seasonsrpg | ☀️ all the trees change in the fall

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☀️ all the trees change in the fall

WHO: Everyone who wishes to visit the tea house.
WHAT: Tea house opening!
WHEN: Forward-dated a couple of days, but early July!
WHERE: shinrin-yoku, Sunwaning
WARNINGS: Mystery hot pot………… (shudders)

[ It had been a couple of months ago, when Ayaka informed the network of her desire to open up a tea house. Many people showed interest, and as such, may receive either a written invitation (so formal) from her, informing them of the tea house's opening. Others may find the invitation via network from the white heron ~~which we will conveniently handwave~~, announcing the opening of her tea house, shinrin-yoku in Sunwaning.

The invitation somehow asks guests to bring an ingredient for food– whatever it is they like!-- with no explanation whatsoever. Huh… wonder what that's about?

And to those who visit, they may find themselves in a little haven of zen for a while. ]

Welcome
🌸 shinrin-yoku seems like a simple tea house upon entering, with a large wooden sliding door that's already opened for guests to enter.

Ayaka will be the one to personally greet her guests, offering three possible areas for seating– the traditional Inazuman set up, the space for where you can let your legs down and not kneel while seated, or outside in the gardens. Of course, since it is a grand opening of the tea house, people aren't limited to their own tables! Familiar faces may be abound, and guests may like to walk around and see the interior, perhaps even say hello to the manager who is walking around and sniffing people here and there.

For future endeavours, Ayaka informs guests that they may use the shinrin-yoku for business gatherings and meetings. Members of the Welcoming Committee and Ayato's own committee are more than welcome to use the shinrin-yoku, and may even become a place for exchanging information and the like. The tea house promises to be a safe place to all.

A Simple Game of Snack
🌸 While guests may order food separately with any of the tea house's servers, there is a long table at the garden area offering all the items on the menu (except for the udon). It's free, and part of the ways Ayaka wishes to celebrate the opening of her tea house. There is a small card in front of the display of food, however, and it reads:

a cup of tea, warm
savoury, sweet wagashi
new names under trees

Strange? Random? What does that have to do with food? Well, it seems our little proprietress just loves it when people gather. She doesn't wish for the grand opening to just be a simple transaction, and she wishes for her tea house to be a venue where people can make friends, exchange stories, and feel safe.

It is why these snacks offered at the buffet table are laced with enchantments. The side effects are not harmful at all, and she only wishes for her guests to mingle, as well. As such, some may make people extra friendly, wanting to break the ice with a joke or a funny story. Some may end up bursting into song because of the snack they ate, while some may not be able to hold it in. They have to compliment another person before they can proceed with the rest of their conversation!

Ah, now the poem makes sense… as for the tea? Guests will have to order their own, as it is best served hot.

Mystery Hot Pot
🌸 Thanks to Ayaka's time spent in Nippon, she's become. . . excited and wants to continue this tradition she has when she hosts gatherings. If her guests have brought ingredients, there is a large pot of broth being boiled in the garden, with a card informing guests to put in the ingredients they brought! It also informs guests to try the hot pot, despite not knowing what others have put in it. [it is a mystery.png] Ayaka has started it off by adding matcha powder into the hot pot, giving the broth a bit of bitterness to it.

One of the things she enjoys whenever she has the pot boiling are people trying to figure out what the taste is, together. And anyone who manages to finish their bowl of mystery hot pot, regardless of how delicious or questionable it is? Will just have to show their bowl to Taroumaru in order to win a prize!

The prize is a box of Snow on the Hearth, a special kind of sakura mochi that only Ayaka is able to make. Be glad, for people of Inazuma would consider receiving a mochi like this a blessing! If one had the honor of enjoying such a treat while having tea with a princess as graceful and noble as a white heron, one would surely yearn to have that moment stretch into eternity.

Sunset in Sunwaning
🌸 Much like how beautiful the sunrise is, the sunset is beautiful and provides the tea house a nice and cosy ambiance. Guests needn't stay at the tea house the whole day– if they are done with their meal and tea, of course they are free to say their goodbyes! But the tea house is definitely open to all until the sun is down, should they wish to stay and spend the rest of their day here.

As the celebration begins to wind down, lanterns are lit in the gardens to keep it well-lit, yet still cosy.

Those who stay until nightfall may be treated to Sunwaning's local theatre group performing. Celebrating the tea house's opening, the theatre group volunteered to perform at the shinrin-yoku with a performance. It is very familiar to Ayaka and the Kamisatos, and no doubt those from Inazuma and Japan, but it may be a new cultural experience for those who have yet to witness such a dance.

---

((OOC: Ayaka's tea house is finally open! The prompts are set throughout the day, and are definitely open to anyone and everyone! Feel free to make your own top level and mingle~

The tea house serves the NSFW tea that was mentioned in the recent quests, but she also doesn't want anyone to engage in nsfw activities in her tea house. Anyone who orders those flavours of tea will be advised that there is an inn just down the street FDASGDSGH ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, Venti's here too...

[ Not a bad thing! He's just thinking of something that happened once before. As they sit with their bowls, he holds the sides of his in his hands as he allows the warmth to spread through his palms. ]

He asked me to share some music from my home world some time. [ A beat. ] Never did get a chance...

He does not remember the kind of Nippon we were in. Instead, he was in Tokyo-F, and were subject to some less than desirable contests and games.

[ So tread carefully, Cloud! ]

Tokyo...F...

[ He hums thoughtfully to that. ]

Almost sounds like a subsection of the city. [ As for "less than desirable contests and games"... Part of him was curious to ask. ... So! ] Did he say what happened?

I had only heard about it from another person. . .

[ She lowers her voice after that, because it's a rather serious topic to be discussing in a celebration like today. And she would like it if Cloud kept it to himself, as well. ]

He called it "hell". They were stripped of their memories from home, divided into groups and had to perform as "idols". I believe those contests and games were the performances, and some of these games tortured them.

[ Ayaka shakes her head slowly. Sorry, Cloud. Elaborating any further feels a little too much. ]

[ A hell... They've already been taken from their homes; Ayaka twice so. But it's a tough sell to say that either one of them experienced even a fraction of what Venti had. The possibilities were truly endless, it felt like. So many worlds. Realities. Dimensions. Realms. Call them what one may, but as Ayaka shakes her head to dismiss elaborating further, Cloud instead nods with a hum of acknowledgment. This was meant to be a joyous occasion. His curiosity may have gotten the better of him...but he didn't regret asking either.

Instead, he simply smiles calmly for her. ]

Well that's just one thing he can put behind him. [ A beat. ] For what it's worth, we're in a pretty good spot. ... as far as being asked to save another world goes, anyway.

[ Just gotta roll with the punches at this point. ]

Do you think it will stay that way?

[ That they'll be in a continuously good spot. He's right, though. At this time, they are all enjoying tea and celebrating the opening of a business. Life isn't difficult. There are trials here and there, but they still have their basic necessities.

And now she cannot help but wonder. ]

[ Since she asked... He looks conflicted. When they thought things would go smoothly, or that they would be the only targets of Shinra's wrath, the plate got dropped on the slums... When Cloud thought that hiding away in embarrassment on his mission to Nibelheim would be the worst of his problems, he practically lost everything to flames of hatred. And he wants to roundabout it right now. Cloud wishes he could tell Ayaka that they would have nothing but halcyon days ahead of them. That they wouldn't have to worry about a thing. Speed bumps on the road.

The seconds of silence speaks volumes. And yet, he tells her the truth. ]

No.

But...

[ His hands leave the sides of his bowl of hotpot, palms flat on the tabletop where they sit. ]

We won't accomplish much anxiously waiting for something bad to happen. Best we can do is prepare ourselves for later. [ A beat. ] And cherish what we've got now.

You're right. We must do what we can.

[ She tries to remain positive, but she's not dumb. Even in Nippon, they'd experienced dangers and even played characters who were involved in unfortunate incidents. It is why she wishes to make this teahouse a safe space, to collect and trade information, so that she would be able to help those in need in her own way when things get dark. ]

There is a team now who are working on ensuring that we will be able to retain our memories, should we finish our tasks in this world and return home.

[ So there's some good news!! ]

Really?

[ All this time spent out in the seasonal regions, doing quests...and he misses this. But it feels like a sense of relief washes over him at hearing those words, sighing with relief as his expression softens once more. ]

That's all I could ask for. [ A beat. ] I should reach out. See if there's anything I can do.

[ Even though Cloud made his choice, knowing where he would go if he were twisted to decide...to be able to retain their memories? Their links between worlds at the end of it all? It's something worth fighting for. ]

Yes. I do not wish to pressure them, but I do like to check in from time to time.

[ She trusts them to an extent, but she also can't help but be worried that those who brought them here aren't being too truthful. It pays to be cautious. Serving Inazuma has taught her such. ]

Ah- we should eat before the soup gets cold.

[ Wouldn't wanna waste the red beans you put, right? ]

Fair enough.

[ Cloud will be needing to keep a closer eye on things moving forward, it seems like. ]

Mm? [ ... ! Oh, right! ] Yeah. Right...

[ There's always a little bit of reluctance when it comes to this variation on hot pot. But! That's part of the charm. It's not like anybody's dropping poison. ... Right? ~~No, Cloud.~~ Taking his spoon, he stirs his concoction that's been pikablessed. ]

On three? Then the first flavor that comes to mind.

[ Ayaka trusts that Cloud won't feel sick after this. He's very strong!! The coolest!! Being cool, however, does not have any relation to being able to stomach weird food, but. . . you know. It does add to the points if he manages to eat it all without throwing up. ]

Right. [ She prepares her spoonful of the food now. A bit of soup, crushed macaron (why)... ] One, two, three—

[ Om!

There's the sweetness! And Ayaka chews the softened macaron bit for a moment until her eyes widen and— Oh... Oh dear... ] W- Water...

[ She'll just drink all her tea now. THANKS FOR THAT CHILI, YOIMIYA!!! ]

Om...

[ ... .... ..... ]

Mm? [ Cloud's spoonful still had a tiny bit of red bean paste that hadn't broken down in the broth yet. It doesn't taste explicitly...bad? ] Think I got some of the paste...

[ Smacks lips a little. Cocks eyebrow. ]

There's some heat.

[ "W- Water..." ]

?? Too hot? [ Cloud's tolerance is a little better, despite the little huff he lets out. ] I'll go run for some water.

[ YOIMIYA. DKJLADS ]

[ Ayaka's got tears in her eyes by the time Cloud comes back. It wasn't even a big bite, but she got the spicier part of the hot pot! And now she just seems exhausted after coughing and braving it all. ]

Someone was very adventurous...

[ Normally he'd be wanting to brush those tears away should they dare fall. But in this scenario, he knows damn well where they come from. While he beelines to the kitchen to retrieve ice cold water, he does manage to spot his Pikachu behaving well, seemingly contenting itself with watching the patrons and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere the teahouse brings. This whole place... It really was a safehaven they made for themse— ]

Cough—!!

Heat's buildin'...

[ Okay so Cloud wasn't entirely immune to the chilis the fireworks expert sprinkled in. Best get back to that water. ]

🌶️🌶️🌶️

What's the craziest ingredient you've— [ Cough! ] —seen get put in?

[ Offering water as he sits down with her, he can't hide his silly light smile. He can't hide it. He got got too. kfdljaas ]

Um...

[ Pepper is not that odd, so even though she almost died right there, it's not the right answer! ]

I think you and Pikachu may have won... I've never tried adzuki in hot pot before.

[ And she most certainly isn't going to talk about her macarons!! That's for other people to guess! ]

There was a hint of sweetness, but the pepper was so strong... I think I could finish this, otherwise.

[ He's still going to go for another spoonful despite the strange hotchpotch the patrons and them have since created. Indeed, he gets a softened piece of macaron in this one after all, right as she speaks of a hint of sweetness. His eyes widen as he's surprised by the sudden intrusion to his tastebuds. Hotpot like this is certainly something he couldn't have all the time.

...then again. That was likely the point of this variant; hence the game aspect. ]

You think cream would do something 'bout that?

I suppose it would help? Or some milk and sugar?

[ AYAKA NO ]

... Sweetened milk?

[ CLOUD NO ]

I believe we have some in the kitchen.

[ She will go get some!! In fact, she stands up now. ]

Is there anything else I can get you, my love?

Cool.

[ Listen. Cloud's already deep enough in as is. May as well go for broke. This time, he'll wait for her so they can test this together and finish their bowls. Looking up to her, he smiles warmly before gently shaking his head, golden spikes of blond swaying with. ]

Nope. [ A beat. ] Just you. ... And the milk.

[ Okay this time, he knows what he said. It was on purpose. ]

[ She's gotten used to this by now... If there's anything she should get him or prepare for when he gets home, he'd normally say "just you". Still, it flusters her, and she clears her throat. ]

But you already have me.

[ Then she walks away. Hah! Take that >:) She can be cool too!! ~~She heard it in a tv drama~~

Now, when she comes back, she has a cup of condensed milk (uh-oh), as well as some honey. The honey might help??? Who knows... She pours half the cup of the milk into her bowl and tries to incorporate it with the rest of the broth. It mixes in nicely, despite how thick it is, though it certainly makes the soup no longer soup. ]

The soup's become a lot lighter in colour. It's no longer red.

Heh...

[ Staring into his ~~accursed~~ soup as she walks away, he can't help but amusedly muse to himself, ] Got me there.

[ Good job Ayaya. ]

[ She returns soon enough, evidently with the condensed milk (uh-oh) in hand. The honey? That actually sounds like a decent idea to incorporate. ... the milk, he's less certain of. But it's not like it's going to curdle or something crazy when it hits the soup. Right? ... Right? He can't help but scoot a little closer to Ayaka at his side when she incorporates the condensed milk, getting a good look at the change in her bowl. He still needs to get his done too...

It's no longer red. ]

It's also no longer soup.

[ But that's not a bad thing either. They're defeating the menace that is the Pepper Youkai. To that end, he offers his bowl so that she may pour some in his in turn. It's not quite tea! But it's fulfilling something. Something that he'll thank her for should she help him out. ]

Who knows? [ you sound so certain cloud ] Could get new ideas outta this.

[ It's happened. She's rubbed off on him. ... Or was it the other way around. ]

[ Ayaka certainly does love serving him. She would have offered to be the one to put the milk in his bowl before she served herself, but she wasn't sure if she should. Seeing Cloud give her the opening to do so does make her heart flutter. Even for something so simple, he really is so thoughtful. Were they still in Nippon, sakura blooms would be dancing around them both by now.

As for Cloud's serving of hot pot, though, she doesn't empty the cup when she puts it in, in case it may be too sweet for his tastes. He can add some more if he likes! ]

Shall we try it again, then? Hehe... What a strange combination. . . I put macarons, you put some adzuki, there was pepper and some other ingredients mixed in... now, there's milk.

[ But she has her spoonful ready now!! 'u' Three, two... ]

☀️ all the trees change in the fall

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