The room was very quiet as Zayden sat with his guest at a low table. He gazed at his guest from behind his veil for a moment, reading them from their posture to the shift of their eyes and to their intake of air.

  ‘She’s anxious. Not of me or the ceremony. A lover? No, not exactly. Unrequited love? That would be more likely.’

  His thoughts moved quickly as he got to work, filling a small bowl with Vanilla beans, rose petals, and a single Strix stick. He poured the hot water bow, swished them around, and delicately poured the water over a clay teapot before refilling the bowl of now-washed herbs.

  Instantly, the smell lightly wafted from the bowl as he let the brew steep. He held the bowl to his nose first, smiling behind the veil at the scent and offering it to his guest.

  “Would you tell me who it is that brought you to me?” He asked, letting the young elven woman lean forward and smell the brewing tea as well.

  She blinked at him, but her posture had relaxed. He was right on the Cuts.

  She took a slow breath, her gaze shifting as a small, content groan sounded from the side of the room. Un, the corner, lying on a lavish cushion, was a Kitsune. His snow-white fur was only interrupted by his dark paws and the dark tips of his nine elegant tails. He also had dark markings around his eyes that accented the bridge of his nose. He’d opened a golden eye at the guest, and Zayden was glad for the veil as he felt his eyes roll. Minori couldn’t resist hearing gossip, especially from guests.

  The Elf maiden sighed, refocusing. “A roaming trader.” She answered, a ghost of a smile appearing on her lips.

  Zayden nodded. From her clothes, he ventured a guess that her family was a respectable one… He was guessing from a vineyard… Yes, he thought he recognized her. Melody, her name was. While it wasn’t necessary to have the names of his guests, Zayden was fairly good with names. “Does he love you back?” He asked, wondering whether it was unrequited love or not. If it was, he’d have to be delicate in the matter, lest she’d catch Star Tears.

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  “I admit I don’t know,” Melody answered, watching Zayden pour clear, hot water into the cups to warm them before pouring the tea. “He always seems so busy, and I never find the right moment to initiate the conversation.”

  “I see,” Zayden answered, pouring his guest the tea first and offering it to her before pouring his own cup. “There is only one way to go about this. Which I’m certain you’re already aware of. However, why has this brought you to my table?”

  He lightly lifted the bottom of his veil and sipped from his cup, the scent of rose and vanilla hitting his nose before tasting the Strix stick’s warm space.

  Melody took a slow breath and sipped her tea as well. “I want to know if it’s worth the chance.”

  “Always,” Zayden answered, setting his tea down. “Whenever there’s a chance to form a relationship when friendly, serious, personal or professional, connections keep us all from losing our way.”

  “That ’s not really what I mean,” Melody responded slowly.

  Zayden regarded her for a moment. “My lady,” he began. “I’m a simple Tea Mage. I regret to say I’m far from a Seer or Fortune Teller. I’m simply a friend to listen and offer little guidance.”

  Melody tilted her head. “But don’t Tea Mages read tea leaves as well?” Melody asked.

  Zayden chuckled warmly. “That would be more of a Fortune Teller’s skill.” He informed her, shaking his head and keeping his voice warm. “I don’t believe it my place to try and peer into what Lady Terra has in mind for you.”

  Melody sighed and looked at her cup again. Zayden hated disappointing his guests. That wasn’t the point of being a Tea Mage. It was to put his guests ’ souls at ease. “At the same time my Lady,” he added, hoping to smooth things over again. “Isn’t it better to see for yourself what Terra has in store? Why would you want to spoil the beauty of your own story by trying to see into the future?”

  “I… I suppose you have a point.” Melody answered, taking another sip of her tea. “So then… how do I start a conversation with Sparrow?”

  ‘Finally, a name,’ Zayden thought before lightly topping off Melody’s cup. “Just as you are with me.” He answered. “Though I suppose getting something for him would also be a good door opener. Perhaps something you created to offer a more personal relationship.”

  “You believe it’s that simple?” Melody asked, looking a little more relaxed.

  Zayden smiled and nodded. “As sure as I am of the tea in my pot.” He answered.