schmoozing | take a breath // and breathe out your unnecessary burden

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take a breath // and breathe out your unnecessary burden

[Word travels quickly from mouth to ear, or in this case, from letter to eyes. The Acting Grand Master of the Knight of Favonius was coming to Inazuma, and Thoma could hardly believe it when he heard it. They'd heard that Grand Master Varka was out on an expedition and hasn't returned yet to Mondstadt, but past that it didn't really concern the shogunate. But having Master Jean arrive in Inazuma was a massive deal. Apparently, she was coming on a vacation, not for diplomatic reasons. But Thoma knows these types- she would most certainly be on her best behavior as a representative of Mondstadt.

It almost makes him kind of nervous, actually, to know she'd be here. Someone from his homeland, and not just anyone. It brings back a lot of memories, the wind blowing through his hair, missing it dreadfully. Thoma notes that he'd keep an eye out for her while in the city, thinking maybe he'd run into her or something.

But that small wish would turn into a reality, when Lord Ayato summoned him. It was beyond important to make sure Master Jean was kept comfortable, and safe. If anything happened to her within their borders, it would be disastrous, and the head of the Yashiro Commission was making sure that someone he trusted would ensure her safety. Not to mention the Shuumatsuban who would also be lurking in the shadows, assisting in this matter.

The Acting Grandmaster doesn't need to know about the ninja tailing her. It was up to Thoma to take care of the rest.

Which is why the young blonde man finds himself standing inside of the inn where Jean is staying, waiting patiently for her to come down. A message was already sent up to let her know that a visitor from the Yashiro Commission waited for her, and his ears perk up and his eyes widen when he finally sees her enter.

Thoma gives her a polite bow, smile bright and looking chipper as ever.]

Welcome to Inazuma, Acting Grandmaster! We're quite honored with your presence here. My name is Thoma, I'm here on behalf of the Yashiro Commission. I know you're here on vacation, not on strict diplomatic purposes, but my lord insisted on offering a sort of...tour guide, if you will. Would you be amenable to that?

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[ To be clear, this was not Jean's idea. Not that she would admit it to the locals, but the only reason she'd ~~been temporarily exiled~~ come to Inazuma in the first place was because she tried to sneak back in and get the tiniest bit of work done when her colleagues had insisted she take a day off.

That was how one day became two entire excruciating weeks away, and honestly, the whole thing feels a little punitive. Surely the amount of work that's going to be waiting for her when she gets back will negate any relaxing effects that this trip could possibly have, right? Such was her argument, but Lisa had gone all the way to Liyue Harbor to personally see her get on the boat to Inazuma, which also felt a little excessive.

At any rate, she's here now, and of course she sent a letter to the Tri-Commissions in advance of her arrival, hoping not to cause too much of a stir. Though, it seems that someone has still been assigned to guide her, or possibly to make sure she doesn't cause trouble for anyone, or... steal state secrets, or something like that.

Laughing sheepishly, she bows in the custom of the Inazumans and hopes it doesn't look too awkward. ]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I wasn't expecting any kind of special treatment-- [ She had, in fact, rather been dreading it. ] -- so please, don't inconvenience yourself on my behalf.

But... if your lord insists then I suppose I can't really turn you down.

[ He's just doing his job after all, and it would be impolite to refuse their hospitality. Just because she's not here in an official capacity, it doesn't mean that she has the luxury of being completely at ease. She represents Mondstadt no matter where she goes. ]

[Thoma laughs, his appearance still as friendly as ever, shaking his head.]

Believe me, it's no inconvenience at all. In fact, it's sort of special for me to have this opportunity to meet you. Part of the reason my lord was insistent is because I'm actually originally from Mondstadt, and I was excited myself about the prospect. It really is an honor to meet you, and I'm glad you've accepted our hospitality so graciously.

[He gestures for her to follow, already having a few things in mind for them to do.]

There's someone I'd like you to meet, actually. If you'll come with me, it's a short walk there.

Oh, really? This is the farthest afield I've ever been, and with the Sakoku Decree having only been so recently lifted, I wasn't sure how many Mondstadters I would meet here. Actually, hold on just a moment. Wait right here.

[ Jean hurries back up the stairs, coming down a few moments later with a wrapped parcel that is suspiciously bottle-shaped, tied with a red ribbon. ]

Take this, please. I understand that there's a pretty formal gift-giving culture here in Inazuma, so I thought I'd bring something that you can only find in Mondstadt for my hosts. I'd like you to have it--I imagine it's been a while since you've had any dandelion wine.

Now, you said you wanted me to meet someone. Lead the way.

[Color Thoma completely surprised. The last thing he'd expected was getting a gift, let alone from the Acting Grandmaster. He smiles and accepts the gift, completely taken aback that she'd give this to him. Despite the fact that it's alcohol, it's still something distinctly from Mondstadt, and that means a lot to him.]

Goodness, I'm not sure what to say. Thank you, that is more than generous of you to give me such a thoughtful gift. Having something from my homeland really brings back memories. I'll cherish it.

[But it's time to go. He waves a hand, heading toward the front door.]

But for now, let's go.

[He leads her out of the inn, and true to his word, the short walk brings them right in front of Komore Teahouse. A few short words with Kozue are exchanged, before Thoma opens the doors for her to enter the small building. Of course, sitting right up on the bar, is a large shiba inu, of which Thoma waves to. The dog barks happily at him, wagging his tail.]

Hey, Taroumaru! This is Master Jean, the Acting Grandmaster from Mondstadt. It's alright to treat her to some tea today, right?

[He turns to Jean, smiling.]

This is Taroumaru, he's the owner of this teahouse. Go ahead, give him a pat. He doesn't bite.

[ See, that's weird, because Jean is pretty sure that Thoma just said that this dog owns the teahouse. How... how does that work, exactly? Don't get her wrong--the dog is adorable, and she absolutely wants to squish his little face. Just let her process that information first.

Approaching the dog, she extends her hand for him to sniff and get a sense for her, then curls her fingers under his chin for a scratch. ]

It's nice to meet you, Mister Taroumaru. Thanks for having me at your... very fine establishment.

[ Nailed it. ]

[The dog seems pleased, getting his chin scratches and the like. He begins to move his head, letting Jean's hand scratch him on the side of his face, leaning his head into her hand. That's the good stuff, right there.]

Hah! He likes you already. Here, I usually keep some treats on hand.

[He reaches into his jacket, producing one (1) dog biscuit for her to give to Taroumaru.]

It's his favorite. Why don't you two get to know each other a little better, and I'll make sure the tea gets started? Any kind you like in particular, Master Jean?

[ Jean accepts the biscuit but doesn't give it to Taroumaru just yet. ]

I'll try whatever kind of tea you think is best. I know Inazuma has different kinds than are usually served back home.

[ She puts the choice in his hands as she focuses on fussing over the dog. By the time Thoma returns, the Shiba is rolling around on his back, tongue lolling out of his mouth as Jean rubs his tummy and scratches his ribs. ]

Ohh, you like that, don't you? Who's a good boy? Who is it? [ She giggles when Taroumaru barks as if to assert that he is, in fact, the good boy. ] Yes, it's you!

[ But of course, when she sees Thoma she drops the baby talk and clears her throat sheepishly. ]

Ah! That didn't take long at all.

[He nods before he moves away to make the tea.]

I know a perfect tea to start with. Most visitors start with it anyway, and it's really quite good. I'll be back in a bit.

[When he returns, his entire face brightens when he sees Jean rubbing Taroumaru's tum. They're like two peas in a pod, he thinks, not saying anything for the moment and just watching the two interact with each other. He guesses even someone as busy as the Acting Grand Master even has a side of them that is relaxed.

Thoma sets down the tea set he's brought out, placing it right on the table in front of her and taking a seat. He pours out the sencha tea for the both of them, as Taroumaru rolls back on his legs to nose Jean's hand back onto him.]

It may of seemed like a short amount of time because the two of you were having so much fun out here. I didn't realize you had a soft spot for dogs.

Oh, well, I've never seen a dog that looks like him before. The ones in Mondstadt are usually a lot larger. He's just... so cute.

[ Jean continues to scratch Taroumaru's ears, and makes a noise of surprise when he crowds his way onto her lap. He's lucky that she doesn't have the heart to make him get down. ]

I do like animals, but with my schedule the way it is now, I'm afraid I don't have the time to look after one. My other responsibilities come first, so I'll just take the opportunity to play with Taroumaru here while I can.

[ Taroumaru barks once in approval, and Jean reaches out to take the teacup.

The sencha has a grassy, almost vegetal scent to it when she inhales a whiff of the warm steam. It's completely different than the black teas in Mondstadt, but there's a light, refreshing quality to it.

Sipping delicately from the cup, she finds the flavor to be mild but pleasant, with the barest hint of sweetness to it. ]

I'm sure there's an art to brewing tea, isn't there? I'm afraid I'd ruin it if I tried.

[He'll have to make sure Taroumaru isn't too overbearing, as Thoma knows how he can get sometimes. But, it seems that Jean doesn't mind it terribly, which is good. If anything, it's really cute, if you ask him, how the two of them get along so well. And the pup certainly doesn't mind the attention. He's glad that this seems to be going well so far.]

You never know till you try. Though I'd say there definitely is an art to it, it's not like it's terribly hard to learn. Maybe I can teach you the basics so you can brew your own when you return to Mondstadt.

[It sounds like she has a terrible amount of work to do at home, wondering how she'd found the time to come visit Inazuma. But, everyone needs a break, right? Even Acting Grandmasters. Especially Acting Grandmasters.

He takes a sip of his own tea, savoring it slowly as he thinks.]

I think I know how to repay you for the lovely gift you gave me.

A tea-brewing lesson would definitely be appreciated. I'm sure I could get the hang of it with the right instruction.

[ From her lap, Taroumaru barks in agreement, and she laughs and scratches behind his ears. ]

But wait, repay...? No, no, you don't have to do that. I didn't give you a gift to get something back. I gave it to you because I thought you might like a little something from home--you really don't have to do anything special. Or... more special than what you've already done for me.

[Thoma laughs, a friendly sounding chuckle that comes right from his core. Poor Jean, he hadn't meant to get that reaction out of her, and he can tell that she really is a kind, hard-working sort of person. The sort that relies on people when necessary, but will try their best to be able to do things on their own.]

Think of it this way. It's sort of like a cultural exchange- learning some traditional Inazuman tea-brewing techniques coupled with some handpicked teas to send back with you feels appropriate. Besides, how could I not when you've come all this way?

[Learning new things is always fun too, he thinks. It's not like tea is terribly expensive anyway, and he's got some ideas to help her pick out some that she'll like later.]

I... suppose that's all right, when you put it that way.

[ She needs to stop worrying about it so much. Thoma doesn't seem like the type to offer if he wasn't sincere, and it would be nice to learn the Inazuman way of brewing tea as a sort of 'souvenir' from her trip. A gift that keeps giving, as it were. She'll have to buy a tea set to take home, when it's all said and done. ]

So, how is it you ended up in Inazuma? What made you decide to stay here?

Well...

[Thoma sips more of his tea, thinking back on it. It seems like so long ago, when he'd left Mondstadt, to end up on the shore here the way he did. He's glad he's still alive, really, and he closes his eyes for a moment before he answers.]

My father is originally from Inazuma, and I actually came here looking for him when he returned. Long story short, things got a little hectic during the trip over here and I ended up washing ashore. The Kamisatos ended up taking me in, and I've been their dedicated retainer ever since.

[The super abridged version of course, but he doesn't want to worry Jean about things she needn't worry about.]

Though, I do miss home from time to time. How is everything back at home now? It's been a long time since I've talked to someone from Mondstadt who's been there recently.

[ Jean listens attentively, nodding as Thoma gives a greatly protracted version of his backstory. ]

"Hectic" seems like a bit of an understatement when the result is you washing ashore, but I'm glad you made it safely and found a welcoming home. You seem to be thriving here, from what I can tell. I hope it stays that way for you.

As far as Mondstadt goes, things are always hectic. Serving as the acting grandmaster doesn't really leave me with much time to enjoy the amenities. I'm sure you've met the Traveler--they helped us deal with a few crises but things have calmed down since then.

[Thoma's face seems to brighten a little when Jean mentions the traveler, not surprised that word of them being in Inazuma reached her ears as well. He wonders how much Jean really knows about the entire situation about how involved they were with ending some of the main issues that the country faced that put the people in such a dismal state. Either way, Thoma nods in confirmation.]

That seems to be their MO, doesn't it? Their deeds continue to leave their mark on every place they visit.

[But enough about that- Thoma wants Jean to be able to enjoy this vacation of hers now that things had calmed down in Mondstadt.]

After we finish our tea here, I should show you a little more of the city. Let's see...there's a hot spring nearby, and several restaurants that are quite popular...oh!

[He has an idea!]

I think I know something that would make for another great souvenir and something you can use while you're here. Would you be interested in getting a kimono, Master Jean?

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take a breath // and breathe out your unnecessary burden

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