Martin
It was time to meet with the Mantis, Miyoko imagined she may get a cold reception, but it was best to make an introduction still. She'd appear in her red kimono with splashes of pink flowers with black trim, her hair was up in two large buns, tied with red ribbons trimmed with gold, and which had black scorpions embroidered in various threat poses in a repeating pattern, and her face was flanked by a bit of her hair coming down and gently curling around the edges of her face across her cheeks.

Either way, it was her job as a diplomat to try her best to maintain cordial relations at least for herself. Her hands had felt tied since her arrival in Ryoko Owari Toshi, and the heavy burden weighed on her while she waited patiently for her meeting, trying not to sulk. She was a little drained from the state of affairs. At least the weather had been pleasant this spring.
Consuelo
The Mantis Embass was ultimately no different than before Moshi Mai broke off the alliance with the Scorpion. Courage was a big tenet of Bushido for the Mantis, so the servants, guards, and other aides showed no signs of dismay or disarray at the bold move of thier ambassador. All that really changed was the cushions; instead of red for the guests, she opted for more Mantis green. 

Moshi Mai was in high spirits, too, focusing solely on her own work and the many dealings she was trying to complete. So far, she was amassing a tidy list of prospects, and was expecting an audience with some enterprising merchants looking to expand or lay down new foundations. 

Was she _wasn't_ expecting, was a Scorpion. 

Nor were the servants. Junko spotted the lone woman, and hurried over. Alliance or not, a Samurai was a Samurai. "Greetings there, Scorpion-sama," She said, being polite but no longer 'putting on airs' as she used to do, "I'm sorry, but I wasn't aware of any visitors from the Scorpion Clan." She looked far too weathered to be a normal estate servant, with the scar across the face and the rough, callused hands, and the hair cut short for practicality instead of style, but she wore the robes of a head servant, all the same. "Were you wishing to see Moshi Mai-sama?" 

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Martin
Soshi Miyoko gave a courteous bow, "Yes, Mantis-San. I was hoping to request an audience as well as make proper introductions to the Mantis. Could you forward my request to Moshi Mai-Sama?" Miyoko offered a polite smile, "I hope your day is going well today, may I ask your name, Mantis-San? I am Soshi Miyoko." This connection was probably the most important for Miyoko to maintain for her personal affairs. "Please don't feel pressed by my request, I wouldn't wish to make you feel pushed, and if Moshi Mai-Sama refuses my request for an audience I will not linger and cause you any trouble." Her eyes were soft as she regarded the servant, mindful of her words and potential influence. Things were delicate here.
Consuelo
Now, Junko was not used to a lot of politeness on the regular. Her people were ragtag, including her captain-turn-ambassador. Honestly, she was more used to being treated like a filthy pirate. 

So, suffice it to say, she wasn't expecting the very pleasant responses. Her guess was that this Soshi Miyoko lady _really_ needed to see Moshi Mai. But, all the same, it was a nice change of pace. "Junko," She said, bowing again, "Usually _Kōhanchō_ Junko, but Junko is the more common, Soshi-sama." She stood upright, and brushed away the preemptive apologies. "No, no, it should be fine. Allow me to escort you to the sitting room." She would do just that, taking the woman to a comfy, standard room, with cushions and a table, no other real adornments but the sea serpent artwork... And a masterfully-crafted model ship in a crystal bottle. 

After a few minutes, the doors slid open, and Moshi Mai would step inside. She was wearing a more conservative burnt-orange kimono, in the style of her family colors, though she had the mantis mon included. Her hair was up, and she looked to be unadorned with much makeup and jewelry; indeed, she wasn't expecting to meet a Samurai. 

"Well, I wasn't expecting to see a Scorpion around here so soon." Moshi Mai didn't look displeased, more curious. After introductions were finished, Mai would sit, and have Junko bring them tea. "What kind of tea do you prefer, Soshi-san? Ask, and we probably have it." 

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Martin
"Thank you for your assistance, Kōhanchō Junko-San." The scorpion girl followed after Junko to the waiting area, where she admired the artwork of sea serpents in particular. She'd never gotten to much understand the Mantis, but knew that they were important to trade. She had a moment to collect her thoughts and steel her composure. 

When the doors slid open, it pulled Miyoko from her brief thoughtful reverie and she turned to greet the Mantis-Sama, offering a deeper bow to show respect. "Moshi-Sama, it's nice to meet you. I recently returned to Ryoko Owari Toshi, and have been making proper introductions with each clan in turn."

Miyoko started the dance of sincerity, "I'm sure that you must have some of my favorite teas in your collection, but I couldn't impose like that, Moshi-Sama." As she spoke, the Soshi disarmed of her wakizashi, placing it on her right side and with the hilt towards herself.

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Consuelo
Mai found this amount of patronizing, well, patronizing. It was clear that after making the move she did, either she'd have a lot of problems at her door, or she'd have some kinder faces coming out of the woodwork. It reminded her of when her husband died; all the sudden, cousins and 'old friends' and anyone else came out of the blue to win her favor. 

But, this was different; she didn't _hate_ the Scorpion for doing this, as it was the proper thing to do. 

"Gyokuro tea, Junko." The servant bowed and headed off to prepare it (or better yet, find someone that could do it better). Mai looked back to Soshi Miyoko, and after a second of sizing her up, opened up the dialogue proper. "So. Back in town, as you said, Soshi-san. I'm sure you've heard the news about our two Clans, then. As you can see, it's not a move done with ill will at mind, since we're here and all."
Martin
Miyoko shifted, caught off guard but ultimately fine to change focus and methods, "Gyokuro tea is fine, though I must admit I do prefer Sencha myself, is it your favorite, Moshi-Sama? Yes, it's been an unfortunate return for me. I expect it's not a move you made lightly. I had been looking forward to learning more about the Mantis Clan on better terms until I heard the reality of the situation. I'd like to apologize that I lack the influence to prevent or properly mend what's been done, even if I had been here sooner. Either way, I hope you'll look past those issues and that you'll assess me by my own merits and conduct. I hope to be on friendly terms with the mantis even if my clan does not manage to be."

The scorpion tried to be a little more open, to see how it was received since courtliness had seemed shut down by Mai's reaction to the games of politeness. She couldn't help but admire how both she and Moshi Mai seemed exhausted with the scorpion clan at the moment. It almost made her want to play the game of an open hand and just sigh openly, release the pent up tension and speak plainly without games to the Ambassador, but that might reflect poorly on her and she didn't want to risk showing or sharing anything she ought not've. 

"I have heard many of the Mantis deal in trade, bringing all manner of items into Ryoko Owari Toshi, and helping Ryoko owari send it's own out of the city, is that correct?"
Consuelo
Mai had an inkling of an idea that her dismissal of the "Proper" Ways of etiquette were not expected by the Soshi. All the same, she abstained from being outright hostile, even if her refusal for the 'no, I insist' song and dance was rude by court standards. "Jasmine is my favorite," She expressed, "But Gyokuro is pleasant enough for today. Too much of a good thing makes it lose its luster." 

On the topic of the 'issues' and the 'unfortunate' turn of events, Mai didn't show any real disdain or anger about it. "So, in other words, 'I didn't do any of this _myself,_ so don't judge me harshly?'" The Ambassador smirked, but disarmed her own comment with a chuckle and a brushing away. "I tease, I tease. As I told Soshi Junichi-san, I hold no ill will. Was I angry? Absolutely. But, the ending of the alliance was simple and peaceful, so there's hardly a reason for me to bully any Scorpion that comes through the door. Matter of fact, since you came through the front door instead of my _window,_ you find yourself in good standing already." 

Mai relaxed her seating, propping an elbow on her knee as she raised it up to meet. "You're right, we're traders, nowadays. They don't call it the Isles of Silk and Spice for nothing. We've been mostly interested in just shipping, but have moved onto a more hands-on approach." 

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Martin
The Soshi nodded, noting Mai's favorite tea away in her mind for a later date. "Even the sunset or moon lose their luster if you stare for too long, still I admire them often."

Soshi brought up her fan at the direct callout, laughing along but concealing how it changed her expression. "I appreciate your courtesy, and will not be slipping in through your window *Uninvited*. I am glad to be in good standing, I hoped for exactly that even with the dismantled alliance." She lowered the fan, closing it again and had a neutral expression as she continued. "The art in your waiting room is beautiful by the way, I found the serpent to be really fascinating, I haven't had the experience of riding on a boat much less sailing on one, but the one on display also seemed very detailed." She offered a disarming smile pausing briefly.

"I should tell you then, rather than letting it end up being reported to you, I participate in trading as a secondary interest. I don't want to have that interest come into conflict here. I prefer the opposite, I would only hurt myself trying to tarnish the Mantis of the city, so I hope you can trust in me that I would rather help you with covering up a scandal than try and leverage one against you or your clansmen, if one should arise." She looked into Mai's eyes more directly as she spoke these words.
Consuelo
Moshi Mai listened to everything said, and spoke in turn, though in her mind she was thinking of other things. As she idly recounted that some of the Yoritomo could befriend sea serpents, and spoke about how she was actually on board one of the ships depicted in the mural, she was contemplating if it was best to just be blunt with this Soshi. She had been nice enough, very nice indeed. But, from Mai's standpoint, it felt like a woman trying to be very careful with her words. 

"Soshi Miyoko-san." Mai put a hand up as if to halt the Scorpion, though the lady got through most of her words. "I appreciate the respect and decorum you're showing me, definitely. But, if I am to be honest, there's no need for it." She sat up a little straighter, though she still lax and relaxed in her body language. "My family, the Moshi of the late Centipede Clan, value Compassion when it comes to Bushido. With it comes passion, for certain, and I've definitely made my anger clear to Soshi Junichi over the failings of our alliance. But, I also told him that it wasn't his fault. Just like you, he showed up at an odd time. 

"I say this to say, you don't need to be extra polite, Miyoko-san. I wear a lot of badges, but I've been a shugenja and a pirate the longest. Now, that said, if you're wanting to talk conflict of interest, I can let you know that the Mantis have no interest in opium. Medicinal or otherwise, though 'nobody' deals with the other, of course." A kind way of not accusing the Scorpion of dealing opium for drug use, though it was a common knowledge to the contrary. Just because the alliance was broken didn't mean she couldn't be respectful. "As for scandals, I can't say I've heard of any to my knowledge. Though, if you know differently, I can certainly show gratitude for any enlightenment." 

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Martin
Miyoko seemed deeply engrossed in the story Mai told of her exploits, genuine interest seeming to shimmer like brightness behind her eyes.

Miyoko nodded as she listened along, listening to Mai's words, "I appreciate your compassion in this matter then, and will make a point to remind my dear cousin of that if further transgressions are committed by my scorpion peers."

"Moshi-sama, I am not being extra polite anymore, this is only my regular level of courtesy. I am polite even to those who are not samurai, and would've held this manner if I'd met you as a pirate." The slightest frown coming to show on her lips, "I do not mean just the scorpion dealings of opium, I speak broadly of trade in raw materials, books, spices, silk and other goods. I am most personally familiar with Yoritomo Takeya-san, whom I often purchase silk from, for example. I spoke of future scandals, and hope to enlighten you should some come to light, so that we might snuff them out."

Returning to neutral expression she met Moshi Mai's eyes again, "Was there anything else you wanted to discuss, Moshi-sama?"

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Consuelo
"Well, if that's the case, Soshi-san, then I shall hold you to it, and take you at your word." Mai bowed a little deeper than necessary. "Apologies. You'll find that Lady Sun molded me into something more akin to a brute and a thug than an ambassador. I'm just good at adapting to whatever must be done. My mother always said it was the gaijin blood in me; supposedly the Maraeneans were quite the adaptable lot. At least more than the Thraenians, since they're all mostly dead and all." 

The tea came then, nice and warm and fragrant. Once cups were poured, Mai held her cup up. "To separate, but brighter beginnings." She drank, signalling that Miyoko could as well, and relaxed a little. "I realy am sorry for accusing you for putting on a show, Soshi-san," She said. "When you learn so late in life the inner workings of the court, you start to think everyone's out with a motive and some hidden deal in the shadows. It's making for a stressful life. I saw a _gray hair_ just the other day. That is _not_ okay.," She chuckled at her self-degregation, and settled back into the topic at hand. 

"So, you've been trading with Yoritmo Takeya," She said. "I've yet the get the time to sit down with him properly. Life has been busy, naturally. It's nice to see you've found good business with him. If you find that you need something he can't provide, mention me, and he might be able to work something out, or at least find the means to get you the right buyer. Since you're welling to aid with possible scandals, it seems only right to return one kindness with another." 

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Martin
Miyoko nodded, interjecting briefly after Mai apologized, "I had not meant to cause you unease, so please accept my apologies as well." Miyoko listened about the Maraeneans and Thraenians, deciding it would be best to ask Takeya or Junichi about that at some point in the future, it wasn't something she was familiar with.

The Soshi matched the toast, offering a bright smile, "I'll try not to make you feel that way in the future, I shouldn't need to play games with you. Really a gray hair? Maybe you should take more leisure time, when's the last time you treated yourself, Moshi-sama?"

"Yes, Yoritomo Takeya-san and I are friends of sorts. I'll be sure to reach out if I find I have new and developing needs, but for now I'm doing alright. Maybe next time we should meet out by the river? I hear it's relaxing to soak your feet for a while, or are you more the swimming type?" The scorpion girl offered, before drinking more of the tea.
Consuelo
"The last time I had any leisure time, my daughter was still in smallclothes." Mai scoffed at the concept of relaxing, having been at it for so long it hardly felt like she'd get any soon. "It's all part of duty, at the end of the day, I suppose. I'm sure I'll find time to relax. We all die eventually, after all." 

It was interesting (and slightly embarrassing) that Miyoko knew Yoritomo well enough to be friends (and knew more about the new arrival than she did). "Well, it is good to know my Clansmen are making good business relations," She said simply, "And among our old allies, as well. We can't let disagreements get in the way of what's profitable for the clans, after all." 

At the mention of soaking her feet, Mai was indeed tempted. She looked up at the ceiling for a moment as she contemplated it. "That... Would be wonderful, actually. Perhaps we shall, when I can find the time." She smiled, more geniuine than coy. 

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