Lavayla rinsed the diced greens once more and placed them into the stone pot with fresh water. This time, the scent that rose was greener and lighter, carrying a clean, earthy note. She let them cook until the fibers softened completely, stirring gently and testing their texture between spoon and pot wall.
Once they were tender enough to break apart easily, she removed the pot from the fire.
Only then did she combine everything.
She poured the vegetables and their cooking water into the tuber pot, then returned it to the fire. The mixture warmed slowly as she stirred, the softened tuber dissolving into the liquid and drawing the vegetables into a smooth, pale blend.
Lavayla crouched beside the fire, adjusting the stones beneath the pot to keep the flame low and steady. She stirred at regular intervals, patient and focused. This was food for a baby. It needed time, not force.
