Dufiro foods

Dufiro Plates

Foods

Locust Sticks in Blue Sauce	2	Fried Gregens	Fire Boiled Ashoga These popular street foods are sold boiled in chili oil and inhabited by a fire elemental. They are rumored to be in the 3 million scovile units
	Turducken Mini Dogs in sauce		Pickle Egg Skewers Various eggs are available including chicken, duck, quail, sparrow, and turducken
	Grfopduf in a Naodipw sauce	Fliiijj and Poog on pasta Not for delicate stomachs. Fliiijj are an intestines harvested from Fliiijj Beasts. The beast body and meat are used alchemetically and sometime fed to livestock. Their bones are dried and used for heating fires. Their fur and leather are a common material for clothing in cold weather and armor. Fliiijj are a beast of burden in their worlds.	Sonoran Dogs (one of RaphaX's Favorites)	Mock Gaack with Iggesh dipping sauce Klingons can't tell the difference.
			Fekkeck Eggs w/ Dag Oysters	Gruenschlick, Vaalgschlick & Sydkfvn
Yuggo Filets w/ pickled Nimjp	Fried Ashoga
Breakfast: Eggs & Hash Browns. Sausage. Fried jalapeno. Fried Dough. Dipping sauces			Sausage & biscuits with Ganas green sauce	Biscuits and Dive Turkey(Turducken) gravy
Beef Sausage with Fire Bites	Red Orange Juice	A Brace of Roast Turducken	150px

Drinks

		Red Orange Juice	[[ |150px]]	[[ |150px]]
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Candies

Oreo Cherry Tartlets	Mixed Dip Oreos	Savory Dipped Oreos Thyme, Garlic, Mushroom, Mace, Ginger	Cherry Tartlets and Savory Oreos.	Candied grapes.jpg
Fruit Leather Fruit Leathers come in thousands of varieties from cloyingly sweet to horribly firey. Rubgry Leather is the most popular. A mixture of strawberry, ginger, pepper, and pork byproducts. Rhubarb-Persimmon is a popular sweet leather. Citrus Leather is made from the remains when the peels are removed from citrus fruits to make Sugared Peel.	Chocolate bites. Tell the type by the signature appearances.[[1]]	Mixed Chocolate bite boxes	DayLong hard candies This slow melting hard candies are taken and kept in a cheek and nursed all day. The flavor varieties are almost endless.	Candy Corn Where did you think candy corn came from. Dufiro love them.
Popcorn	Candied Popcorn	Suger Coated Fireballs	Siracha Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls	Thyme or Paprika Coated Pepper Balls
Candied Citris Peels Candied citrus peel is very popular. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, renit, and many more are available.	Candied Ginger	Taghulu-Candied Strawberries	Taghulu skewers	File:DF Candy-Candied Peppers.jpg Candied Peppers come in hundreds of varieties. Be careful what you eat. Have milk ready. Maybe have a cleaning spell handy to clean your palate.
Cherry Blasters Cherry Blasters are a type of cherry grown solely watered with potent grain alcohol, nursed by Water elementals and Spasa, to provide a strong alcohol content. Then they are prepared and candy coated under pressure by Spasa of Change, Blending, or growth. They are sealed in a jar against explosions. They burst if left open to the air too long. The result of cracking the sugar glass is an instant burst of cherry flavor and the forced absorption of high grain cherry alcohol, causing immediate intoxication based on one's endurance.	Gasdik Pops	Recollection Pops Bently says, “They're are a gummy lollipop dipped in chocolate. Made mostly by Spasa on the path toward Vision; Life, Death, Blending, Change, Growth. Sometimes Rot. The they are finished by Avasa of Vision. They empower the eater to become, mostly ...like that.. out of it.. but they see vision from their past. Living them as they did before, first person, same thoughts. Then when they finish the pop they clear up and remember the whole thing they saw as it happened. No rationalizations that one can build up over the centuries.. Masoja of Vision very rarely make them but theirs allows the consumer to guide the vision to a particular time and place.

Breakfast conversation about eating Dufiro inhabited food

Breakfast in Ahyk, a lesson in the Dufirosm

The adventuring crew gathered around a long, polished stone table at the Dufirosm restaurant. Morning light filtered through crystalline windows, casting multicolored patterns across their plates. Despite the inviting aromas wafting from the dishes, tension simmered among the group.

Rafe, Dalt, Sylex, Bently, Olive, Runner, and Elmer eyed the spread with varying levels of curiosity and caution.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Bently began, leaning back confidently in his chair. “I ordered for everyone—except Sylex. She’s... well, particular. But trust me, I wouldn’t serve you anything vile. I’ve lived with you all at Ludus Daltus for over a year. I know what you eat.” His voice was warm, though there was an undercurrent of pride in his tone.

He gestured to the platters: golden hash browns glistening with oil, fried jalapenos, crisp dough dusted with fiery powder and sugar, and eggs—perfectly cooked and steaming. Bowls of sausage biscuits smothered in a mysterious green sauce sat next to carafes of vivid red-orange juice and steaming coffee.

Dalt frowned, prodding at a sausage with his fork. “What kind of meat is this?”

Bently gave a reassuring smile. “Pork. Well, a kind of pork.”

That earned a dubious look.

Rafe and Elmer, unfazed, began piling food onto their plates with gusto. “Tastes good to me,” Rafe said through a mouthful, his carefree demeanor infectious.

Olive picked up a biscuit drenched in green sauce and sniffed it, her nose crinkling. “This sauce smells... weird.”

“It’s a milk-based sauce,” Bently explained. “Blended with sausage, jalapenos, and a mildly narcotic leafy green. Nothing too intense.”

Olive froze. “Narcotic?”

“Dear, I know your taste in recreational substances,” Bently teased with a wink. “Trust me—you’ll like it.”

Runner, ever analytical, picked up a sausage from the communal platter and gave it a cautious sniff. His sharp eyes narrowed. “These are spicy—750,000 Scoville at least. What’s in them?”

Before Bently could reply, Sylex, the group’s tortured soul, interjected. “They’re similar to the Fire-Boiled Ashoga from yesterday. A fire elemental inhabits the... let’s call it a pig. Once it’s slaughtered, the meat retains its spice. This one’s infused with thyme and fennel. Perfectly balanced. Try it.”

Runner took a hesitant bite, his face betraying his internal calculations. After a moment, he nodded. “Edible.”

With that approval, Runner began fixing a plate, his precision in arranging food almost ceremonial.

Bently’s voice softened, tinged with pride as he looked around the table. “We Dufirosm are like most races in the Shadowlands—we have our passions, professions, and powers. But we also live to serve, in our way. A Dufio prepared this meal. I wouldn’t lead you astray.”

Rafe raised his coffee cup in a toast, grinning. “Here’s to trusting Bently not to poison us.”

The table broke into chuckles, and slowly, one by one, they all began to eat. By the time the plates were half-empty, the laughter and camaraderie that had carried them through countless adventures returned, reminding them why they were here—together.

Fire and Flavor

As the group ate, their curiosity deepened. Dalt finally voiced the question that had been simmering in his mind. Between bites of fried dough, he asked, “So... fire elementals inhabit animals to make them spicy. Then the animals are butchered. Doesn’t that kill the elemental?”

Bently paused, setting down his coffee. “No, it doesn’t. It’s actually a profession for them,” he explained. “Think of elementals as the adolescent phase of a Dufiro’s life cycle. They’re like teenagers learning the ropes. Runner, didn’t you tell us about your first job at that Scottish restaurant... what was it called? McDonald’s Place?”

The humans chuckled, picturing the golden arches rebranded in Bently’s peculiar terminology. Runner rolled his eyes but smirked, allowing the humor to slide.

“Animal inhabiting,” Bently continued, “is often a first occupation for fire elementals. They gain reputation and treasure from it, which they can use to evolve into Spasa. Of course, not all of them bother. Some make a good living staying in the inhabiting trade. I was no exception. I started life as an air elemental.”

Rafe raised an eyebrow. “You? An air elemental? Didn’t see that coming.”

Bently grinned, a flicker of nostalgia in his expression. “Oh, yes. I spent years in bakeries managing airflow in ovens—ensuring perfect crusts on breads and pastries. Later, I transitioned to event work, controlling breezes at outdoor gatherings. Air elementals may not be as dramatic as fire elementals, but we’re invaluable.”

He puffed out his chest slightly. “Eventually, I gained Change Elemental status. That’s where I truly made my mark. Change Elementals are rare, and I partnered with a distiller who was an Avasa of Growth. Together, we crafted extraordinary spirits—thyme vodkas, Galva Habenrao gins, and raw, powerful rums. I could inhabit the base spirits and imbue them with bold, unique flavors.”

Runner nodded appreciatively. “So you became a master of fermentation and aging?”

“Exactly!” Bently said, clearly pleased by the recognition. “Beers and wines were my specialty. I’d inhabit a wine tun for just a few hours each day, ensuring the perfect balance as it aged. No risk of spoiling, no accidental vinegar.”

The group listened intently as he continued, his voice carrying the pride of someone who’d truly lived. “Eventually, I returned to bakeries and refined my craft even further. That’s how I earned connections to gain the Hue and Sound elemental forms. Through these, I’ve been able to work on even more complex projects.”

Sylex, usually reserved, chimed in. “As a water elemental, I did something similar. I inhabited sea life—mussels, abalone, crabs, lobsters. They grew larger and meatier under my care. Many Avasa Dufiro specialize in enhancing food through inhabiting. It makes whatever we inhabit not just better, but extraordinary. Of course, most of those Avasa only have one form.”

Bently nodded. “True, but some take it a step further. There’s a profession for that—Feeders. It’s not a race, but a calling. One I know, Xirix, is a master Feeder. He’s an Air Dufiro with Health forms, spanning Air Spasa, Avasa, and Masoja stages. He inhabits animals and manipulates their growth over generations. He turned a 150-pound goat into a breed of 2,400-pound giants in just ten or eleven generations. Those Goatalos are a staple meat source in many worlds. Also a stable milk source.He also developed the Dive Turducken. Those were a bit of a mistake but he loves them. They went wild, escaping domestication. They are a fierce, fat hunting bird. The size of an ostrich, 15' wingspan, and mean as rabid Kaclin”

Elmer, who rarely spoke during group discussions, surprised everyone by chiming in. “Sounds dicey. What if the animal he’s in gets killed?”

Sylex answered calmly. “The elemental is simply released. No harm done.”

The table fell silent for a moment as the group digested the implications—both figuratively and literally. The intricacies of elemental life and their role in the culinary world were as layered and rich as the food they were enjoying. Rafe broke the quiet with a smirk.

“Well, I’ll say this much—this might be the spiciest breakfast conversation I’ve ever had.”

Laughter erupted, and the group returned to their meal, the bonds of trust and curiosity among them stronger than ever.

Salt of the Earth

After several bites of food, Rafe set down his fork and turned to Bently, a glint of mischief lighting up his eyes. “I couldn’t help but notice,” he began with feigned casualness, “that you forgot to mention both Change and Earth Elementals in the context of food. Hope it’s not personal.”

Bently raised an eyebrow, instantly catching the playful jab. He knew Rafe’s dual affinities for Change and Earth were no secret. Around the table, the others perked up, sensing another round of insight—or perhaps just an excuse to tease Bently.

Rafe leaned back, swirling his coffee. “When I was at Shifter’s Hall, I visited the cafeteria there—my first encounter with Dufiro food and its preparation. It made sense that a Changer could turn one edible into another, but I hadn’t realized how crucial Earth was to the process.”

He paused, a wistful smile crossing his face. “I met a Dufiro there named Jasgl—a Change Elemental, Earth Spasa, and Blending Spasa. He made me an excellent meal, but it was his boss, an Avasa of Earth and Blending, who really left an impression. Best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. I remember what he told me: ‘Earth is often thought brutish, but things of the earth are ours.’ His name was Dyjik.”

Bently nodded, conceding the point with a slight smile. “I didn’t mention Earth or Change because, well, they get complicated in the food industries. It wasn’t an intentional omission.”

With a dramatic pause, he picked up the coffee pot and refilled his mug, savoring the moment. “But since you bring it up…”

The others leaned in slightly as Bently took a sip of his coffee, clearly relishing the attention.

“Change Elementals are too rare to make broad generalizations about,” he began, “but many I’ve known worked in... recycling, for lack of a better term. While they can’t quite turn lead into gold—not in their early stages—they can transform ruined materials into something valuable. Take a destroyed house, for example: its wood and fabric could be reworked into bolts of cloth, repurposed for the markets or fashion districts. Broken timbers and paneling can be pressed into aggregate boards, decorative veneers, or construction-grade materials.

“Avasa of Change? They’re something else entirely. They can transform rough pine into fine ebony—raw lumber or finished furniture alike. Change Masoja? That’s when you get into the legendary feats—turning lead into gold or crafting alchemical wonders.”

Rafe smirked. “I knew a Masoja who turned kitchen scraps into a feast once. Not exactly gold, but just as valuable when you’re hungry.”

“Exactly,” Bently said with a grin, raising his cup. “Now, as for Earth Elementals…”

He set the mug down with a soft clink. “Earth Elementals, especially young ones, often inhabit the land itself—farms, troughs, refuse pits. While they don’t yet possess the precision of Earth Spasa or Avasa, and certainly not Masoja, they can work wonders on a large scale. A single Earth Elemental might inhabit a 100-square-kilometer plot, enriching the soil, keeping weeds and pests at bay, and ensuring crops thrive.”

Olive wrinkled her nose. “Sounds glamorous.”

“Not always,” Bently admitted with a chuckle. “Some also manage... wet refuse.”

“Wet refuse?” Runner asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Exactly what you’re imagining,” Bently said dryly. “They inhabit areas where food scraps, rinds, and liquid waste are dumped, cycling it all into rich, fertile soil. It’s an essential part of the farm rotation here. Messy work, but vital.”

Sylex, who had been quietly enjoying the conversation, finally spoke up. “Experienced Earth Elementals, and many Earth Spasa, also work with undertakers. They process the dead—those without elaborate tombs or rites. They even craft tombstones.”

The table fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the breadth of responsibilities elementals took on. Elmer, ever blunt, broke the pause. “You’re telling me Earth Elementals are out there composting people?”

Sylex shrugged. “Death is no reprieve from duty, as the saying goes. Besides, it’s practical.”

Bently chimed in with a wry smile. “If it makes you feel better, they’re quite good at it. And some of those tombstones? Masterpieces.”

Dalt frowned, his curiosity clearly piqued. “I thought Dufiro were immortal?”

Bently’s expression shifted, taking on a more serious tone. “We are—but often, our bodies are not. Our heart flames are eternal. Your kinsman, Benedict? He carries a heart flame. Kill him, and he’ll return. But the lands of the Dufirosm aren’t just Dufiro. Thousands of other races call our realms home—humanoids, elves, dwarves, Adask, orcs, merfolk. Many hope to join our ranks as Rafe, Olive, Runner, and Elmer have. They die. Their death rituals change to reflect our ways: rotation by the Hierarchy of Earth. The Hierarchy of Death manages it all—the ceremonies, wakes, revels. What’s left goes to the earth.”

His gaze settled on Rafe. “They didn’t tell you that, did they? You only saw the power, not the obligations. But reputation is everything, and that means honoring those obligations.”

The table fell quiet again as the gravity of his words settled over them. Then Rafe broke the silence with a grin. “So, Earth’s the farmer, the cook, and the cleanup crew?”

Bently chuckled, raising his mug. “Among other things. Earth has always been the foundation, both literally and figuratively.”

The group laughed, the earlier tension giving way to camaraderie. Rafe leaned back in his chair. “I’ll drink to that. Though maybe I’ll pass on the wet refuse rotation next time.”

Bently joined in the laughter but leaned closer to Rafe, his expression calm yet pointed. Quietly, he said, “I suggest you don’t.”

A subtle wave of energy rolled over Rafe, a reminder that the fey and effete Bently, with his eleven Masoja races and aspirations for Life, Vision, and Wisher Masoja, was not just a friend—but a force to be reckoned with. Rafe shivered, nodding his silent acknowledgment.

The Candy Store

Oramuy's & Ovkasix

After leaving the Hall of Knowledge the crew is on its way to their next location. The crowds return to the streets and shops the further they get from their recent battle scene; they walk down a main street, watching the many types of conveyances that the Dufiro use, roaring left and right, occasionally up and down. Olive notices they seem to have lost Elmer.

Looking back he is half a block behind everyone, peering into a window as if mesmerized. His hands are hanging down beside him as if he is afraid reaching out will dispel some dream.

Olive goes to get him, looks in the window, and steps back a few paces, staring in.

Now the rest of the group is intrigued enough to start walking back. Rafe hears Bently chuckle, then laugh.

Rafe asks, “Something I should know about? What are they looking at?”

“Oramuy's. Its a store. You might call it a franchise store since there are thousands and thousands of Oramuys across the Dufirosm.. This is their main store though. Its huge...”

Rafe nods, “Ok, why does it seem to draw their attention?”

Bently looks at him as the group arrives. Most staring in the windows immediately/

“Its a Candy Store. The Candy Store. What is it Elmer? You have a sweet tooth?”

Elmer looks at Rafe, pleadingly, “Do we have time to go in?”

Rafe shrugs, “Sure, why not?”

The group enter the long great hall with the vaulted ceiling. A small dragon flies at the rafters, perhaps as a security guard.

A short plump man approaches, smiling widely. “Bentalisix! Bentalisix! By the teats of the serpent its been years! You here to take me up on my offer to take over the bakery? I've an Avasa of Health in there I would fire or put under you in a second if your answer is yes!”

“Ovkasix, my old friend, i'm still thinking about it. Now though, I am in service and am on business. My employer and his entourage saw you establishment and ..”

“Couldn't help themselves!?! Of course. So, introduce me to your lovelies..”

Bently nods deeply, “My employer, Prince Dalt of Amber. Sir, this is Grand Master Hue, Trax Asgo Illuminar Ovkasix Oramuy.”

Dalt bows slightly, “Its my pleasure, sir.”

Ovkasix steps close, offering his hand, which Dalt takes, “Its my honor sir. I had heard that a Prince of Amber was in Ahyk. I figured that was unlikely but here you are, and with my good friend, and one day employee Bentalisix. You may call me Ovka, if I may call you Dalt, and despense with formalities. Come, let me show you around... “ He puts his hand on Dalt's shoulder and gently guides him down the massive hall. Dalt docile allows himself to be led.

Ovkasix looks over his shoulder, “Oh, Bentalisix!! You know the rule. First pieces free, second dings into the register. Friends or not, you can't offer my hospitality till you work here. “

Bentalisix says, “Im just going to drop a few jewels in now, we may be here awile. Run a tab.”

Ovkasix laughs charmingly as they walk away.

Elmer says, “ah... how do I run a tab?”

Bentalisix says, “You don't, Elmer. I've been funding this excursion because explaining Dufirosm currency would likely make my eyes pop out. And Rafe and Dalt could have brought a 100 people and nothing you are likely to do here, and by that i mean in Ahyk entirely, would deplete my pocket change. So, enjoy, its on my tab. You ARE an elemental though, you'll learn in time and then, you can arrange a tab. “ He pats Elmer familiarly and in a friendly fashion.

Rafe asks, “So Durifo have candy....Not a surprise."

Bently responds, “There are ten trillion dufiros across a million Dufirosm worlds. Add perhaps 50 trillion non-dufiro on those worlds..Yes, some have a sweet tooth. Its actually an enormous portion of dufiro food. A power source of calories and inspiration. We have powerful appetites for everything. So powerful we rise to races in those appetites, as you have seen earlier. Candy often plays a part in Dufiro summoning rituals. That's something you'll find in their summoning tomes. oh.... Elmer and Olive wandered off. “

The group slowly disperse, wandering to see what wonders they could try.

Rafe and Bently and Sylex walk to one side casually looking at the fare.

Sylex says, “Where are the cherry blasters....I need a drink...”

Bently looks at her, “Oh come now, that wasn't so bad. He didn't even mention you. That's an improvement over last time. I think killing Tinsanax temporarily may have earned you as much admiration as acrimony. Eventually you'll have to make the case that she broke the pact first, and I can see arguments for that. Having Ovkasix in your corner would be great. Shantrixix seems likely to support you. There's me. And you know people who can drop Nur al-din's name if needed. Ah... Cherry Blasters...”

Cherry Blasters

Sylex quickly grabs a jar that looks similar to a mason's jar. She opens it and quickly takes three cherries and pops them in her mouth, clearly relishing the taste.

Rafe looks over curiously, “I like cherries....” Taking one and putting it in his mouth Sylex has time to says, “Hey wait! You really....” Bently looks on and just smiles.

Rafe's eyes go wide and he stumbles in place, steadied by Bently's hand. “Holy Frak!!! What the Fraking hell are those!?!”

Bently says, mildly, “Those are Cherry Blasters. Imagine a mix between Bing Cherries and Morello Cherries, grown in high elevation orchards by master Avasa of Growth. They are watered with 150 proof or greater grain alcohol and nursed by Water Avasa to make sure the plants get enough water and the alcohol all goes the the cherry. Then, you have Avasa of Ice sugarcoat them to concentrate the flavor. Put them in jars when they are still cold, and under internal pressure. Once you open the jar you have about 2 or 3 minutes to eat them and reseal the jar or they start cracking the candy glass coating and start making a rollicking good mess.

Sylex says, “Of course once you put it in your mouth, you break the candy glass, the cherry fruit pops out and slams against the interior of your mouth, and the 160 proof cherry alcohol get forced into you and the buzz hits quick. Its a dufiro drink Rafe. “ She makes a little smile, “I hope you will relish them as much as I do.” She snickers, opens the jar and pulls out two more. Popping one in her mouth, she hands the other to an uncertain rafe.

He shrugs, “What the hell.” Takes the potent cherry and pops it in his mouth, moments later he shakes as the cherry quickly infuses into his mouth..” Shaking his head he says, “God Damn... I mean god damn!!...I could get used to those.”

Bently says, “Don't. They are a hard habit to break as Sylex could certainly tell you.”

She looks at Bently, “You are an old woman sometimes, Bentalisix.”

Bently laughs, “Lets go find something safer for your human friends.”

Rafe staggers a bit and says with certainly if not clarity, “am dufiro!!!....its in the book.”

Chocolate Bites

Up ahead Runner and Olive looks over a large display. Olive asks, “How can you tell what they are?”

Bently says, “Ah.. Classic chocolate bites. Why, Olive, you can tell by the design on top. Every candy bite has a different pattern on top. If you know them, its like reading their language.

He starts lining little bites up. “Cafe Hazelnut truffle, Milk Almond Caramel, Milk Butterchew, Milk Double Caramel, Milk Orange cream, Chocolate mint truffle, Milk Cherry cordial. Rafe, more Cherry candy here for ya! Milk Strawberry Cream, Dark Strawberry cream, Milk Rum Nougat. The list goes on but its just a touch. There are thousands of types for many races.. Now, Dark Chocolate raw pig brain.....Yummy, “ He pops one in his mouth..

“Probably not to your liking....Here... Here is a guide.. Its in Vomos, I'll cast a translate text on it but you really should learn the Vomos.”

He looks to Sylex, "since we are here anyway, I'm going to go look over the popcorn treats. Maybe bag a few hundred. Its going to be a long week. Rafe, Tell your people to bag items separately and put them in one of the wicker baskets. We can have everything packaged and sent to the hotel. No need to wander around with 4 jars of exploding cherries, is there?”

She shyly picks up a basket and slips three jars in basket, keeping one.

---

Infused With Fun

Rafe picks up a basket of his own, adds SIX jars of Cherry Blasters, two jars of Sunrise Blasters; mini oranges a little bigger than a cherry with the rind removed, created in a similar way as the Cherry Blasters but with Tequila and Grenadine, then four boxes of Milk Chocolate Rum-filled Cherry Cordials. He moves off looking around for the Cannabis and Urala infused candies.

While looking for the Fun Candies, Rafe first comes across Wrecker and Reggy, each with a basket, but with only a smattering of items in each. Rafe narrows his eyes suspiciously.

“Hey guys; Bently is footing the bill and we're having it all sent to the hotel so we don't have it carry it across the city... no need to be conservative.”

“We know” Reggy replies. “We overheard you talking.”

“And this is our second trip” Wrecker adds, thumbing over his shoulder.

Rafe turns to look and sees a counter containing an Old Fashioned Cash Register and two baskets overflowing with sweets and treats; each labeled REGGY and WRECKER, respectively. An employee moves one of the baskets using Levitation magic to an empty section of shelves behind the counter. A large temporary label is placed above the section; it reads: BENTALISIX

“Now THAT'S what I expected” Rafe says as he turn back to Wrecker and Reggy. “What did y'all get?”

“A little bit of everything.” Says Reggy. “A lot of the Cherry Blasters” Says Wrecker.

Rafe laughs and says, “Have fun, guys... but don't spend too long and don't get lost.”

Rafe moves on, adding a couple of jars of candied nuts to his basket as he passes them on his way to find the Medicinal Section. When he does, he also finds Dr. Len and Colette already there making their own selections. Colette spies Rafe's arrival out of the corner of her eye.

“I knew you'd make it here, eventually” She says with a knowing smile. “I've been waiting for you. Here; try this. And don't hold it too long, just eat it.”

She holds out a small wooden tray with a look in her eyes and a smile on her lips that says she knows Rafe is gonna love it. The tray holds a cannabis bud about the size of a nickel covered in crystallized sugar.

“Candied Buds!? Ooohhh, this oughta be interesting” he says as he snatches up the proffered confection and pops it into his mouth.

The moment the confection touches his tongue it immediately dissolves in a burst of flavor. The initial flavor is very sugary sweet with a background of a slightly fruity cannabis. The flavor changes to be more strongly cannabis with a fruity sugary ending. The all over body high is nearly instantaneous. Rafe staggers a bit, unsure if it is the potency of the cannabis, or the blissful moment overtaking him. Either way he puts out a hand to study himself.

"Whoa, that was awesome! And it tasted exactly as one would expect candied cannabis to taste. Damn, I love these Dufiro confectioners!"

Colette smiles and laughs. "The strain is a Hybrid called Blue Zushi; 50/50..."

".... Indica and Sativa, giving a great all over body high with no couch lock. A nice fruity flavor, but not all the way Fruit Loops. Yeah, I know this strain. I wrote a review for it back in Colorado when it first became medically legal. It's one of my favorites."

Colette smiles. "I knew you'd like it, Rafe."

Dr Len chimes in, "If you like that, you're going to love this."

He holds forth a small set of metal tongs and a small jar with its top already removed. Inside the jar there are amber colored crystals about the size of pea gravel with a multicolored hue reflecting off of their surfaces. Though the multicolored hue gives Rafe a hint as to what it is, it's the smell that enters his nose that gives it away as he takes a cautious sniff.

"Urala Honey!?" He both asks and states as he grabs the tongs from Len's hand, uses them to pull a honey crystal from the jar then drops it on his tongue.

"You might want to sit.... ah shit." Len says a little too late as he sees the effect of the Urala Honey Crystal hit Rafe like a ton of feathers.

As the crystal dissolves on his tongue his mouth is filled with a perfect blend of urala and sweet honey flavors. Simultaneously the euphoria effect spreads through his body like a warm glow. Rafe's eyes glass over slightly, a blissful smile spreads across his lips and he slowly 'melts' to the floor into a sitting position, looking as happily stoned as any Stoner in the history of Stoners has ever been.

"Wooooooow..." Rafe exclaims softly.

Sylex, who was gathering medicinal candies nearby, chuckles and joins the trio.

"Urala honey crystals, as well as many of the medicinal candies here, are favorites amongst Health Spasa and Health Avasa, to help their patients mitigate pain and other symptoms from illnesses and traumas. They come in many different strengths, these are about three levels from the top. Rafe's not going anywhere for a while..." Sylex says with a sly smile and a little titter before continuing.

--more to come--

All Candied Out

As Rafe moves about the Candy Story, he notices that unlike all the others, Candy is not getting any candy. “What's the matter; don't like candy.... Candy?” Rafe asks playfully.

Candy looks like she is about to make a smart-assed retort, but then her demeanor changes. She replies in a soft tone.

“I used to have an eating problem, Rafe.... if you can't tell.” She glances down at her body, then an uncomfortable chuckle follows an uncomfortable smile; she continues. “My mother was denied sweets as a child... my father grew up poor and hungry, sometimes not eating for days. Their food issues became mine; father made sure every meal was a feast, or as much as he could, and he made damn sure we all ate our fill. And mother made sure I had a ready supply of candy, forced it on me even. By the time I got to high school I was grossly overweight; I hated the teasing, I hated the way I looked, I hated my parents for what they did to me.... but I hated myself most of all.”

She pauses for a moment as she looks over some of the selections of sweets before her.

“Damn, Candy; I had no idea. What are you even doing in here? Must be difficult?”

“Yes. A little. But it's an exercise in Will Power. I had to learn to become indifferent about food; it was the hardest thing I have ever done. At first it started out as a hatred of food, especially sweets, but that didn't go well... I would starve myself for days then binge eat... it made my physically sick, and then I hated myself even more than I did before. It took some time to figure out that hate was not the way.... 'Hate leads to the Dark Side'.” She finishes, doing a really good impersonation of Yoda. They both laugh.

“Wrecker really is a bad influence.” Rafe says. Candy chuckles and nods in agreement.

“Once I figured out that hate was not the answer, I turned my passion for foods and sweets into other areas, and I began to look at eating as nothing more than a necessity. Sure, I still like foods, and I have my favorites, but I had to apply restraint to how I ate and what I ate. I cut out sweets entirely. I tried to eat more healthy foods. But mostly, I had to get control of how much, and how often, I ate. It's a battle I fight every day. And every day I get stronger for it.”

“Daaaamn, girl! Props!” Rafe says, double thumping his chest with his fist, then suddenly leans in and gives her a one armed hug. “Well... if you have any other passions, or vices, you want to indulge, just let me know. Preferably before we leave Ahyk; Bently's footing the bill.”

Candy gets a devious look in her eyes, a wicked grin crosses her lips. Rafe can almost hear the gears of her mind grinding. He gives her a smile and a wink before he moves on to gather a few more goodies of his own, before heading to the Register to drop his basket.

Recollection Pops

Walking up the hall, looking at the amazing displays of colors and shapes and smells Rafe comes upon Bently and Sylex, who have just come upon Elmer sitting with his back to a barrel of iced jars of liquid. He is eating a candy on a stick and wears a blank expression.

Bently says, “We have lost him for a while. Might as well move on.”

Rafe looks at the reclining sniper. “What did he eat?”

Sylex says, “a Recollection Pop.”

Rafe raises and eyebrow, “Ah? Recollection pop? That sounds....tricky.”

Bently says, “They're are a gummy lollipop dipped in chocolate. Made mostly by Spasa on the path toward Vision; Life, Death, Blending, Change, Growth. Sometimes Rot. The they are finished by Avasa of Vision. They empower the eater to become, mostly ...like that.. out of it.. but they see vision from their past. Living them as they did before, first person, same thoughts. Then when they finish the pop they clear up and remember the whole thing they saw as it happened. No rationalizations that one can build up over the centuries.. Masoja of Vision very rarely make them but theirs allows the consumer to guide the vision to a particular time and place.

“Give Elmer 15 minutes and..on second thought, lets get him away from them. Sometime people keep eating them trying to get back to the memories they saw. Sadly though, they don't work like that.” Bently and Rafe haul Elmer up and drag him up the hall to a widened area with seating.

A waitress approaches, “How can...Bently! What a surprise! You cad! Where have you been?!” She sees Sylex and scowls... “Sylex....Good to... ah... see you.... what can I get for you?”

Bently says, “Can you get us a couple Sonoran Dogs each, a pitcher of Butter beer, and more glasses. We have people lost here someplace This is as good a place to gather them as any. If you see anyone looking badly lost and human, can you send them this way?”

“Sure, Bently, for you...”

As she walks away, Sylex says a little too loudly, “Good to see you too! I remember the last time we saw each other...” Raising from her seat and raising her voice, “You had your face so deep in my crotch you could have seen what my future kids would look like!" She nearly screams, " I've seen you naked and begging me for it, Hontana!!!!!” Bently puts a hand on her shoulder, pushing her to the seat.”

Sylex looks after her, “You know I have half a mind to..” Bently stops her. “Yes, I believe you sometimes have half a mind. I don't think she will be testifying at the tribunal. At least not on your behalf.”

“We had to come here..”

Rafe says, “Blame Elmer and pass me a cherry.”

Gasdik Pops

Olive comes walking up, eating a lollipop. Rafe says, “Did you get that where Elmer was?” She shakes her head. “No From over there,... They taste great. Chocolate over some kind of canned meat.”

Sylex laughs... "Oh .ohh.... You can blame this one on Elmer, Rafe.”

He looks to her, “ok, Why?”

Bently says, “Those are Gasdik Pops.” Olive nods, “That's what the sign said. In Thari no less. ah... what are they. I've had like three.”

Bently shakes his head back and forth, smiling with a touch of amusement... ”Ok... Here is how it goes. The solar system Gasdik is in has hundreds of worlds. Big ones. Its sort of a focal point for things from shadow to land. An improbably universe but an ancient wisher looked for the place long before the Breaking of the Dufirosm and the Tosian Accords that let Nur al-din bring our kind here. There were already a Dufiro presence. Its one of the reasons the Dufiereant picked this nook of shadow. Not close enough to be under Chaos' Sway, far from Azcala, far from Cynasure. Perfect. “

Sylex says, “You digress,”

He nods, “Eat your cherries.” He continues. “What is unique about this solar system is that things that are disintegrated, dematerialized, and a bunch of other things, the remains come there. Dufiro mine those worlds for treasures. Now the Gasdik cluster... They are connected to spells and powers like Clean Sweep” , “Purify Body”,” Purge”, and a thousand other ways to describe abilities to eliminate bodily refuse without urination or defecation. Handy spells to be sure. Clean spells for clothing and stuff goes to a different system.”

Rafe pales slightly, looking at the pop in Olive's hand and the three on the table in front of her... then he sort of grins. "So that's where it all goes... I always wondered." He says mostly to himself.

Bently says, “Now one of the world in the Gasdik Cluster gets defecation. Another, a watery world get urination and, well, Vomit, as well as blood and semen. One of the worlds, and here we come to the pops there, get undigested food. Digestive fluids go to a different place but undigested food lands on the biggest flat slab of a planet you ever want to see. Its like a third of the planet was chipped away by a jeweler and what was left was a flat sheet of marble. There, Earth Elementals, spasa, Avasa, and some Masoja, plus numerous other races, gather all this stuff up. They push it through a series of milling spells and they produce tubes, 4 sided tubes, of a mixed type of canned product. Like Canned Potted meats. Spam, and such, with a vegetable/meat taste. “

Rafe looks a bit queasy. "

Bently insists on continuing. “This stuff is fed to live stock mostly but its also sold for dufiro consumption. Its not uncommon to find in dufiro homes. I admit I have a taste for it. Sliced thin and fried. What you fry it in, oil wise, takes over the taste. Slice of Gasdik, Onion, bell peppers, candied jalepanos, crack a couple eggs in it, roll it up in a burrito wrap. Quite nice.. and... to be honest, I've served it to you all on occasion. Chunked gasdik, Choriso, onions, jalapenos, rice, a lot of cheese. Wrap in in a huge wrap. No one complained....”

Rafe stands, “And the candy?”

He nods, “A centimeter cube, battered and fried, dipped in mostly savory coatings.”

Olive, “Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting... “ She stands, “I'm going to go get more, for traveling...”

Rafe shakes his head. "Sounds a lot like the Reclamation and Replicator Systems of Star Fleet. Cool. Disgusting, but cool. Think I'll get some too."

Time passes and people drop by the table as its learned they are gathering there. Everyone has baskets brimming with goodies.

Dalt and Ovkasix return and take seats at the table.

Ovkasix looks to Bently, “Change your mind? I've got a Manager's post in Hutripo that is just crying for you.”

Bently nods, “Sounds great, but I have other plans. “

Ovkasix says, “Oh really? Life or Vision? Wishers wouldn't even consider you yet. Me either and I'm an Illuminar.”

Rafe asks, “Dalt? Anything we should know?”

Dalt says, “We have been invited to a Ball. At Water Hall.” Sylex raises her head, looking to Bently then Ovkasix.

The two meet eyes. For a few moments, then Sylex lowers her head sadly.

Ovkasix says, “Of course you are invited. Tripsina will be there and is looking forward to hearing your side of the Tinsanax fiasco. Especially the part Kupakwasheakfa played in it. Dalt spoke glowingly on your behalf. I never like Tinsanax anyway. Great pool sex but a lousy attitude.”

Sylex asks humbly. “Do you , sir, know of Tinsanax's whereabouts now?”

He shakes his head. “Not with certainty. I could guess but so could you or Bently just as well. Now... I have to get back to business. Prince Dalt, you have my name. Call anytime.”

Rafe asks, “Dalt? Anything we should know now?”

Dalt says, “Later. In Ang Ri”

We've Got Some Big Balls

As they walk toward thier next destination, Dalt ask Bently, "You said his name was Grand Master Hue, Trax Asgo Illuminar Ovkasix Oramuy. That seems like a lot to unpack. He had a very casual way about him in the way of a person who knows he owns the world. I've known people like that. Usually I try to kill them. What is this guy? Whats his Life Path? Is he the Grand Master of some lodge? "

Bently says, "A lot to unpack......funny. Yes. Well, He is an over achiever to be sure. Right from the start. Now.. He started before the Diapsora. Long before it. He is an elemental of Air, Mix, Change, Scent & Hue. Grand Master Hue means he was the first created Hue. The very first of the Race of Hue. Its the basic Race for anyone in the Hierarchy of Color. Its a small Hierarchy to be sure, but it has some important members who are Masoja of other races. Currently that Hierarchy only extends to Avasa but many, like him, are trying to create the Masoja Race of Color. I am one of those too. I have the Elemental Hue, and was inducted by Ovkasix. I have Spasa and Avasa of Color. When the time comes, i will be calling in the debts to me to vote to create the Race of Color. We are artists, musicians, singers, sculptors, dances, almost uniformly Party of Life. Unfortunately.... we are not warriors as a rule. Those who owe debts to me, or that i might be able to convince, i hope will come support our cause. This is one of the reasons Sylex was able to convince me to come to Ang Ri and meet....you, Rafe."

"As for Trax Asgo Illuminar, its the middle rank of Illuminars. Rafe here is Al Asgo Illuminar. Next is Trax, and after it is Primas Illuminar. They are extremely rare. Less then a hundred as far as I heard. Nur Al-Din can create Al Asgo all day long and the Council of the Dufirosm won't bat an eye. He can create Trax Asgo Illuminar and will have to make a case for them afterwards or even he would get his hand slapped. Either way, once the rank is given it can't be undone except by the final death and the extinguishing of the Dufiro's heart Fire. He can not create a Primas Illuminar without immediately having a session of the Council called where even he better be damn persuasive. Smart would be to call the council and pitch raising someone to Trax or Primas. "

"Ovkasix is his conversational name, as you know, since he told you his calling name. His full name would be in his tome but he has a lot of them... I told you his elemental races. His Spasa Races are Air, Blending, Change, Water, Color, Fire,Cleanliness, Carnality, Growth, Song, Life. His Avasa races are Air, Cleanliness, Carnality, Change, Color, Growth, Water, Fire, Health, Knowledge, Life, Music, Rot, Shifter, Vision, Whimsy. His Masoja are Air, Cleanliness, Carnality,Water, Fire, Growth, Health, Knowledge, Shifter, Life. And as i said, he is Trax Asgo Illuminar. "

Runner, listening in says, "Sounds like an overachiever to me. "

Bently nods in agreement, "Very much so. Aggressively so. As an Elemental he pushed hard enough that Masoja agreed to the creation of the Elemental race of Hue. That led to Spasa & Avasa of Color. For a pacifist, he is a phenomenally dangerous man.