Preparing The Garden

Frauke was excited for this opportunity. From what she had heard, Blossom was preeminent when it came to mushrooms and mushroom cultivation. Frauke had intended for quite some now to grow the special mushrooms of Aerius at her home in Maquette. Partially because of the challenge it provided, but also as a pleasant surprise for Snorre. Of course he had never asked for her to do that. He always brought a selection of special mushrooms with him when he returned from his travels. But she was certain it would make him happy regardless and this thought made her happy in return.

Of course she would not tell him.of her plan, and she also said not a single word about it to Momme. Sometimes he was horrible with secrets, especially when it came to Snorre and her. Frauke didn't blame him, this was one of the things she loved so dearly about him. Keeping secrets was not always easy for her either, but in such cases, she simply told Waddles, Fey, or Taimi. So far, they had never betrayed her trust! She could not say the same about Lilla My. This Gextro insisted on doing the opposite of what she'd been asked.

The preparations for her journey had to be kept secret as well, but fortunately, none of the two men had a habit to pry. They were terribly curious, all three of them were. But imagining what the secret could be was a joy in itself, and probably the best part about them. So Frauke only casually informed her partners that she was going on a trip to Aerius on her own for a few days, starting tomorrow actually. She smiled, knowing this would keep them both up at night, discussing her seemingly sudden getaway.

Frauke had not been sure what she had expected, but she was pleasantly surprised to discover that Strawberry Gardens were a lovely greenhouse that was partially used as a shop. Upon entering, she was greeted by a pink Jelluxi, who curiously inspected her.

"Petal, you have to stop doing this!"

Blossom scolded, emerging from the isles. Frauke immediately recognised the white and pink Dextroluma before her.

"It's fine", she assured.

"I'm so sorry, I hope she didn't bother you", Blossom apologised regardless.

"She really has to learn to stay put."

Frauke smiled.

"Sieni doesn't do that either. I guess that's just typical for Jelluxi."

Blossom let out a soft laugh in response.

"Perhaps. Anyway, welcome to Strawberry Gardens! How can I help you?"

"Actually, I have come here for you", the Dexette answered.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Frauke reached into one of her skirt's pockets and unfolded a slightly crinkled flyer. In large pink letters, it asked for help preparing a plot of land.

"Is this still up to date?", Frauke wondered.

"Oh! Yes, actually ", Blossom beamed at her.

"Let me show you!"

They left the store through the backdoor and stepped out into a lush garden area, that had several beds where an abundance of mushrooms of all possible and impossible shapes and colours grew. Frauke looked at them with the utmost fascination. She noticed not all of them were growing on soil.

"These are amazing! How do you grow them?", she asked and turned to where she thought Blossom would be. But the pink Dextroluma was gone. The door of an adjacent shed was open.

"Sorry! Did you say anything?", Blossom called out from the inside. 

"Hold on!" Frauke shouted back and hurried over.

Before she could offer a hand, Blossom already shoved a bunch of tools at her.

"What's your size?", she asked, facing a collection of overalls and rubber boots. without turning around, already balancing another collection of tools and supplies in her arms.

"It's okay, I have all I need", Frauke assured her. Blossom turned around with a slightly puzzled expression.

"Don't you want work clothes?"

"I'm fine, don't worry!", Frauke assured her.

"I'm gardening in these clothes at home, too."

Balancing their various assortments, the two women left the shed and Blossom led them to one of the mushroom beds.

"We need to harvest some of these, and check for weeds in between them. Usually they do well on their own. But this isn't their natural habitat, so they need a little help every now and then", she explained.

Frauke nodded, and started to write down the most important parts into a little yellow notebook.

"Oh, that is smart!" Blossom cheered and continued to add in little breaks, allowing Frauke to catch up with her. The Dexette also included sketches of specific tools and bits of importance, such as signs of a healthy mushroom growth.

It felt as if she had only just begun, when the sky turned orange and the shadows grew tall.

Frauke could have listened to Blossom's explanations for many hours more, but to her surprise, it also seemed like all of their work was already done. The mushrooms that needed harvesting were collecting, the weeds were pulled out, new spores were added into the soil, mossy logs, and sprinkled into a small pond.

"Phew, what a day", Blossom exclaimed, exhausted, but happy.

Frauke picked up a green forest mushroom.

"Do you think I could grow them in Maquette?", she wondered.

"I'm certain!" Blossom smiled brightly.

"And if not, feel free to see me again. Actually, I'd love to know how it goes!"

Frauke blushed slightly.

"I'll do my best."

"That's all that matters", Blossom answered happily and began to collect the tools.