Brandy
Today marked the third time Akio arrived at the Crane Embassy, but the first without any additional stresses to worry his mind. He had been busy settling into his new life over the remainder of the winter, and only recently did his life seem to be at a point he could actually stop and take the time to do the things he actually wanted to do.

Among these was checking up on the end results of the disastrous mission to the Crab Caves. Akio was aware of how the matter concluded at the docks itself. However, it was not without cost on the side of right. He remembered well the panic of the night: rushing to the steps of the Embassy with a half-dead Daidoji Aihara, the long sleepless night spent tending first his own wounds and then trying to ease the Magistrate's condition.

Akio needed resolution. He realized now how much this situation loomed over his mind. Originally Seiko Hibiki had promised to lend aid in any further work that needed to be done to wrap up the matter, yet he had disappeared as well. It marked the departure of last person Akio knew from his first couple of days in the city other than the Ide trader, who was no doubt too wrapped up with his business interests these days. Strange to think somehow the wayward ronin had outlasted everyone else who came to the City of Lies.

Entering into the waiting rooms of the Embassy, he introduced himself to the steward before sitting down, waiting to be seen.

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Fred
Okiiri was still adjusting to her new surroundings, as she'd been given daily reminders from her superiors to mind herself while in the City. Spending most of her life in remote courts, and learning the ways that a smile and a laugh with pure intentions are the best way to solve a dispute certainly had done little to prepare her for such a place. She had done as much as she could to remember names, faces, situations, and gossip, though she still hadn't even met everyone. Since she had spent time with the Unicorn and in other courts far from the norm, she was told to meet a ronin who was party to another Crane in a recent altercation. 

She approached the room and took a knee, the light in the room silhoetting her shadow against the sliding door before she slid it open remaining in a courteous bow before raising to enter the room. "Pardon the intrusion," Her clothes seemed more casual than some Crane courtier would for greeting a guest, a simple kimono with a gradient design towards the bottom and around the neck. Still, the attention to detail for its wear and appearance were obvious, as not a single fold nor strand of hair was out of place as she glided to a spot near enough to speak to Akio, but far enough away to perish the thought of physical interaction. With a subtle nod towards the door a servant slid it closed.

Her Emerald eyes cast across the room towards a scroll with a flying Crane on the back wall, just past Akio's shoulder, "Welcome to our estate, I am Doji Okiiri, a recent arrival," She gave another polite bow, quick and to the point, "Please excuse my not knowing, but might you be Akio-san, I was told of?" She smiled and paused for a reply, knowing that those not polished for the court tended to disdain the long winded introductions and pleasantries of Crane custom, and trusting this would be preferred to a speech.

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Brandy
As he waited, he thought back to the last time he was here. The Crane Embassy certainly knew how to throw a party, one of which they generously extended him an invitation as thanks for his efforts to save the Magistrate. Of course, he accidentally found himself mistaken for help once he arrived, and was pulled into the kitchens to help organize the staff. It was hard work, and he didn't really get to enjoy any of the festivities, but it was still an enjoyable time. He wondered if Atsuko ever got those extra dumplings.

When the woman introduced herself, he looked up, shaking off the idle wandering of his mind. Oh, another new arrival. She didn't look to be any older than he, if anything perhaps even younger. Perhaps a diplomatic aide? Not that it really mattered, Akio was happy to be seen by anyone really. He bowed, matching her brevity but ensuring his was lower. "Yes, that's me. I am pleased to meet you, Doji-sama. I am always glad to meet new faces."

He wasn't entirely sure the proper procedure to follow, whether to get directly to the point or to engage in more conversation. While he'd like to get his concerns out of his head as soon as possible, the Crane were the best diplomats in the Empire. Maybe keep talking? "How have you found your time in the city?"

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Fred
Okiiri's gaze turned to the outside for a brief moment before replying. She felt the man infront of her was familiar in some way. Maybe it was the way he spoke? His attempt at the mannerisms necessary for such a meeting? Who knew, she smiled warmly a bit and looked back, her gaze a bit closer to his body, though purposely not in the eyes. 

"The city is a bit large for the spaces I'm accustomed, though my family makes it comfortable enough. I've never been in a city with so many lights at all hours of the day, not since I was a girl on a trip to the capital..." She paused and giggled, covering her face with her sleeve, and gave a very shallow bow, "Apologies, I tend to overshare. I'm sure you didn't come her to listen to a girl critique lights."

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Brandy
"Apologies aren't needed at all. I found it all overwhelming compared to . . . Well, compared to home." He chuckled. Growing up in the wilds with the Grinning Fang, then coming to Khanbulak to train. Two every different places, and different still than the City of Lies. "I find the tight streets packed with people are stifling at times. But I suppose fate seldom sends us where we want, only where we are needed."

Someday he would go back. Completing his pilgrimage, providing a record of his deeds to his sensei. Becoming a Shinjo again. Not today. Perhaps not until this city was under Unicorn stewardship. He could wait. "I came here to see how the Magistrate, Daidoji Aihara-sama, fares. But if you're new, maybe you don't know, unless Doji Koharu-sama or another of the Embassy staff informed you of the goings on before your arrival."

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Fred
She gave a sigh and a glance to the side with a fixed gaze as her thoughts wandered to the outside. She almost forgot her guest's intent to be here, enamored with the notions of what might happen outside these walls. She snapped out.

"If I might indulge in a favor, I'll gladly do what I can to return the favor. I can't say I know Aihara-Sama, although I can say that is likely for my inexperience with the names present. I can find out his status and let you know, but tell me about what goes on in those narrow streets, please?" She said, holding a fan to her face to cover the faint blush.

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Brandy
"Thank you, I would appreciate your efforts to find out." What goes on in these narrow streets? Perhaps she was still too new to the city to know, or more sheltered than he would have believed. "Well, this city is every bit as fantastic and dangerous as the stories. Since I've been here there have been no fewer than three major assaults on criminal holdings, and one major diplomatic incident. And that's in three months!

"But it's not all bad, either. I mean, this is probably one of the only cities where someone like me would be invited to a party at your Embassy, or meet the Imperial Overseer himself." He knew it was perhaps a bit informal or casual, but it seemed this girl didn't stand too much on procedure. "Is there anything in particular you want to know about? Or see yourself; I'm sure your whole day can't be spent locked away in the Embassy."

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Fred
She loved the the fan and averted her gaze lowly, but kept her posture proper, "I was advised not to leave the grounds without protection and an escort, although I would feel like I was imposing if I were to ask, but this works well for both of us!" She said in a direct and somewhat somber tone, "It would be my pleasure to hear your recounting of any of the events you've alluded."

She had heard stories, but the idea of so many combats in the city was enough to make her head spin. Surely the city itself was a big and diverse enough place, if someone stepped foot down the road, it would make for an adventure in and of itself. With such high profile titles that he'd mentioned, she had to know, she had to listen. Her heart raced with anticipation, even if her body appeared to be quiet, and at most melancholy. 

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Brandy
*Well, if she wanted stories . . . . * He would go on to recount the fight at the Fisherman's Quarter, being sure to edit out the bloodiest bits—and the part where he shot the Emerald Magistrate's yoriki. It was a fairly exciting tale: four samurai against a warehouse full of criminals and ronin. The ensuing battle where Seiko Hibiki and Daidoji Aihara engaged on the ground while he and Asahina Asahi loosed arrows from a nearby rooftop. The fire. Akio grabbing the injured Aihara out of the middle of all this and rushing him to receive medical attention. Perhaps he embellished some details on his achievements, but who would tell him he was wrong?

"As for the banquet held here, I'm embarrassed to say that I don't really know what happened. I arrived early and was confused for hired help to organize the kitchen staff, and I didn't have the heart to tell them no." He chuckled at the memory. Those were good times.

"Do they really say that you shouldn't even walk the streets without an escort? That seems excessive." If these words seemed to border on shocking, his next might even be more so. "If you think it's too much of an imposition to ask a member of the Embassy staff to accompany you, I'd be happy to show you around sometime."

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Fred
Okiiri clung on every word as Akio went on, asking for specifics at any given pause, holding herself from shuffling any closer. It had been ages since she'd bore witness to such excitement, it must have been at the Topaz Championship this past year when she witnessed the iaijutsu tournament there. Simply hearing of the tale made her think back to the stories she hears from the caravan guards whenever she travels. When he was done, she took a second to compose herself and thoughts before responding to anything.

"This is how it is when I go most places. I would not expect one of the buke caste to understand, however the kuge, although for many of us it is expected we stay in places we're safe. Even when I visited Unicorn lands I was expected to stay on the castle grounds upon arrival, and never allowed to travel far from our caravan on the trips to and from. Though, if you feel the embassy trusts you well enough, I'm certain they would allow for you to accompany me. It might even give them some relief to know someone so trustworthy is nearby."

She smiled brightly, the stories had given life back into her soul and energized her with stories and thoughts of adventures she would likely never know. At that very moment she had to fight herself from standing up and asking him to go with her, but alas, she was in no physical position to do so. After speaking, she took a few calming breaths while she listed to Akio's response.

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Brandy
"Well, I doubt your embassy thinks much of a ronin, even if I saved the life of one of your clan. You're welcome to ask though." He looked down. He had to keep his place in mind, it was a part of this life no matter how much it irked him. A mischievous glint filled his eyes as he glanced back up at her. "Although if you accidentally found yourself in confusion stepping outside the walls of the Embassy and I happened to stumble across you, I would be duty-bound to return you safely to these walls. The long way, of course."

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Fred
Her face darted aside as her face flushed red. Her fan met her cheeks to conceal her expression and fan rapidly. Her eyes would dart between the ground and Akio, unsure which to afix to, "I suppose I will go out to view the gardens under the Moonlight, and unrelated, please feel free to come by this area at any point to check on Aihara-sama."

She believed him to be earnest, as she did with most who told her stories, for better or worse, and was eager to take a risk for what she wanted. 

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Brandy
"Of course, I would be delighted to return later once you've gotten some more information on Daidoji-sama." He smiled. It was dangerous, foolish, and could land him in hot water with somebody else. But he was a ronin, dangerous and foolish was a part of the job now, wasn't it? Besides, it would be fun. And if anything went wrong, he could probably find a way to get them both out of danger. "When I come back, is there anywhere in the city you have been interested in seeing? So I can tell you about them, of course."

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Fred
"I am told of many wonders of this city, though everyone seems to stop midway through describing something and says *A lady shouldn't know that part.* So, I would gladly know more about the 'Teardrop Island.'" She said with great interest, not knowing what she was quite saying. In her mind, she had heard stories of geisha who told stories and entranced men. She also entertained and told stories and enchanted people and wanted to know what was so different between them. "Please, the next I see you 'describe' it to me with such detail, it was as though I was by your side." She asked with a deep bow before getting back up with a sly expression.

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Brandy
It was a fortunate happenstance there was no food involved with this meeting, for if there had been Akio would surely have spat it in shock at the Crane's first request. "Ah, the um . . . Teardrop Island. I can't say I've done much there. Of all the places samurai often visit that is certainly one that lives up to the more interesting tales of the city."

His eyes focused somewhere beyond and behind Okiiri, mind tracing back through what he knew of the Island. There had to be some good places he had heard of. Then they snapped back to the Crane, bright and clear with ideas. "Though I know of at least two places that might be interesting to speak about and also not get me in too much trouble if others find out I told you about them. The exotic House of Foreign Stories, or the House of the Morning Star."

He gave a very brief explanation of both, and then left it up to her if she wished to visit one, the other, or both.

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Fred
She gave pause for a moment and clung on every word of description he gave. Her fairly sheltered upbringing and naive disposition translated descriptions of gambling for descriptions of entertainment games and drugs for the euphoria she felt from hot sips of fine tea, these things which she was well acquainted with. She was warned, that not everything was as it seemed in Ryoko Owari, although these were all things she was well acquainted with, she thought, and saw no harm in any of it, "Please, I so look forward to your 'stories' about the House of Foreign Stories. I've heard so much about gaijin culture in my time with the Unicorn, I'd love to experience more! Though, you should go for now, please, make sure to return... To check on your friend soon!" She said as she looked back towards the door, realizing that it wouldn't be long before someone came to check on her. Greeting a guest of his status should not take so long, someone was bound to start getting suspicious. 

She stood up, leaving the folding fan on the ground and gave a bow, "Please, take this fan and return it to me next I see you with a poem on the paper to remember your journeys."

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Brandy
"I'm afraid I'm no poet, but I'll see what I can do. Thank you again for your time." Akio bowed, collected his daisho, and left for the time being.

It would be later that evening that he returned, dressed in a simple, dark charcoal kimono so as to blend into the nights shadows around the Embassy. He slipped into the gardens without too much difficulty; it seemed guard duty was unusually light that evening, missing about a half dozen people. He caught sight of the girl and swiftly approached. "Doji-sama, what a coincidence to find you here! I was coming by to check on Daidoji-sama. Shall we listen to some Foreign Stories?"

And so they would go, quickly and quietly out of the Embassy and into the streets of the Noble's Quarters, onto the ferries that take people to Teardrop Island, and finally to the steps of The House of Foreign Stories. Akio was careful to make sure Okiiri stayed close by at all times, and never visited the third floor, where the truly scandalous activities might be taking place. Instead, they found most of their time on the first floor, enjoying fine imported teas and other exotic refreshments served by equally exotic—yet proper—geisha who were more than happy to spin a tale or two of their homelands. Should Okiiri truly insist he would take her to the second floor to observe but not participate in the games of chance held there.

As the evening wound on, bits and pieces of Akio's life would be revealed in idle conversation. His adopted father in Khanbulak, his training as a scout for the Unicorn, his Musha Shugyo and its derailment. He would also talk about the many people he had met during his time here: from haughty Akodos to silent Mirumotos, even one of those Isawa priests. Truly this city was one of the great melting pots of the Empire. He also spoke of the fellow ronin he met during his time there, frequently referring to one named "Atsuko." Maybe a little too frequently as the tea gave way to stronger drink.

It was late, late enough to be called early when the two finally returned to the Crane Embassy, and Akio had no desire to be caught sneaking an honorable courtier of the Crane back into the Embassy at this hour. Instead, he would return her through the kitchen staff's entrance, one of the servants' paths into the buildings.

"Oh, hey! It's Ak—" The old lady who was still up began to exclaim before being shushed by him. She reduced her words to a whisper. "It's good to see you again. Can I get you anything?"

"Some senbei to go would be nice. Packaged so it can last a couple days. But you never saw us, understood Mika." He gave the woman a warm smile as she nodded, before turning that same smile to Okiiri. "Well, Doji-sama, I hope the stories proved everything you wanted and more. Perhaps we can do this again sometime. I'm sure there are friends of mine who could even join us in *Interesting conversation*"
Fred
After he left, she excused herself from the room to tend to her evening and begin spinning a story of how she would leave without causing a stir. Through dinner she would make mention of the beautiful stars in this area of Rokugan. After she would excuse herself early and make her way to 'retire' for the night. Instead, she would later go out in a reduced and simple evening kimono and hair down to wait. Still, she was dressed and made-up more than the average person on the street, but far less conspicuous than her day-to-day. When Akio came back for her, she smiled and followed along, looking over her shoulder to make sure nobody saw, "I'm all ears."

She hadn't experienced the rush she felt in those moments as they fled through the streets. How uncouth, unsavory, and uncanny it all was, even through the noble's quarters. She couldn't help but giggle every step of the way, it was as though she was in one of the scandals the other courtiers would share in court. The sort of thing she'd never have to share about herself, but now, she thought, she would if she chose. When they arrived at their destination, she was astounded. The people, similar to some of those in Unicorn lands, had features like her's. She didn't say it, but their hair with different colors and textures, and otherwise physically not entirely or not at all Rokugani, it made her feel comfortable. She made a point to stay close to Akio, and yet, none of the Geisha they were around made her feel any less or any worse. 

Even for her short time in the lands of the Unicorn, this was all so very vibrant and fresh. She would feel more fond of Akio as she learned of his past, and she shared her's. Her trouble's with her strange hair and eyes, her short time as a courtier in the courts of the Unicorn as part of the diplomatic team, and still all along being oh so sheltered from the outside world. It all lent to her trust for him, as she clung on every word, pushing him to embellish his stories as the night went along. The energy of the night allowed her to cheer along dice rolls and card flips as she would a kemari ball, even without a drop of sake touching her lips.

She noted the name Atsuko, and after they had headed home, she smiled, allowing him to escort her to safety. She had noted the name from earlier, she needed to know. She nodded Mika away, and turned and grabbed Akio's sleeve, "One more story... Please. Here where nobody will know. Atsuko, you spoke of them almost as much as you praised your drink, if not more. Who is Atsuko... To you that is?" She asked, looking up with her head angled down, her green eyes reflecting the lanterns into a shimmering light of innocence. She wasn't sure why she needed to know, maybe it was curiosity, maybe something else, but the need was real, and she wasn't letting go til she knew. Although she was much shorter than he, she imposed her demure presence as much as she could, as she was taught to, when something was urgent to her.
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Brandy
*Who is Atsuko to you?*

The question hit Akio like a charging Utaku warhorse. Every time he started thinking along these lines he always course corrected. He was no fool, he knew how his story went. Always another job, one more task before he was able to return home. Until one day he wouldn't come back from a mission. He'd be too slow, or too reckless, get killed or worse caught, and that was it. He made peace with that, so long as he could make a difference before the end. There wasn't room for anything else in his life.

Yet perhaps it was the drinks, the utter insanity of sneaking a Crane courtier back into their own home, the unholy hour, or some combination which lowered his inhibitions just enough. It started slow and stammering, Akio shifting uncomfortably from the suddenly imposing presence of the little Doji. "Oh, I uh, I mentioned Atsuko? Haha! Oh my, I guess the drinks were stronger than I thought. Who is Atsuko to me? Well, she's—I, you know, we're . . . "

He took a deep breath, catching his rapidly scattering thoughts and willing them coherent. "I don't know. When I met her I thought she was a little try-hard, a bit stuck up, and far too serious. But she's more than that: she's fought harder, endured worse, and sacrificed more to be where she is than anyone else I know. She's smart, quick to act and quicker to learn, bold and fearless in the face of whatever obstacle she faces. I mean, sure she's got a bit of a temper, maybe kind of reckless, but people like us—who grew up on the wrong side of nobility—have reason to be like that."

Akio grew quite a bit more animated than he thought he would, and turned a bit red when he realized the level of excitement he reached. "Atsuko is . . . Well she's the future. And I'm the past. That's how it is, isn't it? Even two shooting stars from opposite sides of the sky pass each other for a moment. And maybe the sky grows a little brighter until they fly their separate ways."

It was the way of things, probably. If his words to the new Unicorn Ambassador had meant anything, Atsuko might just be on the path to legitimization, long and painful as that might be. Akio? If there was a path to bastardization he was on it. It wasn't fair to dwell on such matters. Was it?

"Maybe next time I can introduce you two. That way you can meet her yourself." He put on his best, most convincing smile, as if the matter was behind him. Those who could read the eyes behind the smile would know it was not.
Fred
Okiiri listened with great interest, afterall, his explanation was dripping with veiled intent, but veiled from who? Her face relaxed as he spoke, and molded to something more of a sympathetic smile, "I feel as if... Something you're saying is incomplete, though you are unsure how to complete the story. I surely hope you find the conclusion you're looking for." She took a seat.

She took a seat, looking out at the stars through the outside, "I truly do love hearing stories from outsiders like you. Your adventures, your struggles, and all else are the things the great ballads and plays are made of. I wish I could follow suit in something like that, but my place is here." She gave a polite bow, "Perhaps you'll avail me of your next journey when you return someday, but for now, I should return to my room before someone realizes or comes searching for me. Afterall, danger and thrilling may be how a bushi establishes themselves, but consistency and reputation is the steel of a courtier." She said as she gave a sigh, taking in the sights one more time, of the night sky, as she convinced herself that she needed to get up and go. She was home, nobody could tell her anything wrong, but being seen with a ronin at this hour could cause trouble.

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Brandy
". . . As do I." Akio bowed once more, sighing slightly. She was right, it was incomplete, unfinished. Maybe all that was needed was the strength to push down the doubts and place the final brush strokes on the piece, and let future critics determine if it was a success. It was something to think about indeed. "Of course, I'd be happy to regale you with whatever new tales I learn. This is the City of Stories, after all, so I doubt it will be long before more 'danger and thrills' find me."

With that, he headed off back towards the kitchen entrance, stopping only to collect the handful of packaged senbei that Mika prepared for him. The route back through the Noble Quarter, into the Merchants Quarter and to his small abode was quiet and peaceful, quite unlike the city on most nights. But he didn't mind. He had a lot to think about on this evening, and welcomed the silence.

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