Evangeline Gearheart's Journal Entry #17

A Leap Through Time 

Date: January 2025

I have no memory of how I arrived here. One moment, I was aboard The Humming Cog, consulting my recipe book under the gentle glow of flickering lanterns. The next, I awoke in a bustling marketplace in West Yorkshire, England, surrounded by marvels far beyond my comprehension. The air was sharp with winter’s chill, and the streets were abuzz with activity—people in strange attire, speaking with rapid voices and moving with a pace that left me breathless.

As I took in my unfamiliar surroundings, I quickly realized that I was no longer in my own time. The sights and sounds around me were bewildering—a cacophony of vehicles and contraptions, towering structures adorned with glowing signs, and a sea of faces that spoke of an era far removed from my own.

Despite the disorientation, I found comfort in the weight of the satchel slung across my shoulder. Within it, the essentials remained: my trusted recipe book, a modest stash of cocoa butter and cocoa powder, the enchanted moss gifted by the Lonely Swamp Giant, and the lumin berries that had captured the magic of the Rhino-Elephants. These familiar items were my anchors in a sea of unfamiliarity.

Despair threatened to consume me, but I am an inventor, an adventurer—I adapt. Drawing upon the resilience that had carried me through countless trials, I sought shelter from the biting cold. My journey led me to a nearby bakery, its windows aglow with warm, inviting light. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

As fate would have it, the kind baker who owned the shop took pity on my plight. With a few trinkets I had crafted—a small gearwork compass and a delicate clockwork brooch—I bartered for a place to rest and gather my thoughts. The warmth of the bakery and the baker’s generosity provided a haven amidst the chaos.

Determined to make the most of my new reality, I set to work in a small corner of the bakery, transforming it into an impromptu workshop. The familiar hum of creativity filled the air as I began to recreate my first confections: Blackberry Ebony Orbs and Ethereal Truffles. With my limited resources, I poured my heart and ingenuity into each creation.

The locals were captivated by the magic of my confections. The Blackberry Ebony Orbs glistened like jewels, their rich purple hues offering a tantalizing promise of flavor. When bitten, the orbs revealed a luscious burst of blackberry essence, tempered by the smooth, bittersweet embrace of my finest cocoa. The Ethereal Truffles, meanwhile, transported tasters to dreamscapes of unrivaled beauty—their flavors intertwining like a symphony, evoking the serene beauty of the Fae Realms.

Word of my unique creations spread quickly, and soon, the bakery was brimming with curious customers eager to experience the otherworldly delights. Children marveled at the glowing bonbons, their eyes wide with wonder, while adults savored the intricate layers of flavor that danced on their palates. The success of these initial confections reminded me why I had embarked on this journey in the first place—to share the magic and joy of my craft with the world.

As I settled into this peculiar future, I began to embrace the opportunities it presented. The bustling marketplace of West Yorkshire offered a treasure trove of ingredients and inspiration, each new discovery fueling my creativity. I delved into the rich tapestry of local flavors, blending them with the enchanted ingredients from my past adventures to create confections that bridged the gap between time and tradition.

In collaboration with the kind baker, we transformed the small corner of the shop into a vibrant space where innovation and tradition coexisted harmoniously. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of rich cocoa and exotic spices, creating an atmosphere that was both comforting and exhilarating. Each day brought new challenges and discoveries, and I relished the opportunity to learn and grow in this new era.

One particularly memorable creation was the Winter Solstice Truffle—a decadent blend of dark chocolate, spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and infused with the gentle glow of Lumin Berries. The truffle captured the essence of winter’s chill and warmth, offering a taste that was both nostalgic and enchanting. The locals embraced it with delight, and it quickly became a cherished seasonal treat.

Reflecting on my journey, I realized that my arrival in this future was not a misfortune, but a serendipitous twist of fate. The challenges and uncertainties had tested my resilience and ingenuity, ultimately leading me to a place where I could continue to pursue my passion and share the magic of my confections with a whole new world.

With each confection crafted, I felt a deeper connection to this time and its people. Timekeeper’s Treats became more than just a confectionery—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and invention. Each creation told a story, a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

As the days turned into weeks, the future no longer felt like an alien world, but a canvas filled with endless possibilities. The essence of exploration, alchemy, and passion continued to guide me, and I embraced the chance to create a legacy that would inspire and delight generations to come.

In this peculiar future, I found a new purpose. Timekeeper’s Treats was not just a tribute to my past adventures, but a celebration of the endless journey of discovery and the magic that lies in every moment. With the spirit of the Heart Deer, Lonely Swamp Giant, Bandersnatch, Eoten, and all the wondrous beings I had encountered, I was ready to face whatever challenges and wonders lay ahead, one magical confection at a time.