A Cup of Tea

(batteryacidhotmail.com)

Author's Note: Jehan is the name I gave the Hero when I played Suikoden II.

Jehan sighed as he walked down to the docks. He could feel the damp air, and smell the salt on the light wind. If he closed his eyes, he could pick out the different scents of the port.

The wood of the docks and boats...

The salty scent of the sea water, along with a slightly fishy smell...

Old rope...

The leader of the Crimson army opened his eyes and continued walking. A burst of fresh air hit him when he walked out onto the docks. It was late, probably close to midnight, but Jehan sighted another figure out at the end of the pier...

Squinting slightly, he realized that it was Yam Koo. He recognized the man's blue robe and pale blonde hair. Jehan tilted his head slightly, and decided to find out what the man was doing out so late.

Yam Koo looked up at the sound of footsteps, mildly surprised when he saw the young boy. "Hello, Jehan," he said when the boy was closer. "You're up late."

Yam Koo's voice was quiet, with a light accent that was rather pleasant to hear. Much different from Tai Ho. Jehan decided that he liked the man's voice.

"I couldn't sleep," the boy replied quietly.

The fisherman smiled faintly. "Neither could I, to tell the truth. But it's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Jehan returned the smile. "Yes, it is."

The blonde gestured to a stack of crates. "I was just checking to see if there was any sake left. I think Tai Ho took the last bottle, though." He nodded towards the small boathouse. "Would you like to come in? It's getting a bit cool outside... I think it's going to rain soon."

"I wouldn't want impose..."

Yam Koo smiled again. "It's all right. I've got some imported tea I could make us... it's the best I've ever had. I think you'd like it, too."

"If you're sure it's no trouble..." Jehan said, following Yam Koo to the boathouse.

The man held the door open for Jehan. "Really, don't worry about it."

Jehan stepped inside and looked around the small but cozy building. There was only three rooms. A kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom that doubled as a living room. The boy wondered why Yam Koo chose to stay out here, rather than in the castle.

The man gestured for Jehan to sit down. "I'll put the tea on," he said as he walked to the kitchen.

The boy sat down on one of the chairs and looked around a bit more. On the opposite wall, there was a framed portrait of a pretty woman, But it was rather faded. There were a few knickknacks, and some calligraphy.

Yam Koo came back, and noticed Jehan examining one of the framed bits of calligraphy. "I met a scribe when I was working on a fishing vessel, and he taught me how to do calligraphy... the one your looking for is supposed to bring luck."

"Luck..." Jehan murmured, a faraway look in his brown eyes. "We'll all need some of that."

Yam Koo sat down across from Jehan. "You worry so much for one your age," he said softly, tilting his head slightly. His eyes were hidden behind shaggy blonde bangs, so it was impossible to read them.

Jehan sighed. "I know... but it's so hard not to. I mean, there are so many people here I'm responsible for... at times, it frightens me to think that... that people will live or die, based on my choices."

"It's a lot of responsibility to put on you," the man agreed, "But I think you can handle it... you're an exceptional leader, Jehan. I've seen how you can motivate people to do great things."

Here, he grinned. "Even lazy, irresponsible men like Tai Ho and I."

Jehan looked up, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "You two aren't lazy or irresponsible." His expression changed, a curious glint in his eyes. "Sometimes I wonder... how can you seem so calm about everything, Yam Koo...?"

Yam Koo chuckled. "It takes work, Jehan... Tai Ho forgets his troubles by gambling, and I forget mine by fishing and sailing."

Jehan shook his head. "Tai Ho would be in a lot of debt if he didn't have so much luck, I think."

"Oh, no doubt." Yam Koo stood up to get the tea. He returned with it a moment later, handing a cup to the boy. After he sat back down, he took a sip of the hot liquid and smiled. "Ah... nothing quite like it, I'd wager."

Jehan tasted it and blinked. There was a slightly sweet, spicy taste to it. If he was asked to describe it, Jehan would say a combination of honey and some unnamable spice. But there was one sure thing about it: it was excellent.

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's really great. Where did you get it?"

Yam Koo set the cup down on the small table between their chairs and folded his hands. "In Two Rivers. I discovered it when I did some cargo shipping with Tai Ho."

They were both silent for a long moment as they drank their tea, each one lost in thought.

"Yam Koo," Jehan began after a long silence, "May I ask you a question?"

Behind a screen of hair, the man blinked. "Of course..."

Jehan looked into the half empty cup. "Is there a reason you don't stay in the castle...?"

"Ahh..." Yam Koo murmured. "Yes... several, really. First and foremost, I... don't feel comfortable in such a lavish place. Something like this is much more my style... right next to the ocean. And... my brother and I haven't been getting along well these last few days..."

He trailed off for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not he should continue. He did. "The woman he was set to marry a few years ago, she... was interested in me. I let things go too far, and Tai Ho found out... sometimes I think he'll never forgive me, and the poor woman... she died before anything ever got sorted out. Drowned, actually..."

Jehan blinked, unsure of what to say.

"That's her portrait on the wall," Yam Koo added quietly.

"I... I'm sorry," Jehan said softly.

Yam Koo turned his attention back to the boy, and gave one of his small smiles. "It's all right. Tai Ho, he only brings it up when something's bothering him... when he's angry at something he can't argue with. It's this war... it's got him wound up to high hell, and he's just itching for a fight."

Jehan finished off the last bit of his tea and stood. He reached over and put a hand on the man's shoulder. "We're going to win this war," he said, his quiet voice full of conviction. "We're going to win, and then none of you will have to fight again... I promise."

Yam Koo clasped Jehan's hand briefly as he stood up. "That's a heavy promise... but I know you'll find a way to keep it."

The boy smiled. "Thank you for the tea, Yam Koo."

The blonde gave the boy a real smile as he led him to the door. "It's always a pleasure to have some company on a night like this." He opened the door. "Take care, Jehan. Try to get some sleep, hm?"

"You too," Jehan called as he walked down the dock, back towards the castle. He gave Yam Koo a wave.

The fisherman stood in his doorway until the leader of the Crimson Army was out of sight. With a contented sigh, he walked back into the boat house.

I think I'll be able to sleep now,' he thought as he turned off the lamps and climbed into bed.