Fresh Scars, New Blood [Asuka, Lerna]

Returning to the room in which she had left Lerna, carrying with her a tray filled with the promised refreshments, Asuka was not surprised to see that her guest had accepted her invitation to explore the grounds and enjoy a moment of solitude. Setting the tray down, she took her time to set everything up on a table where they might sit. Lighting a few sticks of incense, she eventually made her way over to the door that led to the gardens and watched from afar as Lerna went about her business. For a moment, she did not want to disturb her, but then the pot would go cold and her work would have been for nothing.

"The tea is served if you are ready to join me."

Her voice cut into that peaceful quiet like a dagger, seeking to draw Lerna back into the here and now after she thrust her so haphazardly into the past. Asuka waited there for a few more moments, noting Lerna's approach before she headed back to the table and began to pour two cups. The aroma of the kukicha mixed with her other aromatics to create an entirely pleasant scent, that would carry through the whole house in time, but for now Asuka seemed content to let it all brew.