Sapphire Ambassadors

Hearing of a certain tea room's excellent snack selection, Yoshino had ventured forth to visit in the late morning of her second day in town. She was delighted to spot a cute dog enjoying the cool breeze on her way in.

Yoshino enquired with the staff about the menu before moving to the decking to take in the view.

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For reference: Tea Ceremony for 2, TN15 = Pass. Yoshino +1 more will receive a void point each.

"Doji-san looks like she could use some company," says a gentle voice.

It's owner will bow slightly if and as Yoshino turns. "Asahina Jorujo" is offered by way of introduction.

Yoshino paused to demurely glance in the voice's direction. To her relief it was another Crane, but not a Doji. An Asahina. She usually got along well with the magical Crane family. She turned to greet the slight man with a respectful bow.

"Asahina-sama, this one is humbled by your company. Doji Yoshino." She dipped her head again. Her voice was unsure, suggesting he'd caught her at an opportune moment. "It has been a somewhat lonely morning." She admitted before she could think better of it.

Jorujo seats himself.

"You do well with cha-do," he comments. "Who was your teacher in the art?"

"Doji Akechi-sama." She moved to serve Jorujo tea. "He was strict yet kind. Very knowledgeable on all things tea and culture. I believe he retired a few years ago now."

She had kept her gaze lowered as she spoke.

"I only imitate my betters Asahina-sama."

Jorujo nods and accepts the tea.

"Roads are useful things to follow," he says. "But sometimes it helps to step off the path."

He drinks of the tea.

"The path has been very shaky." Yoshino admits.

She'd asked for the honey ginger chamomile, so that was what Jorujo got to enjoy. It was equally enjoyable on a cool autumn day as a cool spring one.

"Oh?"

Jorujo sips at his tea. "This is quite good."

"This Sunset Leaves Tea Room is to thank for that." Yoshino turned a little to see where the staff were. "Snacks would make it even nicer, ne?"

"I'd not argue, no."

Jorujo sighs contentedly.

"How have you liked Teitaku so far?"

"It's very pleasant. Wonderful for artists. The town and its people are well looked after." Yoshino said the usual things, but it did help they were all true.

The Doji put in an order for some suitable snacks for the pair. It was the main draw of this particular tea room after all.

"One of your family, Asahina Asano, will be competing. Do you know her, Asahina-sama?"

"I have not met her, no," Jorujo says. "But I am not surprised to know another Asahina is competing. Any Crane, really."

"We are cousins. She has a very beautiful heart. I hope that shows in her displays." Yoshino asserted. "I'm sure our Clan will do well to honour our ancestors and Lady Doji."

"Of course," Jorujo says.

"What will you be showing?"

"Today will be some poems that come together as an arrangement. Tomorrow will be calligraphy with impact." She looked to the side. "I don't really do beautiful landscape paintings or pretty sculptures."

"So, brushwork all around," Jorujo nods.

"I shall look forward to seeing your work," he adds.

"Whom do you think will be your stiffest competition?"

"Perhaps." She says only, keeping a poker face.

Yoshino dips her head humbly at the kind words.

"I haven't followed the art scene in the longest time. I'm sure one of the organisers could speak more on that than I Asahina-sama." In other words she didn't know any of the other competitors.

"Ah."

Jorujo partakes of the arriving snacks.

"It is a good menu."

"I had hoped so." She nibbled at one and her eyes lit up. She cupped her mouth. "I see myself returning again."

"A full belly makes many things seem better," Jorujo says, "and all the better when it tastes good getting filled!"

He sighs, looks back towards the hill.