[Dark Sun: PoE: A Tea Time Tradition For Two]

[[Written by @Cheerful-SixEars ]]

Within the serene, bamboo structured hut within the mystical and cozy forest seemingly well hidden so perfectly from any commoner’s knowledge, Papillon and his brother Devin-Jiang were bustling and setting up for a nice evening of warm tea and relaxing meditation. It was their day of birth, so to say. The day that most mortals consider and represent as 'Christmas' a winter holiday for sure, but not for them. It was their day to celebrate themselves and their bond.
They spent the weeks prior, whenever manageable, collecting the needed herbs, fruits, and leaves for specific spiced blends that they commonly enjoyed, year round, whenever the ingredients were in season. They were nipped by cold and overcome with the want to sleep the frigid days into the blooming spring’s breeze and summer’s warmest rays. The frost nipped at their toes and the tips of their tails, but they worked hard to meet this yearly end goal as to celebrate it together, in cherished unison.
They worked overtime and extra hard to collect the glossy jade green Jasmine tea leaves that they so earnestly loved. As the water worked up to a whistling, steaming boil in their favorite floral tea kettle, Papillon worked to drag their comfiest cushions out onto the small front porch balcony. It was perfect in size for the two of them to perch on. While Papillon worked to situate their seating, Devin lit a few spiced peach scented incense cones in a burner that was shaped very similarly to the infamously adored Monkey King. They were Devin’s favorites, and Papillon grinned with genuine amusement from Devin’s excited chortles and chittering as a result of Pap’s agreement to settle on that scent for the evening.
The piercing whistle of the kettle was alarm enough to raise both their ears to sudden alertness and excitement. Devin’s mouth was momentarily agape as he glanced over to Papillon, who’s excitement was more of a gentle gaze of amusement. He nodded in a gesture to Devin to go and fetch the kettle so they could steep their tea to blissfully sweet, aromatic perfection.
With the momentary time that Devin fetched the kettle and Papillon arranged the furniture and swept the balcony to perfection, they both pulled well-concealed trinkets from their fur to exchange with each other. Papillon smiled very warmly at a golden ring with a sunburst-chiseled pattern while the ring’s arches were structured like that of Sun Wukong’s historical crown upon his cocky brow. Devin had unraveled a small pendant in the shape of a crescent moon attached on the end of a reddish leather band.
When Devin hobbled outside onto the balcony with the teapot in paw, they poured the heated water into their mugs and huddled closely to each other’s snow-kissed fur coats. They exchanged their gifts with the most childish giggles and amused, gentle smiles. Their eyes expressed the most gleaming allure and their hearts swelled with the wondrous feelings of safety and familial admiration for the other. They giggled and with jovial appreciation they hugged each other with the utmost gentility in their hearts.
They flavored their steeped and steamy tea and chatted about golden memories and the promised hopeful dreams that they aspired to achieve and reach together. They laughed and smiled so wide at each other’s jokes and jovial comments about some of the silliest moments. Their harmonious connection was something only few ever experienced in life. They always were the happiest amongst each other. They thrived and shone the brightest for reaching such a peaceful and simple time in their once prior, tumultuous lives.
They spent hours sipping their tea and eating the few snacks they baked and prepped for the golden evening. They admired the sun’s retreat and mother moon’s rising entrance to high view. They hummed in unison as a gentle breeze caressed their muzzles and snow-powdered cheek furs. Devin trembled and Papillon scoffed as the pulled a blanket up over themselves, cuddling close together, almost falling into a relaxed nap.
They soon closed their heavy little eyes and fell into a gentle slumber, blissfully relishing in the gentle, warmest glow within their swelled, ever-grateful hearts. The simplest of enjoyments bring the biggest joys for the humbled little simians. They would cherish the very day, any time it was spent with each other, as long as they endured it and celebrated their lives together.
…End…