十三

[o_tea_p]

[voice]

What a pleasure it is to have so many visitors! I hope you will all stop by the Jasmine Dragon for a nice cup of tea before you have to leave.

[ooc: Anything goes. Yay fourth wall!]

Comments

[marches_home]

[There's the sound of quiet footsteps approaching the small building. The footsteps pause a moment after he crosses the threshold. It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior before he notices the figure behind the counter and steps forward, stopping again.]

...Father?

1/who effing knows, man

[o_tea_p]

[The Jasmine Dragon is doing brisk business today, and Iroh hadn't looked up when the door opened.

But that voice - ]

[o_tea_p]

[It can't be. But it has to be. He's heard that voice in his dreams a million times over, and his nightmares too. A thousand years could pass and he would know it still.]

[o_tea_p]

[The gods are either kind or cruel.]

My son...

action! um, different time than the above, obvs

[horrible_penny]

Iroh!

[Penny practically scampers in, looking rather like someone who just hopped off of a motorcycle. For a dead person, she seems very healthy and lively.]

You're still here! Can I hug you?

action!

[o_tea_p]

Penny!

[Iroh comes around the counter to embrace her.]

I am hurt that you thought you had to ask.

action!

[horrible_penny]

[She returns the hug enthusiastically.]

Sorry! It just seems so awkward flying in and hugging people, you know? And once I hugged someone who wasn't from the same timeline as me and that was awkward, so it's good to ask. [babble!] But how are you? How's the tea business?

action!

[o_tea_p]

I can imagine. And I am all the better for seeing you. Please, have a seat! Let me get you a cup of something.

[He takes a quick look at her new appearance.]

The usual, or something a little different?

action AT A TIME OF YOUR CHOOSING

[thisismyjob]

[A comely blonde in old-fashioned business attire slips in without so much as a hello and approaches the counter.]

Warm milk, please.

action;

[o_tea_p]

[Iroh starts, and a broad smile crosses his face.]

Now there is a face that has been sorely missed.

[He quickly gets her a cup of warm milk.]

It's good to see you again.

action;

[thisismyjob]

You missed me?

[She takes her glasses off and gives Iroh a careful once-over. Something apparently meets with her approval, judging by the almost-smile.]

And you as well.

action;

[o_tea_p]

Of course! You are by far the loveliest woman to give me the cold shoulder. How long are you here for? Are you one of the one-day visitors?

action

[oldestremnant]

I've never had tea. Is it any good?

action

[o_tea_p]

Never had tea?

[Iroh is shocked, appalled, outraged! And possibly being too melodramatic about it.]

You poor, deprived young soul! I will make you a cup straight away! I promise, your life will never be the same!

action

[oldestremnant]

O...kay.

[What a weird old man.]

action

[o_tea_p]

[Iroh comes back a few minutes later with a cup of his favorite blend of tea and sets it in front of Loz.]

Here!

[He then plops across from Loz. He must stick around for this life-changing experience!]

action;

[worrybot]

It's nice to hear from someone on this communication network who seems pleased to receive visitors.

[ In fact, he has sought out the origin of the signal and will be stepping into your shop right now. He doesn't really want any tea, but he could use a friendly face. ]

action;

[o_tea_p]

Visitors are one of life's purest pleasures.

[Iroh is wearing his friendliest face.]

Another guest! Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. That is a very handsome suit of armor you're wearing.

action;

[worrybot]

Thank you for the welcome. Although I do not wear armor. I am not a fighting droid, not at all.

This is a quaint little shop.

action;

[o_tea_p]

Thank you!

...a droid?