Transmigrated as a Ghost

"These rooms are certainly different from what we are used to in Borealia. But I do really like the tile work." Mrazivý said while sitting on the bed and looking around.

With Jed's assistance they had easily checked into their room at the Bahr Hotel which catered to wealthy merchants visiting the city.

Unlike in Borealia, where the sheets and blankets were heavy to keep people warm, things were very light due to the heat. And as the hotel was not cheap there was actually a magical device similar to air conditioning keeping it cooled. Though there was no way for it to be adjusted and it was simply left at a set temperature of around twenty five degrees Celsius.

"It is too bad it does not have a kitchen. I was hoping to be able to experiment with the ingredients I just brought." Marcus said with a sigh.

"I am sure we will have plenty of chances for you to try cooking later. Plus, this is only the first city we are visiting. We have a long journey ahead of us until we reach the southern end of the country. I am sure you will pick up plenty more ingredients along the way." Mrazivý said to comfort Marcus.

"Now we can worry about food later. Jed is out getting some for us. Instead, let us try out this new board game I picked up. We certainly exhausted what we already had on us during our trip here, but neither of us have played this before."

With an exited sparkle in her eyes Mrazivý pulled out the ornate stone box she had purchased which had the traditional broad game played in Aezam within.

"Looks like I win again. That makes three for me and one for you." Mrazivý said, tallying their scores on a sheet of paper.

"You just keep getting lucky. I think that these shells just hate me or something." Marcus said picking up the polished shells that were used to determine how the pieces in the game moved.

He tired rolling them experimentally a few times and each time the shells landed in ways that would be poor for an opening start.

Thankfully for Marcus he did not have to play another match against Mrazivý who was surprisingly lucky at this game since Jed had returned.

"I did as you both asked and gathered some of the popular traditional dishes served in the city." Jed said, pulling out several plates and bowls from his magic bag.

Immediately Mrazivý and Marcus were hit with the smell of very fragrant spices.

"Oh, they have cumin and sumac here." Marcus said with a delighted tone. Recognizing the spices from his time on Earth.

He had been able to fine a number of spices he knew about from Earth in Borealia, but this was his first time finding these two.

Mrazivý on the other hand was a bit more pensive about some of the food that smelled very strongly of unfamiliar scents.

In Borealia their cooking techniques were certainly different, and most dishes did not smell heavily of spices.

Still, seeing Marcus jump in and start eating the dishes she did as well, and found that everything was quite good.

"This is one of the best parts about traveling. Getting to try all of the new food." Marcus said before tossing a deep fired ball that had ground beans, vegetables, and a number of spices in it.

"I agree. This fish on top of a bed of this yellow grain is quite good." Mrazivý said.

Naturally the fish in a port city were exceptionally fresh, and thanks to the ocean proving a great variety of different types the fish they were having tonight was not something they had eaten before.

"Oh, I was not sure at first, but this is definitely rice. I believe that they managed to make it yellow thanks to the spice blend it was cooked with." Marcus said when he carefully examined what Mrazivý was eating.

"You know what this grain is Marcus?" Mrazivý asked.

This was actually her first time having it and had never heard of it before.

"Yeah, it was widespread back on Earth, and most people at least ate it occasionally. It keeps well and is not difficult to cook. I actually bought a little in Borealia before, but it was really expensive and not very popular. Bread or potatoes are what people use as a starch since they are far more widely available. It would simply be impossible to grow rice in Borealia without a specialized magic facility, so it has to be imported likely from a fair distance away. The climate in the north is just unfavorable for the plant." Marcus explained.

"I see. That means we should buy as much as we can here. I actually quite like it and want to see what else you can do with it." Mrazivý said, scooping another spoonful into her mouth.

The two of them continued to enjoy the vast feast of food common in Aezam until late into the night.

Eventually Jed did tell them that it would be best to get some rest, as they were going to be meeting with representatives from the Eazim Clan tomorrow.

Taking him up on his advice Marcus and Mrazivý headed to their room and got ready for bed.

"Hopefully things go well tomorrow. Daniel was not able to get permission for us to enter the Desolate Desert before we arrived and if they refuse it is going to make things more difficult for us." Mrazivý said to Marcus while they changed their clothes for bed.

"I think that it will be fine, probably. Daniel said that the negotiations were going favorably and that those he was communicating with wanted to meet us before making any decisions. Worst case scenario, we can just sneak in, but it would be best if we stick to official channels. I want to get as much support and information about this place as we can before we enter. There is no telling what could be in that desert. Now let us get to sleep. Tomorrow is probably going to be a long day" Marcus responded.