[come on through the jade archway! stepping through feels like stepping into a soothing landscape painting. the atmosphere goes grey, but rather than the monochrome of other areas, it's the mist of morning fog, still hanging low in the air. jiuqing and chang geng are standing in a quaint country garden. there are tall, dark green trees all around and rolling hills far away, but in the immediate vicinity is a flat, empty area with a few fenced in garden patches. the fenced in area in front of them looks to be a tidy herb and vegetable garden patch. there's a small shed towards the back of the garden, and gardening tools are scattered about.
in the distance they can see a pond and across the pond, far away, a small cottage with smoke billowing from the chimney. there are a few stone statues scattered about the garden, but after a moment, you notice that one of them in particular is near a table with a teapot steeping.]
[jiuqing wants to raid shale's herb garden again... she's looking longingly at it as she walks over to the table with chang geng... okay this isn't entirely true but she does glance at it to see how things seem to be growing.
[ chang geng takes everything in as he comes with jiuqing through the archway, respectfully curious and a well-mannered guest. especially considering the messages shared on both sides earlier... ]
And for having us, still, after tensions arose today. I do apologize.
[ folding fist to palm, and giving a small bow, polite and trying to express his sincerity. ]
[they seem a little caught off guard, laughing a little.]
Didn't see you involved in that anyway, but even if you had been, it wasn't a big deal. [hmm, they seem uneasy.] We haven't spoken much, but it's important to me that you guys know that even if we did have tension with each other, which we don't, I wouldn't ever refuse to talk to you or help you out.
That was also my thought. Better, at least, to acknowledge it and clear the air than pretend it didn't happen - none of you have been anything but patient and helpful, in my experience so far.
[ even if he's only really interacted briefly with steel and riff, none of the residents have been unkind as far as he's heard. ]
I'm glad to hear it, though. And hope that we can extend the same, if the four of you need help, as well.
Okay. It's acknowledged, but I also don't judge all of you as a group for a conversation that might have happened involving a few people. I'd rather just talk it out with those people directly.
[but a friendly smile, or at least the impression of it.]
Appreciate it. I think that's how it'll go, right? We'll help you now while you're getting settled, and eventually you'll find a way to return the favor. Speaking of, something I can do for you now?
[ air cleared, chang geng does relax - and gives a little huff of a laugh at what jiuqing says. ]
I was also hoping to get to know you and the others better, but I have to admit the promise of actual tea compared to what the Scarlet apartment has currently was absolutely my draw for wanting to speak with you specifically.
We, ah... are rather limited on our food and drink options.
I'll put some on right away. What kind do you usually like?
[and they'll start to bustle around, summoning a teapot.]
If you like the blend, I can give you some to take back. I have to ask for an exchange, but a little conversation is good enough for me. Su Jiuqing and I had a nice one last time, so I'm looking forward to getting to know a friend of hers.
I'm more than happy to exchange some conversation and company for tea, of course.
[ especially given what he's had to drink, so far. but he does nod, realizing jiuqing is letting him choose, considering his answer. ]
Truthfully, I'll drink any variety of green tea - if you have one that is your favorite, or a recommendation, I would be glad to try it. I haven't had one I've disliked, even those brought in on the Silk Road back home more recently.
w1, TUESDAY
in the distance they can see a pond and across the pond, far away, a small cottage with smoke billowing from the chimney. there are a few stone statues scattered about the garden, but after a moment, you notice that one of them in particular is near a table with a teapot steeping.]
Come on in.
no subject
anyway. as they approach the table, she smiles.]
Thank you for meeting with us.
no subject
And for having us, still, after tensions arose today. I do apologize.
[ folding fist to palm, and giving a small bow, polite and trying to express his sincerity. ]
no subject
[they seem a little caught off guard, laughing a little.]
Didn't see you involved in that anyway, but even if you had been, it wasn't a big deal. [hmm, they seem uneasy.] We haven't spoken much, but it's important to me that you guys know that even if we did have tension with each other, which we don't, I wouldn't ever refuse to talk to you or help you out.
no subject
[shale's been nothing but helpful to them! but, still...]
It just seems a little... insensitive, almost, to act as though nothing had happened?
no subject
[ even if he's only really interacted briefly with steel and riff, none of the residents have been unkind as far as he's heard. ]
I'm glad to hear it, though. And hope that we can extend the same, if the four of you need help, as well.
no subject
[but a friendly smile, or at least the impression of it.]
Appreciate it. I think that's how it'll go, right? We'll help you now while you're getting settled, and eventually you'll find a way to return the favor. Speaking of, something I can do for you now?
no subject
[a beat.]
Also, the tea you had last time was really good, so I was hoping I might be able to take some of it back with me...
no subject
I was also hoping to get to know you and the others better, but I have to admit the promise of actual tea compared to what the Scarlet apartment has currently was absolutely my draw for wanting to speak with you specifically.
We, ah... are rather limited on our food and drink options.
no subject
[and they'll start to bustle around, summoning a teapot.]
If you like the blend, I can give you some to take back. I have to ask for an exchange, but a little conversation is good enough for me. Su Jiuqing and I had a nice one last time, so I'm looking forward to getting to know a friend of hers.
no subject
anyway she'll let chang geng answer this one. since this is his first time having tea with shale, he should get to pick the tea!!]
no subject
[ especially given what he's had to drink, so far. but he does nod, realizing jiuqing is letting him choose, considering his answer. ]
Truthfully, I'll drink any variety of green tea - if you have one that is your favorite, or a recommendation, I would be glad to try it. I haven't had one I've disliked, even those brought in on the Silk Road back home more recently.
no subject
[they will choose a green tea blend, though. a light one, with a bit of an herbal taste mixed into it.]
no subject
and she relaxes quite a bit as she takes a sip. mmm. tastes like home.]