Eloy
*Okay okay, I got the gift. But is it a good one, in the end? I can't see how she could use it for... No, no, gifts are supposed to be useless! But then what's the point of them anyway?* She stopped herself from questioning core social rituals and just went on with it. Miho-neesan had taken just enough time off her busy schedule to get her a decent gift and then send her on the way, thankfully not prying on the matter she wanted to ask Kitsu-sama. The present in question was just a small netsuke in the shape of a bluebell: while not as foolproof as the good old lion shape, It expressed gratefulness in the flower language, which Miho found more fitting to thank the Ambassador for helping Rin settling in her embassy. Now, it only rested on Rin's eloquence to make the encounter go smooth. Which is not something you want to happen.

The girl did not fully grasp the implications of what she was going to ask, but she had a vague understanding of its weight: the Scorpions were the mortal enemies of the Lion in this city (everywhere, really), and she, a newly arrived member, was asking to go to a play at Shosuro Palace. Even if she was unlikely to be judged suspicious, she may be deemed unfit to resist the Scorpions' mind games. Her best defense on the argument was that she simply didn't know enough of their affairs to spill anything. Not the most refined argument, but it was true.

"Kitsu-sama, it's me- I mean, I am Matsu Rin. I humbly ask for a moment of your time." She bowed in front of the office's door, even if the Ambassador couldn't see her doing it. This was one of her three guidelines when in a court setting: always say thank you, apologise for things that aren't really that bad, and bow a lot.

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John
With a loud thump the door slid open. A curious face appeared as Kitsu Himiko stood in the doorframe. A peculiar look as the ambassador's hair had been wilder than anyone could ever imagine, even a comb stuck in it. She had wanted to brush it to no avail. One of the servants that stood behind her in the room held another comb in her hand. They had been truly trying. *"Matsu-san, come in, please do not mind my attire."* Other than the wild hairs she had looked no different. 

She would guide the lion in and closed the door behind her. Continuing to silently brush out her hairs, the attendant would do the same. *"Miru-san has tried many times and today she decided that we would find victory in taming my hair."* The attendant would giggle as Himiko clearly seemed friendly enough for that to be okay. 

*"So Matsu-san, what can I do for you?"* She asked.

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Eloy
*Eh?!* Rin didn't answer immediately, freezing at the doorstep. For a moment her eyes played a trick on her, and she thought that the Ambassador had a wildcat sitting right on top of her head: is that an unknown Kitsu custom? Isn't it dangerous? Could she pet it?

But then she blinked, and nodded her head up and down. "A-Ah, of course, that's no problem..." She skipped to her seat, trying her best to not look at the frozen wildfire over Himiko's head. Apparently, this wasn't as formal of an occasion as she thought... Good, she wasn't good with formality. But also bad, because she didn't know what were exactly the limits between informality and offensive behaviour. "H-Hello, Kitsu-sama. I thank you for receiving me, I- Oh, right, I brought you this." She started handing over the gift, but then she remembered she was combing her hair, so she just laid it in front of her awkwardly. "A-As I was saying, I came here to ask for permission about something. You see, a few days ago I met Bayushi Tomura-san... A courtier of the Scorpion." She added, as if any punctualisation was necessary. "And while chatting, he ended up inviting me to see a play at Shosuro Palace." She blinked nervously. "I-I personally would like to accept, but I know visiting other clans is a delicate thing and that the Scorpions are- well, Scorpions, so I will gladly trust your wisdom on the matter Kitsu-sama!" She bowed her head deeply, hands on her knees.

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John
*"And I will trust you Matsu-san."* That was all Himiko had to add before the attendant janked at her hair a bit too hard and made Himiko slightly jump. But that was the knot that had been bugging both of them. With that jank the attendant started to gather half of the hairs and went braiding it. A pure craftsmanship on its own when it came to the amount and density of Himiko's hair. 

*"See you asked me first and even considered the relationship with other clans. Which is not what any other samurai has done so far."* The young girl with a strange hairstyle started to turn into an ambassador with the second as the quick work of the attendant had perfectly braided her hair in two symmetrical braids. 

*"As a matter of fact Matsu-san, I have something to ask of you."* She seemed much more serious now as she first refused the gift twice before storing it away and thanking her. Opening it in front of her would've been greedy. A smile grew on her face as she dismissed the attendant. 

*"I wish to assign you as the Lion clan Magistrate. You have a way of connecting with people which I admire, whilst you still carry the soul and the discipline of a soldier. "* It was almost like Himiko wanted to give her a pat on the shoulder. 

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Eloy
Overall, things were going pretty well, Rin thought. Himiko seemed very casual about all this, she had agreed to her request without raising a brow, and she was appointing her as Lion Magistrate, maybe she was really doing good so far...

-Wait.

-Rin. Lion Clan. Magistrate.

-What?

"Eh?!" Rin couldn't help but release her complete confusion at least vocally, straightening her spine. She would have almost thought it some kind of mean joke, were not the fact that Himiko wasn't that sort of woman. What made her think she even had a semblance of a clan Magistrate? She barely knew the law, Heavens' sake! And she couldn't duel people with iaido like they do in cities! Apparently... It was because of how she "Connected with people." What did it mean? She was just friendly, nothing that anyone else couldn't do. 

And yet... It was not like she could have misled them. She had been even too clear about her character. But they were still picking her. "....I see, Kitsu-sama." Her tone was unusually levelled for once, the surprise draining all other sorts of emotions. She had questions, a lot of questions. And at the same time, she felt like a lace around her throat. "What would my duties be, then?" This was both a practical question, meant to help her get back on earth, and a confession of her complete ignorance on matters of law and order. She sure will not start creating false expectations now.

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John
Before Himiko would answer on the duties she went to further elaborate why Rin was going to be a magistrate. She would pour Rin a cup of tea before handing it to her, giving her some time to breathe and in the hopes the tension would break a bit. *"I suppose you must be confused based on the reaction of surprise you just granted me."* Himiko clearly stated this, it was not because she was mad about this, rather amused and maybe a bit joyful even. 

*"Matsu-san. You have a rational way of thinking, an honorable sense of duty and the right ideas for our clan. You would never turn your back on us, not even consider it as you went to check with me if the scorpions were okay to get in touch with."* Himiko paused, she would now pour herself some tea and took a sip of the boiling hot water. Her face did not twitch even though it must've hurt at least a tiny bit. *"You radiate the strength and duty of a Lion, but your kindness towards others, especially other clans, is not something every Lion tends to do."* With that Himiko stopped the praise of the Matsu in front of her. The braided hairs dangled around with every tiny motion her head would make. 

*"Though I will not completely throw you into the deep. You will study the laws of our clan, our lands and this city with my husband, he knows more than I do I must confess."* The young girl moved around a bit to get a more comfortable seating position. 

*"As for your first duty, the Crab has requested your presence in some sort of meeting."* Himiko would hold out the letter Umeo had sent them. *"Please seek out what he has to say and report it back to me. I trust your proper representation of our clan."* Himiko smiled at her. This was not a way of dismissing her however. The tea was still there and Himiko remained for questions. 

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Eloy
Rin's cheeks turnt a bit red as Himiko answered each and every of her questions before she could even ask them. Was she that much of a open book? Since she didn't have anything clever to say, she just took a sip of the tea (first trying to do a quick one like Himiko, but when she realised it hurt like hell she slowed down).

"Hai, Kitsu-sama." She saw that there was not much reason for her to stay here anymore, but she wanted to prolong the meeting just a little more. Speaking about it helped her digest this was real. "J-Just another thing, Kitsu-sama. What would my... Jurisdiction be? I mean, I know Magistrates have to arrest people and stuff, but we're in a Scorpion city, controlled by Imperials, with all the other clans- I mean, what I'm asking is what exactly am I allowed to do?" She knew she'd have time to learn the law, but she wanted to have this nailed down before she could do something disastrous.

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John
Himiko would slightly raise her right eyebrow at this. To that she did not have the answer, yet she did not want to give in to her shortcomings. A soft sigh would follow, not with a particular undertone, she simply needed to release some air. *"I suppose..."* She paused as she would rub the back of her head, clearly a bit embarrassed. *"Let's for now say that you are able to arrest people on your judgement, the city is currently in the hands of the Imperials and we don't want to anger them. You may arrest people when they openly attack you..."* Another pause as it was clear the young Kitsu did not know the law too well, but clearly attempted to recall it. 

*"We could ask Yasuki Umeo-sama for further details, I think... Although sad to admit it... He would know better... Maybe I should follow those law classes with you"* The last words she had mumbled. 

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Eloy
"O-oh, don't worry, Kitsu-sama, that's why you have a magistrate to know the law for you! I mean, I-I don't know it yet... But I will!" It was kind of jarring imagining that this girl in front of her was already married, but then that was the norm, especially for those of high status. But for someone like her, that wasn't an issue: her parents would need a while to find someone interested in one of such low standing.

"B-But for now I'll lay low and not cause any problems, promise. The city survived until noe without me, I think it will still manage for a bit." She chuckled faintly, an attempt to break the tension in her stomach, but without much success. So, she stopped ignoring the main topic and dropped her head on the table, palms to its sides. "Kitsu-sama, I am no Magistrate right now. But I swear I will study the law hard, I will learn proper etiquette, and fulfill this role as best as I ever could! I swear this on my name, and judgement may fall upon me if I break my word." This was admittedly too empathic to not be comical, but her only reference of how to behave in such events were in kabuki, where people threw solemn oaths left and right. She'd definitely need all the effort she could muster.

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John
Himiko did not have to hold back her urge to laugh. She did find it quite funny as this had never happened before and clearly caught her off guard ever so slightly. But she did chuckle. *"And this is exactly why I chose you to fulfill this task Matsu-san. On etiquette I could teach you one or two things. I wish to learn myself as well."* Himiko would stand and bow down towards the Matsu. *"It is an honor having you as my magistrate Matsu-san."* She would rise again. 

*"Tell me. Has the city been treating you well these past days? I've been trying to make a difference and helping out but it seems to no avail."* Himiko sighed. Hoping that the Matsu had some more inner details about everything. 

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Eloy
Rin's shoulders jumped up as she heard Himiko laughed, feeling like an idiot for acting so solemn. However, it wasn't long till she joined her, uselessly attempting to stop it. That was embarassing... But quite liberating.

"Ah, yes, Kitsu-sama. Overall, it doesn't look so bad! There's a lot of kind people around, and the heimin don't seem so destitute... But I was also forbidden by Matsu-sensei to go in several areas, so that might have warped my perception." She scratches her ear awkwardly. "...But if I may ask, Kitsu-sama, how are we allowed to make a difference? The city isn't ours- for now" She added quickly, not to jinx their mission, "So I don't know if we can go after the gangs and stuff. Maybe we can just point the criminals we find to the Imperials and they can deal with them?" Thr thought the Imperials might already know well the city's criminal enterprises, and yet decided to do nothing, didn't occur to her. She had yet to experience the depths the Otomo would stoop to for the sake of maintaining balance between the Clans.

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