Aria the Natural #14: That Newest Memory…

When you wake earlier than you typically do, you see a slightly different world. The air is cooler, the light comes faintly from the east (or the last dim light of a setting moon). It’s a good time for Akari to practice how to navigate using the palinas. Although the oceans of Aqua also have modern electronic navigation bouys, the classic wooden poles are part of the city’s heritage. And they still work even when there’s no electricity.

The palinas help for travelling on the water. Akari’s idea to paint a palina sends her on a journey through the past of Aria Company. The photographs, writings, and stories passed on by word of mouth are guideposts as she explores the world. The palina she paints will act as a reminder of Akari’s role in their history.

A popular theory of Aria is that it is the story of Aria Company as told by Ai. Akari speaks directly to the audience when she says that future apprentices will be able to meet her and Alicia by looking at the palina.

A very late post because I spent most of the week on holiday. I’ll get back on schedule with Aria the Origination #12: Embraced by That Blue Sea and Wind…

Aria the Origination #10: The Excitement on That Moon-Gazing Night…

Close friends are often said to be able to read each other’s minds. That may be an exaggeration, but it’s true that when you understand someone well, you can communicate indirectly. When Akari and Aika are caught spying on Alice, she says she doesn’t like being watched while she works. However, she also asks for their opinions about her demeanor. The unspoken message being that she’s happy her friends care about her so much.

When Akari suggests they have a moon-gazing party, she doesn’t need to say that it’s to celebrate Alice’s first day as a prima. And when Aika teases Alice about the dango, she’s really telling her to cheer up. These tacit conversations are how friends share feelings that are too embarrassing to say out loud. If Aika can barely mention wanting to see Al without stammering in front of Alice and Akari, how could she possible say it to his face?

So those two talk in a maze of indirection and shadowed allusions. But this night Aika learns an encouraging secret about Al. No, not that he’s perhaps the only gnome to ever be afraid of the dark. What Al tells her, by metaphor, is that he’s just as nervous about their relationship as she is. The two of them are not separate bodies floating in space, uncertain if they’ll draw closer or drift apart. Rather, they’re trapped in a well of love, both feeling the same fear but also happy to be together.

What a delightfully romantic episode. Even President Aria and President Hime were feeling it. Another sentimental episode next week as I’ll be watching Aria the Natural #25: The Fruits Of That Encounter… And to kick-off the second half of my year on Aqua, I’ll also watch Aria the Origination picture drama #5: Alice’s Ghost Story.

Aria the Origination #1: That Imminent Spring Breeze…

Believe in the Undine who believes in you

“Spring is almost here,” don’t I wish. Well, seeing Neo-Venezia frosted with snow makes me feel like I’m there. And it is warmer today than the past few weeks. Not that I expect it to last very long. But “spring” is a metaphor for the events that will happen in The Origination. It’s a theme that is repeated throughout the episode.

Most of all, however, this episode is about food.

Involtini is a meat or vegetable wrap, sauteed and braised. Here’s a recipe for a guacamole salmon involtini from Food & Wine magazine.

1. Preheat a skillet. Toss 3 medium scallions, 2 whole cloves of garlic, and 1 seeded and sliced jalapeno pepper in a small bowl with 1 tbsp. vegetable oil. Grill until charred then let cool.
2. Chop the scallions and jalapeno then mix with the peeled and mashed garlic. Mix in the flesh from 3 avocados. Add ¼ cup chopped cilantro,  2 tbsp. lime juice, salt and pepper.
3. Fold 1 lb. cream cheese and 2 tsp. jalapeno sauce into the guacamole mix.
4. Take 2 lbs. of sliced smoked salmon in pairs. Cut a 4×6 inch strip out of each pair. Spread the filling along the short side of each strip, about 1 inch wide. Roll into cylinders and freeze for 15 minutes.
5. Cut to size and serve on mini toast.

Enjoy your meal!