Thread:Hibridragon/@comment-11293505-20160215143838/@comment-18812574-20160225021221

Well the Emerald Lotus was a setting in Corrupted Shadow, which both me and Dragon were a part of a while back.

"The Emerald Lotus was located on the corner of two intersecting streets, one a wide cobblestone thoroughfare and the other a busy dirt side street. As a result it was hedged by an elevated wooden boardwalk to keep the dust and mud at bay. The building was not a large one, consisting of two stories. The lower level was of course the place of business while the upper floor, Takashi assumed, serviced as a residence for the shop owner and family... The two of them stepped inside and were immediately greeted with the sweet, grassy scent of tealeaves. Takashi breathed in deeply and instantly felt himself relax. The place had an unusual layout, with beams and alcoves seemingly scattered here and there at random, with small tables tucked away where there was space. There were wide windows at each of the alcoves, but the ceiling was low and dark, creating an interesting, soft contrast and lending the place a rather comfortable atmosphere. Apparently the shop owner was also an avid horticulturalist, as potted plants filled the windowsills and hung from the ceiling, feeding off the steam that came from many small, well-used tetsubin. But the only way in which the shop bore resemblance to a ceremonial chashitsu was the tatami mats that covered the floor. It was actually quite similar in design and function to a chálou, and the place was filled with people who had come to socialize, drink tea, and eat dim sum. It actually took some difficulty for Naomi and Takashi to find a table large enough for five in the crowded establishment, and they were obliged to choose a back corner. But there was still a view of the street from the window, and from where he sat Takashi could see the front door. So they waited for the others to arrive, pouring themselves cups of tea from the tetsubin that had been brought to their table. Feeling peckish, and with the aroma of ginger and garlic mixing with the scent of tea, Takashi also ordered several small plates of dim sum, noting appreciatively that the price was cheap, but not too cheap. From the quality of the tea and the taste of the food, there was no need to wonder why the place was so popular."