(5LA) Tea at Blue Bird House (expecting, or ask)

[Doji Soon-ja]

The old Crane lady fussily arranged the tea utensils on the low table in preparation for her guests. The tatami mats had been changed for fresh ones, and the tiny ikebana arrangement from the previous day had been joined by a calligraphy scroll with the character for "Friendship" written upon it in bold ink.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku arrives and bows, first to the room, then to Soon-ja. Light refracts from her forehead jewel all around the room.

"Auntie, thank you for hosting me," she says. "It is always a pleasure to be able to talk with you."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Welcome, welcome, Kakita-san," Soon-ja said, her face wrinkling as she smiled and bowed. "I'm glad for the company, especially after that... unusual scene at lunch."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"If it is not impertinent," Yuuwaku continues, "whom else are you expecting this afternoon?"

Because it could well be anyone, truly, she thinks.

[Doji Soon-ja]

"You know, I thought I had invited some more guests... but it's a little hazy in my mind now," Soon-ja said, looking a little puzzled. "How very curious."

"Perhaps I've forgotten," the elderly Doji admitted. "My memory isn't as good as it used to be, and sometimes it feels like the days blur together. Well, there's no sense waiting any further, I suppose." She began to prepare tea with well-practiced motions. Once the hot water was ready, a tea scoop was used to carefully measure out a portion of powdered tea, then Soon-ja whisked the liquid into a light froth, before pouring it into cups.

The first cup went to Yuuwaku, as the guest.

-
5LA Tea ceremony for 2, VOID/Tea Ceremony TN15: 8d10o10k3 28 succeeds. We both regain 2 Void Points.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku turns the cup as she has seen done, drinks of it, and returns it in the prescribed manner.

"It is an excellent preparation, Auntie. They are the poorer who neglect such things."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"You are kind to say so," Soon-ja said, dimpling slightly as she smiled. "I find it very relaxing to enjoy tea with friends each day."

After taking a sip of tea, Soon-ja continued the conversation. "Do you have any plans for this evening, Yuuwaku-chan? Perhaps going to the big Mantis party, eh? I fear I am too old for such energetic revels, now."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Ah, would that I could, Auntie," Yuuwaku replies, "but I have an appointment with an Otomo this evening." She smiles. "I could hardly disappoint such a personage, after all.

"And if it goes as I hope," she adds, "I might ask your advice about nuptials."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Are you meeting with young Otomo Saisei, then?" Soon-ja inquired, beaming with approval. "Such a delightful young fellow! I met him briefly, he was the very model of courtesy. I do hope you will find things in common with each other."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"I am, indeed, Auntie," Yuuwaku replies. "I've had occasion to speak with him before, too; he is diligent in training, which is always good to see, and he seemed to approve of my dancing, which is better."

She gives a small, polite smile before asking "What was life like with your honored husband, Auntie?"