Adam
It had been silent in the streets near the Lion embassy. To no surprise as Lady Sun herself had been slowly rising from the horizon. Blessing the early birds with the purest rays of her warmth. The rustling of the leaves caused by the kami of the wind. The rock solid walls protecting the embassy from intruders, until now that had been.

Miu had been unable to sleep. She felt tired. Alone. Feeling a bit diverted from her duty as shugenja. She hadn't been helping anyone with advice or a blessing. So last night she spent all night making Omamori. This morning she had made a sign, as written by a child almost, saying *'Free advice. Be welcome!"*. In any other corner of the City this would have looked like a clear scam for some bandit ambush. But today, on the walls of the Lion embassy, it made sense. 

Miu had settled in the garden with Tea, Omamori and her breakfast consisting of chicken and rice. Waiting for her first visitor.
Gertrude
"Well! I knew you were talented, Kitsu-san, but I didn't know you were giving advice as well!"

A familiar voice would greet the Kitsu as Kana approached. She moved a bit slower than she normally did, and Miu might notice that she had grown slightly softer around the middle. However, she was otherwise her usual cheerful self, and seemed delighted to encounter her friend. "Have you just started for the day? Or have you had any visitors yet, Kitsu-san?"

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Adam
Miu would look up as she would bow down deeply towards Kana. She admired the woman and her friend, that was something clear. Her more serious look would change to a warm and curious one. *"Moshi-sama!"* Miu would chant almost a little too excited. *"You give me too much honor. Sometimes a little advice or comfort is what some people need."* Miu would notice the slow walk and the adjustments in physical shape || medicine 3 ||, but decided not to mention it. 

*"My day has just started Moshi-sama. Could I offer you some tea?"* Miu would gesture to the seat beside hers. *"Although I doubt many visitors would be brave enough to truly step into the gardens of the Lion, or wish to get advice in the first place."* Miu doubted herself but remained cheerful anyways. Pouring Kana a cup even though she hadn't answered yet. She was simply glad to see her friend again. 

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Edward
The little Scorpion looked up at the scrawled sign outside the Lion embassy, debating silently with herself. 

To go, or not go in? On one hand, Bayushi Kotori was eager to make the acquaintances of others in the city, but on the other hand... Was this not quite literally entering the lion's den? She tapped her folded fan against her chin as she considered. Beside her, Ryogo's eyes narrowed and watered slightly as he restrained a yawn, giving his head a shake afterward. 

Why did his charge have to be awake and wandering the city at this hour?

"I suppose there is no time like the present..." Kotori murmured softly to herself, and walked through the gate. 

At least if it was early and fewer people were about, if things went poorly there would be fewer witnesses. 

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Gertrude
"Too much honor, hardly! I know that humility is a virtue, but you do ought to give yourself some credit." She returned the bow as best she could, not getting as low as she usually could, but trying her best none the less. "Indeed, you are right. I suppose that's why I've come here myself. Tea does sound lovely, though!" She moved to take a seat next to Miu, carefully lowering herself down into a seated position.

"As for the courage to enter, well... Perhaps, and perhaps not," She replied. She couldn't deny that the Lion definitely had a reputation as being decidedly severe. Even if Miu was rather friendly, she knew well enough that people saw the mon someone wore before they saw the individual. While she did want to reassure Miu, she couldn't completely overlook the situation.

"That said, courage is a tenet, is it not? More than just when it comes to battle as well. Even if there are people feeling a bit intimidated, then they ought to be taking initiative and not letting that deter them!" Her voice was bright and enthusiastic, reaching for the fresh cup as she spoke.

Her eyes would be drawn to the entryway, however, catching sight of an approaching woman and yojimbo ||Investigation 6||. "Speaking of..."

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Edward
Bayushi Kotori took a fortifying breath and raised her head, crossing the threshold into the grounds of the Lion embassy. Despite her nerves singing with tension, her expression was calm and serene. If there was anything Scorpion were skilled at, it was playing a part. 

She walked slowly, taking her time as to appreciate the beauty of the garden in these early hours. It was wonderfully quiet yet, the only sounds those produced by nature; the soft chirping of birds, a quiet drone of early spring insects, the familiar clack of bamboo *Shishi-odoshi* Against rock. 

In the near distance, she spotted two figures in the garden, and began to approach. Upon seeing Miu, a slight, but genuine smile appeared on Kotori's face; she'd liked the statuesque redhead, and it was an immense comfort that she would not be among complete strangers, at least. 

When she was close enough, the little Scorpion bowed respectfully to both Kana and Miu. Her smile broadened just a little more as she straightened up. "I bid you both a good morning. It is a pleasure to see you again, Kitsu-sama. I hope you have been well." She inclined her head politely to Kana. "I am Bayushi Kotori. I am honored to make your acquaintance Moshi-sama." 

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Adam
Miu would stand up and bow down to the Scorpion and the Yojimbo. *"Bayushi-sama, it's a delight to see you once more."* She would settle down easily besides the Mantis. Giving her a warm smile. *"What is it I can help you with today? Or did you simply come to join us for a cup of tea as well?"* Miu had invited her, whether she would take it or not was her own to decide. 

The tall and grand Kitsu seemed much more at peace for some reason, as if she now was only showing her true mature wisdom through emotion, though she still radiated with energy as she always would. 

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Gertrude
Kana was a bit surprised at first she had been placed as a Moshi, but the orange with the Mantis mon was a decidedly telling combination. Rising to her feet, more slowly than Miu, Kana bowed as lowly as she could manage. "And yours as well. I am Moshi Kana, magistrate of the Mantis clan. Any friend of Kitsu-san must be an honorable soul indeed," She greeted, wearing her usual bright smile. "If I may ask, what brings you here? Were you seeking advice as well?"

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Edward
"I was out walking to familiarize myself more with the city, and saw the sign outside the gate," Kotori smiled at both the women, her shoulders relaxing upon receiving such a kind welcome. Part of her had been terrified they might chase her out with curses and shouts at best, or swords and spears at worst.

"I certainly would not be opposed to either a cup of tea or advice." The smile on the little Scorpion did not falter, genuine and bright, "For the advice, perhaps you ladies might recommend to me a reliable apothecary in the city? I searched the markets, but I am having trouble finding certain components of suitable quality."

"Moshi-sama, forgive my boldness, but are you injured?" Her smile shifted to a look of concern, her eyes flicking down towards the woman's legs, "I know that the Gardens are... Of questionable desirability, in regards to being a place for relaxation, but perhaps one of the masseuses might offer some relief." 

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Adam
Miu did not speak on the mention of Kana being injured. She was not, but Miu did not want to mention such thing, nor wished she for Kana to fend for herself. So instead the Kitsu smirked. *"I do know a reliable apothecary, a certain Moshi, not Moshi Kana-sama or Moshi Mai-sama, but her daughter works there!"* Miu tore a piece of paper from a big scroll before writing the name down. Miu would pour her some tea and handed it. Gesturing the Bayushi to settle down. *"Any other aspects you'd need advice on?"* Miu questioned
Edward
Realizing her faux pas in asking after an injury, the little Scorpion flushed almost as red as her kimono. "A thousand apologies for my rudeness, Moshi-sama. I meant no offense." She bowed low, very low, to show her contrition. 

At Miu's hospitable gesture, Kotori sat down and accepted the teacup with both hands. "Oh, this smells delightful!" She smiled up at the Lioness. "Thank you for the hospitality, Kitsu-sama. Regarding other bits of advice, allow me to think." She took a sip of her tea as she considered everything which had been going on since she'd arrived in the city. 

"Ah, yes! I have recently been installed as the new manager of the bath house in the garden. While I know that there have been... Difficulties relating to my clan, I am eager to prove that the baths are meant to be a place of enjoyment and relaxation for all. I was not involved in the intrigues which plagued Ryoko Owari in the past, and while I do not expect my clan's actions to be forgiven or forgotten, I would like to show that not everything we are engaged in is duplicitous and wicked. I struggle to think of a way to accomplish this, and fear it may be beyond my abilities." 

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Gertrude
"Ah! It's okay! No need to apologize!" Kana began. "I was on an operation dealing with some bandits. There have been a number of raids on shipments on the river, and so we acted to put an end to it. As it happened, there was a young girl who was being held by the bandits," She continued, making the decision not to disclose too much. "My wound was sustained while attempting to rescue her," She explained. "Though I assure you, by the end of the encounter the bandits were in much worse condition than I was!"

Chuckling, she lifted the cup of tea to her lips with both hands, taking a long sip. "But yes, Kitsu-san speaks right. Our ambassador's daughter, Moshi Fujiko-sama is a most skilled apothecary, and has been helping with my recovery. With that said, I have visited the gardens' bathhouse before at the behest of Bayushi Kaori-san. It's quite a lovely place!"

Returning to her tea, she listened to Kotori speak about her role at the gardens, and her wishes for it. She thought for a moment about sharing a bit about her and Miu's plans, but decided to leave the decision to say more to Miu herself. "I think your goal is most noble, Bayushi-san!"

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Edward
Kotori had not expected Kana to be so generous in her forgiveness, and the little Scorpion would near have lost her footing in relief had she not already been seated. Between the scar upon her face and her decided lack of hair, the Moshi woman cut an intimidating figure; Bayushi Kotori was beyond pleased to see that the initial impression had not been accurate. If anything, the more Kana spoke, the more fascinated and awe-struck the Scorpion became. Stories of heroics always appealed to her, especially those that happened to be true.

"Bandits? How terrible! And how brave of you to mount a rescue!" Genuine admiration was evident in her voice, accompanied by a smile. "I am humbled by your courage and kindness both, Moshi-sama."

She, too, took a sip of her tea, savoring the taste. "I shall have to seek out Moshi Fujiko-sama. Thank you both for the advice."

"I am pleased you have found the gardens to be suitable. I hope that We might make a few changes—small changes—to make the baths especially an even more desirable place. Upon your next visit, I would be honored to oversee that all of your expectations and needs are met. Not only as a duty, but as personal thanks for your kindness here today."

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