Clara
*A clear day graced the gardens of the Lion Embassy. The warm rays of Lady Sun shone down upon the beauty the courtyards of the Emperor's Right Hand could muster. Across the threshold of the gates passed two strangers most curious.

The first, a woman of average build, a slow and languid gait, displaying the mon of the Scorpion and—for those familiar—the Soshi. Robes of traditional black and red wrapped her body up to her neck, where it met a full, draconic face mask. The second woman with her was perhaps more unusual still. Greying hair stood in stark contrast to her youthful face, porcelain perfect and without blemish. Her long kimono seemed to envelop everything but her face, the sleeves hiding the woman's hands. It was a strange design: white with seemingly random reddish-brown patches dotted throughout the garment.*

"Usagi Io, here to speak to the Lion. I am sure someone here will make time for me." The greying woman would flow forward gracefully and speak to the first steward who approached them or blocked their path.
Verna
The Ikoma Bard had finally returned to the City of the Rich Frog after a prolonged absence, but had wasted no time situating herself. Somehow, she had returned to the city with even more kimonos and scrolls than before. And she also had not hesitated to resume behavior, as if she had been here the entire time, resuming duties like receiving samurai guests, for example.

Kazuyo was giving the servants and guards a chance to greet their guests, whom she had been watching through a window, before moving herself to meet them inside. As ever, her appearance immaculate and quite un-lion-like. She took a bow towards the two, as they entered, specifically aimed towards the guest who wasn't wearing Scorpion colors.

"Welcome to the Embassy of the Lion. I am Ikoma Kazuyo, how may I be of service to you?"
Before rising again from her bow, dyed auburn hair falling over golden and ember robes, as two confident eyes look over the guests, each.
Danielle
It was good that Kazuyo was here to provide good hospitality... Because they would not receive it from someone else.

Miho was not the captain of the embassy's guard, or the karo, or any other role that required watching over the embassy, but she was a stakanovist that kept the servants and the patrolling ashigaru in an iron grip. Thus, she was informed just after their courtier about the arrival of the strange delegation. A few minutes later, and she was on the doorstep, staring at the two with a steely eye.

The Ikoma almost looked like the opposite of her younger kin, at least in her appearence. She was also dressed elegantly, but her clothes and hairstyle were severe even for Lion standards, and her face looked like it was sculpted out of stone. As always, she looked cold to the point of hostility, but for once this wasn't her normal expression: it was true wariness, and hatred, for those in front of her. *A Soshi and a Hare... I see they have found a kindred spirit In each other.* She didn't know what had happened in the forest, precisely, but she knew the Minor clan had crossed the Lion and offended her Lord. As for the Scorpion, well, she was the Scorpion. That was enough.

She bowed to the two of them at a distance, but did not approach them yet. First of, the young woman she didn't know well yet was handling this already, and second, she would not lower herself to walk to this duo. *They* Would be the one that would come to her.

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Clara
"Greetings, Ikoma-sama, I am Usagi Io personal representative of the Daimyo of the Hare Clan, Usagi Tsukiko." Her voice was *Odd*, somehow both lilting yet monotone at the same time. Slow moving, unblinking eyes moved to take in the Lion who had greeted her. "My associate and I have matters to discuss with whoever may be in charge here. There is a matter of honor at stake and I would be remiss to let it remain unattended."

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Verna
THE Daimyo of the Hare Clan. Was the Hare so small that it only had the one? Kazuyo suppressed the mocking smirk she was tempted to show.
"Whoever may be in charge, you say?" 
A seemingly innocent question, but it very vaguely implied an accusation. The accusation of approaching an embassy without knowing who was to be found there. But before one could take umbrage to it to question whether it was intentional, Kazuyo had already moved on.
"You must be speaking of Ambassador Kitsu Himiko. I shall most certainly check if she is ready to receive you. Would you like to come inside and enjoy our hospitality, until then?"
As she stepped to the side and made an inviting gesture towards the embassy.

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Danielle
She kept her brow from shooting up. *The Hare is making their move, then. Are they really going to offend our clan and then come to us as if they were in the right? Hmm, maybe they're coming to apologise. No, it can't be that simple, it's never that simple.* She bowed her head politely to the Usagi- whatever she was, manners had to be respected- and moved out of the way into the door. However, she did not remain idle as her kin handled the formalities: spotting the first servant in range, she called for them with a gesture of the hand, and said with artificial indifference. "It appears we might be having guests of status. Make sure we are prepared to receive such a visit: I want you to go to Taisa-sama and inform him of the situation, so that he may set up a worthy hospitality." She didn't shout, but she wasn't trying to conceal her words either: let them hear what was coming. Even though Kitsu-sama was the Ambassador, her loyalty went first and foremost to her Taisa, and she would make sure he knew his enemies were here.

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Clara
"I was under the impression the leader of your interests here was a man, a soldier of some regard. It seems I am out of touch. If Ambassador Kitsu-sama is too busy to be seen, though, I am certain two women of your skill would suffice for what we need to discus." The Hare Clan woman's unblinking eyes continued to stare straight ahead at Kazuyo, though the faintest twitch at the corner of her right could be noticed.

And in fact both Miho and Kazuyo would feel a sense of calm and collected surety come over them. It was *Only* A single member of an insignificant minor clan who had dared to insult the Emperor's Right Hand. Was it really worth troubling the Ambassador or the Taisa over such a matter? They were capable samurai in their own right, were they not? Imagine the glory of being able to handle this themselves, the Ambassador's prized courtier and the Taisa's right hand. That was what they were here for, to deal with matters beneath their superiors' interests, and to gain the glory by doing so.

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Verna
Kazuyo was quite susceptible to this aura, of calm and collected certainty. Although, it did little to change her behaviour. Calm and collected was one of the benefits of her overreaching arrogance. 
"Well, if you feel that way, I shall be happy to hear the matter and then call upon the Ambassador if it does indeed require her attention. Please, come, have a seat with me."
And she once more makes an inviting gesture inside, accompanying them to a table that Miho's orders would see being prepared right now.
Kazuyo, meanwhile, was contemplating the situation. Had the Hare samurai not blinked until now? Clearly, something was going on here. A medical condition? Magic? Scorpion trickery? Well, she would no doubt be able to handle whatever it was.
Danielle
Likewise, Miho's ego made her prime target for this kind of spell. The thought was already in the depths on her mind, far down, all the kami had to do were pull it to surface. *Let us "Discuss", then.*

The servant knew well what they had to do, to the point where Miho didn't need to give any instructions. The table was set up with all a guest of honor could expect, from tea to sweets to sake (of a quite strong blend, just to make sure guests could get *Really* Comfortable). She waited for the two of them to sit first,and then she also joined them, picking a place right next to the Soshi's location. She had been reassured about the Hare, but the Scorpion was still a problem: why were they here? Of course, you could always expect the Scorpion to be friend of the Lion's enemy, but still such direct exposure was questionable. Were they planning to weaponise the strife between them? Probably. But that also gave them a chance to strike. If she could find proof of the Scorpion's meddling, then they'd have a legitimate reason to bring down the Scorpion, and discret them yet again. *Don't lose focus from her. The Soshi love being overlooked.*

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Clara
"Excellent." The woman's lips curled upwards in a smile. It was not a comforting one. The two visitors sat, and the tea was accepted. The Hare woman would bow again respectfully. "I appreciate the warm hospitality, Ikoma-samas. I was concerned we would face more . . . Pointed accommodations. Perhaps my associate can begin the recounting."

The dragon-masked Scorpion turned slowly to keep both Lion in her sight, then nodded.

"Honored Lion-samas, I am Soshi Seiryoku, a merchant patron of the clan." Her voice, while potentially at one time quite beautiful, was marred by a languid numbness and lisp. A wound, perhaps, or something else keeping her tongue dulled. "My wares are extensive, and my reach travels throughout the city. A few weeks past I was approached by a man claiming to be of the Hare Clan looking to offload supplies. Imagine my surprise when I could easily identify them as made in Lion lands. After ensuring they fell safely into my care, I began to investigate this oddity."

"Which led her to me." Io spoke up now, taking over the narrative. "For the last few weeks I have been scouring these parts for sign of Forest Killers masquerading as members of our clan, extorting honest citizens while tarnishing our good name. Her story intrigued me, and has now led me to your doorstep, seeking to fill in the missing pieces."

Anyone who had spent any time in and around the city would have heard of Forest Killers and their cunning viciousness. Whether such stories were true or tales told to keep the populace from leaving the city's walls was less certain.

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Verna
Kazuyo settled into her seat, going through the motions of a less formal tea ceremony, as things were still rather unofficial at this point, while patiently listening. She had indeed heard about how a Samurai of their clan had been tricked into surrendering some of his goods. And apparently, this was where they had ended up, now. She slowly nodded along, sipping her tea, ignoring the unappealing talk of merchant business, before responding.

"Indeed, I had heard rumors that through cheap trickery, a thief had taken from our Clan. Though I am not too sure about the details."

Of course, she did have some more details. But she wasn't going to share them, unless she could be sure that it would be to her benefit and in the interest of her Clan.

"I cannot speak for my Clan, but I believe it can be assumed with quite some certainty, that the Lion will have a personal interest in seeing the Hare bring these imposters, or whatever they may be, to justice." 
The implication was rather clear: Hare clan or not, Kazuyo wanted to see the culprits executed or, if they truly had been of the Hare, committing seppuku. She spoke with certainty, even though she usually would have wavered at the thought of watching someone die. But with the influence upon her mind, that was no concern for her, right now.

"I take it that the stolen goods have or will be returned shortly?"
She added with a casual tone, glancing towards the Scorpion samurai.

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Danielle
*So this is how it'll be?* It was a good plan from the Hare. Maybe they were lying, maybe it was true: it didn't really matter. The point was that now the Hare had a easy way out of this situation, and the Lion could recover their honor just as easily. A good compromise for everybody.

*But do we want a compromise?* That was the real question. On one hand, it would be troublesome to get back to the Hare, as a Minor clan, and their cause here lied elsewhere. On the other, her lord wanted vengeance. Katsuhiro was a patient and sensible man, but he was still Lion, and this people had offended his honor. It was entirely possible he wouldn't be satisfied with so little. *Besides, it would be a good show of force. Show what happens with those that cross the Lion.* But this all, was not hers to decide. It was for Katsuhiro, and the ambassador.
"As Ikoma-san said. We do not doubt your martial capability, but these news are quite worrying: perhaps we should join your efforts in rooting out these bandits. After all, this threat seems to extend even beyond Hare lands." An offer, but also a very strong suggestion. They would not leave these investigations to biased members of their clan. Perhaps they didn't have the authority to enter in their lands, but the forest was vast, and Ryoko Owari was only of the Imperials right now. If they gave them the authorisation, the Hare would not be able to say a thing.

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Ernestine
Katsuhiro was on the opposite end of the embassy grounds working on his gardens when a runner finally found him. The man informed him that officials of the Soshi and Usagi families were here. Shock was plainly evident on his face. Had word of their plans slipped? Had someone been compromised? He did not know, but he also did not trust himself to face the two of them without Himiko. His rage could get the better of him in this situation. So he brushed dirt off his hands, and made his way to meet up with Himiko in her office, so that they could meet the two together.

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Clara
"Of course, the supplies will be returned to you with great haste. Later today servants of mine will arrive with them, as well as a gift of thanks for your understanding." The slurred Soshi nodded toward Kazuyo, still not having removed her mask to partake of the spread provided. There was little that could be gleaned from the intimidating, draconic mask barely showing the woman's eyes.

"Working together would not only be appreciated, but *Expected*, Ikoma-sama. Your clan was wronged, you seek justice. To deny you of that would be a gross oversight of our own values." The pale, unblinking eyes of the Hare were focused entirely on Miho. Somehow the woman's exposed face seemed more unsettling than the fully masked Soshi next to her. "After all, our clans share the same blood. Why should we not spill it together?"

Usagi Io finished her tea, setting the cup back down before bowing to her hosts. "Regardless, I am certain you will have to discuss specifics with those who command you, and I have a lead to follow. Apparently one of their number is serving as a sort of yojimbo or protector of the Governor. I will investigate and report my findings."

The two would rise and prepare to depart, their message being delivered and missing pieces filled in. "Thank you once more for your hospitality. We shall be on our way with haste to ensure your vengeance is given form soon."

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Verna
Kazuyo rose to her feet and took a bow to her departing guests. "I am certain you shall act with honor and that the guilty will be severely punished. May you find success." And she watched the two depart, until she felt certain that they were gone, snapping up her fan and turning to Miho, with the fan blocking sight towards her mouth, so that nobody could, officially, listen in on them. 

"This was... Quite strange. They are both highly suspicious and agreed to this far too quickly. Could this be another trick, to lure us out?" The influence had made her confident, but confidence in Kazuyo's case was to become even more suspicious and start seeing even more plots everywhere. More plots that SHE would see right through, of course!

"Something here is not as it should be."
Danielle
She took considerable efforts to nod at the Usagi's words. *WE share the blood with Kami and many of Rokugan's greatest heroes, you share it with a drunken ronin that happened to be a bit faster than most. We are not the same.* Nonetheless, she agreed courteously and remained politely insipid for the rest of the conversation, letting them take their leave in all calm. 


And when they were gone, she sat back on her chair even more rigidly than usual. She didn't have a fan with her right now, so she just had to call for a servant and get one from her room before answering. "I couldn't agree more, Ikoma-san. If your first offer is accepted, it probably means they would have accepted half of that price. But then, we must discern *Why* They were so keen to agree..." She touched her chin. "As of now, I see a few possibilities: one, they took the initiative and came to us before we could make our move, so that they may twist the investigations as they prefer. Two, these thieving Hares are actually indesirables within their own clan, and they plan to use us to finally get rid of them. Three, the deception runs even deeper and at the end of this investigation there is a trap set for us by them and the Scorpion." Her brow furrows. "There are too many things we don't know. The Hare has more powerful allies than it should be possible, and I cannot help but think we're still dancing at their own tune. But of course, they do not know who they are dancing with." Without the spell, she would have never exposed this personal opinion, but currently her self-confidence was bloated from huge to colossal. "I shall craft a plan. Whatever happens we should not leave these investigations to the Hare alone. I have my own strategies, but I'd feel honored to hear yours first, Ikoma-san." She rather liked the woman. It wasn't easy to explain, but it felt like they were on the same page.

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Verna
The Bard slowly nodded along, before blinking and looking over to Miho, a bit surprised at such plain speech, but not overthinking it much at all. She didn't know Miho well enough to think her behaviour strange.
"The Hare... She did not blink. She seemed very strange, in fact. I do not like the implication of that."
She had not even considered it, but could this possibly be... Taint? She shivered slightly. Such a horrid idea. By ravaged by a disease of the soul.
"But very good. We should see to it that whoever will go with them is ready for what may be to come. And we should consider whether to send more yet, to keep an eye on them."
The situation was not the best, when it came to Ikoma Shadows at their disposal here, but perhaps they could afford to spare one or two for this brief situation.

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Danielle
*She did not?* She hadn't noticed that. Perhaps it was just to keep their attention, or perhaps there was something stranger going on. "That is true. I shall speak with Akechi-san, our resident kenjutsu sensei: he has proven to have such talents." The side of her that had been educated by her mother thought for a moment about Maeda, but she quickly discarded the idea. She wouldn't lower to using a shinobi.

She bowed. "Then, I think that'll be all. Thank you for your help, Ikoma-san, I must go informing my lord. We shall speak again, to coordinate our ideas effectively." The temptation to do this all on her own was great, but after all, she already knew about it, and if she ignored her she might have found herself in a disgraceful race against her kinswoman. Besides, she didn't mind sharing the glory with her *That* Much: it was just a feeling, but she sensed they might share the same objectives. *She's a courtier, I am a commander... There should be space for both of us.*

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Ernestine
Katsuhiro strode into the space set up by Kazuyo and Miho, perpared to see the Hare he had met in the field or someone similiar, but instead saw only the two Lions. He glanced from Kazuyo to Miho and then back, then up and out at the empty courtyard.

"I got your runner, and Kitsu-sama and I are prepared to recieve them... Where... Are they?"

Perhaps they had them in another sitting room? But there were cushions here for two more. His earthen brown eyes showed that he was confused by the lack of rabbit to roast over a fire.

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Verna
Kazuyo glanced over, when Katsuhiro arrived and took a brief bow, begining to explain are rising to full height, again.

"Akodo-sama. I fear our guests departed rather swiftly, after promising to work together with us, to catch what, they described, as the Forest Killers disguising themselves as Hare samurai. They were a rather curious couple. A Scorpion merchant herder by the name of Soshi Seiryoku, who spoke somewhat strangely, as if scarred at the mouth and a Hare representative of their Daimyo, named Usagi Tsukiko, who... Had a very strange gaze. I do not believe I saw them blink."

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Ernestine
Katsuhiro had a moment of surprise pass over his face that they had departed so quickly. That was very odd indeed. But what followed form Kazuyo was even more strange. A Scorpion merchant patron acompanied the hare? Who did not blink? It made Katsuhiro think back to the discussion with Kazuko about Temujin thinking he heard someone giving the monster orders.

"That is strange news indeed on all accounts. Still, this maneuver does not surprise me. Claiming that the Hare I encountered are really Forest Killers was one of the more likely moves I thought they might take... Still... We now have two competing claims for who represents the Hare. Do they provide you any letters or paperwork showing their claim?"

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Verna
The Bard ever so slightly tilted her head. Paperwork and letters? The Dragon Clan's odd ideas about finding truth were starting to take hold far and wide, it seemed.
"Nothing of the sorts, I am afraid. I must admit to knowing very little about the Hare, so I could not find fault in their statements, but they certainly seemed... Strange. There should certainly be an effort to investigate their claims and perhaps see if we can find members of the Hare clan to collaborate their claims, before sending anyone with them."

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Ernestine
"Indeed. The *Forest Killer* I met claimed to be the Hare Ambassador. And now your guest who acted strangely shows up claiming to speak for the clan. Of the two of them, who seemed to be in charge?"

If it was the representative of the hare clan, they chose an odd Scorpion for their introductions.

"I believe it would be wise to summon the Scorpion Clan Magistrate, Bayushi Yuto-san. He is aware of the situation, as well as the most credible to speak on behalf of this Soshi." He spoke the words in a way that said he expected it to be done, but since he did not outright command anyone to act, he was giving them a chance to speak their thoughts on the matter.

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Verna
"If I may suggest a different approach: we cannot expect honest or reliable answers from the Scorpion Clan. Such is not in their nature. However, a far more reliable way to investigate whether this representitive is real or not, would be to approach the Hare clan, instead. After all, they expect us to oversee their efforts to capture the imposters, no? Let us then seek out their official dwellings and get some answers from the source, on our terms."
Truth be told, Kazuyo did not know if the Hare Clan had any representitives within the city, but there had to be, if one had approached them here, no?

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Ernestine
Katsuhiro lowered himself down to one of the formerly occupied cushions as he listened to Kazuyo's words. She had good advince to give for the most part. He was pleased that they had an intelligent, experienced courtier to help bear the load of the Clan. The bushi were only so good at such things.

"You speak wisdom, Ikoma-san, but you do not have all of the pieces of this puzzle."

Katsuhiro reached out and poured himself some tea, taking a sip before he began his story.

"Bayushi Yuto-san, the Scorpion Magistrate, is a *Junshin* And has already been pulled into the circle of confidence. I believe he is trustworthy in the sense that he believes the words he speaks, and seeks to act honorably, but he is not so deft at court to understand when the information he has been given is... Intentionally misplaced... " He tried to find the words to politely say he was not smart enough to know when he was being duped.

"The man I met in the forest who I now wish to see commit seppuku, I do not believe he fully lied. I think there is perhaps truth to them being both Forest Killer and Hare clan, but there is also a suspicion that there is a Maho-tsukai in command of whatever Yokai lurks out in the forest. We do not know if they are in league or opposition, but if what you have said is true, then it seems that are opposed to one another. Baysuhi-san has been tasked with following up some leads on the forest killer side, so I think we should pursue this Scorpion angle."

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Verna
Kazuyo tapped her chin with her fan, thoughtfully.

"I see. Though I would still recommend getting the Hare's official stance on this matter, from a source that we know. The one who was here, seemed very strange to me. And someone more important than I should agree to such cooperation regardless, so that it is granted proper legitimacy. For now, I have only told them what I could suspect our demands and wishes to be, but officially, there has not been an agreement between them and us. This would be a good opportunity to see who leads them and witness their stance on this matter. I can offer to meet them myself with more formal permission to come to an agreement on behalf of the lion, once we have discussed this with the Ambassador."

While her speech was polite and appropriately subservient, there was certainly a hint of Kazuyo feeling like her word should be considered an order. She seemed to think quite highly of her inlfuence.

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Ernestine
"Were that possible, I would agree with you. The now declared Forest Killer was the man who is supposedly their Ambassador, if your guest is to be believed. Therefore there are only two avenues left open to us." Katsuhiro set down his cup so that he could count on his fingers.

"First, we can hope that Bayushi-san is successful in identifying the son of the man I encountered is a student at Jotomon's Dojo, and can be brought here to provide information. Second, we can send a message to the Hare Clan Champion down in Hare Clan lands." He put his hand down and picked up the tea cup again.

"I suppose there may be a third option, that the Ambassador was officially registered with the Imperial Governor, or has filed travel papers with the Scorpion Magistrate. Bayushi-san should be able to speak to two of those 3 options."

Katsuhiro seemed very comfortable talking through the options with Kazuyo. She would be able to read from him that while he was assured of what he said, there was no push back. He seemed to enjoy talking through options and plans before acting on them. He seemed the type to welcome it, though she would also be able to tell he was the sort that once a matter was concluded, he expected action.

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Verna
She was annoyed for a moment, that her, in her opinion, superior plan was not received with praise and acceptance, but did not show it. Yet.

"I fear I do not quite understand. How do the statements of our guests imply that the ambassador of the Hare was personally involved in what happened? Surely, if what they said is true, then the person in the forest would not have been the ambassador and meeting the real one in person might dispel this trickery?"

She fanned herself with agentle, slow motions, seemingly indicating that she was being calm and contemplative.

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Ernestine
"The Hare clan, unlike the other Great clans, do not have an official Ambassador or estate in the city. The man whom I met in the forest said he was the one who spoke for the Hare. And I'm conversation allowed that his son studied at a dojo here, which brought him into the city frequently. Which is also why that dojo is now watched."

Katsuhiro did not like repeating himself, but neither Miho nor Kazuyo were there for the briefing, nor the planned meeting. This was his chance to read them in as much as he wished.

"We have set into motion a plan to see them all either killed or captured."

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Verna
Kazuyo stopped for a moment. This was fool-hardy, of course. The Lion had already been tricked by disguised people of other allegiance last year and this threatened to be the same. The proper reaction would have been to alert an Emerald Magistrate about this grievance and let them handle this.
However... The Hare was small and its lands were bordering the Lion's. If conflict was to break out, it was no question who would benefit and most likely, the Imperial families did not care enough about the Hare, to see it lose some of its fields which the Lion so desperately needed.

"I see... This does complicate matters, of course. Perhaps capturing them and getting some answers directly really is the best way forward."

Her voice was contemplative, her expression slightly concerned, but determined. But on the inside, the Lion's song and shadow was grinning widely. Finally, another chance to get things done in this city.

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Bruce
*"Kill who?"* The young Kitsu had joined the conversation out of the blue. The striking eyes had demanded an answer within mere seconds. *"Can somebody elaborate to me why there was so much commotion on these grounds and why it took everyone so long to call me here?"* She would tilt her head ever so slightly. It seemed she was however in a good mood today. She seemed patient enough and no burst of anger would strike their conversation. She was calm and collected like she should have been. She would bow down to all of them to greet them and made sure it was of appropriate depth. 

Her pupils clearly shifted as she suddenly mentioned *"And why were there kami called on our grounds? Has one of you suddenly gotten the ability to call upon them?"* She would set her head straight again. Observing the space as she was not able to find out what spell or what kami however. She would slightly scrunch her nose. 

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Verna
"Kitsu-sama." Kazuyo didn't skip a bit. She was a caught, but if you didn't act like it, then you weren't. That was a lesson her grandmother had taught her. One of the first, in fact, as it was relevant to things one got up to as a child. Rising to her feet, she took a deep bow.

"Forgive me, I had sent for you, but our guests disappeared almost as suddenly as they had arrived. One could almost get the feeling that they did not want to meet you in person. I would be happy to explain the situation to you."
She rose to full height again, shifting to an apologetic but friendly expression, adapting and smoothing, fluid and gentle as water.

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Bruce
It was clear that Himiko was not angry. Just confused. When Kazuyo decided to apologize she only granted a more warm smile. *"Well, if the guests feared my presence there is something wrong. You are not at fault here Ikoma-san."* Himiko took the apologies and stared at the gates for a moment. *"We need to find a way to guard our embassy from both intruders like this and spells like these."* Himiko stated. 

*"But do elaborate on the situation Ikoma-san. I wish to learn what happened."* She glanced over at the other two 

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Ernestine
Katsuhiro mumbled that he would have words with the watch leaders, and let them know that no one was to be allowed into the Embassy grounds proper without prior letter, arrangement, or blessing from someone of appropriate rank. It concerned him greatly that the kami were agitated within the area. He had no idea what it meant, but it sounded important. He was going to let Kazuyo repeat herself a second time, but he wanted to cut to the chase.

"Someone claiming to represent the Hare, and a Soshi came here to explain that the Hare *I* Encountered were Forest Killers, and should be hunted and put to death, but that is not the most concerning part. Kazuyo, please focus on describing the two people to Kitsu-dono and their mannerisms."

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Verna
Kazuyo nodded, cleared her throat and repeated what she had said before, doing her best to remember the details. This had always been her weakness: her memory. She had just barely passed the tests of recalling the history of the Lion clan.

"The two were most strange. The Scorpion spoke, as if scarred in some way that impaired her speech and hid most of her face behind a mask. The Hare seemed very... Stiff. And did not seem to be blinking. It was quite strange."

She dug in her memory. Not blinking... Surely her grandmother had said something about this. About it being a secret symbol of the Kolat. Or it being kami at work. Or animal spirits. Or anything like that, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember it.

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