Kiyoko wasn't anywhere close to what could be called 'comfortable' in Crane lands, even given her current situation. The invitation had miraculously managed to reach her in the northernmost reaches of where she normally operated. Had that not been the case - and had the invitation not come from someone within her own family - she likely would have tried to find some excuse not to go. Or that's what she told herself, at least. Truth be told, the Topaz Championship offered attendees nearly as many chances to make good showings of themselves as it did to the year's competitors.<br/><br/>Tsuma, situated in the Northern Crane Lands, was far out of the way of Kiyoko's usual path. Securing transportation had been a challenge, much less<em>prompt</em>transportation. She'd begun the journey soon after sending a messenger to inform her lord of the Emerald Magistrate's summons. During her travels, she reminded herself daily that though such duties felt much less pressing than the situation along the Kaiu Wall, that made them no less legitimate. A new, unexpected trading parter could make all the difference in the world, same as relief supplies.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>When Kiyoko arrived at the sake house, a quick glance was all it took for her to realize that Yun - who she'd seen on several formal occasions but never talked to directly - had not yet arrived. The same glace was also enough to identify a woman from the Scorpion clan, who also appeared to be waiting for someone. Though the mask made it difficult to tell.<br/><br/>Kiyoko ordered a bottle of sake and a pair of cups, and sat down a few places away. "Does duty draw the Scorpion toward the Crane's beak, as it does the Carp?" She filled one of the cups and offered it to Reiko.