[ It's all science... he sounds like a wizard talking about the arcane. Or an artificer...

But! At his encouragement, she does start to dig in earnestly; there's something meticulous about the way she samples each different ingredient that's found its way into her bowl, and each bite she takes, she seems to consider rather thoughtfully. She's a foodie!! ]

Mmm... Very savory! And spicy, as you said, but the flavorful sort of spice. It's rather... comforting, this army stew! [ A beat. ] Might you know why it's named that way, Mister River?