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Peacock Gazette/Issue 15
Title: Peacock Gazette: Issue 15
Author: Various
Headline: Curiosities, Cookies and a Dash of Time Travel
From the sceptical nib of the Gilded Quill.
It is not every day that one finds themselves whisked away - quite literally - into the past. Yet, that is precisely what befell a group of inquisitive individuals who dared to peer too closely at an old, unassuming recipe book. But, dear reader, let this be a lesson: history is never as boring as it seems.
What began as an investigation into the contents of some rickety old crates turned into a most unexpected culinary adventure. With a mere touch of a recipe book, our intrepid scholars found themselves no longer in the hallowed halls of the Library Aies but on a partially constructed dais and then in a warm, bustling bakery of yesteryear, filled with the scent of cookies and the flickering glow of candlelight. And who should they encounter but the esteemed Lady Ardtin Greyvael, whose younger self spoke of a dedication to the delicate art of baked goods, and the ever-dutiful Jaranzair, his stern countenance softened by the offer of freshly baked cookies.
One might assume that such a magical journey would be met with awe and wonder—and indeed, it was—but let us not overlook the true mystery at hand. What secrets lay hidden within those crumb-strewn pages? Why did fate (or perhaps something more mischievous) choose to mix elves with gnomes and gnomes with elves for a brief time? And, more intriguingly, were the cookies truly as delicious as they seemed? Alas, some mysteries may never be answered but this writer will be sure to let you know of any future unusual occurrences!
For now, let us ponder the delectable possibility that history is not merely written in ink and parchment, but in walnuts and marshmallow, and other tasty morsels.
Headline: A Barkeeper's Brawl at Shimmarglin
Readers, please be sure to set your drinks down before reading further - A loyal Quill sent word to your obedient servants here at the Gazette about a simmering still that seemingly boiled over at the Shimmarglin last week, bringing the city to the brink of a war - not of swords, but of tankards!
Our readers will recall that the city's Charcuterie was recently renovated and expanded to offer a fashionable lounge and bar with a selection of delectable imports from our Loenthran and Nalfein cousins, including a fiery young mixologist, Master Fainial. Well, it seems in his off hours last week, young Master was seen at a little soiree at the Shimmarglin, and moreover, he was heard scoffing at the offerings of staid Uthaesdir's bar - "Shimmarglin's shimmering chardonnay? Bah, one sip reveals and you'll wonder why your water tastes of old socks!"
Uthaesdir, for his part, was closemouthed on the matter, but it didn't escape our Quill's notice that Fainial's little retinue glanced over their shoulders as they pressed their prattling publican from his establishment. Sources close to the Shimmarglin's keg room decried the Charcuterie's upstart lounge as "an overpriced fop's folly, peddling green-tinted rotgut!"
Will the Shining City's streets soon run red with spilt wine and smashed chalices? Or will the battling barkeeps settle their score with words? Some whisper that this quaffers quarrel will soon erupt into a full-blown tavern brawl without intervention. Rest assured, dear reader, that we'll be following every development!
Headline: Market Musings
If ever there was an occasion to lure the most reclusive residents from their marbled homes, it is surely Market Day in Ta'Illistim. With the spring sunshine casting its welcome glow upon the cobbled thoroughfares of the Chanceries, the air thrummed with the aroma of sausages and potatoes, as well as the lively voices of traders calling their wares and the delicate clink of silver exchanging hands.
The cobblers dazzled with an array of exquisitely crafted footwear, their soft leathers and silks kissed with embroidery finer than a courtier's whisper. Jewelers displayed a collection of baubles - some fit for the Mirror herself. But my particular delight came from the stalls of edible delicacies, where ruby-hued jams and golden preserves stood in glistening jars beside wheels of herb cheese so fragrant they could summon an elf from slumber. And summon they did, for was that not the Lady Evynne Aelothwyn I spied, slipping a sample of honeyed ricotta past her immaculately painted lips?
As noon approached, our most fashionable socialites made their way to the manicured lawn, where a Peahen’s Picnic unfolded in a flourish of ruhani blankets and elegant chairs. A feast fit for the most discerning palate was laid beneath the budding tree branches and laughter rippled through the air. But was it simply the champagne that had Lady Rohese Bayvel blushing so delightfully, or might a certain charming lord have whispered something rather more intoxicating?
Yet Market Day is not merely for the indulgence of purse and palate; it is also a place where the art of subtlety is practiced with the deftest of hands. I speak, of course, of Unmasking the Gilded Quill - a most delicious game of intrigue wherein the refined set exchange veiled messages under the guise of an innocent tea service. A tipped teacup to the lips, a lingering touch on a saucer, a whispered clue concealed beneath a fragrant infusion - what scintillating secrets might have been shared this day? And, my dear readers, who among our noble ranks sought to unmask yours truly? Rest assured, this quill remains gilded and anonymous still!
So ends another Market Day, leaving us all a little lighter in coin but heavier with whispered truths and tantalizing gossip. Until next time, dear reader, keep your teacups steady and your secrets closer.
Yours in ink and intrigue,
The Gilded Quill
Headline: Aelotian Friends Celebrated Spring in Cysaegir
The Aelotoi of Cysaegir extended an open invitation to residents of the Shining City to join them in celebrating their spring Beautiful Flowers festival of Flyr Keh'nira. Ladies known as Saesyra and Traiva hosted an informal party on 21 Charlatos where the celebration fully lived up to its name with an abundance of floral gifts and floral-themed drinks, including the Aelotian specialty liramea. Near the end of the evening, a bright-eyed Traiva was overheard to express, "I am so grateful for everyone who joined our celebration tonight, and so glad our Elven friends - who truly made it all possible - came to join us."