Part 648: Robin B

Hello, Say'ri.

Ah, Robin.

You have a moment? I was wondering if you might tell me more about Chon'sin.

Aye, gladly! What shall we speak on today?

Perhaps you'd care to sample a cup of Chon'sin-style tea?

That doesn't look like any tea I've ever seen...

Aye, we use different leaves and different utensils, and even drink unlike you. Chon'sin takes tea very seriously. There are entire schools devoted to the art.

Goodness! That seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?

Perhaps, but to the devotees of Teaism, even a lifetime of study is not enough. Not to worry, though- I'm not one of them. Now permit me boil the water...

(Time passes)

.....

Take this with care. The cup is fearsome hot.

Ooh, thank you! This is exciting... Right, here goes... *slurp*

PFFFFFFT! Bitter! Gods, but it's bitter! Is it supposed to taste like that?

Aye and aye again. Once you grow used to it, anything else seems as water. It goes especially well with sweets and small cakes.

Can't you put sugar in it like we do with our tea?

You may do as you will, but in Chon'sin we drink it plain.

Your people have truly hardy palate. Though I suppose if you grow up with it...

Am I to take it that you are not fond of our tea?

I just wasn't expecting it, is all. I've never tasted anything so bitter in my life! But it does have a pleasant aftertaste. Who knows? With a bit of practice...

I'm pleased you found the experience interesting, if not wholly pleasant. You must let me teach you more about my culture when time permits.

I'd like that very much.