Lyra

Species: Asian Small-Clawed Otter

Gender: Female

Lyra grew up in a small rather rural village bordering a large river, and a thicker stretch of forest. She loved exploring the wilds around their den, and gathering the plentiful wild herbs and berries alongside her Grandmother, who taught her the joys of baking. As a young otter, any new fruit brought home would always be saved to be sampled and turned into any number of sweet treats by her grandmother. She loved creating a wide variety of syrups, jams, and baked goods such as pies, tarts, and cakes. Baking quickly became her passion as she got older, wanting to spread that feeling of joy she would get from enjoying those treats with others.

After her Grandmother passed; leaving behind her many nostalgic recipes in a hand-bound cookbook. She converted the kitchen and dining room area of their den into "Lyra's Hearthside Bakery" a rather cozy café and bakery, even expanding seating out into the large yard beside the river bank. Although she has yet to become a house hold name, it is a somewhat popular stop for those in her village. Although running a small café in such a rural area does have it's challenges. Such as sourcing certain ingredients in winter, and needing to travel rather far to retrieve them. However she has made due, rotating her specialties according to the season to use more abundant local ingredients, just as she would when she was young. That passion for baking, and the familiar faces gracing her shop are more than enough to keep her going.

She dreams of publishing her own cookbook to share both her, and her Grandmothers recipes with more of the world. As well as expanding her den to proper tea room, and allow for better views of the river she calls home. She has a warm and generous personality, patient, and truly a reflection of that motherly nature of her grandmother, making most feel welcome, although she is still a bit of an adventurer at heart. Always looking for new ingredients and recipes to try. 

Some of the specialties available in different seasons are:

Wild Berry Pie: A mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, with a hint of lavender. 

Lemon Lavender Tart: A delicate balance of tangy lemon, and fragrant lavender topped with a swirl of whipped cream.

Savory Meat Tart: A hearty filling of tender meat, mushrooms, and herbs with a flakey and buttery crust. Depending on the season this could be fish or poultry.

Forest Fruit Cake: A rich, moist molasses cake with chunks of apples, pears, and varying nuts, drizzled with either a honey glaze, or a blueberry and brown sugar syrup. 

As well as different jellies and syrups, ranging from sweet, savory, and spicy: Baby Pinecone, Maple, Rose, Sakura, Mint, Red Pepper, and most fruits.

Of course, there are different varieties of drinks to wash down your sweet pastries or warm yourself up, such as tea, coffee, apple cider or hot chocolate.