Isidro
*With the initial excitement past the Dragon Magistrate looked to take stock of their clan's situation. Her once fine kimono was now dust covered, but salvageable. Thank the Fortunes as she did not have many to spare. A few strands of long crimson hair having come loose to frame the woman's face adding to her rather ruffled appearance. Yet there was a fierce liveliness to the Mirumoto's jade eyes that had not been there when she'd first entered the Embassy. The woman had arrived expecting pampered politicians and found instead a building in need of repair and a rather, by other clan's standards, ragtag crew of Dragon Samurai.*

*And try as she might Katsumi could not bring herself to be anything, but happy at the discovery. For here was a battleground she was suited to wage war upon. Whether the Magistrate's post here could be called kindness or cruelty she could not bring herself to care. Instead turning she inclined her head towards the Monk turned Doctor she'd spoken with earlier.* "Hoshi-san," *She murmured focusing upon the man.*

"Might we adjourn to another room to speak on matters involving the Embassy? You appear to be far more knowledgable on our clan's situation within the city and how we came to be where we are then myself. I wish, should you be inclined to share, to avail myself of your wisdom."

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Diane
*A dead body in the embassy. A Scorpion knows about it. A new member of our clan has joined us. All these thoughts made Senri's head swim; he definitely needed to meditate after this. The deep in thought Senri looked up towards the Mirumoto Magistrate at the mention of his name. A beat passed. And he nodded with a thin, polite smile,* "Of course, Mirumoto-san. Right this way, please."

*The Dragon monk led Katsumi through the Embassy halls. Servants and attendants bowed their heads in respect and awe as the newest addition to the Dragon clan within Ryoko-Owari graced the halls of the modest building. He stopped in front of a slightly moth-eaten sliding door, opening it. Senri sidestepped, allowing Katsumi to enter the room first.* "After you, Mirumoto-san. Apologies for the state of the room."

*Past the door was a former storage space now converted into a small infirmary, featuring just enough space for two futons and a very cramped tiny desk next to a small clay boiler. Jars of varying medicinal salts and mixtures lined the walls of the infirmary, all almost within arms reach from anywhere in the room.*
"Forgive me for the lack of space, but this ward of the building is rarely ventured, so we should be able to have some privacy."

*Senri would wait until Katsumi enters before entering himself, closing the sliding door behind him. The monk opened a small compartment where he pulled out two zabuton cushions, hastily setting them by the desk.* "Please, have a seat. Would you care for some tea, Mirumoto-san?"

*The monk pulled a jar and two teacups from a shelf, revealing what looked to be dried Matcha leaves, and began to boil some water and grind some leaves. Without turning around, Senri asked,* "So, how may I be of service, Mirumoto-san? What would you like to know?"
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Isidro
*The Magistrate followed in Senri's wake. The only sound the soft clack of their sandals against the wooden floors with the barest seconds pause when the newest Dragon would stop briefly to study the face of a servant or incline their head in quiet acknowledgement. When the two arrived at their destination the Mirumoto eyed the moth eaten door with contemplative concern before stepping inside.*

"My arrival was unexpected. You need not apologize Hoshi-san for any unpreparedness," *The woman murmurs her tone gentle if grave as she settles down on the offered futon careful to mind her sleeves so as to not catch on anything.* "My visit today was meant to be an initial introduction between myself and the Dragon Ambassador. Had I realized the," *Katsumi chooses their next words with polite care as they glance back the way they had come,* "Difficulties that our clansmen in Ryoko Owari Toshi were facing I would have sent a courier ahead. For this you have my apologies." *The Magistrate explains with an offered bow.*

"A cup of tea though would be much appreciated after such an affair." *She murmurs allowing silence to lapse between them as both Dragon Samurai composed themselves during the quiet moment as the water boiled and the only sound was the soft grinding of leaves. The monk's question like a leaf upon still water when it arrives.*

"There is much knowledge I require, but I believe perhaps it is best to ask the whereabouts of our current Ambassador, how our clan came to reside in such an Embassy, and..." *The Mirmumoto begins to speak pausing in their words as they lift a hand drawing their fingers through the air in a series of complex loops and swirls a soft prayer falling from their lips. The wind stirs softly around them as the elemental kami tug at errant locks and sleeves their fingers unseen brushing over both the Magistrate and Hoshi Senri's faces in a cool breath of air. As the Magistrate draws a fan from their kimono opening it with a soft snap to cover their lips. The images displayed upon the fine silk the symbol of a magistrate.*

"If there is anything in regards to Ryoko Owari Toshi, our clan's affairs, and the incident in the basement you wish to tell me free of listening ears." *The Magistrate's words are clear to the Hoshi's ears, but there is a strange echoing hum to them, like the distant roar of wind. A strange echoing hum that would likewise overlay his own words should he speak.*
Diane
"There is nothing to apologize for, lady magistrate." *Senri shook his head as he began to distribute the ground tea leaves into the two tea cups, checking the temperature of the boiling water before pouring them into the cups.* "Our fellow retainers have been preoccupied with their own affairs, as have I. If anything, I am regretful that I have neglected my duties to our Clan in favor of helping the general people."

*As the Dragon Monk carefully placed the two Teacups onto a tray, he felt the cool air pass through his long, tied hair. He glanced at Katsumi out the corner of his eye, catching the very last words of prayer before the Magistrate hid her mouth with her fan. Senri's smile grew in realization; another Shugenja to grace the Dragon. 

He set the tray on the small table, offering Katsumi's cup first. Senri took his own seat across from her and cleared his throat,* "Well then, I shall recount what I know so far."

*Senri then began to help bring Katsumi best as he could, taking a moment to get used to the soundproofing effects of the Air Kami.*
"...After this brief duel between the Unicorn and the Lion, the Imperial family has begun to step into the city. I fear that there are still hidden forces at play, and are awaiting an opportunity to make their move."

*Senri paused to take a sip of his tea before continuing,* "But as for matters regarding our clan... That is another matter entirely." *He rested his chin in his hand, and took a deep breath. He had never talked so much before. How courtiers and singers can converse for days on end seemed like sorcery to the dragon monk.*

"Our current clan ambassador, Mirumoto Tokikage-dono, has been heavily occupied with personal business, and we have not seen him for some time. What that business is, and where he is right now, I unfortunately do not know."

"As for our embassy, I will admit, all the training in the mountains could not stop me from feeling annoyed that the city provided our clan a run-down building that we had to repair ourselves."
*Senri looked around at the cramped, modest infirmary with a small smile. It was far from perfect, but he was amazed at the time and effort placed by the volunteers and citizens of Ryoko-Owari in order to help reconstruct a functioning government building from scratch.* "However, this incident with the body in the basement... It does not feel like a coincidence. I fear that our hand is being forced deliberately by that same hidden force."

*The Dragon Monk's smile dropped as he replayed the earlier events of the day in his head. He rested his head in a hand, rubbing his temple.* "Togashi-sama, help us... We need his wisdom now more than ever."
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Isidro
*The Magistrate listened with quiet rapt attention as Senri detailed the current on-goings of the city and the state of their clan within it. The Samurai's fan hiding the deepening frown that mars her features with each new situation. The state of the Dragon was aptly detached from the rest of the world, but no less precarious for their absence. To see the monk driven to such frustrations though lit a fierce rage within the Mirumoto's chest that left their grip upon their fan white knuckled with fury. The woman's jade eyes once soft taking on an eerie gleam as the fire kami licked at her blood stoking the anger within their chest. The flame beneath the teapot guttered and swelled as the Shugenja took a slow breath, forced their heart to steady, and then released their emotions in a sigh that filtered through gritted teeth like smoke.*

"I will make things right." *The Magistrate swears in a voice steady and fierce made unnatural by the tones of the wind. The crimson haired woman drawing from their sleeves a stick of incense as they light the tip with the flames beneath the kettle. Allowing the fragrant scented smoke to trail in loops and whirls for the air kami to delight in as they murmur soft thanks for the elements aid.*

"I cannot promise my success will be swift, but I am nothing if not thorough." *They assure the Monk, the almost feral unearthly gleam to the shugenja's bright green eyes fading as they temper their temper from undecisive molten steel to a well honed blade direct and pointed in it's application.* "Your contemplations and those of any other monk within residence should never have been allowed to be disturbed." *Because for all the Mirumoto might tease and coax the Hoshi and Togashi none loved them as fiercely or with as deep a loyalty as the Mirumoto. The Magistrate's family had always been their Lord's first line of defense. It was their duty to protect the Monks. To ensure that should they need to be fed they were fed, should they need to be clothed they were clothed, should a Monk venture down from the heart of the dragon lands that they were granted the shelter and respect befitting their station. Katsumi could not claim to understand the Togashi and their offspring the Hoshi, but she did not need to. The Monk's peace was sacrosanct. Whether she believed or understood their visions and enlightenment mattered not. They were the Mirumoto's kin. The Mirumoto's Lords. The Mirumoto's to guard with all the fierce protectiveness of a dragon it's pearl and damned would she be before she watched her family fail in their duty in the City of Lies of all places.* 

"I will go to the City and find the accountings of our people here within Ryoko Owari Toshi. If our numbers are not enough to complete the work I shall send word to the Mirumoto clan requesting others be sent. You never should have needed to work upon this place with your own hands unless you wished it." *The Dragon Clan and the Mirumoto after all were not so poor as to be unable to see to a single embassy. What they might lack in food they did not lack in jade nor gold.* 

"As for the departed if Agasha-san cannot perform the proper rites or cleanse our Embassy I will see it done myself. Who the departed once was and why they were within our clan's lodging these things we will ascertain together and they will not be allowed to interfere with your path Hoshi-san." *The Magistrate murmurs as they offer the monk a bow.* "I cannot speak for the Ambassador of my clan, but I ask you forgive their distractions. As you are aware I am not without gifts, but I prefer to keep the relationship between myself and the kami between the kami and I."
Diane
*Senri felt the air grow thin from the tension. He glanced at the bubbling teapot scream from the growing flame. Saying nothing, he quietly watched Katsumi's glowing green eyes shimmer as she lit the stick of incense. The dramatic conviction that came from the Mirumoto magistrate left Senri stunned and marveling at such burning spirit.

Her frustration was justified, of course. Senri himself experienced the same frustration when he and few other Dragons were tasked with restoring this building that they now called their Embassy.

But there remained a seed of doubt within the Togashi monk, one that made him wary of future actions the Dragon Clan must take.*

"Spoken like a true bushi of the Mirumoto." *Senri looked up with a smile.* "Your words are sharp and swift, as I hope your blade is."
"There is no need to apologize, Mirumoto-sama. It was no trouble, our endeavors here is part of our own, individual pilgrimage through life." *He bowed his head deeply towards Katsumi.* "Though if any vassal of the Mirumoto wishes to assist our small communion in Ryoko-Owari, they are more than welcome to join us. "

"And of course," *Senri looked up with a coy smile and a cheeky wink.* "Your secret is safe with me."

*He laughed with a hearty chuckle. It has been a stressful day, one that definitely warranted a deep meditation period. As Senri's laugh died down, he scratched his growing, scratchy beard as he politely smiled towards Katsumi.*

"Mirumoto-sama, in the short span I have met you, I can sense that you possess great deductive senses. If I didn't know your surname, I would have guessed you to be from the Kitsuki!" *The monk cupped his hands around his teacup, taking a nice long sip. Setting his cup down, Senri looked towards Katsumi with a more serious expression.* "And I greatly appreciate your passion for us monks. But I must humbly recommend that we take great caution moving forward."

"Following this tragic incident, this embassy, and by extension our Clan, will be looked at with more scrutiny. If you would allow me to serve you, I wish to assist in secretly investigating these matters."
*Senri felt the need to redeem himself; to return the debt he owed the Dragon Clan. To do his Duty to the Rokugan Empire. Remembering a saying that his teacher Sotada Kaoru had shared, Senri repeated,*
"Preoccupied with a single leaf... You won't see the tree. Preoccupied with a single tree... You'll miss the entire forest."
Isidro
*The red Dragon straightens slowly and smiles her lips curving with a soft fondness as slowly her temper ebbs with the talk of family. Always a soft spot for the Mirumoto.* "Thank you Hoshi-san your words honor me," *The Magistrate murmurs with a dip of their head and a slight grateful widening to their smile as the man mentions that he shall keep her secret.* 

"I do not mind our kin knowing of my prowess, but I can see little good coming of allowing the information to spread. Better others beyond our clan believe Agasha Takamori-san to be our resident priest and shugenja." *She agrees as slowly she takes a sip from her own cup. Savoring the warm that soothes her parched throat and settles like a soft blanket within her chest easing lingering tensions in it's wake.*

"In truth your own deductions are not far from the truth. I was born of the Mirumoto clan, but my Mother as well as the Justicar who trained me both hailed from the Kitsuki. Such puzzles and deductions are a passion of mine." *Katsumi admits fingers tapping lightly against the porcelain of the cup and her expression wry with amusement.*

"However, the Hoshi and Togashi clans have long been masters at hearing the unheard and seeing the unseen. I would welcome your assistance Hoshi-san in any form you wish to offer it." *The Mirumoto murmurs toasting the man with a slight lift of her cup. Her expression that of hope and the tired welcome of a woman who worried they might be left to wage such wars alone. No one could be everywhere at once and Hoshi-san was a quick and clever man. A clear testament to his clan.*

"I would gladly welcome the wisdom of the Hoshi family and your own Hoshi-san."
Diane
"You give me too much praise, lady Magistrate." *Senri nodded with a smile, returning the toast that Katsumi offered.* "But I provide whatever service is within my ability."
 *He was not used to receiving such words of commendation, and though it filled him with a feeling of accomplishment, he internally quashed such prideful emotions. He did not deserve them; not yet.* 

*The man looked up from his brief stare into his teacup as he heard the distant ringing of the evening bells.* "By Hantei, is it this late already? The investigation took more time than I'd thought!"

"Have you and your servants secured any lodging within the city, Katsumi-sama?"
*He turned back towards Katsumi's face, noting the lines of exhaustion amidst the look of excitement. Senri pushed himself away from the Chabudai table, and looked around the room for something in particular.*
"If need be, I could speak to the servants here to arrange a room for you within the Embassy, though it may be more... 'rustic' than what you may be comfortable with."

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