Alliance Pot Pie

Part 5 of “The Ebon Shard”

In the deepening chill of an autumn morning, The Burly Earl thrummed with a tense energy. Asmund, behind the bar, polished glasses with a methodical rhythm, his thoughts elsewhere. The recent revelations about the Ebon Shroud weighed heavily on him.

A cloaked figure entered, drawing little attention in the dimly lit tavern. He approached Asmund, sliding a folded piece of parchment across the bar. It was from Liora, bearing news of her successful delivery and other urgent matters.

As Asmund read, his brow furrowed. The message spoke of troubling movements in the dark corners of the world, whispers of alliances forming in the shadows. But there was hope too. Liora mentioned a scholar from Candlekeep, an expert in ancient Netherese artifacts, who had agreed to help.

After reading the message, Asmund looked up. “You’ve journeyed far, Caelen. Join me for a meal. We’ve much to discuss, and you should eat.”

Caelen hesitated, then relented. As he sat, his gaze lingered on Asmund with a mix of curiosity and respect. “I’ve heard stories about you, Asmund. Or should I say, Murgen? The cleric who walked with gods and faced down the darkest of evils. And now, here you are, crafting meals in a tavern.”

Asmund smiled faintly, the memories of his past life as Murgen echoing silently. “Adventures and battles shape a man, but sometimes, the quieter battles fought here, in places such as this, are just as significant.”

He then turned to prepare the “Alliance Pot Pie,” a dish rich in symbolism and flavor. The ingredients were a tapestry of Faerûn – each element contributing its unique essence.

The chicken was tender and succulent, sourced from a farm in the Dalelands, known for its honest farming practices. The vegetables – carrots, peas, and potatoes – were harvested from the fertile fields of the Goldenfields, bursting with natural flavors.

The creamy sauce was a delicate balance of herbs and spices from the Sword Coast, each adding a layer of complexity to the dish. The thyme and rosemary whispered tales of ancient forests, while the pepper added a subtle, warming heat.

But the crowning glory of the pot pie was its crust. Golden and flaky, it was made from flour ground at a Waterdhavian mill, renowned for its superior quality grains. The butter, rich and flavorful, came from the pastoral lands of Amn.

As the pie baked, its aroma wove through the tavern, mingling with the crackle of the fire and the soft murmur of conversations. When served, Caelen took a bite and paused, savoring the harmony of flavors.

“This… This is remarkable, Asmund. To think, a man of your legend, now serving such extraordinary meals in a tavern,” Caelen remarked, a note of wonderment in his voice.

Asmund chuckled, “Sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures are found in the simplest of acts – like cooking a meal that brings people together.”

As they savored the Alliance Pot Pie, Caelen and Asmund exchanged tales and tidbits of information. Over mouthfuls of the rich, flavorful dish, they spoke of the changing tides in Faerûn, of shadows lengthening and alliances forming.

Caelen, usually a man of few words, found himself drawn into sharing snippets of the stories he’d heard in his travels, intrigued by Asmund’s insights.

In return, Asmund offered wisdom gleaned from his past, weaving it with the present, their conversation a tapestry of past exploits and current endeavors, seasoned with the shared experience of a meal that symbolized much more than the sum of its ingredients.

After the last bites of the Alliance Pot Pie had been savored, Caelen stood, newfound respect in his eyes. “Thank you, Asmund. For the meal and the stories,” he said, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude. “Your wisdom and this place… they’re beacons in these dark times.”

With a final nod, he wrapped his cloak tighter against the encroaching chill of the night and stepped out into the shadowed streets of Neverwinter.

Caelen left The Burly Earl with a sense of deep admiration for the man he had just met. The stories he had heard of Murgen, the legendary cleric, had always painted a picture of grandeur and heroism.

Yet here he was, Asmund, living a life starkly different but no less impactful. In the humble guise of a tavern keeper, he was weaving a different kind of magic – one that united, nurtured, and perhaps even healed.

This quiet evening at The Burly Earl had revealed to Caelen that true strength often lies in the roles we least expect, and that every chapter of life, no matter how different, contributes to a larger, more complex story. As he disappeared into the night, the tales of Murgen blended with his newfound respect for Asmund, creating a narrative rich in courage and humility.

As the door closed behind Caelen, Asmund stood in thoughtful silence, the last echoes of their conversation lingering in the air. He gazed around The Burly Earl, his mind weaving through the intricate tapestry of plans and possibilities that lay ahead. Each guest, each shared story, had become a thread in a larger narrative of resistance and hope.

It was time to bring these threads together, to form a stronger bond against the looming threat. Asmund knew the importance of the role he had to play – not on the battlefield, he hoped, but here, within these walls, orchestrating a different kind of strategy. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his responsibility and the resolve to meet it.

He thought back to the dish he made for Caelen and himself.

This “Alliance Pot Pie” wasn’t just a meal; it was a statement – a testament to the power of bringing together varied elements for a common cause, much like the gathering of minds and strengths that would soon take place within the walls of The Burly Earl.

In the flickering candlelight, the stage was set for a meeting that would bring together old allies and new acquaintances, each with their own role to play in the unfolding drama.

The Burly Earl, once just a haven for weary travelers, was now becoming a hub of resistance against the encroaching shadows.

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Alliance Pot Pie

Discover the Alliance Pot Pie recipe – a savory blend of chicken, vegetables, and herbs encased in a golden crust, symbolizing unity and warmth."

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 potatoes peeled and cubed
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (preferably from the Dalelands)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package about 1 lb store-bought pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking until they begin to soften.
• Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Trim any excess dough.
• Assemble the Pie: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the crust. Cover with a second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut small slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg.
• Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Character Information

Caelen – Male Human Courier

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