Laverne
It had been some time since the Mantis embassy had seen a new face. Not that the faces who were already here weren't doing well, but people were a resource like any other, and having more were only going to help the Mantis in their plans for the city. Aki was busy attending to her studies (or at least Kana had desperately convinced herself that's what she was up to,), which was for the best as inviting a new arrival to the embassy was maybe a bit *Too* Much of a test of etiquette at this point.

Kana was dressed in her usual clothing for such occasions - orange slit-leg kimono adorned with embroidered mantis' and centipedes, and tied with a jade gree Obi. The sleeves would be just a bit tight around her biceps before flaring out around her wrists, and her jade earrings dangled as she bounced on the balls of her feet, awaiting the new arrival.

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Alexander
Finally, to be in more welcoming environs, if not more familiar. It isn't like he hadn't been here before on temporary stays (mostly just giving time for cargo to be moved) but now? He had an assignment.

He was dressed to impress, if only to show his contemporaries here that he meant business. A shorter *Eboshi* Of yellow-trimmed teal atop his head, hair done up and decorated with a few masculine pins. His kimono was positively luxurious, sumptuous silk that could only have come from back hom. Decorated with the *Mon* Of the Mantis on the back, the majority of it bore a teal pattern in the shape of waves, while the green and yellow provided accents and images of yellow citrus flowers.

He stepped inside slowly, a scroll case slid into his obi while in his hand was his folded fan.

As soon as the doors shut, prim and propriety was scattered to the four winds as the Yoritomo made his way through the embassy to meet with the clan Magistrate. Once outside her door, he would drop to a knee and bow low, announcing himself with a call.
Laverne
Kana had to try to hide her surprise. She was used to being given a bit more deference once she had been named as a clan Magistrate, but she'd never had anyone take a knee before her. Still, she knew it came from a place of appreciation and etiquette. She returned the bow, and smiled warmly.

"Ah, you must be Yoritomo-san! It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Moshi Kana, clan magistrate for the city of Ryoko Owari Toshi. I trust the journey to the city was agreeable? Were you coming directly from the Mantis islands, or elsewhere?"

While she might have been a bit forward (and by some's standards excessive) with her questioning, there was a genuine enthusiasm as she spoke. It seemed that she genuinely did want to get to know more about Sadao. She took a moment to make not of his appearance as well; much of the Samurai stationed in the city had been cut from somewhat of a rougher cloth, with a few exceptions. A less charitable soul might say they lived up to their reputation as looking like brigands. This one, however, might even impress a Crane with the way he presented himself. It made her all the more curious.

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Alexander
Indeed, he looked appropriately preened and presented enough to fit in with a Scorpion or Crane court. They could make a more comfortable splash back on the Islands.

Remaining bowed, he heeded her words with a deeper nod, before speaking. "It is an honor to be in the presence of Moshi-sama, this one is Yoritomo Sadao. Moshi-sama's concern over this one's travels are deeply appreciated, and this one can only speak of praises. We Mantis are, as always, accommodating along the Kawa no Kin. May this one humbly present to Moshi-sama a report from the latest shipment? This one is keen to see how well-received our spices and lacquer will be."

Very proper, very eloquent. Sadao was aware the Mantis families could be... Eccentric, but the Moshi were arguably the most traditional, and moreso, pious. He wanted to afford the magistrate proper respect, and it was given, perhaps a little excessively.

He wanted to make a good impression.
Laverne
"Ah! Right down to business, then?" She asked, still a little surprised at just how formal Sadao was. Her mind did go to the brighter side of it. The Mantis, of course, could play the social game of Rokugan well when needed, and someone with such clear devotion to it was only going to be a benefit to the clan."Of course! I would be happy to accept the report!" She replied, cheerfully, giving thought as to how to put the Yoritomo at ease. 

"Before I do, though, I do know you've just arrived, and have probably have been traveling for some time. Do you need something to eat, perhaps a drink? Shall I take a moment to show you around the embassy or the wharves?" There was clear sincerity in her voice at the offer. 

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Alexander
Bowing a little bit lower, Sadao said, "This one merely wishes not to take up more than the necessary amount of Moshi-sama's valuable time. This one appreciates the offer, and will graciously accept a short tour, and if possible, followed by tea."

He did reach for the scroll case at his obi, waiting for the magistrate's confirmation whether or not to hand her the scroll. His face, right now, was stark, studious, nis *On* Trained and perfect right now. She was more than just a Mantis. She was their Clan magistrate here in this city, and therefore deserved the utmost deference and respect.

He was, right now, just a lower-echelon courtier. Perhaps that may change in due course.

"Ah, forgive this one for not specifying. A tour of the embassy would be most welcome."
Laverne
Kana was starting to worry for Sadao's back at this point. She motioned for him to stand up, and hand him the scroll. "Please, be at ease, Yoritomo-san. You are amongst clan and kin here. You honor me with the respect and consideration you give me, but if this embassy is to be your home, I would have you feel at home." 

Keeping the same warm, inviting smile, she started out past the entryway, and to the courtyard and gardens. "Here is our courtyard. You'll often find your clanmates out and about here when Lady Sun smiles upon us. Just down there we have a shrine to Lady Sun herself, should you wish to meditate or offer prayers. You might occasionally see a rather large centipede; that's only Muka-chan. She's no danger provided you don't provoke her and keep your distance! Over there we have quarters for the Ashigaru and servants..." She spoke, heading over in that direction. "Any questions so far?"

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Alexander
When given proper permission to relax, at home the way a Mantis would, Sadao certainly seemed less rigid, and more fluid in his movements. Instead of bowing again, he simply nodded his head in affirmation with her wishes.

He followed her along into the gardens, noting the plant life that may be present. At the mention of a big centipede, his eyes widened briefly, but continued along without question. Sadao followed her along towards the ashigaru and servants' quarters. As far as questions go...

"Is the shrine to Amaterasu-no-kami open to the public, or is it strictly a Moshi, and therefore Mantis, holding?" Honestly a good question. Keeping the faith was ever so important. "I know I speak into the territory of logistics and the like, but I would know what support we already have present within our Clan. Moshi-sama need not be specific, but I must have some idea on what sort of a presence we have in this city in Shosuro territory."
Laverne
"Well, there is the Temple of the Sun which is open to the general public. Our shrine here, though? I wouldn't object to an honored gust visting and paying its respects, but I certainly wouldn't want to establish any part of the embassy as public territory. Especially not in a city such as this," She explained. "I trust you've had a chance to hear the stories of the city's reputation, Yoritomo-san?" She didn't intend to scare him; after all, it wasn't as though you were liable to stabbed *Every* Time you took a step outside, or anything like that. Still, the dangers of the city had to be known.

"In regards to our own affairs? We've been remaining focused on building a presence within the wharves and merchant quarters. If I'm to speak with fully honesty with you, we might not be in position to take the city entirely, but we are forming alliances, and controlling the trade along the river will ensure we have a place in that alliance," She explained. "Things have been going smoothly for the most part. We reach out and build relationships with the merchants, and ensure they and their goods are protected in exchange for proper tribute. Lest you worry, there is no trouble if they do not wish to use our services. Only if they use them and do not pay."

She rolled her shoulders for a moment, seeming to become a bit more serious as she continuted to speak. "That said, there are firemen who do take more than their share, and there is a minor clan that seeks to carve a spot for themselves in our domain. Tell me, are you familiar with the Otter clan?"

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Alexander
These all made perfect sense to Sadao. He listened, quietly, looking around to enjoy the scenery here and there. "I have heard tell of the city's reputation, Moshi-sama. However, as a form of security, I must politely ask for a refresher, or if there have been updates, as my knowledge may be outdated. Reputation only goes so far."

His brows twitched just a hair at the notion of the Mantis being in a position to take the city. That felt inadivsable, to him. The Mantis were already spread quite thin, with the Moshi holdings up north, the Tsuruchi much the same, the Kitsune in their forests to the southeast, and the Islands of Spice and Silk much further south. It was as advantageous as it was risky. "Alliances are good. Trade domination is, in part, a goal."

A light breeze sent his kimono and hair blowing just a tad. "How bad are these firemen gangs? Should I employ some of the Yoritomo Courtier techniques with them?" He wondered. "I know nothing of the Otter."
Laverne
She did notice something seemed to be bothering him as she gave the report of what had been happening in the city, ||Investigation 6|| but didn't press the issue. There'd of course be a time and place for such things. "Indeed. I'd say trade domination may indeed be our primary goal in this city. If we're not to be given the city itself, then we need to ensure that whatever becomes of it, that the Mantis are an unignorable presence!" She seemed genuinely enthusiastic regarding the goal and the progress made, a satisfied look on her face as she continued speaking.

"As for the firemen gangs... Well, until he sustained an injury rendering him incapable of serving, one of our Samurai was intending to engage them. Loathe as I am to admit it... It would not be practical to to just crush the gangs that are behaving more as brigands than those providing a service for a variety of reasons. The main gang whose actions are becoming excessive are Strong Arm. If you think you would be of benefit there, I'd definitely support you in further addressing the issue! As for the Otter, in my experience they're a minor clan holding a grudge over our elevation. As such, they seek to undermine us. A direct approach is off the table, by the Emperor's decree. We either must demonstrate we are better for merchants or more reliable than the Otter, or strike a deal with them."

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Alexander
"If we're going to ensure mercantile domination, we should at least try to get some of the more pliable gangs under our heel. I get the feeling, however, that for now we're on the up-and-up? Honorable business first?" Which in itself was contradictory, mercantile pursuits were considered beneath their kind. "I am satisfied if we manage go carve a stable niche for what we do best here in this city. Though..."

He looked down a moment, trying to put thoughts into words, without trying to suggest insult to his own dojo or the like. "Moshi-sama, if the danger here is as severe as you say... I am trained in self-defense, as any samurai should be. I could... Stand to learn more. Do we have an active dojo?" At the mention of the Otter's motives, he seemed genuinely puzzled. "That shatters credulity, the Otter dislike our elevation? The Three Man Alliance alone shows the strength of Minor Clans when they come together. Yoritomo-dono's gambit merely paid off in the best way possible. Is it envy, I wonder?"
Laverne
"Of course. There's always brushes with the underworld, of course, but we do hold ourselves to a certain standard. Undoubtedly, there are those who would like us to live up to all the most negative perceptions of us. That said... Don't mistake that as us being afraid to act. We actually went on a small trip to deal with bandits on the river." She cracked a smile, evidently proud of what she had done. "If only the ones situated in the city were so easy to deal with..."

She shook her head a moment, and returned her attention to the rest of Sadao's questions. "SO! We do have a Tsuruchi dojo specializing in archery! There are other dojos managed by other clans, such as Jotomon's, managed by the Dragon, and Blessed Mountain, managed by the Crab. While I would not live in fear every time I stepped out, the gangs are not to be underestimated. Some even say they're behind the death of a Crane duellist..."

"But as for the Otter? I think you've got it exactly. Speaking with one of their Samurai, she seemed decidedly resentful we were elevated and they were not."

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Alexander
"The Scorpion can try to deal with their own bandit infestation," Sadao commented quickly, "If we maintain the river for our own business, that cements our position all the more."

He took a pause as he listened to the rest of what the Magistrate had to say. He let an arm hang to the side, adjusting his sleeve with a slow swing. "I wouldn't disrespect our Clan by learning at another Clan's dojo," He said softly. "But perhaps I can hone what I know at the Crab dojo. The Kaiu know their way around a tessen, don't they?"

As far as the Otter go, the Magistrate pretty much confirmed everything Sadao needed to know.
Laverne
"Well... No, that's what we did," She explained, smiling. "It was one of my first acts in the city, as a matter of fact, speaking to how the Mantis would take the lead on the bandit threat as it concerned the river. At the time we were allies with the Scorpion, but while that alliance might have come and gone, it's still important to establish credibility. If we can't show that we have something to offer the city, then there's no question that we'll be on the outside looking in no matter what decision gets made in Winter. Plus now there is no question over who owns the river. Or rather, there won't be once we deal with our Otter problem..."

She found herself struck speechless for a moment, however. She wasn't quite sure how one came to the conclusion that training at another family in the Mantis' dojo was disrespectful, but going to the Crab clan wasn't. When she did finally speak, she cleared her throat. "I am certain that they do. The Crab have been our historic allies, and have also aided us in our operations on the river."

||If he's got good investigation or courtier, he would notice that Kana is much more stiff in how she speaks about the, and if it's I'd say 4+, he'd pick up on a hint of bitterness in her tone.
Alexander
It didn't occur, until at the moment in the magistrate's tone, that Sadao made a gaffe in presumption of another Clan's dojo instead of one of his own. He drew his sleeve up to cover his mouth, and bowed low.

"Forgive my breach, magistrate," He said with sincerity, and some volume, to emphasize. "I misunderstood the nature of the dojo recommendation. I did not realize you were talking about *Our* Dojos, and opening up the doors to the *Others."* An honest mistake, but one he knew he should pay for. This was *Not* Reflective of the attitudes, and aptitudes, that he was supposed to be bringing.

His head bowed, he felt flushed, shutting his eyes. He felt his chest tighten, and he tried to control his breathing. *Don't cough. Don't cough. Don't cough,* He thought rather intensely to himself.
Laverne
Kana seemed somewhat taken aback by Sadao's response. She didn't think that she had said anything to put the poor fellow back on edge again. It took her a few moments for things to sink in, though, that perhaps personal feelings might be slipping in to the way she was speaking. She looked a bit embarassed, and covered her mouth. "Ah, no, the fault is mine, Yoritomo-san! Please, understand that I am fully sincere when I speak of my appreciation for the Crab. Our operation could not have been a success without their bravery and martial prowess. I only mean to say that I am certain you could visit their stoic boulder dojo. Moshi-sama and myself could put in a good word with you; we've certainly some credibility when it comes to hand to hand combat, after all!"

She bowed, a light blush coming up from her cheeks to the top of her head. "Again, my sincerest apologies if I have given you the wrong impression!"

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Alexander
Sadao, in good faith, kept his head down. "Moshi-sama has done nothing of the sort. The fault is mine, I was merely ignorant of the placement of our own dojo here. This has been corrected, and I will study in a Mantis dojo, before I shame my family by going to another Clan's instead."

All this embarrassment and confusion, because he wanted to learn how better to thump foreheads with his folded tessen.

"Once more, I apologize for the breach and miscommunication, Magistrate-sama."
Laverne
Kana almost chuckled in spite of herself. Here the two were insisting on apologies for apparently very different offences that the other hadn't even noticed or been all that bothered by. "Let's just forget the last little exchange and call it even then," She declared, standing up to her full height once more. "In terms of a tessen, I confess I'm not the most informed as to where the best location would be. I have one for more pressing situations, but for the most part I use my hands," She explained. "I would recommend Blessed Mountain dojo, however. The instruction there is certainly of worthy quality. I've had quite a few rousing spars there myself! T- I mean, one of my sparring partners has been learning there, and has been off to a very good start."

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Alexander
Sadao was quick to follow the direction and forget the whole little thing. 

"I admit I should train bare handed as well," He admitted. In addition to other necessary combat skills. Even though he was no bushi, dishonorably sorts may not care about that distinction.

"Blessed Mountain? I shall endeavor to find it and study, if I cannot, I will make do. Mantis do emphasize the kama and other small weapons."
Laverne
"Ah, well, there's certainly many around here who are capable and I think would love to offer you guidance in these arts. As for hand to hand, while there's the Blessed Mountain dojo, I'd be happy to offer some guidance around that as well! I don't want to sound overly prideful, but I feel I'm capable enough that I would be able to impart some lessons! While Moshi-sama herself is rather busy, she's very capable as well. I myself have had a good spar with her!"

Kana's excitement was palpable, and perhaps led to her carrying on a bit more than she otherwise might. Of course, with the new Mantis showing some new interest, it was easy for her to get carried away.

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