🎀 Wisteria 🎀

— Yes, of course, that would be very kind of you. — Mikonia gladly accepted Shane's offer of tea. — But I think I'll pass on the demonstration of combat techniques. — The girl led the guest to the kitchen and allowed him to use the local dishes to prepare his tea. — Hmm, the El Ysin dynasty... You know, in Gardenia, the local women's academy, there's a history club where ancient Heckelian dynasties are quite popular. If you're interested, I recommend visiting Gardenia next month. — While Shane was preparing tea, she returned to another question. — Can you tell me what you think about the culture of your homeland? What is your attitude towards the lifestyle, the goddess of love, Arteria, and so on?

— The academy on Azure Alley? — Shane clarified while preparing tea. — Well, I'm a man, and not exactly the most handsome! And there's such strict face control that even my acquaintance, whom you spoke with yesterday, wasn't allowed in. So, even though I would be happy to visit this club, especially since I have a bracelet on my arm that belonged to my ancestor, it's unlikely that anyone will let me in...
The question about his opinion on the culture of his homeland was quite difficult for Shane. On the one hand, he liked some of the traditions and rituals. In particular, he revered the wind itself, because the element of air gave him strength. On the other hand, the fanatical worship of Arteria caused him rather mixed feelings. He told her about all this while preparing the drink:
— I don't know if it's because of our tribe and neighboring ones with similar ideals, but I can't understand the excessive fanaticism regarding Arteria. I know, maybe my childhood trauma played a role here... — Shane pursed his lips, having previously mentioned his father's words on the day of his mother's death. — But I really feel a certain discomfort with all these rituals and the absolute cultivation of Arteria and her special valkyries and priestesses by the church.
However, Shane didn't hate the goddess and her followers; rather, he considered them eccentric, because otherwise he wouldn't have communicated with Mirastir. And he didn't hide the fact that there was no genuine hatred in his heart.
And the only conclusion that could be drawn here was that all this fuss around Arteria, both at home and in other cities, was quite alien to Shane, but not repulsive.
— Here, the tea is ready, — he finished preparing two cups for his interlocutor and the old woman. — I don't know if you'll like the taste, but believe me, it has wonderful properties! For example, it helped me cope and survive for some time without food. Not to mention its effectiveness against disturbing inner demons.