A Proper Teatime [open to Lord Hong]

[vicioussweetie]

For an American, Ali sets out a very proper tea. Taking advantage of the good weather, she's set up in one of the gardens in the Nexus: a patio surrounded by rose bushes has been taken over. In the center is a round table just big enough for two with two chairs waiting. The basics are all laid out: pot of Earl Grey with cream and honey, delicate

Comments

[lord_hong]

Following the instructions on the letter, Hong walked through the Nexus gardens, idly wondering who took care of them... and just what that puce flower was in that bed there. Finally rounding the corner of the arch that opened into this secluded little patio, he paused, delighted at the sight.

"How charming."

[vicioussweetie]

She looks up with a smile when he speaks, closing her book after tucking a length of ribbon between the pages. "Isn't it? I love coming here. It's been in bloom for nearly half a year."

Standing, she sets the book down and holds a hand out to him. "I hope you found it easily enough?"

[lord_hong]

"Fairly readily; your instructions were most thorough." He smiled, bowing and taking her hand in its own, pressing a light kiss to it. "How did you ever stumble across this place?"

[vicioussweetie]

"I like exploring." She gives his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it and sitting again. "And it's almost inevitable to find a few interesting things here, given enough time."

[lord_hong]

Taking a seat across from her, his smile lingered from her squeeze; "As good a reason as any and better than most, I'm sure. But what have we here? It looks quite a princely spread indeed."

[vicioussweetie]

"I did promise a proper tea, did I not?" She pours their tea, handing him his cup first. "And a proper tea we shall have."

[lord_hong]

"Certainly sounds like a plan." He smiled, accepting with both hands the cup and saucer. Setting latter down, he sipped from the former with a smile.. "Mm. What flavor is this?"

After sliding a tiny salmon sandwich onto his tiny plate, he surreptiously looked around for the cream and sugar.

[vicioussweetie]

The cream and honey aren't exactly hiding, seeing as they're pretty much in the center of the table. "It's called Earl Grey. It's very popular where I'm from. I think it has bergamot in it."

She claims a cucumber sandwich for herself, waiting for him to fix his tea before attending her own.

[lord_hong]

There they are; with a light dollop of honey and a light touch of cream, he passed them right back to her. "Earl Grey, eh? Blended first by this earl, or simply under his auspices? At any rate, it certainly is tasty." Using his little spoon and mixing the tea, he took a slightly deeper sip this time and smiled. "Perfect."

And then he nibbles on salmonwich.

[vicioussweetie]

"I don't really know why it's named that. I don't drink it very often." She adds somewhat larger amounts of both to her tea, stirring it slowly. "But it's what's traditional, and I thought you would appreciate that."

[lord_hong]

"Ah, traditions. Well, it's ever pleasant to learn new customs.. what other ones pertain to this ritual, if I might ask? Also, this little tidbit is quite good." And now there is fetching of crumpet!

[vicioussweetie]

"This is pretty much it. There's tea, there's the appropriate kinds of food, and there's talking. I'm glad you liked it." She smiles. "The salmon ones are my favorites too."

[lord_hong]

"Ah, I see. Any specifically mandated topics? Art, philosophy, doings of Court?" He bites into crumpety goodness. "I think I like this even better.. wait, that pinkish thing was known as salmon, you say?"

Sip!

[vicioussweetie]

"Yes, the pink stuff in the sandwich was salmon. The appropriate topics are usually the goings-on of society, the arts, and fashion. But I think that, all things considered, we can be forgiven for going off-course. That is a crumpet, my dear."

[lord_hong]

"Hmn. What exactly is salmon, anyway? And if you believe so, I certainly will not demur." Smile, and further crumpetage! After swallowing, he continues "It's delightful. How is it made?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Salmon is a type of fish. Crumpets are...I can't remember the recipe off the top of my head. I'm sorry. I could make a copy for you if you'd like, once I get home."