Uji, The White Lotus, Morning

[leavsfrmthevine.livejournal.com]

"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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[leavsfrmthevine.livejournal.com]

"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?"

[veneficusvenato]

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?"

[leavsfrmthevine.livejournal.com]

"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.

[veneficusvenato]

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.

[leavsfrmthevine.livejournal.com]

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."

[veneficusvenato]

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?"

[leavsfrmthevine.livejournal.com]

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."

[veneficusvenato]

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."