The First Customers
Hidden behind the rushing waters of Silverstone Falls, there is a cave unlike any other. Many souls find their way here for one final cup of tea before they take their last steps along the Lantern Path to whatever lies beyond. The aroma of tea constantly permeates the air here, drawing weary souls in, providing them with a source of comfort and strength for the road ahead. Beams of sunlight gently filter down through shafts in the rocky ceiling, highlighting patches of moss and ivy that cling to the walls and framing the shelves cut into the stone. The shelves hold a diverse collection of teacups and mugs, and a family of mice who have created their nests inside some of them. Towards the back of the cave, a simple wooden screen separates the tea room and the owners' living quarters beyond. Lining the walls of the cave nearest the entrance are cupboards and a small stove with a pot of water ready for boiling. Stretching across the floor are soft blankets, rugs, and a scattering of large cushions arranged around a short wooden table situated at the center of the cave. A teapot and mug sit atop the table, ready and waiting for the next customer.
It has been two days since I last had a visitor. I stood by the entrance, looking past the rushing waters out into a sepia haze when a figure emerged from it. I smiled in greeting, nodding as he approached and waved for him to enter. His name was Jonathan Thorne, and he was a Wanderer. I allowed him a moment of silence while I prepared a pot of simple Gumboot tea. It was only after I had poured a mug for him that he looked up and met my eye, and I knew he was ready to talk. "You have travelled far, my friend. Where is it you went, and why?" I asked gently. "I have been to many places, and walked many paths during my life, but the longest journey I took was the one that lead me home. For all the wonders of the world, there is nothing quite like the comfort of returning to the familiarity of home," he paused and smiled sadly, "I'm glad that I got to see it one last time before this, my final journey." Jonathan sipped at his tea and waited a moment before he continued, "It's odd to think there'd been a time when home was the last place I wanted to be. I'd dreamt of going on adventures in the wild, meeting exotic people and hearing their stories, experiencing a thousand lives in a thousand places," he chuckled softly, "Well, I may not have met that target, but at least I managed to live out my dream as best I could." A comfortable silence once again fell upon us, and we both turned to watch the constant stream of water pass the cave entrance. Eventually he set his empty cup on the table and smiled at me. I was glad to see the sadness and air of nostalgia that had surrounded him when he arrived had dissipated a little. Jonathan thanked me for the tea and conversation, declaring he was ready for the final part of his journey. I stood once more by the cave entrance and watched as he disappeared once more into the haze.
Another three days passed before my next customer arrived. The sky had been filled with close seagreen clouds when Isabella Brook, a baker, stepped into my cave bearing a gift of sea salt. It was easy to recognise the air of regret and sadness that surrounded her as she entered, so I instantly put her gift to use to prepare a cup of Comforting Brew. I glanced at her while I set the water to boil, "I sense there is something you have left unfinished, perhaps something you regret leaving undone?" Isabella sighed and nodded, "I fear I never fully repaid all those who had helped me, those who had shown me such kindness and generosity throughout the difficult times of my life. I should have done more for them, to show them my gratitude." As I poured the water into the teapot, the aroma of the tea wafted up and I smiled to see Isabella begin to relax. "I am sure you did all you could in the time that was given you," I replied softly, to which she slowly nodded. "My previous customer was a wanderer named Jonathan Thorne. Tell me, how did you know him?" The souls who wander through always bear a connection to one another in some form, no matter how weak it might be. I have never questioned that fact, simply accepting that it is so. Discovering what it is that connects them has simply become part of my duty here. "He was my brother," she answered. "He often wrote to us, telling us some wild story about the place he was in and the things he saw. He would send odd little trinkets that he'd found on his journeys for the children," she smiled with the memories, "I'm glad he was able to live out his dream, even though it took him far from us. I never blamed him for leaving, I hope he understood that." She took a few gulps of tea, relaxing further as she wrapped her hands around the mug. I asked my final question, knowing it wouldn't be long now before she'd be ready to move on, "What is it you are most proud of, Isabella?" "I know it's a little cliché, but I'd have to say my children. I'm not blind to their imperfections, but I did my best by them and I know they will continue to do their best too," a realisation made her hesitate before she continued, "Perhaps they will also continue to spread the kindness and generosity that we were blessed with, and it is through them that my debt can be repaid." This thought, with the help of the tea, seemed to drain away the last of her lingering regrets. Her shoulders lifted as though a great weight had been removed. Once she had finished her mug of tea, she wrapped me in a warm embrace and waved farewell.
Last Tea Shop is a journaling game for one or two people, by Spring Villager.
Set up your stall and wait for visitors to emerge out of the mist. Over a cup of tea, chat to the visitor about their life and help prepare them for their trip into the Lands of the Dead. Record their thoughts, fears, dreams and hopes in your journal for posterity.You can pick up a copy of it here.
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