au_hogwarts | Uji, The White Lotus, Morning

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Uji, The White Lotus, Morning

"No, we will open Saiyuri," Uji says quietly but forcefully. If she had her way, they'd likely never open as she is such a perfectionist. "It is time. We can make adjustments once we see our customer's needs."

He throws the doors open and takes a deep lung full of air. Then with a flick of his wand, he flips the open sign and says to Saiyuri, "You had better get the pots on and get the ovens cooking."

[OOC: Yeah, The White Lotus is finally open! See here for a description of the place, it's staff and menu. Also see this backroom post for more info. Also, I'm about to go on a bike ride but will be back for fun.]

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Jo is there not too long after.

Pushing the door open with a curious smile.

"Come in, come in. Our first customer!" Uji calls from beneath a mosaic of tiles which depict a white lotus on a red back ground. The man stands with his back straight and his shoulders back unlike a certain grounds keeper he may resemble. He is wearing an expensive green robe and silk slippers. "Would you like a table inside or out in the garden?"

It was quite lovely, wasn't it? Jo's gaze was traveling with excited pleasure all around the room. New things were rare enough in this area, when they were people suddenly popping up.

"Which is your favorite?" Beat. "Could I see all of the areas first?"

"A tour? Of course. Saiyuri, you have the floor," he calls out.

"Of course because I did not have enough to do in the kitchens!" Saiyuri calls out before appearing completely unruffled.

"Let us start with the main dining area," Uji says with a little bow and a sweeping arm.

Jo gave a small nod to the appearance of the woman she didn't know, before returning her gaze to Iroh. She smiled in spite of herself at the small bow and flourish of his arm.

"I have to admit I've been counting down the days until I'd finally get to see the inside of here." She followed along side him.

Saiyuri bows in reply and turns to the next customer.

"You humble me lady," Uji says leading her into the main dining room. "Our servants are invisible so to summon one you simply tap one of the lotus tiles in the center of each table. When the tile glows you will know one of the servants is near. Simply speak your order and it will be fulfilled. Each room here can be divided into smaller as desired by these screens." Uji pulls one out which is woven rattan with a beautiful crane painted on it.

Uji lowers his voice a bit. "Each screen is spelled to prevent eavesdropping. I hate gossip."

That could be very good. And it could be very bad.
And Jo was trained to see both side of the coin.

"This is a remarkable setup." Quiet. Honest.

If also appraising it for different reasons.

"How long did it take you to plan?"

The mask of a host never falters but in his eyes a hint of an old pain flashes if Jo is apt to notice such things.

"I think I have always fantasized about The White Lotus to be honest. I feel sorry for all the tea houses I have ever been in as I've deconstructed each in my mind to pick through but I liked. Not very noble but there it is."

She does catch it. Wonderingly.
If without outwardly reacting.

"I doubt you ever meant to slander them," Jo offered, with a tilt of her head. Pulling out a rather king smile for him. "I think that the dream itself could never lack nobility."

As its a Hogsmeade weekend, Will's in town and smiles when he sees that the White Lotus is finally open.

He's been curious about it and with all the Quidditch business and other things, he's in the mood for some quiet.

"Welcome," Uji calls in greeting. He stand with his back straight and shoulders back unlike a certain groundkeeper he might resemble. He is also dressed in an expensive looking green robe and silk slippers. "Would you like a table inside or out in the garden?"

"The garden please. This is beautiful,"

Will bows slightly since Uji seems to deserve it.

Uji returns the bow holding his right fist inside of his open left hand. "Thank you," he beams and turns to lead the way outside. As small water fall adds a nice pleasant melody to the chirps of a few birds and the wind rushing through the bamboo. "The apples a just ripening and their fragrance should be quite enjoyable. Perhaps some jasmine tea would compliment it nicely? Do you see a table you like?"

He immediately makes his way towards a table that's as much under a tree as possible,

"Um, yes, thank you and could I see a menu?"

Hopefully things here aren't too much more expensive than the rest of Hogsmeade but this peaceful place is already making him feel better.

Uji understands the budgeting needs of the student body and so has prepared a students menu which he pulls from his sleeve. (There was of course no bulges or creases to suggest there had been anythign up his sleeve.)

"Please call me Uji. Since it is opening day I shall be waiting tables but normally the tables shall be staffed by invisible servants. When you are ready to order order, tap that lotus tile in the middle of the table to summon a servant. When it glows, a servant is near."

As Will looks over the menu the prices are very friendly for the student purse and today's specials are a variety of tapas (http://spanishfood.about.com/od/discoverspanishfood/f/faqtapas.htm) and Arabic teas.

"I'm Will Scarlett and its a pleasure to meet you, Uji,"

Will's passed the groundskeeper but everyone has secrets and there's at least one pair of twins at Hogwarts, a second one wouldn't be that odd.

"The pleasure is all mine. Do you by chance play any music?"

"No, though I do know how to sing but not very well. I'm better at flying and fighting."

"Oh well. I was hoping the stage over there would be some use. Saiyuri plays but she only know Chinese and Japanese operas. I thought it could be nice to have some English songs sometimes as well. Perhaps some of your friend play? I could host...what do they call it, an open mike?"

"That could be nice. I know there are some people with musical talent and I can sing choruses."

"Would you spread the word? I think I can offer that musicians can drink for free on the nights they are playing. Speaking of, do you know what type of tea you would like?"

"I'll try the masala chai and some meatballs, thank you. Yes, I'm glad to let everyone know."

"Good choices!" Uji replies and turns to get them but stops when he spots a try floating towards them, one it is a teapot, cup and plate of meatballs.

"Now just what am I supposed to do if you are serving?" he says exasperated.

Will laughs as he reaches for the tray, "The service is very prompt."

"Yes, but what am I supposed to do now?"

"Be a good host. My mum runs a tea shop and she says that's more important than the rest, well maybe second to having good scones."

"Very good point!" Uji replies with his good cheer. "You are a student of Hogwarts yes? How is the school finding you?"

"Yes, its my seventh year actually and its off to a fairly good start."

"Have you been attending the school for all of those years?"

"Yes, I have. I'm from Nottingham which isn't too far away."

It's open! Yay!

Inara is pretty genuinely excited when she strolls up to the shop's front door and walks in.

"Lady Inara!" Uji exclaims with a broad smile. He is dressed in an expensive green robe and wearing silk slippers. "Would you like a tour or a place to sit?"

"Tour." Immediately, and followed by a giggle behind a slender hand. "Since I have a choice in the matter."

"You may have all the choice you wish. Shall we work our way up or start at the top and work our way down?"

"Oh, let's start upstairs."

It's always where she likes best. The height and the views.

"Excellent," he replies with a smile. "Please follow me. The first floor and gardens are intended for small groups while the second floor is for larger parties who wish more privacy. Our servers are invisible so to make you order each table has a lotus tile in it's center which one simply needs tap. When a servant is near and ready to receive your order, the tile will glow."

As he speaks he leads them to the stairs in the center of the building near the kitchens which are open to the room. Once they climb to the next level, the kitchen is no longer open but closed behind panels. The decorations of the rooms are more subtle up here as well, as if the rooms don't wish to distract from the conversation of the guests.

"There is one more room above us but it is an aerie for the birds of our guests. It is unacceptable by normal means. Each room on this level is warded against traveling sound so as to not disturb nearby guests and to provide a measure of privacy. As well downstairs each table has a minor sound ward and the screens we can use to isolate the tables for privacy are warded as well."

Inaccessible, hmm?

Inara's been following a step behind, admiring the appointments and the forethought of everything in its place.

"This is honestly a gorgeous establishment. I cannot fathom any lack of success here."

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Uji, The White Lotus, Morning

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