After the excitement of the Painted Square, Anzai had to attend to some business. Making sure he had been squared away, the young Scorpion made his way to the estates of the Governor of the East Port.

Approaching a guard, he bowed.

"My name is Shosuro Anzai, a member of thr Explorers from Rokugan. If he is available, I would be honored to visit the Governor. If it is preferred, I am also fluent in Mekhem."

Hinami arrives to the East Port Governor's house to finally meet with him. She was not particulary excited about meeting with this gaijin, but she had to do it in order to achieve what she was trying to do around here. She was dressed in her best clothes, jewelry and makeup. The Seppun princess irradiated an aura of nobility and superiority as she walked towards the Finca de los Jacintos. She was followed by her ronin translator, Megumi.

Once she arrived at the entrance she noticed another imperial explorer was already there, a Scorpion. Hinami frowned, she did not like scorpions and almost as a reflex movement she took out her fan.

She bowed very slightly to him, denoting her far superior lineage and status and ignored him, for now. The ronin behind her bowed quite lowly. Finally Hinami nodded to her translator and she presented her superior to the gatekeeper in a mix of rokugani words and merenaese.

'' This lady here is Princess Seppun Hinami, daughter of Don Kentoshi, Señor of the Seppun Imperial family of the Empire of Rokugan, member of the Imperial Explorers. She wishes to meet with Don Juan de Almería, Governor of East Port to discuss several topics regarding the Empire and the people that Don Juan represents.'' The ronin presented Hinami.

Where the Seppun was dressed in her formal attire, the Scorpion was dressed in his fine Merenaese-style tunic and breeches, all black with the Scorpion-crimson trim. He did bow deeply to the Imperial woman, remaining quiet, but noting her stylings.

The way she needed a translator. He could tell her disdain of him. There was a smirk on his face at that.

He was a Scorpion, after all.

"A shame to rely one such as your companion here to do your speaking for you, Seppun-sama. I am fluent in both languages of the island. It would be an honor to serve as your translator, such as this task. While I am sure your ronin is quite skilled, would it not seem worth while to have a samurai of the Great Clans acting as your emissary?" He spoke in a hushed tone to the Seppun.

He remembered her folly from Miya Odorihime's garden party. She could be an interesting one to watch.

'' And you are?'' Hinami did not like the tone that this Scorpion was using with her, especially his lack of etiquette. '' I do not believe I have meet your before, Scorpion-san.'' She covered her lips with her fan.

The young Seppun looked at her translator and inspected her. '' Whatever her position on the Celestial Order is, you should be careful since she was recommended by Hantei-denka himself, Scorpion-san. Her skills as a translator were already proven, but I cannot say the same for you...'' She said dryly. She was not fond of the idea to have to spend time with this unknown arrogant Scorpion.

'' But I might consider your offer.'' She finally said.

"I humbly beg your forgiveness, Seppun-sama." His sincerity was visible, as he bowed again. "I am Shosuro Anzai, sent by the Scorpion to ensure the success of this expedition." He looked to her, then to the ronin. Bowing his head in greeting to the other Samurai.

"I do not question the decision of Hantei-Denka, I merely wish to lend my aid. And while my ability may not be proven to you, I can provide references that would attest to them." His smile remained, as potential raced through his mind.

Hr could feel her disdain. The way she looked down upon him. An eyebrow raised, as he continued speaking.

"Perhaps if I knew more about your needs, I could show why I could be of help to you..." Leading the conversation, using his schooling to see what she could let slip.

Secrets Are Birthmarks (Awareness 4, Courtier 7, Benten's Blessing, Courtier Mastery 5, 4FR from Hinami disads): 10d10o10k6+20 73

(spent the FR for four static +5s, noted in the roll. Resist with Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness. If failed, Hinami would reveal one mental or social disadvantage in casual conversation. Just the disadvantage rulebook name, i.e. I could learn she has a dark secret, but not the specific nature of it)

At least he is a Shosuro... Hinami thought. Of all the Scorpion families, only the Shosuro were worthy samurai, at least from her perspective.

'' You are forgiven Shosuro Anzai-san, references will not be necessary. Maybe I will accept your offer but Megumi-san will still accompany us since she was offered by Hantei-no-kimi. '' She closed her fan. Her tone was neutral '' Hmmm, I'm here to discuss with the governor of East Port, this Hua...Huanu Alu..Alumeriya...'' She totally butchered the pronunciation there. '' ...about policies and oportunities for our Empire and the throne.'' She said.

'' It would seem that his bro... I mean his family...'' Hinami was distracted for a moment ''...his family has some importance in the gaijin state of Merenae and it could be important for us to discuss with -them-, since the Divine Emperor decided to 'open' our Empire.'' The young Seppun princess explained. It would seem that Hinami was interested about the Almeria family. More than she otherwise should or would.

Hinami inspected Anzai. He could be considered very attractive, but his gaijin clothes were something Hinami deeply disliked. A very bad sign of corruption and gaijin influences. This is not what she wants for the Empire, her inquisitorial sentiments were in shock.

'' 'Peculiar' way to be dressed, Shosuro-san. I was not aware about this 'new' fashion trend in the Scorpion lands and I was there recently... '' She commented about his clothes, clearly to denote that she didn't like it at all.

**********************

[OOC-Rolls]

Etiquette/Awareness contested vs 73 (haha yeah); +1K0 prodigy, +1k1 Void; +0k1 Benten's - 40
I suppose revealing Obligation (6) during the conversation. That makes more sense to me...

"I am sorry I was not available to meet you when you visited my beloved home." He could tell that she was judging the way hr was dressed. He also knew how to deflect judgement. "My formal kimonos were destroyed by the storm. I had to purchase this simply to have something for formal introductions, such as these." A half truth, to be sure, but a necessary one.

He mused on her revelation, the dedication to the Almeria family. "You and I share a similar interest here then. My daimyo selected me to come on this expedition for that very reason." He seemed to show reverence to the task at hand.

"I see no objection to your associate being here. I certainly wouldn't turn them away."

'' Purchase...I see.'' She remembered that her sister also suffered the same fate, her clothes were damaged, but the word purchase that the Scorpion used made Hinami very uncomfortable. '' I suppose there are some Tortoise tailors around here, maybe you should go and talk with Muhaki Aiteru-san, he is a man that knows many things around this island, surely he could give you some information about good and proper Rokugani tailors.'' She gave the Scorpion her opinion.

She looked around, inspecting the main entrance of the gaijin governor's home. She tried not to look the Scorpion directly since his eye was clearly a sign of bad kharma.

'' Good. Service to the throne is all that really matters Shosuro Anzai-san.'' She said with confidence. '' Have you met with this gaijin governor before?'' She asked since she was interested in what type of 'being/creature' was Juan Almería.

"I have not. I've only had dealings so far with the Governess of the West Port, Muhaki Yubari-sama. This one, I'm afraid, I'm going into attempting to meet with him blindly." There was a subtle amount of enjoyment in the way he could tell she seemed to avoid his gaze, or to not look at him. He knew that his eye could make some quite uncomfortable.

What he had told the Jinn that morning was very true. It was just like his Mother's. It was a mark of pride for himself.

"I thank you for your advice, Seppun-sama. Seeking out a good Rokugani tailor would be most welcome. Some flavors of home are most necessary in times such as these." He could appease this Imperial Princess as needed. But he also knew that he would have to watch this one closely. He'd let his gaze linger on her for a moment. A raised eyebrow possibly giving an indication of where his thoughts were, if only for a moment.

"Have you had an opportunity to meet with any of the Unicorn?" He looked back to the estate, giving her the ease of mind of taking his evil eye off of her.

'' I see. Bold approach I must say. You could never know what these gaijin could do to you...'' She commented. Hinami respectfully ignored his watch, as etiquette dictates.If the Scorpion was enjoying making her uncomfortable with his cursed eye, she will not give him the satisfaction to letting him know. '' But It would seem that this Huanu, is at least, a decent gaijin, or so I heard...'' She adds.


Then she answered his question. '' Yes I have met with some of these so called 'Unicorns'. One gaijin woman named 'Ide' Akaichou and briefly the commander of the Mamuluku, Moto Futto. Not much can be say about them, they are like every other gaijin. Strange customs, barbaric way of life. Totally foreign. ''

The butler of the estate appeared, bowing in a Merenaese way before addressing them both.

"The governor shall receive you both now."

"Uncertainty brings with it a certain element of excitement. Truly allows one to test their mettle." He mused, keeping his gaze upon the estate. Then when she finally answers the question, he looked to her again. He had not met the commander of the Mamuluke, but Akaichou... He didn't let his recognition register upon his face. Simply keeping that filed away.

He wondered if this was the one that Akaichou was referencing when she mentioned how not all believed they were the Ki-Rin. And the way Hinami described them, he knew he was in the presence of someone completely traditionalist.

An inflexible mind that would not be able to adapt to the situations. He smiled inwardly. Thank the Kami he was here, or she could find herself in deep water without too much thought.

Before he could speak, they were approached by the butler. Nodding his head to the man, he looked to the Seppun and Megumi-san. "Please, after you. I do know my place, after all." It was said with full respect, though he was certain she wouldn't see it that way. He was, of all things, Scorpion.

Hinami nodded to the butler after Megumi whispered to her that they were allowed to meet with the governor. She also didn't say or do anything in reply to the Scorpion courtesy, afterall she was a kuge, it was expected that she will go first.

As they were escorted through the estates, Hinami opened her fan and spoke to the Scorpion. '' I will allow you to be my translator, Shosuro-san. But I expect no changes to what i'm trying to say or express with Rokugani. I know that these gaijin languages can't convey all the complexity and richness of our language but I don't want any changes to the 'spirit' of my message, and you will only use Merenease. Is that clear to you, Shosuro-san?'' She was using her status here to make things clear. She suspected that the creature known as Muhaki Zabieru in the past used his knowledge of barbaric languages against her. She will not allow that happen a second time.

That was also the reason Megumi was accompanying them. She will know if the Scorpion changed Hinami's words.

"And what do we do if the Governor insists on using Mekhem? From what I understand, it is the common language here on the Eastern part of the island." He kept pace with the Seppun, speaking softly, but without turning to face her. He walked to her right, to allow her to look at him without fear of seeing his accursed eye.

Accursed for others, maybe.

"I understand wholeheartedly, Seepun-sama. My duty is to the Empire. Your father is the Seppun Daimyo. The spirit of your message will remain unchanged, but may I offer you my advice during the conversation, if it comes up? I will not override you, and I would be foolish to attempt to lie while you have one who could go against me. However, I've extensively studied both languages at this point. And how their languages are conveyed often has insights into the culture. It would behoove us to be adaptable to the situation." He spoke without criticism or judgement, merely offering his thoughts on the matter.

La Finca inside was spacious and rustically luxurious. The butler led them upstairs.

'' Your council will certainly be useful, since you are an imperial explorer. I have no doubts in your capacity and skill, otherwise Hantei-denka would not had chosen you to be here in the first place...'' She said without looking at him, she was interested in the gaijin home.

'' But I expect only merenaese, after all this gaijin governor is a merenae himself, rigth? If he starts using mekuhemu or whatever that 'language' is called you will reply in merenaese. I came here to speak about policies between that gaijin nation and our Empire. Not about...whatever nation uses that other 'language'.'' She said, neutral tone.

'' If you can't comply with that, then why you offered your help, Shosuro-san? Unless your offer was not sincere, but I don't think so '' She was not changing her mind here. Hinami was quite stubborn.

"Of course, I will comply, Seppun-sama. I am just trying to be prepared, and to mentally prepare you, as well." His own tone did not show the slight, prickling irritance the Imperial woman had become. His hands folded behind his back, eyes srraight forwards as they made their way through the estate.

"I do believe that in dealing with one nation, we will find ourselves dealing with all. It is best to be ready to shift if needed. So as to maintain our advantages."

'' Please... Do I look like an amateur to you, Shosuro-san? Do you really think so poorly of me? '' She even giggled behind her fan. '' I was present at the last Winter Court, Shosuro-san. I'm not a small unprepared girl.'' She looked around.

'' You insult me and my sensei from the Otomo family, you better not underestimate me.'' She said with a neutral tone. If Hinami was insulted her beautiful voice did not gave any hint of it.

"I was there, as well, Seppun-sama." He smiled at her laugh.

Everyone is an amateur when compared to the Bayushi school, Princess.

"I recall the Imperial Delegation as quite admirable. And I certainly do not underestimate anyone who has trained with an Otomo. Please, do not mistake my concern for preparation as any slight to you or your Sensei." He stopped in his tracks, turning fully to her.

"Perhaps I am simply trying to convince you that I may be the best ally you could have in this."

She giggled again, her fan covering her lips. '' That's right, you are already my only ally, or friend, eh? '' She briefly looked at him. '' What was the saying, Shosuro-san? The Pincer Holds, the Tail Strikes?'' A rethorical question to the Scorpion. Hinami is well aware of the Scorpion clan treacherous reputation.

'' But perhaps you -could- be my ally. Afterall, duty to the throne is why we are here, right? ''