Misty
*The morning after their first tumultuous encounter, Kishi decides its only right to repay the favor. She was not the only one capable of staking out a likely path for a target to travel. Without a place to stay, the Tsuruchi did what he knew best, find a quiet spot to curl up for the evening and lay in wait. For this prey, the shelter of the arch resting above the embassy gate would provide an adequate position, along with the plausible deniability of whether or not he truly had entered the embassies grounds. Tucking his traveling pack into one corner, he ran his cloak through the accumulated debris and fallen leaves that had piled here in the long neglected structures past, and draped it over himself to hide from even the most prying of eyes in the recess of the cross bars. For many an impossible sleeping arrangement, but he'd had much worse.*
Michele
*The first thing the Mantis would learn was that his target was not a woman prone to idleness. Long after they had arrived the prior evening the candles had burned bright within the embassy as the Mirumoto continued their unending war to see the Embassy put to order and it's paperwork properly arranged. The woman retiring only when the moon was high and rising early with the dawn.*

*This morning however the Magistrate wore a more subdued soft blue yukata decorated with white plum blossom and paired with a subdued white obi decorated with only a single depiction of a nightingale alighting upon a branch. The Mirumoto's daisho at their side as she strode forward and under the arch her sandals clacking against the stone and fingers busy plaiting her long crimson tresses into a braid. The woman mentally going over the tasks that needed to be seen too today. The foremost being a visit to the temple of Kaze-no-Kami to make an offering of thanks to the fortune of wind for the air elementals aid the day before. Followed by meeting once more with the Unicorn merchant and stopping by Kenzo-san's forge to commission the tanto's that would be given as prizes for the Dragon's competition. Her mind abuzz with work as her gaze raked over her surroundings, but never thought to turn skyward.*
Misty
*The mantis watches her approach the gates, waiting until the moment they open to move, masking his sound under the screeching of rusted hinges. Positioning himself upright with his legs dangling over the side of the archway. He watches her first initial few steps, and takes in the pleasing sight of a less defensively presented Katsumi. Not all stress and worry seeped deep into her bones like the previous encounter. Though as much as he would enjoy simply watching her leave given the view from behind, he calls out to her with a smile on his face.* 

"You certainly work late into the night, especially after enjoying a few rounds of evening tea. Perhaps i should put you in contact with a candle merchant i know, im sure he would appreciate the business" *As she turns, she sees him leaning one shoulder against the uprights of the gate. Having since removed his armor and donned a more traditional set of attire.*

*His Kimono was likely the most normal thing adorning his form. A dull mottled green that appears almost like fresh green leaves as the morning wind sends the long ends fluttering, thin veins of golden yellow flowing along the edges and spreading in fractal lines across the surface. It almost seemed a bit too proper for her assessment of the man, though the occasional wrinkle in its surface betrayed a more familiar spirit. Not unlike his armor, he appears to have forgone the wide shouldered over coat and long angle length fabric in favor of something more slim fitting, bluring the likes between Kimono and Karategi, and discarding Sandles in favor of Laced boots. Clearly valuing the ability to move and fight over comfort or presentation, but maintaining just enough plausible deniability towards either.* 

*He sits eating something from within a paper wrapping as he looks down upon her, smiling like the cat that caught the canary*
Michele
*The Dragon does not jump, but it is a near thing. The woman instead spinning on her heel her braid forgotten and it's careful plaits ruined as the air kami upon the breeze play and tug at the now free tresses. Her bright jade eyes wide with surprise and hand swiftly going to the katana and wakizashi at her side though her stance had not changed a single detail from her natural gait. The woman only relaxing upon spying just who had addressed her though the wariness does not leave her gaze. The Mantis's appearance bearing note as she glanced over the yukata he had donned in favor of his more eyecatching armor within the city.*

"And a good morning to you as well Tsuruchi-san," *The Magistrate quips arching an incredulous brow a coy smile slowly warming their lips as she allows his words to wash over her. Along with the subtle threat and caution woven within them.* 

"I wasn't aware my evening activities would see you up so late or else I would have invited you in for tea. I'll have to strive to be more considerate of my stalkers come future evenings." *Katsumi teases tone wry and laced with playful sarcasm.*

"Though perhaps I should add 'acquiring a Yojimbo' to my list of tasks for today if I am to continue greeting such company so early in the morning." *The Mirumoto adds with a note of not undue wariness. Though the Tsuruchi was unlikely to be foolish enough to try to do them actual harm that didn't mean others would be of the same mind.*
Misty
"Such is my intention on this beautiful morning. I would be distraught if our previous conversation were rendered moot by your untimely meeting with steel." *He says keeping that same shit eating tone.* "As for stalking, i would never stoop so low. I merely intended to inform you of a wonderful deal i would be happy to broker as one of my many abilities i intend to share. Besides. I wouldn't dare cast an eye upon you from afar and spoil my imagination, Why read ahead when the story has just begun." *He teases, folding up the parchment wrapped snacks and tucking them into the folds of his kimono, he reaches over and retrieves his traveling pack. Sliding it over one shoulder before gracefully dropping down from his perch. One hand grasping the scabbard of his oddly long sword to keep it from smacking the ground as he lands.*

"I can assure you my own evening was delightfully boring." *He quips striding up beside her, before taking a bow that is perfectly between respectfully deep and insultingly shallow, the man never ceasing to find every little possible way to play with fire as if the flames were cold as ice.* "And as your Yojimbo i will pass the same assurance your day will be equally so." 

*He straightens, and retrieves a simple mempo from the top of his bag, afixing it around the lower half of his face and donning a simple hat, tucking his long tawny hair up inside it to hide his appearance from the more casual of observers.*
Michele
*The Magistrate's gaze flits to the paper wrapped snack the Mantis tucks into his yukata her stomach tightening in a sour reminder of her own lack of breakfast in her haste. The woman having not even waited for the servants to arise to begin her tasks for the day as her curiosity and hunger provide a brief distraction. The Mirumoto tuning back in to the Mantis's words in time for a brief hot blush to steal across the her cheeks.* "I suppose there is some merit to a man who finds himself fond of mysteries," *Katsumi quips though her gaze is skeptical when the Tsuruchi states that he would stand in as her guard.* 

"And I take it your services as a Yojimbo are among the much lauded skills you spoke of last night which you intend to wow and woo me with?" *The Magistrate inquires with a quirk of a smile as she watches the Wasp perform a rather fair impression of as Scorpion as the man donned both hat and mempo obscuring most of his features from view.*
Misty
"What bounty hunter doesn't enjoy a good chase?" *He quips back, the flush of her cheeks emboldening him, as he retrieves the packet of food from his breast* " Especially when you gaze so hungrily at the sight of me." *He teases, as he sides a piece of something small and yellow up under his mask, the smell of it on his breath is both acrid and sweet at once* "I must say i am flattered Mirumoto-san. I had planned a long speech about my training with steel and arrow, how i've trained with Sensei's from both the mantis lands and far beyond the eastern sea, but i can see from how you are staring you are already convinced i have many things to provide." *His words carrying that same practiced sarcastic haughtiness she was rapidly learning to expect, as he extends a hand over holding the package of what appears to be some form of dried fruit* "That or you are simply hungry, though i perfer the former theory myself."
Michele
"One who does his best to do an impression of a Scorpion to avoid others from seeing his face would be my answer should I hazard a guess," *The Magistrate quips as she gestures to his attire non-descript enough to give rise to questions of his clan to those who failed to recognize the make of his bow. Though the Wasp did succeed in luring the Dragon a few steps closer with the treat. The woman paying his teasing little mind as their gaze hones in on the dried fruit with open curiosity. Her gaze shifting between him and the food recalling how Kana had spoken of a recent treat the Mantis had been striving to import. *

"Is that Pineapple?" *Katsumi questions her tone soft and perhaps a more pointed snub of his laudable list of talents then her questioning him in regards to which Sensei and which Dojo's he had studied under. The woman's keen fascination nothing if not a mark of her Kitsuki heritage in these rare moments of wide eyed wonder when their duties were briefly forgotten. The Yojimbo's sizable capabilities in steel and arrow losing out alongside her flirtations to a piece of fruit.*
Misty
*The mantis chuckles at her childlike wonder* "Tsuruchi was decended from the scorpion after all, some things are best held onto i think." *Taking advantage of her fixation, reaches out with the bundle of snacks and repays her un-announced contact of last night by bumping her on the tip of her nose with it.* "And i see my devious plans have worked well. Yes, it is in fact pineapple. You've heard of it before then? I suppose after spending so many nights stalking the docks you would have run into one of my kin eventually." 

*He pulls the package back from her grubby mitts to break the enchantment. Before breaking off a piece and offering it to her* "I really must learn to negotiate more properly, not even married and already providing. Truly i have no hope against such a skilled diplomat such as yourself" *Though she can't see it beneath the mask, the grin is audible.*
Michele
*The tap to her nose serves to break the spell as the Magistrate flinches in surprise blinking owlishly as their attention returns to the here and now. Katsumi lifting a hand to rub at the bridge as she glowers up at the Tsuruchi without much heat as she accepts the karmic payback for their prior evening. Though the proffering of the fruit serves to soothe the Dragon's ruffled scales.*

"Thank you," *She murmurs not entirely bereft of manners even if they were difficult to maintain in the face of the razors edge the Bounty Hunter walked between mockery and respect.* 

"And it would be difficult to venture near the docks *Without* Encountering your kin. Though aside from yourself I happen to quite like the Mantis." *The Magistrate quips voice wry and teasing with just a hint of bite not unlike the fruit in her hands that the Dragon savored taking small nibbling bites as they contemplate it's taste and restrain themselves from licking their fingers.* 

"Magistrate Moshi Kana-san is a delight after all," *Katsumi adds for it was no secret that of late the Dragon Magistrate had spent their time mostly in the company of Lions or Mantis clan members lest the rare Scorpion seek them out.* 

"Though if you intend to act as my Yojimbo we'd best be on our way... Though you do realize that so long as you accompany me any slight to yourself does not bode well to those who seek to press such issues." *The Mirumoto adds as she glances up through her lashes at their impromptu Tsuruchi guard.* "So long of course as you were nott he one to start the altercation," *They add, but the Dragon doubted it would take Kishi long to suss out the meaning of her words. For just as the half-gaijin acted as her physical protector there were few Samurai bold enough to pick a fight with a Magistrate's Yojimbo directly in front of them.*
Misty
*Kishi nods* "Indeed i am well aware of the limitations and implications the duty places upon my conduct and the conduct of those towards me. I can assure you Mirumoto-san, i've lived a long life of slights and glares, and if you intend to get much work done today it would be best if i maintain a much more traditional garb of my clans past. Though i admit it would be very humorous to watch you disembowel a man in spirit, mind, and station. Besides," *He says reaching into one of his kimono once more, retrieving his badge of office, a pendant of a mantis holding a small orb of jade in its talons, and hanging it from his neck* "You are not the only one who possesses such rights. I've simply grown past using them for personal reasons." 


*He bends over to double check his boots are properly tied, the oddly designed footwear made of a material she can't quite identify, though it seems roughly similar to some form of leather.* "Let us move then. I am interested to see just quite what duties you have for today. And to see this... Fine city in greater detail."
Michele
*A soft sound of derision spills from the Mirumoto's lips. Their eyes hardened with a spark of ire that is there one moment and gone the next,* "You assume anything in regards to my actions here or my duties is personal," *The Mirumuto murmurs a hint of bitterness bleeding into their voice like poison tired and resigned. As the woman in question turns to head into the city. Threading their way through the crowds at the Tsuruchi's side in the manner Takeya had demonstrated to them as the Magistrate makes their way towards the Temple district.*

*Their first initial task of the day clear as the shugenja so artfully camoflauged as a bushi pauses to pay for incense, ribbons, and other small trinkets at the various stalls that sell them along the main road of the Small holies. The Magistrate chatting up the stall owners conversing quietly with the heimin in regards to their business and the progress in regards to the Embassy and Dojo. It becoming quickly clear that while the majority of the Mantis' people flocked to the docks that the Dragon's were drawn to the Temples.*
Misty
*The Mantis watches her leave, sighing to himself as she does.* "La haremos a tu manera entonces..." *He grumbles to himself, removing his mask and hat and stowing them in his travel pack as he takes swift strides to catch up. Following beside her silently lest he place his foot any deeper into his mouth.*

*Kishi does his best to act the part, standing just far enough back to be out of the way and barely in sight as she goes about her rounds through the temple district. The tower of a man serving as a sufficiently intimidating pillar of meat to do the most basic function of a Yojimbo, keeping idiots well and clear from his charge. Seemingly unbothered by the oogling and hushed conversations that for some unknown reason follow them wherever they go. Only breaking character to occasionally pop another peice of dried fruit into his mouth to sate a grumbling stomach.*

*To most onlookers he would appear bored, nearing on annoyed as he bounces on foot at each stop. Pacing back and forth on occasion as if looking for any reason to leave. To the untrained eye it looks near scandalously un-professional, distracted with his mind anywhere other than where he is standing. Without doubt however, those who know what to look for would see clear through the act and see the practiced disregard for exactly what it is, using the air of a distracted gaze to keep an eye and ear on every angle of his surroundings in this bustling market, looking for any blade in the crowd hoping to strike.*
Michele
*The Clan Magistrate does not chide him for the change, nor make comment on it, though some tension does bleed from their shoulders now that they shan't have to explain themselves to any passing Scorpion patrols. The woman initially paying him little mind caught up in her conversations with the various heimin. Though her porcelain mask cracks to show a bit more softness around the edges when dealing with her own people. The Dragon lingering at one of the stalls that sells both food for men and kami. The sweet scent of freshly baked nut bread lingering within the air as the woman orders two loaves. Before crossing the street to join Kishi beneath the overhang of one of the small temples. The woman carefully breaking the spare loaf in two as she offers half out to the Yojimbo. Moving to position her back to the wall and her body just behind and to his side so the man could spare some attention to eat without needing to entirely crane his neck to keep watch over her.*

"Here. You'll eat through all your fruit before we even make it to the Temple at this rate." *She quips taking a bite of her own meal. The bread warm, fluffy, and studded with baked nuts and seeds to give it a delightful bit of crunch.*
Misty
*Kishi accepts the gift with a smile* "Pretend i said no the sufficient number of times before accepting this gracious gift." *He chuckles, taking a bite and sighing a tad, satisfied. Keeping a watchful eye on any who come near as he eats in contemplation.* "For all your objections to taking a new Name, you carry yourself with a regard to the Heimin befitting a mantis." *He comments, with a hint of appreciaton.* "Something sadly missing from the hearts of far too many who bear... Honorable lineage." *He says choosing his words more carefully in this public place. Taking a step back towards the wall and adjusting his daisho to not bang against it as he lowers his voice to keep their conversation from curious ears* 

"Many seem to forget that even the most beautiful castle designed by the finest of scholars and tacticians would be nothing but ink on a page were it not for the stone workers and builders to bring their dreams to life working in the mud and sweat that the former find to be so 'beneath them'."
Michele
"Only a Crane would insist on refusing food thrice to ensure propriety. When the time comes for actual gifts then you can keep to courtly manners," *The Magistrate quips for food was made and meant to be shared. The concept of such things as 'gifts' to be given or taken rankled at the Dragon's sensibilities.*

"And the Mantis are not alone in their understanding of their responsibilities to the Heimin. Just rare is it for other clans to venture into the Dragon's lands to witness our dealings with their own eyes. Typically such guests would rather not weather the winter months in our care." *Katsumi explains glancing up from where they enjoyed their own warm breakfast. The bread reminiscent of home though without the drizzled honey she would typically coat the slices with to sate her sweettooth.*

"Many a Dragon Samurai have their roots with those who tend the earth. Should their spirit be valiant enough we do not believe it fit to allow them to linger waiting for their next lives to stand alongside those born to our great families. Many even hail from the lands of the Unicorn, war orphans of the Clan's latest clashes. Each are raised as if our own flesh and blood." *The Mirumoto explains gentle pride in their clan and her people's efforts warming her more practiced tone.*

"Even before such a time the Togashi have never turned away any who seek enlightenment."
Misty
*The mantis tries his best to stifle a grin* "Yes, Courtly manners, i'll have to remember where i put those when the time comes. I'm sure they are around somewhere" *He leans back against the wall with a sigh.* "I will admit, for as little as most clans know of the machinations of the mountain serpents, the mantis know significantly less. It is heartening to hear should my efforts to drag you down to the waters edge from your perch be unsuccessful, that i won't be so extremely out of place as i would find myself in other lands such as this." *He gestures around with one hand, before taking another bite of the first warm food he has had in weeks.*

 "Though i suppose i will have to deal with whatever passes for well spiced food in such a northern reach of the empire... And bundle myself in so many furs as to be mistaken for a sumo wrestler" *He says with a chuckle, turning his head to face her, letting his gaze wander over her features, reaching over slowly and making the bold move to wipe a crumb from her cheek* 

"You would certainly find my Family's Shugenja to be welcome company. You seem gifted in consulting the Kami in your investigations if those choking winds i had the pleasure of experiencing are any indication."
Michele
"You would fit in rather well in both manner and fashion," *The Magistrate assures him with a wry shake of her head, * "At least among the Mirumoto." *She adds as Katsumi cannot quite picture the Tsuruchi placed amidst the likes of the Agasha or Togashi.* "My family take a rather practical view of our role within the world. After all our lands are beautiful, but life there necessitates a certain flexibility of character." 

"I've often marveled that the only difference in appearance between a Mirumoto Mountaineer and a Mantis Sailor is their choice in hats." *Katsumi jokes recalling Takeya and his own fashion sense not unlike Kishi's or the men of her homeland.* "Though from atop our mountains I would not be surprised if you could shoot to the worlds end with that bow of yours. You'd do well among the Dragon's Flame, our Archers," *She suggests startling slightly at the gentle brush of fingers across her face before she recalls how Chiyoko had laid a hand upon her shoulder. The Mantis, she reminds herself while fighting down the color that flushes to her cheeks in surprise, were more prone to touch.*

"And it is not *That* Cold. Not when one has good company," *Katsumi teases as she glances up at the Tsuruchi with those big jade eyes of hers from beneath long dusky lashes, her smile welcoming and coy.*
Misty
*He smiles wide at her teasing, giggling a bit as her face flushes red* "That's quite the pitch Mirumoto-san, you really do have quite the promising career as a salesman with such a silver tongue. That mercantile spirit would be well appreciated in the south." *He teases. Leaning back away from her despite his instincts, fearing she might turn a shade of crimson that would but her hair to shame if he pushed his luck any further... Though he cannot resist one final remark* "But i suppose failing your inevitable surrender, for now we can settle with discovering its utility in... *Driving off the cold.*"

*He springs forth from the wall, re adjusting his kimono and daisho and examining himself to be clean of any remnants of breakfast, for even he is not so foolish to walk around in such a state* "Shall we be off to sort out the rest of your duties for the morning? As much as I would love to linger in conversation, I fear The embassy will not repair its self in your absence" *He remarks entirely ignoring any reaction she might have to his previous chiding with a similar coy look to her own, ever keen to dance on the knifes edge as he prepares to set off back into the hustle and bustle of the markets, much work to be done.*
Michele
"I'm afraid I cannot go about giving away my clan's tricks for surviving the cold to someone yet still an outsider," *The Magistrate gives as good as she gets with a pointed playful smile.* "But mayhap if you play your cards right you'll learn the gilt of my tongue." *She teases observing the Tsuruchi's quick step back, the Samurai's hazel eyes a shade darker then they'd been before as she follows in his wake. The Dragon once more taking the lead as she directs them to the temple of Kaze-no-Kami. The Mirumoto bowing low before the shrine as she decorates the Fortune of Wind's alter with bread and ties ribbons for the lesser air kami to delight in with their play.*

"This one gives thanks to the Fortune of Wind for your blessings and the blessings of your kin," *The Shugenja intones voice soft, but honest in her thanks as she lights the incense allowing fragrant smoke to fill the shrine in looping trails. As Katsumi holds her pose for a long moment and only straightens slowly when she feels the air tugging at her sleeves, soft breezes dancing through the shrine as she smiles at the delight of the lesser kami's.*

"Come. I will speak with the builders and then we shall be on our way to your Embassy to see to your papers and settle matters. Since you do not appear inclined to settle for a prize of coin." *The Mirumoto quips carefully smoothing out any wrinkles in their yukata as they turn to glance up at the Tsuruchi.*
Misty
"Rest assured Mirumoto san, the best cards in my hand are rarely played outside." *He comments, refusing to have her get the last word in, Stretching side to side in preparation for the rest of their travel, though mostly for her observation* 

*He falls in behind her as they weave between the temple visitors, listening intently as she speaks, watching her place the offerings at the temple with a warm gaze at the childlike amusement at something so simple as the flitting of the wind. Watching it play across her sleaves and tug at the ends of her scarlet mane. Eyes soft as she gazes up at him, finding his own features being tugged at in the breeze. The braided silk lines dangling from his daisho and the errant curls of his hair fluttering behind him.* 

"Yes," *He murmurs quietly for only them to hear* "I do believe i've found something more valuable than coin." *His voice soft and warm like the shifting sands on an evening beach. A small smile creeping across his features as he watches her rise. Gesturing a hand forward inclining for her to lead the way. Looking back to the shine for a moment as she walks away. Taking the time to whisper something quietly to the kami present, dragging one hand across his chest in some unknown gesture, before bowing and moving to follow.*
Michele
*The air kami were always the most light hearted of the elements and while Katsumi could not deny she was fond of all the kami her relationship with those of the air brought her joy more often then not. Her relationship with water was a complicated, but not unlikable affair. Fire though was a dangerous spark that burned under her skin grounding itself against her understanding of the earth. Yet it boded well that the elemental kami seemed rather taken with the Tsuruchi. The errant breeze following then out of the depths of the shrine and onto the streets before it became distracted by the plethora of choices to play with.*

"There are many more treasures then gold and jewels to behold within this wide world," *The Mirumoto agrees straying closer to the Tsuruchi's side amidst the growing crowds as they draw close to the exit of the Temple District. Her gaze lingering on the Samurai's tall frame her heart calm.*

"I hope you will not regret your choice?" *She murmurs voice hesitaint, a kindness unasked for, but offered all the same. A final chance for the man to turn aside and the two of them to become once more strangers. Though the Mirumoto now saw what had drawn her Father to the man enough for the old Commander to overlook the circumstances of the half-gaijin's birth.*
Misty
*He sighs at her question as they exist through the gate. While they had spent more time becoming familiar than was granted to the overwhelming majority of the upper classes of Rokugani society, Rokugani society was not the only one he knew. Another part of him that burned in his veins for the decade he spent avoiding this moment had seen in great detail during his travels, the long, smoldering, and passionate development that is gracefully granted to couples in the far east, and in clans less concerned with the politics and maneuvering of these arrangements. Some part of him still aching for that privildge he will never recieve.* "Perhaps i will. Perhaps i wont. But nothing in life is certainty, and everything worth having requires risk to obtain."

"I have little doubt however, that neither of us will be provided with this opportunity ever again. So yes, i think i will take this risk. But something tells me its far, far, from the longest odds i've ever taken a chance on." *He says reassuringly, noting the hesitance in her voice.* "The question is, are you? Who took such great lengths to see me off with a purse full of koku, never to be seen again? And who spoke with such incredulity about what i might have to offer? Who took the time to mention how poor a match i would be for the samurai you need? Are you willing to take that risk?" 

*He teases swiftly flipping the decision right back to her, though her hesitance to even offer a suggestion of another option to him this late in their interactions speaks enough of what resides in her mind. His gaze visibly unconcerned, the glint in his eyes indicating he already knows some form of witty rejoinder is soon to cross his ears. A fact that he welcomes all the same. It would indeed be a rather boring life if she couldn't keep up after all.*
Michele
*The Mirumoto's gaze is distant as Kishi turns her own question back upon her like a wave upon the shore. Those jade eyes seeing not the Tsuruchi before her, but another who's face she has long forgotten and a time long past,* "Yes. I will regret it," *She admits knowing well that the mortal heart was a wild thing which is why their ribs were cages.*

"But I have confidence in your capability to change my mind and in my duty to guide me." *The Mirumoto adds reaching out to gently rest her hand upon his arm, her fingers gently catching the fabric of his sleeve. Her smile one of sorrow and understanding in the face of both their hesitance and buried regrets.*

"And turning away from this was never an option placed before me. My clan has been gracious in allowing my own pursuits. Marriage is not so untoward a way to repay them." *Katsumi murmurs a low chuckle spilling from her lips as she casts the Tsuruchi a playful grin which breaks through the sorrow of her countenance like the spring sun through snow.*

"And at least boredom shall be the least of our worries." *She teases never one to disappoint.*
Misty
*He stares deep into her eyes, seeing she has the same longing concerns buried deep down in her soul. He lets a soft sigh slip from his lips as her fingers grasp at his sleeve.* "Your candor is welcomed, and appreciated." *He murmurs, reaching his other hand across his chest and covering hers where it lay, giving it a gently squeeze.* "I'll do my best to change you mind, that i promise. And if there is anything i imagine was found its way winding up the mountains to the lands of the dragon, is that despite our ever shifting adherence to traditions and practices, whatever moral failings the rumors place at our feet, a Wasp keeps his word." 

*He releases her hand, lest prying eyes notice the indiscretion between them as they walk in a rather public place, thankfully a tad sparser in foot traffic than the center of the temple district.* "Come what may, once we are settled down in the south it should melt away any concerns you have." *He smiles, as he reaches into his breast and retrieves that package of dried fruit she seems to adore* "You'll have as much exotic fruit your heart desires~" *He teases in hopes of brining her out of the melancholy that has swept over the both of them. Though as she reaches out he lifts it up and out of her reach with a wild grin* "After tendering the terms of your surrender of course."
Michele
"I have heard that a Wasp is, but a Scorpion with wings. Yet I have seen the day where I met an honest Scorpion so I cannot cast doubt upon your claims. As for all the Scorpion's lies they are known to keep their promises." *The Mirumoto murmurs with an incline of her head as the two swiftly part. The Mantis' hand large and warm over her own, startlingly so. Yet the two swiftly part for while the Tsuruchi's clan might have been more inclined to such acts propriety was less inclined to look kindly upon them.*

*Though that does not stop the Dragon's from letting out a soft amused huff at the mention of the south. Her eyes flitting to the treat that was swiftly pulled out of her reach earning the Wasp a narrowing of those vivid jade orbs her gaze calculative.* "And what makes you think either of us will be discussing such terms? No. I imagine that duty will fall to our Ambassadors. Lest we bicker on forever." *Katsumi teases with a toothy smile. The woman turning her attention away from the treat to stop by a shop speaking with the Heimin as she played at forgetting the fruit. The worker assuring her that the plans for the Embassy's dojo were moving along at an expected pace. That didn't stop the Mirumoto from picking up a few sizzling sticks of yakitori on her route towards the Mantis embassy. Trusting the tantalizing scent of cooked meat and vegetables do to her bargaining for her for the pineapple treat.*
Misty
*He chuckles as she returns with the skewers reaching out for his with one hand and the small package with the other* "Ever the deal maker huh Mirumoto-mi" *He says with a shake of his head* "I imagine it will be a matter for our ambassadors to discuss, though with my families recent founding I ponder if special considerations will be made to our growth. Regardless of what they say, i will still be awaiting your surrender, even if that means only spending some of our time dragging you away from your duties, or finding ones providing some leeway for travel." 

*He makes great haste to take his first bites of a proper meal, fighting against his instincts to scarf it down as fast as he can in order to maintain some form of proper manners.* "I am however vary glad you seem to have good taste." *He remarks with a satisfied huff at having fresh meat in his stomach after weeks of dried fish, fruit, and rice bread rations.*
Michele
*She waits until he offers the proffered treat before handing over four of the five skewers far less starved for a hot meal then the bushi at her side. The chicken and vegetables are seasoned to perfection with a smoky spice Kana had shown her that a few of the local stalls preferred.* "We shall see, though I suspect the Dragon would be rather reluctant to lose their sole magistrate within the city. Not to mention what consideration might be given to our own numbers," *The Mirumoto quips the weight of her clans declining numbers lingering within the back of her mind.*

"Though I am curious how you came to find yourself among the Tsuruchi," *She murmurs glancing Kishi over as she tries to hazard the mans age. His features both familiar for their Rokugani nature and the foreignness that marked him not entirely their own made it difficult to tell his true years.*

"And if you must know Tsuruchi-san I have *Excellent* Taste. Otherwise how else would I have managed to learn of many a merchant with their myriad of food stalls. Though I fear the umeshu here really cannot compare to those sold by my own clan. It would put your Shochu to shame in taste and it's capacity to see one indisposed." *The woman teases her steps slowing as they grew closer to the Mantis Embassy.*

"You do have your travel papers with you yes?" *She inquired glancing the Bushi over with a small amount of concern. While Katsumi was familiar with Kana, Tsuta, and many other Mantis she had yet to meet their Ambassador as the last thing she wanted was to bring an unpapered bushi to the woman's door unprompted.*
Misty
"We shall see indeed." *He remarks as they approach* "As for how i found myself among the Tsuruchi, My father traveled north to join Tsuruchi-ue's cause when he sought to take Kyuden Ashinagabachi from the scorpion clan. I was... Oh...11? Or so at the time. As you can imagine i was not given the privilege of joining a school as soon as my father would have wanted given the... Issues that would cause. So i was still without formal training until the Wasp accepted us for his services. He was one of the many to break his sword and follow Tsuruchi-ue into battle. And well... Not to speak of things even i won't discuss in open places, but you could say that fighting from a distance is well, in my blood on my mothers side." 

*He casts a sidelong glance, unsure of how well read she is on the cultures beyond rokugans shores, but given she is a magistrate, the events and methods his people were most famous for were likely known to her* "And while it is... Certainly different from my peoples... Means" *He clears his throat* "The bow came rather naturally to me, and the wasp were hungry for new recruits. So here i stand." *He says with a rising tone of pride* "Though if you are referring to the more... Crude question of how ***I*** Came to be among the Tsuruchi and the empire in general... Many things happen on the high seas, not just trade and battle." 

*He reaches behind him to a special pouch at the back of his travel pack rested against his spine, retrieving a small book-looking container made of the same strange material as his boots, holding it up in one hand with a shake in response to her question about papers*

 "I may be cavalier in many things in life, but you do not travel rokugan looking as i do without extensive paperwork, in triplicate. Lest you find yourself on the wrong end of a sword."