nexus_crossings | + 1 god of wind

+ 1 god of wind

[[ooc: Enjoy the new location! The monks are NPC's and characters can visit the tea house and enjoy the gardens whenever they wish, even when Fujin isn't in residence. :) Fujin's Navigation post with his info is here!]]

The nexus had been under the curious gaze of the wind god of Earthrealm for a while now, but it was only in recent days that he decided to show himself. In the mysterious way that the Nexus had, the green space known as the park inexplicably had been expanded in a short amount of time; as a small verdant forest extended and the walking paths entered in meandering fashion.

One of these paths led to a walled tori gate, where one could enter and find the Henka no Kaze tea house; a place sanctioned by the wind god himself. Surrounded by maintained Japanese gardens, someone could lose themselves to the beauty of nature in this place; listening to the whisper of leaves and the tinkling of wind chimes and the trickle of water fountains. It was easy to forget that within walking distance, the rest of Nexus Crossings sprawled. The autumn colors were starting to show themselves, which only added to the quiet beauty of the space. Curious people that came through here would be greeted by kind robed monks and invited to enjoy some tea at the tea house.

Fujin himself was on the grounds today, not hard to spot with his height and long silver white hair in a braid and bright glowing eyes. For anyone visiting and sensitive to energies - Fujin was the physical manifestation of potent elemental energy native to the natural world. Unlike the monks who wore robes of muted colors, Fujin wore an elaborate layered sleeveless tunic and trousers with a wide belt that appeared to be east Asian in origin and decorated with tooled leather in cloud-like shapes. A glowing mark on his upper left arm lined his skin. Even during periods where he wasn’t immediately seen - patrons at the tea house would be rewarded by the relaxing sounds of the shakuhachi flute; marking Fujin’s place out in the gardens.

Currently, the wind god moved along the tables on near silent feet, bending now and again to speak to people or even kneeling among them with a tray to serve their tea. His manner was soft spoken, relaxed and kind; quick to smile as he spoke to guests and his presence brought with it the fresh scent of mountain breezes and pine. No task was too humble for him. He had even been spotted earlier sweeping the path of flat stones leading up to the tea house.

At one point, as he knelt at a table to pour some tea into some cups, he smiled a little; expression almost wistful in his striking glowing gaze.

“Everyone must rest at some point. Even warriors. What relaxes you and gives you peace?”

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"I'm hardly so much of a warrior anymore." Despite saying this, Thiirien has a dagger sheathed at each thigh and carries herself with a wary grace under the woad-dyed leather armor she wears; she'd given the room a hypervigilant once-over before taking the table offered to herself, placing her back against the wall.

"But it's usually time out in the woods that helps me to relax. I grew up out in the wilds, raised to hunt and fish. It makes places like your gardens seem a little strange to me. It seems natural on the surface, but it's so...cultivated, I suppose. It's not a bad thing, just radically different."

It's the landscape equivalent of the Uncanny Valley effect, but she's not going to say that aloud to the nice fellow with the glowy eyes.

“Come on, Isamu. You’ve been working and studying for way too long, it is high time you took a break!” Minoru nudged his brother forward. “What does Papa always say? The answers you need might be right in front of you, but it takes a rested mind to see them there.”

Isamu groaned, but only because he knew Minoru was right.

“As much as I would like to argue that my papers will not write themselves in my absence, you are right. As is Papa.“ he admitted as they stepped onto the teahouse grounds. “And this... wow...”

“I know, right?” Minoru looked back at the Tori gate. “Like visiting Grandma Mikoto, isn’t it.”

“Is that a shakuhachi flute?”

Minoru shrugged.

“It is strikingly beautiful.”

“Yeah...” he smiled, stopping to listen to that, in addition to the tinkling of the wind chimes. This place was very peaceful indeed. He drew a derp breath, taking it all in before catching up to his brother, already asking for a table for two in polite Japanese. Minoru quickly slipped off his shoes.

At the comment about not being much of a warrior anymore, Fujin glanced up from pouring the tea with an almost subtle knowing expression. In a way he understood. This woman was a warrior at heart and he could see that with her mannerisms and behavior. Even if she hadn't fought for ages, a warrior never truly retired.

He gently placed her tea cup on the tray in front of her with a small inclined nod of the head. He remained kneeling on the floor and the long white braid at his back nearly brushed against the tatami mats where he sat.

"Hm, yes. I too enjoy the raw untouched natural places of the world. I strove to capture some of that here, but did not wish to have visitors exposed to the dangers of the Wilds."

One of the monks were seating the two brothers at one of the low tables when Fujin entered the tea house. He had been enjoying the gardens outside and playing his shakuhachi; which was now secured to his belt. Even the wind god switched out his shoes before he entered, and approached the newcomers with a small smile.

"Welcome to Henka no Kaze." He greeted in Japanese. Their voices had been on the wind and he had recognized the familiar language. "Please, relax and enjoy some tea." If there was any they wished to try, he'd make and serve it personally.

She lifts her tea cup in a polite salute before taking a small sip. "That is probably for the best. And to some, this may be 'nature' as far as they're concerned--the city folk who don't belong in the Wilds or any other wilderness on any other plane."

Ravage is dumbstruck.

"I have no fragging idea," he finally admits. "Poetry, sometimes. Green places, I think, but until I came here, I'd never seen one before. A night with a lover."

"Haven't seen this place around before. It looks new. Who are you?"

Ben's found himself exploring Nexus gardens, in part to enjoy the calming atmosphere. So he found this one soon enough, and the mix of learning new skills and a refreshing drink of coffee has his attention.

"Sometimes I visit a coffee or tea place in the Nexus to help. A good drink can help. Sometimes I head out into the Wilds to do some exploring or work on my art skills. It's more dangerous than the downtown area, but I enjoy living a little dangerously. The Nexus is a peaceful place, mostly, but I like to keep my skills sharp in case they're ever needed."

Both Shifter's ears perk up and scent the air, as their usual walk/patrol brings them near the area. Aal and Dor share a look, well that..was interesting. It looks familiar to places in the Enchanted Forest, yet different in some ways.

They approach cautiously curious, scanning the path, area as they head along it. Aal's eyes are more bright and hopeful as she isn't getting any sinister vibes. Whereas Dor's is sightly wary and watchful. The right sight of his mouth slightly twitches bemused and pleased as he notices his beloved bride's reaction, however. As he gently tucks her arm tighter around his, pecking the back of her hand.

Aal blushes slightly out of habit despite herself a small smile growing on her face as she tucks some hair behind her ear. "Charmer." She murmurs lowly playful and fond.

Receiving a playful wink in reply. "Only for you Luv." He rumbles low in a near purr. Before her handsome hubby's scanning the area for anyone to talk to etc. As they politely wait for a moment when they see the buildings. After all, if they were on another's territory..and not a business? Or could be both?

Aal gets a slight wry look and sighs softly, "Ain't that the truth." She murmurs.

Dor's lips twitched in bemused agreement with a low war chuckle. "Ahem, Well I usually enjoy a nice bath myself. " He informs the other man.
A playful glimmer in his sea-blue eyes as he gives his wife a tender, adoring look.

"Ahem." Aal softly clears her throat as she does her best to not be rude and focus on their 'host' while she replies. "Well..if it's just myself..maybe curling up with a good book, listening to music..or company and food.." Among other things. "Date or Game Nights are fun too." She adds after a moment. In StoryBrooke those could be in groups too. Though she didn't know some folks well enough here as of yet. To be comfortable broaching the topic.

The twins sat in seiza on the tatami, comfortably looking over the menu as well as taking in the atmosphere. It really did remind them of traveling to Japan during the summers, and even of their parents’ house in the States.

They spoke to each other in a mix of English and Japanese, but when greeted by the host, replied in kind.

It was Isamu who noticed the shakuhachi in his belt. “Were you playing the music we heard earlier? It is quite a rarity to hear it played, and played so beautifully.”

Minoru nodded with a smile. “Everything here brings back a lot of good memories.”

There were so many varieties of green tea to choose from. Over time, they would probably come to enjoy them all. But for their first visit, they picked purely based on nostalgia.

Minoru ordered a cup of tamaryokucha. The tangy, berry-like taste made it a mild choice as far as green tea was concerned, but that’s what he liked. Isamu, on the other hand, ordered a cup of konacha, a byproduct brew far better known for its bitterness.

"There are a few things. The quiet helps. One of the reasons why I've stayed as long as I have, and this is a pleasant temple."

Kyp Durron hasn't been in the Nexus for long, at all. But there's another moody former Darksider in residence, drawn by the pleasant atmosphere and the scent of tea. The monks and the tea remind him a little of Luke's academy, which is probably one of the reasons he was drawn here. These definitely aren't Jedi, though.

"A warm drink is an option. Conversation helps, too. Gives me a sense of focus - I don't like to stay still so long. Tell me a little about this temple." Kyp's eyes scan the temple for a place to sit. "May I have some tea?"

"I drank too much when I was still alive. In this place..."

Mantis is not one to actively seek out peace, but he can't help the curiosity when a place like this shows up. A young catwing tugs hard on his harness, curious of sounds and sights and smells. His wings flex and flap as he sniffs out everything in reach.

"Hobbies are finding me, and then I got a pet."

Fujin nodded in agreement, noting the pointed ears on the other woman with a subtle, polite glance. "This is true. The Wilds here are too dangerous and unpredictable for most. In fact the Nexus itself is curiously mutable. At least here, it's a little safer."

He gestured slightly. "I am curious. What realm do you hail from?"

She has to think for a moment how best to answer, because the question doesn't specify how granular a response is expected. "The mortal plane of Nirn. Specifically, the continent of Tamriel, and even more specifically the province of Skyrim. But it's likely none of that's meaningful, if you're not familiar with Nirn at all."

She fusses with her teacup a little. "I've heard people here occasionally compare it to the setting of fantasy novels they've read on their worlds. It's as incomprehensible to them as most of their worlds are to me."

Fujin smiled and nodded his head. "Yes. I find it very meditative." He answered in regards to the shakuhachi. "It pleases me to know that you both enjoyed the music and that this place brings good memories for you both."

At their pick of tea, the wind god rested a hand over fist and nodded. "I will prepare it for you personally." He said, before moving away to do just that. He moved with the inherent grace of a warrior, but also appeared to be quite comfortable in this setting. The energy of his presence brought a refreshed feel to the air. Like a brisk mountain breeze. When the wind god returned a short while later, he was carrying a tray in his hands with the requested tea. Kneeling at their table, his long white braid swayed as he settled and proceeded to pour their drinks and serve them.

Fujin placed their cups before them with another small smile. "Considering that you are familiar with these teas and the shakuhachi, I take it you hail from Earthrealm?" He asked curiously. Though knowing the Nexus, it could be from any number of versions of Earth. "How long have you been in the Nexus?"

Fujin blinked curiously when seeing this guest. He'd never seen a creature like this before and he'd seen a lot over the millennia. He was familiar with the cybernetic warriors from Frost's branch of the Lin Kuei, but this creature was definitely not one of those. While designed to look like some kind of Earthrealm feline, the wind god recognized a sharp intelligence.

Curious. He wondered if this being could even drink tea.

"All of those things are a good way to relax." He said tactfully, inclining his head in polite greeting. "I am curious, what realm do you hail from? I have visited many realms, but I have not seen a being quite like you." That was one thing that he found fascinating about the Nexus. The diversity of the people that visited here.

Fujin approached the newcomers table, resting a hand over fist at chest level in greeting. "I am Fujin. Wind god of Earthrealm and one of its protectors." He said by way of introduction. "I have had my eye on the Nexus for a while now, curious about its nature. The monks here have volunteered to come with me to create this place. We have only recently opened our doors to others. I suppose you could say its a bit of a 'vacation spot'." The god grinned a little, using the mortal term.

He spread his hands a little. "Well, you have definitely come to the right place if you wish for a warm drink to refresh yourself." He looked thoughtful for a moment, eyeing the young man with his unusual glowing eyes. "I suppose we are similar in that regard. This place may be one to relax, but it is also a place for warriors to keep their skills 'sharp' too."

Fujin approaches the couple, glancing between the two of them with his distinct, bright glowing eyes. It was obvious how much the pair cared for each other. The wind god was not oblivious to such things, having observed the mortals of Earthrealm for a very long time. Despite his dedication to his duties with protecting Earthrealm and its Jinsei, he still wondered sometimes what it would be like to find such a love with someone else.

He mentally shook himself from his thoughts as he took in their answers, nodding with a small smile. "All of those options sound like good answers." The wind god murmured, pleased. He gestured towards the tea house. "This place is the Henka no Kaze tea house and these grounds are under my protection. You are more than welcome to come and sit. Relax and enjoy the gardens and some tea."

Edited 2020-10-02 08:56 (UTC)

Fujin couldn't help but smile a little at that. He enjoyed the quiet too. He gestured towards one of the low tables that wasn't occupied. "Come and sit. You have definitely come to the right place then if you like conversation and warm beverages."

He shook his head. "It's not a temple, but a tea house of Japanese design. However it is my goal to create a place that fosters peace for others. Especially since many of our worlds are rife with wars and conflicts." He gestured at the menu on the table. "We have many blends from Earthrealm here. From Japan, China and other countries. We also do customized tea blends too. I suppose you could say that it's a hobby of mine. Pick anything you like and I will personally prepare it for you."

Fujin's face was neutral as he approached the newcomer. This was definitely interesting. The man spoke of being alive in the past tense. How curious. Seeing the cute feline with the wings on the harness pulled a smile on the wind god's face and he knelt to hold out a hand toward the curious creature. As god of wind, he was the physical manifestation of a force of nature and was always very close to the natural world. As a result, he had a natural fondness for animals.

How could one not be fond of such a cute creature?

"I suppose this place is kind of a hobby of mine." He admitted with a nod. "I enjoy tea and making my own blends. I decided that in a place like the Nexus, it would be good to share them with others and get a chance to meet people from many realms." He inclined his head towards the menu on the low table. "If there is anything you'd like to try, I will be happy to have it prepared for you."

Her answer pulls another small smile from the wind god. "No, I have not heard of Nirn. But it is not so unusual for me. I have lived a very, very long time and I have walked many realms. They are all so different. It is one reason why I was drawn to the Nexus, as it is a hub world connecting many. I like to learn of other worlds and peoples."

He gestured at the area around them. "I always have enjoyed tea and creating various blends. I suppose you could say it's a hobby of mine. I desired to share the peace that it gives me with others. Both warriors and non-warriors alike. I have been watching this realm for a while now and decided here was as good a place as any to create such a space. The gardens and buildings within the walls here are based from Japanese culture. From my home of Earthrealm. The monks that stay here are trusted friends that have volunteered to assist me." The grounds were also under his protection.

"You can call me Fujin. What is your name?"

They both smile warmly and wait patiently. Sharing a small glance again.

Aal smiles softly, with an intrigued tilt of her head to the right, She loved learning new things as much as her mate enjoyed sailing.

They both blink and then smile. "Thank you Sir..and that's a um interesting name." She murmurs the language sounding like one she may have heard before but was not fluent in.

Dor gives a warm smile and gives a respectful nod of his head before offering his hand toward the other man. "I'm Dorrell of Mist Haven and this is my wife, Aalish." He introduces them warmly like one of the ways they usually did in unfamiliar realms. Or least round beings they didn't know well as of yet. "We appreciate your hospitality. "

Aal's ears wiggle though and tries not to wiggle the rest of herself too much. When was the last time they got to see some lovely gardens at Tea time? Way too long by her count.

As the cups were placed before them, the twins took a moment to appreciate it with all their senses. This was no formal tea ceremony, of course, but it was a matter of politeness.

Isamu knew, just from the color alone that the tea had been expertly brewed. His tea was a vibrant green, while Minoru’s was almost yellow. The difference in color would speak to the differences in leaves, boiling time, water temperature - all of which produced a different taste.

“Earth, yeah, you could call it that.” Minoru smiled.

“We grew up in the United States, but nearly our entire extended family still lives in Japan.” Isamu added. “We moved to the Nexus several months ago after I completed my graduate programs, so I could apply for admission to the Institute for Research and Interdimensional Studies as I pursue my doctorate.”

Minoru chuckled warmly. “I go where he goes.”

Isamu was the man with a thousand plans, all of them (metaphorically and sometimes literally) detailed out and neatly organized in a three-ring binder. Minoru just tended to go with the flow.

“I’m working as an orderly in the hospital here.” He added. “I’m glad we moved. It’s a wonderful place!”

“60% of that response is based solely on the lack of restrictions the authorities here place on his parkour hobby.” Isamu nodded to Fujin.

“Not denying it.” He shrugged happily. “Freerunning is my thing.”

"Thiirien. It's nice to meet you, Fujin." She means that, offering him a warm smile. While holy men, monks and priests alike, have never been her favorite people in the world, there's an energy about Fujin that reminds her vaguely of the priest of Arkay in Falkreath; he's a veteran of the Great War who grew tired and runs a cemetery now.

"My people traditionally don't drink tea; many are completely carnivorous as an act of devotion. But I like the subtle flavors in it better than the fermented pig's milk I grew up on."

"Earthrealm." Ben considers the term for a while. "Interesting. I've heard that word before - I'm not from Earth, myself. Humans from my world are something of a curiosity here for that reason, since we have no origin there as far as we know." And now he can check "met a god" off his list of accomplishments in the Nexus. Not too big a surprise, when it's so easy to casually bump into an angel or immortal of some kind. He's pretty sure he can count the number he's met on both hands - the angels alone, even.

"I'll take you up on the offer for a drink. What do you have, exactly?" Ben looks for a chair to get himself comfortable, interested in what exactly Fujin has on offer in this place. He's curious about this place, and the description this wind god gave is interesting. If he likes it, he may add it to his list of places he visits in the future. "In terms of drinks and fighting practice."

"Realm...?" Ravage considers this. "Cybertron," he finally says. "I come from Cybertron, originally."

He's checking out the place. He's basically spent a lot of his recent downtime walking around through the Nexus. Nobody he's just met has ever asked him what he does to relax before.

"This place...it's some kind of magic, isn't it? It feels different. And I can't explain how. At first, I thought it was a temple, not a tea house. There are so many places here that just feel...serene."

It's so absurdly comfortable, this place. Someone might tell you anything here. He felt safe without meaning to.

Ravage doesn't normally feel this safe, ever. Even deep in recharge in a larger mech's lap, or even better in that mech's arms, knowing he's loved, and loved by powerful people he knows he can trust. Because there's always the chance that someone or something is going to start exploding somewhere.

And it's absurd because he's never been here before. There is literally no logical reason to feel safe and at ease in a place he has never been in before, with people he doesn't know, many of whom are members of a species that hasn't much reason to love his species, or especially his faction. "I, ah. Can't really drink tea. Is it all right for me to just be here a little while?"

He's suddenly, powerfully, tired, and it's not lack of energon. It's all of the effort he makes, every day, not to be terrified.

For someone from another galaxy, "China" and "Japan" might as well be alien planets - and, in a way, Earth is an alien place for Kyp. While he's human, he's most definitely not from Earth, and his birth culture isn't really any Earth culture. It's all alien to him. Still, his home universe has coffee and tea equivalents, so he can follow that. He finds himself a seat and grabs the menu, trying not to seem too awkward. He wonders if he's the first Jedi Knight to be in this place. Master Luke might like it.

"What are some of the blends you have?" He looks over the menu, then turns back to Fujin. "If you have any suggestions, I'm open to them. Where I come from, most of these don't exist, so I can't help but be a little confused."

The energy emanating from the man was hard to miss as was the rather ornately fashioned garden as Loki stepped across the garden taking in the sight and smells. It really was a tranquil place and something that the Nexus could do with. A tea garden? It certainly shared some similarities as to what most would associate with one. Loki was pleasantly surprised as he stepped up to the man, offering a polite smile. He choice of dress being a green jerkin with gold buttons fashioned with black linen pants and black boots. A slight change to his usual heavy Asgardian armour.

"I would say sitting down and reading with a good book and...a cup of decently brewed tea."

Wine was also another favourite choice of the god but tea was always welcome for a warmer substitute. His eyes roaming across the man, wondering who or what he was exactly. There was magic but Loki was unsure what just yet.

Loki Hyrrokkinson, a young and very short for his species Frost Giant, notices the tea house and walks into it with a soft smile. There's fondness in his red eyes.

Tea's a very Midgardian drink and somehow, it ended up connected to some happy memories. Not that he cares!

He sits at a table. One that is nearest to the doors, no other option, as far as he's concerned.

"Victory relaxes me," he answers the stranger's question with a smirk. "Nothin' quite like it, ya know?"

Edited 2020-10-03 15:26 (UTC)

"Henka no Kaze is Japanese for 'Winds of Change." Fujin clarified after the couple introduced themselves. "As for me, you can call me Fujin." He reached out for Dorrell's offered hand and gave it a shake, smiling.

Letting go, he gestured to the path behind him. "Follow me, I will lead you to a place to sit." The tall wind god turned, long braid swaying with the movement, to head back towards the tea house. The stone path led through Japanese styled gardens and undergrowth. The tea house itself was a two story affair, also of Japanese design. Once inside, Fujin would lead the couple over to a low table with pillows to sit on by the large windows facing the gardens. There was a couple of menus that listed the various types of Earthrealm teas they had at the tea house, as well as some custom blends that Fujin was known to make.

"Make yourselves comfortable." Fujin said with a small smile still on his features. They definitely picked a good day to find the gardens, for the weather was favorable and the fall colors were starting to show.

Fujin smiled a little, seeing how the twins enjoyed their cups of tea before even sipping their drinks. He settled back into seiza so that he could comfortably converse, resting his hands on his knees as he looked between the two of them.

"I know of IRIS. What field do you study in?" Fujin asked curiously. He had been observing the Nexus long enough to know of the institute, though he wasn't involved with them personally. What caught his notice was the fact that not only was scientific studies worked on there, but magical as well. It amused the wind god to see the contrast in personalities between the brothers. He too shared differences with his own brother.

Fujin flashed a grin at the twin that mentioned freerunning. This fellow seemed pretty care free. "I too enjoy vigorous exercise." He admitted, glowing eyes brightening. "Though I haven't done much free running in the Nexus, I have flown over it several times." At a sudden realization, the wind god inclined his head slightly.

"You may call me Fujin. What is your names?"

Cybertron. That was a new realm he'd never heard of. Considering how interesting this being was, he could only imagine what Cybertron was like. At the question, the wind god nodded.

"Yes. My name is Fujin. I am wind god of Earthrealm. Within the walls of this place, it is under my protection. What you sense is perhaps the energies of either myself or my protective wards. I wanted this place to offer a place of peace for warriors and non-warriors alike." His lips quirked a little in a small smile. "And I wanted to share my love for blending good teas."

The wind god tilted his head slightly at the mechanical being's admission. Seeming to recognize that battle worn weariness, he nodded. "Of course you are welcome to stay." He beckoned, turning. "Come." He moved to a more out of the way spot in the room, not far from the large windows that was out of the way of foot traffic. There, Fujin brought some pillows and arranged them for his guest. "You may rest here for as long as you like. Neither myself, nor the monks here would deny you respite. You are safe here."

Well, this was an interesting being that wandered into his tea house today. Fujin approached when they sat at a table. A small grin flickered on the face of the wind god at the answer to his question.

"Indeed." He agreed. "And the celebrating afterwards." He spread his hands a little. "Welcome to the Henka no Kaze tea house. I am Fujin, wind god of Earthrealm. The grounds within these walls are under my protection. You are more than welcome to enjoy the gardens or try some of our teas here."

Minoru flashed the wind god a glance that roughly translated to, ‘well, you asked.’

“Most of my research has been in biochemistry thus far, with leanings toward pharmacology. However, with the near-limitless wealth of knowledge inherent in this convergence of multiple worlds, I am not opposed to shifting my discipline as new data presents itself.”

“In other words, he’d never met a book he didn’t like.” Minoru laughed.

And it was Isamu’s turn to admit, “Not denying it.”

In between conversations, the brothers sampled their tea. Traditional politeness was clearly old habit, as they supported their cups while holding them.

“If you ever want to come running with me, you’re welcome to!” Minoru grinned. “I can’t fly, though. So you’ll have to show me how that works!”

Heaven forbid that be a teachable skill. The world (this one, their home world, any of them...) may never be the same.

“Oh!” Isamu realized roughly the same time as their host did. “Apologies. I am Uchiwa Isamu.”

“Uchiwa Minoru.” He smiled, sipping his tea. “Pleased to meet you, Fujin.”

"Thank you," Ravage breathes out, although he's wondering how everyone seems to know he needs pillows these days. "You are very kind, Fujin."

Probably more than I deserve, Ravage thinks as he settles into the pillows like they were a nest, barely remembering to keep his claws in as he kneads them a little before lying all the way down.

In very short order, the cat-mech is purring drowsily into the softness, a sound that's half big-cat rumble, half idling engine.

When the other man approached, Fujin smiled a little and spread his hands. "You have certainly come to the right place then. Welcome to Henka no Kaze tea house." He could sense something about the other man too, but he didn't put much thought into it. He was used to interacting with people of other realms, and the Nexus was no exception. Though so far since he had opened his tea house to others he had met some really interesting beings he'd never encountered before.

"We carry many different kinds of teas from Earthrealm, plus I've been known to make my own custom blends. The monks that are here with me are trusted friends that volunteered to come with me to the Nexus." He gestured up the path towards the Japanese styled building. "If you wish it, you are more than welcome to come and make yourself comfortable."

Aal smiles softly, yes that was interesting indeed and could mean several varius things. Change wasn't always bad after all. Lately, though well it'd been a rough few years. She shakes her head a little and ruffles her hair that has some dark fur threaded deeply in it. Her eyes brighten as Dor grins.

"Pleasure, to met you." He intones warmly and politely even.
As Aal glances tween them with a little grin pleased by the pleasantries. Following her beloved mate's lead at the moment.

"Aye very nice to met ya and thank you." She murmurs warmly but soft. As her arm tightens a little around Dor's. She'd had quite enough of them getting separated through no fault of their own for a lifetime thank you very much.

Dor smiles softly down at her and gently strokes her arm with a little nod, "Then, by all means, lead the way, good sir." He murmurs warmly and sincerely grateful. As they padded along dutifully, their ears slightly twitching and swiveling back and forth.

Aal softly sniffs the air. Her eyes lighting up as she takes in the sights and smells. Dor smirks slightly, yes this would do quite nicely.
His own shoulders easing slightly.

"Thank you." They both murmurs in near unison. Aal couldn't help the soft bemused chuckle. As Dor comes over to plump a pillow for her slightly before she sits, "Thank you, darling." She murmurs and chances a small peck of gratitude to his check. Not sure what the house rules about PDA are but that seems like a small thing at least.

"Your most welcome, milady." He purrs as he gently takes her hand and kisses the back of it. Locking his bright eyes with her's as he takes a seat not very far away but not as close as he could be at the moment. Though as the time goes on that might change.

Dor picks up the menus with his other hand and offers one to Aal gently, which she accepts with a little nod and another thank you. Before he hums and nods back, placing the other in front of himself.

"Understandable." Fujin murmured, settling to kneel on a pillow next to the low table so they could converse easier. "Teas come in many varieties where I am from. Flavors depend on the types of leaves and plants used in the blend. Some even have medicinal properties while others are simply to relax."

He rested his hands on his knees as he settled back on his heels in seiza position. "There's probably a flavor for every taste. Some like their tea bitter and strong, while others like it more sweet and gentle. Some are blended with fruit while others are more floral. There are even some with a little bit of spice mixed in for a stronger zing in the flavor. Mint tea is popular for it's brisk invigorating taste. Others like chamomile to help them sleep. Honey and lemon is another simple blend to help soothe a sore throat and so on." He grinned a little. "Don't feel bad for being overwhelmed. It's a lot for anyone to take in. Even regular tea drinkers. If there are particular flavors you like, I'm positive I can match something in a blend for it."

"Interesting. What realm do you hail from?" Fujin asked curiously, settling on a pillow at the low table. He might help the monks with serving tea, but he also enjoyed getting to know guests if they were amiable to chat.

"There is so many different varieties of tea, it can be easy to get overwhelmed if you've never tried it before." The wind god admitted. "A lot of our popular teas are from a continent on Earth called Asia. Many countries are part of this continent and they all seem to have their own tea flavors and traditions. A lot of the kinds we have are of the green variety of tea. Some flavors are bitter while others are more sweet. Others can even be spicy like chai, or brisk like mint."

Fujin considered for a moment, glowing eyes thoughtful. "On the grounds here we have a dojo where myself and the monks train. Our martial arts hail from Asian countries such as Japan or China. Many are hand to hand techniques while there are styles that use traditional weapons. I am open to other warriors using the space for their own training. Or on a case by case basis, I don't mind teaching others in private lessons or classes."

He certainly didn't imagine ten years of death and it's effects on his mind an personality. It's done something to him, but he's still not sure how much has been for the better. At best, he's somehow more tired than he's ever been before ending up in the Nexus.

All that said, he does agree with the quiet admiration for Yaga. He perks up a little hearing talk of tea.

"I've drunk a lot of tea in my time. Usually, I drank the kinds with a lot of caffeine in them, but I've found there are kinds that almost taste like fruits." Mantis steps closer, letting Yaga get within sniffing distance of the odd-looking man. "What kinds of tea do you make? I haven't had one someone else made in a while."

"Henka no Kaze tea house? Interesting name. It is in no language I have heard of before."

He wondered where this man had come from since he seemed very different from most within the Nexus. Now that he had stepped closer towards the man, there magic was stronger and Loki knew he was definitely not human. This was already being sensed by the god. It was almost an ancient strong elemental magic which emanated from his being. Yet, his perchance for tea was refreshing.

"Earthrealm? Is that where you come from? I, myself, come from a place called Asgard. I am Loki, prince of Asgard and god of mischief."

A small smirk tugged at his lips at his open admission. The trickster was proud and wished all Nexus residents to know. His eyes trailed up to where the man was indicating and realised that he did indeed wish to visit.

"I would much like to visit your tea house."

So, some powerful being from Midgard. Not a human, probably, though some of them do claim themselves to be gods, Loki thinks, looking at Fujin. Either way, perfectly good host so far, so, no matter.

Anyway, if it might be somebody really powerful, might as well try being polite.

Also, this place does seem to be relaxing enough, yeah.

"Yes, that, as well. Thank you. What'd you recommend? I like tea but I'm not exactly an expert."

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