Taste Testers Wanted

[seemstressed]

Name: un: taru
Date: 05/14
Format: video

Hullo again! I hope everyone is well!

<sub>[Yes that's right Aefenglom...your favourite Lalafellian entrepreneur is back and has clearly been...busy? She seems to be in her kitchen, a set of distilling equipment behind her, various metal and glass containers connected with piping and tubing to create an apparatus that's purpose soon becomes clear. The confident little lady is proud of herself as she stands on a chair in all her three feet of glory, large glass bottles grasped in each hand. The one on the left sports a liquid with a light blue hue to it and what seems to be golden flecks that shimmer as they float about. The other bottle though holds a liquid that looks like a rosé in color, seemingly innocent enough, until one notices the small but very apparent wormlike larvae whose bio-luminescent skin gives off a faint green glow.

She gives each of the bottles a shake, the flakes and larvae floating about respectively.]</sub>

I've been attempting to recreate a few of the most popular spirits one can find in Ul'dah and I've almost managed to get the recipe juuust right! Of course it isn't perfect, as ingredients here are a bit different to what's available in Eorzea...but so far I'm happy with the result! The blue one here is said to make the drinker see stars if they have too much of it and this one _{[Yeah, the worm one...]} well they say if you can down a whole bottle you'll be strong enough to take down a rampaging goobbue with your bare fists!

_{[She sets the two bottles down on the table so she can talk with her hands, as one does.]}

While these spirits suit my own palette just fine, I wanted to survey how other Mirrorbound might find them, so I'm looking for willing taste testers, if you will! The more the merrier. If you like what you taste I'll give you a bottle of it to take with you. If you don't, then I'll buy you a drink of your choosing.

_{[What's there to lose, right?]}

And speaking of brews...does anyone have a particular favourite drink from where they hail from? If so, what is it? I'd love to hear about it, alcoholic or otherwise!

<sub>[For science, naturally.]

((ooc: 4th wallers welcome!))</sub>

Comments

video! un: kirstein

[trost]

[ Jean doesn't actually know what sort of being he's looking at, but she also seems fairly nice, so he'll keep his blunt comments to himself for one. Mikasa's shorter than she should be. That's something that could have happened to Tataru, too. How unfortunate ... He's 6'2" now and proud of it and would hate to turn into a dwarf. ]

Guess I can't turn down a free drink. [ Then, the larvae floating around in one of the bottles at the back catches his eye. The rose colour looked pretty appetizing, but he's not so sure about this now. ]

Wait. That looks more like a specimen ... What are you trying to feed us?

[seemstressed]

_{[Good idea Jean, it's best not to insult Lalafell. They don't take it well.]}

A traditional Ul'dah spirit - or well, a replication of one, to the best of my abilities. The larvae is intentional. They're added to the drink to offset the sweetness and give it a slightly sour aftertaste.

video; un: noctgar

[eluci]

Is there a reason for the bug in the second one?

[Priorities.

Clearly not high on his list of preferred drink additions, judging from the face he's making.]

[seemstressed]

Of course. They're added to the drink to offset the sweetness and give it a slightly sour aftertaste.

The other spirit doesn't have them though.

video, un; nocturne

[synchroswim]

<sub>[He's not a big drinker, but free is free, right? And that blue one does look pretty!

His attention is fixated on the gold flecks dancing around, and the small fins on his ears perk up in curiosity after a few moments.]</sub>

What's the blue one taste like?

[seemstressed]

Fruity, but with a crisp, full bodied flavour. It goes down rather easy, and is especially potent if you mix it with white wine.

_{[Okay Tataru...]}

voice; un: brumeling

[inlikethebrume]

[Tataru what the fuck? Why is there fucking worms in that drink? Just because she's Warrior who ate some crazy shit doesn't mean she can't be leery.]

While I can see the obvious, what are those specks in the blue one?

[Does the Alchemist need to worry and get out of her self imposed semi-isolation if this is going to go up in flames?]

[seemstressed]

_{[WOW OKAY IT IS TRADITIONAL you've been to the markets in Ul'dah you've seen their spicy insect section...don't knock it until you try it!]}

It's not gold, I'll tell you that much.

_{[It's fine...nothing could possibly go wrong with Tataru's Home Brew.]}

video; un: xXx_tWiStEd_MiNd_xXx

[morbide]

[this is a video feed of henry, and tataru is in the background...]

Tataru, don't let any haters get you down about the glow-grub brew. That one's the gnarly stuff! As in, I think I could really wipe out an army after guzzling a glass of it! It's wicked. They're all just a bunch of cowards.

video [1/2]

[seemstressed]

<sub>[This one. This is the one she decided to contract with.

At the sight of him filming himself she's turning her head around right away, to spot the dark mage cheering her on just a few feet away. She's not sure whether to laugh or...

Well yeah, laughter seems like the best course of action. Besides! He appreciates her bug brew. A kindred desert spirit after her golden heart.]</sub>

Henry what are you-

[wordsinthesoul]

A taste of home, is it?

[It's… look, it's close enough, in some ways. Thancred hums, fingers tapping- mostly for the show of it.]

I wouldn't mind testing it. Is it a visit, then?

[seemstressed]

As best of an attempt that I've made thus far.

I was hoping you'd say as much, as I'm well aware you know your way around Ul'dah's watering holes.

[ Video ] un: dawnwitch

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona is still adjusting to these sorts of messages - she's seen them a time or two, but had yet to try responding to one. But the sight of Tataru in this one catches her interest and she watches with curiosity as the girl sets forth her proposition. Unable to resist, she attempts to set up a connection to reply, hoping she's doing this right. Luckily, it seems to work! ]

You seem to have been very busy! They both look very interesting! I'd be willing to try, if you like? I can't say that I've ever had a drink that looks like either of those before... Back home, some of my favorites were wines infused with sakura petals. But there was one popular brew made with honey that was commonly found in many taverns that was very delicious, as well.

[seemstressed]

Oh you would? Fantastic!

_{[At least someone seems brave enough to give them a go.]}

And those drinks sound quite good. I quite enjoy mead when I've the chance to drink it.

video! un: rosewiththorns

[poisontippedcure]

[The bug in the second one should probably deter Rose, but it doesn't. She's never been one to say 'no' to a friendly night of drinking, nor has she been known to say no to free alcohol.]

[Also, she's helping a friend.]

If it's for a good cause, far be it for me to say no.

[Translation: Please give her free booze.]

[seemstressed]

Ah, Rose. Just the lady I was hoping would volunteer.

It's for a very good cause.

_{[Read: filling her purse with coin.]}

un: ma - voice

[stopfen]

I...I owe you don't I? [Big time, she didn't owe Tataru one, she owed her many.] I'll try it.

[It wasn't like she hadn't eaten bugs... That had become pretty common. Even with the bond with Tendou, something Tataru might have heard about.]

I don't drink so I don't have a favorite.

[seemstressed]

_{[Oh Mikasa...poor, poor Mikasa. Is Tataru still upset about her ear? Mm...maybe just a little bit. It's fine though. Everything has healed and she's as good as new. Does Mikasa owe her? Technically no but hey, she's not going to say that.]}

I'm glad to hear it! Have you never had a drink before then?

Audio

[whomthebelltolls]

I need not the strength, but I'm curious about the stars one. Does it work to the exclusion of seeing other things?

[That sounds like a much more interesting way of getting blackout drunk. Not that Maria really can anymore, but she is curious to try.

In return, though, Tataru asked a question, so Maria will answer it:]

Where I come from, they do not make much alcohol. They imbibe far more intoxicating things.

[seemstressed]

Stars and nothing else, Lady Maria, if enough of it is consumed.

_{[Or so they say.]}

And what sorts of things would those be? I'm curious to know.

video; un: leslie

[foundfamilies]

[The definitely-too-young-to-be-volunteering face in the video looks disturbed.]

You make drinks out of...spirits?

[She is aware of alcohol, but she's not heard the term spirits used in a context outside of ghosts. Is that why the worm seems to be glowing? Or maybe there are a lot of little ghosts in the gold flecks...?]

[seemstressed]

_{[Oh Leslie you sweet summer child...or whenever you were born. Y'know how it goes.]}

Out of spirits? Oh no, no! The drinks aren't filled with ghosts.

_{[The Lalafell can't help but giggle at that. It's a pretty cute assumption, all things considered.]}

It's a type of alcoholic drink.

video;

[unsundered]

Well... you certainly know how to keep busy, don't you. Is there any field you're unwilling to find a foothold in?

[Though judging by the mild amusement in his tone, this doesn't count as a criticism.]

Though I don't believe that starry hallucinations and delusions of strength are particularly noteworthy effects when it comes to liquor.

[At least he's not complaining about the bug?]

[seemstressed]

One should never limit themselves, Emet-Selch!

_{[Meaning no, she's willing to try anything if it'll make her money, so long as her dignity remains intact.]}

Ah, do you say as much from experience?

_{[She's proud of you buddy.]}

@onni; video (1/2)

[scowlish]

[The video only shows a close-up of Onni's nostrils and a shock of coarse ash-blond hair - his bangs. Then he tilts his head and one blue-grey eye peers at the video. Then the camera lowers and there's a very unflattering from-the-bottom type shot.

A grunt, as Onni sees what he's sending, and then immediately the camera turns off.

How embarrassing. Video chat: Never Again.]

@onni; text (2/2)

[scowlish]

Is it safe?

text;

[whydogs]

Beer's my favorite drink.

[Don't go too wild over there, Jill.]

[seemstressed]

You can't really go wrong with it.

video; un: morgan

[redeemed]

Whiskey, I suppose.

[ He scratches at his stubble. ]

Heard of alcohol with worms in it before. Never had any, though.

[seemstressed]

A solid choice.

Did you want to try some?

video; un: 101

[lonewanderer]

Purified water is definitely my favorite.

[ But she's focused on the... glowing. ]

Is it radioactive?

[seemstressed]

Oh come now, I wouldn't drink it myself if it was.

video; un: chazuke

[needsteaplz]

I'd like to sample both if there's still any left. Perhaps it could inspire a new dish for me to pair them with.

As for my favorite drinks from my homeworld? I do enjoy a glass of umeshu from time to time. It's made by steeping rock sugar and Japanese plums in shouchu liquor for several months. Though I won't say no to a glass or two of sake either.

[seemstressed]

There's enough for you to try both!

Ahh...I haven't had sake in ages! It's imported from Kugane to Ul'dah, so it can be a bit expensive, considering the long trip it has to take. I'm quite fond of it though.

video, un: wwxwashere

[weiward]

[how, how, how could he miss this?]

So...you're looking for someone to drink for you?

[it sounds too good to be true.]

[seemstressed]

Yes! While I'm rather fond of drinks from Ul'dah that doesn't mean others are. It's important to see what the consensus is among those who are here.

_{[Especially if she plans on selling it down the line...]}

text | un: aegis

[finesseblade]

is that a worm

[seemstressed]

It's the larvae of a moth, actually.

video; un: gautier

[crestfallenfor]

[Honestly, Sylvain hadn't... paid that close of attention to the video feed itself - he's studying, and when he'd seen that Tataru had made a post, he tapped into it and... well, used her bright, cheery voice as background noise. It's useful for getting used to splitting his attention between casting this world's magic and paying attention to something else entirely.

That said? He's agreeing before he quite understands what he's getting into - and that much should be pretty obvious with how he's not looking at the camera, and with how the lighting shifts and changes just offscreen.]

I'll give them a try. Couldn't hurt, right?

[Quick, casual wink to the feed-]

I'm not terribly picky with my own drinks, though I do prefer wine and mead to ale, if I have a choice, and liquor if the taste doesn't matter.

[It's... stronger...]

[seemstressed]

It'll only hurt if you've a habit of choking.

_[Haha.]

Then you'll have no qualms about trying both then, yes?

video;

[auftauen]

[It always feels inappropriate to use these devices in a format that doesn't match the original message, but Crymaria has a little trouble making eye contact as she sits in the frame.]

The blue one is... actually very pretty. Is it just that it's particularly strong?

[She's never seen anything like it, and the curiosity comes through in her voice.]

I didn't really drink before. But...wine, now that I've been here.

[seemstressed]

It does pack a bit of a punch, yes...and if you drink too much of it you might hallucinate. You'd have to be excessive though! A taste of it won't have you on the floor I can assure you that much.

Wine is certainly a favourite of mine. It never goes out of style.

video;

[shadowsthedawn]

[The question is what is Tataru's stance of giving alcohol to teenagers? But being the curious individual he is, Riku can't help but be drawn in by the idea of tasting drinks from another world. Alcoholic or not.

The effects don't sounds so bad.]

It seems like you've gotten a lot of volunteers already, but if you need any more I'd be interested in trying your drinks.

[seemstressed]

_{[Considering Alphinaud is very much a teen and she absolutely bought him drinks at The Forgotten Knight...she has no issues with it. None whatsoever. There isn't exactly a drinking age in Eorzea.]}

Great! The more the better really!

_{[Just...how much of this stuff has she made??? Tataru???]}

video;

[exarchal]

[What... on earth has Tataru been up to? And why does the blue one remind him so much of the Crystal Tower?????]

I see you have kept yourself quite occupied, Mistress Tataru.

[seemstressed]

_{[The answer is...a lot of things. When you're always looking for a new Hustle you've gotta keep your ideas and market fresh.]}

Of course! It wouldn't do to waste time, you know.

_{[Time is money, after all...]}

text; un: magicowl

[getting_better]

I have no idea what a goo-boo is but I am always keen to try out a new drink or two.

[ He's counting in bottles by the way. ]

[seemstressed]

It's a very large monster with lots of teeth. They enjoy eating Lalafell and whatever else they can fit inside their mouths.

Do you have a preference of one over the other?

video; un: orchid (4th waller)

[puppetgirl]

[ A young girl stares deadpan into the feed with red eyes. While she would normally be excited over the prospect of trying a new recipe, something about Tataru has Orchid's attention. She has to ask, since this small woman greatly resembles some of her home world's inhabitants: ]

Are you... from the Sky Realm?

[ Lalafell look like the Harvin... ]

[seemstressed]

From the Sky Realm? No, no. I'm from Eorzea.

_{[They do look quite similar, don't they?]}

What is the Sky Realm?