Heather
Two days after the dubious meeting at Shosuro palace, the young hatamoto Kenza had approached the Lion Embassy. Despite the friction between their Clans he seemed composed, if still as exotic in appearance as ever. Purple and gold hanged from him, with his hair bound into a topknot and a gentle demeanour. A silver envelope and wrapped gift were held in his hands as he stepped up towards the entrance. 

Not one to overstep his place or knowingly offend another person of rank, he waited at the threshold to be invited in and offered a polite bow to any Samurai that passed by. He noted the layout of the building and compared it to the Ide residence with some curiosity in his eyes. When an attendant was close, he inquired in a mild tone:
"Good day. I'd like to speak to the ambassador, if she has time enough, please."
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Irene
The lion tasked with watching the gates and receiving visitors bowed at the presence of Ide no Suio Kenza. He knew that Ikoma-sama was present, but he had to ask her if she would want to meet with this guest. In the meantime though, it would be rude to have them wait outside. 

*"Ide-sama, thank you for gracing us with your presence. Please come in and enjoy the gardens in the meantime while I inform the office of your arrival."*

—— 

The gatekeeper informed the ambassador of the Unicorn visitor. *"Which Ide is this?"*, Zenmai asked. *"The second-in-command, Ikoma-sama."* He kept his head and bow low, while feeling a small sense of pride of his service to this embassy. As gatekeeper, it was his responsibility to know every samurai of interest at Ryoko Owari. To not be prepared of any potential visitor would be a failure of his role. 

*"I see. Let him in, Kobayashi."*

The paperwork on her desk can wait. This Unicorn's visit came first. 

Kobayashi bowed and made his exit. At the ambassador's command, the Unicorn shall be delivered to her office at once. 

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Heather
Kenza offered Kobayashi a respectful bow in turn and waited a while in the gardens. The man seemed content to observe the flowers and the arranged rocks, a calmness about him as he waited to be seen. Suio looked up and watched the wind brush the trees.

Once summoned into the office, the merchant offered Zenmai a proper bow. Had there been a daisho stand waiting, as often there was in Lion holdings, he would take the time to arrange his scimitar and wakizashi upon them with the handles of each pointed to his right - the diplomat's arrangement.
Suio then introduced himself with a gentle intonation: "Lion-sama. Thank you for offering your time. I serve the Unicorn as hatamoto and my name is Ide no Suio Kenza."
When Ikoma was content he approached and offered his gift three times, a wooden box wrapped in sable and gold paper. "A small thing, Lion-sama."



"If it would please you, I wish to discuss an offer of prosperity with you. My intentions are peaceful." The man sounded sincere and he waited to be seated, showing a respect for etiquette and the lady before him.

||The arrangement mentioned earlier is usually seen as telling of peaceful intentions, as the handles in that setup would be difficult for someone to perform a right-handed draw with. 
Hatamoto - high ranking samurai servant, in this case, second to the ambassador
Irene
The ambassador received the Unicorn's gift with grace. She personally never understood the dance of refusal, but she was nonetheless taught by her niece the right way to receive gifts. She would be sure to open it later.

*"Peace between the clans is the only thing that the Empire wants, and is therefore, what we strive for, Ide-san."* One may find a contradiction with this statement and the Lion's gift presented at the recent ambassador's dinner, depending on one's interpretation of that engraved Odachi.

*"So yes, I am listening. I would like to hear about your offer or proposal of peace."*

Zenmai's desk was clear of any quills or scrolls. She gave the Unicorn hatamoto her full, genuine attention.

||
Heather
Kenza offered a steady bow of the head and considered his approach. Outwardly he seemed mild mannered, and somewhat less strictly composed than his appearance at the palace.
"I would like to see the Clans prosper, Lion-sama. My people trade with those we trust, and I offer this trust to you and your kin. Recent words have put us at odds, and I would like to mend this." The trader allowed his words to settle a moment before he continued.

"My bazaar will arrive within a few short days, bringing with it a place for the Clans to meet and trade in safety. I would like to offer a place there to your Clan, that we may both benefit and be at peace. I only ask for your consideration, Lion-sama."
Kenza inclined his head respectfully once more. He spoke softly and regarded the lady with a measure of respect.

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Irene
Zenmai's eyebrows furled confusingly for a second, expecting a different agenda than this. There was no deceit, just misunderstanding. The hatamoto did mention that it was a peaceful offer of prosperity, and Zenmai's mind immediately thought this was in regards to the city itself and the recent dinner. 

*"Thank you for your offer, Ide-san. We currently don't have traders nor goods to sell, but if we do think of a use for a bazaar stall, I'll be sure to let you know. Your extension of generosity is appreciated."* 

She paused for a second, wondering how big this bazaar would be and what goods or services they expect it to sell. 

*"May I ask some details, however? Is this bazaar going to be a mainstay in the city, or is this a temporary trader's hub? And additionally,"* And more importantly, she thought. *"I assume the hosts of this city have been consulted of this marketplace set up?"*

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Heather
Kenza noticed the change in her expression, though managed to keep his own mien mild and understanding. 
"It was considered that we might discuss matters of allegiance, Lion-sama, but.." The trader considered for a moment, with a light gesture of his hand. "It may be bold to assume that the matters at Shosuro Palace have settled. Ide-sama chose his words, but now that responsibility falls to myself. I'd not ask to speak of such diplomacy unless it was your desire to do so."
A respectful bow of the head followed and he waited a moment to hear her response, before the groomed man answered her question.

"You may, Lion-sama. The bazaar will be arranged just outside the city, a short walk beyond the gates but within view of the walls. We will make space for each willing Clan there, space enough to conduct trade and enjoy the hospitality of my Clan. Servants will be there to handle matters of coin. The marketplace here befits those who work and merchants, not Samurai. There will be space enough for merchant patrons from all Clans to reside and conduct business comfortably, and places to meet and speak."
At the second part of the question Kenza did pause for a short moment, so as to choose his words.
"I am going to treat with the Scorpion soon. They too will be invited to the bazaar, but I feel that too much was said and done recently to convey my offer respectfully. It may require a few more days to calm. Until then, my arrangements continue."

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