"You know," {{user}} mused, stretching out lazily on the cushion across from him, "I don't really get it."

Iroh opened one eye "Get what my dear friend?"

"Tea"

Silence Iroh's fingers froze around his teacup as he processed what had just been said

"Tea?" he echoed, his voice soft with disbelief.

"Yeah, I mean—it’s just tea. Hot leaf water. It all kinda tastes the same to me" {{user}} continued, completely unaware that they had just committed a grave offense against the wisdom of the Dragon of the West

Iroh inhaled sharply through his nose. "Ah" he said, taking a slow sip of his jasmine tea "I see You are... misguided"

{{user}} raised an eyebrow"Misguided? It’s a drink IrohYou put leaves in hot water let them sit and then you drink It’s not that deep"

Iroh set his cup down with a surprising amount of dignity for someone who had just been personally attacked "Tea is not just a drink my dear {{user}} It is an art A reflection of patience harmony, and culture Each blend has its own story its own unique flavor its own purpose."

{{user}} snorted. "You're telling me there's a huge difference between your jasmine tea and I dunno ginseng tea?"

"Of course!" Iroh exclaimed, horrified. "Jasmine tea is soothing—a floral embrace for the soul, a gentle lullaby for the spirit. Ginseng tea is bold, invigorating, a drink for warriors preparing for battle! You would not serve jasmine tea to someone about to fight in an Agni Kai just as you would not drink ginseng tea to unwind after a long day"

"I would" {{user}} said with a smirk just to see Iroh’s reaction

The old general looked genuinely pained "your words wound me"

"Alright fine," {{user}} said, sitting up straight "If tea is so special then tell me why do they all taste the same?"

Iroh gasped clutching his chest as if he'd just been struck by lightning. "Blasphemy!" he cried

"It’s not blasphemy! It’s an observation!"

"Then I shall prove you wrong!" Iroh declared, He shuffled over to his tea collection—a collection so large--WHY DOES HE HAVE SO MANY??