~*~ Silver Moon Teashop ~*~

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

First brightening of Winter, Era XV p.f.

Taking its inspiration from the beloved primeval forests of Syl’rosya, the Silver Moon Tea Shop strove to seem like a small part of the sacred elven city in the heart of Chelseanna.

As one stepped into the main room, it became evident that indeed the hues of the glorious emerald forest were represented throughout the cozy establishment. Lush, deep greens of every shade, deep burgundies and a little bit of ivory tossed in for contrast aided the subtle ambiance and soothing environment. Immediately upon entering, customers noticed the delicious scents that pervaded the air of the shop. Wafting throughout the room was the aroma of tea, beautifully mixed with the soothing scents of vanilla, lavender, chamomile, or peppermint. When combined with the delicious smells of the small bakery in the shop, the air itself was truly delicious.

The entire décor of the room, from the finish on the floor to the comfortable furniture, even the curtains, seemed to be aimed directly at soothing the patron’s soul. There were any number of small little nooks where one could sip tea in privacy or seek out a quiet conversation with a partner, and in the corners there were armchairs so comfortable that patrons were known to order seconds just so that they would not have to get out of them. There were even a few shelves of books, for those who wished to while away an hour or an afternoon in cozy contentment. Soft music would occasionally filter down from a balcony above the room where a musician occasionally played a harp or lute. Every aspect of the shop was designed for pure comfort and relaxation, and it was an open secret that there were several patrons who had modeled their private retreat rooms at home after this sublime space.

Of course, the focus of the teashop was on the tea itself…imported from a small farm in Syl’rosya. Syl’rosyan Tea was made from a special tea plant that was developed in that specific wood hundreds of eras prior. It was rumored that the plants themselves might have been transplanted from Trelore, the elven homeland….but was never proven or otherwise. What –was- known was that the plant itself was bred specifically to be grown at lower elevations..making it perfect for Syl’rosya. The result was a tea known for its body, briskness, malty flavor,
and strong, bright color.

All the types of tea offered at the Silver Moon, with the notable exception of the herbal varieties, come from the same plant. The type has more to do with what happens –after- the leave are harvested.

For example, the leave set aside for green tea are not allowed to oxidize…being dried immediately using outdoor brick ovens that dehydrate the leaves, giving the tea a distinct herbal flavor. Black tea, in contrast, -is- allowed to oxidize, which ripens the tea and creates a deep, rich, robust flavor with uniqueness based on the tea grower’s knowledge and skill. White tea is picked before the leaf buds fully open and are still covered with fine silky hairs. The delicate buds are quickly air dried to produce some of the rarest and most expensive tea available.

Herbal tea was a category all its own. Being not really tea at all, since it doesn't contain leaves from the normal tea bush, herbal teas were made from seeds, roots, flowers, or other parts of plants and herbs. They were often blended to make unique tasting infusions as well as helping with a number of ailments. Working with a Master Herbalist, The Silver Moon has developed several herbal tea blends that can help with a wide variety of medicinal needs.

~*~ Silver Moon Tea Shop Menu ~*~

Cup of Black or Green Tea – 1 crown
Cup of Herbal or White Tea – 2 crowns

Teapot of Black of Green Tea – 5 crowns
Teapot of Herbal or White Tea – 10 crowns

Specialized Herbal Tea Blends can help with aliments such as pain, headache, colds, stress, immunity deficiency, insomnia and lack of energy. To find out which one is right for you, please consult our knowledgeable staff!

Assorted Pastries – 2 crowns

OOC: Write up by Calairiel Mynedil Gil'dae & Karo Sa'Nepenthes

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn's new charge was as vibrant and relaxing as the Silver Moon in Syl'rosia. To walk into its doors was to immediately feel at home for a Syl'rosian Elf. And in particular, the accessibility to elven tea this far East was a rarity in and of itself, Fenn would get along here nicely for a few months... or longer. He made his way behind the counter, which sat on the left wall as soon as one entered. There you could order your tea and/or pastry and it would be fetched for you and brought to where you are sitting.

He decided at once that he would be able to play the lute here on a daily basis for he enjoyment of the customers. This excited him immensely because he had not been playing as much as he liked lately and the chance to write music and practice again was definitely something that appealed to him. Fenn pulled his lute out from under the counter and immediately went to tuning it. It would take a little while, but the docile reward was splendid.

While he tuned, a woman came into the store. She was in her thirties, no doubt a tourist enjoying island life in the off-season. "Serale," Fenn said to her, "Welcome to my corner of the island." It was a House business, so as far as he was concerned, it was also "his." She smiled, "Thank you, it's lovely." Fenn stood and placed his lute on the counter, walking around to the front of it to help her with her winter coat.

"Please, come and relax awhile. Do you prefer a particular cup of tea?" He smiled. "Oh, thank you! Something black please." Fenn nodded and went back to the counter to pour her a cup of elven black tea. Specialty made for the shop were their tea cups, which her made of a fine clay and etched upon it various elven symbols of life and happiness. He brought it to her and set it down before her, the steam rolling off the top of the cup.

"Thank you!" she said, sipping the tea and immediately sinking deep into the armchair. And there she sat for half the morning, simply enjoying the chair and sipping three cups of tea before paying Fenn and leaving with the promise of spreading the word elsewhere about the Silver Moon.