SYRRAH:

As you know, Karanthir is ill, and I do not expect Zyfan to leave him. Washi is due to arrive today. I want you to greet him with me.

SHICHI:

I mean no disrespect but, why me?

SYRRAH:

Shichi, I am a Daughter of IlluminatA, did you truly expect

to hide your true identity from me, sir prince? And with that 

knowledge, I also know that you and Washi have met before.

You are the logical one, am I wrong?

SHICHI:

sigh

No, he's married to one of my sisters, but my family 

doesn't know I'm here.

SYRRAH:

They are certain to find out - unless you plan to leave us again?

SHICHI:

No. I'm honor-bound to stay with Phae.

SYRRAH:

Then it is best to welcome him with me. 

I have asked Phae to bring him, once he arrives.

Then …

PHAE:

Syrrah please meet Prince Washi, and his wife the Princess Usagi.

WASHI:

Honored One.

SYRRAH:

Greetings to you. 

SYRRAH:

… Usagi you are an unexpected guest. We were not informed 

that you would join Washi, but you are welcome just the same.

USAGI:

The Council was notified long ago. 

The proper protocal was followed ...

SYRRAH: 

No matter. It has been a long time since we were together. 

USAGI:

That is true, we were just children then. I had almost ...

USAGI:

Shichi! - So this is where you've been hiding yourself.

SHICHI:

I'm not hiding. I live here.

USAGI:

The Empress will be pleased to know her only son's whereabouts.

SYRRAH:

Yes that may be best. Perhaps you are hungry after your journey?

Phae would you be a dear and bring refreshments …

PHAE:

Of course, I'll get something right away.

WASHI:

If it is permitted, we would prefer to have this … nourishment 

sent to our quarters, where we can get settled.

SYRRAH:

That would be fine. Shichi please show them the way.

USAGI:

Not yet. I would like to know why my brother is here

instead of home, with the Empress where he belongs.

WASHI:

Another time Usagi.

USAGI:

Alright, if you prefer - it can wait. You

may go. I will speak with Syrrah alone.

Then …

WASHI:

Shichi, why didn’t you inform the Empress of your whereabouts? If you had, then it's possible we would not need to be here. It's no wonder my wife is angry with you.

SHICHI:

She was angry with me long before this.

WASHI:

Yes that's true, although she has yet to reveal to me the reason.

SHICHI:

I'll clear it up for you, I left home without permission.

WASHI:

You are of age to be your own man. I don't see 

why she should be so unforgiving.

SHICHI:

How long have you been married to her?

WASHI:

Long enough to see your point. 

SHICHI:

She thinks - because she's my sister, I should be obedient to her. 

All my sisters feel this way. That's the way of the Sea Clan 

especially my mother - who is always Empress first.

WASHI:

I shall never become accustomed to taking orders from women. It is not the way of my people - the Desert Clan. However, the Empress respects my council. I find her to be a wise ruler. I serve her well.

SHICHI:

And Usagi?

WASHI:

Usagi is my wife. I do not serve her, nor she - me. 

Ours is a challenging union.

SHICHI:

I prefer to serve no one at all.

WASHI:

Then our stay may prove uncomfortable for you.

SHICHI:

No doubt. Your room is in this wing ….