Brian
From the moment Asako Kida walked through the gates of Ryoko Owari she held her head a little higher, expression relaxing, even in the midst of the unfamiliar bustle of this city. Here everyone was a stranger with no knowledge of her. A fresh start. 

She made her way to the embassy. The large structure reminded her more of home than she cared to admit at the moment. With a brief glance and smile at the modest library structure, she paused for a moment at the temple shrines, saying a prayer to steel herself before approaching the waiting ashigaru. She presented her papers, "Asako Kita, arrived from Michita Yasumi. I am here to see the ambassador. I have a some requested items." She motioned to the satchel hanging over her shoulder. 

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Judith
The ashigaru scanned her papers and seemed satisfied with their validity. « Welcome to the embassy, samurai-sama. Please follow me to a meeting room and I will make sure the ambassador knows of your arrival. »

In short order, the ashigaru showed the way to a modest meeting room decorated with depictions of various nature scenes. Contrasted with the darker coloration of much of the rest of the space, the artwork delivered a splash of color and drew attention to itself.

It was not long after her arrival that she was joined - albeit by the Karo. A servant opened the door and Sanumo bowed in greeting just before stepping inside. The man was surprisingly young to be a Karo, but his tired, if sharp-eyed, countenance told of his capability (or at least his persistence). He wore a simple, earth-colored kimono with the Phoenix mon on full display.

« Greetings, Asako Kita-san. I am Asako Sanumo, Karo to the Ambassador. » he closed the distance and sat himself alongside the table. « Tea and Shiba Iemon-sama should both arrive shortly. »

He seemed to be all business - at least for now.

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Efrain
An elderly servant rapped gently on the door, carrying a small tray with a tea pot and three cups, setting them quickly on the table and then retreating, pausing only long enough upon entering and exiting to bow respectfully. 

As promised, Iemon was quick to arrive afterwards, correcting his pace to slow his eagerness to see what their latest guest had brought with them. He had written requesting copies of some staple texts from the Asako Library, leaving it to their discretion as to which works to send and his own gestures of appreciation for their thoughtfulness. He smoothed his ambassadorial kimono, carefully emblazoned with the Phoenix Mon, before gently knocking and entering, bowing to both Sanumo and the newcomer. 

"Welcome, Asako Kita-san, to Ryoko Owari Toshi. Your presence is a welcome one. I hope your travels were not too arduous?" He asks, taking his seat and pouring for the other two samurai, his tone light and friendly. "If you have need of something more fortifying than tea, please feel free to ask, it is no imposition at all."

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Rolland
Asako Sotetsu arrived to Ryoko Owari dusty and tired. Despite the weariness of the journey, he marveled at the size of the city as he wound through the streets to the Phoenix Clan embassy. He dispelled his doubts, dusting himself off as he approached the stone steps leading up to the embassy itself. Before the ambassador, he would need a clear, open mind. He briefly wished he had brought a spare kimono with him on the long journey south. His kimono was worn thin, the Phoenix mon faded from weather and wear.

Before the ashigaru at the gate, Sotetsu presented his papers, giving a slight nod of greeting. "I am Asako Sotetsu, from Kyuden Asako. My lord has assigned me to the embassy. Here is my letter of introduction." After handing the papers over, he rested a hand on the hilt of his unremarkable katana, assessing the defenses of the embassy as he waited. Had this embassy seen battle? Would the ambassador have a need for his blade? His lord had told him close to nothing about his assignment, save that bushi were needed in the city. He briefly admired the temple and library surrounding the embassy itself. 

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Brian
Asako Kita bowed respectfully to Asako Sanumo as he entered the room, and deeper still to Ambassador lemon.
"Thank you Ambassador-sama, Asako Sanumo-sama, for the welcome. It is a great pleasure to meet you both. The journey was long, but not unpleasant. Tea is more than sufficient."

She reached into the satchel hanging over her shoulder and pulled out a folded letter along with a silk bag, containing a gilded twig with enamel blooms along the length. The letter would be a response to the official request from the library curator for copies of library texts. She offered both to the ambassador, ready for the polite refusals of her gift.

After the items were accepted, she unslung the satchel, smoothed her light orange kimono, sprinkled with embroidered cherry blossoms around the Phoenix mon, and set the bag gently into her lap as she took her place at the table. The contents of the bag clinked gently as they settled. She took the tea in hand after the ambassador had drank and took an appreciative sip. 

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Judith
Sanumo would have replied to Kira's expression of gratitude, but found himself distracted. As the exchange of items and gifts was occurring, a servant slowly opened the door partway and caught the Karo's attention. Excusing himself, he rose, approached to the door, and began figuring out what was going on. Snippets could be overheard reasonably well.

« What is the meaning of this? »

« Another one? An Asako, you said? »

« See them through to this room post-haste. The Ambassador's time is not to be wasted. »

Sanumo soon returned to his place at the table.

-

*Meanwhile, at the gate...*

After making his purpose known to the ashigaru, Sotetsu faced a brief wait before an elderly man - clearly a servant of the embassy - approached at the fastest pace that his aged frame could muster.

« Samurai-sama. » he bowed, grimacing slightly at the pain it elicited from his joints. « The Karo insists that you join him and the Ambassador immediately. If you will, follow me. »

It was not long before Sotetsu was admitted into the underway meeting between the other three samurai, the servant clearing his throat and briefly introducing Sotetsu to the room before admitting him within and shutting the door behind the samurai.

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Efrain
Iemon's polite refusals we're quickly offered, following form, and accepted the gifts finally with a grateful bow. He sipped his own tea as he considered the texts thoughtfully. "This will make a most welcome addition to our library here at the embassy. In truth, the speed at which my request was answered was a pleasant surprise to say the least! We are humbled by the services of the Asako Library." He said, concluding his bow, just in time to notice the sudden arrival of the ushered in newcomer. 

"Ah, another new face arrives in this fair city. Welcome, please join us, we were just enjoying some tea." He offers quickly, his voice just loud enough to make it clear to the servants outside to provide an additional cup for the latest addition to the meeting.

"Did I hear correctly, another Asako to join our ranks?" He eyed the man appraisingly. Thus far, Sanumo and Kita seemed the more traditional Asako, but this man carried himself as a proper bushi. *How intriguing.* He thought to himself.

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Rolland
Sotetsu nodded and followed the embassy servant up the steps, keeping up with his hurried pace, following him through the entrance and through the door into the meeting room. He glanced at the nature paintings on the wall briefly, admiring the handiwork, then stepped in and bowed deeply to the three guests in the room after the servant had introduced him. "Pardon my interruption, and thank you for swiftly accepting my invitation swiftly." He looked to the three guests, and his eyes glimmered with faint recognition upon seeing the woman with the cherry blossom kimono. Hadn't he seen her on the road on the way here once or twice?

"Thank you, Ambassador Shiba-sama," Sotetsu said once he was invited forward. He gave another bow and moved with lithe steps to the meeting table. He sat quickly, perhaps a bit too quickly, and suddenly felt small in this room, here before great members of his clan, in this beautiful meeting room. He looked down to the table, noticing the books before the Ambassador. "Please forgive me, I bring no gifts to present today, but humbly offer my swords in your service." His daisho stand had been left at the entrance of the embassy, in a bag entrusted to a servant, so instead Sotetsu placed his katana, sheathed, upon the table, bowing. In his mind, he felt foolish and childish, and scolded himself for arriving in ignorance. It would have been wiser to learn more of the ambassador before his arrival. But above his own feeling of ignorance arose a slight worry. *Shouldn't I have surrendered my swords to enter the embassy?* 

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Brian
At the ambassadors approval Asako Kita had presented the 3 scroll cases. Each wrapped and tied in a scrap of waxed cloth. "For safe keeping" Kita noted. "I am pleased to be able to deliver these so promptly. As requested, Lessons of the Seven Great Fortunes, Almanac of Weather Patterns in the Northern Climes (1100-1130), and one I copied personally- Hantei: Histories of the Imperial Family" She named off each title as she unwrapped and laid them out on the table between them, tucking the wrappings back into her satchel. At the mention of the last a slight look of pride crossed her face before she carefully recovered her composure. "After you have reviewed and found them to meet your approval, I would be happy to deliver them personally to the curator here. I will admit, my curiosity would be satiated to see the collection here, and any volume that may not have been collected to the great library as yet."

At the arrival of the additional guest, Asako Kita regards the newcomer with a surprised look of recognition. He was a little more worn and dusty than the last time she had seen him, but it was in fact the same samurai she had seen from across the taverns the last few stops of her travels. "Asako Sotetsu-San?, I am pleased to see you again and make your acquaintance. I apologize, I did not realize your destination was the same as my own as our paths crossed briefly along the way."

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Rolland
Sotestu politely inclined is head at the table to Kita. "It is good to see you again as well, Asako Kita-san. We have both made long journeys together to Ryoko Owari Toshi, and I am glad for your company again. I too was unaware this would be your destination. Have you come from Kanjiro Library? I come from Kyuden Asako. I hope we have the opportunity to work together here for our clan." Asako Kita had clearly come better prepared than he had, and was more presentable before the Ambassador and his Karo. Sotetsu pondered her words regarding the collection, curious if the librarians here had curated any texts or books of the city's history, a blank spot in his knowledge.

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Judith
The tomes delivered from the Asako library were impressive indeed, though the one on Imperial histories was of particular interest to Sanumo. He produced his fan and snapped it open to cover a burgeoning smile of appreciation.

*That the Asako Library would trust us with safeguarding these texts speaks volumes on how we are perceived back home.*

While the two Asako were catching up, Sanumo took the opportunity to lean closer to Iemon and whisper.



He snapped his fan shut, using the noise to garner attention. « While we make many roads of our own, the only ones that truly matter are the ones that destiny sets us upon. It is a pleasure to have you both join us on our path. »

*Even if one of you appears to have brought the path with you.* The edge of his mouth turned upwards at his dry, internal musing.

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Efrain
Iemon nodded, allowing a small quirk of a smile of both relief and amusement to cross his face. Turning first to the scholar, he offered a low bow from his seat. "You and the Asako Library do us a great honor, and my words of gratitude seem inadequate in the face of such a gift. Regrettably, I do not think we have an official curator here for our small collection, at least," He pauses, looking up at her, "...Unless your duties require that you return to the Library once our business has concluded, I would like to write to your lord and request your assignment here to fulfill such a task, if you are agreeable to it."

He turned then to the warrior, his face serious. "Your offer is a bold one, and one that shows a desire to serve that we have much need of in this city. Too much have we taken for granted, and that has cost us dearly. You will pardon, I hope, that I dispense with the formality of refusing such a gift, and instead accept it outright." He paused, considering their needs. "Asako Sanumo-san has made a minor change in policy for the good of our Clan locally, in that any of our Shugenja that depart our Embassy grounds must be accompanied by a Yojimbo. I will assign you and your katana to Isawa Noboru-san for the duration of his stay here. His investigation into the practice of meishodo comes at the behest of the Elemental Council themselves. He must be able to move as freely and securely as possible in order to give such a matter the due diligence it deserves. What say you to this?"

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Rolland
Sotetsu noticed, for the first time, the poise, grace, and sincere behavior of the ambassador. The man was clearly a trained warrior, and carried himself with an ease that only came with years of martial training. He was younger than Sotetsu expected. 

Sotetsu bowed politely and immediately upon the ambassador's suggestion. "Of course, Shiba Iemon-sama. I would be honored to serve as Isawa Noburo-san's yojimbo. I have had the honor to serve in my family as a yojimbo before, so I hope my experience with the task will prove useful." As he straightened from his bow, Sotetsu's hand reached for his katana. The sheath of the blade was unremarkable, not even distinguishable as a Phoenix sword. He soundlessly slipped it into his obi. "I have heard of the practice of meishodo. It is a Unicorn tradition, yes? Very dangerous for the kami, as I understand."

In truth, Sotetsu had little knowledge of meishodo, save what he had heard at Kyuden Asako, that meishodo talismans trapped kami against their will. If the Elemental Council wished to investigate the matter, the clan and its samurai would have to do their best to follow orders. "If I may be permitted, I would say that Karo Asako Sanumo-sama's policy suggestion is wise. We are far from home in Ryoko Owari, and protecting our clan shugenja should be a priority." Sotetsu briefly pondered whether Asako Sanumo was connected or directly served the Elemental Council, but decided not to ask.

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Brian
A satisfied smile settled on Asako Kita's face. She quickly bowed her head towards the ambassador in response, "As you wish, Shiba lemon-sama. I am certain there are all the official requests and approvals to be made, but my assignment here had no determined deadline. It would be my honor to take on such duties with my lords approval, and any other you have need of."

Kita looked from the ambassador to each of the other Asakos, letting her eyes linger on Sotetsu's katana. "I will ask, in light of the mentioned investigations and protection for those involved, and as newcomers here-what is our standing as an outside clan within the city?"

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Judith
Sanumo visibly swelled at Sosetsu's recognition of his worth. Though Iemon already had a sky-high opinion of him, reinforcing that positive image was never a bad thing. He'd have to find some small, innocuous way to thank the new bushi.

Then came the matter of Kita's inquiry.

« With the Imperials in control, we are all outside clans. However, that does differ in practice - the Scorpion and Unicorn have many local interests. Regardless, that's not really what you were asking, is it? »

He did not wait for an answer, assuming she would understand his remark as rhetorical.

« We are recently in the lower rung of public perception, both among samurai and the lower classes alike. A now-ronin Isawa nearly killed a prominent Utaku and grievously wounded a peasant - one that is currently Imperial property, I might add. The Unicorn have not forgiven us for this. »

« That is not to say that all is bad. The Scorpion, once rulers of the city, work well with us to ensure the flow of opium for medicine. And the Lion also seem bent on ensuring the city's stability. We have found similar interests among both of these clans, much to our surprise. »

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Brian
Asako Kita's expression turned thoughtful at the Karo's explanation. "Yes, thank you Asako-sama, for understanding my meaning. The situation with the Unicorn sounds... Unfortunate. But it is good to hear that there are other more productive relationships present as well. It will be good to bear in mind as we settling in here."
Kita then nodded to Sotetsu, "My apologies, Asako-Sotetsu San for not answering your question more promptly. This has been an enlightening discussion of many topics. Yes-I was previously assigned to the Asako library in Michita Yasumi before my travels here. The Asako family is well represented here. I look forward to working with you as well."
"What further instruction do you have, Asako Sanumo-sama, Ambassador Shiba lemon-sama?" Kita directed the question back at the two men across the table.

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Judith
« Actually, I'm glad you asked! » he perked up briefly. « With the Ambassador's authorization, I'd like to give you an additional task. Shiba-sama, would it meet with your satisfaction to have Asako Kita-san take the helm on our Steel Talons project? It could use a capable administrator to get it up and running - and having it out of my hands will allow me to better focus on more... Delicate matters. »

He seemed hopeful. It had been quite some time since another Phoenix courtier had stayed for more than a brief few nights en route to elsewhere.

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Efrain
Iemon nodded emphatically. "I believe that would be an excellent idea, yes! If we can move forward in getting that underway, that will be most beneficial. It may seem strange for us to begin a formal dueling organization, but I can assure you that this is something that has merited much consideration and forethought from my loyal Karo. The benefits he sees to such a thing being implemented are unquestionable." His sincere words regarding Sanumo's idea were meant as a definitive statement of praise, closing the matter to second-guessing. 

He turned to Sotetsu to respond to him and involve both of them in the conversation. "Yes, though I do not know much beyond what has been officially stated regarding meishodo outside of what has been stated. Noboru could likely provide greater insight, and as you accompany him in his dealing with the Unicorn you may learn more than even I will on the subject." 

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Brian
Asako Kita had paused several seconds before responding to the new proposal. 
"As you wish Ambassador lemon-sama, Karo-sama. I am honored that you would entrust an additional assignment to one so newly arrived here as myself. I will see to it and work with Asako Sanumo-sama to get all the relevant details." 
While she had outwardly maintained her pleasant composure, Kita had been nearly in shock at the welcome and the opportunities immediately presented. After having been 'one of' for some time, and only known for her recent tragedy, she had expected to be assigned menial busy-work upon her arrival. She would continue to enjoy her tea while any final pleasantries concluded.

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