entrance before leading the way. As soon as the seal of the heavy metal door cracked, a thick blow of humid air washed over them.

“How do you feel about working with the mushroohums?” Elania asked.

The question didn’t deflate Allie’s enthusiasm at all. “I’m fine with it, actually. I’m excited to see what kind of things they might be able to grow.”

Well that was a good sign. Elania nodded. “That’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

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The atmosphere thickened as they passed through the entrance. The scent of damp earth and exotic fungi permeated the air.

Elania glanced at Allie. “Are you okay with the atmosphere? And the potential smells?”

Allie waved a dismissive hand. “I’m used to dealing with things like that, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

They descended the staircase, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

“I’m surprised you’re managing the hiring and selection of the position yourself,” Allie said.

Elania’s shoulders lifted in a shrug. “This is a special project to me. I’ve been overseeing it personally.” She paused, a rueful smile tugging at her mouth. “We had issues because we tried working on it without a trained alchemist.”

Allie nodded. “I hope I can help.”

Elania led her to the alchemy workstation area, gesturing to the supplies and equipment scattered across the tables. The remnants of Yolani’s attempted potion lingered in the corner.

The recipe was still written out on parchment, and Elania went straight to show it to the other girl.

“Can you make a batch of the healing potions as a test?” Elania asked, her eyes searching Allie’s face.

Allie’s response was immediate. “I can. Right now?”

Elania nodded and then watched as Allie set to work.

Her movements were precise and practiced, scanning the ingredients list while she picked through the equipment and supplies. With a nod, she began to gather the necessary components.

The arena filled with clinking glass and the soft rustle of baskets as Allie immersed herself in the task.

Elania leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, a flicker of hope igniting.

Maybe the project wasn’t doomed after all?

The steps largely mimicked what she and Yolani had done before. If there was a difference, Elania couldn’t tell. A frown started to appear on her face.

But then the process was completed. And with a completely different result.

Shimmering crystal-colored liquid dripped into the beaker, a stark contrast to Elania and Yolani’s previous attempt.

Confusion flickered across Elania’s face. Why hadn’t it worked for them? A twinge of annoyance pricked at her pride in defense of Yolani, but Allie’s beaming smile disarmed the feeling. It was hard to be negative, considering the result.

“The ingredients were very fresh, not dried out,” Allie said. “That should improve the potion’s effectiveness.”

“You’ve got some skill, that’s for sure.” Elania gestured for Allie to follow her. “Let’s go introduce you to the natives.”

On their way into the mushroohum colony, young mushroohums surrounded them, their “gluu-glaa” noises filling the air as they trailed along.

Allie couldn’t stop glancing at them.

“They’re friendly,” Elania reassured. “They just like it when we visit for some reason.”

“I didn’t realize they had… children?” Allie asked.

Elania nodded. “When they pass, their bodies form new growths which turn into their young.”

They reached the tender hut where the fungi crops grew. The glow moss lit everything up in a riot of colors and textures. Elania spotted Tre’gat’aru and waved him over, introducing him to Allie.

“Trey, this is Allie, our new alchemist,” Elania said. “Allie, meet Tre’gat’aru, the leader of the mushroohums.”

Trey released a cloud of spores in greeting, which Elania translated. “He says welcome to the colony.”

Allie smiled, her eyes wide with wonder. “Thank you. I’m excited to work with you all.”

Elania nodded, her gaze flicking between the two. “For now, you’ll both have to do your best to communicate. Allie can’t understand spores, and Trey can’t understand speech.”

Allie seemed unfazed by the challenge, immediately smiling and waving to the mushroom man.

That was a relief. Even if she had been good at alchemy, working with the mushroohums was paramount for things to work out the way Elania wanted.

It sealed her decision.

“Allie, will you take the position?” Elania asked. “We need to bring the healing potions into full production.”

Allie’s face lit up. “Absolutely. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”

Elania nodded, a smile tugging at her lips.

She kept her worries about the potential need for the potions in the looming war to herself, not wanting to dampen the mood.

For now, she would entrust everything into Allie’s hands.