Samhain in Tanglewood

Monohan has cautioned me against exploring certain parts of the 'wood during the time of Samhain. He says that the magic of the 'wood acts strangely during this time, and some areas aren't safe.

Indeed, the 'wood is thick with heavy magic, like a presence seeping through the trees and up from the rich earth. Already there are changes. The blackberries have spoiled, an obvious sign that a pookha now lurks about. I've been advised to carry some spare coins, as the pookha can be easily distracted if they are offered to it.

Of course, Samhain is a time of great feasting and celebration as well. I'll be attending the great feast of Samhain in Chestnut Grove in a few weeks time. It is sure to be quite the spectacle, with many strange sheehogue in attendance.

Blackberry Tea

Blackberry tea is the drink of choice for many of the sheehogue in Tanglewood. But this is no ordinary tea. Made from a variety of herbs and spices and plump, ripe blackberries, the scent of the tea brewing over a fire instills the air with a heavenly, comforting aroma.

Served in wooden mugs, the rising steam is enough to calm jittery nerves, yet one sip of the marvelous elixir is enough to invigorate you. A mild sweetness accompanied by pungent spices and earthy undertones, the tea instantly livens your senses and instills within you the energy of a child.

When accompanied by Bairtlemead Muffingrow's delicious muffins, which hold a certain magic all their own, there simply isn't a better feast to be had.