take a breath // and breathe out your unnecessary burden

[schmoozing]

[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?

Comments

[windbloom]

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.

[schmoozing]

[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.]

[windbloom]

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?

[schmoozing]

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.

[windbloom]

[ 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.

[schmoozing]

[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?