Tea Time Tasting Test (Day 3, LM, expecting)

[Doji Misaki]

Misa gave a small sharp nod after finishing the tea in her cup, "I certainly trust you to help guide me through that process, Doji-sama. Now, we have one last pot of tea to brew up then, neh? The hostess may select whatever blend she wishes, of course, even anything of mine."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"I may be a moment, there is a matcha I have been contemplating."

Tsubaki looks to her student, "San, set up the ceremony while I prepare then join your sister in entertaining our guest."


The elder Crane busies herself carefully examining and selecting tencha from a number of bundles before seeming satisfied with her selection. As she begins the process of grinding it to powder San, having finished arranging the implements of the tea ceremony, joined Ni in the corner adding her voice to the tune. First vocalizations but eventually the two sisters begin a song supposedly penned by Lady Doji herself.

They are into their second song before Tsubaki is satisfied with the grind of the matcha.

"Please, Doji-san, join me in the ceremony."

[Doji Misaki]

Having been trained in the ceremony, Misaki smoothly joins in, scooting closer to Tsubaki and playing her part as a participant.

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki moves through the ceremony as flawlessly as one would expect giving the right pauses to consider the actions taken and, finally, consuming the cup of tea in perfect unison with Misaki.

The tea itself is an incredibly balanced blend whose slight grassy and floral notes somehow summon the very essence of spring growth and summer warmth.

With the ceremony, and the accompanying silence, at an end she looks to Misaki for her input.

(Probably doesn't matter after dayflip but Misaki gains 2VP)

[Doji Misaki]

After the ceremony is done, Misaki bows in thanks to Tsubaki.

"That was wonderfully calming. Truly Doji-sama has mastered the art of making every step of that graceful and deliberate, which makes it into something beyond soothing."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki returns the bow, "Thank you Doji-san, your opinion means a lot to me. And the tea itself?"

[Doji Misaki]

"The tea was bittersweet, with very complex flavor and rich aroma. I am unsure I recognize it certainly."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"It is a blend of tencha from the lands where our lands and those of the Lion border. I intend it as a sign of our hopes for closer relations between the two clans but it seemed best to get another opinion as to the final result before I started offering it as such."

[Doji Misaki]

Misaki gave a soft smile before nodding, "The fact it is both relaxing AND complex makes it a good mix for that. And it is a wonderful sentiment; Lord Akodo-sama's Clan compliments our own in many ways, even if it is something that is rarely talked about due to how focused both Clans have been to improving their lands and people."

She took another sip, enjoying the warmth and flavor.

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki smiles, "Wonderful! I thought so as well but one should never trust solely their own opinion when it comes to their art. I am glad to hear it echoed from one whose tastes I can trust."

[Doji Misaki]

Tsubaki smiles, "Wonderful! I thought so as well but one should never trust solely their own opinion when it comes to their art. I am glad to hear it echoed from one whose tastes I can trust."

"I am happy my opinion has some weight to it, even considering my somewhat humble tastes.

Misaki inclined her head after the relaxing sip, pausing a moment before speaking somewhat hesitantly, "There was one thing I did wish to ask you today, about the Camellia House, actually. If you do not feel it would go against our purposes in this meeting."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki waves away the concern, "We have done what we have set out to do so it can't interfere with that purpose. How can I assist?"

[Doji Misaki]

"Ah, see, well... I was wondering..."

She seemed to be choosing her words carefully, "...have you ever had a Nezumi at any of your Cemellia House locations? Or would that be something that might not be the best idea thanks to peoples' perceptions and such?"

[Doji Tsubaki]

She considers for a moment, "In honor of Lord Nanzi's dealings with the Nezumi we have never barred them from our Houses but I am not certain if any have ever actually attended."

[Doji Misaki]

"Ah. Well, you see... I have invited the Nezumi that attended today's storytelling session to tea, and I thought the Camellia would make a good impression, especially since Makime Ayano-sama stated she would also like the chance to get to meet the honorable Nezumi that is at these wedding festivities. I just did not wish to invite them here if they would violate the House's rules or alarm your clientele."

[Doji Tsubaki]

She nods, "Thank you for checking, Doji-san, but I do not foresee that being an issue."

[Doji Misaki]

"I'm glad to hear that. Now... I just need to figure out if Nezumi even like tea in the first place..."

She trailed off thoughtfully, putting her chin in her hand.

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki chuckles a little, "Well they claim to be civilized so clearly they must."

[Doji Misaki]

Misaki looked up from her musing and nodded with a smile, "And besides... surely anyone could find a tea they like at Doji-sama's establishment."

Finishing off the last of the tea in her cup, Misaki turned it over before turning and bowing to Tsubaki, "I have learned much this morning and enjoyed myself immensely. I would happy to be in Doji-sama's care any time to learn more about tea from her, or just to chat and relax, if time permitted."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"You will always be welcome for any of those reasons, Doji-san." Tsubaki's smile is warm.