Text | UN : Medicinal

[meds4sale]

With the New Year here, I find it is strange to face such a drastic change to my way of life, but these things cannot be helped. One can either adapt or stubbornly cling to something that is not presently feasible and I feel the latter would be less than productive.

Such dismal things aside, it occurs to me that I should develop more than a passing familiarity with my fellow dreamers, and with my shop soon to open, I am considering hosting an informal hatsugama; the first tea gathering of the year. It will be a time to relax and mingle, reflecting on the past and looking to the future, while drinking koicha and eating hanabiraki mochi and dark chocolate candies.

If such a thing would be of interest to you, please let me know so that I may acquire adequate quantities for preparation. My aim would be to have the gathering on the ninth, if that is agreeable.

Comments

Text | un: mister_hatter

[payingfordeliverance]

[Someone has said "tea gathering" upon the network, which means one Xerxes Break appears as though summoned.]

I'm afraid we have not met, and there are words here that are new to me. However, "tea gathering" and "chocolate candies," I understand quite well indeed.

What sort of shop is it you've been working on? Perhaps you have mentioned it before, but I've not been able to use this network business long.

[meds4sale]

The network is, indeed, a curious thing. The closest equivalent I have ever seen are telephones.

Koicha, or thick tea, is made from ceremonial grade matcha; powdered green tea leaves which have had the stems and veins removed. It has a syrup-like consistency and a rich flavour, lacking the bitterness of most teas. I find it a lovely annual treat, but tastes vary.

As for the shop, it is for a variety of remedies for both physical and spiritual ailments.

[payingfordeliverance]

Ah, alternatives to all the blood business, I hope. While I don't doubt that the healing techniques native to this place work, the idea of ever having to use them is unpleasant to me.

I have heard of ceremonial sorts of teas in lands far from my own, but I know little about them. Speaking of adapting and looking to the future, to miss such an easy opportunity to learn feels like it would be terribly wasteful. Since that's the case, I should like to attend, I think.

text; un: Nox

[a_gaggle_of_ghosties]

I have no idea what any of that is. Would that pose a problem?

[Seriously, he understood "tea" and "candies," and that was basically it.]

[meds4sale]

Then I would be most glad to have you as a guest.

And yes, ideally one would find less polluting alternatives. Now that I have settled, I can hopefully begin exploring such avenues.

I dread the degree to which it will be trial and error, however.

[meds4sale]

Only insofar as much as allergens may be concerned.

I can explain more thoroughly, if it pleases. Or if you would like to spare yourself the lecture and find out at the gathering, I would have no objections.

text | un: zhongli

[brokebitchmountain]

I would be most amenable towards such a thing. If you are in need of assistance in setting up such an event I would not mind helping in doing so.

[onerthes]

That sounds positively delightful!

Forgive me, but I don't think it entirely translates, and in fact I'm sure it doesn't, but those sound a bit like a kingdom from my homeland. Yamato. A good friend of mine was from it, and they had traditions like this involving tea. Quite formal ones. If you'd have a relative stranger I'd be happy to join.

un: lumine

[traversal]

Hatsugama sounds very similar to a ceremony from a place I've been to before.

What sort of shop are you opening, if you don't mind me asking? Is it also related to tea?

[ which would be beneficial to her because she's now living with a dude who drinks it like there's no tomorrow. ]

text; un: figaro

[extinctive]

That sounds delightful, honestly. It's been a while since I had tea that has been prepared by others.

Although... you wouldn't mind if someone brings along something a little alcoholic, would you? Asking for a friend.

[ he is that friend. ]

[meds4sale]

It is, indeed, a rare luxury, especially in a place like this.

And I would not mind. As I said, this is a rather informal hatsugama.

[meds4sale]

An extra pair of hands in making the hanabiraki mochi would not go amiss, and you are welcome to eat any extra.

[meds4sale]

It is unsurprising that there are such parallels. Or perhaps you are from a time before the name changed? The islands of Honshu and Kyushu south of my own homeland were known as 'Yamato' for a very long time.

And I would not mind; most who expressed interest are, indeed, strangers.

[onerthes]

No, I fear it is not actually Japan. I've read of that land, and I've known several from it in my time here and in the dream. But Yamato is land-locked, surrounded by other kingdoms in a deep wooded part of one of the continents of Agarest.

The parallel, however, is one I'd heard of. I think across worlds, certain things tend to have a sense of commonality.

Is that something of the point of this exchange? For the stranger to not be quite so strange anymore?

[meds4sale]

I imagine it would be similar across worlds. My own home is not unique in that respect; many places have rituals and ceremonies surrounding tea.

And while my shop is for medicine, I do count many teas among my stock; some for health and wellness, and others for the simple pleasure of their flavour.

[meds4sale]

It is intriguing how much variation there is in worlds, and yet how much remains familiar.

I suppose that is a good a reason as any to eat and drink delicious things while celebrating the New Year.

Text; UN: Bolin!

[pabugotmoves]

Me! Me!! I'm totally in! My whole team will be totally in, we love tea! And Mochi! Oh man it's gonna be just like home!

Put me down with a +5 please!

[onerthes]

One barely needs the excuse, but I will be happy to take it. The Ninth you said, yes? I am Vira-Lorr by the by. What shall I call you?

[traversal]

I suppose that's true. The enjoyment of drinking tea seems to be something that's shared by different worlds, though I didn't think I'd be able to find mochi here too.

That sounds lovely. An acquaintance of mine is fond of drinking tea, so it'd be great to find a shop that could offer different flavours.

text; un: givemeyourown

[unsheathedfromreality]

[Ah, finally, someone who offers tea with the proper amount of company.]

While I likewise recognize little of this beyond "tea ceremony", I'd be pleased to make your acquaintance in this way.

Provided you and your other guests don't mind the company of one of the dead.

[extinctive]

You sure? You say that it is informal, but it sounds like a longstanding tradition from where you're from. I wouldn't want to impose and get everyone drunk on such a peaceful gathering.

[meds4sale]

'Longstanding' and 'informal' are not mutually exclusive.

Besides, I have not taken the time or tutelage to learn the particulars of more formal ceremonies, nor do I think such a thing would be conductive to a relaxed atmosphere in a gathering of strangers.

[extinctive]

Good point. Then I'll do my best to look for one that'll suit the food. Though I've never had this "koicha" or "hanabiraki" before, to be honest.

What kind of shop are you opening, by the way?

[meds4sale]

Such enthusiasm is unexpected, but refreshing. I will be sure to accommodate adequately.

[meds4sale]

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I have no objections to another ghost paying a visit. If it is an issue for others, they are welcome to host their own hatsugama elsewhere.