2007-04-01T12:57:05Z

69.68.189.33: /* Upon Entry: */

==Tea House History:==

Tea is a living tradition in [[Myrken Wood]]. It's history is rooted in the cultures of its native people. To the complement of an occasion, local artisan's have crafted exquisitely detailed, glazed and hand-painted wares. The drink itself serves as a vehicle for these creations. Prized for their natural beauty and for housing treasures over centuries, these types of communal structures are considered sacred by many. The tradition of tea drinking provides an essential portion of stories that define [[Myrken Wood]] and [[Amasynia|Amasynian]] histories. In many instances, a number of admirable tapestries depicting these stories are on display within the tea rooms themselves.

Tea is a sociable affair, normally attended by men although women are now comfortable exercising this tradition. It is very popular for an instructor, a politician, or spiritual guide to rent the facility in order to speak to a specific group. In some instances, the tea room can be used for private parties. While these parties are difficult to schedule, House [[Madame]] [[Cambree Swinton]], is willing to arrange affairs.

==Upon Entry:==

===The Building===
The construction of the half-timbered, thatched roof building is durable, having lasted without incident for over one hundred years. As one enters, the floor becomes elevated. There are several, short bench seats and small tables, and there is a grand area of reserved seating for someones of high ranking, nearest to the hearth. There are high-backed chairs whose intricate carvings depict ghouls and gods alike. Each of these few chairs has its own matching table, all held for honoured guests. There is a small alcove within which both clay and ceramic pots are on display. A counter made of cherrywood serves as a workstation for the [[Madame]] and her servants.

The [[Myrkentown Tea House]] offers all a pleasing atmosphere which requires delicate handling at all times (due to the many artifacts that are still used for special services.) It once was traditional for visitors to remove their footwear before moving over the worn floor; however, this practice is rarely observed now.

===Tea House Etiquette===

The preparation of tea is a work of art in itself. Unless her life requires it, or if for some reason an apprentice is being trained, a House [[Madame]] will not share her techniques with others.

* Tea is prepared by the hostess, although servers may do the pouring.
* It is improper to dine with ones gloves on.
* It is considered respectful to be of good health and hygeine whenever one is attending a tea service.
* The removal of one's footwear is a symbol of "old world" esteem.
* It is appreciated if persons will dress well in order to take part in a [[tea service]].
* Foods and teacups may share one plate together.
* The proper manner to drink tea is to raise the teacup only, placing it back into the saucer in between sips.
* Should a guest rest their teaspoon on top of their teacup, this will be seen as an indication they have had sufficient tea and will require no more.
* Sleeping persons are not allowed to remain in the Tea House.

==Tea House Service:==

===Tea House Etiquette:===

The preparation of tea is a work of art in itself. Unless her life requires it, or if for some reason an apprentice is being trained, a House [[Madame]] will not share her techniques with others.

* Tea is prepared by the hostess, although servers may do the pouring.
* It is improper to dine with ones gloves on.
* It is considered respectful to be of good health and hygeine whenever one is attending a tea service.
* The removal of one's footwear is a symbol of "old world" esteem.
* It is appreciated if persons will dress well in order to take part in a [[tea service]].
* Foods and teacups may share one plate together.
* The proper manner to drink tea is to raise the teacup only, placing it back into the saucer in between sips.
* Should a guest rest their teaspoon on top of their teacup, this will be seen as an indication they have had sufficient tea and will require no more.
* Sleeping persons are not allowed to remain in the Tea House.

==='''The Vessels:'''===

Tea urns, designed to heat and hold water in large quantities, are used to dispense hot water in order to fill a teapot.

A teapot differs in shape and material. It has been designed with a rounded body to insure that tea leaves have the proper room for expansion during an infusion process. A lowered placement of the spout on the tea pot allows for the drink to be poured without leaves interfering. Teapots are usually decorated. Some are of heirloom quality.

The traditional cup equals four ounces. All cups are served at three quarters full. A teacup is shallow and wide to allow the beverage a chance to temper before drinking.

===Proper Setting for a Tea buffet:===

The tables are formally prepared with crisp linens adorned with lace and/or embroidered stitching. Cakes and other delicate finger foods are displayed on pedestal stands. Teacups, saucers and miniature spoons are nested with one another. Small, shining pieces of cutlery lay beside filligree plates which present freshly sliced fruits. Ceramic crocks house butters that are as rich as they are sweet. Pretty, woven baskets are lined with linens and filled with hot scones and rolls.

No matter how grand the event, there is never to be so much food to overwhelm the tea itself.

==='''The Teas:'''===

In [[Myrken Wood]], one does not ''take'' tea, one ''drinks'' tea, very usually in the company of at least one other, and regardless of social class. Each Tea House offers its own series of blends. These are what you will find available at the Myrkentown Tea House:

*Tonic Teas - Traditional folkloric medicinals, main ingredient: tree bark taste: slightly bitter.
*Black Teas - Often scented and flavored by concocted tinctures, popular teas consisting of oxidized green leaves. taste: robust.
*Green Teas - A common drink of the ancients, preferred by veteran tea drinkers. It is believed to support immune function. taste: rich
*Twig Teas - A tea variety made of the stems and stalks of the tea shrub. taste: roasted.
*Fruit and Herb Teas - Delicious, fragrant, timeless blends which include exotic spices and trade secrets. taste: exquisite.

The recipes for the many exotic tea-blends offered on the expansive menu are invented and kept secret by the House [[Madame]], [[Cambree Swinton]]. Particular to this [[Myrkentown Tea House|Tea House]] is an ages-old tradition of brewing and lavish services that are customized to fit the individual needs of each guest.

===Employees:===

Madame Swinton insists on precise and complete practices, always to the client's satisfaction. Her girls are finely trained, provided with diverse experience, whereas most Tea Houses employ only satisfactory workers.

* '''[[Brogan]]''' is an ever-excited young lady of 19 who believes the best way to earn affection is to give it. She loves people and all things new with an insatiable, naive curiosity that shines from dark, angled cherrywood eyes within an oriental face framed by short-cropped hair of deep browns and orangy-blondes that seems to love the handsome dishevelment of the wind. Her 5'7" form is lithe, yet muscular, and has served her well in her past profession as a fire-dancing street-performer. However, she is now mostly renowned for the incarnations of her vivid imagination in the form of the exotic apparel the girls of the Tea House are adorned with.

* '''[[Lavender]]''' - The girl will tell you proudly that she is eighteen summers old. She is a caring person, with a petite body that holds her small frame together. Her hair is long and straight, but she pulls it back for working a tea service. Its colour is as red as a maple leaf on a warm autumn day, that shimmers in the sunlight, and usually is adorned by flowers either braided into her hair or gently tucked behind her left ear. Her eyes are like deep pools of green algae from the bottom of the ocean. Her shoulders always are covered by a dark cloak or a shawl that she says keeps her shoulders warm. She blames this on being from a warmer climate and gets chilled easily. She's a bit nervous around people and usually diverts her eyes from the gazes of customers at the Tea House, but is always cordial and eager to please.

* '''[[Daiyu]]''' - Tall for a woman of her bloodline, but this only serves to emphasize her elegant beauty. Her stature is like that of a dancer, with long, graceful limbs and an impeccable sense of balance. Long, raven-black hair reaches her mid-back, while matching dark eyes have an exotic and mysterious depth to them, as if one could never quite be sure what she is thinking. In contrast, her skin is pale and soft. Her personality is something of an enigma, as she often chooses to behave in whatever manner she thinks will get her what she wants, but those who know her say she has quite a firey disposition hidden beneath her seductive gaze.

* [[Cambree Swinton]] is, like joy, an imperishable memory. She is a woman who can take a mediocre hand and play it brilliantly. From the tilt of her head to the curve of smile, she is ever so demure, with just a touch of flirt. Able to teach you what it means to be a man - a noble man, a strong man, or what it means to be a woman - of sacred heart and elegance, she demands nothing of the self that it isn't willing to give. When one is proven to be worthy of her affections, it is easy to feel romanced by her (as one would by the scent of lilacs, or rediscovering a lover's letter, or dried flower, within the pages a scrapbook.) Let her teach you about yourself, and you will discover your own infinite range. The places you will go.

[[Category:Myrken Wood]]
[[Category:Myrkentown]]
[[Category:Buildings]]
[[Category:Businesses]]