Chapter 7 - Friends and Fermentae

Mead didn't want to get out of bed. It wasn't the comfort of it, or because she was still tired. Getting up meant she would have to go out and face her parents after having returned home well past her curfew, and she'd have to hear the rest of their lecture from the previous night.

It had been sometime after midnight when Mead and Petru made their way to her home in the Sabbaton Towers. The whole way there, they had brainstormed an excuse for why Mead had been so late getting back home. Her parents were well-connected entrepreneurs who had invested in Petru's business, so there was a lot of pressure on both of them to get their story down perfectly; failing to convince them could mean Mead would have to stop working at the Dry Vein, or worse, that it would have to be shut down.

The story they settled on was that the two of them had been immersed in workshopping various new fermentae flavors and had lost track of the time. Upon arriving, Petru was quick to explain the situation. He even managed to spin the idea that Mead would be better off going to bed quickly, as she had been too tired to be properly talked to about her lateness. Mead was only now regretting her boss's quick thinking getting her out of the talk, as it only delayed the inevitable lecture.

Pulling herself out of bed despite every desire to stay there and forget the world, Mead left her room and prepared to face her parents. Heading into the kitchen, she saw her mother, a tall tan moth woman with translucent wings that had red veins running along them, sitting at the table with a serious look on her face. Mead almost immediately regretted coming in, but prepared herself for what would come next.

"Mead, good morning. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about."

Mead pulled up a seat across the table from her mother. "Hey, mom. I know, I was out way too late, you expect better of me, not the kind of behavior we expect from our daughter… Dad's not here, is he?"

"Your father has already left on business. He'll be back tonight to have a talk with you as well. And you will be back home on time tonight. As well as every night after that. Other than that, you can come and go as you please."

"You can't really expect me to be on time every night, though? I can't even get a pass on weekends?"

"Not if you want us to keep giving your boss our financial support."

Mead jumped up from her chair. "What? That's so unfair! You can't just punish Mister Laurent like that for something I did!"

"Sit down. It's the only way your father and I could think of to keep you in line. You're twenty-one, a grown woman now, Mead. You need to understand that your actions will have consequences, even if they happen to other people."

"Ugh, that's such bullshit… I just ended up working a little bit later than usual this time."

"Language, Mead. I honestly wish I could believe you, but besides the word of you and Mr. Laurent, we have no way to confirm your story. And if he's trying to defend your actions, he is fair game for punishment."

Mead sighed in frustration. "So that's it then. I'm not in trouble, but if I do it again Mister Laurent gets his funding cut? All because you're the ones with the lucre here. What happened to 'You're a grown woman now?' What happened to letting me live my own life?"

"You may be grown up, but as long as you live with us you live by our rules. Besides, behavior like this is proof enough that you still have a lot of growing up to do."

"So growing up means I have to get used to people extorting me and the people I care about?" Mead got up from the table and headed to her room. "You're fucking parasites, you and dad. I can't believe we're related."

"Where do you think you're going, Mead? We aren't finished talking yet." Mead's mother said, following her.

"I'm done talking. You said I can go when I want, right?" Mead said in the midst of changing clothes. "I'm going out. Don't worry, I'll be back home on time tonight, since that's so damn important to you."

"Mead…"

Mead didn't respond as she pulled on a casual t-shirt and jeans. She put on a thick coat over her outfit, flattening her wings behind her to fit it on. As she headed out the door, her mother spoke up again.

"Mead, your father and I do care about you."

Mead turned her head, giving her mother one last glance before she left. "I honestly wish I could believe you."

Mead rushed to the telepad station, eager to get away from home if even just for the rest of the day. There was only one place she could think to go now, and she took the next telepad to get there as quickly as possible. As she got off the telepad and proceeded to the Dry Vein, the wintry chill of Ruskol's air felt more comfortable to her than anything.

When she finally got to the Dry Vein and headed inside, Mead noticed the pub was largely empty, with another one of those tired looking employees manning the bar. Seen this before. Another new worker with no passion, the kind that never lasts for more than a few weeks… I wonder where Mister Laurent keeps finding these people?

Apart from the interchangeable bartender, Mead noticed there was a familiar figure leaned over a plate at the bar. Azel. Spirits, yes! Azel's here! She quickly sat herself in the stool to his left, ready to start a conversation.

"Hey, Azel! Didn't think I'd see you here today!"

"Oh, hey. Thought I'd get a bit to eat here, then head downstairs to practice for my next show. Didn't you have today off too?"

"Yeah, but home sucks right now, and I needed to get out. You mind if I vent a little?"

"Sure, go ahead." Azel replied in between bites of his meal.

Mead proceeded to tell Azel about her morning as he finished eating. He nodded along as she spoke, letting her get her frustrations out without interruption.

"So now I can't stay out late any more or they'll cut Mister Laurent's funding!"

"Damn. I knew your parents were strict, but that's just low."

"I know, right? It also means I won't be able to see your next show…"

"That… damn. I really wanted you to see it…"

"I really wanted to see it too… Sorry for bringing the mood down…"

"It's fine. Just a shame is all."

A few seconds passed in silence. Mead shifted in her seat. "Maybe we should change the topic. How's your day been?"

"It's been alright, I guess. A cop ran into me, not a huge deal really. I had a worse time at the venom clinic today though."

"Wait, venom clinic? This is the first I've heard of that."

"Right, the whole me keeping to myself for too long thing. So, I produce a venom that I sell at this clinic every so often. And today I had to deal with the most annoying person collecting it."

"How annoying are we talking?"

"Well, she insistently calls me Hazel. She's probably the main reason I hate people calling me that so much in fact. Even you knew to stop after the first time."

"Even me? You don't think I'm annoying like that, do you?"

"N-no, spirits no. You can be a bit much sometimes, but… Spirits I feel like an ass now…"

"It's fine! You're fine, Azel. I know I can be pushy at my best…"

"You're sure? I'm still sorry I said that. This person I'm talking about is way worse at her best than you at your worst. As if the name thing wasn't enough, she's also a Tinsel fan."

"Ugh, Tinsel! That sparkly social climber reminds me too much of my parents."

"I can't stand her music personally. And guess what she likes to play every time she's working."

"You have to deal with that sort of thing? I had no idea."

Mead and Azel continued their conversation with Azel talking about his plans for the coming show, and Mead energetically providing comments and suggestions. In between topics, Mead's hunger settled in, prompting her to order a meal for herself. As the next hour passed, the two coworkers hardly noticed as Petru came up from the cellar.

"Can't stay away from here even on your days off, huh?" Petru said during a break in the conversation, causing the two to look over at him.

"Oh, Mister Laurent! We were just talking about what Azel's planning for his show! Since I won't be able to come see it and all…"

"Right, your parents mentioned you'd have to come home on time from now on. They gave me an earful about it after you went to bed."

"I'm sorry they suck so hard."

"Eh, it's the price of doing business. You have to deal with people like them more often than I'd like to admit. On that note, I thought of a way for you to see the show and keep up with your curfew."

"You did? That's great!"

"So what did you have in mind?" Azel asked.

"Recording. We could record your shows, and Mead could watch them later."

"A recording… That's a great idea! I can't believe we didn't think of that!"

"I don't know… I'd like Mead to get to see the show and all, and not to sound selfish, but it'd be my ass on the line if a video… like that got out."

"I get where you're coming from, Azel. Trust me. Only people we trust will be allowed to record anything. Hell, the videos won't even have to leave the building."

"You're sure? I think I could handle it if it's someone we can trust."

"What if Lucia did the recording? You trusted her enough to ask her to come in the first place. She's coming to see the next show, right?" Mead asked.

"Yeah, she is. I think… Yeah. That could work. She would probably like recording it, even."

"So it's a plan, then? Next time one of us sees her, we tell Luce about the recording idea."

Mead jittered in her seat. "Yes! I'm going to get to see Azel's shows! This is going to be great!"

Petru and Azel couldn't help but smile as they saw her rising energy. "Spirits, that sure brought the mood up."

"Yeah. Makes me feel guilty for trying to shoot the idea down at first."

"I could watch the videos while working on brewing in the cellar!" Mead continued, oblivious to the comments. She paused for a moment, considering something. "Hang on. I just got a great idea of my own! Azel, you mentioned having venom that you sell, right? And diony plants can grow using any sort of moisture…"

Azel quickly connected the dots in his mind. "I think I see where you're going with this, and I don't think it's as good of an idea as you think…"

"Let her finish, Azel. You don't want to be the guy who tries to shoot down all the good ideas today, do you?"

"Anyway, as I was saying, since diony plants can grow with any moisture, what if we tried making fermentae using Azel's venom? It'd be a great gimmick to sell during the shows!"

"Please, no. The recording idea was one thing, but my venom is deadly. You're talking about something that could actually get people killed."

"Hey, I know what I'm talking about. Becoming fermentae through the plant's growth period would denature the venom enough to make it drinkable. And if that's not enough, boiling it through a shaying process would probably take care of the rest while also killing the diony seeds! It all works out perfectly!"

"I gotta say, it sounds like a solid idea." Petru said. "Might have to do something about the taste, though. Raw venom can't possibly taste very good."

"Yeah, you have a point. Hey, Azel, since it's your venom, what do you think would be a good flavor to add to it?"

"Really? You're both talking about this like it's actually going to be a thing?"

"It could be, if you'd just play along!"

"Ugh, sorry, but I have to pass. I have enough trouble with the idea of drinking fermentae in the first place. The threat of desiccation is too much for me to want to risk it even without thinking about the venom."

"Azel, you're afraid of that? That problem was solved several centuries ago! Drinking fermentae today is perfectly safe!"

"Look, I don't feel like talking about this." Azel said, rising from his seat. "You two can talk about your hypothetical murder brew all you want, I'm going to go practice the show now."

With that, Azel headed toward the cellar. Mead and Petru were left speechless for a short time after he left their sight. After a few more moments, Mead spoke up.

"Murder brew? He's not serious, is he? I even explained how it would be perfectly fine to drink!"

"Come on now, Mead. Azel's not completely crazy. Safe as it is these days, not everyone can shake the fear of accidentally drinking poorly treated fermentae. And to be fair, we were talking about adding another dangerous ingredient pretty casually. Might've scared him a little."

"I know, it's just… Now I know I have no chance of sharing a drink with him someday…"

"Hey, who knows? He might end up coming around. You could still have a chance."

"You're sure?"

"Definitely. That's what's great about people, their minds can change. I'm sure there's a chance Azel will change his mind someday. But for now, let's talk flavor. Something that would make the 'murder brew' a real treat for whoever's brave enough to drink it."

Mead and Petru began discussing different flavors they could work with to make the venom fermentae work. As the discussion went on, it evolved into talking about flavor profiles in general, and how some flavors rose in popularity over others. Hours flew by with the two fermentae enthusiasts discussing their passion, until the late afternoon brought another familiar face into the pub.

"Oh, hi Mead, Mr. Laurent." Lucia said as she approached, pulling off her coat as she did.

"Lucia! You came back! Wait, you know Azel's next show is next weekend, not today, right?"

Lucia laughed. "Yeah, I know. I'm just here for a change of pace this time, maybe a drink even."

"Well, you came at a great time, Luce. Mead and I were just talking about the kinds of drinks people tend to buy. I get the feeling you'd like something more for the flavor than just to get drunk on."

"Well, I was feeling curious about the kinds of unique brews you serve here."

"Oh! We have menus for that! That a certain someone didn't put out for the customers…" Mead said, pointing to the bartender.

"Oh right! I'll get one right away!" The bartender said, ducking below the counter to find the menus.

Lucia gave Mead a confused look. "You sounded just like my boss for a second there. It wasn't that big of a problem to call him out on, was it?"

"Huh? I always take work seriously. Is your boss someone like that?"

The bartender emerged from behind the counter with a paper menu in hand. He quickly handed it to Lucia and returned to his usual duties.

"Well, he likes to find things to get on my case about, and I had to put up with him lecturing me today for not having 'a certain degree of decorum' at work. Dealing with someone like that can get a little frustrating after a while. I guess it hit a bit close to home."

"Oh. I care about this place a lot, so I don't really like when things are out of order. I'm sorry I ended up reminding you of him."

"It's no big deal, really." Lucia said, taking a look at the menu. "Hm, I think the shayed spiced cider sounds good."

"Yeah, it's great! We serve it hot, too, so it warms you right up! I'll order one each for both of us, my treat!" Mead paid the bartender and he set to work getting the drinks ready.

"So, now that that's figured out, why don't you two go downstairs and get Azel to come up? Seems like it'd be more fun if we were all here together, and you can talk about the recording idea on the way. Your drinks should be ready when you get back."

"Oh, right! I completely forgot about the recording!"

"Azel's here too? I guess we should go get him. I had some things I wanted to ask him about, anyway."

With that, Mead and Lucia headed into the cellar to get Azel. Along the way, Mead started explaining her situation and asking Lucia if she could record Azel's coming shows. Eventually, the two of them got to the door of the Mirage Bar, and Mead repeated the same rhythmic knock from the night before to get someone to open it. When the door opened, they were greeted by Percy, with Azel looking over at them from the stage.

"Hey, Percy! We're here to get Azel!"

"Well, he's been practicing for a while now, I'm sure he could use a break. Is that good with you, Azel?"

"Ah, yeah, I think I could stop for now." Azel said, approaching the door. "I'm in a good place with what I have put together."

"Great, everything's good then. You all have fun now."

"Are you sure, Percy? You could come up with us, too." Mead offered.

"Thanks, but I have to pass. I've got to get back to keeping the Mirage in order. Always more work to be done and all."

"Okay, I guess…"

With that, Percy closed the door, leaving Mead, Lucia, and Azel to return to the pub. After a short moment, they started moving, having a conversation as they went.

"Hey, Azel. Good to see you again." Lucia started.

"Good to see you too, I didn't think you'd be showing up tonight though. Your dress looks nice, by the way."

"Oh, thanks. Coming here today is a break from the usual routine, so I wanted to wear something special. So, you needed someone to record the show for Mead, right?"

"Yeah. I figured you'd be a good fit since you're already coming to see the next show at least."

"I think it's a good idea, I could do that."

Mead jumped up and hugged Lucia as soon as she heard. "Alright! You're the best, Lucia!"

"Heh, thanks. It's the least I could do, really. Oh, right," Lucia said, turning to Azel. "On the topic of the show, I had a thought about something I wanted to ask you earlier today."

"Oh?"

"When you're talking about the history of powers, there's going to be some… uncomfortable points of history to bring up. Some brutal battles and destructive events. You are going to talk about them, right?"

"Oh. I hadn't planned for that sort of thing. It would be pretty tough to bring up considering the overall message I'm going for…"

"I think you could manage it, it just feels like it would be a pretty bad faith argument if you didn't."

Azel paused for a moment before continuing. "Ugh. You have a point, it'll just be a pain to put it all together. If I really rack my brain about it, I think I could do something though."

"You can do it, Azel! I bet if anyone could, it'd be you!" Mead spoke up.

"You think so? Well, it's worth a try at the least. If I spin it right, even… It'll be something more to think about going ahead with all this."

"Thanks, Azel. I'm glad you're at least considering it."

"Hey, I can't just be shooting down all the good ideas today."

Mead perked up. "Does this mean you'll give the venom fermentae idea a shot?"

"Well, one good idea at a time at least…"

"Venom fermentae? Did I miss something?"

"It's a mad science experiment she thought up earlier today."

"The 'mad science' behind it works, Azel! Oh, Lucia! I can tell you all about it over our drinks! Maybe you can help us settle on a flavor!"

With that, the three of them reached the cellar entrance and returned to the pub. The rest of the evening was filled with drinks, hearty discussion, and playful joking. Mead was happier than she had been all day. Even if she couldn't see Azel's show personally, she could at least count on everyone to help her see it recorded. In the back of her mind, she knew she would have to go home at the end of the evening and deal with her parents again, but for now, she could at least be content in the moment.