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BRIGHTSTAR WINE

DRINKS OF BRISTAR During its long history, Velethuil, known today as Bristar, has had incredible importance to the elves of Cormanthor, and arguably to the whole of the Elven Nation. Today, Velethuil is one of the few enclaves of practically undiluted elven life and culture remaining in the mainland of Faerûn. Helping the efforts of preservation, it is fortunate that the elves of Velethuil have a wonderful relation with the folk of Deepingdale, perhaps exhibiting the model of what a peaceful coexistence between Tel’Quessir and N’Tel’Quessir could be. The elves trade regularly with the folk of Highmoon and the smaller hamlets of Deepingdale, both to acquire raw materials (such as iron ore from the Iron Peak Mountains to the east) as well as to foster good relations between the various communities. Not surprisingly, some of the most sought after products in the dale are elven-made goods, priced for their superb craftsmanship and quality. Of these, the most prized items visiting merchants and locals alike seek to buy constantly are the amazing drinks produced by the Velethuil elves, being these some of the most exquisite drinks ever produced on Faerûn, with recipes that date back to the days of Myth Drannor. The secret of all these drinks is one particular ingredient: a small, deep red wild berry found only in the immediate area of Velethuil, known simply as Brightstar berry. Centuries ago, when the Brightstar clan of moon elves migrated to the area from Semberholme, they found the berries reason enough to settle. Immediately they set out to create a magnificent berry wine that became famous throughout the host of the Elven Nation. And even though the particular ingredient is known, the particular methods of creating these drinks are one of the most guarded secrets of Velethuil. Brightstar berries are small, about the size of a strawberry, and indeed look like a cross between a strawberry and a blackberry. They have a deep red color, almost maroon, and are divided into three sections, each one with a pit inside. The skin is somewhat rough and just a tad too tough for such a small berry, which makes them last on many forest creature’s menu. They can be eaten, but their sharp and bitter taste makes them an acquired taste. When used in the creation of foods and drinks, however, the berries imbue the products with a taste that is both sharp and semi-sweet, a unique taste unequaled throughout the Heartlands. Here, then, are the three most famous drinks produced from these berries, including the unique kind of mead created by the Velethuil elves, a recipe almost impossible to reproduce, and one of the few to give Evermead any competition in flavor and quality.

BRIGHTSTAR WINE A drink that has existed for just over a thousand years, Brightstar Wine is one of the oldest drinks still being produced in all of Cormanthor, the Heartlands, and arguably all of Faerûn. This wine has been made since the inception of the settlement of Velethuil, proving, in fact, one of the main reasons the Brightstar clan moved to this southern area of Semberholme in the first place. Its making is a secret that only a handful of elves in Velethuil know, and it is as guarded as any secret of High Magic could ever be, with the recipe being passed down from master to apprentice in an almost unbroken line harkening back to the days of Cormanthyr. The wine has a crystalline blood-red hue that seems to absorb the light around it and make it glow with an inner brilliance. It has a somewhat thick body for a wine, yet it pours as easily as water from a bottle, with a woodsy aroma that owes both to the barrels of oak where it is aged as well as to the earthy smell of the fermented berries. Brightstar Wine is served mostly in Velethuil, Ssrenshen (Moonrise Hill), Evertrees and other smaller elven communities within the area of Deepingdale and what once was Semberholme. From there it can make its way to elven communities in the north or even outside the Elven Woods. It is, however, strictly an elven drink that harkens back to an age of wonders and achievements, and as such it is reserved for the Tel’Quessir, so they may remember the glory and lessons of empires past. This is not to say, however, that no non-elf has ever tasted the wine. On the contrary, Brightstar Wine served for many centuries as a favorite token of gratitude and friendship for those that achieved the status of Elf-friends. Today, while the number of bottles produced is smaller than ever, a part of each vintage is reserved for such occasions, as the elves of Velethuil know that part of their continued existence is owed to some of the friendships and alliances forged throughout the centuries, making a gift of Brightstar Wine a powerful and significant symbol of the lasting bonds the elves forge. Brightstar Wine is made by Master Winemakers in Velethuil, roughly once every five years, with each vintage consisting of a finished product of approximately 100 bottles. Roughly a tenth of this total figure are left to age even longer periods of time, creating the rare vintages that have become prized possessions for those lucky enough to acquire such a bottle. Brightstar Wine is not sold in stores as a norm, unless a patron has acquired a bottle and wishes to make a significant profit. In such cases, small glasses of wine have sold for anything form 3 to 5 gp to a staggering 15 gp for a small glass. Such cases are rare and far in between, however, with most bottles in non-elven hands being gifts to deserving folk. While not sold, it is somewhat common to find Brightstar Wine bottles for sale at auctions or, occasionally, in the High Market of Highmoon (not to mention the Black Market, though even here it is a rare commodity). While some are cheap imitations, the odd bottle does make its way to the market, often fetching prices that would make many merchants blanch and small aristocrats curse their tight fortunes. The latest incident occurred in Highmoon recently, where a bottle of 1367 Brightstar Wine was sold on the open market for a sum of 2000 gp. Older vintages can fetch twice and three times that amount depending on their age, though the chances of encountering such bottles on the hands of merchants is small indeed. Brightstar Wine is served at room temperature in a tall wine glass, in order to maximize the wine’s distinctive appearance. It can also be served chilled (achieved much in the same way the Berry Ale is cooled in the river), which causes the wine to become even sweeter, or warm with or without spices, in which case the wine tastes a bit more dry.