Chapter 43: Tea
Written by OneWolfe
Rich brown liquid poured into the gilded porcelain cup. Thin streams of steam rose from the tea as it swirled around the polished white interior. Brass filigree was inlaid into the sides of the cup, giving the impression of flowery vines growing up the sides. One of the vines curled out of the side creating a dainty handle. Years ago a small chip had broken off from the rim, giving the cup a look of age and misuse.
Despite its flaws, this was the rabbit's favorite cup. The chip in the brim brought a sense of character, that she felt was lacking in the others of the set. As the tea neared the top, she stopped pouring and placed a small sugar cube in the dark liquid.
Across the table from the pretty rabbit, was a most unsavory, unkempt beast. He looked for all the world like he had taken a tumble down a long hill, and had not washed a day in his life. The red fox had twigs, and leaves clinging to his scraggly fur. While his once sharp teeth were dull and browned with age. He wore a rich blue jacket over a lacy white shirt, with a pair of yellow trimmed leggings. The entire outfit was filthy, torn, and had gone out of style dozens of years ago.
His own bad choices had brought him to this point, but she felt some polite conversation over a cup of warm tea, might cheer him up. Judy leaned across the table and began to pour the hot tea into a cup she had placed in front of him.
Once the cup was filled, he unceremoniously grabbed it in both paws, leaning over the table with his long snout to lap at the steaming liquid.
Anger filled Judy's eyes, as she cried, "No!" Taking a deep breath, she calmed her emotions before speaking again, "Not like that." Lifting her own cup to her lips, she explained, "Like this."
Watching the delicate rabbit sipping her own tea, Nick lifted his head in a mock pose of dignity. But his attempt to grasp the dainty handle with one paw, caused his large claws to scratch the sides and spill the hot drink.
Smiling at the fox warmly, she motioned for him to continue.
Giving up on finesse, he chose a more direct approach, and grabbed the tiny cup in his huge paw. Sloshing the scalding liquid around, he carelessly lifted it to his muzzle, taking a deep sip.
Before Judy could even bring up the weather, Nick let out a loud yelp of pain, as the hot tea burned his mouth and throat. As the cup clattered to the floor, Nick stood and turned to leave. "This is a futile waste of time," he said with a snarl.
"Wait," the rabbit called to him, before he could disappear down one of the many labyrinthine halls. She rushed around the table and placed her small arms around his wide waist. "It's alright. There is always another day."
"Your right," he sighed, slowly letting go of his rage. "I guess I can give it another go."
Ignoring the spilt tea, he picked up the cup, returned to his seat, and held it out for Judy to pour another round.
Her warm giggle filled the huge empty room with a vibrant life, as she gathered her voluminous skirt and hopped back to the table. Pouring the tea again, she decided to start the conversation first, before another mishap occurred, "So, what does the rest of your castle look like?"
AN: Can anyone guess the AU this is based upon? I'll give you a cookie if you do. And also, give it up for OneWolfe on this adorable story that I will certainly not give away the basis of. So go check out their stories and have fun reading them! :)
