Much to my surprise, one sharkpony was preparing a kettle of tea, suspending the iron pot over a small fire. I paused and inquired whether he had leaves for sale--Celestia knows that my mistress and I have gone far too long without a decent cup, and a taste of home might raise Madame Fog’s spirits and fortify her for our travels.
As it turned out, the concoction wasn’t tea at all, but a form of concentrated algae, boiled and refined into a hot beverage. Against my better judgment, I accepted a taste of the liquid and found it to be surprisingly good, even if a little strong in its salty flavor.
After some haggling, I purchased several packets of the dried components. I felt certain that Madame Fog would turn her nose up at the idea of drinking algae, but it would certainly do in a pinch, and make an interesting souvenir of our journey besides.
My spirits were lifted as I discovered one stand selling so-called sea cucumbers...
Eventually I stumbled across a trader who specialized in kelp and seaweed...