Mari smiled to herself. Today was the day. The cooking festival was today. She stepped into the plaza, basket in hand and companions at her side. Lilac followed her as always, along with the new addition to their little family, Clover, the orphaned chipsqueek she had found five days ago. They continued on past throngs of people, until she saw familiar faces. Virtus was selling cakes to Nanashi, and Meara was off to the side with Corriander. She walked up to them, determined in her own way.

"G-good morning. Do you mind if I, um, set up my stall next to yours?" She asked, mostly to Virtus. Her free hand rubbed the back of her neck nervously as she sent a friendly smile to Nanashi. "Uh, i-it's just you g-guys seem to be having a good time, and I, um, I also brought some cakes and well, u-um..." She stuttered with the words, trying to convey her wishes to the others. Last year she had sold a good amount of sweets, but she was so nervous being the only one there. People had always told her she was a fine cook, but the truth was she could only make sweets and more homely dishes. Definitely not like the curry her grandmother made. Oh god how that curry burned, she couldn't get the taste off no matter how much milk she drank.