Posted by Civilian Yavia Crockett (Nurse - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Ash & Petal Teashop - Weeks After Opening

Posted by Civilian Talen Veyl (New Arrival) in Ash & Petal Teashop - Weeks After Opening

Posted by Civilian Yavia Crockett (Nurse - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Ash & Petal Teashop - Weeks After Opening
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Cort gave the woman a nod of his head before returning his attention to the proprietor. “Well, one of them concocts their own blends quite regular, and has a deep understanding of not just the flavours but also the medicinal benefits. The rest like variety to suit their moods. So a sampler would be ideal, I think, but perhaps something a little more special?”

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

Talen nodded and spun on his heel moving to the shelves behind him. He was quite intentional, pulling several sample size mixtures of loose leaf tea. As he moved about, he continued his line of questioning, eyes focused on pulling specific tastes that held variety in the overall purchase. “Hmmm…something special…for your tea expert friend? Tell me a bit about them, hmmm? Or is it for someone else who might be special?”

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal

Yavia grinned not meaning to be nosey, but the space was quiet and it was easy to hear. Especially given her Deltan hearing was more sensitive than a human’s. She shifted positions looking at the selections on a nearby shelf as she waited.

Yavia

Cort chuckled. “No, not like that. The friend is my also my boss, and I wanted something the whole office could share.” He leaned forward, folding his arms on the edge of the counter. Now, how to sum up someone like Eela Dasca in a way that would maintain some privacy since it was clear the proprietor hadn’t recognized him. It was one of those things that was fifty-fifty most days. People knew his name, but not knew his face. It was honestly easier that way a lot of the time. He was still going around with his extra ‘shadows’, though he was able to leave them outside.

“Let’s see, my friend is very busy. She has a stressful job and there’s a lot going on. Usually when she wants tea, it’s in the form of herbal infusions. Relaxing things to bring a moment of calm. Nothing that might interfere with medications- that’s important” Cort thought a bit more deeply. “She gravitates towards floral forward blends with a bright finish.”

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

Talen nodded as he gathered more ingredients. He finally collected the samples of different blends and set them on the counter. Taking some other miscellaneous ingredients, he measured out a decent sized bag of the blend and provided that with the other samples.

“This one I’ve made special. I call it Spring Rain. It’s always a peaceful experience, in my opinion, to sit at a window listening to a fresh spring rain pour. Quiet and calming with pleasant scents afterward. This tea has lemon balm, chamomile, rose, and a touch of lemongrass. Soft with a light citrus. Instead of an instant calm, it’s more of an enduring one. This should hold well, even on the longer days.” He smiled and offered a digital card with the hours of his store’s operation.

Cort chuckled as he took the card. “Well, everyone in the office has been other places where there is rain, so it’ll be a nice thing to conjure.”

“My name is Talen Veyl, Owner of this establishment. This is on me this time. And what is your name good sir?” He stated, realizing he may have been late on introductions.

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal

A brief moment of discomfort ran through Cort before he brushed it away. Gifts were one of those tricky areas all government workers had to navigate with care. It was too easy for people to be seen as taking bribes. However, Talen hadn’t known who he was before offering, and it was just tea. “Thank you, Talen, that is a very kind gesture. I’m Cort Belanger.”

Talen bowed his head once to Cort. “It is a pleasure to meet you Cort Belanger. Tell your coworkers they are welcome any time. I would be particularly inclined to meet this boss of yours to get their own opinion of the tea.” He said with a gentle grin. “And perhaps share a story or two for fun of course. Enjoy!”

Cort gave him a grin. “Oh, she’ll have opinions, that’s for sure.” He gave him a nod of his head and stepped back.

Seeing them finish, Yavia stood and made her way gently toward the counter.

He saw the Deltan woman out of the corner of his eye and glanced her way. He went to go look at Talen again, but something felt deeply familiar about her and he just couldn’t quite put his finger on where he knew her from. Then again, there were several million people on Oed and people passed by each other all the time. And yet, he couldn’t shake that feeling. “Do we know each other?”

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

“I don’t believe so.” She replied with a gentle smile, “I’m a nurse at Sacred Heart. Perhaps you saw me there.” She glanced at the bag in his hand, “I hope you enjoy your tea a day have a wonderful day.” She turned back toward the shelves. Best to be gentle but firm. People tended to go bonkers about Deltans.

Yavia

It was strange, but he swore he knew her from somewhere. Ah well. With a polite nod, Cort left the shop, tea treasures in hand.

Talen listened to the brief conversation then chimed in at an appropriate moment to greet the deltan nurse. He stepped out from behind his main counter to meet her at the various shelves she was looking at. “Drink tea often?” he inquired simply of her as he stepped near.

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal

“I do. At least one cup every morning as part of my morning meditations. The more complex and unique the flavors the better. I am actually looking for something for my partner. She drinks tea medicinally, but she doesn’t really enjoy the flavor.” She smiled and glanced around the room. “I’m hoping to find her something she can also enjoy.”

Yavia

Talen nodded thoughtfully, one hand on his chin as he surveyed his own shelves. “Medicinally? May I ask in what way? And what of the flavor does she not enjoy?” he inquired as he considered what he had in store. There was also his own personally grown herbs and ingredients in the back, though that was something he saved for ‘need to know’ basis. The last thing he wanted was customers meandering about his private selections and trying to barter to obtain it. He gave her a polite smile as his eyes finally settled on her own perfectly symmetrical ones.

-Talen Veyl

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

“Migraine level headaches, whole body fatigue, and telepathic strain.” Her eyes turned introspective. What was it that Sharah didn’t like about it? “It’s the way the flavor of the tea leaves overpower the floral or spice scents, and she gets all the flavor of the tea and none of the flavor of everything else.” She smiled slightly, “I think, that’s it anyway. She always talks about how good it smells and then makes this face when it just doesn’t taste good.”

Yavia

Talen nodded slowly as he took in the information. “Ah! It sounds like there is improper balance of spices and herbs. Why don’t I give you a couple blends with flavors she thinks smells good. When she tries it, take note of her reaction. I can make some custom teas for you to suit her wants. Sometimes the standard isn’t good enough. A little extra spice can carry us all a long way.” He said, adding a playful grin to the last sentence in an attempt to add some humor to the situation.

Yavia laughed warmly. “Yes, spice is very important. I think part of her delicate is the strength she needs of the medicinal properties tend to over power the flavorful parts. Oh! She really enjoys apple butter. I don’t suppose you could find a way to put that flavor in a tea?”

Talen gave a warm laugh, “Oh it’s very possible! Believe it or not, I’ve found it to be a common tea during the cooler seasons. Quite refreshing! I can pack you some now if you like?”

The woman smiled, “That would be wonderful. Could you also include a detailed list of exactly what is in it. She’s very careful of making sure that she doesn’t take anything with negative interactions.”

Talen replied, “Most assuredly!”

“And what about yourself, hmm?” He inquired curiously.

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal

“Mmmm that might be more difficult. I very much enjoy all the various flavors of tea, but I find their scents and flavor are too weak for my Deltan senses. I must balance a long steep for strength against the burn of over steeping.” She shrugged elegantly, “But the more unique and unusual the more I like it.”

Yavia

Talen eyed her for a moment, trying to get a feel for the woman. Bold flavors. He already had some teas brewed very recently that might meet that quality.

“You know, I’ve been around the galaxy a bit. Learned a lot. I have some special teas that come from other worlds. And they have a bit stronger effect on the drinker. As for the taste, it’s all dependent on what you might like. I could let you sample a one or two if you like?” He proposed to her.

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal

“Oh I would like that very much. I’m always happy to try samples,” she smiled and leaned against the counter.

Yavia

Talen gestured to one of the tables requiring a seat to be taken low to the ground. “Please, get comfortable and I shall be right back. I have three different brews that could use some feedback perhaps.” he said with a joyful grin.

He quickly moved back behind the counter and disappeared into the back area of his shop.

After a few minutes, he reappeared and stepped to the table setting down a rather large tray of utensils and drink. He then sat on the opposite side of the table from Yavia, only a couple feet distant from each other. Talen offered the woman a small glass cup with intricate leaf patterns carved into the clear glass. Talen had one for himself as well. A few small wooden bowls were set upon the table, each with a unique ingredient. Along with those were also set three small pots of already brewed tea.

One was a deep, dark red with steam escaping the spout of its holder. The second was a bright orange with the scent of a sweet citrus coming from it. The third was an icy blue color with very light whisps of of the what could be the drink hovering in the air above the frost tinged pot .

Talen eventually stopped fussing over the various odds and ends. He sat down and took a deep breathe before focusing his attention on his guest once more. “I will definitely explain these teas to you, but it would be nice to get your name perhaps? I’m Talen Veyl. And you are?” he inquired as he observed her.

-Talen Veyl, Ash & Petal