Jeffrey
After walking through the sprawling city with the colorful group of other samurai, Shinjo Kiyoko was beyond exhausted. It was taking everything in her to hold her poise as she approached the *Ashigaru*.

Without needing a mirror she could tell her hair had grown a bit damp and limp from the heat and sweat of her ride. Her lovely kimono specially prepared for today, in shades of her Clan and bedecked with her family *Mon*, weighed heavy on her shoulders. She was not going to make her best impression looking such a mess.

*Soon... Soon I shall be able to rest. And then you can try again when refreshed. You can do this, Kiyoko.*

Leaving her mount and approaching the standing guards, she spoke with an even and warm tone.

"Will you please alert the Lord that Shinjo Kiyoko has arrived? I'm expected."

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Shanon
"You dare speak to me, Ambassador to the Unicorn Clan to Ryoko Owari Toshi, Voice of the Great Horde, and heir to the Utaku daimyo in this tone!" The little girl's voice was shaky and hitched more than once, but she stood her ground as she stared intently at the hands of the woman signing. She was not used to delivering such a scathing tirade in front of anyone, let alone her mother and the samurai she served, but she took a valiant stand.

"Very good, Hisa-chan!" Her mother, seated to the side watching equally intently, clapped softly and smiled brightly. The girl let out a sigh and deflated a little, eyes darting to the plate of boortsog on the table. The woman whose words she was translating, nodded her permission, and little hands shot out to obtain more than her fair share. "You're learning quickly. Pretty soon I'll be able to take days off."

"I dunno, *Haha-ue*. It's tough being grumpy all the time." Hisa sat down next to her mother and spoke between bites of the fried dough, oblivious to the shock on Kazuko's face and the efforts of her own mother to avoid laughing.

"Well, then, how about I handle all the business meetings and you can help her when she goes shopping or on dates." Fuyuko cast an eye toward the reddening Utaku, and finally laughed. "Please, Kazuko-sama. You know Makoto-sama loves kids. He'd be thrilled to have Hisa-chan along. Plus she takes up less room and is cheaper to feed—I hope."

The Battle Maiden went as if to retort, but stopped halfway, instead plucking one of the fried sweet balls of dough and throwing it at her translation team. Fuyuko deftly grabbed it before it impacted, popping it into her own mouth. "Better watch out, Hisa-chan. Looks like she means business."

Hisa nodded with mock seriousness, then finished the last of her boortsog and stood again. "Oba-sama Ko, thank you for the lessons. And the snacks."

She ran to give the Unicorn Ambassador a quick hug, then backed off and returned to a more proper demeanor. "Now, this one will return to her duties. A new samurai will be arriving soon, and I would be remiss in my duties if I was not there to welcome her."

*Very good. When she arrives, send her to my office. Tell a servant to ensure the tea is hot and ready.* Kazuko's dismissal was matched with a hint of a smile and a gentle nod of her head. Bowing to the floor, Hisa exited and moved back to the waiting rooms. *That girl is already a handful. I shudder to think of her in a few years.*

"You're telling me, Kazuko-sama. I have to *Raise* Her." Fuyuko now stood and moved to her lady's side, rummaging through nearby paperwork to find the letters of import. "Now, about our new arrival. A Shinjo, and a diplomat at that. Here is all we received on her."

The two guards who met Kiyoko briefly reviewed her papers of introduction before making way for her to enter. She was escorted into the main residence and brought to a well-furnished and cool waiting room. In a few moments a young girl no more than twelve, dressed in fine servant's attire, entered and bowed low. "Welcome, Shinjo-sama. Utaku-sama is ready to meet you."

Unicorn Ambassador Utaku Kazuko's office was not designed to impress. A window to let in sunlight, a door behind to provide quick access to the room from outside—and quick exit. To one corner sat an armor stand with armor, a rack for a daisho containing only a wakizashi, and a proudly displayed Saddle Cutter. The centerpiece was a large, exotic wooden desk with intricately engraved silver patterns. Papers were neatly stacked on each of the desk's far ends, and a departing servant had just supplied a tea set with three cups to the side.

Kazuko—seated behind the desk—gestured toward a chair in front. The information she received from home was limited, but she had heard of the woman's injuries and knew the gaijin sitting arrangement would prove more comfortable after the long journey. Kazuko wore her standard fair in such meetings, a fine but not overly formal kimono in the lavender and gold of the Unicorn. As the Shinjo approached, the Battle Maden's severe countenance would seem to bore into and through her.

Standing behind and beside the Ambassador was a small woman dressed in fine quality but simple servant's clothing. She would place the cups in front of the Ambassador, the Shinjo, and lastly herself, before pouring the dark brown liquid into them in the same order.

Utaku Kazuko raised her hands and began to sign, as the woman to her right spoke. "Welcome, Shinjo-san. I hope the journey here was agreeable. I am Utaku Kazuko, Ambassador to Ryoko Owari. The woman speaking is Fuyuko-san. She serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her are my words; please consider them with the same weight."

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Jeffrey
Grateful for the opportunity to rest, the newly arriving Shinjo gave a respectful bow to the women before her. Easing into the chair, it was with great effort that she managed to stifle her sigh.

Kiyoko's eyes never left the Ambassador's face, though they did flit to her quickly signing hands. She knew very little of the language of hands, but made a mental note to begin learning more.

"Thank you for meeting with me so quickly, Ambassador Utaku-sama. The journey was long, and though I am hale in other respects, a ride that long does not agree with me." Briefly, as though it were a subconscious motion, Kiyoko's hand gripped the fabric over her left knee. Yet in the blink of an eye, her hand returned to a relaxed state in her lap.

"I do understand the need for a translator. I will make sure to heed your words through her." Nodding once, Kiyoko met the Utaku's gaze with a warm smile.

"When word reached home about the near desperate need for more courtiers, I was tasked with finishing my work there to come assist here as needed. Hopefully I can be of assistance to you and the Clan's affairs here in Ryoko Owari Toshi."

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Shanon
"Good." Kazuko took in the newcomer. Tired, yes, but also earnest. Ready and willing to put herself into the fray, so to speak. A Shinjo to the core. Inquisitive yet tactful. All valuable skills that would prove of great use in the months to come. While her steely gaze did not warm, neither did it chill.

The little girl who saw Kiyoko in slipped back silently and deposited a small tray of boortsog onto the table, leaving just as silently. A gentle wave of the hand, inviting the new Shinjo to help herself. She was home now—or at least what would pass for home until this place was made theirs. "I am uncertain what information has made it to your particular channels, and am loath to waste my or your time. What do you know of the city and its current state?"

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Jeffrey
Kiyoko gave the faintest smile as the girl performed her task dutifully. She felt encouraged to see one so young able to serve the Clan in this wayward city.

Taking the briefest moment to sip at the tea provided, Kiyoko then shook her head with a gentle sigh.

"I'm afraid very few details have made their way home. Or, specifically, few have made it to myself. Just enough for concern to blossom... And for me to make my way here at once. I know there is tension amongst the Clans present. When is there not, really? But it seems to be of a cumbersome sort this time."

Having accepted a piece of the fried dough, the Shinjo met the gaze of her ambassador. "Sincerest apologies for coming so ill-informed. But I am here to be of service in any capacity you deem necessary. May I ask for a brief summary of what has transpired? And... Where my duties will begin?"

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Shanon
"No apologies are needed, Shinjo-san. I will explain the situation as best as able." Kazuko took a moment to stretch and massage her hands, as what was to come would be quite involved. If only the situation were simpler. "Let us start with the matters you are well aware of and move outward.

"Our claims that the so-called City of Lies is rightfully ours were upheld through the Emperor's silence on the matter. However, due to the unfortunate events of the past winter, we are unable to move directly on the city. Instead we are forced to court and caress the egos of the Imperial administration." The Ambassador's interactions with the Otomo were limited, but they were not to be underestimated. They were certainly not to be trusted. It was an open secret that this Imperial family existed only to foment division between the clans. "In so doing, we have successfully maintained the support of the Crane—insufficient as it is—while also garnering alliance with the Mantis.

"The Crab and Dragon remain relatively silent on matters, as is to be expected." She quickly took a sip of the tea before continuing. "The Scorpion of course stand against us, as our true enemy. The Phoenix have burned their chances of friendship with us as they struck my second in a reckless act from their shugenja. Meanwhile the Lion bear their fangs with us against the Scorpion, but I have no doubt they will find no lasting satiation in their quarry."

The serious, stern exterior of the Battle Maiden remained for a few seconds longer. Then, the Ambassador's facade dropped. The proud and perfect posture slipped ever so slightly, and Kazuko looked as tired as she felt. "I am not a diplomat, Shinjo-san. My skills at court are amateur at best. I was meant to lead a conquering army into this city, not play politician. Enemies circle us searching for weakness, allies play to control us, and the Imperials stir the pot."

She rubbed a hand across her face, trying to wipe away the exhaustion weighing it down. "My bushi are skilled, restrained, and respectful, and they have been invaluable in proving our commitment to peace and security. I have relied on this, applying tactical planning to reinforce their actions for greatest impact, and it has proven successful thus far. Yet if we are to plant ourselves into the governance of this city I need those who can navigate courts."

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Jeffrey
As the weight of the problem sunk in, Kiyoko leaned back in the chair with a heavy sigh. Most of this information had not reached home, and she felt ill-prepared for the task ahead.

Still, she was a Shinjo of the Unicorn Clan. She was not about to give up on her family simply because she had been bereft of necessary information.

Straightening up with purpose and giving a brief nod as though agreeing to an unspoken word, Kiyoko met the gaze of the Ambassador in front of her with a confident look.

"Utaku-sama. While I know you would have wished for someone with more experience and knowledge of the situation, rest assured that I will do everything in my power to represent our Clan during courtly affairs with the utmost honor and respect. I cannot promise that I won't stumble along the way, but I can assure you that I will still carry myself with grace and poise without bringing us disgrace."

The woman straightened her back and held her head high. Kiyoko knew she was heading into the situation blind, but she also knew she could learn to navigate this city and its dark underbelly with time.

Kiyoko let a small smile grace her lips. She could feel the thrill of upcoming battle. She was ready, and it showed in the glint of her eye.

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Shanon
"We are all in some manner blind to the ways of this city, Shinjo-san. It is our greatest adversity, yet also our strength." Kazuko shifted slightly, memories of her arrival to this cesspool floating to the surface. It was not an easy transition for her, nor was it for any of Shinjo's children. "We can see this city—and more importantly its people—for what it can be, not what it is."

There was no need to tell the courtier her task would be a challenge. Were it not, it would not be one befitting a samurai of the Great Clans. Patronization would not do either. So, the Ambassador would skip both extremes. "I trust you will perform your duties with utmost adequacy. The question does not lie in that, but where to leverage your prowess first. Tell me, where would you believe the best front to deploy your skills?"

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Jeffrey
A crease formed between thin brows as the courtier lost herself in thought. After a moment, her gaze returned to the Ambassador. 

"While I want to say I could perform any duties necessary, that would be unwise. Considering I'm new to the city, it might be best to start with general greetings to those I'll be seeing regularly. Afterwards, establishing the most pressing needs to fulfill will give me an idea on where to start. I would hate to start on something trivial when I could be used elsewhere. Have you any thoughts on where I should begin?"

Kiyoko would never turn down recommendations when it came to her duties. She was not averse to taking initiative, but in dire circumstances such as these, she preferred to hear from those with more experience. 

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Shanon
"I agree. Meeting with our allied diplomats would be a wise first step." Kazuko scratched her chin thoughtfully. She had rarely been able to speak to the elusive elder Crane Ambassador, but perhaps a fellow diplomat would be more apt to make the time to visit. "I would suggest you introduce yourself to the Crane Embassy at your earliest convenience.

"As for the Mantis—" The Ambassador paused and began rummaging through the stack of parchments until she found the one looking for. Passing it to the Shinjo to review, she continued. "They recently approached us with ideas for a potential business venture. Aiding in negotiating terms may be a good start to working more closely with them."

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Jeffrey
Kiyoko took the parchment to read while nodding.

"Thank you. These suggestions are most welcome. I will arrange a meeting with the Crane Ambassador after I have had a day to recuperate from my journey, if that is sufficient."

The courtier took a moment to memorize what she could from the parchment before passing it back to her Ambassador. She was feeling more confident, thanks greatly to a superior able to guide with care.

"I don't want to presume that is for me to take. But if you have any further suggestions or materials to aid my discussions with the Mantis and their venture it would be greatly appreciated. I do like to be as prepared as possible when stepping into talks of this nature."

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Shanon
"If it aids you to keep it, I see no reason why you should not." Kazuko waved a hand dismissively when the paper was offered back to her. "The Mantis are our allies and we have little to need for secrecy between them and us."

The question on further materials was a good one, and indeed one the Battle Maiden was less capable of formulating. Still, at least she could provide basic ideas. "While I have no doubt the Mantis will conduct business with us honorably enough, I worry for how their business practices will extend to other clans and the commoners. Their reputation, while undoubtedly exaggerated, is not unearned."

The Ambassador took a moment to sip at her tea, considering how next to phrase her words in a way that would prove the most diplomatic. In the end, she chose directness instead. "We are building a reputation on the back of reliability and honesty. Enriching our clan's livelihood here is important, but not at the expense of our image. Ensure the Mantis do not have anything planned which could tarnish that image."

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Jeffrey
Sensing the end of this first and most important discussion, the courtier stood and bowed.

"Thank you, Utaku-sama. I shall work to the best of my abilities to foster not only a stable working relationship with the Mantis, but also keep a subtle eye on how they comport themselves. If you have nothing else for me, I shall take my leave. And if I have further questions, I know where to look."

Kiyoko, just a tad unsteady on her feet, turned to give the interpreter a bow in thanks as well before taking her leave to seek some rest.

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