Glowroot Stew

My stomach growled, reminding me that it had been hours since my last meal. As an Underling traveler, I knew exactly what I needed: a hearty serving of Glowroot Stew.
Glowroot, a bioluminescent tuber native to the Wild Lands, was a staple for travelers like me. Its soft, greenish glow made it easy to spot in the twilight, and its earthy, slightly sweet flavor was a comfort after a long day of trekking. But finding it was only half the battle.
I crouched low, scanning the forest floor for the telltale glow. There, nestled between the roots of an ancient oak, I spotted a cluster of Glowroot. I pulled out my trusty digging knife and carefully unearthed the tubers, their light casting an eerie glow on my hands.
“Gotcha,” I muttered, tucking them into my satchel.
Back at my makeshift camp, I set to work preparing the stew. First, I peeled the Glowroot, revealing its pale, luminescent flesh. The trick was to slice it thinly, allowing the natural sugars to caramelize as it cooked. I added a handful of wild herbs—bitterleaf and firemint—that I had gathered earlier, their sharp scents mingling with the sweet aroma of the Glowroot.
As the stew simmered over the fire, I couldn’t help but think of my family back home. My younger sister, always eager for stories of my adventures, would love to hear about tonight’s meal. I could almost hear her voice, full of excitement and curiosity.
“Did you really eat glowing food, big brother?” she’d ask, eyes wide with wonder.
“Yes, and it was delicious,” I’d reply, ruffling her hair.
The stew was ready. I ladled a generous portion into my bowl, savoring the rich, complex flavors. The Glowroot was tender, its sweetness balanced by the bitterness of the herbs and the heat of the firemint. It was a meal fit for an adventurer.
As I ate, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The Wild Lands were dangerous, but they were also full of beauty and wonder. And as long as I had Glowroot Stew, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With a satisfied sigh, I leaned back against my pack, watching the firelight dance on the leaves above. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but for now, I was content. The Wild Lands had provided once again, and I was ready for whatever came next.