Mildred
"Oi! Kitsune-san!"

Tsuta blinked a couple of times, caught off guard by the decidedly cheerful greeting she had gotten from her magistrate. For someone who had gotten whispers of being a violent Oni who killed mercilessly with her bare hands, she certainly didn't act the part. She did glance over to her, though, and bowed accordingly.

"Morning, Moshi-sama."

"Good morning!" Kana chirped. "I got some fish dumplings and rice at the wharves; I thought a bit of breakfast at the meeting would be a good idea! Oh, and some vegetable dumplings, too! Though I have to admit, I don't know why you don't eat fish..."

"Uh... Personal preference," Tsuta replied. She was wondering just how Kana knew that about her (if she had to guess, maybe one of the Ashigaru whispering about it), but given that it was a genuinely kind gesture, and she was already dreading this meeting to begin with, she decided to leave things where they were at.

And with that, she decided it didn't hurt to try to cushion the blow.

"Moshi Kana-sama, before we begin, I do intend on apologizing to Moshi Mai-sama, but I want to apologize to you as well." She set the keg she was carrying down beside her, and got down on her knees, prostrating herself before her. "My mission's outcome was not what it should have been, and I know that better is expected of me. I will make sure it does not happen again."

Tsuta would be unable to see, but Kana would appear visibly confused. She had an idea of the operation, yes, but was unsure about it going *That* Badly.

"Oh well... I'm certain it will be okay! Once you explain to Moshi-sama..."

||
Kristy
"Excuse me, Moshi-sama, Kitsune-sama."

It was Chiyoko, and she looked... Pale. She usually had a light tan to her, training outdoors and having her ronin life, but she looked rather tired and sickly, at least in the early hours. It had been like that since the end of spring, come to think of it, but she was always careful to say she was not contagious. 

"Moshi Mai-sama will see you both. She's in her chambers." 

Now, Mai was not always the easiest to read, but the samurai knew she had a few habits. If the meeting was outside in the garden, it was usually fine, cordial, and laidback, unless it was at night, as Kana would know. If it was in the conference rooms, it was business, and should be fine as well, same as the main hall. 

But if Mai demanded to see someone in her chambers, she was not too pleased. 

"Ah, you brought breakfast, Moshi-sama. That might help." Chiyoko led the two further into the embassy, if only to give them fair warning. "My master isn't in the best of moods, as you may have gathered. Please, accept her anger as passion, and try not to make her angrier. If not her sake, than yours." 

When the chamber door open, Mai was already sitting at the table, arms crossed. She had been in a foul mood since her talk with Bayushi Yuto, and that whole situation, so she wasn't in the mood for more bad news. "Moshi-san. Kitsune-san. Sit." 

"I'll apologize," She sighed, "But things have not been going smoothly for me. I'm hoping Kitsune-san here has brought me some good news before I start doling out new orders for the both of you."
Mildred
"Chiyoko-san! How good to see you! Is all well?" Her voice was bright and friendly as always, but also tinged with concern. She kept an eye on her as they made her way further into the embassy; while she wasn't going to push the issue unnecessarily, especially when there was other business afoot, she didn't think it right to completely ignore it either.

Meanwhile, all Tsuta could manage was a silent bow, a grimace escaping her usually solid composure. *Technically* She had done what was asked of her, and certainly could tout that. Not to mention she brought a gift of alcohol, which she was certain would get somewhere with Mai. Still, the issue had its share of complications, and if the ambassador was already in a foul mood, it didn't bode well for her. Her breathing was just a little bit heavier as she rose again to her full height, following Chiyoko and Kana, hoping she wouldn't be yelled at too hard.

When the pair finally arrived, Kana greeted Mai with a deep bow. She could *Certainly* Pick up on Mai's irritation, and offered her the basket of dumplings with both hands. "I thought to provide some food for our meeting today, should it please you, Moshi-sama." She thought better of saying anything more for now, though, setting it down and then taking a seat across from her, keeping her head bowed respectfully.

Tsuta on the other hand, was tempted to start prostrating herself right now. She had a pretty good feeling that her usual strategy of complimenting Mai's appearance wasn't the right approach right this moment. Still, she also knew going too far too soon could come off as cowardice, which would make the whole thing even worse. She set the keg down beside her for now, and took a seat.

"Of course, Moshi-sama. As per your instructions, I followed the lead of Yoritomo-san in attempting to discover more of the Otter and who the payments in the Wharves were being made to, if not us. Yoritomo-san took the role of a noblewoman, and I her Yojimbo, looking into business ventures. We came across a ship carrying liquor, and arrangements were made to meet with the ship's Lady, Usogawa Chihiro. She had indicated a disdain for our clan... But also implied that it was with "Honey" That she has been able to coax some of the merchants into trusting their coin with them instead of us." She spoke clearly and confidently, hoping to focus on the good of the situation, and perhaps soften the upcoming blow.

"However... I do believe that our cover was lacking, and while I did not directly reveal my name or clan, I believe she suspects us to be of the Mantis." She lowered her head solemnly. "I am fully and truly ashamed of my failure in this respect.

||
Kristy
Moshi Mai took the news with a grain of salt, and was not moved into a better move. "So, in your simple task of speaking to a few vendors, possibly the different merchant's guilds, you just-so-happened to find Usogawa Chihiro's ship." She slid her pipe out of her sleeve, and started to pack in some tobacco as she listened further. "Oh, I'd say your cover was definitely lacking, if you ended up talking to the source directly. 

"The _point_ of that mission was to gather information without the Otter knowing we were _looking for it."_ Mai lit her pipe, and took a long drag off of it. "I don't expect you to understand the tricky game of commerce, what with being some hodunk forest dweller, Kitsune-san, but the first rule of a negotiation with someone that does not like you is to 'Never look _desperate.'_ And yet, you and Yoritomo Saya -who I see has not bothered to show her face after this blunder- waltz right up to our fiscal enemy, and said, what? 'Excuse me, Otter-chan, can you tell me how to run a shipping business?' No, knowing you, you were too busy fawning over her, you girl-crazy idiot!" 

Mai was not pleased, and it showed on her face and in her biting comments ||Intimidate: Bullying 4 ||. "...That said, at the very least, I have a name now. If I have a name, I can reach out. And if I can reach out, I can strike a deal. Thusly, you won't be punished _harshly_ for your ineptitude." She finally stopped glaring at Tsuta, and looked to the keg next to her. "And what's that? A "Gift" From the Otter? Did she fall in love with your endearing buffoonery?"
Mildred
Something in Tsuta seemed to shift. A mixture of shame owing to Mai's biting words and frustration welled up within her. Just as Mai had pointed out, here she was accepting blame and degradation when it had been another who had steered the direction of everything in that damned mission.

"Forgive me, and please accept my apologies and reverence," She began, prostrating herself both as a show of remorse, and a way of concealing her increasingly upset expression, "In way of explanation, I was following the direction of Yoritomo-sama, who was given command of the mission. To have done anything else but follow her lead, given our cover, would have ensured I had nothing to present to you and led to a complete failure. I would not dare to question the decision to place her in command, as to do so would be to question your wisdom," She spoke. "The keg was a gift intended for you, and I have delivered it."

Kana, who had been watching somewhat nervously, finally decided to intervene, lest Tsuta's comment entirely light the powderkeg.

"You are right to recognize Moshi-sama's wisdom; it is through this alone that we Mantis find ourselves in the position we do here. Even now apart from the Scorpion, we are in a better position than we were before, owing to her guidance and leadership, and it is good you display that understanding. You and Yoritomo-san's work, flawed as it may be, has given us a path to take the final steps to secure it fully. However," Her voice hardened. "That this mistake is not more costly for yourself or for us is the providence of the heavens. You are not tracking dogs in the woods, you are dealing with people, and all the dangers that entails."

Kana turned to Mai, bowing her head deeply. "If I may offer counsel, perhaps we might send for one with greater wisdom in such matters, to educate Kitsune-san and Yoritomo-san better to avoid such failures. Perhaps with a suspension of their stipend until such time as they complete their education."

||
Kristy
"Don't blame your failure on the absent," Mai scolded. "You are a _Mantis._ Courage wins, not excuses. Rest assured, she's in trouble, same as you. But if you think I sent for followers that would tuck behind another, you'd best switch your green for red and get out of my sight." 

She was going to tear into her some more, but Kana spoke up as a means of relieving the poor Kitsune from the tirade. The seasoned woman could practically taste the sickly-sweet compliments made to ease her temper. She wasn't stupid, and she could see for what it was... But, she could appreciate that there was an attempt made to clam her down. And there was wisdom in the words. 

"You're correct," She sighed, "There's certainly a lack of subterfuge in our stylings. We're not that kind of a Clan, but we need to be. We definitely _need_ to be..." Taking a moment to smoke, she came to a decision. "I know a man that could aid us. He's a rather... Unorthodox man, by our clan's standards. But, he may answer the call, if I make it. 

"Kitsune Tsuta. You will learn the ways of this city. For the fact that I sent a hunter on a spy's job, I will not punish you harshly. But hear me now, girl: If you fail me again in such a way, after you've been trained and sorted, you'll be lucky if I marry you off to an inbred Crane _man,_ let alone anything short of miserable. Understood?" 

Once Tusta answered, she'd turn her attention to Kana. "Now, for the business for the both of you to be aware of." Mai sighed, and rubbed her temples. "Bayushi Yuto is requesting to take Edward Williams out of our custody to go hunt down the Kolat." She was none too pleased with the sentiment. "Williams-san has convinced the man that he can lead them to two against the Kolat, which I feel is utter shit. However, if we refuse, we look like a gaijin ambassador aiding the Kolat. So, I have elected this to happen. But, I refused to allow him to leave without any cover. 

"Moshi Kana-san. I've trusted you with dangerous things before, and I'm entrusting you with this task. You will be the warden for Edward Williams, as well as two ashigaru. I'm entrusting that you will keep him in sight and in our control. If for any reason there appears to be any treachery from the Scorpion or Edward, you are to __kill__ Edward Williams immediately. And, if Bayushi-san raises his blade against you, kill him, as well." She spoke cooly, with no hint of hesitation. "I would normally send Chiyoko-san, but she..." 

Mai grumbled, and looked at the two women. "You two _are_ aware that our ronin is with child, are you not?"
Mildred
"Unorthodox may not be a bad thing, Moshi-sama," Kana responded. "One might say our strength is in our unorthodox nature compared to other clans."

Tsuta's frustration at the magistrate joining in on the conversation was short lived, as she found herself suppressing the urge to vomit. She thought about the idea of being matched with someone like that insufferable Crane boy that had gotten them into such trouble in the bazaar, and immediately after she considered that seppuku might not be such a bad option. On some level she knew that she was getting off easy, all things considered, but she was still thoroughly miserable and ashamed.

"Understood," She managed to speak, fighting to keep emotion from entering her voice, and keeping her head on the ground before the pair of them. "I regret my failures, and promise to you it shall not happen again. Whatever education you have in store for me, I will follow to the letter."

She would eventually rise from prostrating herself, but still kept her head low as Mai continues to speak, talking to them about what was happening with the gaijin. While she listened with an even expression, it appeared Kana would be going on somewhat of an emotional journey. New children were an occasion for joy but Kana wasn't stupid. There were... Questions to be had around what happened with Chiyoko. Chiefly among them, who the child's father was and what that could mean for both her and the clan.

"I... I am aware now, Moshi-sama," Kana replied. "I will do all I can to ensure her child is welcomed and that Chiyoko-san is looked after! I will-" She then cut herself off, as something seemed to hit her.

"Y-you think it may be necessary to kill Bayushi-san?"

||
Kristy
Mai had thought they were moving forward. Tsuta apologized, and Mai accepted it. No need for more prostrating and groveling, as long as it didn't happen again. And she made her orders clear about Yuto and the rest, simple and plain. 

And yet, when she trying to move onto her ronin problem, Kana circled back to Bayushi Yuto. Mai looked confused by the reaction. "...Yes, yes I do." Mai took a drag from her pipe, and closed her eyes. "Moshi-san, I know he is a nice man. He's a good-natured fellow, and honorable, yes. But he's a __scorpion.__ And they do not want us or our allies to succeed. Lest you forget the slights they've had against me and my family, they are no friends of ours. No matter how nice they act, or what pretty paintings they might show you or friendships they want to make, they are the _enemy._ And you will __kill__ an enemy if it comes down to it. I love Bayushi Yuto, like a son. I would certainly mourn his death... But if he got in my way or turned against my Clan, I would immolate him. Without hesitation. I expect the same from all of you." 

It was harsh, but it was necessary to say. "That said," She sighed, "If it bothers you, pray to Amaterasu that She give the boy enlightenment, so that he does not act foolishly." 

Mai said what she needed, but compassion won out over her coldness. "But, you're troubled over this, yes? Tell me truthfully, can you do as I ordered, if the moment comes?"
Mildred
"Truthfully?" Kana began. "Truthfully, I have come to regard Bayushi-san as a friend to both myself and those whom I care about." She spared a thought for Temujin, who she knew was close to Yuto himself. "I regard him as a credit and exemplar for his clan, even though I know our clans are no longer aligned, and our interests are at odds. Perhaps maybe I have not realized the extent to which they are now, if such open betrayal would be a possibility for them. I will absolutely be keeping him within my prayers tonight."

"If anything were to happen... I'd take absolutely no pleasure in it, and would mourn his passing as well. "Kana took in a deep breath though, her expression and tone of voice changing slightly; it was still her voice and her face, but the draining of all warmth in her manner rendered her almost uncanny. "Rest assured, though, that my surprise at learning he might grow so brazen is not hesitation. Should he betray the clan or myself, I will tear him to pieces with my bare hands."

Tsuta's feelings of shame were soon replaced with a feeling of unease. She held no love for Scorpions and wasn't going to mourn the loss of any of their number. It was difficult to not be perturbed, however, by the two holy women so coldly speaking about the extreme violence they were both willing to enact on those who crossed them. She knew better than to breathe so much as a syllable of it, however. 

||
Kristy
Moshi Mai stared at Kana as she gave her answer, and a sad expression crossed her face. Obviously she didn't want to do that, not one bit. But these were not times to play games or care about what their future husbands would think of them. The Scorpion could not be trusted, simple as that. And yet, the look on both of their faces was annoying and depressing. 

"Oh, I see. Wouldn't want your _darling_ to be upset that his fwend died, hm? The fact he's friends with that man is dangerous, seeing as how that man of yours is far more nice than many." She emptied out her pipe, no longer finding anything enjoyable about it _or_ the conversation. 

"I have changed my mind." She looked at Kana, deadly serious. _"Disable_ Bayushi Yuto, if the need is necessary. You will still kill Edward Williams, and I swear I will strangle you myself if you argue for that traitor's life!...But Yuto-san... If it can be avoided, he can live. _If_ it can be avoided." 

She shot a look at Tsuta. "There, is that alright, then? Don't think I didn't notice your concern. Perhaps I am just used to such violence in my old age, seeing as how I was in conflicts since you were in diapers. But, I will say, to the both of you, I can respect and find honor in your compassion for our foes. You are both young and without the age required to be jaded, and I can find truth and honor in that." High praise, after all that admonishing. 

"I just pray that Kitsune-san here will not be so compassionate if someone tries to take my life." 

Mai smirked, looking back at the fox. "Kitsune-san, as I have noted, Chiyoko-san is pregnant. I've tried to get her to tell me who it was that did the deed, but she refuses, even _me,_ to tell. That tells me that it must be someone of higher rank than even I. Quite the interesting mystery, don't you think?

"Well, it leads to a problem. While I've decided she can stay here (lest my daughter never speak to me again), I am without a yojimbo. I have word of a man from back home, coming to fill the role. But for now, I need a replacement. Moshi Kana is already doing so much, and I need her to be unbound from my side so she can dole out justice on our behalf. But you, Kitsune-san, you are not without merit, and based on Chiyoko-sans' recommendation, you came up as a proper candidate. And, since I haven't finished bullying you, I figured I could put you to work in regaining your glory." She stood up, and walked over to Tsuta. 

"So, what say you? Will you be my sword against my enemies, Kitsune Tsuta?"
Mildred
Kana wasn't able to suppress the eyebrow that she raised in curiosity. Was Mai actually walking back her orders?

She tried to consider reasons for the shift in position. Was it about preserving some level of decorum between the clans? If Kana should kill Yuto, there would be very little question as to who was responsible, and that might lead to an outright clan war in the city. Perhaps it was more that Yuto would be more useful to her alive. There would be a reason to such overt betrayal, and Mai (and Kana, for that matter) would be very eager to find out what was going on (not to mention exacting some measure of retribution). 

There was yet another thought, though; Mai seemed very sincere in how she spoke of Yuto. It appeared to Kana there was genuine affection there. It struck Kana that perhaps she wasn't the one Mai was worried about hesitating...

She calculated her response to keep her thoughts concealed so that both might save face, her expression returning to one more neutral. "I will do exactly as you ask, Moshi-sama. I will render him disabled if necessary, and go further should the situation call for it. I will offer no mercy to Williams should he betray us. Should other Scorpion be present and betrayal occur, would you see them taken alive or executed?"

Tsuta, in the meantime, found herself trying not to look to shocked at the decidedly abrupt change of fortunes. Mai's words regarding her compassion were welcomed, of course. At Kitsune Mori she had learned that taking *Any* Life was not something to be taken lightly. That wasn't the shocking part, however. After what had happened, Mai was now complimenting her honor? Moreover, she was apparently spoken highly of by Chiyoko and was in position to become the ambassador's Yojimbo?! It wasn't anything horrible, quite the opposite, but it was still rather jarring given everything that had occurred.

*Damn it, don't screw this up. There'll be time to overthink later, when Fuji-san can listen. Besides... Being the Yojimbo of a woman like Mai?*

For the first time since the meeting began, a familiar sense of confidence filled Tsuta.

"It would be an honor to serve as your blade, Moshi-sama," She spoke, bowing her head. "Whatever danger comes your way will have to go through me."

||
Kristy
"Good. I am pleased we don't have any issues between us on this, Moshi-san." Mai figured the instance was done, but there was a little more left. "Oh, I don't give a damn about the other Scorpion. Snap their necks for all I care. _If_ necessary." 

But, then it was Tsuta's turn, and she had an order to accept. And the young woman did just that. "Good," Mai said with a smile, "I expect no less from you. Make sure you do was you say; my new 'security advisor' will be keeping an eye out. Literally, just the one, heh." Mai gave a bow to Tsuta. "You'll find a new haori in your quarters, marking you as my sworn protector. Wear it with pride when you are serving me. Hopefully, you'll be coming with me to see the Otter." 

Looking back at the wine, she shrugged her shoulders. "Well, might as well enjoy it, shouldn't we? Come, and drink with me, you two. All errors and misdeeds are forgiven, so why not enjoy a little wine before we find ourselves swimming against the current of work?"

And with that, Moshi Mai closed the meeting, and opened the wine. 
||
Dianne
```Some hours later...```

For all that could be said of the Otter clan and their tendency to meddle in the affairs of their betters, it could not be said that their choice of vintage was lacking. Cherry Blossom Snow had come to be associated with battle and strife in the years following 1123, but before that, it was a name synonymous with excellent, if somewhat obscure, rice wine. Whatever the brewers at that most mountainous of lakes got up to, they had a true talent, infusing the subtle sweetness of cherry in a crystal clear, exquisitely smooth sake. Such a liquor surely cost one a sizable sum at the markets. Had the gift come from anyone else, it might have been a sign of esteem held for the ambassador of the Mantis clan.

"Uh... Mama Mai? Is it okay to come in?"

A small, mousy little voice interrupted the pleasant haze that came with the drinking of such a fine brew. From the sliding door of the ambassador's office, little Yuji poked a nervous head. A bit of a clumsy little lad, but diligent and well-meaning, it was his 'duty' around the embassy to tidy up after the often raucous samurai of the Mantis and see that everything was shipshape. A lesser-known duty of his was the breaking of particularly unpleasant news to one Moshi Mai. One was much less likely to catch an earful of profanity and threats if they were a scrawny boy of eight than a grizzled veteran of thirty, after all. 

"I, uhm, I gots some news for you. Junko-sama says it's important."

||
Kristy
Mai was reading a rather peculiar pillow book when she heard the little voice of little Yuji. She stopped at the part where the Doji Princess was about to show the Lion men how bawdy she was, and looked up at the boy. "Oh, great. If it's important and you're here, it's hardly good news." She frowned, but she still beckoned the boy forth, stuffing the book away. 

Just when she was finally relaxed, too. With all the things in her head at the moment, and all the plans and schemes she needed to either thwart or start, the last thing she wanted was trouble. 

"Yes, go on, Yuji-kun. What is it?".
Dianne
Little Yuji couldn't help but frown at Mai's words. Nobody liked being the bearer of bad news, especially when they had to bear bad news for a samurai! But still, the heimin boy shuffled through the shoji, dragging with him a large, circular disk of bleached wood that looked almost big enough to cover his body like a shield. He wielded it much like one, once he got in front of Mai's desk, holding onto the rim with his little hands and he shuffled a tad, clearly looking for how he could phrase the words relayed to him in a way that would be palatable for the ambassador.

"Well, uhm, it's sorta good news! Junko-sama says that there was a man that you were lookin' for. She said he, well, he liked to collect things for you. And that he went missin' back in spring. But they found him!"

To his credit, little Yuji seemed to try and dress it up to the best of his ability. However, even an enthusiastic little helper like himself seemed to understand the storm on the horizon.

"It's just that... Uhm... Well, they found him real far away. In a place called the Island of Spicy Silk. In... In a barrel," His little eyebrows seemed to furrow sympathetically as he held up the wooden disc, "I think this is the lid. But! But he was okay! Junko-sama said he was just a little skinny, was all, on account of bein' in there for a while."

||
Kristy
"... _what?"_

Mai's expression was clearly angry, and she sat up straight, looking downright furious. "They put Hanzo in a barrel and shipped him back to the homeland?! Those... Those...!" 

She grit her teeth as she tried to compose herself. It was clear to her what happened. Hanzo went to get the money, and the Otter Clan decided to make their move. And since Mai was so busy with everything else, it looked like the Mantis let them get away with it. 

"Damn it... If they were a great clan, I'd..." Mai stopped, looking at the worried boy. "So, he's alive, then. Fine. I will have him sent back here at once. He'll come with me to the Lake to see the Otter."

Mai stood, and took the lid from Yuji. "Since the others seem to like to use you for bad news, let them know they're going to be working through the night getting my ship ready to sail. I'll be going to see these Otter as soon as possible. As for you, harbinger-kun..." 

Mai gave him a pat on the head. "I respect your bravery, little boy. Tell Hayate in the kitchens to make you some dango, Mai's orders." She offered him a smile, but it was clear he was just an exception to the rule of her boiling anger. "Dismissed, Yuji-kun. I have to get to work, so off you go "

||