Share a Drink
The afternoon haze had finally set in, the gentle breeze left over from Yesterday’s storms caused the tall blades of mature rice to sway. The smell of rainwater lingered on the blades and the irrigation system established for the crop's health.
On one of the few patches of solid, dry land, sat Inami’s home and brewery. It had obviously been a modest hut at one point, but built upon as the Ringox’s business grew and prospered. Her establishment was a bit out of the way for most, but there was a devoted crowd who’d come for a drink regardless.
“Good afternoon.” The dark ringox chimed, as a new face parted the modest red curtains that adorned the entranceway. Golden eyes beheld the entity that came in, and immediately, bowed, minding not to crease the dark red kimono she wore, that featured splashes of fresh and old ink amongst the black crane embroidery featured around the lower half of the garment.
This entity was clearly someone important by the clothes she wore. The jūnihitoe seemed to simply hang from the woman’s frame, hardly covering the wraps that made a crude bralette, and the pair of shorts that seemed to be an attempt at something more modest than the fundoshi. The innermost layer of the jūnihitoe was white, dyed with intricate red swirls. The next was a crisp white, followed by a goldenrod layer which itself was topped with a dark blue layer dyed with waves. The fourth layer was silver, and glittery which seemed to sparkle against the silk outermost layer.
The outermost layer was a powder blue, featuring fluffy white clouds around the shoulders, deepening to a darker, richer blue as it went. The hem by this figure’s feet was embroidered with goldenrod stalks of rice, floating in dark depths, tying the haphazard outfit together.
The entity smiled, the expression carefree and jovial.
“Hello!” The taller female greeted, “You sell sake here right?”
The woman’s red eyes seemed to be piercing, hmm, no, intimidating, yet friendly at the same time, and shown against her luscious silver-lilac hair.
“Yes, indeed, the sake I sell is made in small batches and made out of only the finest rice I grow… Please have a seat and I’ll bring you some.” Inami offered, gesturing to an area with two plain red pine chabudai with black cushions situated around them for seating options.
The taller Ringox with the silver-lilac hair, quickly bridged the distance with a few strides, taking a seat on one of the cushions. Tucking her long legs under her, she got herself comfortable, waiting for the smaller Ringox to return from somewhere in the back. Her ears twitched, causing the jewelry that adorned them to sway as she heard the clinking of dishes from wherever that woman had gone.
Before long, Inami appeared again, this time carrying a wooden tray, complete with a black porcelain bottle and cup. To their sensitive noses, the brew was strong, savory, and earthen… but there was a hint of something else amongst the liquid.
Something that evoked a sense of purity and timelessness…
“I have brought you a sample of the reserve of my sacred sake, hopefully, it will be to your liking, Miss.” Inami chimed, placing the tray down before her customer without a single sound. Immediately, she kneeled down at the other side of the table, and with practiced grace poured a cup of sake for her patron.
“Ahh, it smells fantastic!” The taller Ringox breathed, reaching out with dark fingertips to catch the cup. Once Inami had finished pouring, she lifted the black cup to her lips and took a hearty sip. The drink was served at room temperature and offered a mildly-sweet flavor despite its heaviness and full body.
“Hahh… this is a Junmai type, yes?” The patron asked, looking up at the darker ringox once more. She wore that leisurely smile again, feeling that comforting burn in her belly once more.
“That is correct miss,” Inami finally smiled in earnest, “My sake is only made with rice, yeast, koji, and water… you’re quite a connoisseur aren’t you?”
“My name is Yui,” She finally introduced herself, pausing to take another sip, “I don’t know if a connoisseur as much I just love the drink.”
“I see, then perhaps you’d be pleased to know I do offer a variety of other types as well… do have some sakura sake and a few other seasonal brews that are still fermenting,” Inami remarked, tucking her hands away. “Is there anything else I can get you, Yui-sama?”
Yui pondered that question, as she took another sip, her clothes settling as she sat back. “Hmm, I think I am good… but I am definitely going to have to tell my family about this place…. Very peaceful and offers good drinks… they may like it.” She remarked, placing her empty cup back on the table.
Inami’s eyes fell on the empty cup, and once again she filled it for Yui, who wasted no time picking it back up.
“It would be an honor for Yui-sama’s kin to visit, I’ll have to make sure to pull out a variety of drinks for that occasion.” Inami remarked, her three tails swaying happily behind her. It was evident the ringox was pleased that her customer was enjoying her drink… after all, Inami was very proud of craft… the only other thing she held almost as much passion about… was her paintings.
“Do you have a large family, Yui-sama?”
The question caused Yui to snap from her thoughts of her family and her drink, her gaze refocusing on the proprietress. She couldn’t help the smile that tugged on her lips, be it from the woman asking her about her family, or to the splendid drink… or maybe both?
“Yes, and I adore each of them…” She paused, an almost wistful expression gracing her features, “I could sit and talk about them for hours, but I don’t think it would be prudent to talk your ears off.”
The laugh that escaped her was boisterous, and filled with joy… it warmed Inami’s heart.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Yui-sama, I am Inami, and I do hope I get to meet your family one day…”
Yui cast her glance from the raven-haired female to the field just outside the shop, where rice danced in time with the breeze, offering a soft melody to this moment. Maybe just maybe, she’d come by again, and bring her family with her to enjoy this peace, have a drink… and make some lasting memories in the countryside…