Gerard
The sounds of a general bustle could clearly be heard when Kakita Ryuno entered the Crane Embassy. The pair of blue-clad sentinels standing near the doorway each bowed to the young nobleman, and a moment later some house servants turned their attention toward him. 

"Greetings, Kakita-sama. We are tremendously apologetic for any disruptions this afternoon- a great number of artisans are at work in the gardens. If you wish to speak with the ambassador, she is there in the courtyard overseeing everyone. But if you please, first let us unburden you from the toils of travel."

All of the courtesies common to the Crane Clan were shown in full. Servants offered to take his traveling pack, to change or clean his footwear, and to provide light food and drink if desired. After being assigned a tidily furnished room for storing personal belongings, Ryuno was invited to meet the ambassador, Doji Rika.

–

The elderly Rika sat in her usual spot in the gardens, her warm blue haori and silvery-white hair shaded from the afternoon daylight by the boughs of the leafy maple above. She sat with her cane laid across her lap and measured intently the project now occupying the center of the yard- an enormous series of wood panel paintings. Numerous artists, all seeming to be of decent wealth and social calibre, were standing about and engaging in debates. Still more panels were being brought in and planted for viewing.

"Ah. You're joining us at an exciting time, Kakita-san!" The old woman, a Doji courtier by all her mannerisms, happily nodded to Ryuno. "Come, come - welcome to our embassy house, if this is your first time visiting."

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Lois
"Why, thank you, Doji-sama. It is indeed my first time, which is why I found it customary to confer this-" 

*Ryuno pulls out an ornate fan that he may have bought a few hours ago within the city, its patterns like that of rising waves and topped off with the rays of sunlight beaming across the scene.* 

"A fan, for when summer comes and when you must adorn for any coming courts."

*He bows, kneeling down and handing over the fan as a gift to offer the older Doji. Hopefully this gesture is the correct one, seeing as how she would be one of the authorities on the question of etiquette.* 

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Gerard
The ambassador took the gift with due reverence, but showed no visible change in mood or posture. Perhaps the woman was simply not intrigued by fans.

"Thank you for the kind gesture, child. Your show of good courtesy does your family credit, and will certainly be remembered when the sun grows hot. Now tell me a bit about you. How was the road coming here? No troubles there, I hope? A brief story wouldn't hurt at all, I think."

Rika chuckled, as if amused to find some respite from watching the artistic labours unfolding in the garden. She waved to the idle attendant at her side to bring over a waiting tray of tea.

"It'll be a while yet before they conclude. Have some tea while it's still warm - I've only managed to finish half the pot so far. You may taste some familiarity; it's a selection right from the Crane heartlands."

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Lois
"The travel was quite a ways. My lord allowed me to roam wherever I could, so long as I still offered my life when danger came around, and so I was well within Phoenix territory until I was directed here." 

*He takes the teapot and pours over a cup for her first, seeing how as her station and age demanded reverence, before he made a cup for himself. He nurses his fill, not wanting to consume too quickly and indulge even further in the contents.* 

"This arrival seems auspicious, however. I was looking for ample reason to both do my duty and to possibly pursue the arts." 

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Gerard
Rika nodded slowly as she listened to Ryuno.

"Well, you have certainly arrived at the right time and the right place. What arts have you studied, Kakita-san? They may be a great asset in embellishing our reputation. I have been assigned to further the goals of the Crane Clan in Ryoko Owari, and I certainly intend to do so. But my age and my work keeps me from going far outside of these embassy grounds. When you have fully settled in here, do go out into the city and liaise with members of the other Great Clans. We're looking to build up warmer relations with some of them.

"The Unicorn have long been our allies. I believe there are ongoing talks between them and our magistrate Asahina Tadayasu for renovating the Ide Residence; perhaps there you can lend a hand. And further I've received notice that they have come to cooperate with the Mantis Clan. Despite our past animosities, it may be prudent not to antagonize them for the current moment."

She finished with a slight huff of annoyance.

"Have you any personal affinities towards the other clans? That might be a place to begin. Our clan is seeking not only to build trust, but also to keep an ear open to any agendas ongoing. The Otomo may have this city in good order today, but still we must be prepared for a future catastrophe."

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Lois
"I consider myself amateurish in the art of theater. The need for attention is high, in spite of the typical notions of the steadfastness and humility of the samurai - to me, a good actor makes our name easier to utter, even to our finest enemies." 

*He consumes more tea.* 

"As for any affinities, I don't exactly show myself as a major advocate for any one clan, but I have the least amount of trouble rallying with and confiding in those of the Dragon and Unicorn clans... Despite one having a very *Unique* Way of dueling, one that I'm sure will echo through history, most of them have tried the path of introspection necessary to not be so arrogant. The Unicorn, by and large, are quite friendly, and that seems to be their main edge against the rest of us. Either way, these things are easy to deal with." 

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Gerard
The ambassador smiled. "Acting is certainly a fine skill to possess, particularly in this city. I'm certain there will be opportunities to display your knowledge and craft in the coming months.

"Now, rather crucially, you must keep an eye out for your own safety. As a clan we have encountered many a threat from the criminal cartels and fireman gangs of Ryoko Owari. They are senseless thugs, but do not forget that they are well paid and equipped thanks to their benefactors in the Shosuro family. There are ashigaru guards stationed here if you ever wish for an armed escort. And if you require a partner to practice your martial skills with, I'm sure Kakita Kiyoko could lend a hand. She lives here with us in the embassy lodge."

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