saffron wind

[golden_anvil]

Not everyone walks calmly into the streets of the Nexus. Not everyone is so distracted as to not see when the stones shift and the shops and buildings aren’t quite the same. She’s staring down into a sketchbook in her hands and muttering to herself for a fair distance before it even occurs to her to look up. Light brown eyes peer out from a mess of dark curls pinned up around her shoulders. She purses her lips in some amount of confusion and looks to her left, her right, and finally turns about in a small circle.

This stocky stranger traces her gaze over the various buildings as she slowly closes the sketchbook and returns it to a satchel strung across her shoulder by a long strap. After a moment of taking in her surroundings, she nods quietly and sighs. She shifts two things strapped across her back and shoulders: a satchel bag and a large pole with one end wrapped up in cloth. In less than a minute, she has the bag slung around her shoulders and over her back in the style of a backpack. The pole finds it’s way into her hands, the covered end pointing upward as she turns in a slow circle.

“This is…different.” Her voice is soft and deep, but quickly taking on a worried tone. The pole rests in the crook of one arm as she gathers up her skirt to tie off around her waist. Her leather sandals gently hug her all the way up to her knees. “All right, I’ll bite. Who did I offend this time?”

Comments

[itmeanscourage]

The twins were raised to be courteous and polite. Bowing was a traditional sign of respect in Japanese culture, and one their parents made certain they were taught in addition to everything they picked up in America.

“Wow… I didn’t know someone could become immortal. Like it’s a test you have to pass.” Minoru scratched his head.

“I am afraid I do not recall this story from ones that I have read.” Isamu noted as well. “I would be interested in hearing it. Though, I can understand if this is not the appropriate time or place for what may be a lengthy, complicated tale.”

Minoru nodded, a bit interested himself. “If you like tea, we know a great place not too far from here that makes the best. It’s run by a god too! Different world, but still a god.”

“Oh! Yes, the Henka no Kaze teahouse is delightful, both in its offerings and its atmosphere. We could continue this conversation with refreshments.”

“On us.” Minoru added. “As a welcome present.”

There was no pressure. They both knew that there was a lot to see and do on one’s first day in the Nexus, especially when it wasn’t planned. The offer was open whether Lysandra wanted to take them up on it now or later.

[golden_anvil]

"My story isn't nearly as dramatic as Achilles and his Patroclus, but it's in a similar line of tragedy. It was less to honor my deeds and more my father trying to save my life. Such tales usually don't get retold across the ages."

That said, she's long reached the point where it genuinely does not cause her much pain to speak of the loss from back then. She taps the spear on the ground and nods to the twins.

"Lead the way. I know how to mind my manners around the divine and tea is a delicacy I've learned to treasure with my age."

[itmeanstruth]

The twins led the way toward the forested areas via one of the many walking paths.

“As who?” Minoru whispered to his brother as they walked.

“Achilles, hero of the Trojan War.” Isamu whispered back, “though, I admit the books I have read on the subject may differ slightly from what actually happened, as tends to be the case.”

As they got closer, the path broke into smaller round stones. Low walls and a lush garden surrounded a couple of small building in traditional Japanese architectural style. Fujin may or may not be in, but the monks were always around. And they recognized and bowed to the twins when they entered. They were frequent customers - to the point that Isamu’s order could be started on before he even sat down. Minoru had his favorites, but didn’t rotate between them with any kind of rhyme or reason.

Isamu politely offered Lysandra a seat at one of the low tables. He and his brother both sat seiza, on their knees. This was a very traditional place.

“Do you have a particular type or flavor of tea that you enjoy?” He asked politely.

“Pretty much everything is good.” Minoru added. “Some kinds are sweet. Some are really bitter, though.”

[golden_anvil]

Lysandra's gaze is drawn to the trees and the scenery, but she keeps her ears open to the musings of the twins. It reminded her of winter with Demeter and visiting Hades down in his kingdom below the earth. She smiled to herself as she was led along, and turned about in circles here and there to truly take in the natural beauty.

Seeing the monks, she bowed her head to any who offered some greeting to her first. Inside the establishment, she paused at the doorway and laid her spear out on the floor near the entrance. It would never do to intrude on the peace of a place acting as a hearth. After setting down the spear, she pauses and mutters a quick prayer under her breath before joining the twins at the table.

"It's been a while since I've found myself in such a wonderful place." She sits as easily as the twins do, hands folded on her lap. "I'll be content with anything you would recommend. There are very few circumstances where my family permits it's members to refuse a meal when it's offered to them. I'll repay your kindness in time, once I've gotten a bit settled in."

[itmeanscourage]

The Nexus truly did have something for everyone. And the little teahouse, tucked away in this tranquil garden, was one of Isamu’s favorite places.

“I would highly recommend the konacha, though readily admit some have not acquired a taste for something of such high astringency and bitterness.”

“Some?” Minoru chuckled.

“Many?” He clarified. “However, if you ask, the monks will happily roast the leaves into Houjikonacha, which diminishes the bitterness and adds an equally pleasant flavor and aroma.”

Minoru had to agree. That did make Isamu’s odd tea of choice way more palatable.