Merriment and excessive drinking that have kept me busy for the last weeks! One of the best summer breaks I had in years, celebrating a fine trade season. Yet yesterday in Bree while sharing an ale with some longbeards, sir John made my acquaintance. Surely an honorable man treating us with free ale! An evening of merriment turned more interesting as sir John showed interest in my profession.
Sir John shared our passion for the alcoholic liquids, yet there also lay a problem most of us know all too well. The aching head in the morning. I know just what he needs, milkthistle draughts! But he had not the coin to pay for it, instead he wished to trade a rather peculiar looking opal. I tried not to look too interested, but the opal was showing many beautiful colors as the flames of the firelight reflected its beauty. I could not determine its exact worth, but I sure will when I manage to bring it to the tinkers. The few dwarves in my company showed too many interest in the gem, and I was afraid sir John would have second thoughts parting with it! After some squabbles I believe sir John preferred to go on with the deal, six bottles of my anti-hangover draughts for his precious gem!
This is not just some average milkthistle. No only the finest species grow at the slopes of the blue mountains. Although it grows in abundance in the pine forest of Gondamon, harvesting it is quite a tough job. The spikes of the specie are hard as nails and bear an itching toxin. The use of milkthistle against hangovers has been used in Ered Luin for years beyond count. Especially the miners that drink too much at night and work too early in the morning know the strength of this spiky plant. The secret lies in the seeds which I have in abundance in my workshop.
Extraction based on a traditional recipe of Rurna Firebeard.
Three times a handful of spiky milk thistle seeds grinded and extracted in hand-warm water. To improve the taste, a large amount of mint is added to the extract and let it settle during the night. Remove excessive plant parts through a filtering cloth. Add a few drops of lime essence. Enough for at least 6 bottles of Milkthistle draughts. Stored in the cold cave to retain its potency.
The label reads:
Merry morning draught
Merry will be your days in Bree, once you drink this in the morning your head is aching free. I will not be held responsible for any side effects or inconvenient deaths while drinking this potion. ~Hilfar
Lets hope sir John will show up and trade that opal of his!
