Roots' Relish

Roots' Relish is a bakery, herbalist, and flower shop in Amber Run, run by Arnica and Yesora.

## Description

A unique sight, the building itself is built around a large oaktree by the northwestern edge of town, bordering the woods. The bottom floor of the house is split in two, half of it functioning as a shop as well as general space, the other half functioning as backrooms to prepare the baked goods and potions put on display. It also has a small washroom with a bathtub that fills from the river. In the same room is a mill that's powered by a water wheel resting in the river.

The upper floor is a small living room with a large window facing east-southeast, overlooking the town. There are also two rooms, northwest for Arnica, southwest for Yesora.

On higher ground behind the house itself is the garden that Arnica cares for and further up into the woods is a small glade where Arnica awakened Flora and generally likes to spend her time.

The labour of the shop is divided between Arnica and Yesora, with Flora helping out. Generally, Arnica prepares the products and services they have, whilst Yesora handles the business side and actual sales.

For most of its time, the shop has lacked a proper name, instead being referred to as Arnica's Flower Garden, or similar. Only recently did Arnica name the shop itself to Roots' Relish.

## Stock and Services

At most times, the shop features a broad selection of baked goods, but on top of these, special orders can also be made. Some things only have limited availability, either seasonal or elsewise, as noted. Still, some of the more standard offerings are as follows:

* Amaranth cookies (savoury and sweet) - both kinds are available year round, though the ones made from popped seeds are more prominent during Highreign through Amberlight, and vice versa. Seasonal spices and flavoured with berries and fruits when in season, nuts when not.
* Apple-cinnamon tarts (sweet) - seasonal, Amberlight through Whiterose
* Carrot cake (sweet)
* Citrus-salt liquorice (savoury)
* Cocoa-almond pastries (savoury) - generally more available the colder half of the year
	+ Crispy cocoa flavoured wafer-like covering filled with creamy nougat with pieces of chopped almonds. Wafers are somewhat sweet but they're not overly so as a whole. The wafers are usually made with amaranth flour.
* Elderflower-lemon pastries (sweet) - seasonal, late Greencrown through Highreign
	+ Similar to a citrus infused sponge cake, though usually sold in smaller sizes. They have an elderflower and lemon drizzle added on top and are usually lightly decorated with a few elderflower petals.
* Fruit Scones (sweet) - seasonal, late Greencrown through Amberlight - berries and fruits depend on the season, elderflowers are often used early in the year.
* Ember Pastry (sweet), rarely available outside of special orders
* Klavata (sweet and savoury) - nuts and fruits depend upon the season
* Pistachio Mousse (sweet and savoury) - higher availability late Amberlight through Whiterose
* Rhubarb Pie (tart and sweet) - seasonal, Greencrown through early Highreign
* Shortbread (sweet), often with additional flavours, like vanilla
* Sorbet (sweet) - different flavours of sorbet are available late Greencrown through Amberlight
* Strawberry meringue (sweet)

They also stock several blends of teas and lemonade.

Broadly, alchemical supplies and ingredients can be procured, as well as various potions, both in stock and available by commission. According to Arnica, the sweets, teas and pastries sell best, though with the note that Yesora would know that better.

Further, one can purchase flowers as well as services for floral decorations.

On top of the services presented, most service connected to a trade skill Arnica is familiar with is something that can be requested.

## Racine

After the return from Rossthane and finally having finished her preparations, Arnica used the Scroll of Awaken she received for the dissertation she wrote with Anivia about Phaechrar to awaken the oaktree itself. After talking to her new friend, Arnica suggested the name "Racine" which they accepted.

Despite making a connection to Arnica immediately by virtue of the spell itself, Racine has shown to be reluctant regarding others. When Ashewan visited shortly afterwards, the house itself refused him entrance and it took some convincing from Arnica for Yesora to be able to move freely, mostly owing to her having lived there for years as well. Beyond this, Racine is quite shy and rarely speaks or shows themself to anyone but Arnica, though does move about on occasion when they know they're alone. They appreciated Ashewan's offer for further help if needed, the ratfolk wanting to make sure the improvements for the foundation done by him wasn't uncomfortable. Racine, however, didn't express any discomfort.