I Heard Tea Soothes The Soul

She followed him through the frost-touched woods. It was not too far of a walk. He led her into a small makeshift camp where a fire crackled in salutations. Nox paused in her pursuit as a strange creature came into view. It poked and prodded the fire with ease, clasping objects with no difficulty at all. She could not help but gawk at the creature. The most peculiar thing about it: A touch of color on the face, a bit of blue and red. It was a striking combination especially with the fire's warm light caressing its cheeks. She hesitated in her approach but ultimately found the fire too alluring. While she warmed her paws over the flames, her host set the metal-object over the fire. He then began to satisfy each question with an answer, starting with a name.

He said his name was Iroh Abraxas, which like many of the characters she’d come across, sounded rather exotic. The fellow was already intriguing to the eyes and ears. Why not frame it all together with a unique name? Nox returned the gesture with a graceful smile and nod of similar value. “I concur, it is a treat to have been invited.” It was not often she was invited to anything, really. Tea was not a common occurrence in the places she visited, but it seemed that was about to change. “Nox Nightingale but please. just Nox.” She studied the pot as flames flickered beneath it. He explained what the object was, and she nodded, entranced by the light show.

Nox giggled softly at the jest, though it only partly seemed to be. The imagery of whipping around the metal-pot by the handle in an attempt to bash a head or two sounded rather amusing. “Very fascinating. Where did you acquire it, if you do not mind me asking?” Her eyes drifted to the bowls watching with interest as a blend of herbs was placed into them. “What blend will we be indulging?” She asked casually before reclining infront of the fire. Nox did not know much about herbs but she knew tea. Some of her favorite teas consisted of hibiscus petals, honey, and elderberries. Hibiscus petals for fragrance, honey as a sweetener, and elderberries for a slightly-tart finish. He was clearly the more experienced between them regarding the art of tea-making. She dearly hoped he would part with some of the information. When he spoke, she looked up from the fire and granted him a polite nod. “A land very far and different from this one. Some call it the great-north or I have heard it called Rush-sia-a before.” Nox rolled her shoulders back, allowing the heat of the fire to loosen her tense muscles. “I am still not sure what these lands are called. Would you enlighten me?” Now was as good a time as any to ask, right?