[D7, LE] Fireside (Outside Mei's Yurt, Expecting)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He accepted the cup with a bow, waiting to see what came next.

[Miya Mei]

Mei then takes her own cup and lifts it over the center of the tray between, looking at Kemuri in the eyes, waiting for him to mimic the motion.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He mirrored her movements, watching her closely.

[Miya Mei]

Mei then lifts her cup to her lips, turns it 180' and tips it up to take a sip, not opening her mouth to taste the tea until Kemuri does.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Again he follows her movements, finally drinking the tea.

[Miya Mei]

Mei drinks hers and then gently places her cup down in front of her and places her hands in her lap, one atop the other. She bows her head again to Kemuri.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He returns the bow, his hands in his lap.

[Miya Mei]

Mei opens her eyes and smiles.

"Each family in the Empire does it slightly different, but this is the tea ceremony I was taught. Did you find the tea enjoyable, Shinjo-san?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hai." He smiled. "I enjoyed the entire experience. Thank you, Miya-sana."

[Miya Mei]

"It is a blend of black mountain tea and wildflowers from the Crane lands, as well as spices brought in by the Tortoise to the hub villages of Otosan Uchi. All it is missing is something from the south and something from the west, and then all of Rokugan would be part of the blend."

"Perhaps in our travels you can scout out something that would match the blend, and it would go from being my family's recipe to our own."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He nodded. "I will consider the possibilities. Tea is more complex than I imagined."

[Miya Mei]

"Oh, there is so many different things one can add to a blend! It is as complex as making a good sake or cooking an elaborate meal!"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Well, you do it well." Kemuri smiled. "Somehow, I feel more relaxed and refreshed."

[Miya Mei]

"I am glad."

Mei moves to sit back beside Kemuri.

"I wonder what tomorrows event will be. Have you any idea?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"After today? I expect to be surprised by every event." he laughed. "I was expecting something physical from the Moto. We may still get that."