#Pear Liqueur

[nahisummerhold]

"What's the biggest family secret you've ever kept? Who is the most embarrassing person in your family?"

Nahi smiles at Kai over a tumbler of very nice whiskey, “Hmmmm, well I often kept who my father was sleeping with from my mother, but other people were happy to run to her with that information, to hurt her, hurt him, or to just stir up trouble. I would have to say my grandmother’s recipe for pear liqueur, we used to make it together when I was young and all her friends would ask her for it but I think I am the only one she taught it to. I really should make some of it for having around the house.”

“Most embarrassing? I would say hands down my uncle.” She takes another sip and shakes her head. “He is the type of bitter person that always tried to belittle someone else. When he drinks he will go on and on about how he should have been born their heir over my father. How my father was only worth anything because of my mother. He even berates his own children.” Even the thought of that had her taking a deep breath in to control her anger, “I may comment once in a while about things in my family, but I don’t say any of it to hurt anyone.” 

(Thanks for the question @kaisinasunblade)

[askwhatsforlunch]

Spiced Pear Puddings

Sometimes you fancy something warm and comforting for dessert, especially when you’re nursing a cold; but something easy to make, too! And I am really, really grateful to my last Summer self, who made preserves and liqueurs from the fruit glut I picked on the garden trees; because my present Winter self, with an achy throat and low energy, could make and enjoy these delicious Spiced Pear Puddings! They are the epitome of comfort, indeed!

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter + a little more for greasing

6 heaped tablespoons Pear and Ginger Preserve

2/3 cups plain flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

a pinch of salt

4 tablespoons caster sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup thick plain or Greek Yoghurt

1 tablespoon Spiced Pear Liqueur

In a small saucepan, melt butter over a low flame. Once melted, remove from the heat; set aside.

Generously butter two ramekins. Spoon Pear and Ginger Preserve at the bottom of each ramekin, levelling with the back of a spoon. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Give a good stir to mix. Dig a well in the middle of the dry ingredients, and break in the egg. Add thick yoghurt, and stir, gradually adding melted butter until just blended. Then, stir in Spiced Pear Liqueur.

Gently spoon batter on top of Pear and Ginger Preserve in prepared ramekins, levelling with a spatula.

Place ramekins in the middle of the warm oven, and bake, at 160°C/320°F, 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the puddings comes out clean.

Remove from the oven, and let cool slightly, before gently turning out onto serving plates.

Serve Spiced Pear Puddings warm, with Vanilla Custard. 

[eoghankidney]

Specialty Dessert Recipe A pear liqueur-infused syrup coats fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a sophisticated summer fruit dessert. It's wonderful served alone or on a scoop of vanilla gelato. The berries need to sit for several hours to blend the flavors.

[aydennelson]

Specialty Dessert - Drunken Berries A pear liqueur-infused syrup coats fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a sophisticated summer fruit dessert. It's wonderful served alone or on a scoop of vanilla gelato. The berries need to sit for several hours to blend the flavors.

[morethansalad]

Homemade Pear Liqueur (Vegan)

[acocktailmoment]

Once Upon a Paris Bar !

Ingredients:

Bee Pollen(optional)

3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) blended Irish whiskey

2 1/2 tablespoons pear juice

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) orange liqueur

2 teaspoons honey simple syrup (see Note)

Lemon wheel

Directions:

Rim half of a coupe glass generously with bee pollen, if using, and set glass aside. Combine whiskey, pear juice, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and honey simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Place lid on shaker; shake until mixture is cold, about 15 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Note:

For honey simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup hot water and 1/2 cup honey in a small bowl. Stir until honey dissolves, and let cool before using. Leftover syrup can be used in teas, marinades, or desserts.

Courtesy: Oisin Kelly

This article was not sponsored or supported by a third-party. A Cocktail Moment is not affiliated with any individuals or companies depicted here.

[perdido]

Making Pear Liqueur

©️2024 Eduardo Mueses, All rights Reserved

(Click on Image to see it bigger)

[cranberryflavor]

Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist

Try this sweet, rich colored, butter-like spread made with ripe pears and a hint of lemon Liqueur. So easy to make and oh so good on toast or hot biscuits. If you prefer a lighter colored butter use white sugar in place of brown sugar.

[hippieannies]

Recipe for Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist Try this butter-like spread that is made with ripe pears and a touch of lemon liqueur. It is sweet and rich in color. So simple to prepare and delicious on toast or warm biscuits. Use white sugar in place of brown sugar for butter that is a lighter color if you prefer.

[millereddie]

Liqueur Dessert - Pears Panos Bosc Pears make their own light syrup right on the stove top. Add a touch of vanilla and orange liqueur, and you have an elegant fruit dessert.

[exhausted-archivist]

The Foods of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

This covers all the new foods mention in the game, unless noted otherwise, these foods are considered universal as they don't have a specific place of origin mentioned.

New Ingredients:

Alubia carilla - Antivan, aka blacked eyed peas

Antivan Lemon Thyme

Apricot

Cheese Curds

Chocolate, Dark

Clinging Morsel - a hearty fungus that is common in rural cuisine

Cow Heart

Cream, Heavy

Dragon's Bounty - known for its health benefits, it has tough green skin that opens and reveals dozens of tart arils.

Dragon Pepper - Rivain

Dragon Root

Dwarf Spice Collection - contains eight different spices.

Flax Seed

Figs, Purple

Ginger Root - a popular ingredient in Qunari cuisine

Gingerwort Truffle - common in the Anderfels and the Arlathan forest. When made into a tea it can have some magical side effects.

Green Cabbage

Horned Melon

Human Spice Collection - a collection with two spices

Kale

Lineseed

Mangos - Tevinter

Melon

Nocen Bass - a hearty denizen of the Nocen Sea

Nocen Shrimp

Olive Oil - Antivan

Pineapple - Tevinter and Rivain

Potatoes, New

Potatoes, Sweet

Pumpkin, Warty

Rialto Trout - a fish featured in both Antivan and Rivaini cuisine

Rivaini Pitaya - a colourful fruit with a sweet, delicate flavor. Though pitaya refers to dragonfruit family, the fruit doesn't look like dragonfruit.

River Salmon

Saffron

Sea Bass

Seere Peppers - Rivaini

Short-grain Rice - Antivan

Spearmint

Spicy Spice Collection - contains fourteen jars

Spring Onions

Striped Cod

Sugar, Brown

Sweetmelon

Tomatoes, Cherry

Vinegar, Dark

Vinegar, White

Walnut

Yam

New Foods:

Aged Antivan Cheese

Antaam Provisions

Antivan Dressing

Antivan Seafood Soup - uses sea bass, nocen shrimp, striped cod, squid, saffron, and salt

Apple Cake - Fereldan

Apple Cheesy Butter Noodles - Fereldan, a recipe made by Harding

Apple Dumplings - Fereldan

Apricot Liqueur

Armada Special - a Rivaini sandwich comprised of meat and cheese, it can have greens, pineapple, and more meat and cheese added. Or one can make it "Nevarran" meaning vegetarian.

Bran Cookies

Breaded Cheese Wands - Rivain, sticks of cheese breaded

Breadstick

Bronto Steak

Bug-cakes

Candied Sage Leaves - a popular Nevarran snack

Carta Fries - a Riviani dish, served as a side

Cheesy Toast

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Churro - Antivan

Cider Porridge

Citrus Bagna Cauda - Antivan, a citrus sauce with anchovies

Coffee Ice - a frozen Minrathous treat, served with cream and toffee sauce on top. It is "like snow" but tastes of coffee

Cucumber sandwich

Dalish Seafood Soup

Deep Roads Crispers - a Rivaini dish

Demon-hair pasta

Eel Soup - Qun

Elderberry Pie - served in Ferelden and Tevinter

Elfroot Jelly

Fish Head Stew - Qun

Fish of the Day with Pear Slaw - Tevinter

Fish-fry

Free Marches Mash-up - a Rivaini dish

Fried Bread

Fried Bread with Herbs

Fried Leeks and Potatoes

Fried Peppers

Fry-bread - Tevinter

Gooseberry Pie

Gravy on Fish

Greens - salad

Greens with Antivan, Orlesian, or House Dressing

Griddle Cake

Grilled Fish Kebab

Grilled Halla - Dalish

Grilled Skewerd Squid

Grilled Treviso - Antivan, a fish named after the city

Grilled Treviso with Citrus Bagna Cauda

Hal's Fried Fish - Tevinter

Halla Cakes - Dalish

Ham and Herbs

Ham and Jam Slam - a Fereldan sandwich comprised of toast, butter, ham, and jam. Made by Harding.

Hazlenut Torte - Nevarran

Honey Cake with Figs - Tevinter

House Dressing - a Rivaini dressing

Isskap - a Qunari dish, that uses melons

Jam Pudding - Fereldan

Jam Tart - Fereldan

Jam, Apple

Jam, Cherry

Jam, Strawberry

Khachapuri - Tevinter, there is a three cheese variety

Lavender Cream - Antivan

Mince Pie

Mutton Stew - Fereldan

Mystery Stew

Nevarran Tomb Cheese

Non-Seafood Paella - Antivan

Noodles and Gravy

Nordbotten Cream - made of brined sheep's milk from Nordbotten

Orange Liqueur

Orlesian Dressing

Orlesian Sauce

Pasta Made of Peppers and Oil

Peanut Butter and Sausage Special - Tevinter

Pear Slaw - Tevinter

Peppered Steaks

Poached Crustaceans - Tevinter

Pork Dumplings - Fereldan

Pork Hand Pies with Fresh Herb Sauce - Tevinter

Potato Stew

Poutine

Rarebit - Nevarran

Raw Oysters on Ice with Lemon and Mint - Tevinter

Rhubarb Pie - Tevinter and Fereldan

Roasted Cabbage

Roasted Cabbage and Gravy

Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken Salad

Robust Loaf - a crusty, wholesome brown bread

Rolled Noodles

Salted Meat, Halla

Sauced Eels - Qunari

Sausage Sauced with Nut Butter Stuffed in a Bun - Tevinter

Savory Pie with Spinach - Tevinter

Scorpion Pasta - Tevinter

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled Eggs and Gravy

Sea Monster Kebab - Rivaini

Seafood Paella

Seleny Ham - Antivan

Smoked Trout

Souffle

Spiced Fried Lentils - Tevinter

Spiced Porridge

Spit-Roasted Nug - Tevinter

Strawberry Tart

Street Meat

Sugar-biscuit Candy

Tarta de Limon - Antivan

Taste of Ferelden Bread and Cheese Spread

Tentacle Salad - Tevinter

The Divine's Hat - An Orlesian soft cheese molded to resemble the Divine's crown.

The Revered Mother's Knickers - Fereldan

Treviso Ham - Antivan

Turnip Stew - Fereldan

Vanilla and Nutmeg Tart

Venison Souffle

White Sauce

Wild Meat and Mushrooms - Dalish

Yam and Jam Slam - a Fereldan sandwich comprised of toast, butter, yam, and jam. Made by Harding.

Zeff's Fried Fish

New Drinks

Andoral's Breath - a type of coffee common in Treviso

Antivan Heritage Brandy

Antivan House Wine

Aromatic Coffee - Antivan

Assembly Ale - Dwarven

Cioccolata Calda - Antivan

Daisy Fun-Time Lemon Gin - Antivan, a juniper spirit flavoured with local flowers and fruit.

Dew of the Dales - Elven, Antivan. Spirits for the spirited, an elven elevation of the brewing arts only sold in Antiva.

Dock Town Homebrew - Tevinter

Dragon Piss Ale

Dwarven Stout - an Orzammar recipe, brewed by the dwarven Ambassadoria

Fire Brandy - used to flambé desserts

Ginger Tea

Gingerwort Truffle Tea

Grappling Hook - a white liqueur with hints of elderflower. Served with three coffee beans

Halla Milk

Kirkwall Select 9:36 - after the Kirkwall Rebellion, few barrels survived.

Lavender Tea

Lemon Gin - Antivan

Minrathous Red - hints of plum and spices

Minrathous White - a light and refreshing drink for humid Tevinter summers

Nevarran Red

Pomace Brandy - Antivan, brandy made from the pomace leftovers of wine making

Qun on the Rocks - Antivan, rum is matched with salt water and presumably seasonal fruit from Par Vollen.

Rivaini Moonshine - home-distilled Rivaini moonshine not for the faint of heart or stomach

Starkhaven Lager

Teven Lager - popular Dock Town amber brew

Vint-6 the common Red - thick and sweet, it is served by the sip. Tradition says that the more who partake, the greater the fortune

Vyrantium Brandy

[literaryvein-reblogs]

More Writing Notes: Cocktails

Traditionally, a cocktail (or a mixed drink) is a beverage that contains a mixture of alcoholic spirits combined with other ingredients, such as simple syrups, tonics, bitters, fruit juice, club soda, or other fizzy waters.

Today you can also find a variety of nonalcoholic spritz cocktails that combine alcohol-free spirits with mixer ingredients.

6 Mixology Tools

Bar spoon: long-handled spoon that makes it easy to stir drinks in tall glasses or pitchers.

Citrus juicer: extracts juice from citrus fruits and vegetables by shredding the flesh of the food item.

Cocktail glasses: there are several different shapes of cocktail glasses, and each corresponds to a different type of mixed drink.

Cocktail shaker: A shaker is a tall container (usually metal) that makes it easy for bartenders to shake crushed ice and cocktail ingredients together to quickly cool down the beverage.

Cocktail strainer: The strainer fits over the shaker and lets you pour the cocktail into the glass while leaving behind the ice and any other ingredients, like herbs, that you used to shake the cocktail.

Muddler: When a cocktail recipe includes directions to muddle ingredients, usually fruit or herbs, it means to smash them to release the essential oils and fruit pulp. A muddler is a small handheld rod that lets you easily muddle ingredients in a cocktail glass.

Some Popular Cocktails

Bloody Mary: This classic brunch cocktail contains vodka mixed with tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a combination of herbs and spices. Bartenders typically serve a Bloody Mary in a tall glass, such as a pint glass or highball glass, and garnish with a celery stick.

Daiquiri: One of the classic rum cocktails, a daiquiri contains rum (white rum or Cuban rum), lime juice, and simple syrup. Today’s drink menus typically contain a variety of daiquiris that range from classic cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri (which contains lime juice, grapefruit juice, and Italian maraschino liqueur) to fruity cocktails like a shaken strawberry daiquiri.

Gimlet: Contains three ingredients: vodka (or gin), fresh lime juice, a splash of simple syrup for added sweetness, and an optional lime wedge for garnish.

Manhattan: Containing whiskey (or sometimes cognac), sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters, the Manhattan is a simple yet elegant cocktail. The classic cocktail, which was invented in New York, is stirred, not shaken, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Margarita: There are several variations of margarita recipes. The classic margarita is served over ice cubes and contains lime juice, tequila (or mezcal), orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec), and lime and salt for the garnish. Experiment with other flavors—use lemon juice instead of lime, add a dash of agave syrup to sweeten the drink, or add a hint of spice with the addition of a few slices of jalapeño. For those who prefer fruit flavors, try making a watermelon, pomegranate, or strawberry margarita.

Martini: The classic martini is a boozy cocktail. The original contained three parts gin to one part vermouth with an olive or onion to garnish. A vodka martini calls for vodka in place of gin. Other drinks—such as an espresso martini, fruity drinks, or vodka cocktails like a cosmopolitan (often called a Cosmo), pear, or apple martini (also called an appletini)—are not considered martinis. Instead, they get their name from the cocktail glass.

Mint julep: Famous as the refreshing cocktail served at the Kentucky Derby horse racing events, a mint julep contains bourbon, simple syrup, and a muddle of mint. It’s typically served over crushed ice with a sprig of mint leaves.

Mojito: A highball cocktail with origins in Cuba, the mojito is a popular cocktail across the globe. Mix up white rum, sugar, mint, lime, and club soda (or soda water), and then add ice. The mojito is often called a perfect summer cocktail.

Moscow mule: Contrary to its name, the Moscow mule cocktail likely originated in New York, not the Russian capital. To make the fizzy drink combine vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and garnish with lime slices and sprigs of mint. It’s usually served in a copper mug, though food experts note the copper does not impact the flavor of the drink.

Negroni: With its balance of sweet and bitter, a classic Negroni is an ideal apéritif. Combine equal parts gin, Campari (or Aperol), and sweet vermouth. Shake them with ice and serve the drink with an orange twist. Other varieties of Negronis add additional layers of flavors using ingredients such as orange bitters, Champagne or prosecco, and a lime or lemon twist.

Piña colada: This favorite summer cocktail, which reportedly originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is traditionally made with white rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and a squeeze of lime juice, and served with fresh pineapple for garnish. Blend the ingredients with ice cubes to create a slushie drink.

Tequila Sunrise: With only three ingredients, fresh orange juice, tequila, and grenadine syrup, the Tequila Sunrise tastes best when you use high-quality ingredients. White tequila is recommended for a fresher taste and a more vibrant color. You can make a variation of the cocktail called the Coconut Sunrise, which uses coconut rum instead of tequila.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Cocktails ⚜ Food History

[askwhatsforlunch]

Pear Rickey

This Pear Rickey, which beautifully combines the refreshing brightness of a rickey with the Autumnal tones of Spiced Pear Liqueur, is exactly what one needs to toast to the last warm and sunny days of the season! Cheers!

Ingredients (serves 1):

3 ice cubes

½ lemon

 30 millilitres/1 fluid ounce (2 tablespoons) Spiced Pear Liqueur

 30 millilitres/1 fluid ounce (2 tablespoons) London Dry Gin

chilled seltzer water, to top

Fill a highball or large glass with ice cubes. Cut a slice of lemon, and add it to the glass. Pour in Spiced Pear Liqueur and Gin. Top with chilled seltzer water.

Enjoy Pear Rickey immediately. Cheers!

[flagellant]

The Taoist Catboy

This was made for my upcoming (as in, in like 20 minutes from now) Nine Sols livestream! It's a surprisingly mellow drink. When you take a sip, there's a very brief burst of fruitiness, which quickly simmers down into a mellow, full-bodied botanical brandy burn. Perfectly balanced. Just like our star catboy really isn't.

METHOD

-2 parts pear brandy

-1 parts melon liqueur

-.25 parts prickly pear syrup

-5 drops of lavender and lemonbalm bitters

-a couple splashes of rose water

Pour directly into a coupe glass and stir gently. Enjoy responsibly.

[fiddles-ifs]

drinks i can do. full recipes under the cut

FIDDLES' MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED

2 oz mezcal (i like El Silencio Espadin)

1 bar spoon of agave syrup (mix .25:1 ratio of agave and hot water -- stir until pourable)

4 dashes orange bitters

2 dashes Aztec chocolate bitters

2 dashes Angosturra bitters

1 pinch salt

Stir over ice

Peel and express an orange peel

PUMPKIN JACK

1 oz Case One rum (only made in Maryland -- a similar aged rum will do, but Case One has a butterscotch-y taste that lends itself well to dessert drinks)

.5 oz Amaretto of choice (i prefer Disaronno)

2 oz fresh poured espresso

Top with hot water

Float pumpkin whipped cream (cook down one can of 1:1:2 can of pumpkin puree:granulated sugar:water until thickened. Strain through a chamois or cheesecloth. Add pumpkin syrup 1:2 parts heavy whipping cream and shake until pourable consistency)

Grate fresh nutmeg

Served in an Irish coffee or cone glass.

DRUMS OF AUTUMN

1.5 oz Hennessey VS

.5 oz Cherry Heering

.5 oz Drambuie liqueur

1 oz St. George spiced pear liqueur

Stir over ice

Garnish with Luxardo cherry and dehydrated orange peel

Served in a double rocks glass

DEWAR'S DECIBEL

1.5 oz Dewar's scotch

.5 hazelnut syrup

1 oz velvet falernum

.25 lemon juice

Shake and dump into tall Collins glass

Top with soda water

Garnish with dehydrated lemon and edible flowers

GOLDEN HOUR

1.5 oz McClintock Forager gin (also only made in Maryland. Wild foraged gin preferred)

1 oz sage tincture (add 1/4 quart/.25 liters fresh sage to container. cover with vodka or neutral grain spirit. Let steep for 24 hours, then strain through chamois or cheesecloth)

.5 oz blanc vermouth

2 dashes cardamom bitters

1 dash lemon bitters

Served in a martini or coup glass

Garnish with lemon peel and edible flowers

LAST DAY OF SUMMER

This is a difficult cocktail because it requires a dehydrator (or an oven set to a very low temperature, and a few extra steps. First: make dehydrated brown sugar pineapples.

Either cut pineapples into wheels, or remove pineapple wheels from cans. Coat with brown sugar, then arrange onto a baking sheet (if you're dehydrating in an oven, place another baking sheet underneath). Place in dehydrator or oven set to the lowest setting and dehydrate. The brown sugar will turn syrupy and thick. Reserve pineapple brown sugar syrup.)

.75 oz bourbon

.5 oz lemon juice

.5 oz Ancho Reyes chili liqueur

.75 pineapple brown sugar

Shake and dump into double rocks glass

Garnish with dehydrated pineapple

[ontoilogical]

Pear Liqueur, Milk and Letters

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3 Characters: Dame Aylin/Isobel Thorm, Ketheric Thorm Length: 4066 words Rating: T Summary: The Moonmaiden's Emissary and Moonrise Towers' cleric had just met, but are already looking forward to the next opportunity to talk. A series of moments for both of them, individually and together. Notes: Written for Aylin/Isobel Week 2025 @aylinisobel-week The prompts: Moonrise over Reithwin | Mundane, formal, ritual, promise (Day 1)

Big thank you to @oathkeeper-of-tarth and What a Gentleman, who have both contributed to the existence of this fic and its contents.

AO3 link

–

The festivities are planned to last deep into the night, as is customary and somewhat to be expected from followers of the Moonmaiden. Dame Aylin, having finished her task in the area – outmaneuvering a long-planned attack on the enclave meant to significantly weaken Selûnite influence in the region and its nearby towns –  stands somewhat away from the party's central location, holding a generously filled goblet of drink she had been given. The faithful gather around the fire – a staple during the colder months of the year only, her Mother's followers preferring otherwise milder, manifested illumination over the sharp light of a contained, open flame. Dame Aylin does not need the fire's warmth – her unique constitution earns her indifference towards the chill. Nor does she need the attention that comes with a prominent position, having already performed her post-battle duties of opening the evening and recounting individual acts of bravery from the battlefield. Dame Aylin is, however, not free of company.

To the Sword of the Moonmaiden, Dame Aylin,

I send this letter on behalf of Moonrise Towers and its presiding residents, with heartfelt wishes it finds You well. While news generally arrives quickly to us, as we are blessed to be part of a well-travelled route towards other areas, we still await with anticipation for updates on Your triumphant victory and success against our lasting foes. With the Moonmaiden’s guidance, may it be an inevitability.

You may be pleased to know Governor Ketheric Thorm’s efforts to secure enough provisions to last through the cold, cropless season are well underway. As for His daughter, Lady Isobel Thorm – my clerical duties are taking me momentarily outside Moonrise Towers and Reithwin, as I have been called to assist a nearby community in need of an experienced healer.

In case of any other developments, we shall strive to keep You informed to the best of our abilities.

Moonrise Towers, Reithwin and its whole community eagerly await Your return from Your duties, so as to continue those begun here, Moonmaiden permitting.

Faithfully, in Her name, Lady Isobel Thorm, Cleric of the Moonmaiden

Aylin swallows a mouthful of the drink, frowning. It is a strange and not entirely palatable combination of pear liqueur and milk, a Selûnite delicacy. It is previously known to her. Aylin sets the empty goblet on the ground and folds the letter back into a hidden pocket of her armour only she can find. Lady Isobel Thorm, the radiant beacon of her latest longer posting, sent her a letter. Up until now, Aylin had no need to make her location known to others in any capacity, whether because she never stayed anywhere for too long or because there was no one she needed to be available to in such a way, besides her Mother, and she is everywhere. Yet, Moonrise Towers’ cleric had insisted and the Sword of the Moonmaiden complied. One visit to the mail carrier office, one quick pigeon-flown note to Reithwin – Aylin inquired from the locals about what to do and where to go in order to accomplish this task – and she is in possession of her first written correspondence of this type.

Lady Isobel Thorm is, by Aylin's judgement, unlike any person, creature or manifestation she had encountered during her long and storied life on Faerûn. Unlike any experience she can presently bring forth in her mind. Aylin's impeccable memory remembers all, yet thinking back to Moonrise Towers’ welcoming ceremony leaves everything trivially peripheral and forgotten, save for one instance – pale, piercing eyes looking up from a customary bow, a smile as if reserved for her alone and a measured voice full of insinuations, speaking familiar, practiced words of greeting appropriate for the situation. In that moment, spurred by invisible forces, Aylin cared not for the ritual and wanted nothing more than to pierce through protocol and let the Lady speak freely. About what, to what end, Aylin did not know, but the desire was palpable, and imposing. She kept to the prescribed form, having taken note of Governor Ketheric’s proud demeanor and wanting not to make offense. Instead, Aylin chose to take to her knee, extending a hand in invitation that Lady Isobel graciously accepted, Aylin’s lips kissing the leather of her glove. "A pleasure most satisfying to meet your acquaintance, Lady Thorm. The honor of presence is mine entirely." Lady Isobel’s laugh, spontaneous, unexpected and earnest, filled the silent audience hall and Aylin’s ears as if meant to reach the furthest depths of her being. A pleasant shiver visited her body, however brief. Aylin sensed the Governor’s gaze upon them, expression decidedly unreadable.

"Are you enjoying the evening, Emissary?" Dame Aylin turns to the Selûnite sorceress addressing her. They had, no more than a couple of hours ago, fought alongside each other on the battlefield.

"Very much so. It is a worthy conclusion to such swift and efficient success." When she is met with no response, Dame Aylin continues, looking towards the largest of the groupings. "I must admit, it brings me satisfaction to gaze upon allied faces not just during combat, but in the afterglow of it. Dame Aylin is pleased to have met this most noble and heroic group, worthy of the Moonmaiden’s name and blessing."

"We are very pleased you approve of us, Emissary." The reply is curt and modest, very much unlike the talent and prowess the sorceress had displayed earlier. But then, "I am very pleased… Dame Aylin." 

Dame Aylin’s attention stirs back to her, not so much for the mention of her name and title, but for the way it is spoken. Uncertain, curious… as if testing how the words feel rolling off the tongue. All at once, Dame Aylin notes the utilitarian yet beautiful jewelry still adorning her lobes and neck. How her gaze retreats from the opportunity to meet hers. How her dominant, spell-wielding fist is clasped around the wrist of her other hand, perhaps in a bid to contain unwanted action.

Dame Aylin knows what this is, and Dame Aylin is flattered.

–

Dawn crawls from behind the horizon, announcing her Mother’s temporary shift until the next evening. It is a quiet and tranquil affair – the birds have already finished their morning routines; dew dangles off strands of grass, threatened by the possibility of freezing; the Selûnites are asleep. 

A pencil dances idly between Aylin’s deft and cold fingers, having already wounded the piece of paper she had procured for her planned reply by pressing too hard against the surface she was writing on. Aylin favors either hand during combat and the same is true during her pencraft. 

MOST ESTEEMED REITHWIN ALLY

MOST ESTEEMED REITHWIN ALLY CLERIC OF MOONRISE TOWERS

DEAREST MOST ESTEEMED REITHWIN ALLY CLERIC OF MOONRISE TOWERS LADY ISOBEL THORM

Aylin stares at the defenceless piece of paper that is barely holding the weight of her strained words. "Dame Aylin is no less skilled at wielding words than she is her sword," she mutters under her breath. All of this is but another fulfillment of form, as she is close to departure. Still – in case a most talented avian messenger manages to arrive faster than Dame Aylin, it is appropriate to give foreword of her return.

I AM VICTORIOUS.

EXPECT MY PRESENCE SOON.

DAME AYLIN

–

Isobel Thorm works the final, and most visible, strings of her ceremonial garb – not that it would be appropriate for anyone to give them particular attention, considering where they rest. "Perhaps the Moonmaiden’s daughter merits an exception, if she wishes to take a closer look at the handiwork," she quips amusedly to an empty room. The strings’ ends are soon tucked safely behind thick material, unseen. Her soft but dexterous fingers trace the edges of the two fabric ends now held together – a striking chestpiece, worthy of even a divine audience. “Or if I wish it,” Isobel adds idly as she reaches for the last piece of the outfit – a thick hood evoking scenes of clandestine Selûnite rituals that last deep into the cold night, not that this particular piece was ever used for it. Isobel appreciates good etiquette, having been steeped, formed and sometimes stuffed into it, but the lavishly ornamented attire that takes ages to get into does nothing for her besides chafe her mood and, sometimes, even a body part. Assistance on getting ready was available to her, but she did not want it.

Truth be told, her impatience comes from simple excitement. The Selûnite Emissary. The Moonmaiden’s Sword. Selûne’s daughter. Not even the local small community of non-Selûnites could scoff or remain indifferent at the notion. The reason for the visit, however, remains elusive. It was not revealed to them. Isobel fiddles with the clasps in front meant to secure the edges of the hood, beginning to route the fabric under the other material the clasp is already holding, until finally deciding against including the hood at all. "We’re indoors." She drops the hood on the edge of her bed and finishes the outfit off with a pair of gloves, closing the door of her room behind her.

The central space in Moonrise Towers, sometimes used to ‘receive audiences’ but otherwise relegated to whatever her father or any of the more esteemed staff needs it for, is tastefully furnished in silver, Selûnite-decorated ornaments. The candles are long and freshly lit, the space warmed from all the fireplaces working tirelessly in the peripheral areas. "Ah, Isobel," father’s voice reverberates across the hall while an assistant comes to check on his uniform. Deeming everything in order, they move away as Isobel approaches. 

"Everything ready?" she preemptively asks and straightens a moon crested brooch on his lapel that seemed crooked to her. 

"It indeed is," father replies in his best measured voice, but Isobel knows him all too well. There is tension behind his words, a hint of anticipation, as well as the need to reliev– "I hope the Moonmaiden’s Emissary has put in the effort to polish her armour to a blinding and mirrored effect for us. Otherwise…" It earns him a light slap on the chest and a chuckle from Isobel, before she’s already moved away to greet the dog that has been following different people around the space, depending on who was carrying the most bowl-shaped item. 

"Squire, you silly girl," Isobel coos as she crouches down and runs a hand down her back, "I could have told you your mission to land some scraps wouldn’t work today. And I missed you for the dressing." Isobel gives Squire a moment to sniff out whatever hotspot of scent she found on Isobel’s clothes. This patience earns her a wet nose to the face and rough canine paws flailing towards her. "Squire, nooooo…," Isobel manages between laughing and pushing her away to a safe distance. A Tower resident busy with some final task or another glances over their shoulder for the scene.

–

"Most esteemed Ketheric Thorm," the Emissary all but bursts through the front doors, already halfway through the room in a matter of moments, her large wings present, as if invisibly aiding her steps. "Governor of Reithwin, Lord of Moonrise Towers, Paladin of Selûne – I have returned." Lord Ketheric looks over from his desk, making a quick mental note at which point he’s pausing his work. "Dame Aylin, Sword of the Moonmaiden," he is fast and ready to respond, and get up," on behalf of Moonrise Towers, Reithwin and myself, I welcome you. Please, feel free to approach." The futility of his final invitation is not lost to him, for she has already approached heartily.

"Dame Aylin is victorious, with another star of success shining on her Mother’s divine sky," she announces intensely, her voice and posture proud, a fist clenched and raised frontwards. "However," with this her demeanor somewhat softens, "I am also humbled and pleased to be resuming my duties here. Is the esteemed Lady Thorm around, by chance? I would like to give her my highest greetings. Do you know if she has, perhaps, received my correspondence?"

"Correspondence? I am not aware of any," Lord Ketheric replies simply, adding "but Isobel is away on a mission." There is a brief pause. The fatherly worry that intensified a hundredfold in Isobel’s absence threatens to spill out however it can, but Lord Ketheric – once again – successfully pushes it back down. He has put everything into providing a good education for Isobel to succeed as a skilled cleric. To be self-reliant, masterfull in her craft, pragmatic. She will be… is, fine. He doesn’t notice Dame Aylin’s immediate, and rather poorly concealed disappointment at the prospect – and reality – of Isobel’s absence.

"Let us dine together tonight. We will continue our discussions and plans there. Until then, you are welcome to your previous lodgings. They have remained available for you." The Moonmaiden’s Emissary nods with appropriate parting words to match, leaving to be escorted to her room. Her wings flash away as she exits.

–

Isobel’s journey back to Reithwin lasts longer than planned, having run into some unfortunate travellers on the way who were not only going in the opposite direction of their destination, but accrued a myriad of travel-related injuries in the meantime. Isobel, thrilled to help and simply be on the road among its diverse cast of characters, calls forth in her mind the memorized maps she’s always enjoyed studying and a bit of her patron goddess’ magic for the many calluses and poorly wrapped cuts. She receives in return an unmarked, but potent scroll she decides to decipher later. Out of eyeshot, she checks for any attached curses – just in case. 

None. Good. 

"Isobel Thorm, mistress of the barter system," she congratulates herself, not without humour. She is sure at least one family member would give her words about not asking for money, but an unmarked scroll is much more interesting, Isobel thinks.

Father’s relief at the vision of her feels as touching as it is ridiculous. She sinks into his warm, protective hug, allowing herself, and him, this indulgence even in her adulthood. With all the love they have for each other, Isobel still considers the option of adding a couple of days to her next assignment out of Reithwin – wonderlust is a hungry beast.  But then, "has the Moonmaiden’s Emissary returned during my absence? Has she written?"

Father lets her go, giving a gentle squeeze to her forearm as he looks at her with mild amusement, as if waiting for the punchline. "You seem to be very taken with her."

"And you are not?" Isobel sidesteps any sentiments of how extraordinary the Emissary's presence is for this region, for them – all the platitudes and false modesties they’re already gone through. Isobel is, instead, opting for simple, mortal curiosity.

"I am," father offers. "She is certainly a strong and striking presence… though I am yet to witness her skills as a paladin." His tone suggests humour, but Isobel sees it clearly. Pride. The thought father would be stubborn enough to compete with children of gods to reaffirm his standing, whether generally or in her eyes, opens up a whole new avenue of jest. Before she can begin, the relevant information is finally revealed. "But yes. She is in town, helping with local matters. She insisted."

"That’s very generous," Isobel murmurs noncommittally, before her expression turns serious, as if she is deliberating on matters of worldly importance. It doesn’t last more than a moment.

"I’m… sure you’ll get your opportunity to be the better paladin," she adds distractedly. "May I be excused for the day? It was a long trip."

–

Isobel spends no more than ten minutes in her room before she is outside again. A most helpful Towers staff member informed her of the Emissary’s schedule for the day, additionally asking whether Lady Isobel wanted someone sent to summon the Emissary for her. "That won’t be necessary," she responds, taking stock of her bag’s inventory – the scroll is left abandoned on her nightstand, a couple of coins pocketed. "Thank you," she presses a larger one in the palm of her assistant and gives her an earnest look of gratitude. "Don’t wait up. As far as I’m concerned, you’re free for the rest of the day."

–

Whenever Dame Aylin meets with a leader of a Selûnite community – before the end of exchanging experiences, thoughts and plans on how to improve it – she chooses to spend time with the people she is attempting to help. At the moment, an elderly woman, by elven standards, is showing Dame Aylin how she has single-handedly preserved a large amount of food supplies through fermentation and curing with salt. "It is the sheer amount of it which makes it so impressive," Dame Aylin looks on with wonder – she never fails to recognize and admire feats of extreme dedication. But as much as her time is infinite, the day’s and woman’s are not. Soon enough, she bids her goodbye.

Dame Aylin’s steps lead her to Reithwin’s main square. She feels the attention of several onlookers, whether because they sense Selûne’s divine powers benevolently shining upon them, or because she is, as is often the case in certain regions, considerably taller than most. When her eyes inevitably meet somebody’s, she smiles or nods in acknowledgement, but otherwise allows them to go about their business. It doesn’t take long for her to regard the centrally placed monument of her most generous host. It  looms over everyone – even her. It depicts a clean-shaven, younger man than the one she had met. His hand is holding a book, rather than a paladin’s sword. The gaze, pointed skywards, suggests ambition, wisdom and good decision-making. Dame Aylin has been told masonry is a strong craft in this town and now she has witnessed it firsthand.

"You should see it under the Moonmaiden’s light," a familiar yet entirely unexpected voice fills her senses. "Though, most Selûnites would agree Her light has the power to improve anything, generally speaking."

"Lady Thorm," Dame Aylin responds in open astonishment. "I’ve gotten no word of your return. Had I known–"

"I don’t think anyone knows, besides Governor Ketheric, my most frequent assistant and now you. I had just gotten back."

"In that case, please accept my deepest greetings," a hand on her armoured chest and a half bow, mostly with her head, accompany Dame Aylin’s words. Looking back up, she is charmed all over again by the way Lady Thorm meets her greeting. It is simultaneously completely obvious and clear to her, and entirely impossible to describe.

"Please, accept mine as well. But besides the expected formalities, have you been able to see a bit of Reithwin?"

"A bit. But there is much to see, still."

"Would you like a tour?"

–

Isobel’s tour concludes in one of the several places Reithwin has available for drink and food – the appropriately named, though somewhat out of the way, Last Light Inn. It is a charming, lively place, with an assortment of generally liked ales, spirits and seasonal food. While they had passed by the closer Waning Moon during their walk, a more rough and rowdy establishment Isobel had been known to visit on occasion, she decided against dealing with the more complicated introductions that would have probably entailed. Instead, they are standing at one of Last Light’s bars, with Isobel taking the initiative. Dame Aylin seems pleased either way. "What specials do you have?" As the barwoman lists various regional offerings, Isobel chooses one. 

"There’s a Moon-themed one, but it’s neither local, nor would I recommend it," Isobel explains to Dame Aylin over the clamour of the crowd. Dame Aylin nods, rapt. "What would you like?"

"Pray tell, what does the fine establishment recommend? Their best drink, perhaps!" Dame Aylin’s palm lands a little bit too strongly on the bar’s woodwork. While the barwoman looks slightly startled, mostly for the benefit of the surface, Isobel raises her eyebrows without comment and returns back to the task at hand. Dame Aylin sees the edges of a smile and commits it to memory. 

"If there was one drink she absolutely had to taste, one you would serve Selûne herself, which would it be?" The woman regards both of them with bemusement, before saying she knows exactly what they need, turning away to prepare it. A couple of moments later, drinks in hand, they maneuver their way to a table that is miraculously just being vacated. Dame Aylin’s tall and striking frame helps clear a quick path to it. As they sit, Isobel immediately notices the way Dame Aylin’s features shift to displeasure after a closer inspection of the drink.

"It’s Mother’s Milk – their own take on pear liqueur and milk," Isobel explains. Dame Aylin’s gaze snaps up at the name, but otherwise remains looking displeased. Isobel finds it inexplicably charming, but she also sees a quick solution at hand. "Are you partial to ale?"

Dame Aylin looks at her as if she was asked what she keeps under her armour. A moment passes where they’re both just looking at each other, waiting for a resolvement that feels both wanted, and not. "I generally am, yes," she replies, not breaking eye contact.

Isobel looks away just long enough to carefully push her drink over the slightly ragged table. "Try this. If you don’t like it, we’ll go back and find something you do."

Dame Aylin takes the large glass by its body, entirely bypassing the handle. Her lips press against the edge of the glass, taking a large gulp in a way only she knows how. A bit of foam sticks to her upper lip. The cold, bitter liquid goes down as smoothly as it possibly can. Isobel looks on with great interest, but guesses she already knows the verdict. "An excellent drink, worthy of its status."

"Isn’t it? That's why I ordered it." Isobel gestures towards the Mother’s Milk. "May I?" She slides it to her side of the table when she gets Dame Aylin’s confirmation, taking a small but confident sip out of the goblet. "But I enjoy this, too."

–

The hours pass faster than Isobel ever remembers them doing. Dame Aylin, ever formal and knightly, only took her helmet off in all that time, which in turn magically disappeared to wherever she keeps it. Despite the informality of the situation and the collection of empty glasses on the side of the table, the Moonmaiden’s daughter continues expressing every sentiment and thought as if addressing the most revered of audiences. And it completely works, for each word is so earnest and full of conviction – might it be a paladin thing – that Isobel cannot help but hang on to every bit of information the… Emissary, shares about herself. 

Isobel has played gambit after gambit so far, ending up luckier than she ever dared hoping, but there is at least one more limit she wishes to try and challenge. One more dare. Their Lady’s night has made her bold.

"Emissary," she begins and almost stumbles over the title, having strategically avoided addressing her at all if possible, "if you will permit me this freedom…" She is close to losing her nerve, but presses onwards in the last moment of decision, "it would please me immensely if you would address me by my first name."

Dame Aylin’s expression, having been so far jovial and loud, turns momentarily serious and contemplative. Before Isobel has the opportunity to retract her suggestion, an armoured hand grabs her gloved one, and intense, almost alight eyes stare into hers. "If you will call me by mine, it would be an honour, Lady Isobel."

Isobel’s breath hitches, as if the shared intensity is more than she can bear, but then her fingers squeeze instinctively around Aylin’s. "Of course, Dame Aylin."

–

The day is well underway, but Isobel hasn’t left her room, having slept past the point of her usual schedule and extending it ever further to entertain the company of her own thoughts. It’s the knock on the door which finally rouses her. It will soon be time for lunch with her father, and there is a letter addressed to her. Isobel opens the envelope and reads the bold words inside. The smile it elicits speaks of emotions that could push away even the deepest of uncertainties she may be harbouring. Isobel pockets the piece of paper and briefly looks towards the Scroll of Sending on her nightstand, thinking about the future.