voice test! beep beep.

[uwuisumaru]

A: good route!

[ On one early afternoon, you may find Uguisumaru in the kitchen with two ceramic tea kettles on the stove. They steam, hiss, and whistle as he tends to them, pulling them off individually and opening them up to place a tea strainer with loose tea leaves, berries, and other sorts of floral ingredients inside each stainless steel ball. The tachi does this without his eyes on the pots, as he settles into a confident and steady rhythm, preparing the two different pots of tea, their flavors unfamiliar to him. The perks of living in an accessible world. He'll notice if you enter or if you're peeking in and will direct a smile toward you. ]

Would you like to try a new blend with me?

B: ... bad route?

[ Or maybe you'll catch him as he's nearly finished with his preparations, and he's on the second pot but something goes wrong. He reaches out and does not touch a familiar kettle but the stove itself! He'll yelp out in pain and surprise, smacking a spare pot off of the counter and causing it to fall. It hits the floor and shatters. Luckily, there's no water or tea inside to cause an even bigger mess, but he's staring at his hand, cradling it... looking awfully worried and in shock. He's shaking, clearly unable to decide the direction he should take. ]

C: anything???

[ Throw a scenario at me, I'll try my best. uwu Also, here's a bird. ]

Comments

b

[bladekeeping]

[Despite Satoru's misgivings about getting too close to his swords, he's been trained to be a saniwa, someone who cares for his swords and makes sure they are intact. He's always making sure not to neglect that duty, at least, and is always willing to tend to the swords wounds.

So when he enters the kitchen just in time to see Uguisumaru burn his hand, his first thought is to mend the hurt. Clearly, the blade has no idea how to deal with such burns and without his usual distance, Satoru reaches out. His fingers capture Uguisumaru's sleeve in a for once firm grip and guides the sword to the sink.

Cold water applied early is the best treatment for a burn so Satoru looks up at the blade once the water is cooling the burned skin.]

Keep it there. [Time to fetch the first aid kit.]

[uwuisumaru]

[ For a second, he would try to pull away... mostly afraid of not wanting to be seen with an injury that could have been prevented easily. But he slowly realizes he was more surprised by the silent entrance of his saniwa than the immediate feeling of being touched, so he let himself be led to the sink and the cold water.

As it flows over his palm and through his fingers, he tries to flex his wrist and stretch his fingers and he can't help but wince and draw a sharp breath in through his teeth. He's obeying, not moving his hand... ugh, so dumb. But he should thank his saniwa, for coming when he did! Though, Uguisumaru wasn't likely to be permanently damaged by the burn, but why risk it? ]

Aruji... thank you.

[bladekeeping]

[It's not like it's a daily occurrence so Satoru makes a quiet noise of acknowledgment as he digs through the cabinet in search of the first aid kit. He did learn fairly early that it's better to keep a first aid kit in both the kitchen, bathroom and training area. Even though the swords don't go out of their way to get injured, they sometimes do end up with cuts and bruises.

Thankfully, they heal quickly.

First aid kit in hand, Satoru turns off the stove to prevent another burn or a possible fire before returning to Uguisumaru's side. He peers at the wound before looking at Uguisumaru's face.]

Does it still hurt?

[uwuisumaru]

[ He thanks Satoru wordlessly with a glance of acknowledgement in the form of a wince, understanding that he was careless yet again in not turning off the burners. And again, another physical gesture--- a brief smile, a lowering of the eyes, because of his saniwa's preparedness. It was something simple like that which brought respect. ]

It's... it's uncomfortable. It's not a feeling I'm used to.

[ He couldn't look any lower, and he meets Satoru's gaze. ]

... does it look bad?

[ Uguisumaru opens his hand, keeping it under the water. His skin is mostly red, but nothing seems out of place outside of the tiniest blister on his pointer finger. ]

[bladekeeping]

[Slow and deliberate, Satoru peers at Uguisumaru's hand. The water is making it a little more difficult to look at the entire burned area and he reaches out to turn Uguisumaru's hand slightly so he can look at it properly.

It really isn't a big injury, some cooling lotion and some bandaids should take care of it in the long run. Uguisumaru's undeniably tough.]

It doesn't. It'll stay uncomfortable for a while but it'll heal.

[There is no reason for Uguisumaru to be worried, even if his actions were a little clumsy.] ...Were you making tea?

[uwuisumaru]

[ With a slow exhale, he lowers his head with a soft, apologetic smile. The spirit of a treasured sword with a burn that he couldn't evaluate and was, for a very short time, afraid of. But he will be okay--- after all, his saniwa said so, and he'll center himself. ]

Good. I'd hate to miss the next sortie or expedition because of not paying attention.

[ His eyes catch the shattered teaware and his shoulders sag further. ]

I was. I don't even remember why I kept out another teapot out.

[bladekeeping]

[Oh Uguisumaru. Today really hasn't been your day, has it? It's even enough for Satoru to make a vague expression of concern, eyebrows knitting together.]

You can make some again later, if you want.

[No reassurance, no stern talking to, simple, quiet acceptance. It really isn't that big of a deal, a broken teapot and a cup. They have plenty of others to fall back on if push comes to shove. Plus, Uguisumaru didn't do this intentionally.

Satoru opens the small first aid kit and looks through the contents.]

Has the pain lessened a little?

[uwuisumaru]

I can... and I will. [ He has to straighten up, right? True, it's not his day and it's only one set, but it's the slight feeling of helplessness that lowers his spirits.

The cold water helped immensely and thanks to being a spirit, the healing process has accelerated. The only thing left of a burn on his hand is a faint red blotch. The pain is barely there, though still uncomfortable. ]

It has, considerably. [ Tilting his head, he glances curiously at the kit. ]

What's in there?

[bladekeeping]

[Rather than answer verbally, Satoru places the contents next to the first aid kit so Uguisumaru can see them. Some band aids, a small rolled up bandage, some scissors as well as disinfectant. The bare necessities, such as they are.

The sword's swords have made Satoru curious, however, and he looks at the wounds.

And pauses.

Right. Accelerated healing. He needn't have worried. But still, the seed of doubt remains and Satoru pulls out a cooling salve, opening it before giving Uguisumaru an expectant look.]

Your hand, please.

[uwuisumaru]

[ A simple kit, but around here it'd be odd to have too many medical supplies--- after all, a trip to the repair room is what cured most of the problems. For something as routine as a burn, the cooling salve that Satoru held would probably be the best treatment for a human.

Uguisumaru, of course, is different. There's no shame in wanting further treatment, given how important is for him to have his hands in perfect shape. ]

Of course. Here.

[ He'll dry his hand off first, using a hand towel before offering his hand to his saniwa. ]

[bladekeeping]

[It's better to be safe than sorry and since Satoru doesn't know how much he should use in the first place, he spreads a liberal amount of cooling salve over the burn. He's careful about it, trying not to cause Uguisumaru more pain for the wound is most likely still sensitive.

Once he's satisfied, Satoru washes his hands and cocks his head questioningly at the blade.]

Thank you. Does it feel better already?

[uwuisumaru]

It does. [ He smiles weakly, the ointment tingling on his skin. It certainly feels cool and the sensation is foreign to him, but it doesn't hurt. In fact, it's the opposite--- the once-tender skin feeling hypersensitive before numbing into a coolness he never felt before. He flexes his hand, it seems fine now. ]

I should be thanking you. [ Uguisumaru still feels silly. It's seen in his eyes that look off to the side, before snapping to match the gaze of his master. ]

[bladekeeping]

[At those words, Satoru makes a quiet noise of acknowledgment, though not agreement. Making an effort like this, treating the sword's injury, it's all part of being a saniwa. Even if they heal fast and he really shouldn't bother, there is something very human to it all.]

...What kind of tea were you making?

[Because, despite the mess, the smell still lingers and it's quite the pleasant fragrance.]

[uwuisumaru]

[ Ah yes, the tea... it does smell nice, as the delicate scent of cinnamon floats in the air. For a moment, Uguisumaru completely forgot about what his original task was, but it's in the question that he remembers. ]

Cinnamon... it was going to be a surprise. It's said cinnamon is supposed to warm the body and stimulate the mind, so I figured it'd be a lovely drink for the day.

[ He glances at the other pot. ]

That one has some as well. I am glad that some of it will be drinkable.

A

[newtimes]

( He'd only come to the kitchen to raid the pantry for the junk food flavor of the week. Would it be a new potato chip? A type of candy? Who knows, it's always a surprise. Last time, he'd only found rice crackers so maybe this time he would have some luck--

Ah, he really isn't expecting to be invited to tea, though. Not that he minds! But he's aware of the fact that he isn't exactly... the calm and peaceful tea drinking partner type. He looks around, half expecting to see Mikazuki or... anyone else really. Seeing no one, he blinks, )

Ya mean me?

[uwuisumaru]

Why... who else, Mutsunokami-san? Though, I expect you're probably here for something else, like a healthy snack to tide you over until dinner? [ He shoots the other sword a sharp look that slowly fades as one of the corners of his lips curl into a smile. Lifting the pot slowly, he carefully pours the first sample of tea into the awaiting cup. ]

Come. [ He'll start pouring the next taste, as small wisps of steam escape from the white ceramic cup. ] I think you might like this and I've never had it myself. It will be an experience for the both of us.

[ If Mutsu approaches, he may catch the familiar scent of chocolate. ]

[newtimes]

Uh...

( Yeah, about that healthy snack option... He hovers around in the same spot for a while longer and then concedes, coming over to try some of this tea. He still isn't certain that he's really going to like it but he's far too nice to decline. Ah, it's time to practice his polite smile and tough his way through another bitter tea sitting--

What was that smell? Uguisumaru will actually see Mutsu light up at the scent, curiosity now piqued. He takes a seat across and look over to watch the tea pour, )

A new kind, huh? Where'd ya get it from?

[uwuisumaru]

[ Uguisumaru couldn't be more pleased, considering the difficulty resisting something as familiar and wonderful as chocolate... especially when there are so many swords with a sweet tooth! As Mutsu approaches, he'll offer the first cup he poured which has since cooled enough to taste without scalding curious drinkers. ]

A friend of the saniwa. Given how much tea we drink around here, he thought we'd enjoy trying something a little out of the ordinary.

[ The liquid is mocha colored, only slightly thicker than a coffee or hot chocolate, but is clear. The smell is even stronger when held up to the face, rich but with slightest hints of something floral. ]

Your nose knows what it'll taste like. [ Just in case Mutsu has any doubts, but Uguisumaru feels confident enough. It does smell delicious! ]

[newtimes]

( He isn't untrusting like other swords. On the contrary, he has no reason to doubt Uguisumaru's suggestion so he peers over at the contents of the cup. It certainly looks different than regular tea and it smells different too... Accepting it with both hands he bows his head lightly in thanks and takes a moment to smell it like Uguisumaru suggested.

It smells nice. Sweet. He likes it and so he gives it a try--

Watch his eyes go wide with surprise at first taste. Did he burn himself?? No. Ah... this might be one of the few teas he actually really enjoys. )

It's good...! ( He sounds just as surprised as he looks. ) What kind is it?

[uwuisumaru]

It's a chocolate tea, of course. [ He brings the second cup up to his lips, taking a sip of it himself, and he smiles. Not overly sweet, a bitter finish, but oddly creamy. He's surprised too, because it's much better than he expected. 'Chocolate' and 'tea' didn't seem like a great pairing at first... ]

Apparently the makers of this tea infused the leaves with dark chocolate. It's certainly pleasant. [ Another taste and he'll set it back down, humming thoughtfully while still trying to decide if he really liked it. ] If you'd like, I can save the rest of it for you. It seems that you've enjoyed it.

[newtimes]

I didn't even know ya could do that.

( He's had tea with flowery and fruity tastes and even some that were a little creamy but none that were chocolate. This opens new possibilities here. )

Really? Ya're sure? I don't wanna take it all.

[uwuisumaru]

Neither did I! I wonder else what else one can make teas out of... cake, perhaps? [ That might be a stretch, but Uguisumaru is happy to live in that world for a moment. There are tea-flavored cakes, colored green and flavored with matcha, so why not a cake-flavored tea? ] I'll have to ask the saniwa.

[ He shakes his head, holding a hand out in front and waving. ] Please, have it! I insist. Besides, it's a nice alternative to the snacks you and some of the other swords enjoy. [ Anything to increase the amount of tea drinking! ]