David
Stepping through the bustling streets of Ryoko Owari, Kuni Kobe's robes seemed to part the sea of city dwellers like a ship cutting through calm waters. Emi, his faithful pony, trotted behind him, her coat a dappled tapestry that caught the eye of passersby. Every so often, he'd catch the reflection of his painted face in a shop window, the visage of his mother smiling back at him, strengthening his resolve.

Finally, he arrived at the Crab Embassy. His approach was not the measured tread of a typical shugenja, but rather a spirited jaunt, his robe's whimsical crabs seemingly scuttling in time with his steps. The Shugenja had been thinking to himself how his Clan's intimidating facade often housed the warmest of hearts—like an armadillo, tough on the outside, but a bit of a softie when flipped over. The mental image of the dour Crab guards squirming on their backs was too much for him to bear in silence.

The servants at the door eyed him warily, not quite sure what to make of the spirited young man whose laughter seemed to echo in the courtyard before he'd even crossed the threshold. He greeted them with a bow as deep as it was enthusiastic. "Good sirs, I am newly arrived." Kobe greeted, his voice a buoyant melody. His facepaint's curving and branching lines seemed to wrap around his facial features, making even the barest expression plain and unmistakable. "I am Kuni Kobe, son of Daisuke and Emiko, sent by the Kuni to study and assist the ambassador as he sees fit."

"Might I trouble you to announce my presence to the esteemed Hida Koyama-sama?" The young lad, perhaps average in height but short by Crab standards, smiled broadly as he waited. The servants exchanged glances before one hurried off to convey the message and the other began leading Kobe to the West Wing. As he walked, Kobe couldn't help but inspect the embassy with the curious eyes of a child discovering a tidepool teeming with life. 
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John
Stepping out from a meeting with few messengers He rubbed his neck reflexively as he lumbered into the hallway. Meetings where sitting was protocol usually hurt his neck to posture looking at those shorter than him. He and Umeo did much in the way of procuring goods for the Clan so these meetings have been frequent and he occasionally noticed that the pain didn't subside as quickly as it had in days past. Such is life. He remembered his own father being absurdly strong in his youth, but even he has a more measured step in his golden years. It made him think of his own youth for a second and then to his eldest son, Aoyama, The name he took at his gempukku to honor his father. He was an immense source of pride for Koyama. While he didn't have the build Koyama possessed at his age, His talent was incredible and honed to an edge by his mother and sensei. He had been everything his parent asked of him, but Koyama wondered How he would look at his father and his own youth as he aged.

He shook the thoughts from his head, with a determination to be the same source of pride for his son as Aoyama was to him. He turnedwalk down the hall way when he noticed a servant walking towards him with someone in tow. A Kuni.

"Pardon me, Hida-sama. Kuni Kobe-sama is here to report in."

"Excellent." Koyama said, Rubbing his neck. "I will escort him from here." 

"Yes, Hida-sama" The servant bowed before scampering back up the hall. He nodded to young man. "A pleasure to meet you, Kuni-san. I'm Hida Koyama, Ambassador for our clan here in this city. You are here earlier than expected. How were your travels?"
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David
Kuni Kobe's eyes sparkled as he faced Hida Koyama. His energetic demeanor seemed to fill the corridor with an almost tangible warmth. The young shugenja bowed to his ambassador, and while the movements were fluid and full of respect, there was a casual ease as he straightened. 

"The journey was an adventure, Ambassador Hida-sama!" Kobe replied, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "The roads were kind, and the company I found along the way was... Enlightening, to say the least." The curving lines of his makeup enlarged his features, Kobe's mouth seeming as wide as a serpent's maw as the boy broadly smiled. "And Emi," He continued, gesturing outside in the loose direction of where his pony was stabled, "She's been a steadfast companion. Her spirits are as high as mine!" 

He then turned his full attention back to Koyama, the amber of his eyes reflecting a deep sincerity. "I am here to serve and learn, Hida-sama. I wanna keep researching while I'm here, but I'm up for whatever you throw at me." His tone, though light, carried a weight of earnest dedication.

Kobe's natural curiosity then bubbled to the surface. "And you, Hida-sama? How do *You* Find life in the city? It's not like what I'm used to. The amount of people in one place is... Just amazing." The young lad laughed quietly, "I expected the *Scorpion Cesspool* To smell worse, to be honest."
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Morris
*Making her way through Ryoko Owari, a small samurai-ko would have dismounted and made her way towards the Crab Embassy on foot as she kept her pony as far away from her as she could. Despite how long she rode the beast, she could never get over her revulsion for them, and forced herself to tolerate their presence due to how convenient they were for her condition.*

*Walking at a much slower pace than normal, Ariko would take moments to stop and examine the strange city. She'd examine the buildings, activity, the people themselves almost as if she was committing something to memory. It also let her pace herself so she didn't ruin her first impression. The last thing she wanted was to arrive and meet the ambassador in a tired state.*

*As she finally approached the Embassy itself, she would take a moment to clean herself up as best she could. Doing her best to ensure her long hair was well kept, and minimze the dust on her blue traveling robes. Once she was prepared, she would have her pony placed in the stables, taking a large box containing a painting from her horse and approach the closest guard and bow deeply.*

"Good day, cousins. I am Yasuki Ariko, here to serve our clan." *The young woman would say in a formal tone and present her personal chop.* "Can you please announce my arrival to Ambassador Hida Koyama-sama?" *Once the servants had left, the young woman would spend the time examining the embassy, appreciating the comfort of the Crab architecture in this strange city.*
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Joseph
_Ryoko Owari Toshi certainly lived up to its title as the second largest city in the empire. The streets were packed with people and as one would imagine it wasn't such a quiet place. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. Seikichi would have loved this type of day if only he didn't feel so out of place. Homes spanning for what looked to be miles. More civilians than he could possibly count. Everything seemed backwards from the remote rural villages he was so used to._

_But today was a day of change and new beginnings. Now he represented the Hida family as the clan's magistrate. Failure was not an option as he wished to please his lord and bring honor to his new family. He was given orders to depart at once for the city and head straight to the Crab's embassy and from there speak to the ambassador. Very vague orders but nevertheless he followed without question as loyalty and discipline was the foundation of his character._

_Seikichi was wearing his light armor which for him was casual. He cleaned up as best as he could though he wasn't so used to presenting himself in appearance rather than combat. Upon approaching the embassy he paused for a moment to gather himself as he was slightly nervous. His character mattered more than his prowess in the city and that unnerved him. **"Get a grip on yourself, this city is nothing compared to what you have seen!"** He'd mutter to himself._

_Seikichi had entered the embassy and soon made his way to the closest servant, proudly introducing himself with his new name and position. "**I am Hida Seikichi, the Crab clans magistrate. I have been given orders to meet with the ambassador Hida-Sama.**" He'd say confidently. As the servant made way to announce his arrival Seikichi kept his arms to his side and stood with his head high. He was like a statue holding perfect posture and bearing._
John
A young servant bowed to both samurai in acknowledgement and after a moments both were greeted by an elderly woman, Easily past retirement age for most samurai, but her eyes still hold a distinct sharpness, like a Shepherd to the flock of servants. Her tone gentle yet authoritative. She knew what needed to be done and her efforts were always to make sure no task went incomplete. The woman bowed deeply to the Samurai.

"Welcome Yasuki-sama, Hida-sama to the Crab Embassy. I'm Hoshiko, head Servant and assistant to Ambassador Hida Koyama. He has been expecting you." She says, straightening. "Please follow me." She said, leading the samurai down to the end of the building where a large set of wooden double doors capped the northern part of the building. Just before it is an office with a heavy screen. Two voices can be heard as Hoshiko gently raps on the door.

"Hida-sama, Two new assignees have arrived." She says loud enough to be assuredly heard over the din of conversation.

"Good. Please see them in." A rough baritone voice tones and Hoshiko opens the screens for you and allows The two Samurai to step inside the office. A young Kuni with a spirited expression is the closest to you and a behind him, a mountainous Hida shadowed them. He look at the two new arrival and Nodded. Welcome to the Crab Embassy, I am Hida Koyama, leader of the Crab Delegation."
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Morris
*When the new Hida had arrived, Ariko watched him for a moment as he announced his arrival to the embassy. Not wishing to intrude on the man if he wished for privacy, the courtier would merely bow towards him and wait in silence until Hoshiko arrived. Appraising the elderly servant, Ariko suspected Hoshiko had enough knowledge of Ryoko Owari and the people here, she could spend days asking her things and still have questions on things.*

"Thank you Hoshiko-san." *Ariko would nod in acknowledgement after they were greeted and followed the servant deeper into the Embassy. Still carrying the box, the tiny woman would carefully make her way behind Hoshiko, ensuring the long sleeves of her robes did not get in her way. She would do her best to examine the interior of the Embassy as she made her way along but would focus once they arrived at the doors to an office with voices behind it. Entering the office, the small woman would bow deeply at the waist to the two samurai within.*

"Greetings HIda-sama. I am Yasuki Ariko, here to serve the clan to the best of my ability. Please accept this humble gift." *The young woman would present the box, decorated with the a few carvings of the Crab mon. Within the box would be a painting of the Kaiu Wall from the point of view Earthquake Fish Bay. Although it wasn't a masterpiece, it was no amateur work but the most impressive part would be the attention to detail of the wall. It was almost like it was an attempt to make an impression of the wall over an artistic creation to look beautiful.*

"When I was young and my sensei took me to see the Wall for the first time, and it left a deep impression on me. It filled me with wonder and was something I knew I had to paint. I would be honoured to give you this work as a reminder of our home while we are here."
John
"It's a beautiful painting, Yasuki-san." Koyama said with a bow after properly accepting the gift. "I have been reminded often of the wall as of late. I have not seen it since it has been rebuilt, but I received a letter from my wife less than a moon ago of my eldest son getting assigned to the 7th tower. This will remind me of the promise to care for the clan here as I can the keep the vigil of our ancestors. He said, settling back behind his desk.

He waited as Hoshiko brought tea for the attending samurai before resuming. "How were your travels Yasuki-san? I hope they as —entertaining as Kuni-san's.
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David
Kuni Kobe, standing amidst the austere surroundings of the Crab Embassy, felt an undeniable surge of excitement at the arrival of Yasuki Ariko. His amber eyes, wide with curiosity and warmth, flickered between Ambassador Hida Koyama and the newly arrived Ariko. The atmosphere in the room, though serious and formal, couldn't dampen Kobe's spirited nature.

As Hida Koyama and Ariko exchanged greetings, Kobe listened intently, his gaze drifting to the painting Ariko presented. "That's a wonderful painting," He chimed in, his voice carrying a cheerful note that contrasted with the room's somber mood. "It almost feels like you can reach out and touch the Wall. It's got a... A sense of presence, you know?"

Kobe shifted his stance slightly, his whimsical crabs-adorned robes rustling softly. Kobe then turned his attention to Ariko, his smile broadening. "I hope your trip was a great one, Yasuki-san! I'm Kuni Kobe. I just got here, too. I imagine the journey here must have been quite an adventure for you." The young Kuni's demeanor, full of life and genuine interest, seemed to bring a lighter air to the room. His face paint, usually a mark of his clan's more ominous duties, seemed almost playful in the flickering light of the lanterns.
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Morris
"The trip here was eye-opening." *The trip here had taken longer than most by road due to the young woman needing to take her time, but it had been enjoyable. Despite the presence of her pony.* "It was the first time I have come this far north into the Empire and there were many sights that were impressive. The Suzume lands were more quaint than I had imagined they would be, and seeing the Kitsune Mori from a distance made me wish I could explore parts of it." *She had been sorely tempted to spend more time taking in the sights of those places but her duty to the clan could not be ignored.*

"Thank you both for your kind words. It is an honour to meet you as well, Kuni-sama. I am eager to learn more about a city like this." *Giving Kobe a bow as well, Ariko was pleased with the words she had received from Hida Koyama and Kuni Kobe. She had seen more things that she wanted to paint already and knew she'd be spending a lot of time on that.*
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John
"I am glad you both have arrived and you both learned a bit on the rip." Koyama said letting their introductions play out. "There will be much for you to learn and you will need to learn it quickly. The day to day of this place matches a vigorous training exercise at Kaiu Kabe. People move fast and talk faster here. You'll need to take a few days to explore the city and get your bearings of the place. Find corners of town you feel comfortable and enjoy. Afterwards, You, Ariko-san will be working alongside my Karo, Yasuki-Umeo san. And Kobe-san you'll be working with me on a mission. I know you've recently arrived but your timing has been incredibly fortuitous. We'll have much to discuss."
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Morris
*Straight to buisness then. That did not surprise the young courtier too much. Ariko would nod, silently listening to Koyama as he dictated her duties here in the immediate future, filing away the name Yasuki Umeo in her mind to report to soon. She gave Kobe a glance, wondering what kind of mission would require the talents of a Kuni, but perhaps it was best she did not know.*

"Understood, Hida-sama. Are there any areas of the city you would say should be avoided more than others?" *She'd save most of her questions for her meeting with Umeo but if she was to get her bearings here first, it would be best to get that information now.*
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David
Kuni Kobe listened attentively as Hida Koyama outlined their immediate tasks. His posture was relaxed, and his honeyed eyes sparkled with barely contained joy. The mention of a specific mission piqued his interest, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of being directly involved in something significant so soon after his arrival. 

"Exploring the city sounds like a grand plan, Hida-sama," Kobe responded with a nod. "If I'm going to be stationed here for long, I will need to know my way around!"

Turning to Yasuki Ariko, Kobe smiled broadly, "The Kitsune Mori must be a sight to see! Just trees as far as the eye can see... A forest with trees older than the Kami. Can you imagine? Perhaps one day, we'll have the chance to explore it together, Yasuki-san. Maybe one of the talking animals will need your diplomatic skills? There's so much to learn from those places, and I bet your perspective as an artist would offer even more insights that I'd never even consider!"

"Indeed, Hida-sama," Kobe added to Ariko's question, "Are there any particular quarters or districts we should be cautious around? I'd hate to wander into trouble unprepared. I've read quite a lot of material about Ryoko Owari's unique... Ambiance. Do we have, like, a map or something? Perhaps some peasant child that's been paid a dingy coin to show the new Crabs around and let us know which spots to avoid because of..." And here he whispers, "The local *Gangs*?" The whisper was exaggerated for effect.
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John
"The 'Leatherworkers' should be steered clear of, unless on official business. And Firemen gangs are all over the city. They'll not bother you with a Crab mon on." Koyama said. Pointing to a mildly outdated map of the city. "The city has plenty of other things to keep your interest. Including Teardrop Island. The Island is know as a den of pleasure and vice in a city famous for it. Keep your wits about you and noses clean. Getting any unsavory reports about your conduct there will but met harshly, understood?" He said, realizing he took a parental tone. It sounded like the speech he gave his eldest in Otosan Uchi just a summer ago. Color rose in his cheeks as he covered it with a clearing of his throat.

 "Anyway, I'm sure you'll use your best judgment as representatives of the Crab. I'm sure whenever Takashi-san gets back he'll be happy to show you around." Koyama said. Chuckling inwardly at the idea of Takashi trying to wrangle two young samurai during their first moments in the city. It was likely the most they'd ever seen in one place away from the wall.
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Morris
*Ariko would nod as Koyama provided expectations and warning on the areas that should be avoided. She felt a little nervous, hoping she wouldn't do anything to harm the view of the Crab in the city but she swallowed down those nerves. She would just have to not fail, she would muse as she thought about the words of the Hida.*

"I would be pleased to meet whomever and be shown around, Hida-sama. I am eager to serve our clans interests here and look forward to meeting Yasuki Umeo-sama to do so." *The courtier would reply once Koyama had finished, mentally filing away the information he had given.* "Have relations between our clan and others in the city remained the same as in the rest of the empire?"

*Ariko would turn towards Kobe as well, returning the Kuni's smile with her own courtier smile as she thought about having to deal with talking animals. She wasn't sure if they would be worse to deal with or better since they might actually understand proper etiquette. Kobe threw off her expectations of a Kuni, she had not interacted with many in the past and he was very different than any she had seen before.*

"It would be an honour to explore such the forest with you, Kuni-sama. My talents in art are modest but I would be happy to provide you any perspective and insights I have on that or other things. Meeting one of those rumoured animals in the Kitsune Mori would be an experience I'd never forget. Do those creatures interest you?"
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David
Kuni Kobe's eyes twinkled with a blend of curiosity and amusement at Ariko's response, his face brightening further. "Oh, definitely! Some of the creatures there are supposed to possess *Extraordinary* Properties, and the wall between here and Chikushudo is thinner there. If you don't have a guide, you could fall into another world *By accident*! How amazing is that," He shared eagerly. "Just imagine what we could learn and what stories those rabbits could tell." Kobe's imagination seemed to ignite at the thought, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke. 

He nodded at the ambassador's instructions and responded with his best attempt at a respectful tone. "Yes, sir. I'll be sure to tread carefully, Hida-sama. I look forward to meeting Hiruma Takashi-sama. It'll be great to have someone show us around."

Kobe leaned in to study the map closely, his fingers tracing the paths and districts as he continued."I'd love to hear more about your art sometime, Yasuki-san. Maybe you could show me some of your work later?" 
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