Pressing Matters (Beacon)
“…for what is a Beacon without a light, and what is a light without fuel?” Thus does Fenta Fumewort, proprietress of Pressing Matters, pitch the value of her business to the community. Farmers from Beacon and its environs bring their oilseeds to Fenta: poppy, turnip, rapeseed, flaxseed, almond, walnut, from which she presses various oils for cooking, lighting, and lubrication. The leftover seed cakes are useful, as well, for fodder and soil mulches. Fenta has recently learned that oils are useful as a base for inks and paints, and is starting to experiment with making and selling these products, as well.
Pressing Matters is located in a compact stone building on the edge of Beacon, only one storey of which is above ground. This upper floor is where the shop front and storeroom are. The press is located in a large, vaulted chamber underground. Fenta, with her enormous physical strength, is able to operate this press herself, without need of animal or fancy machinery.