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Hood sipped her tea during the allotted afternoon time. She had King George V and Victorious joining her with Dido in attendance.
“Mm, you always chose the most excellent tea,” George said. “And Dido is excellent at making it of course.”
“Thank you, your Excellency,” Dido bowed with a small smile.
“I agree,” Victorious nodded. “Is it a struggle to find these teas or do you just come across them?”
“Oh, it’s a scavenger hunt on occasions,” Hood said. “But there are a great many teas even just in our nation, let alone others.”
“Have you looked elsewhere for tea?” George asked.
“Not explicitly, no,” Hood shook her head. But she blinked as if surprised. “Though perhaps I should. We do just happen to live in a place where many nations and cultures coexist.”
“I don’t think any would send you away without cause,” Victorious added. “If only because you are someone of standing.”
“I won’t ask them at a poor time of course,” Hood said as she picked a cookie baked by Howe. “Especially if I bring something scrumptious as a treat.”
“Going to bribe them for their time?” Victorious giggled.
“Of course not,” Hood said.
“Even I agree that the best way to win someone over is through their stomach,” George said. “It is the most agreeable method of consensus."
“Don’t tell me you would use your cooking skills as some form of enticement, are you?” Victorious teased.
“Now, I’m not so low as to use just my cooking,” George said. “Such things to capture a partner must involve all of one’s charms and be received by them as favorably as possible. Though I admit no one has caught my attention in that way as of yet.”
“Goodness, to imagine being subject to the affections of a King,” Hood smiled. “Anyone that you would choose would be a very lucky person indeed. But I believe we are getting off topic.”
“There is a scheduled topic for these events?” Victorious asked.
“Well, no, but you know what I mean,” Hood said.
“The subjects of these events are often as fluid as the guests,” George said. “And our nation does not have a monopoly on such things either.”
“Sure, sure,” Victorious nodded. “I’ve heard that many of the Union girls also enjoy tea even if they enjoy it differently than we do.”
“Really?” Hood asked. “I was not aware.”
“Mhmm,” Victorious nodded. “Instead of specific and social times like we prefer, they tend to use tea as a regular drink. They also seem to prefer it cold as well.”
“Is this the ‘iced tea’ I hear about?” George asked. “A good number of the Union battleships like it after a fight or a long day.”
“I shall have to ask them about it later,” Hood nodded.
“Be sure to ask a few,” Victorious said. “There are vast differences depending on where they are named after.”
“I see, thank you for the heads up,” Hood smiled.
~~~
The first person to reply to Hood's inquiry for tea happened to be Amagi. The Sakura battlecruiser having both the time and knowledge to indulge in tea centered topics for an afternoon.
“Good day to you, please come in,” Amagi bowed when Hood arrived at the outdoor garden. “I must say, I was intrigued when you asked about our tea practices, so I brought someone who also knows a little about the subject. And I hope you enjoy more than one cup, we wanted to show you something that we understand intrinsically.”
“It is no problem, it is why I asked in the first place,” Hood smiled. “And who is this cute little fox? I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”
“Hello Lady Hood, I am Hanazuki,” the pink haired Kansen bowed. “I’m more of a backstage flower when it comes to some things, so we haven’t interacted before.”
“If I remember correctly, you were the one that arranged the flowers for the last dance, is that correct?” Hood asked.
Hanazuki giggled. “Yes, I was in charge of the flowers. Thank you for noticing.”
“You did excellent work,” Hood nodded. “I can see why you were chosen for it.”
“Ah, well I can’t take all the credit,” Hanazuki smiled. “Admiral Hipper also helped a great deal. She is very well versed in the art as well.”
“Truly?” Hood was surprised. “I must admit that is surprising. Though perhaps it wouldn’t be if I paid closer attention to our Teutonic sisters in arms.”
“My understanding is that out of all of them, it is Bismarck that holds your attention at any given time,” Amagi said. “Understandable considering your shared history, but I do wonder how you all interact now and again. It’s been interesting to watch Enterprise and the Crane sisters learn to exist together after all.”
“Bismarck is a complex and reserved woman,” Hood mused. “There are times I hope to better understand her, but I also wonder what she might think of us considering her position in the Iron Blood.”
Hanazuki giggled and sat down, prompting the others to do so as well. “The thoughts and feelings of others aside, we do have tea waiting for us. Lady Hood, have you perhaps heard this saying? The first brew is for your enemies?”
“I have not,” Hood shook her head. “Is this to do with one of your tea practices?"
“It is,” Hanazuki nodded. “It is mostly for oolong tea as the first short brew is often considered a rinse of sorts and it is the least flavorful. We’ve gone ahead and already moved on to the second brew though as we wished to give you a better taste for the first time. It will get better too.”
“Interesting,” Hood nodded. “We rarely use tea leaves more than once. Then again, that might be because they are often ground to help release flavor.”
“It is something we often do as well,” Amagi said. “With oolong tea it is more of a flavorful tradition.”
Hanazuki poured each of them a cup with a tea pot that had designs that reflected the smaller fox’s pink colors.
“Do you require any sugar?” Hanazuki asked.
“No,” Hood shook her head. “Part of this is that I wanted to experience the tea as it is naturally. I find it the best way to find one’s preferences.”
Amagi giggled and took a sip of her tea. “On that we agree.”
Hood quickly followed suit and found the tea very agreeable. There were a few teas that she knew of previously that her mind tried to compare it to. Not out of judgement but rather looking for similarities.
“Hehe~” Hanazuki smiled. “Good, isn’t is?”
“Very,” Hood agreed with a smile. “And you said it gets better?”
“It does,” Amagi nodded. “But we aren’t rushed for time, so we may enjoy all brews at our leisure.”
Hood agreed with that principle and they talked as they sipped. And before long, the first pot was empty.
“This will be the third brew,” Hanazuki said. “It is often set aside for one’s wife as it is considered the best of the brews.”
Hood’s eyes widened as she sipped the tea for the first time.
“Oh my,” she thought for a moment. “That is quite the difference. I can certainly see why it is coveted for one’s favorite person.”
Amagi smiled. “Here it is often given to one’s sister as none of us are married,” One of her tall fox ears flicked. “Though perhaps that may change in the future.”
“Oh?” Hood looked surprised. “Has some relationship started among the Sakura?”
“No,” Amagi shook her head. “And I am not one to have visions of peaceful days ahead like Shinano. No, this is perhaps just the wants and musing of an old fox.”
“There is nothing wrong with wanting for the joy of partnership among your people,” Hood said. “There are certainly some that try in the Royal Navy, Victorious comes to mind. And there is always Littorio who will rush to make sure any woman knows she is beautiful.”
“Though if I recall correctly the one she chases after the most is Lady Illustrious, right?” Hanazuki asked.
“Yes, occasionally to the chagrin of her sisters,” Hood nodded. “But Illustrious is no wilting flower despite appearances. If Littorio was truly irritating her she would say.”
“Such is the nature of women that are also ships,” Amagi said. “But I trust you have found our tea acceptable?”
“Far more than merely acceptable,” Hood said. “Might I have some leaves to take back with me? I’d very much like to share this with others.”
“Of course,” Hanazuki smiled, her tail swishing back and forth as she pulled a delicate looking bag from a bag. “I had thought you might want some at home and prepared as such. There are specific directions if you need as well.”
“Thank you,” Hood accepted the packaged tea leaves. “I’m certain they will be a hit among the ladies of the court. And I’ll be sure to send them your way if they wish to have a more authentic experience.”
Hanazuki giggled and Amagi smiled. Unfortunately Hanazuki had to leave early as she had other prior plans. But Hood was also happy to spend as much time with Amagi as she could allow.
“I must thank you for showing so much difference to Hana,” Amagi said. “She is often forgotten among the foxes of the Sakura. She may not be as snubbed as Kii, but all the same.”
“I can hardly fathom a reason for her to be placed to the side,” Hood said.
Amagi let out a tired sigh.
“The unfortunate thing is that the number of tails a kitsune has is often a point of… contention,” Amagi told her. “The more tails a kitsune has, the more status she has. It is often said in old tales that a fox with only one tail is a servant. While we have come a long way as a nation from various parts of our past, there is still some old thinking around. Especially once we came into being. There are a great many that believe us to be Kami, and so they apply what they only know through the stories that tell of those that we resemble.”
“Your islands aren’t the only one with such troubles,” Hood nodded. “We quite literally mirror an older style of class system, though the inner workings are far more fair by our own decisions. But it doesn’t stop some from thinking that the maids are servants to their whims first and ships second.”
“Ah, you understand then,” Amagi said. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have worried about it, seeing as you are nothing but a kind and caring woman.”
“It’s always fine to worry about how your people are treated,” Hood smiled. “It is us that we watch out for at sea, is it not?”
“Hai,” Amagi smiled before having a small cough. “My apologies. It seems I’ve hit my limit for the day.”
“Would you like assistance back home?” Hood offered.
“Thank you, but it is not needed,” Amagi told her. “My sister will be here shortly and I know you are a busy person after all.”
Hood gave her a bow as she stood up.
“I will leave you to your afternoon then,” she said. “And hope you feel better sooner rather than later.”
“Thank you, Lady Hood,” Amagi smiled. “And good day to you as well.”
~~~
The next person that answered Hood’s inquiry for tea was Yat Sen. Not surprising considering many things. But Hood was interested in what kinds of tea she had regardless.
“Hello~” Yat Sen smiled as she opened the door for Hood. “I must say that I was looking forward to this once I saw you asking about it.”
“I’m glad,” Hood said. “I was also very interested in tasting some of your teas. Your nation does have some rather famous ones after all.”
“I have a couple of different fragrant teas for you to try if you like,” Yat Sen said. “So you can stay as long as you like.”
“I intend to stay for at least a little while,” Hood said. “Tea is an excellent drink, but the conversation that comes with sharing it is often just as pleasant.”
Yat Sen smiled as she brought over a freshly steeped pot of tea and a few cups.
“A few of our girls like their tea on the stronger side,” she said. “But I decided to make this one more flavorful rather than simply strong. We aren’t using it to wake ourselves up right now after all.”
“Of course,” Hood nodded. “And I believe many would prefer coffee for such things.”
“Many do,” Yat Sen agreed. “I have sugar cubes and some small treats if you like as well. But please enjoy as much as you like.”
Hood took a sip after Yat Sen sat down and found the tea once again very agreeable. She did take a small cookie though, it would be rude not to.
“This tea is excellent,” Hood said before taking a bite of the cookie. “Hm, and so are the treats accompanying it.”
“Thank you,” Yat Sen smiled. “As for the cookies, they are actually something Howe showed me some time ago. We were trying to come up with something tart to go with some other sweeter foods. While this was technically a fail in that regard, they do work very well for tea time.”
“Ah, where there are cookies there is Howe,” Hood smiled. “I’m glad she’s been able to come around. And I’m equally sure you both succeeded in your cookie endeavors."
“We did eventually,” Yat Sen giggled. “And now everyone gets to prosper from it.”
The two spoke for quite some time about whatever came to mind. Yat Sen was an excellent conversationalist and the tea she provided was just as nice as the maker. They did try multiple different leaves, and even some combinations as well, lending itself to a rather lengthy tea time. But like all good things, their time together did come to an end.
“Thank you for having me,” Hood said. “The teas were excellent and I feel I learned a great deal while I was at it.”
“I’m glad,” Yat Sen smiled. “I also prepared some leaves for you to take if you like. Don’t worry, my stores are plenty full.”
“Then I’ll certainly accept what you have to give,” Hood said. “I’m sure I will find an excellent time and place to use them.”
“Do tell me if you ever need more,” she smiled. “And take care.”
“You as well,” Hood smiled in return.
~~~
“You want to know more about our iced tea?” North Carolina asked in mild surprise.
“I do,” Hood nodded. They had just finished a fleet exercise and were headed back to port. “I’ve been on a bit of a tea journey if you will. And I’d like to experience what the Union has to offer as well.”
“I see,” Carol nodded. “I’m not sure if I am the most qualified to give you the ends and outs, but I can certainly make it for you.”
“I would also be interested in the making process if you don’t mind,” Hood said. “It is, after, for me to learn.”
“I see!” Carol smiled. “Then do you perhaps have time once we get back? The best time to have some is right after working hard in the sun.”
“I believe I can make some time,” Hood nodded.
She followed the Union battleship to their dorms after the Commander dismissed them.
“You’ll have to excuse the lack of much finery,” Carol told her as she unlocked the door. “Washy and I aren’t all that opposed to it, but we prefer our living space to be a bit more subdued.”
“I am far from one to judge one’s living space, especially when I am invited in,” Hood said as they entered. “The place you share with your sister is yours after all.”
Carol smiled a bit shyly as she walked over to the kitchen.
“Make yourself at home,” she told her. “I’ll show you how to make it but we can have the stuff I made this morning as it is already cold.”
“Of course,” Hood nodded.
North Carolina started by filling up a kettle and setting it on the stove before she opened a cabinet and found some pre-bagged tea leaves. She wouldn’t judge on that either as many teas came like that now. Though Hood watched in mild surprise as she pulled out a half gallon jar and placed it on the counter. Even more so when the Union battleship poured a substantial amount of sugar in without measuring.
“Do you always make so much at a time?” Hood asked.
“Mhm,” Carol nodded as she pulled out an Iris style press and put the tea bags inside along with the near boiling water. “Everyone tends to make it a little bit differently. In fact, the only real similarity of ‘iced tea’ in the Union is that it is chilled before consumption. Some use different leaves, different amounts of sugar, or different flavors all together. But when it’s just me, one of these will last a long time.”
“I see,” Hood nodded. “This is a substantial difference to most teas I know.”
“Well, you could certainly drink it as it comes out steeped, many do,” Carol said as she poured some of the extra hot water into the large jar and swirled it around, dissolving the sugar. “But I think this comes from our depression era and trying to make things last longer. So it gets added to a lot of water to make it stretch.”
“An understandable approach,” Hood agreed. “Are there any other popular food or drink items that lasted to today?”
“Well,” Carol giggled. “There is one that’s fairly popular, but I’m not sure its name should be said in such good company.”
“The Royal Isles have their own sense of crass humor,” Hood told her. “You won’t offend me.”
“Well, in that case,” Carol blushed a little. “It’s a bread base with pretty much whatever you had on hand to throw in a crockpot on top. Because there was never any solidified recipe, it was simply called ‘shit on a shingle’ and the name stuck.”
“I see,” Hood let out a chuckle at that.
North Carolina kept her blush for only a short while as she poured the steeped tea into the large jar. With it and the water from before, the jar was only a third full. But Hood’s next logical question was answered when Carol opened the freezer and started shoveling ice into the jar until it was full.
“If I were in a hurry or simply wanted to drink it right away I’d stir it until the ice all melted and that’s normally an alright temperature for drinking,” she told her. “But like I said before, I have some pre-made that we will drink. Anyway, that’s how I make it. There’s probably some difference depending on who you ask, but that’s kind of the basics.”
“It was still very interesting,” Hood said even as she realized that Carol hadn’t measured a single thing during the process. “In a way it exemplifies what I know to be true about the Union.”
“It does?” Carol asked as she traded the fresh jar for one already in the fridge and grabbed some tall glasses.
“Indeed,” Hood nodded. “It’s a practical way to get a practical drink that you desire. And I watched you use things from several different nations to make it. Through the whole process, it resembles parts of other places at all points, but the product is uniquely Union.”
“Huh, I guess I hadn’t thought of it like that,” she said and poured two glasses. Much more than what Hood would normally drink for a cup of tea. “Anyway, I hope you enjoy the taste as much as watching the process.”
Hood then watched as Carol drank nearly an entire half of the glass at once and she had to remind herself that not only was the tea not hot, but also used for a different form of social and beneficial interaction. She also didn’t want to appear ungrateful either. Though she couldn’t drink it quite like the Union battleship before her, she did still take a large drink.
“Goodness,” Hood smiled after her first taste. “That’s quite refreshing.”
“That is the goal,” Carol giggled. “Do you like the taste?”
“I certainly do,” Hood smiled and took another more modest drink. The size and presentation of the tea now making more sense. It was a refreshment that also served as a social drink, not the other way around. “I believe some of our Knights might appreciate something like this after their sword practice.”
North Carolina smiled. “It does taste best after hard work after all~”
~~~
“So, did you find a bunch of good tea on your travels?” Victorious asked at the next Royal tea time.
“I certainly did,” Hood nodded. “And I’ve been given a lot of leaves to make my own as well. I think I’ll try them out soon.”
“I also heard that you went to the Union for tea as well,” Prince of Wales said. “I wasn’t aware they liked tea all that much.”
“It is simply used in a different context is all,” Hood said. “I believe it was there that I drank the most tea because of this fact.”
“Truly?” King George V asked.
“Most certainly. It was mighty refreshing, especially after the fleet exercise. And North Carolina was kind enough to teach me how to make it,” Hood paused. “Though she never once measured anything, so I might have to experiment to make sure I get it right should I try to make it myself.”
“She didn’t measure?” Wales asked. “Surely that would mean it’s different every time and by any different person who makes it.”
“I believe that is part of the charm,” Hood said. “It is something that allows a great deal of latitude in its creation, meaning everyone can enjoy it.”
“There are certainly some recipes that I treat the same way,” George nodded.
“If I knew you would have liked it I would have made it for tea before,” Victorious pouted slightly.
“You know how to make it?” Wales looked at the carrier.
“I didn’t just learn nothing when spending all that time with the Union,” Victorious said. “Their sweet tea is one thing I had hoped we would adopt as well. It’s so good in the tropical sun.”
Hood giggled “I think we can start having it on warmer days. That is when it’s supposed to be had after all.”