Dark Edge Village

Mizuki has the tea prepared. And waits for her guest with her mask off.

As Kemuri arrived, he called out. "Yogo-sama? I'm here, Shinjo Kemuri."

Mizuki opens the door. "Hello. This one is Yogo Mizuki. Please come in. Have you eaten rice today?" She gestures for him to sit at the table. Her looks are more like a Crane than the Scorpion. She possess blue eyes and natural white hair.

Zip is in the corner playing with a ball. He gives the newcomer a bark and then goes back to his ball.

"I have, thank you." he replied after bowing. He gave the dog a nod as he entered and sat down. "I hope your day has been pleasant?"

Mizuki sits down. "It has been. I hope you like this tea. It is one of my favorite's from the Bayushi lands." She pours the tea. "You may notice I am not wearing my mask. There is significance in this. It is my way to show you I am not putting up the usual pretenses, but I am wanting to be open and honest with you."

"I appreciate that, Yogo-sama, and am honored by your openness." he nodded. "Though, I confess to not knowing much about Scorpion customs. It is rare then, to show your natural face?"

Mizuki nods. "It is usually reserved for family and close friends. It is symbolic of the mask that all samurai wear. By not wearing the mask, it is a symbol that we are dropping our guard."

He nodded in understanding. "I see, then I appreciate the gesture all the more. What blend of tea is this?"

"Shorsuro's Grace. It may sound odd for a Bayushi blend, but while their relationship was never defined, many believe they were lovers. It is considered a romantic tea. I hope I am not being presumptuous. But this is a miai, so I brought teas for the occasion."

"No, that makes sense." he nodded. "I am still acquiring an appreciation for tea and its varieties."

"So, how have you enjoyed the miai so far?"

"It has been informative. I've learned more about the Empire." he explained. "In spite of some unfortunate events, I've enjoyed it overall."

Mizuki nods. "Hai. I have learned a lot from your Clan as well. The gaijin cultures seem interesting." The wealth we could get in trade... "Is there any questions you have about the Empire that I may able to help?"

"Is there any place you would recommend visiting?" he asked. "I have been given a general idea of geography and terrain by others. But, I'd like to have a few specific ideas of where to go, if I were to travel."

"Otosan Uchi is magnificent. I haven't been there, but I have no doubt the stories are true. Ryoko Owari is the largest city besides the Imperial City. Many things that can be found there that can't be found in the rest of the Empire. My mother said Crane lands were beautiful. And if you're interested in the histories of the Empire, the Ikoma have the largest and most accurate histories in all of the Empire."