Matters of State

[Guest]

Aerugo. A country that was as different from her beloved Creta as oil was to water. A coat was wrapped around her shoulders against the autumn chill, her red hair distinguishing her quite magnificently amidst the sea of black that floated all around her. Her hands were stuffed into her pockets, clothed in a softly lined leather gloves. Now she had a rather important meeting today, and it was this meeting that had dragged her so many miles away from the comfort of her domain of sin and avarice. Now she was in a land of rigidity, mystique, and tradition. It was a little surprising that she was the one that was called and not her brother considering he was one that many leaders wanted supplying their men. Then again... Her brother had gone on a leave of absence and effectively vanished into thin air on her. No matter, she could certainly run their business with little to no issue. Although she could not compare to his knowledge, she could still carry out transactions for him if that was his desire. He occasionally sent her messages responding to her concerns.

But he hadn't been called regarding this.

No, when it came to meeting Yoshida Izanagi, Selina Dresden had been called specifically. She knew very little about this man that had managed to contact her, and she did feel some worry regarding communication. Would he have an interpreter, or did he know a language that she also knew? She was sure something would get figured out. Her crimson heels clicked softly against the ground as she strode down the busy streets towards a park with a fountain spraying its waters up towards the sky. She believed that this particular district was called Ikebukero, and she could see that this area of town was of the more interesting variety. A variety that she may very well fit into. Hm.... perhaps she should pursue the ideas that she had in her mind in order to further expand the Dresden Empire. Just because they were so very successful in Creta, did not mean they could sit idly by and not look for more ways to get more money!

She sighed lightly as she slowed to a stop nearby to the fountain, flopping down on one of the benches as she crossed her legs. You could see the black tights that covered those delicious legs of hers, her red pea coat almost covering all of her clothes. You could see about two inches of the bottom of her skirt that extended to the middle of her thigh, her hand appearing to smooth it out as she raised those red iris' of hers to look around, the gibberish of Aerugese flowing all about her. Now it was just a matter of waiting for this man to appear... and then the fun could really begin.

[Yoshida Izanagi]

The call had been made. Previous engagements with the Dresdins had been to that point postponed. Izanagi would not keep around people who were of no use to him. His mind had dabbled in what they could over and even who they were for a while, before he had requested court with one of them. Naturally Izanagi had chosen the female of them, not because he was some kind of pervert, but simply because he'd heard aggressive stories about the brother. It wasn't as if he hadn't heard things about the sister, but it seemed more likely she was the patient of the two. Perhaps agreements and disagreements would be settled in a more civil way with the set up. He was satisfied and the invitation was given. However, the man was afraid of the woman feeling uncomfortable in his abode, and as he never invited an unwed woman INTO his house, he would find somewhere else much less scandalous to chat.

The wind ran on his skin as he pushed his way through the roads. How odd that the Shogun was by himself, unattended and blending int, despite standing out. His older robes were discarded into the hamper for the day and today, he sported a suit, almost. The uniform he had from military important dinners was in place, black with red and gold pitches that brought out the faded fabric. It wasn't in the best of shape and at the same time it wasn't the worst. His gray-purple eyes were distant and yet focused upon finding the woman he had invited. Perhaps he should have invited an- That thought was struck down quickly. The only interpreter he trusted was his sister and the others were all despised as being know-it-alls that could twist his words. It was a weak feeling, knowing he needed someone to speak FOR him. As if he were some kind of toddler? He would hardly stand for it, especially not in front of someone he was trying to talk to seriously.

The tail of his jacket flapped while his uncomfortable boots constricted his feet. These were the clothes he was not used to wearing and in fact, he felt a bit goofy in them. Of course, he looked professional, but sometimes that didn't feel worth it.

It was only a couple more minutes before he caught eye of a woman who fit the description. Hair like a flame and light skin. To match, she looked a bit lost, which only enforced her as a foreigner, but he could have been assuming. Nevertheless, he marched himself forward towards her. Once he was a good five feet away, he stopped and punched one hand into the palm of his other, bowing rather regally. "Good afternoon." His Aerugese was a polite custom that would never break. The black bangs that hung as curtains on his face tickled lightly, before he straightened himself. "Yoo aru Sah-ree-nah Dreh-su-din?" He paused.

"I uh-porige-eyes nowah. Mai Cree-tanu ees not soha good." Each word was pronounced syllable by syllable. This might be harder than he thought, Maybe she would understand him, maybe not. How he hoped so, because now finding a translator would be a bit difficult.

With a gentle smile, he offered his hand, then hesitated. "Ees dar ahneewhar yoo shoo-rood goh?" Well his second attempt probably sounded worse than his first. He could only watch her expression for now in hopes she would understand him.

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

[Guest]

Two men approached her not two minutes after she sat down, grinning as they came up to her. She noted how the ones hair was dyed blonde with golden eyes while his hair had black hair and blue eyes. Well well, the Aerugese gene pool must be expanding in order to achieve such combinations. At least with those eye colors. "Sngiao adfjawelja aosfijka?" Joy. Selina only smiled apologetically, playing the role of the tourist in town. "I'm sorry gentlemen, I don't speak your language." She had to resist snickering at their confused expression at her response, they obviously hadn't expected her to be a foreigner at all. Which was odd. She was so obviously not in any way shape or form Aerugese, yet they still were surprised?

The dark haired one was the one who decided to speak next, her ears twitching slightly at the obvious accent that his voice carried. At least he definitely knew the language, "Please excuse my friend. You are from Xing then? What brings you here?" They grinned at her, only succeeding in making her want to facepalm at their pathetic attempt to flirt with her. How old were they anyways? They couldn't be older than high schoolers. That was her guess for sure. "I'm from a country farther away than that. I'm here on business. I'm actually waiting for someone." Just as she said this, she noticed a particularly tall Aerugese man stepping through the park, pushing herself to her feet to slide between the two boys without a single thought. She sensed the one want to reach towards her, but his friend wisely held him back. "Good luck in your search for women." She murmured with a sly smirk and chuckle, her crimson eyes only focused upon the Shogun that was before her. She bowed as well, punching her hand into the palm much as he had except she remained quiet. She guessed that what he said was a greeting of some sort in his language, but it was still just gibberish to her. Dammit. Maybe she should make sure to learn Aerugese at some point. It wasn't like she had a shortage of free time.

"Yoo aru Sah-ree-nah Dreh-su-din?" It took a decent amount of effort to not smirk and laugh at his Cretan, a small smile the only thing upon her lips. Oh poor dear, he clearly hadn't used the language that much at all. "That is correct. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Yoshida-sama." She knew enough about their culture to be aware of how to address him with the proper respect, bowing her head one more time to him. She may be the head of a mob, but she did maintain proper manners. After all, there was nothing less attractive than a person without manners. "I uh-porige-eyes nowah. Mai Cree-tanu ees not soha good." Selina's smile only grew as she held up a hand and shook her hand, waving away his apology. She could still understand his Engrish just fine. "Do not worry yourself about it. I apologize for not being able to speak in your native tongue." He offered his hand to her which surprised her a little. Was it just to shake? Regardless, she did take his hand, revealing her grip to be gentle but firm.

"Ees dar ahneewhar yoo shoo-rood goh?" Now that was a little harder.... Ah, no, she saw what he meant to say. "My only appointment is with you Yoshida-sama, I am at the mercy of your choices today. So I ask you, is there anywhere you had in mind to speak? I'm a little surprised you didn't bring your sister with you, if I may be so bold to say. I mean no offense of course." She bowed again, her curiosity more than piqued. Had he wanted to do this himself that badly? Or did he not want to drag her into this potentially scandelous deal? Either way, it would reveal a little bit more of what kind of man she was dealing with here, and more knowledge was always helpful.

[Yoshida Izanagi]

"That is correct. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Yoshida-sama." Her words genuinely impressed him. Izanagi was not used to seeing foreigners with such manners! In fact, there were few Aerugese with manners that good. His eyes sat a bit wide in surprise, but a kind smile soon followed after he relaxed. He was satisfied with it, pleased in fact. One way to get on his nerves was disrespectful attitudes and normally bad manners were the start of that. It seemed he had made a good decision in asking her to come.

"My only appointment is with you Yoshida-sama, I am at the mercy of your choices today. So I ask you, is there anywhere you had in mind to speak? I'm a little surprised you didn't bring your sister with you, if I may be so bold to say. I mean no offense of course." He nodded to her words. She seemed a nice woman. The night was still young however, and he still needed to decide where to go. A Koi pond would do. There was nothing quite as settling as watching the beautifully painted fish swim around in vivid ponds. Most tourists loved to go there, why would she not, as well?

Izanagi's brow furrowed as he sighed softly. It was difficult, trying to remember and say the words he barely used. Cretan was so rarely spoken in Aerugo, or at least that's what he'd thought. Then again, most people he spoke with, were his own kind. Silently he cursed himself for not asking Izanami for help on his Cretan. She was so good at all those languages. At times, he felt envious. SO flawlessly, she could switch languages, while he stumbled over learning one. Alas, his friend had asked a question and he still hadn't answered her. "No offense. Izanami ees war-keen. I deed not weesh to teroboru her." Well, it sounded better to him. Then again, most of what he said would sound good, simply because he rarely spoke Cretan.

"Fahrow me, thahn." It felt like he was adapting. The more she spoke, the easier it was to notice his speech flaws. His hand moved fluidly towards the direction they were going to walk, before he would move even an inch. Eye contact would be made, before he even started moving again. It was an instinct. After all, the slightest falter in her eyes and he would know that she truly did not wish to see fish. Of course the negotiations would be made, but not right there.

[Guest]

There was surprise in his eyes. This pleased her greatly. Either he was not expecting her to have shown the proper respect that was expected via Aerugese culture, or else there was something else entirely. She had a feeling though that it was her manners. Whenever she had a business offer sitting before her, she made sure to do some research so things would go as smoothly and positively as possible. After all, more money in her pocket meant the more things she could do and the longer the Dresden twins criminal empire survived. It wasn't cheap paying off cops and the like. What surprised her a little, was the fact he did not try to conceal it. She would have thought that he would have tried to do so in front of a woman that he never met before and only heard of through certain... channels. And those channels were definitely not completely savory she imagined. Oh well, it meant that he wasn't afraid to show how he felt and that she definitely had to respect. She only hid most of her reactions because otherwise she might not make as many deals as she did. You could catch more flies with honey than with salt.

He sighed. Her eyebrows raised slightly in question, but her expression was a patient one for he seemed troubled about something. Perhaps it was the language barrier, that in itself was a little frustrating. She made another note to make some time to learn his language so that future business transactions could run much smoother. "No offense. Izanami ees war-keen. I deed not weesh to teroboru her." Ah well, that was good. She smiled, "I see. That was very kind of you." She never troubled her brother when he was working unless she absolutely had to, and that was rarely. After all, she knew how he hated to be disturbed and his temper was such a hassle to deal with. "Fahrow me, thahn." She nodded once as she walked after him, her hands folding behind her back. She did not mind wherever it was he wished to talk, after all she had made deals in a variety of places pleasant or not.

They soon arrived beside a koi pond, her smile only growing to see the beautiful fish that swam lazily through that clear water, a calmness settling over her. Koi were a beautiful thing indeed. "I admire so much in your country, Yoshida-sama. From its structure, to the culture, even the native fawna and flora." She murmured quietly as she turned her crimson gaze back to him. Mmm... and the people as well. He was a pretty one, wasn't he? "So, what can I do for you Yoshida-sama?"

[Yoshida Izanagi]

"I admire so much in your country, Yoshida-sama. From its structure, to the culture, even the native fawna and flora." It was good to know. He nodded his head, slowly, to show he understood. There was no reply to say. After all, Izanagi was a man of few spoken words. So he was silent, letting the moment float as he took in everything around him. "So, what can I do for you Yoshida-sama?"

She was quick to catch on, this one. In a matter of moments, it was straight to business. However, this is where things became complex. How was he supposed to translate what he needed to say to her? His whole body paused and his brow furrowed. What could he say? He knew how to say it in Aerugese, but the Cretan was still so difficult. "Yuuko has carured you before, yesu?" His voice paused as he debated on the next part's phrasing. "What for?" His natural Aerugese accent smothered everything he said, until it was nearly incomprehensible, leaving him frustrated, but unable to stop the situation. Things needed to be figured out and he could not leave this woman hanging so to speak.

His eyes fell to the fish, watching them swim. Such beauty, he loved it. Such simple things pleased him. Absent-minded, he pushed a bang from out of his face. Aerugo had grown so much, since he had come to be. Unfortunately, weather was changing and even some crops would decay and vanish to be part of the world once more in a different way. Each part had their own cycle that he too, would one day join. The silence was finally shut away and he turned to look at her. "Ees eet good for me to keep you around?" That wasn't exactly what he meant, but it was close enough. Why should I keep you? What could possibly benefit him from having her about? It wasn't meant to be in a rude form, but a firm question that needed to be asked. After all, how else could he continue growing if funds were sent to these two. What were these funds even for.. he wondered.

[Guest]

"Yuuko has carured you before, yesu?" Car..ured? Oh dear, she wasn't quite sure what he had said there as she stood there staring at him with interest, blinking twice. It was the only signal that she hadn't quite gotten everything of his phrase. "What for?" Hmmm... So what was he asking exactly? What business they had conducted? If that was the case it was entirely possible that it was a transaction with her brother, one she may not have been fully aware of since he handled his side of the business, and she handled the rest. She could tell that he was frustrated with this language, straightening up a little as she also gazed upon those lazily swimming fish in the water. Carured..... Cared? Called? It was probably called. Yes... yes she was sure that she understood now, or she sure hoped that she did.

But he had turned back to her now, to which drew her gaze, facing him now to hear what it was he had to say. "Ees eet good for me to keep you around?" A small smile rose to her lips, using her control to keep the dark glint from rising to it. No, she appeared quite calm and normal now, nodding slowly as she chuckled softly. "Yuuko may have called my brother before, and if that was the case then it was due to his business with dealing weapons." She began, clasping her hands behind her back as she stood tall, the wind rustling those fiery locks of hers. "With her passing, that means any previous contract is likely terminated unless stated otherwise. So, to the matter of our uses..." Selina raised her hands as she began to count out each use on her finger, "I would say it is definitely worth it. If I can build a fresh casino here, half of the proceeds go directly towards you and whatever you want. This brings people, contacts, and more business for your country. While we do keep a portion, I can assure you that the benefits are greater than the deficits."

Her smile grew again as she leaned a little closer to him, taking one little step towards him, though without getting too personal with him. "You have your own ninja's and networks of information, but I gather just as much information as they do if not a little more. Both are excellent means, I am not trying to lessen their talents at all. I admire them to be honest." She clasped her hands again as a twinkle lit up her eyes, she had encountered more than one of his people before. "We can supply you with weapons, and manpower should you require it. I have agents that can handle any dirty work for you, like assassinations, handling any issues without having to risk someone realizing that they are from your government. And," here she stepped back again with a sweet little expression and smile that seemed somehow... unsettling even though she seemed so sincere. "The Dresden twins support. More organizations and people will be willing to do business with you if we send along our recommendations." All of a sudden the smile vanished as she stared at him almost solemnly, her hands hanging at her sides now. "The question is, Yoshida-sama, are you willing to get your hands dirty? Are you willing to step a foot into the Underworld that thrives throughout this world of ours?" If he couldn't handle that, then there was nothing more to discuss.

[Yoshida Izanagi]

"Yuuko may have called my brother before, and if that was the case then it was due to his business with dealing weapons. With her passing, that means any previous contract is likely terminated unless stated otherwise. So, to the matter of our uses...I would say it is definitely worth it. If I can build a fresh casino here, half of the proceeds go directly towards you and whatever you want. This brings people, contacts, and more business for your country. While we do keep a portion, I can assure you that the benefits are greater than the deficits." He listened silently to her speaking. His eyes remained on her eyes, watching her intently.

"You have your own ninja's and networks of information, but I gather just as much information as they do if not a little more. Both are excellent means, I am not trying to lessen their talents at all. I admire them to be honest. We can supply you with weapons, and manpower should you require it. I have agents that can handle any dirty work for you, like assassinations, handling any issues without having to risk someone realizing that they are from your government. And, the Dresden twins support. More organizations and people will be willing to do business with you if we send along our recommendations. The question is, Yoshida-sama, are you willing to get your hands dirty? Are you willing to step a foot into the Underworld that thrives throughout this world of ours?"

Izanagi sort of stared blankly at the woman a moment. There was a lot to take in and evaluate. What all had she said? The previous contract was null and void UNLESS stated otherwise. WAS it stated otherwise? Izanagi became concerned. These decisions were ones of which involved thinking, careful planning and dancing around edges so to not get cut. Why he had even called her here was a bit of bad idea, now that he thought of it. This woman could easily sway him if she used her words well, like she was, but that didn't mean he trusted her. It seemed Izanagi was softer when it came to women and he certainly did not wish to harm her feelings, however... This was a whole different world he had never taken a hold of or even glanced at. Such shady actions left the man in a tear. His moralities were against a casino, gambling and the like were not what they needed, but would people want it?

His brow furrowed and Izanagi looked off distantly. The moving trees gave shimmering colors that all filled his mind soothingly. Perhaps he should have brought Izanami. Either way, he'd now have to speak to her on this. It wasn't a choice to be made on his own. Perhaps Ryuu Sato-Chiba, as well would be good to confront on the manner. After all, the man was by the people and for the people. No one knew the public better than he. His eyes closed and he let unto the world a sigh. So troublesome. The idea sounded fair and good, but still... there was the matters of WHO he was dealing with. "Give me strength." He whispered to himself. The feel of nature surrounded him, held him close and pulled him tightly.

Her fluid talking made him feel shameful to butcher her language once again. However, an answer was needed and it wasn't as simple as a nod or a shake. "I.. need to think thees thru." He stated as his eyes turned stern to her. A leader could not make such a choice without first consulting his people. Hopefully she would not take it badly, as it was nothing against truly her. His tresses framed his face again, while he turned to face her, silently. What more was there to say? She was more of the chatty one, Izanagi was often of few words and even fewer when his speaking was terrible. "Ees thar ahneetheen othur you need?" His face showed uncertainty. What did he do now? Should he take her home or just leave? Did she have more to discuss? Izanagi was at a loss.

[Guest]

Selina stood there stark still and stared at him with that intense gaze in her eyes, unmoving and quiet as she waited for his answer patiently. Perhaps she had given him too much to think about, or perhaps he wasn't at all comfortable with working with someone like her. If it was the latter of the two, then that was fine. She knew she'd leave the option open to him because, after all, having the leader of a country as a contact and patron was always a good thing. But this wasn't Creta, this wasn't Gelemorte, this wasn't Xing. Those were places where people like her and her brother could thrive. Aerugo? Aerugo was a tricky nut to crack. They were a country of espionage, but otherwise a pretty damn squeaky clean wheel. Sure they had had the yakuza before, but they had vanished into nothing, leaving the country in the hands of its people and leaders. If they could manage to form a foothold in it though.... Oh business would be good. She just knew it. After all, she already had some customers in Yoshida-sans home, he just wasn't aware of it most likely.

She watched him frown, how thoughtful he was about the words she had said. He muttered something in Aerugese, and she couldn't help but wish that Aerugese and Xing were a little more similar so she could at least take guesses as to what he had said. "I.. need to think thees thru." Selina nodded once, a small smile her only expression at the moment. The intensity lessened as her body relaxed, turning a bit more towards the koi pond. Yes, it was good to think on this for if you colored your hand with her world, that was a stain that would never leave. "Ees thar ahneetheen othur you need?" Selina shrugged lightly, both out of indifference and calm. "I don't need anything else. Unless you'd like to get to know the woman you may have business with." She answered him as her smile widened a bit. "If you would prefer to conclude business discussions, I can leave as well." What was he going to say hm? She knew that he was a man of few words, but he was also a brilliant man and strategist. It was always wise to get to know the people you collaborate with. But he was very aware of how he spoke her language, not that she particularly cared herself. She had dealt with clients whose knowledge of a language she spoke wasn't necessarily stellar.

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

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