[ Sylvain just laughs, because of course rewriting all the rules would be what appeals to Claude the most there. Grinning, he tips his teacup slightly in Claude’s direction before bringing it to his own lips to taste.

He’s relieved, when it tastes as closely as he remembered. He’d spent weeks tweaking it. Adjusting the measurements of certain ingredients. A little less of this, a little more of this. Some of them had to be mixed from scratch, since he had to replace certain ingredients that didn’t exist here with ones that were close enough to mimic the flavor he remembered. It hadn’t been one of his favorite blends back home, but it had been one of Felix’s, so he was more than familiar with the scent and flavor after years of friendship.

Now, however, he watches over the rim of his teacup as Claude takes his first sip, holding his breath as he waits for the other man’s reaction. The smile that spreads across Claude’s lips as he savors it is enough, at least, to get him breathing again. Even if his smile at the compliment given a moment later is a little sheepish and self-conscious. ]

Did I get it close enough? I was worried the pine would either be too strong… or not strong enough. Nocwich pine works a little differently than Almyran, apparently.