11. Herb Garden

Vervain hummed as they worked, this was a common occurrence, they hummed as they fed the fyrefowl every morning, they hummed as they tended to the lallabaa (when Jaden wasn't taking care of them), they hummed while cooking dinner every night. Today's melody was something a little different, and so was the task beneath Vervain's paws. Something about the cooler weather and Jaden's enthusiasm about sowing and planting the autumn garden had sparked a little curiosity in the celestial kitsu. Vervain wanted to try growing something, by themself. 

Now, they weren't new to growing things, they tended to the orchard and the varied gardens along with Jaden, after all, but that was the thing. Always along with Jaden. Of course, they had no problem with working alongside Jaden, but the stripey kitsu did have those green, green thumbs after all.

The celestial wanted to grow something, and so set about filling a collection of small, colorful pots that they had found up in the attic with soil, sowing various kinds of herb seeds and setting up the little future herb garden on the kitchen window's sills. Vervain absolutely adored the house they had found, and now shared with Jaden. It was old, but it was sturdy and spacious. Most rooms had many large windows. They often got to discover and uncover new secrets about the place. 

Today's discovery was that the kitchen windows were the perfect place to try growing things. Jaden told them; "South facing windows get the most sunlight," after finding the celestial in the kitchen arranging the collection of pots so they would look nice, and allow all of them to get enough sun access. Jaden recommended turning the pots once a week, it would help the plants to grow straight, rather than pressing into the window panes.

When Jaden offered to help the plants grow, Vervain quickly declined the offer, explaining, even if the herbs didn't grow the best that they could, Ver wanted to grow the herbs themself. The explanation had made Jaden smile, and promise not to mess with the various herb plants' progress, but if it was ever wanted, they would be there to help things along.

A few weeks later, one by one little sprouts appeared, then more and more. The plants grew straight and tall, and Vervain made sure to turn the pots a little bit every week, as Jaden suggested. Even if it was slow, the little plants' progress made Vervain happy, and a happy Vervain made Jaden happy too. It was nice to see Vervain enjoying a little plant project of their own.

Jaden asked why Vervain had chosen to plant herbs. Vervain's answer was simple, but lovely. Growing their own herbs, they could be used when they cooked meals for the two of them. Vervain preferred sweet things, but Jaden preferred their foods to be savory. Adding different herbs to their meals would broaden both of their food horizons. Jaden looked forward to when the plants were big enough to be added to their meals in the future.

(WC: 510)