The Cherished Beverage

The tale of the first Folk to discover that the inedible fruit of the Kafay tree would yield a steeped hot beverage coveted by all is lost to time. It is known that consumption of Kafay beverages has been taking place for at least 10,000 years. Over those years, there have been numerous periods when it was fashionable to use various additives to create different beverages, and a small few of the resulting concoctions remain as favorites for some Folk, but the favoring of a mug of roasted and crushed Kafay pits, steeped in hot water with nothing more than a dash of simple sweetener, a splash of milk, or nothing at all has persisted throughout the years.

In lands where the trees grow, and at least cheaper roasted product is available, it is commonplace for the Folk of all economic stations to begin and end their days with a mug of brewed beverage. The morning mug is often consumed "straight", but the evening mug tends to be embellished somewhat. Use of milk or cream is more prevalent; some establishments will even "decorate" the mug with a carefully poured stream of cream, leaving the pattern of a leaf or heart floating on the surface.

The most common preparation of the Kafay beverage consumed by the Folk in the morning hours is to simply steep the crushed pits in hot water for a period of time. Some Folk like to add a bit of sweetener such as honey or sugar; some also add milk. But most prefer their morning Kafay pure and unadulterated.

But it is only the Folk of the First Kingdom, and perhaps those in or near the Cities of Icefell and Seagate - near the growing trees - where everyday use of Kafay is a thing at all. While the Folk of the Frontier Lands do not have daily access to Kafay, traditions die hard. As a result, many have taken to roasting and brewing alternatives that are at least somewhat reminiscent of Kafay. There are some plant roots that, when roasted, chopped and steeped are said to be at least reminiscent of Kafay. Others rely on various leaf-derived teas that they claim at least bring about the same pleasant relaxing effects that Kafay is famous for. In fact, though, none of these substitutes really comes close to the real thing, and it is a rare individual that honestly claims to prefer the subsititutes.

What is an everyday ritual for the people of the First Kingdom has become something of a cherished holiday custom among the Folk of the Feywood. Because of its rarity, unavailability, and price, Kafay is purchased, prepared, and consumed only during the Yule Holiday period. For families that emigrated from the Kingdoms many years ago, the annual reminder of their ancestral homeland in the form of Kafay is one of the most important parts of the Yule Holiday celebration, and has achieved a status as being an almost-religious ritual.

During the fast-breaking meal on the morning of the Yule Holiday itself, families will gather around a table of grilled meats and fresh eggs, and will enjoy a mug of plain, unadulterated Kafay. They all sit quietly, allowing the pleasant aromas to bring peace and joy to their spirits. Even the children, eagerly anticipating imminent gift-exchanging, seem to relax at this time.

The evening feast will feature additional Kafay beverages, but this time they will tend to feature milk or cream, a sweetener, and even some special spice mixtures that bring a holiday flavor to the beverage. Mixtures of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other exotic spices are common, but each family seems to have its own preferences. Some prefer to mix the Kafay with another rare treat: Kakao... a product imported at great expense from lands most of the Frontier Folk have never even heard of. Others use mint leaves.

In the lands where Kafay is not prohibitely expensive, it is common for general goods merchants to keep ample supplies of roasted whole pits, which are sold by the pound. In addition, shops that specialize in Kafay beverages, and where a customer can enjoy a mug of Kafay while nibbling on a piece of stale pastry and converse with friends are commonplace. In some places, these establishments rival the popularity of the taverns - at least while the sun is up.

Endmere, because of its relative proximity to the sources of the pits, is the only settlement in the Frontier lands to have a steady, reliable supply of Kafay availalbe in general-goods stores. There are even a few of the specialty shops mentioned earlier, though not nearly as many as in the cities of the First Kingdom.

Because of the price and rarity of well-roasted Kafay in the Feywood settlements, though, there are no special shops. In fact, most general stores do not even stock it. Kafay has become a Yule-Holiday specialty. Special orders are taken by traveling merchants during their late spring/early summer runs, and the product is delivered during their late summer and autumn circuits. The pits are then carefully stored for use during the days around the Yule Holiday.