Ashe checked the card again. The flowery invitation had a small map printed on the back that the event organizer had instructed her to follow with a tea house as the destination, and while Ashe had never been to a tea house before she certainly hadn't expected this.
Like all buildings in Hosenka, the tea house was constructed in an flashy oriental style that lent itself well to an abundance of ornate styling. However, rather than seem ostentatious as most Hosenkan architecture did, the tea house came across as serene and relaxing. It was situated just off the shore of a small lake and accessible only by a short bridge, but even from here Ashe could smell a peaceful aroma.
After entering she showed the card to the greeter, who flashed her a knowing smile and directed her to a private table on a second floor veranda overlooking the water. The view was quite something: from this height one could just make out the horizon over the trees on the far side of the lake, and the reflection of the setting sun over the water was a sight to behold.
"Here you are dear, can I get you something while you wait?"
Still taking in the view, Ashe was startled when the woman spoke up. She quickly sat down and tried to conjure up her limited knowledge of teas.
"Uhm, y-yes...I'll have, um, d-do you have any..um...oh! G-gyokuro? Am-am I saying it right? It t-tastes like r-roasted p-pears..."
The woman simply smiled, nodded, and left, leaving Ashe to fidget nervously. This wasn't the sort of thing she would normally do, she had only entered this event because Ana goaded her into it. She didn't even have Vendrick around for moral support either; the old ghost king had disappeared somewhere with a wink and a quip about 'not wanting to intrude'. To top it all off Ashe had no idea who might show up. She hoped it would be Ana, but with the number of people participating...well, the odds were anyone's guess.
A server arrived in short order with her tea, which Ashe sipped slowly. It did a lot to calm her nerves, but the question still remained: who was she going to meet?