Jae
*Loyalty.*

Every lord asked this of those under them, every battle leader of their soldiers. A samurai's life was bound to devotion towards their superiors. This was the way of the world, according to the Order, codified by Doji and approved by Hantei.

But what if your lord was *Wrong?*

Ide Nakato had been wrong.

Loyalty was simple in theory, yet complicated in practice.

The previous Ambassador had a storied career of action. The samurai in his charge were efficient, motivated, and skilled. Years spent fighting dark magicks across and beyond the borders of the Empire honed them into an exquisitely effective unit. And oh, were they loyal.

Then it all fell apart. What madness befell him no one knew, but in one night the Unicorn Ambassador threw away their foothold, his career, and his life. Utaku Kazuko was here to pick up the pieces, to place them back on the board. Part of that meant disowning the acts and orders of her predecessor.

But Nakato's men were *Loyal.* The embers of discontent at his death were only stoked by anger at the new Ambassador's stance. Moto Orichi was still unaccounted for, as were a small number of ashigaru. They were only the most notable offenses; it was only a matter of time before the rest followed suit, took action for their fallen lord, proved their loyalty.

Kazuko had to act. Transfer orders were written, soldiers were reassigned throughout Unicorn territory. The elite task force of Nakato were scattered, disbanded. In its place came fresh faces, new samurai and ashigaru to be put on the board. Hardened, elite soldiers were traded for raw recruits. Quality had to be sacrificed. All because of *Loyalty.*

As Kazuko read the words penned from the Phoenix Ambassador once again, struggling to find the words to reply, she could not help but wonder: had she been wrong? Would the consequences of her choice come back upon her head sooner rather than later? And if they did, would her samurai remember their loyalty lay in the clan first, and not any one person? She could not be the cause of misguided devotion. It would be too much for her to bear.

A noise at the door broke her from her reverie, and she quickly but carefully slipped the yellow paper back into its place. Fuyuko bowed, and entered. "My lady, the new rotation of ashigaru will be here soon, as well as samurai to replace the ones reassigned. A Moto Mushi would like to report his arrival."

"Very good, Fuyuko-san." The Battle Maiden turned Ambassador took at deep breath, letting out the worries and doubts for the moment. New faces needed to see old resolve. "When he arrives, have him sent in at once."

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Katherine
"Sakura, Sakura! In the fields, mountains and villages." Mushi sang softly as he carefully tied his horse to a tree outside of the Ide residence. The large samurai was only wearing his breast plate over his kimono today. He was here to talk and he wanted to give the best impression to Ambassador but still look like the warrior he was. 

He walked up to residence, whistling the same tune. He tried patting away the dust from his clothes to very little success and then removed his wooden sandals before making his presence known. 

His name had barely passed his lips when the, admittedly polite, attendant quickly ushered him into the Ambassador's office. Befuddled, Mushi entered the room not knowing what to expect. Once inside, he clambered down to a kneel and laid his hands on his knees in the most respectful position he knew.

"I am Moto Mushi, most honored Ambassador. I am here to continue my service to our clan in any way that is necessary."
Jae
Fuyuko gathered the Moto when he arrived and brought him to Kazuko's office, where the Ambassador sat behind her desk stock still, perfect poise, and her usual severe expression adorning her face. Three cups of milk tea were placed on the table in preparation of his arrival.

Nodding, she invited him to sit on the provided cushion before the desk. Fuyuko would stand behind and beside her lady and begin to speak as Kazuko's hands went into motion. "I bid you welcome, Moto-san. The woman speaking is Fuyuko-san. She serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak clearly after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her have the same weight as my own. I hope your journey to this city has been a pleasant one."

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Katherine
Mushi teeters a bit as he rises. Stomping inelegantly forwards, he takes the offered seat. He was nervous, drinking tea in an expensive home was very different from the almost mad revelries of Moto gatherings. He was more comfortable hearing the beating of the drums and the stamping of hooves and feet. Here he could only hear the beating of his heart in his ears. 

Reaching forwards, he grips the cup of tea with both hands taking comfort in it's warms. He leans forwards, neck stretched, eyes wide, as he listens intently to Fuyuko-san's words. He nods effusively when she finishes and takes a small sip of the tea. At least the tea was good. 

'Small sips are more polite than gulps' he tries to remember, his mother's words ringing in his head.

A hand wipes away the bead of sweat forming on his forehead. He bows again, pauses then bows again deeper this time just in case. 

"My journey here was wonderful, Lady Kazuko-san" He quickly tries to recover. "-sama!" He blurts out. "I- I always love riding through Unicorn lands." 

His eyes darted between Fuyuko-san and the Ambassador. He wasn't sure if the attendant also had to translate what he said back to the Ambassador. He was also terrified his slip up would get him into trouble.
Jae
If the Battle Maiden's countenance could grow any colder than her normal gaze it did. This child needed to learn manners. Chagatai was getting more and more lax in how he let his clan comport themselves. "Perhaps you were on such close terms with your previous superiors, but you would do well to remember to address them *Appropriately* Here. Utaku-sama or Ambassador-sama is sufficient."

She leveled a silent and hard gaze at the boy. *Boy* Was accurate: the Moto was young, but were it not for the papers providing his introduction she would have assumed he was fresh out of gempuku. After a long silence on her part, she began to sign again. "I assume this is your first journey outside of our lands. What is more, you have been assigned to what has become one of the most volatile cities in the Empire. What do you know of Ryoko Owari Toshi?"

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Katherine
Mushi briefly closed his eyes. 'You messed up again, Mushi.' He thought to himself. He was disappointed in himself but this wasn't entirely unexpected. He was painfully aware of his own shortcomings. It was almost a relief knowing that he no longer had to worry about making a good first impression. 

He put down his cup and looked directly at the Ambassador as he spoke. He spoke now in a soft, mollified voice but his eyes were steeled with determination. 

"My- my apologies, Ambassador-sama." He spoke slowly, carefully. "It won't happen again. I was simply told that our clan needed strong arms in the city. I assume that means my skills as a warrior will be needed. As far as the city is concerned, I know it by name only. It's reputation had yet to reach me. I am eager to both learn and prove myself to you and the clan, in anyway you see fit. Where my words may disappoint I hope to prove that my actions won't." 

He held his breath, waiting. He was worried he had spoken for too long or had said or done something else to offend. He dropped his gaze, finally cracking under the Ambassador's stern eyes.
Jae
"Then let us start with what you would already know and work outward." Kazuko did not acknowledge the apology, but there was less bite in the translated words now than there had been earlier. "Ryoko Owari Toshi is the second largest city in the Empire, a major trade hub, population center, and the most corrupt city within Scorpion Clan lands. Lands that upon review of the original boundaries of the Ki-Rin Clan centuries ago we have determined belong to us. We brought this claim to the Emperor, and he did not deny its validity.

"Needless to say, the Scorpion Clan was not pleased. The Emperor's silence on the matter gave us the foothold we long sought to begin plans for annexation." She took a sip of the milk tea, savoring the warmth for a moment as she remembered the rush of planning she and the others in Shiro Utaku had undertaken last fall. The busiest and most rewarding postwar year of her life. "Last winter, a so-called Unicorn raid was launched against Lion lands. We were on the verge of war once more against our old rivals. However, it was uncovered through the ineptitude of this city's own Governor Shosuro Orochi that the raid was orchestrated by the Scorpion in an attempt to turn the Lion to their side and against us."

Kazuko felt her hands tightening, the events of the winter still an incredibly sore subject with her. There was little to be done to change the past, she thought to herself as she willed them to continue moving fluidly. "We *Had* Them, Moto-san. Had we simply maintained our calm we could have marched into the city and seized it then and there. Instead, the previous Unicorn Ambassador chose that very moment to lose his mind. He raged against the Governor, providing Orochi the opportunity to challenge him in a duel. They slew each other, forcing us to accept the karmic strike as a return to a neutral state.

"Thankfully in spite of that, the Imperials saw the Scorpion as no longer fit to rule this city. They are here to bring their guidance to the city for a year, after which they will determine the clan most suitable to govern it. That clan must be us. We have sacrificed too much for it not to be." That was the long and short of it. One man's foolhardy arrogance nearly handed them the city, another's tore it away. Now it was her turn. "*This* Is the city you find yourself in, Moto-san. A city of lies and corruption and deceit, of vile filth and danger. Yet it is a place that can be so much more if it only had the right hands to guide it."

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Katherine
Nodding as Fuyuko relayed the message, Mushi reached for his tea once more and took a moment to sip on it. His brow furrowed as he contemplated the Ambassador's words. He realized how woefully underprepared he was for the situation here in the city. He had never served as courtier or yojimbo before. He was a warrior, trained to fight groups in an open field, and yet there wasn't a war here to fight. Not yet at least. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been sent here as some form of punishment.

"Hm, I am struggling to see where exactly I fit into all of this, Utaku-sama. Unless you have something specific in mind, I think it might be best if I take some time to acquaint myself with the city and it's people." He sets down the cup of tea in his hands. "As you can obviously tell I struggle in a more formal setting like this. Perhaps I can be of more use to you in a different environment. One more suited to my temperament and skills." 

Mushi fidgeted in his seat a bit. He wasn't used to sitting down like this for very long. Regardless of how nervous he was now, he was looking forward to stretching his legs and exploring this city.
Jae
"I agree. I believe your first steps here should be to meet those in the city, learn about where you find yourself." Not too haughty to see his flaws, and intelligent enough to know how to push past them. Good. He was young and foolish, but not stupid. "However, do not fear you have been misplaced, lest the same be true with my posting. My own skills as Ambassador are rudimentary at best. Rest assured the city is not only a political battlefield, but a literal one. Criminal elements within, brigands without, even unholy Tainted terrors plague this city. We need warriors. *I* Need warriors."

She could not afford to tell him all she had planned. Not yet. Not with so much at stake. He needed to earn that level of trust, but she would allow him the opportunity to do so. "It is also important that you understand who our enemies and allies are within the city. Of course the Crane stand with us as they have for generations. The Scorpion stand in our way, but the city still teems with them. The Phoenix . . . The Phoenix have lofty goals, yet their actions have proven they can be no ally of ours. As for the other clans, they are neither in nor against our favor yet."

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Katherine
The Ambassador's words settled his mind. Perhaps this post wasn't a punishment after all. Bullies and roughnecks, *That* He had dealt with before, and the idea of meeting samurai from the other clans was intriguing. Mushi thought for a moment about his time with the Crab. He doubted that they would even remember him, even if he did run into someone he knew. Still it might be nice to reach out and speak with the clan. 

"It is a samurai's duty to keep his blade sharp. I look forward to continuing my training and testing those skills against any trouble makers." 

Mushi paused for a second, less confident about his next words.
"I can't say I've dealt with many Scorpions before, Ambassador-sama." He said. "Not to my knowledge at least. I hear, you can never tell with the Scorpion. I am grateful for the warning. I am happy to hear about the Crane's support. The other clans I don't know as well. I would, um, I would like to ask for your permission to react out to the Crab clan." He strutters a bit, nervous again. "I-If you think it is prudent of course. I don't think I know any of them in the city but I fostered with them in my youth. Perhaps I can make some inroads towards turning them to our side."

Mushi knew he was no courtier able to sweet talk the Crab but them He thought he could at least understand. Not like the Crane, the Crane terrified him. They were always so well put together, so prim and proper. He almost shuddered thinking about how badly he would embarress himself around them.
Jae
"Of course, Moto-san. While our people and the Children of Hida share a close bond outside the city, our dealing with them within Ryoko Owari have been few." Few and under unpleasant circumstances, she thought to herself. The first and only time she had met the Crab Ambassador in person was when he served as arbiter at the duel between Unicorn and Phoenix. Ide Kenza maintained cordial relationships with them, and she knew the ronin Atsuko also had worked with their clan. More communication would be welcome.

"Should you be interested in learning more details about this city, Shinjo Temujin has grown quite comfortable in his understanding of the place. Seek him out if you so wish." She finished her tea, moving it off to the side as Fuyuko collected the empty cup. Temujin was perhaps becoming too comfortable in this cesspool, but that was a matter for another time. "My second, Utaku Masanori, is in command of our military interests, speak to him to see where you can best be used for our aims. Do you have any further questions for me? I encourage you to speak freely."

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Katherine
"I-" He wanted to ask if she thought they were headed to war with the Scorpion but there would be no point to that. He was coward but a question like that might make him seem like one. He also suspected that the Ambassador might not be at liberty to answer that truthfully.

Mushi finished his own cup and set it back down. "No, I don't wish to take anymore of your time, Utaku-sama. I will seek out Shinjo Temujin and Utaku Masanori, as you have said, and make myself useful. Seeing as I'm new to the city, I will only ask you for directions to where they might be at present. 

Mushi stood from his seat and bowed deeply. "I will do my best to not disappoint you Ambassador-sama. It has been an honor meeting you." 

He turns and bows to Fuyuko. "And you as well Fuyuko-san."

Mushi stands awkwardly, not sure if he should just leave or wait to be dismissed.
Jae
"Shinjo-san can often be found near one of the city's gates, ready to welcome newcomers. I am surprised you did not encounter him on your arrival. Utaku-san is a busy man, but you can seek out his aide here in our Embassy to schedule a time to meet. I will have one of our servants direct you to him." The brief hesitation of a question unasked brought a quirked eyebrow from the Ambassador, but she did not comment on it. The boy was uncomfortable enough, she would not add to his discomfort, for now at least. As he stood, Kazuko would rise as well, bowing curtly. One last opportunity to say whatever it was he decided against. "If you are certain there is nothing else, you are dismissed. My offices are always open should you need to speak with me in the future. Carry the Five Winds, Moto-san."

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Katherine
Mushi bowed once more and exited her office. 'Not too fast, Mushi.' He thought to himself. 'You're not running away.' He made his way back to the entrance and collected his sandals from beside the door. 

"I think..." He said as he reached his waiting horse. "That could have gone worse, Mitsubachi-san." He gave the horse a few pats on the neck and side before untying his friend from the tree. Mitsubachi nuzzled him affectionately. It had been a few years since he had received the horse. Though stronger and taller than most other steeds in Rokugan, Mistubachi had never been swift enough or fierce enough to be considered as a stud for the Moto stables. Mushi had always felt a kinship with the shy, rejected stallion. 

Mushi swung himself onto the saddle, there was a soft smirk on his face. There was opportunity in this city. Danger too, but he could now see possibility here as well. A fresh start. An old children's song came to him as they trotted away from the Ambassador's residence. 

"Little red dragonfly! Resting, waiting..."
Jae
Kazuko watched the Moto depart, his steps careful and controlled but almost as if he was backing up from a predator. She was aware her direct leadership style could make those unfamiliar with her uncomfortable, so did not fault him for that. "What do you make of him?"

"Well," Replied Fuyuko, pouring Kazuko and then herself a cup of the remaining tea, "He's no diplomat. He'll have to learn to control himself a bit more, but he seems very . . . Sweet? Nice?"

"Worse, Fuyuko. He is *Kind*. This city preys on gentle souls." Years ago, the young girl who would choose the name Kazuko was kind. It was all but burned away in the fires of her struggles since then. There was no room for kindness in Rokugan, a world that despised its very existence, much less here in Ryoko Owari. Yet there was a part of her that still remembered, some small piece of her heart which saw those who carried what she lost and wanted to protect them. "His life here will not be easy. He will need guidance, to avoid falling victim here. Despite it all, I believe he can survive."

*Loyalty.*

It worked both ways. The Unicorn Ambassador was loyal to the samurai under her care. Each of them were more than tools, they were people, with hopes and dreams that needed to be fulfilled. She would not forget that, what she owed every one of them.

Perhaps that was the difference. Loyalty to a person, any one man or woman, was misplaced. Sooner or later they would fall, and those who trusted in them would be brought down too. In her mind, it was only a matter of time before she joined the ranks of those who failed clan and champion. Kazuko could not hold this forever; already she felt the cracks in her attempts to play courtier.

No, she could not bind her samurai with loyalty to person. Loyalty to an idea was the key. To the future that could be achieved here in the city under Unicorn guidance. To the importance of understanding and compassion. To the tenets of her beliefs, and those who shared her vision. That would bring success whether she lived or died.

"Fuyuko, bring me my brush. I . . . I think I know what to say now." Carefully, respectfully, she took back out the letter from Iemon, reading it once again. Reminding herself of it all—the righteous anger, the suspense of the duel, the hollow victory. The tangible hope of the Phoenix and Unicorn had died, and she had delivered the fatal blow. The Ambassador did not regret her actions.

No, Utaku Kazuko was not kind. But Utaku Kazuko would always be *Loyal*.

Putting brush to paper, she began to write. There was an idea, a dream that they had shared if only for a brief moment before the world snatched it away. The taisa never believed in something more than she had that day, and she would honor that memory the only way she knew how. She would fight until there was no more left for her to give to bring it about, even if it was alone. That was her devotion.

A single drop of water fell from somewhere overhead as she sat hunched over her desk, placing the final touches on the letter. It would have to do. "Seal this with my personal seal. Deliver it to the Phoenix as soon as possible."

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