Jack
Having left a couple of days for the business at the palace to settle, the second Unicorn arrived at the Mantis holding in the middle of the morning. Kenza was dressed well, but felt less out-of-place amidst the people here. Another Clan that understands other cultures, he considered. Enrobed in purple and gold the trader then paced up towards the entrance with an envelope and wrapped gift in his hands. Light eyes looked from awning to window and garden patch, interested to see how the fellow traders conducted themselves and observe what influences they had adopted.

Kenza stopped at the entrance proper and offered the first attendant close a polite dip of the head.
"Good morning. I'd like to speak to the ambassador if time permits it, please." Any Samurai that passed caught his attention, though he knew better than to stare and had the presence of mind to bow a little when they moved by.
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Randell
It had been a few days since the ordeal at the palace, and Moshi Mai was still fuming about it. 

The servants had been lucky enough that the ronin Chiyoko took the brunt of the shugenja's ire, which she seemed much more capable of handling. There had been a few... Screaming matches, to put it lightly, but seeing as how Mai's yojimbo was still in one piece and not burned, things weren't reaching dangerous levels. 

No, Mai was just frustrated. Her first conference, her first real court outing, and she looked a fool, thanks to Bayushi Orochi's foolhardy scheme, and her complete and utter lack of knowledge on the plan even happening. It put her in a horribly anxious state, so much so she was slacking in her duties. In the aftermath, Yoritomo Yuichi excused himself from the embassy, surely because of Mai's lack of leadership and direction. 

So, that is all to say that when she was told by the servants that one Ide no Suio Kenza was here to see her, she quickly refused. "Send him away," She grumbled, lounging about on her raised dias of pillows. "I don't want to deal with anyone." 

"Moshi-sama," Chiyoko interrupted, "This might not be wise. If the Unicorn are here to speak to _us,_ maybe-"

"Oh, did I ask you to speak, Cyclops?" Mai shot a look at her bodyguard. "Talk back again and I'll make you blinder than that woman you got into a gang fight with."

"Even with no eyes, I'd still see it's stupid to put off doing my _job,_ Moshi-sama." Chiyoko spoke out of turn again, but leveled her gaze on her superior all the same. "Forgive me, but you need to keep your head up. The Scorpion and the Unicorn looked the fool, not you. If anything, I think it's good you weren't involved with some foolish scheme like that." 

"The day I need a ronin's opinion and advice is the day the world falls to Fu Leng." Mai rubbed her eyes, and thought for a moment. "Well, call the Crab, for we have Oni to fight." 

"Um... Moshi-sama?"

"I mean, bring him in, you idiot." Chiyoko bowed, and instructed a servant to fetch Kenza. 

Kenza would be led into the main hall, where Mai was now standing by a small meeting table, crushed green velvet pillows on each side. Chiyoko stood a few yards away to give them space, but close enough to get in close, if necessary. 

"Moshi-sama, I present Ide no Suio Kenza, Financier in Ryoko Owari Toshi on behalf of the Unicorn Clan." The servant bowed, and stepped away. 

"Well, well," Mai chuckled, "I wasn't expecting to see Unicorn on my doorstep. I figured my 'ally' would keep your lot far away. Nice to see I was wrong." She gave a polite bow, and offered a seat. "Would you like tea? Name the style, and I assure you, we'll have it." 
 ||
Jack
The second Unicorn offered a respectful bow with a slow sway of his topknot, then thought first to offer the gift to Moshi Mai. 
"I've brought a small thing for you. It is nothing, really." The wrapped box was offered once, twice and then thrice. A lidded wooden box, wrapped in teal paper. The contents made no sound.



"Jasmine would be splendid, Moshi-sama. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me." The trader was then seated and took little time to centre himself. Despite the situation at the palace, he seemed collected.

"If you would permit it, I have come to discuss a proposal. Nothing so bold as allies or enemies - I simply wish for peace and prosperity. Where possible, to share this with all of the Clans." Kenza waited a while then and listened while they waited for the tea. The vassal was well dressed and softly spoken, but as he had been last they met, the tension that may have lingered in the room seemed not to affect him. Once the tea arrived, he was content to pour it and served Moshi before himself. 
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Randell
The gift was denied twice, and accepted, as is traditional. A silly custom, as far as Mai was concerned; she wanted the present, dammit, why not just accept? Either way, she took a moment to open it, and her smile was clear on her lips. "You humble young man," She said, "Claiming such a beautiful thing is 'nothing really.' I would say I'd wear it next time I must go to court, but I feel court is the _last_ place I want to step foot for some time." 

She ordered the servants to get them tea, and turned her full attention back to Kenza. "It's of no issue to me, Ide-san. The Mantis are a lot more accommodating than one is led to believe."

The proposal gave her some pause, but not in a bad way. "Hm. A proposal for peace and prosperity, eh?" She kept her hands in her lap, open to the idea, somewhat. "I have often said that the youth are so full of grand, if not foolhardy ideas, but if there was a foolish notion I always approve of, it's peace and prosperity." She chuckled at her little tease, and waited for the tea to be poured by the polite Unicorn. 

She sipped, so he could partake himself, and conversation continued. "I am open to a proposal," She said, "As I have never seen all that difference between our clans. We both get called Gaijin behind our backs and have to prove ourselves at every turn. And we aren't so scared of the outside world as to not bend it to our will. I can respect the Unicorn for that. 

"However, I must ask, on whose authority are you making this proposal? I would have assumed Ambassador Nakato-sama would be the one to speak to me. Or is he not wishing to make any appearances?" 

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Jack
Kenza seemed pleased that she had opened the gift now and shared her smile, though at the mention of avoiding court he simply nodded and batted his thin brows in quiet agreement. 
"I would have enjoyed more chances to meet with the Mantis. With our cousins, the Kitsune, now counted among you as kin perhaps more opportunities will arise." 
He sounded hopeful, but eased a moment to pour the tea. He sipped a moment after the ambassador and seemed to enjoy the selection. A short moment was spared to enjoy the aroma of the drink before he continued.

"We have more in common than most, Moshi-sama." He agreed in his gentle manner, but listened to Mai and considered his words carefully before he replied.
"I share the responsibility of representing the Unicorn for the foreseeable future, Moshi-sama. Ide-sama has withdrawn and I am the hatamoto." Kenza lifted his cup to enjoy a little more tea, letting his gaze move from Moshi to the room and the desk from moment to moment. He did this so as not to stare, and his posture suggested that he was comfortable and content.

"My bazaar will soon arrive, bringing with it a safe place for the Clans to meet and trade in peace. A place for merchants and patrons. All of the Clans, in time, will be allowed there if it can be arranged. I would like to invite you and your kin to join me there, Moshi-sama."
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Randell
So far, things had been cordial, and Mai was enjoying this much more reasonable meeting with the Unicorn. She hadn't had strong opinions on them for the most part, thinking them just another Great Clan among the rest, but with more kindred of spirits. And then the conference put them in a different light, with things making it all the more difficult. But now... Well, this fellow knew his manners, at least. 

"I see. Well, congratulations, Hatamoto Ide-sama. I'll pray that you serve with distinction." This was a very good thing for Mai, at least. She wasn't sure she'd have much leeway with Ide Nakoto, the way things had gone. But now, after that debacle, a change of positions and a kind meeting meant that the Unicorn was needing to make some rapid movements. Good. 

"A bazaar sounds just what this city needs," Mai replied. "Honestly, I'm no much for money, even more than most of us Samurai, but I had noticed that it's hard to find imports in a city like this that aren't marked up to embarrassing prices. A trading bazaar would be a nice tough. _And_ a nice middle ground for us Clans." She sipped at her tea, and mulled it over. Surely, there was more to this. But, she couldn't figure what. "I can see no reason to refuse," Moshi Mai replied, "So I will not. Your invitation is definitely accepted. The Mantis would be honored to join in this endeavor." 

||
Jack
Kenza seemed pleased that the lady Moshi appeared agreeable and offered her a seated bow. He then smiled and drank his tea once it was polite for him to do so. "A thousand splendid suns, Moshi-sama. Proper space will be made for your kin to setup stalls, with space for storage and relaxation. Capable men and women from my Clan will be arriving to keep the bazaar both safe and running, but you will of course be allowed to bring protection of your own if you so desire. The arrangements are written up within this letter, should you wish to refer back to them later."
He offered the neatly folded envelope with both hands and a downward cant of his head, foreign topknot falling over his left shoulder as he did.

Upon straightening up and composing the smile away from his face, Kenza inquired with a mild though curious tone:
"Are there any concerns or questions that I might resolve for you, Moshi-sama? It occurs to me that we've spoken relatively little, though it seems this has begun to mend."
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Randell
Mai listened to the details, and was pleased to see the Unicorn pleased as well. This was good; they could still be civilized after all that mess. It was almost _too_ nice, but Mai knew better than to overthink things. Too much strain on the heart. 

"Oh, we'll be bringing our own guards in," She replied, "But trust me, I have sure confidence in the Unicorn and their kind. Unlike some of these clans, I know that you're an honorable lot. A little rambunctious, but my Clan would say that's a boon, not a curse." She took the letter, giving a respectable nod, and set it down for now, to show she trusted the man's words at their face value. "If we're candid here, the Mantis have no quarrel with the Unicorn; you dominate the land trade, we the sea. We share cultures in our many in one. Honestly, it's the _company_ you keep that puts us at odds, Ide-san." 

Sipping more tea, she thought of any concerns she may have. "I feel that I should explain a little on the incident at the conference," She said. "I won't get into details, as far as I am concerned, I am still allied with your rival in this city dispute. But, as I noted at that horrid dinner, I was not aware of any foolishness that was brought about by Shosuro Orochi-sama. What that foolishness is, I will not say. But, perhaps in the future. If things change and you find yourself wanting a more _likeminded_ ally... Well, We seem to talk easily enough, hm? Just a thought." 

"As for any questions, I _am_ curious: The Unicorn's stake on Ryoko Owari Toshi: What are your thoughts? I haven't had the chance to ask anyone of your Clan this directly. Forgive my bluntness, but if you intend to make nice with me, it will definitely come out a lot more often than not, ha!"

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Jack
Kenza gave the lady Moshi a rather knowing look at the mentioned of 'company' but didn't directly reply to her. Perhaps he agreed. "It was an exciting evening, to be sure, Moshi-sama." He murmured in a similarly knowing tone before he lifted his tea and perked up, straightening his back some. 
"I held Ide-sama with great respect, but he is unlikely to remain in the city. The truth is that I had no disagreement with the Scorpion until they apparently incited the Lion to declare war upon my kin. It was politics alone, not personal animosity. These aren't painted on, I see things as well as any Samurai." He made a gesture to his soft hazel eyes with a faint sound of the wooden and metallic bangles around his wrist jingling together.

The Unicorn took a moment to consider and compose, despite their candidness. "We do speak more plainly than most. I, likewise, don't see this as a flaw." He offered a small smile that suited him better than the serious mien he'd just chased away.
"My great ancestors are buried here. They've become the earth that the Scorpion now turn to grow opium, and that the Lion bore the horse-killing blade over. The Scorpion, too, have ancestry here now. The Lion, for their supposed reverence of the ancestors, certainly didn't consider mine with their stunt."
Kenza lifted his tea once more to drink before he continued, his tone lighter but with a considered hesitation as he picked his words.
"I think both Clans have a fair claim. At this point I'd accept what the Imperials decree once our claim is considered properly. The others of my Clan may feel differently, but the truth is that the Unicorn are more than our Ki-Rin ancestors. We grew into the Clan we are today over our exodus. I mean no disrespect to those who came before, only that we've been foreigners a lot longer than we've been Rokugani."
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Randell
Mai gave Kenza silence and allowed him to speak freely, with no interruptions. Ancestry was a fair enough claim to stake on, if proven, and if she was fair (and a touch generous), cities traded hands often. Her Clan was well aware of this, handing over much of their mainland holdings to the Crane Clan. She could not outright deny the logical and emotional reasoning the Unicorn just gave her. 

She placed her teacup down and crossed her arms, eyes closed as she took in the information given. "I see." She wasn't one to mull things over, but she forced herself to do so, and not to panic, either. It was difficult, but necessary. "As someone not blessed enough to born a full Rokugani, I can understand that. I carry Gaijin blood in my veins, which did my no favors among the Centipede, when we were just so. I say this to explain I understand the Unicorn a lot better than most. The Mantis have had to earn their keep since the beginning, and had to fight the horrors of the accursed Fu Leng just to earn a spot at the table. I can certainly respect the Unicorn's desire to earn the city they feel they are owed. 

"And yet, we stand on opposite sides of the dias." She let out a wry chuckle, and relaxed her arms. "That's fate for you, hm? All the same, anyone willing to reach out an offer of peace is someone I can get behind. Unless something changes, consider the Mantis and the Unicorn on peaceful terms. If you have to act against us in the future, no hard feelings. Simple politics, as you say. But for now, I could use less of a headache in my life. One Great Clan's ire is more than enough for me." 

As a sign of respect, Moshi Mai extended her hand to shake. 

||
Jack
This time Suio remained quiet and listened to Moshi as she spoke. The man nodded from time to time and appeared to share empathy with her, two half-gaijin at tea. The gesture that followed wasn't lost on Kenza, who took her hand and shook it firmly. When he returned his hand he looked pleased they'd reached agreement and smiled then to enjoy a little more tea.
"That you've had to fight for your place in the Empire is a familiar tale."
He added with a considered smile. He sounded sincere enough, and was either a capable actor or a relatively relaxed Samurai.

"I'll be meeting with the other Unicorn leaders soon. They shall be advised that we've found mutual ground and agreement. Regarding the Crane, if I might remain plain a while longer, those they've sent to this city I find lacking. We shall see what the future holds. The other Unicorn, though.. I believe they too will rejoice that we might trade and become greater together."

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Randell
A firm handshake. It was still not something she was used to, but she didn't mind it as much as she thought she would. A simple gesture through touch showing a familiarity and respect, this handshaking business was rather ingenious. Of course, it'd never catch on, but Mai liked it for what it was. 

"If you're not willing to fight for it, surely it didn't matter," Mai commented. "So, I hold no grudges with those that think us savages. We earned our place at the table, by Emperor's decree... Nothing else matters."

With the business attended to, all was said that must be said. "I'll notify my traders and the leaders back at the isles of this understanding between us,' she replied, "And I feel they will be most pleased." She called for one of her servants, and gave some quick instructions. "Prepare some jasmine for Ide no Suio-san, will you? Enough for a few week's worth of tea." She looked back at the Unicorn, smiling. "Consider it a gift and a sign of good faith. Though, you'll need to get the next batch from our shop at _your_ bazaar, hm?" 

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Jack
Kenza seemed content to have been received well, the satisfied smile broadened as Mai announced the gift of tea.
"Thank you, my lady. I'll long enjoy more of this fine tea. Perhaps we might do further business, and I shall see what other wares your kin have to offer. We may even discuss trade route arrangements, but we have time enough to grow first."

The trader was happy to stay a while and chat, if Moshi remained hospitable. Kenza knew not to overstay his welcome and would then depart once tea was finished with another respectful bow.

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Randell
|| Indeed, I think we're all good. Let's say they had a nice chat until the conversation petered out and they called it a day!