Guardians' Grinds

Founded in 928 AF, Guardians' Grinds is a lively kawhe shop attached to the Silverdrop Inn in Targossas. Managed by Jimothy Al'Jafri, it boasts hand-crafted drinks that seem as much art as beverage, suffusing its air with the rich aroma of freshly-ground kawhe beans. While its wares originally only included one type of iced kawhe, its offerings expanded after much prodding and idea submissions from adventurers of the general citizenry.

Wares

Peach cream crumble kawhe - 150gp

The elegant sundae glass is adorned with a delicate, gilded handle with small, feather-shaped glass ornaments. Each feather is coloured in warm shades of reds and oranges, arranged to mimic the iridescent tail of a paradise bird. The base of the glass is decorated with swirling, gilded patterns that imitate the dance of a burning pyre. The creamy, fiery-hued, blended kawhe is crowned with a cloud of whipped cream, and sprinkled over with crunchy pieces of cookie crumble. Tender peach pieces nestle at the base.

Fizzy floral lemon juice - 205gp

Fine tendrils of silver gracefully trace a concentric pattern that encircles the base of the glass jar, which is otherwise simple in design. A sturdy lid of acacia wood prevents the liquid within from spilling, the surface of the wood embossed with a simplified depiction of a tall sand brush. Swirling within is a layered drink of vibrant, red hibiscus and fizzy, yellow lemonade, designed to mimic the colours of the rising sun. Delicate, red hibiscus petals float within the concoction, akin to red clouds swirling through a hazy sky.

Whiskey kawhe cocktail - 175gp

Impeccably clear, the simple flask is made of thick glass with a classic flat base and a narrow neck leading to a corked mouthpiece that allows it to be resealed between sips. Embedded into one of the flat sides of the flask is a windcutter with billowing sails. A golden-coloured cocktail blend of rich kawhe, infused with warm, sweet notes of honey whiskey, swirls within.

Kawhe - 20gp

The cool temperature of this iced drink causes the moisture in the air to condense and roll across the surface of the liquid within. Delicious kawhe sloshes around inside the cup, chilled by five or six cubes of ice. The cup is dull orange earthenware, while its perfect edges and smooth exterior denotes the extraordinary precision and skill used in its creation.

Dark cinnamon kawhe - 210gp

Handcrafted out of rustic ivory clay, the vessel absorbs the temperature of the liquid within. Delicately painted on the outside are several acacia trees, with an atavian woman and her daughter drinking kawhe while sitting upon lush, green grass. Nearby, a paradise bird flies overhead with a quill in its beak. A handle, large enough to slip a hand through, is attached to one side. Hand-picked kawhe beans create a dark, robust flavour with hints of cinnamon and chocolate. A large dollop of whipped cream sits on top of the kawhe, with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon bits for a crunchy experience.

Vanilla kawhe - 200gp

Standing in stark contrast against the pale ivory of the mug is an intricately painted image of a cacao field. Delicate, brown beans hang from near the top of a slender trunk beneath large, verdant leaves. Several of the plants rise from the bottom half of the mug that has been painted a soft brown. The handle itself has been painted with a slender woman holding a basket above her head with both hands. She is wearing a sapphire sari that rests atop her bare feet. Flecks of amber cinnamon dust the top of whipped topping, beneath which is creamy, brown kawhe.

Salted caramel kawhe - 190gp

The clay cup is smooth to the touch and finished with a matt black surface. Acacia trees wrap around the body of the cup in various sizes. Slender branches extend, overlapping one another, bearing blossoms in full bloom. A glimpse of the rising sun seeps through in the background, giving the flora a fiery golden hue. On one side of the cup is a securely attached handle. A blend of rich kawhe has been artfully brewed, filling the majority of the vessel. Frothed cream sits upon the kawhe, topped with a generous drizzle of caramel masterfully resembling a pyre. A touch of coarse salt is dashed across the top.

Bear-shaped brown butter and chocolate cookie - 100gp

Shaped like a stylised bear cub, this cookie has two tiny cookies for ears. Small, slightly gooey chocolate pieces serve as eyes and a nose, and tiny flecks of nutmeg dot the surface of this dessert.

Cinnamon and cream filled doughnut - 100gp

Flecks of black vanilla are barely visible against the golden, fried doughnut. Round with a hole in the middle, it is filled with an amber, cinnamon cream.

Flame candy skewer - 250gp

This radiant candy is meticulously shaped like a stylised flame, and blends the sweet warmth of vanilla with the spicy kick of cinnamon. The candy's elegant curves and sharp edges attempt to mimic the graceful dance of fire. Fastened securely onto an acacia wood skewer by the melted sugar, the candy's outer layer boasts a gradient of warm, fiery hues. Starting from a deep, rich cinnamon-red at the tip, it gradually transitions into a soft, creamy vanilla towards the base. The candy's surface is perfectly smooth and glossy, resembling the polished appearance of glass. The glossy finish enhances its visual appeal, making the candy look as though it radiates warmth and light.

Bowl of honey-roasted plums - 300gp

This black clay bowl holds three slices of perfectly pitted plums, dressed with a rosy-hued sweet honey glaze artfully swirled in delicate whorls atop the fruit. A lush dollop of rich cream is centred amidst the plums, sprinkled with roughly chopped pecans.

Plate of crispy-skinned yellow perch - 350gp

On a square, black clay plate sit two yellow perch fillets with crispy skin left intact. Evenly cut, roasted carrots surround the fish in a circular pattern, dusted with a few thyme leaves. A small lemon disc is nestled against the fish, offering a bright contrast.