As the paddy field's shallow waters noisily ripple under the rain, you suggest finding shelter and continue your conversation there.

Dirt Flaxen: "Yeah, bucket's getting pretty full anyway. C'mon, the nearest shed is over this way."

You nod, and let Dirt Flaxen take the lead. As you follow him eastward in near-zero visibility, the crushing heat has all but been washed away by the storm. Gusts of wind blow waves across the grass, while your bamboo hats only manage to keep your heads dry.

A few minutes later, a building emerges from the grey mist. You and your friends shake the water out of your tails, then sit together on the veranda, while the stallion empties his bucket of weeds into a nearby bin. It seems you are the only ones here.

Dirt Flaxen: "Y'know, I heard dragons are in charge of the weather around here. Doesn't feel like they stick to a schedule, though."

Curious about where he heard that from, you ask the pop star if he has learned any Kirinese in the short time he has been here.

Dirt Flaxen: "Not much, but enough to get by. Those who speak some Ponish are usually happy to meet me halfway."

Moonflower: "You don't got a sprite?"

Dirt Flaxen: "A what?"

You tell Dirt Flaxen what you learned about sprites when you first arrived, and of your companion Tsu-Ko who has been helping you all day. The latter reveals herself with a spell of sparkling glitter.

Dirt Flaxen: "Whoa, you guys have a lil' fairy translator? That would've been good to have on the tour."

Tsu-Ko: "Not everyone is able — or willing — to pay the price."

You ask whether the company hired a translator for the tour at all.

Dirt Flaxen: "Nope. From what I was told, they couldn't find anypony who fit the bill. The more I learn, though, the more I realize ponies here care more about respect than business. Probably thought we were a rude bunch.

Like, did you know you're supposed to bow when you thank someone, or before you eat, or before you leave, or when you greet an elder, or... there's probably more."

You admit that Tsu-Ko has thankfully been keeping you in line.

Dirt Flaxen: "That's lucky; I had an innkeeper pull me aside and teach me some basic decency. I mean, it helped a lot, but she had that tone — y'know, like a mother teaching her kid."

Tsu-Ko: "To be fair, the analogy's not too far off."

Dirt Flaxen: "Well hey, at least she was nice about it."

Tsu-Ko: "The word you're looking for is polite."

Dirt Flaxen: "Wow, alright. Is she always this sassy?"

You assure Dirt Flaxen that she is.

Dirt Flaxen: "Oh, okay — nothing personal then. So did you guys come here on your own ship, or...?"

You tell the stallion that you travelled with the guild, and that the crew is currently docked in Shui-Ti. However, you explain that you are also here on a mission for your friend Honourshine, which may well take a few more days.

Dirt Flaxen: "Wait, does that mean you didn't come all the way here just for me, then? Oh, man. Sick. Yeah, that makes me feel a lot better, actually. Well hey, don't worry about it, man — take all the time you need, alright?

I'll probably stick around here until you're ready to go. Either way, you can always ask the foremare; she'll know where to find me. You know her, right? No? Name's Morning Flurry. She's this unicorn — brown coat, orange hair. She's usually in the village, closest building by the giant gate."