Gary
After Yeong's visit to the Temple Quarter, she made the extra effort to change to a more fitting outfit for her first visit to the Mantis ambassador. Rather casual by other clan standards but acceptable from a bushi of her position. A gray hakama set tightened around the shins to accommodate her shin guards and over it was a sleeveless, dark teal haori loosely hanging on her frame. On its back was a Mantis clan mon embroidered in gold. 

It was a rather plain outfit but Yeong was not one for extra trinkets in terms of clothing. Jewelry though was another matter. On her right ear alone were 4 earrings made of an assortment of seashells, broken coral, sea glass, and a peacock green pearl on her left ear coupled with a startling orange coral stud on the earlobe. On her left wrist was a bracelet two inches wide and made of strips of jade-colored mother of pearl. Those were her only luxuries but it boasted of quite the wealth.

Yeong arrived in the Embassy in no time and did a compulsory check of herself before doing her greetings. Clothes were intact, daisho worn in courtesy; her weapons of choice, the kusarigama and kama, were left temporarily in a room at an inn she rented, and the temiyage kept in a minimally ornate box in her grasp.

Soon, an attendant greeted her at the entrance. Yeong gave him a small nod and stated, "Yoritomo Yeong of the Hoji family has come to report to the Mantis Ambassador."

Formalities were quickly done and she was then ushered inside the building. Being a fellow Mantis, Yeong had heard about Moshi Mai but had yet to meet the woman. Whatever reputation she had was irrelevant. Frankly, all Yeong cared about was that this woman was captain of a ship and had a crew of her own. I wonder if there was a chance to talk about it in the future? 

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Minnie
Moshi Mai was really falling behind on her meetings. She had two different Samurai of the Mantis Clan that had arrived -no, _three:_ she really __was__ falling behind!- that needed to be properly met with, and Mai was finding herself pulled in many directions. But, she promised that she would make time to meet with everyone, and not end up meeting another respected Samurai out on the street at random again. 

So, when Yoritomo Yeong was announced to be there, Mai stopped what she was doing, and made sure she was ready to take her in. Mai was dressed in her more garish fashion, more skin showing than any Crane would be happy with, sitting on her little throne of pillows, but she stood to bow in turn to the Yoritomo when she was introduced. 

"Welcome to Ryoko Owari Toshi, Yoritomo Yeong-san," Mai said cheerfully, "And from one captain to another, welcome aground. It's great to see that our Clan is sending me so many skilled Samurai." She ushered for Yeong to sit, as tea was brought out for the both of them. "So, tell me more of yourself, Yortimo-san," Mai said. "I've heard good things, but I'd rather hear it from the Mantis' mouth." 

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Gary
Yeong gave an inward sigh of relief. Garish the Ambassador may be but it reminded her of home. After giving the woman a polite bow befitting her position, Yeong sat on the cushion directly in front of Mai. 

"You give me too much credit, Moshi-sama. At present, due to my being unwed and having no children, I have been passed for promotion to Captain. The nearly uninterrupted series of missions throughout the years have also been a deterrent.

"Though it does me credit for others to keep on mistaking my position. At the very least, my skills have proven to fit my reputation."

Before proceeding further, Yeong took the box she brought and handed it with both hands to the Ambassador. 

"Please accept this gift from my family. It was made with care. I hope you don't think I'm too presumptuous to have made these with you in mind."
Minnie
"Oh, so not yet a captain?" Mai was a touch surprised. "The way you were spoken about, I thought you'd already gotten that far. But, a woman unwed and without child can put a damper on such things." It was no secret that being a woman had special responsibilities, the only caveat that, unlike the men in the same boat, a woman could be held up for quite some time. But, being a captain and a mother was possible, Mai being spitting proof of that. 

"Well, the accolades still stand, Yoritmo-san," Mai replied, "And who knows? We might just find you someone brave enough to sail the seas yet! But, that can wait. There's much to discuss, after all." 

But first, a gift. Mai refused, twice, as was the style of things, but she was naturally eager to accept. Gifts from home were always a treat for her, and she had a good feeling about this one. 

And indeed, it was a winner. "Fortunes bless you, good woman! These are beautifully loud!" Mai had a thing for such fashion; why be subtle when you can make your intentions and style loud and proud, after all? She would not be as brash as to don them now, but they'd get worn, next time she was out. "You honor me, Yeong-san. I thank you, deeply." 

As tea was served, Mai settled into her seat, and got down to business. "As I'm sure you're aware, there's much going about in the city. Mantis are working on controlling the dock, be it shipping, protection, or otherwise. So far, we're working on making business ventures, controlling the water lanes, all of that. Only issue so far has been the fireman gangs and the Otter Clan, which I can't say I knew of until recently." Mai sipped her tea, and sighed. "What's more, there's an order from the Emerald Magistrate. They wish to have a liason from each of the Clans to deal with the crime issue. I already have Magistrate Moshi Kana working around the clock, as is Yoritomo Takeya. So, I am curious if you may be able to take on this task?" 

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Gary
Ah. Straight to business. 

Yeong had wondered what she'd be up against here in Ryoko Owari and, honestly, dreaded any form of idleness. This place was too far from the sea she loved so much. Any work would be welcome. It hadn't even been a full day since she arrived here and the smell of the city was just...*Wrong*. Not fowl by any means but something in the air made her feel boxed in despite walking around the busy roads earlier today. 

A liaison answering to the Emerald Magistrate. Something Yeong had never done before. It was a job that could prove beneficial though. Especially since this would allow her a quick introduction to all important figures in Ryoko Owari. The timing couldn't be any more perfect.

With a respectful low bow directed at the Ambassador, Yeong accepted the task. 

"I will be honored to take on the responsibility. As to how successful I would be as a liaison, only time can tell but I will do my best regardless. Also, in the case of the waterways, I'll keep a lookout and see if there are any underlying issues we should be concerned about."

Yeong paused to think about the circumstances. It would do well for her to look into it. Not that she didn't understand the want for monopoly on the waterways but maybe there was room for negotiation.

"If you permit me, Moshi-sama, I'd like to study this situation further. Is there anyone from our clan already planning on how to deal with the Otters?"

*Hopefully, not in an aggressive way*, Yeong thought silently. Sometimes, unfortunately, brawn was not the answer. What a pity. Not that she was good at talking to people. It was still worth a try though.

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Minnie
Mai was pleased to see Yeong eager to take on the challenge. That was her favorite thing about the Yoritomo family: if you pitched an offer, plan, or deed, fear and apprehension was not going to be part of the equation. 

"Good, I'm glad to see you're up for the challenge, Yoritomo-san." Mai gave a bow of appreciation in turn, happy to have one thing crossed off the docket. "You'll do fine, I imagine. Besides,the more we show the Imperials that we're taking care of things on the riverbanks, the more likely they'll leave us to our own devices.

"As for the waterways, I am most appreciative of that, as well." She sipped on her tea, thinking about the upcoming mission she'd be taking part in. "Word is, river bandits have been making a mincemeat of the traders in the city. It'd be good to keep that riff-raff out of the city, see what we can find out before we send a force out to deal with them properly. Mhm, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled to get back on my ship for some actual action!" A little chuckle of anticipation left the woman, followed by a sigh. 

"Oh, right, the Otter Clan." The woman rolled her eyes at the mention of them. "I hadn't heard of the Minor Clan until a few weeks ago. I still know next to nothing about them, but I have some of our fellow Mantis working on that. Once I see how many businesses are hiring out to the Otter Clan, we can see how best to deal with them. Either diplomatic, or _otherwise,_ if needed." 

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Gary
Yeong understood that there was a real possibilty for the Otter issue to become a bigger deal than it was. It would be wiser to steer clear of that one for now. Hunting river bandits though sounded like a legitimately riveting activity. She was itching to get her kusarigama back in action.

"I was told to do what I could for the Mantis Clan while stationed here. I'll wait for news in regards to the Otter Clan. As for the waterways, I'll keep my ears open for any news. I've meet a few people from the Fisher's Quarter. They're one of the most knowledgeable in regards to what's happening in the river routes. Maybe they might know something about the bandits."

There were a few things Yeong had wanted to ask the Ambassador but she was strapped for time. What a shame.

As if to prove her point, an attendant knocked to announce the summons to the Crab Embassy and the need for the liaison's attendance. 

Yeong bowed to Moshi Mai, "Do forgive me, Moshi-sama. It seems duty calls."

Pleasantries were exchanged and a few final words were said regarding her responsibilities. Without delay, Yeong left and proceeded to her next assignment. She had worried that she might have idle time here in Ryoko Owari. What an idiotic thought. 

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Minnie
"That quickly, eh? Seems Hida Koyama-sama wastes little time." Mai stood as well, to give Yeong a proper sendoff. "Well, we'll need to reconvene another time. If you haven't found lodging yet, I hope you know the embassy has room to spare for you." She bowed, and dismissed Yoritomo Yeong. "Off you go, then! Do your best, and serve with courage, yeah?" 

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