Celestial Tea

Celestial Tea (Aurlûnoren: Lhûcyé) is a type of tea that is brewed in the Aurlûnor Velande, although the types and mixtures of plants that it is made from is currently unknown. Many theorize the ingredients inside of the tea are made from a mixture of the local Aurlûnoren Camellia aurlunorensis plant that originates around northern Hampo Province, and various herbs that are located within modern day Andorn or western Tacua Province within the Tacua jungle. However, recent discoveries had noticed that the tea actually comes from a completely different plant and mixtures, though the source is currently unknown.

Unlike most other teas, the pigmentation of the tea appear to be that of a pinkish purple texture, with a aura that appears to be light pink. The interior appears to sparkle, with the smell also being that of "otherwordly", yet "pleasant" smelling.

Etymology
Due to it's unknown origin in terms of herb data, the brew is commonly referred to as Lhûcyé or Celestial Tea, believing it to be of non-Rathnir or Eldham origin. The botanical name for the plant is Camellia aurlunorensis, though locals usually refer it as the "Lothranic herb" due to the taste being that of similar qualities to a plant found in Lothranis, though this could affiliate with the Twin Dragon faith.

Origin and History
Due to the very little data that has been collected about the tea's materials, Celestial Tea's botanical history and origin is at this time, unclear. According to sources from Wardens and various high ranking temple officials, the tea's materials are cultivated in the realm of Lothranis in large quantities, and is often tended to by Lothric peasants. The tea is then cured, and sent over to temple grounds, where it is prepared and placed into special golden tea pots to be consumed.

According to accounts of priests and priestesses of the Twin Dragon faith, Celestial Tea is cultivated not on the mortal plane, but on the plane of Lothranis, and is exported from said plane, and given to Wardens and higher ups to be processed.

Ingredients and Brewing
The ingredients to Celestial Tea is currently unknown.

Ceremonial Practices
Celestial Tea is often used in ceremonies within the Twin Dragon faith, as the tea is often mixed in with various types of narcotics and fruits in order to commune with their deities. The tea is often called the "Tea of Worship", and is widely used by different members of the faith, poured specifically for the occasions. In most temples, Celestial Tea is distributed, although, on certain days such as Dragon Day, Celestial Tea is distributed and produced en masse as it is apart of said religious holiday. Other Twin Dragon holidays and weddings often distribute Celestial Tea for guests. It is customary for people to drink Celestial Tea as apart of meditation, as it's relaxing and rejuvenating properties are said to put the mind in a state of trance, and a state of absolute standstill, calling it the "Balanced state".

Effects on Non-Lhûren, Dangers and Addictions
Aside from the feeling of numbness, as well as strange experiences, such as out of body experiences, tingling and the inability to speak in long quantities by putting the body in a state of relaxation, Celestial Elves are reported to have no major side-effects that affect their mental state. Aside from health problems in terms of the use of over-drinking tea, there has not been reports of long-term side-affects that would cause death.

However, in the case of other peoples, Celestial Tea has been proven to be a rather dangerous, addictive substance when consumed. Although at first, the tea appears to be normal like other drinks, the sweet, harmonic feel of the tea would cause the user to want more of it, and would eventually succumb to addiction if allowed to be kept unattended. About a week after exposure, notable blotches appear below their eyes, which cause them to have similar effects to someone overusing narcotics such as cocaine or heroin. Overuse of Celestial Tea can lead to long term mental health problems, as well as cognitohazardous visions, which will cause seizures to happen more often.

There are ways to remedy addiction to Celestial Tea for non-Celestial Elves. A mixture known as "Bluepear Juice" is a powerful, sweet substance, when, mixed correctly with Celestial Tea, cancels out the effects of the Celestial Tea's addictive qualities. This juice however, is extremely hard to come by, for bluepears only are proven to grow in the center of Momaganon. Due to this, it is common to see labels on the Celestial Tea about the warnings of the consumption. The Grand Temple often warns non-Celestial Elven patrons of the overconsumption of Celestial Tea before a prayer ceremony, and usually has said person doing the ceremony monitor said person.

Interestingly, Dune Elves that only live in, around or near the Ashuran Desert, Kumiho, Seraan, and Aurlûnoren Humans, as well as devout Twin Dragon worshippers of higher positions in the Grand Temple, appear to also have immunity from the negative effects of Celestial Tea. This had lead to researchers, and even mystic to believe that the tea is actually a sentient being, believing that it is to be nullified through devotion to the Twin Dragon faith. However, this is still proven to be unknown why this is the case.

Claims of Discovery of Ingredients and Fake Celestial Tea
The claims of people successfully making Celestial Tea by figuring out the instructions had begun to spread throughout Rathnir and eventually Eldham. Many speculate that Celestial Tea is made from an official recipe book that can be found in a particular bar in Rathnir.

Reports had indicated that this tea, although tasting similar, has not experienced any of the effects that people would normally have from actual Celestial Tea. This tea is said to have been more "bitter", and though it tastes sweet, is said to "not have the same enjoyment as actual Celestial Tea". The pigment is also said to be more opaque pink, covering the entire of the interior of the glass, without any sparkles or mystical effect.

Despite this, however, the commodity is often made for tourists in Lhûmar, and is claimed as "the safe version of the tea". The recipe was therefore made public for all brewers to make, as it is certified by the bartender's guild that it is indeed, not the same.