Adela
Masanari had left the meeting of the Cranes and begun the work laid before him. He was happy to finally be able to make a move in the city that would have an impact; it had been a long time since his arrival and all he had seemed to do was wait. Yet in an infested swamp, one must careful observe before going to work lest they fall down an unseen hole. That's what the city was, a swamp where one could drown in an instant from one wrong step. Masanari preferred the elegance of the imperial city, or the comforts of home, yet he was not one to drown... 

A letter had been delivered to him from Utaku Kazuko of the Unicorn clan in which Kazuko expressed a desire for the two to attempt to meet with the Phoenix Clan and discuss the current state of the city. The unicorn had suggested that the two of them become acquainted before attempting to work together and after a few correspondences Masanari now waited outside of the Crane Embassy for Kazuko's arrival, where the two would head to the Crane offices to discuss the future.

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Paul
It was mid-afternoon when Kazuko and Fuyuko finally made their way to the Crane Embassy. The previous day had been busy with getting her own clan in order, then settling into her current role and assigning tasks to her clan. Now came the part she truly dreaded: politics. It was no small feat that she had managed to bring herself to the level of the most basic of diplomats: had everything gone as planned she and her troops would be moving on Ryoko Owari en masse in the next few months, and the needs of a spokesperson would have been handled by someone else. Yet, this is where the clan needed her.

She wore a three-mon kurotomesode in lavender and gold, displaying the mons of the Unicorn, Utaku, and Battle Maiden. Her sleeves were tied up and the second obi visible as was the custom of a battle-ready samurai-ko, though she only carried her wakizashi with her at present. Those observant would note she wore her obi in the slightly higher manner of one unmarried. Fuyuko in turn wore a deep purple kimono with white trim, much rougher spun but still silk of a high ranking heimin or jizamurai.

She quite frankly had no idea what she was doing as she approached the embassy of the Crane. The men and women who busied themselves within the halls of these buildings were the most dangerous and skilled combatants in the field of the courts who could ever exist in the Emerald Empire. Yet here she was, a soldier, expected to lead and command in the same vein as the Emperor's Left Hand. It was ridiculous.

She did her best to disguise her unease, converting what could be considered nervous jitters into surveying her surroundings. A man stood nearby, a piercing gaze lancing out behind features which looked far older than he should have been. *Should the sources be true, this must be Doji Masanari. He certainly has the countenance for his assignment.* She approached and bowed to the level appropriate, then turned toward her attendant and began to sign.

"The woman speaking serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak clearly after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her are my words, and I respectfully ask you to consider them with the same weight." Fuyuko paused, the shorter woman carefully observing her mistress' hands as they flew into motion. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Doji-san. Please, lead the way."
Adela
Masanari bowed upon the approach of the two individuals, naturally stooping to the appropriate depth. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Utaku-sama, Fuyuko-san."

Only a few weeks prior he would have never found himself making courteous introduction with the Taisa of the Unicorn Clan, yet with his promotions within the city he found himself opposite a great warrior. Masanari turned so that Kazuko and Fuyuko could match his step and showed them to the Crane Embassy Offices, making sure to never turn his back or walk ahead. 

The room was of adequate size and was vacant. The desk near the centre of the room had been scattered with documents, but Masanari had taken the time to organise them before hosting any guests (removing any documents of importance). The rest of the room was sparsely furnished, yet the small table and surrounding cushions were of high quality. 

"Please," He gestured to the cushions. Masanari could feel Kazuko's uncomfortableness, she hid it well; well enough that he couldn't *See* It and he commended that, but he could sense it. In a world where swords were words, one quickly learnt to sense such things as a Bushi might notice a weak knee from an opponents stance. He tried to reassure the Unicorn, relax the situation, despite her being of higher rank, this was clearly his battlefield.

"I hope I do not speak too boldly when i say that I wish us to act as if we are amongst friends here Utaku-sama, Fuyuko-san. We shall be working together closely if I understand correctly, and from my experience division can be troublesome in such circumstances, which is why I was so grateful to receive your letter. It is only by flowing as one that a river can carve through the land." Masanari stepped towards the door, "Would you prefer if this was closed? Im sure we will not be disturbed by for precautions sake?" Masanari knew he was taking a risk by suggesting such candour to a superior, yet if the strangers were to succeed then unity would have to be achieved before stepping before anyone else.
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Paul
Kazuko followed astride the Doji, Fuyuko trailing respectfully behind. His office was simple, clean, but not so neat as to imply the man above work. Clearly Masanari was a busy man, and she was grateful he made the time to speak with her. If only her own office looked so tidy. Perhaps something to address tomorrow morning. She sat, removing her wakizashi and placing it at her right. 

His words were bold, almost to the point of indecency. However, she could recount several occasions similarly shocking words from a soldier under her command saved countless lives. Candor and unity were vital to success, so she would respond in kind. "If you are concerned with your Embassy's security then please, close the door. I hope our working together remains productive, and as a united front we prove we need not merely *Act* As if among friends."

Once Masanari had seated himself, she would continue. "Wars have been lost because allied commanders did not declare their intent to each other before the day of battle. Speak to me of what the Crane wish to achieve with the Phoenix, so that we do not find ourselves at cross-purposes."

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Adela
Masanori nods and leaves the door ajar, then takes his place opposite the two Unicorns. "Indeed we must be united to be successful as you say, yet I did not wish to presume friendship with you Utaku-sama, but sometimes one must speak more plainly if, as you say, we are to be productive."

Even in an office of an embassy the Unicorn still spoke of the battlefield. It was not entirely untrue that the two were in someways alike, yet Masanari noted that the Taisa would most likely learn the differences— hopefully before anything went awry. "Of course Utaku-sama, we should be aligned. As for myself and my clan we believe an understanding with the phoenix clan is of great importance. The scorpions cannot be trusted to govern this city any longer... It is already an infested pit of crime and corruption, something must be done to reaffirm the Emperor's peace. In regards to the Phoenix Clan, we believe they could assist us by applying pressure to the Scorpions regarding the strange cursed documents in their possession to clearly demonstrate that the scorpions do not have the city— and the Emperor, in mind,"

"Some of our members are not happy that these documents have not been dealt with more appropriately. Yet, any direct interference on either of our clans behalf would only stir up trouble." 

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Paul
"A wise strategy, Doji-san, and something we are of a like mind on. The Yogo family does an admirable job at maintaining the security of dangerous relics, yet we are in Shosuro lands and no word has made it to me that the book has been transferred anywhere." Kazuko could not say she was overly thrilled to imply the Phoenix should have possession of the documents either, however. Even those with the best of intentions could be led astray by the lure of the Shadowlands, as had the brave but foolish Moto who now stood Lost on the other side of the Carpenter Wall. "Bringing the righteousness of the Phoenix to bear, exposing the Scorpion's selfish pride to the Emperor's eyes, would continue to weaken the precarious position they already have."

Now it was her turn. She hoped her plan sounded as reasonable and well-thought as the Doji's words. "As stated in my letter, Ide-Nakato-san met with the Phoenix for a productive discussion shortly before the disastrous conference. However, we have no records of what that private meeting entailed, only that the conference soured the goodwill cultivated. I cannot let this stand without doing all in my power to set things right."

There was an earnestness in her expression as she signed. Despite her military training—over a decade spent on the fields of battle—Kazuko remained a daughter of Shinjo first. If there was any way to avoid animosity, it must be pursued. "I am prepared to offer them my full support should they wish to push for direct oversight of the Temple Quarter. Frankly neither of our clans are equipped to do so, the Crab will be far too busy, and the Dragon are all but absent. Add to that the fact the creature made its first kill in the Temple Quarter, and we have a strong case."

She paused, regarding the man before her. There was more to say, but should she? Was this *Overplaying her hand?* No, he wanted them to speak as if they were friends, so she would.

"There are also more selfish reasons. As you know relations between the Phoenix and Unicorn are tense at present. They have blocked access to the Shrine of the Ki-Rin because they do not trust our shugenja. Fostering friendly ties with them here would be the first step in healing those wounds." It would not be as simple as that, of course. She doubted a formal alliance would be made between the two clans in the city. But it would be a start, and an unexpected one at that. "While we do not have any Iuchi within the city yet, we will in time, among them my betrothed. I do not wish to see him or others of his clan suffer ill treatment."
Adela
"Indeed, taking any strength, or possible strength, from underneath the scorpions would put their pride in check, and as you say the Emperor, at the very least, must be made aware." 

Masanari listened intently to the Unicorn's proposal... Let the Phoenix take direct oversight of the Temple Quarter, that would be a significant concession in the Phoenix clan's favour, Masanari noted mentally that he would have to insure that Kazuko did not concede this offer to quickly and assure that their two clans would be adequately compensated for assisting such a thing, even if— as Kazuko noted neither of the clans could hold it themselves. 

"Proposing they take direct oversight of the Temple Quarters is a significant play, do you have any information to suggest this would be aligned with their goals... Of course as you say it would align with our goals but if we can present it as a gift rather than a favour then they would be more willing." Masanari didn't even notice the manipulation behind his words, to him it wasn't manipulation but rather guidance, much needed guidance to ensure the Emperor's will was enacted and his peace preserved and as a crane it was his duty to offer such guidance. 

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Paul
"The Phoenix presence in Ryoko Owari is significant, and the only reason it would be so is if they had spiritual concerns over the city. I believe if they do not already have the idea it would not be difficult to convince them it is in the city's better interests." Her eyes narrowed as she thought back through the records she gathered of the city. "No doubt the Scorpion will resist, seeing as major temples to Bayushi and Shosuro are there, which will only alienate them from the Phoenix further."

Kazuko understood all too well the standard Phoenix response to religious pushback. Meishodo was almost outlawed from the Empire on several occasions, and only the fact the Emperor's future bride was Iuchi Shahai kept it from happening. All because her people said there were other ways of venerating the kami than what the Isawa taught. "If you have suggestions on how to work with them toward a goal that does not make us seem desperate or weak, I value your input."

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Adela
"A rift between the Phoenix and Scorpion is regrettable," Masanari paused, this wasn't an outright lie, rather only half of the truth, sometimes things must be broken in order to build them stronger and if the meant the scorpion clan would would lose face, then that was all the better. "Yet it is for the Emperor that it must be done." 

Masanari thought about the Unicorn's question. It was difficult to predict the best approach before being faced with it, yet as he was sure the Taisa was aware, one must prepare for all outcomes. To Masanari there was little difference in preparation for an even and preparation for war. "We must be prepared to adapt, prepared for anything, but if we were to emphasis the points we have made about the weakness of the scorpions and the duty of the phoenix clan, while focusing on the Emperor's peace, then I believe we will be successful. For either of our clans to make a move, would seem to the scorpions as conflict, yet the phoenix clan must fulfil their duty for the good of the land."
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Paul
Masanari's words were confusing to say the least. First he spoke about using the Phoenix to pressure the Scorpion, then he said it was regrettable. Was this courtier double-speak, or was she too thick-headed to understand his meaning? Regardless, the two seemed to be of a similar mindset at the end of it all, and his ideas and strategies seemed sound. After a long pause—was it too long?—she finally nodded in agreement.

"This appears sound. I am pleased to have someone of your skill to shore up my deficiencies. And I am always grateful to ensure our oldest allies are included in our dealings." It was mostly true. They didn't have to know about the dealings being made with the Crab and Mantis. But given Utaku Masanori's opinion on the current status of the Crane within the city, she was glad to see that at least one here carried the famed skill of Lady Doji. "Would it be an imposition to ask for some tea? The finer points of the negotiation still must be planned, such as a proper gift, particular topics to avoid, and the like. I feel our discussion is far from over."

So the two of them planned and plotted, Masanari aiding the Utaku in navigating the complex, shifting waters that were the m courts of Ryoko Owari. It felt almost dirty to her, yet she understood its value. This was her first steps into the political arena, and she could not afford it to be her last.

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Adela
A few days after his meeting with Kazuko, Masanari was again preparing to meet another member of the unicorn clan in the same office. Again he had laid out fine pillows around the small table and again he had organised the papers on the desk to insure both neatness and security. He made his way to the front of the embassy and waited until Ide no Suio Kenza arrived. 

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Jonathan
The newly appointed hatamoto arrived shortly afterwards, silk and trimmed wolf pelts gathered around his athletic form. A mixture of rokugani elegance and gaijin peculiarities. Kenza approached and offered a respectful bow, the subtle scent of sandalwood accompanying the gesture.

"Splendid day, Doji-sama. May we speak a while? I bring news, most of it good."
Kenza offered a disarming smile, his soft features and long sleeves almost making him look like a samurai-ko. The exotic top knot, like a horse's tail, added to this.

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Adela
Masanari reciprocated the bow and pleasant expression. "Indeed Ide-san, let us speak, especially if you bring pleasant news." 

He gestured for the unicorn to enter, offered him refreshments then took his place opposite on the cushions he had laid out... It occurred to him that in the past week he had spent more time knelt on these cushions than in his own bed; it seemed appropriate, he could only truly sleep well in a pleasant and well maintained room and this city required a lot of cleaning.

"So Ide-san, please do explain why I have the pleasure of your company this evening."

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Jonathan
Kenza took a moment to gather his robes before he sat, brushing the back of his finger through the fur trim of his kimono. The long sleeves and tied-back hair gave the trader an effeminate aspect, complimented by a soft voice and easy smile. The trader kept his tea in hand once it arrived, though only drank once Doji lifted his own cup. It seemed he remembered his etiquette.

"Soon my bazaar will arrive, the caravans of the Suio. I intend to use this place as much as a meeting grounds as a point of trade. I wished to offer you an invitation to join us there, along with any Crane merchants and their guard. I will provide a safe and enjoyable place for respite outside the city."

Kenza lifted his tea to enjoy a sip before he continued, eyes wandering the room from moment to moment.

"All Clans will be invited to attend, though the Scorpion will be the last among them. They'd see insult in any attempt to negotiate with them after the actions of Ide-sama and the governor. "

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Adela
Masanari's body relaxed at the words of Kenza, for too long anything said in this room had been troublesome. "Ide no Suio-san, this is wonderful news, I will inform my clan members, and hope that the fortunes bless this event." He nodded as Kenza spoke of the Scorpions, agreeing with the Unicorns points.

"Do you bring any other news or conversation. Or shall we enjoy our tea and company?"

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Jonathan
The trader considered the question, his soft eyes moving around the room once more. He wasn't absent in his speech or attention, simply curious to see how the Crane kept their spaces. Eventually his gaze returned to Masanari, though he spoke as it wandered the room.

"There are some changes in the air. Two Clans seem open to cooperation, namely the Phoenix and the Mantis. In the recent past the Phoenix have proven their disdain for my people, though we've little interacted with the Mantis. If I may ask, what are your thoughts on these?"

Despite the boldness in the question, his tone suggested sincerity. Kenza joined his hand upon his lap, a single silver and jade ring catching the light and glinting gently.

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Adela
Masanari looked off to the side in thought, there was a moment of silence then he turned back to the unicorn. "It may be interesting, it may also prove to be useful with my upcoming meeting with the Phoenix clan with Utaku-san... He does not seem to present any immediate issues, but if this should remain a secret in out discussions then we may learn more of the Phoenixes than their words reveal."

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