( the moment the door opened and the flood of light from the outside filled the vicinity, inara rose her gaze up to meet the man before her. whatever worries and concerns that had filled her about the kind of client he might be, were easily lifted away by his impeccable manners and courteous words. at his own incline, she followed soon with a gentle ease, matching his energy without hesitation. there was always the possibility that this was a well crafted persona, the truth waiting to lurk once they were far more intimate but there was something almost sad about him.

still, without any further hesitation or delay, inara gently stepped to the side to allow harold in and closed the door to her shuttle almost immediately after him. )

It's my pleasure, this time we will be spending together is far more precious, so please don't worry.

( moving behind him, inara began to guide him towards one of the more comfortable couches in her shuttle. once he seemed to follow her lead and take comfort in his own space, at his own pace, she began to move towards the pot of boiling water. )

I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of preparing water for a proper tea ceremony. Do you have a preference? Green, black, oolong.....?

( with the handle of the pot in her hand, she began to walk over towards the coffee table in front of harold, guiding her free hand towards the assortment of tea already placed there for his benefit. the setup was professional and intended to allow him to smell the aroma of each bundle of tea leaves, with there being a setup for gongfu, accessories and all including a tea pet. there was a small plate next to the tray, offering an assortment of eastern snacks meant to aid in digestion and health— from dried jujube, dried persimmons, and other assortments.

in the meantime, she stood before him awaiting for his decision before she began the elaborate and correct process of brewing tea for this particular ceremony. )