(The Cat's Tail EM) Yawning cats

[Bazir]

This morning could have been a repeat of yesterday's but now the fast was in full swing. The pious were already doing their sacrifices while those who were less so waited for the last possible moment.

Some would not do any at all of course.

The elders he was serving were some of those more keen to skirt the rules for exemple. He guessed that, passed a certain age, some ceased to care more about what society thought of them.

That just made him smile

[Ide Rettousei]

Rettousei enters, bowing.

He looks around, an expression of confusion on his face.

Of course.

[Bazir]

Bazir turns away from the group of elderly men and women playing and gossiping to greet the stranger.

''Good morning sayyed'' he says with a bow of his own but he did his arms wide as an invitation ''What bring's you to the Cat's Tail today?''

[Ide Rettousei]

"Is that what the sign says?" Rettousei asks. "I thought it might, but I wasn't sure. Is there a story behind the name?"

He blinks, then says "Oh, right, well. I'm called Ide Rettousei. I'd heard there is a drink called 'coffee' in this city, and I've been looking to try it. Would you know where I can find some?, maybe?"

[Bazir]

Bazir seemed visibly amused by the situation. My what was his luck? It was clear this man was a newcomer from the land of emeralds...surely having his first coffee at the Cat's Tail was a good omen despite the darkness of the night

''There is a story indeed sayyed but it is one told to the friends of this establishment'' he motioned for his to come closer ''Welcome to my humble establishment si Rettousei. I am Bazir Ibn Abdullah it is a pleasur to hare you with us.''

He tilted his head

''You never had coffee before? You must be a recent arrival indeed!''

[Ide Rettousei]

"Only yesterday--that'd be 'son of Abdullah,' right?

"And no, I've not had the pleasure," Rettousei adds. "It's highly praised by those I came here with, though."

[Bazir]

Bazir nodded in affirmation ''Indeed, Abdullah is my late father. May Shilah bless his soul.''

He joined his hand near his forehead has he spoke the blessing

''Now sayyed...do you wish to be seated in an alcove near the stage or do you prefer the roof terrace?''

[Ide Rettousei]

"Stage?" Rettousei asks. "Is this a theatre, then? I'd not been aware..."

HIs expression remains one of bafflement, if a good-natured bafflement.

[Bazir]

The man chuckled

''No...no theatre sayyed. My humble establishment sometimes offers entertainment to it's guests in the evening...may it be music, stories or dances.''

He gestured as if he sought how to explain something

''The Arts enhances one's comfort and experience, yes?''

[Ide Rettousei]

"That's it, exactly!" Rettousei affirms with clear passion. "I mean, it's like that even back home, when Raichou would recite travel poetry, or Chougenbou would paint or talk about the works of Otomo Taro. And they'd even have me sing sometimes..."

Rettousei trails off.

"Yeah, I get the arts thing, even if it isn't the evening. Inside will be fine for now--unless I would be disturbing esteemed elders by staying here." He nods to the others. "I wouldn't impose."