Jamming in the Afternoon

[ginger_firebird]

Cooking did not happen too often in Mantis’s home. It was messy. It was hot. It took time. He was going to be all day with this latest project. Wandering into the industrial area of the Nexus will allow people to see an unusual sight. Rather than wearing his usual mask, Mantis had a scarf wrapped around his face vaguely similar to how one might imagine a ninja might look. He was seated in front of a portable stove with a pot cooking away over the flame. Next to him were several packages of fruits, empty mason jars, bags of sugar, and massive jugs of water. He sat in a folding chair situated beneath the shade of a large umbrella with a pile of long grass on his lap. Every so often, he’d pick up a piece and add it to a growing weaving project in his hands.

One might recognize the simple operation as a jam making jamboree. It’s an old, but fun way to make the most of a day and a harvest of fruit. Perhaps those who know him might be able to recognize his somewhat gaunt frame as he lounges back in the shade. Some who do not might be curious in general. Pale grey eyes dart up every so often to the cooking pot, but he’s not about to get up and rush for anyone or anything. He gets the jam stirring every so often with a flick of his wrist and a well-used wooden spoon.

There are a lot of jars, in spite of himself. With how time-consuming this was, that jam was going to last him a while. He wouldn’t have to buy any, wouldn’t have to borrow any, and that left him with visions of a personal hoard of sugar-sweet goodness. He sighs as he keeps with making his grass-woven project and sniffs the air. The question was half asked to the air around him, but it does deserve to be answered: “What should I do with these first?”

Comments

[tr1ckortreat]

The almost fruity tang hovering on the wind caught Loki's attention just as he was out walking. He had a lot on his mind lately and had needed to catch some well-needed air, so a long walk often sufficed in this case. Following the fruity scent trail he spotted Mantis sat by a cooking pot and fire. Ah, so that was the cause. The god sauntered up dressed in a light green jerkin and pants but still wearing his leather boots, offered the man a nod. Yet, the mask was absent this time. Perhaps, he donned a head scarf for when he was working over the fire?

"I could smell your fruity delights from miles away, Mantis. You are making some sort of jam? As for what to do with them, I would procure them. Store them up and possibly sell them to Nexus residents?"

It was the obvious choice since he could eat them also but why waste the product when you could benefit more from it. What sort of varieties was he making? Loki enjoyed a good jam or two and wondered if he could purchase a few for himself once they were done.

"They smell good. I wouldn't mind procuring a few for myself once you have completed your cooking."

[ginger_firebird]

Never doubt the dedication of a man who's used to making his own food. He's getting the clear impression that he's put himself into a position where anyone could come by wondering what he's up to, and that's honestly quite fair. Only some very particular and broken people can resist the call of freshly made jam. He waves at Loki with the fan growing in his hands and lounges back a little more in his seat.

"I've got half a mind to start a jam making business given how easy it is to make." The fan is large enough now that he's confident to start rounding off the edges and put it to real use. All the leftover straw politely lifts itself off his lap and onto the ground. "I'm doing raspberry right now. Then I'm going to have blueberry, apricot, and peaches. You are more than welcome to help me sample the batches as they come up.