Journey's Eve
91st of Frost, 123rd Year of the Age of Steel
"All signs point to a break in the weather," he went on to say, as he prepared the tea, "which bodes well for your travels."
Talking about the weather wasn't terribly exciting at the best of times, but during the year-long eclipse, it had been a cause for much worry and debate even beneath the protections of their realm.
The reception salon was a vast space, but it was arranged on an intimate scale, divided by carved screens which formed a number of smaller spaces. There were clusters of couches, with hanging oil lamps casting a warm glow above them. Everywhere, potted plants grew, lending an herbal fragrance to the air and mingling with the scent of beeswax candles. In the center of the room, a small fountain trickled gently, and somewhere a flautist was playing, low and sweet. There were a handful of patrons arrayed on the couches, conversing with graceful Erotes. Apprentices circulated with amphorae of wine and trays of cordial, quiet and unobtrusive.
This part of the Temple of Suion Melaenis was never cold, never hot, but rather warm in the winter months and cool in the summer. Comfort was important. While their were magical elements adjusting light and temperature, however, the natural scents of exotic lamp oils and beeswax added to the ambiance.
Though Themis Enediel outranked everyone else in their order here present, he still waited upon Karrhei. Service flowed naturally from their creed and code into cult, how they practiced their devotion to the Dragon Goddess of Love. He was called pater not only because he had the power to discipline, but because his was the role of nurturer and protector of all.
His strong hands danced their ballet over platinum and porcelain, the best of theirs for this humble going-away party between mentor and mentee. His baritone hummed pleasantries, not empty, but not entirely necessary. It was one of his gifts, though: soothing. Finally, tea poured precisely as each elf preferred it, he looked up from his work and smiled warmly at the young sculptor.
"And this time, the object of your eros will carry you with him. That must please you."