Eukara Vox
Legendary AdventureGuide!
|
A King's Library by Genoclysm I must apologise. My intention for this issue was to interview King Tralin of Deren, however when I sought audience with the King, I was informed that he is quite busy. Some construction something or other. I was somewhat disheartened at first, but it turned out not to be a wasted trip after all when the king permitted me to see his literary interests through my own eyes by browsing through his library.* The king's library was quite impressive. There was certainly a fair deal of variety, but by far what dominated the bookshelves was magical theory and research. King Tralin doesn't play favorites, either. The scope of the literature cut across all magical boundaries, particularly the elements. It ranged all the way from normal elements like fire to experiments involving energy drawn from the Void.** By far the most interesting piece of literature I stumbled across was a small notebook detailing some of the strangest experiments and theories I've ever heard of. Within this small book were handwritten notes describing such things as fire that would freeze any water it touched, ice that would very quickly melt a stick of butter, and candles that obscured everything around them when lit. I didn't read much further than some descriptions of results as the theories were beginning to give me quite a headache. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about magic before I would ever be able to delve into things as complicated as this. The most curious thing about the notebook, however, is its author. It was penned by King Tralin himself back before his reign began.*** I was just about to wrap up my notes and leave when I recalled that my editor wanted to know what sort of goodies the subjects enjoyed to eat while reading. Once I actually thought about it, it wasn't hard to spot a bowl of fruit on a nearby table. **** They were of very simple and respectable taste and many seemed to be types akin to various common fruits of Earth. The most well stocked of the fruit happened to be the pearapplo. I am not sure if Earth has an equivalent of such, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was not. The last I heard was that this particular fruit only recently started growing around Granemor on the continent of Battleonia. Eating an apple and a pear together might simulate it to some degree. I suppose this would suggest either expensive taste or expensive curiosity, though perhaps imports of it are cheaper than I realize. _________________ * I deny any and all allegations of only pretending to get his permission and sneaking in. There's no way you can prove that. Yes, you. You know who you are. ** From what little I read of them so far, some of those experiments were dangerous enough that I have to wonder what kind of madman would attempt them in the first place... other than the likes of Cysero. Seems too intricate for his taste anyways. *** And so I am adding him to my list of People Who Might Turn Me Inside Out if I Make Them Angry. **** Note to self: Learn to actually pay attention to surroundings the FIRST time. FALL FRUIT COMPOTE 2 cops apple juice 2-4 teaspoons fructose 1 medium Bosc pear 1 cup fresh/frozen cranberries 1-2 inch strip orange zest (peel) 1 medium Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apple Shredded orange zest (peel) Pour apple juice into a medium saucepan and add strip of orange zest and fructose. Bring to boil over moderate heat. Meanwhile cut pear into thirds and core and apple into thirds and core. Cut each third into 3 wedges. Rinse cranberries and add pear, apple, and cranberries to apple juice. Return to boil, reduce heat and simmer 5-7 minutes ort until cranberries have popped and apple and pear are cooked but not mushy. Let compote cool to room temperature. Transfer to boil, cover and refrigerate. To serve, divide fruit amount 4 plates. Spoon syrup over them and garnish with shredded orange zest.
|