Coffee (Khave)

The beans are roasted, ground, and steeped in hot water to create a thick, strong, stimulant beverage with a strong bitter, nutty taste. The Khave plant does not grow in the climate zones of the Veldt, and for centuries the Au'Kael have obtained them in trade from the Kuru lands to the east. Used primarily to brew the stimulant Khave drink, it can also be used to add flavors to other dishes, ranging from desserts to meat rubs.

Au'Kael Khave tends to be brewed in small individual portions, in handled, metal brewing vessels over a heat source. As such, it is known to be a bit painstakingly slow to brew. Once brewed, it is poured into equally small serving cups, with the dregs settling to the bottom. As such, it is customary to never drink the last bit of liquid, as it means drinking the dregs as well. It is usually drunk either black, or sweetened with sugar or honey. A curious custom is that if one Au'Kael is romantically attracted to another, they will deliberately put greater amounts of sweetner in the drink, to signify how strong their attraction is. But if a cup is returned with no sugar, it signifies the affection is not reciprocated. (Turkish Coffee)

In modern times, the practice of cold-brewing Khave has caught on, where a very strong infusion is made ahead of time and either served cold or mixed with hot water. (Cold-Brew Coffee)

Some of the wandering bands have even become avid drinkers of the portable intant powdered forms of the beverage as a matter of convenience and ease of packing and carrying it while constantly traveling. But this is usually seen more as a way to simply get the stimulant effect and not to enjoy the real taste of the beverage. (Instant Coffee, Nescafe)