Summer 1 - Welcome dinner

[kollomods]

[ It's the very first dinner on Norrhamn and the kitchen staff (???) has really gone all out. The counter is covered by a variety of the finest cuisine Sweden has to offer — sandwich cakes of every variety, from the classic salmon and shrimp to ham and horse radish or more modern, vegan varieties with avocado and cherry tomatoes. There's a smaller table set out with strawberry and cream cake, and the traditional spread of seven different types of shortbread cookies. Of course there's coffee and tea by the bucketload, along with other drinks such as elderberry or lingonberry squash. The community center has been decorated for the occasion with bunting and strings of lights leading out into the garden. It's still early summer so the nights are mild and surprisingly bright — the sun has yet to fully set by the time the celebrations kick off. Better get used to the light, it's not getting darker anytime soon. ]

Comments

[cursebreaker]

Hmm. [ She runs a finger of her other hand along the materials of the bracelet. ] For now, I will assume it works, and if it is so, I will never know otherwise because no curses will be broken.

[ That's the best way to look at things, she thinks. ]

It is so kind of you to give this to me. Would you like some form of payment? I have little, but I enjoy growing things and making potions from herbs. If there is anything you need, perhaps I can make something for you.

[norrhamn_residents]

Oh no, it's quite alright. I'm just happy to help. [ She doesn't have much need for payment and she can take care of most ailments herself. However... ]

Though, if you'd like, I wouldn't mind some exchange of ideas. Never too late to learn something new, I always say.

[cursebreaker]

I'd be happy to do that! Though I'm not sure if I'd know anything you wouldn't. You already knew about the bracelet, and I didn't. But what would you like to know?

[norrhamn_residents]

Whatever you feel like sharing. We don't get a lot of visitors around here, so it's fascinating to hear what life is like in other places.

[cursebreaker]

Well, I grew up around farmers and seafarers. I've traveled on ships before. I'm certainly not learned in how to move a ship, but I've watched the sailors run about, pulling on ropes and moving sails. I'm used to bright, white beaches and I've collected seashells to hang up on string in my window. I brought them with me so I can do it here too.

[ She really isn't sure if this is what Valborg is looking for. ]

I like to make teas, potions, salves and things. I sold them in a little shop. It took me ages to move up from a street cart to a shop, and it was small, but had enough room for everything I wanted to display. Oh, I made lotions and sugar scrubs too! Those made the shop smell amazing.

[norrhamn_residents]

[ It's not entirely what she expected, but fascinating nonetheless. She pays close attention to what Evelina has to say, particularly when she talks about her business. ]

So it was accepted then? Doing witches' work?

[cursebreaker]

Well, yes in that way. Witches do different work depending on where their interests lie. I took after my mother in making remedies, but quite a few prefer working with kings and princes.

[ She frowns a little at that. Power shouldn't go to a person's head. That's what her mother always said. ]

People don't mind witches as long as they aren't cursing them.

[norrhamn_residents]

[ She chuckles softly at that - can't help it, really. Some things really are universal. ] Witchcraft is a sin until they're the ones who need a wart removed. At least, that's the way it used to be around here.

What kind of remedies do you make?

[cursebreaker]

It sounds like it's not that way here anymore. Things are better, I hope?

[ Because she's hoping for an easier time of things. ]

Oh, all kinds! Things to soothe sore muscles, to break up congestion, to lessen coughs. Things of that nature.

[norrhamn_residents]

Oh, yes! Much better. Hardly anyone goes to church anymore, so they don't really believe in all that heathen stuff either.

[ A lucky break, really. ]

We must compare recipes some day. I'm always on the look-out for new tricks of the trade - you'd be surprised how often the people who live here come to me for all their aches and pains. You'd think they'd never heard of a pharmacy!

[cursebreaker]

[ Evelina nods as if she understands, but she really doesn't. Then again, she's used to numerous temples devoted to the gods, and not just one. ]

Oh, that must keep you busy! I'd be happy to sit down with you and talk about them. I'll bet people come to you because they trust you, right?

[norrhamn_residents]

I would hope so. Some put more trust in the old remedies, rather than fancy doctor stuff. Can't say I blame them, entirely.

[ She's ancient, so clearly the homemade stuff works. ]

But you've only just arrived! You should take some time and settle in first.

[cursebreaker]

[ Evelina nods. ]

That's true. Once I've settled in, I would be happy to meet with you for a chat.

[norrhamn_residents]

Come see me, then. I have a little cottage on the east side of the island — Olivia can tell you the way.

[cursebreaker]

All right. Thank you so much for the bracelet!

[ And she waves goodbye before going to cautiously mingle. ]