longri-la The Wise Dragons of Longri-La (Closed)

[Windwright]

'The West Wind' had very little, in Yuchou's estimation, to do with what came next. Except in very general terms, she might allow. For instance the Matron was coming from the West, and was moving with the speed and grace of a leaf on the wind. However, she was moving against whatever wind there was, if some of the blips that were passing birds were any indicator. Some of those birds, in fact, fell in behind the Matron for a pace, using her windstream to make their own eastward journeys less taxing.

 

Boundless ocean slipped by like sand dust on a breeze, and the Matron was moving so fast along that even the clouds above, and sometimes below, the group seemed to speed past like they had a date to the west. At one point, she even crested above a storm cloud that looked like it meant business, lightning arcing up like clutching fingers as she passed.

 

But even at this breakneck speed it took several hours before the Matron reached land and began to slow down in deference to the local flora and fauna. Instead of whole forests vanishing, it was only individual trees now, and a few brave birds made a game of diving with the Matron's flight, only to fall behind once they started actually flapping.

 

And so it was, with the sun to her back, that Matron Yuchou climbed to the heavens and shot into the clouds above. She flew through them for several long moments, angling slightly upward, and then with a final surge pierced through the thick layer at the roof of the world into the shining jewel of the Long. Longri-la. She came up just to the East of the Temple, making a lazy circle around Suncrest Landing in slow, undulating motions until she lands gracefully in the courtyard of the Long Sun embassy. "Welcome, little ones," she rumbled, a tinge of exhaustion colouring her voice for those who know how to hear it. ", to Longri-La."

[Blueblood]

It was a slight blow to Feng's pride for the Matron to imply that he could not keep up.  But honestly, any Watcher less fervent in his training or less youthfully confident in his skills would have readily admitted an obvious inferiority to a long in that respect.  And was he in a mood to object to being that close to Yue?  He was not.  Taking point, like a good guard, he positioned himself just close enough to feel the Empress' presence behind him, but no farther.  It was probably still closer than her Chamberlain would have liked, but propriety was his specialty, not Feng's.

 

For the first part of the journey, he managed to stay composed, not feeling the slightest bit ruffled at the pace of their travel.  The Matron, it had to be said, had a comforting presence about her, one that could normalize that which would otherwise shock and awe.  Upon arriving at Longri-la itself, however, he couldn't keep his jaw from dropping.  "What is... it is a flying city?  Or do the mountains really reach so high?"

[Bellosh]

 

Longri-La: a paradise seemingly conjured from the dreamscape. That's how it seemed to Yù Yuè, who hadn't been back to the mountaintop refuge since almost a lifetime ago. The royal qilin had been a little foal back then, unable to truly grasp the grandeur of the Dwelling of Dragons. Looking down at the gardens and cloud-forged towers now brought Yuè the same measure of wonder as befitting of a first-time visitor.

 

The journey itself was mildly comfortable for a ride on a bareback dragon's flight. Exhilarating? Yes... but not especially scary. Analyzing things logically, gravity-defying serpent dragons were the safest methods of air travel. Of course, the heavenly Long had infinitely more spiritual tasks to manage than ferrying Long Sun on their trivial ventures.

 

Due to her bond with Matron Yuchou, Yuè picked up on what sounded in the other's voice like a faint hint of fatigue. The qilin planned to inquire further on Yuchou as a filial niece should, if they have a moment alone that is. In the meantime, there were questions to answer from Feng (whose name the Empress ascertained during the journey).

 

"Longri-La is a little of both, actually. We stand in the presence of Mount Suncrest; the highest peak on this earth." Yuè didn't want to prattle on for too long however, out of deference to the Matron.....

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 

Jaws were dropped, eyes were as big as saucers, and if she weren't busy hopping off the Matron she'd be zipping about the courtya-- There we go. As soon as Presteza was bac ln the floor she was dart around the area, not so much  taken in by the skyline, but rather the architecture of the buildings and structures around them. Those shapes in the masonry, the exquisite detail in the carving... it was positively fabulous! "Oh my goodness! Did all of you carve everything here with your magic breath?! the craftmareship on this masonry is superb!

 

Mount Suncrest... this was positively amazing. Not just because of the fact this painter from Trottingham was standing at this very minute in this place by the good graces of her friend, but the fact that they could breath at all! "At this height no wonder you all are so... heavenly!"

[Windwright]

Matron Yuchou took a few steadying breaths, she really wasn't as young as she used to be, and shook her head, more as a calming gesture than a negating one. "Longri-La is probably older than a good many of the cities of the Long Sun." she said to Feng, in Equestrian in deference to Yue's artist friend. "And yet you are always surprised." Her tone was one of patient amusement, as she'd been expecting the reaction, rather than reproach and she had a sparkle of amusement in her eye.

 

"It was sculpted by Breath, Fang, and Claw. The clouds were once natural, but we enchanted them to give support to our guests not fortunate enough to be able to walk on air, and of course to allow you to breathe and keep you warm." she continued. That last bit had been something her mentor had suggested, all those years ago. Not for guests, of course, but the guests didn't need to know that. "Accomodations can be found in this district, though of course róngyù zhínǚ has apartments set aside for her."

[Blueblood]

So... cloud architecture, with the world's tallest mountain as it's foundation?  To Feng, that was amazing, no matter how old it was.  "How can one not be surprised at something that is amazing, merely because it has been there a long time?  It would almost be insulting not to be."  The matron might interpret that as a compliment to herself, and the Watcher would not mind it being taken that way, but as usual his mind was on another.

 

Empress Yue.  Or, róngyù zhínǚ, as the Matron had just called her.   Hm, that was a pretty name, actually.  He hoped he would never stop realizing how much of a privilege it was to serve in her presence.  It seemed so many at court took that for granted, as if she were just one more cog in the machine of habit that ran their lives.  Feng was no follower of the path, but he was pretty certain that some master had written somewhere about how important it was to stop, and meditate about where you actually were.

 

And, right now, that was by his Empress, in Longri-La itself!  Who in his home village would ever believe it?  "Heavenly, you say..."  He remarked to Pressy, as he took a deep breath.  "One can believe it, yes."

[Bellosh]

 

Hearing the Matron talk about Longri La to the others brought Yù Yuè additional fragmented memories of her early youth. Memories of being told about how the mountaintop paradise was forged. It was amazing how the Long went to such lengths to make their city habitable for visitors from below. There had been times in the past when little Yuè wondered if serpent dragons also required the extensive climatescaping to make their lives this high up comfortable, but she knew better than ask such highly personal questions to her hosts.

 

This far up into the sky, the billowing qualities of Yuè's yellow shimmersilk dress was on full display. Despite the lack of fierce winds, her gown ruffled as if one existed, providing the Empress the air of supreme majesty compared to her other companions.

"We are thankful for your generous hospitality," Yuè kindly spoke on behalf of the visitors; "I trust the Serpent King is aware of our arrival here?" That was mostly a rhetorical question; the royal qilin knew full well that precious few things escaped the notice of the Wise and Noble Long. But as long as Yuè was here, she felt it her duty to meet with her draconic counterpart at least once during her stay in Longri La.....

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 

Each step on the fluffy clouds that made up this floor reminded her of those times she'd been on the trip to Cloudsdale. Somehow these clouds did feel different, perhaps more dense and providing better hoofing for those who walked on it. She looked back to the matron with an eager smile, "Miss Matron, this place is absolutely incredible! Would it be okay if I painted it one day? I'm still not sure if all of this would be kind of hush-hush and I probably won't be able ta fullly capture it's wonder but I'll do my very best!"

 

 

"... THERE'S A SERPENT KING TOO?!" Presteza blinked at her  sudden outburst of elevated volume. Clearing her throat once, she spoke again in a more reserved tone. "There's a serpent king too?" The unicorn tried to imagine was a king of eastern dragons must look like. In her head she pictured a great dragon, long enoguh to encircle this entire land! He was coiled up in many impressive swirls of his long body and held multiple royal items in his claws with a great crown adorning his head! This was a dragon she'd just have to paint! 

[Windwright]

The Matron chuckled and gathered herself up, not unlike her namesake preparing to strike. In her case it was just for warmth. "Goodness, so many questions." she said, thinking out a response.

 

The great wyrm swivels her head to Feng first, "Honoured guard, I apologise if I have offered insult. I meant to suggest that it was no great stretch to believe that we Long might call somewhere home, and certainly awe or amazement is appropriate. We crafted this place a lifetime ago, but it was a labour that was undertaken with an eye to awe and wonder." she said before turning her attention to Prezista.

 

"Which we would not have done if we expected to suppress art. After all, if you do not wish to inspire artists and poets, why make a place so inspiring? But to answer your last question,"

 

Yuchou shook her head and adopted a tone of feigned indignance. "If our beloved nephew were to be surprised by your arrival, one could hardly blame the dottering old wyrm that nearly beat him here, even with a head start. After all, it wasn't my fault if he wasn't here to receive the message when I sent it. I know it arrived when he normally takes such correspondences, so who could blame me for using the simplest message, transient thought it is."

She chuckled again, a smile painting her face. "Why, if he wasn't here, if he visited Equestria on his own for instance, then I imagine we shall have a pleasant surprise waiting with his usual morning tea, won't we?"

[Blueblood]

Feng prided himself on keeping his head; which usually meant that he especially noticed it when he did, and ignored all the occasions where he could be said to have lost it.  Even in the midst of wonder, he never lost sight of the fact that the Serpent King might show up, but did not let that disturb his equanimity, nor his vigilance over his sacred charge.  Yu Yue was practically long herself, making this a second home for her, but still.  The Watchers never sleep.

 

Except in matters of diplomacy, it seemed; the matron had completely misunderstood his statement, and upon realizing this, Feng was practically mortified.  "Oh, no honored Matron!  I had meant that any who would say that such a city, or indeed, such a long as yourself, ceased to be amazing merely by age offered an insult to you."  He bowed, to the appropriate depth of one offering humbled apology.  It might have seemed excessive to a foreigner, but most Long Sun revered the elder dragons, and would count it a shame to them and their ancestors to accidentally wrong one over the course of conversation.

[Bellosh]

OOC: Sorry for the really short post guys, things just weren't working out creatively this time.

 

 

Interesting... Matron Yuchou indeed had a roundabout way of implying that the Serpent King was not physically present at Longri-La. Nonetheless, it would apparently not be long now before he would reveal himself to all who have come. Few non-dragons, let alone outsiders from across the Sea, have ever been granted audience with a Serpent King. At any rate, Empress Yuè wondered what exactly the Matron had in store next.....

[Dubstep]

There's only so much ear burning and sneezing a Long can take before their certain that someone out there is talking about them! He tried to remain dignified and quiet while contemplating world affairs while sipping his tea, but he had just about enough of being inside on a beautiful day like this! And if his hunch about somebody talking about him — likely Auntie Yuchou again — were correct, he'd have to find out what was being said!

With a twirl and a curl and a woosh Àilóng flew from his tea room, opting to use the window instead of the door as he often did. It avoided any conversations such as 'Where are you going?' or 'Sneaking off again?' or 'Didn't you just get back?' and the like, the answers to which are 'Out', 'Sneaking is such a strong word', and 'Yes' respectively. With those oft repeated lines of questioning avoided by a quick flight out his window, the Serpent King gazed out over the city of Longri-La. One would think living here for all your life would lessen the beauty of the place. Far from it, though it did make some crave at least seeing sights beyond. Even if it meant sneaking out to a Gala now and again.

It didn't take much gazing for Àilóng to be able to spot the Matron off in Suncrest Landing...which meant there were guests! Perhaps that's why that feeling of being talked about was worming its way though him! It was in his best interest to sneak closer and get a better look at just who had arrived.

All plans for a stealthy recon and dramatic and dignified arrival where thrown out the window though when he noticed the only guest he HAD noticed at that moment! "Yuè!" he shouted with glee, zipping down towards the Empress, snatching her up in a snuggly coily hug before yammering excitedly! "(Oh it has been too long! It's so good to see you again, how have you been, is your brother here?)" the serpent dragon switched to a hush whisper. "(I was going to see you at the Gala, I snuck out to attend, but I saw you were very busy and didn't want to disturb you...Don't tell Auntie, shhh)"

The Serpent King spun around with his friend happily, finally someone his age to...okay his age relatively speaking. Dragons huh. Someone his age relatively speaking to see! It was at this moment though that the presence of the others finally came through. Àilóng blinked a few times as the realization sunk in. A bright red blush stained his cheeks as he cleared his throat and gently sat the Empress back down. "Wànsuì! Welcome to Longri-La, honoured guests!..." he said, offering the others a bow of his head and a smile before turning to give Yuchuo a look that said 'Whoops'. "I am Ao Àilóng, Serpent King. It's lovely to make your acquaintances."

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

That was a neatly roundabout way of saying yes. Thought the painter, a grin on her face post answer from the magnificent specimen of long dragon before her. "Wonderful! As soon as we get a few free moments and I get a good look around I'll start us up!" This trip was already turning out so great! A magical flight on the back of a dragon, acompanying an empress and her hoofsome, capable bodyguard: it was like she was a minor character in a breezie tale! Yet there was still more to come! 

 

Presteza had already painted a majestic portrait of what she imagined this serpent king to be like! He would be positively massive! By celestia, he was probably big enough to walk on his nose. How would make his entrance when he came, she wondered. Would he rise up over the horizon and slowly slither his way to the group with an aura of regality that would ma-- what was that? She noticed a blur of color zip by her face and then coiled up around Yue! 

 

"Oi! Are other long s'posed t--" Than she heard his introdution! This was the serpent king? He was definitely not what she'd been imagining mere seconds before... he was rather cute though. Having realized from her past interactions with the matron, Presteza bowed her head in greeting. "Nice to meet ya, Yer Highness! She chirped out in an eager tone, "I'm Presteza! Empress Yu's new addition to royal painters." The mare eagerly cantered over and looked up to Yu, "So How'd you two meet again?"

 

 

[Windwright]

The Matron put on her grumpiest face, even if it didn't touch her eyes, and snorted out a puff of jade smoke. "Ao Ailong, Serpent King." she said, inflecting it with a great deal of ceremony and perhaps a hair less gravitas than it might otherwise have garnered, "Before you stand an honoured guest of Her Imperial Majesty the Empress of the Great Féng Dynasty, Heavenly Daughter of Dragons, Sovereign of Ten Thousand Years, Presteza of Trottingham, Painter of That Which is, and Feng of the Imperial Guard, who bravely stood forward when no others would."

 

As usual for this sort of thing, Yuchou was being descriptive and flowery and actually droning a bit, Ailong wouldn't interrupt her, she knew, and they wouldn't be able to move until she finished. "Honoured guests, you stand before Ao Ailong, Wise and Honourable King of the Long, Regent of the Four Winds, Bearer of the Pearl of Blessed Insight and Breather of Serene Grace, Son of Shenlong the Gifter and Grandson of Tianlong the Ascendant, may his reign last for ten thousand years."

[Blueblood]

Well, it appeared Feng's misunderstanding was to be forgotten, brushed away and scattered to the winds.  He wasn't sorry to see it go, not when he had a duty to carry out, undistracted.  Yu Yue was his sacred charge... and then she was charged!  A serpentine bolt from the blue, snatching her in the link of an eye!

 

All of his training and instinct kicked in, without a second thought.  He sprang into the air, wings spread, battle ready- 

 

Wait.

 

No, no, false alarm.  That was just a hug.  And a hug from the very king of the Long, too!  The Watcher's face darkened with embarrassment, as he looked at the weapon he had drawn into his hooves, a short blade.  Just what good would that have done, even if he did have cause to use it?  Jamming it back into his sheath, he drifted back down, feeling as if he would like to just sink beneath the floor and plummet to the ground.  Nonetheless, it appeared that his actions, or at least his prior attitude, won at least some admiration from one of the Long present.

"Thank you for the kind introduction, honored Matron.  I only wished to properly represent the traditions of all the Watch."  He looked over to Presteza, and then to the King.  Both were so... casual, and bright.  Luxuries of mood that he felt he could not afford, not while on duty, anyway.  He couldn't help but notice that both the Yu and Ao were quite young rulers, as far as both their kind went.  That might explain a lot about their relative attitudes towards each other.

[Bellosh]

 

Traditionally, the Serpent King was regarded by Long Sun culture as a figure held in the greatest esteem. A being so completely wise and noble and majestic that even emperors and empresses would instinctively kow-tow in their presence. However, such ancient mores were established during a different time, under a different Serpent King. In Yù Yuè's personal experience, the Serpent King was more of a... beloved cousin figure, really. An excitable and mischievous dragon more likely to induce imperial sovereigns to hug him than bow to him.

 

Perhaps all that would change in about 100-200 years' time once Àilóng grew a little more longer, but for now, Yuè was glad to lovingly return the embrace of her serpentine cousin-in-spirit in what meager way a quadruped could. "Àilóng!" the qilin buried her cheek into the Long's scaled belly, speaking in the same ancient dragon tongue as the happy-go-lucky fellow threatening to spin her into dizziness; [Lián isn't with us, he... stayed behind in Equestria on an extended journey.] Prince Lián; hopefully he wouldn't get into any shenanigans without his twin sister around as a voice of prudence.

 

Yuè's hair was in shambles by the time Àilóng stopped spinning her around, but that didn't really matter when it was the Serpent King's fault instead of her own. Apparently, the lord of all serpent dragons had indeed snuck off to attend the Grand Galloping Gala, although Yuè found it curious that her "cousin" refrained from meeting her then. The royal qilin couldn't help but think that it was the doing of her servants. Part of being an empress was serving as an unrivaled image of splendor and glory, which was something hard to pull off if an awe-inspiring Long was hovering around to steal the spotlight (never mind how Àilóng had at least a century to go before truly coming of age).

 

Hmmm.... now that Empress Yuè thought about it, it was rather strange that her Chamberlain didn't arrange a public appearance with Princess Celestia the night of the Gala. Had the Chamberlain also thought his (admittedly inexperienced) empress would be overshadowed by the likes of a royal alicorn sister?

 

Such rogue thoughts needed to be poofed out of existence though once Matron Yuchou assumed her position as custodian of stately protocol. At once, the Empress stepped aside and placed herself between her party and Àilóng, assuming a regal upright posture. It was from the elder Long that the timeless rites of court were passed down to Long Guo's imperial dynasties. Yes, the language proved ponderous at times, but such was the purest of ways to express humility toward those deserving of honor.

 

At the end of Yuchou's mini ceremony, the Empress clasped two hooves together as she respectfully bowed her head; the proper method of greeting a realm's ruler. "A thousand blessings for providing my companions the hospitality of Longri-La, Your Majesty." A bit more formal than necessary to express gratitude to her dear Àilóng, but the Matron will hopefully be pleased with her protege's grace.

With all the fancy courtesies out of the way, Yuè answered Presteza's question about her and the Serpent King. "My brother and I were briefly fostered here in Longri-La, as per custom of the imperial family. We became... acquainted with His Majesty during that time." A breezy and vague reply, but it was only polite for their kingly host to allow him to fill in the gaps as he so desired.....

[Dubstep]

Uggggggh, pomp and circumstance, grandiose grandeur, and long winded titles. He supposed he earned that for his overly excited faux paus. But it wasn't his fault that no one let him know that Yuè would be here! Let alone guests of hers! The introductions always took a long time, but Àilóng knew full well the difference between the usual long time and the 'Àilóng you know better so now I'm dragging this out' long time. This, of course, was the latter. Not that the Serpent King would interrupt his Auntie one way or another, he did have tact and respect in spite of seeming like a carefree and silly sky noodle.

Once the royal rigamarole was out of the way, Àilóng smiled brightly and returned the formal bow to both the Empress and her companions. "And a thousand blessings upon you and yours." the Serpent King gently landed upon the clouds Yuè and her friends with a small laugh. "That's right! We've been close for many years! It's always a delight being able to see her, even though most of the time our schedules do not permit it...Oh and It's nice seeing Lián as well, not ah, just the Empress. That's not to say seeing only the Empress is a bad thing either." the dragon rubbed the back of his neck and blushed a bit before clearing his throat. "Oh and it's not that it's bad that you all are visiting either, it...Oh nevermind. Welcome to Longri-La!"

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

Presteza pursed her lips a moment at her introduction. She was definitely no empress or nobility that was worth talking about in this land, but 'Painter of That Which is' sounding profoundly underwhelming. Not that she wished for a title that might be crushed under the weight of its own pretentiousness, but this might dwell in her mind for a time. Thankfully she was quickly pulled from her own little thought bubble when it was popped by the answering of her previous question by the two involved.

 

"Oh... sorta like tha' fostering stuff old equestrian nobles did... well, except between dragons in them mix only with ponies." The relationship between the king and empress was also rather transparent in the closeness exhibited. A position like they were in previously snuggling would have made an excellent piece. In due time Presteza would be sure to approach them about such an idea. 

 

With a bend of her leg and deep kneel Presteza offered her respect to the king, "Thank you for th' welcome, Yer Highness." 

[Windwright]

The Matron smirked enigmatically and dipped her head to Presteza. "Just so, noble artist." the Long confirmed. "In so doing, the Emporer's family learn of the Long and our ways, and we Long are afforded an opportunity to learn how the young ones are growing. At one time, the fosterage was undertaken just before the young ruler's coming of age, in fact. Now it is usually much earlier. Foals are easier to keep track of, and my eyes are not what they once were."

 

The aged serpent stared off toward the eastern horizon for a moment with a contemplative cant to her head. "But that is not important for now. Tell me, young Miss, what is your favourite variety of tea?"

[Blueblood]

During the Empress' reunion with her foster-brother, Feng had found himself fading back into the role of professional watcher.  It was easy to do; one of the training courses was essentially 'How to be ignored... until it is too late for the enemy.'  Not that any enemy was likely to show up in Longri-La, of all places, but of course the guard had a secondary reason for not wanting to be conspicuous.  He could not let his longing slip, nor could the various passions and attitudes buried underneath his discipline ever be displayed in Yu Yue's presence.  Even in paradise, the Watcher cannot relax...

 

Oh, but it hurt to watch, sometimes.  He couldn't help but reflect that the Empress rarely looked so happy.  That might simply be due to the magic of Ailong himself, whom he bowed to at the proper stage of the greeting.  What else could he do?  What purpose was there for him, here?  His courage had won him the privilege to see the dragon city for himself, but what would he do, now that he was here?  Only his duty, it seemed, only his duty.

 

But from the piercing perception of the old and the wise, his small, sad sigh would have been perceived.

[Bellosh]

 

Holding back a grin induced by Àilóng's sudden onset of awkwardness, a mirthful Yù Yuè thought of telling the Matron later to give her king a refresher on keeping it together. But only as a joke; Yuè did not know whether her heart would bear seeing her cherished foster brother transform into a no-nonsense patriarch that most Long Sun imagined Serpent Kings to be. As much as the Empress recognized the need for beings like her and Àilóng to mature into stalwart leaders, to excessively sacrifice one's soul for a greater good would not lead to a good end for anybody.

In the meantime, Yuè took advantage of Àilóng's predicament to amuse herself. "There is no shame," the Empress spoke in her usual gentle voice, but with an added smirk to her features and a subtle bounce to her hail; "For the Serpent King to request a private audience with Long Guo's empress. As sovereign rulers, it is our obligation to confer with one another to maintain relations between Longri-La... and the Dragon Kingdom." Yuè wasn't being serious of course; it was just her long-winded way of acknowledging how Àilóng's tongue got tied up the moment he started talking about his fellow qilin mare.

[Dubstep]

It was hard sometimes, trying to be a proper King. Keeping up a regal air and wise disposition. Okay it was hard all the time. It wasn't the he wasn't regal or wise, but trying to fill the void his father left, with so many dragons, longma, and qilin looking up to you? That was a challenge! It was made even more challenging when a pretty face decided to tease the poor dragon! The blush on his cheeks clearly grew several shades brighter. "A-ahem. Of course. One simply didn't wish to impose, but we will endeavor to keep this suggestion in mind for the days to come!"

Àilóng wasn't particularly easy to fluster under most circumstances. But now and again situations would arise where he'd feel akin to a leaf in the breeze, whisked around by the winds of fate. Or something along those lines. The dragon cleared his throat and smiled at the group. "T-tea sounds lovely, yes?" Smooth kid. Smooth.

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presteza smiled up at the long who addressed her, "I can only imagine wot it musta been like ta live around dragons. The only families I ever got ta meet were a rich family who owned a big vineyard and a lot of other rich pony families." While Yu and Ailong continued their Reunion, Presteza's eyes narrowed at the Matron. Thankfully with her head dipped down closer to her level, the empress' guest was given a close view at what she was focused upon. "And don't know yer eyes!" She said in a perky tone, "They look pretty sharp and pretty pretty ta me, Mu'um! As fer the tea... Well...how about... um... Wo kinds do ya 'ave 'ere?" 

 

Given the reverie of two long seperated friends, Presteza felt it would be rather rude to interrupt them with question right out of the gate...

 

 

 

[Windwright]

Matron Yuchou closed her eyes and hummed quietly. "So polite, little one. Let's see. We have green tea, white tea, black tea, and infusions that use them as bases, mint tea, and chamomile tea as well. For infusions we have peach, lotus, cherry blossom, plum, pomegranate, melon, saffron, clover, thistle, and oolong. Whichever tea you choose can be served with lemon, sugar, honey, cream, or juice. The tea is grown here and will be quite fresh, as are most of the other ingredients, though not the cream, clover, melons, or sugar." she lists off each flavour with a puff of Breath that carries its scent over the assembled crowd, well familiar with the lot.

 

She opens her eyes and smiles down at the artist, a small whisp of smoke trailing from her nose. "Oh, and of course there will be tea cakes. Growing tea is something of a hobby of a few of my apprentices, the dears." she declares, finally finished with her line of thought, for the moment. She looks meaningfully over to Feng and adds, "It is always a boon when those who work near us have hobbies of their own, don't you think, noble guard?"

[Blueblood]

Feng was trying carefully not to let his guard down, even though they were arguably in the safest place in all of Long Guo for the Empress.  Even the Inner City could not compare, being full of intriguing courtesans and other schemers.  Or was the word he was looking for courtier?  Palace life had been one of the things he'd crammed on for the exams, a few things seemed to have spilled out.

 

Not that Ailong was either, obviously.  The Watcher would actually be suspicious of any who tried to keep him out, frankly.  And that's just as Yu's foster brother, and not the King of the Long.  It was in the middle of these musings that he caught the Matron's pointed remark, snapping him to attention.  "Hm?  Well, yes, I suppose.  For those of us blessed with the leisure of time, it is best we occupy it."  He... really didn't have any kind of hobby, now that he thought about it.  If he had a spare hour or two, he would run extra patrols, or hit up the veterans for tips and tricks.  He could probably carve out some spare time if he really tried, but... well, his thoughts would always be elsewhere, so what would be the point?

His eyes drifted again back to the Empress.  If she wanted him to have a hobby, she was going to have to order him to get one.