Karen
_Kashikoi would make his way to Sanumo's office as soon as he could, ambling through the Phoenix Embassy compound with a bit more vigor than most would expect of the Ishiken. He would eventually come to Sanumo's office and kneel outside the room itself._

"Asako-sama, I am here as you requested. I am coming in,"

_He would slide the door open, enter and slide it closed before moving to sit before Sanumo with the same reverence he gave to Iemon._

"You wished to speak?"

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Carol
The Karo looked up from several stacks of paper as his guest arrived. "Ah, Isawa-san! Your diligence does you credit. Take a seat and I'll be but a few moments before we begin."

True to his word, he cleared a bit of space on his desk and stepped into the hall long enough to request tea to be brought. As had become embassy custom, the conversation was minimal or kept to dull topics until such a time as the tea arrived and had been served appropriately. Once that had been done, he cut the solemnity with his words.

"I assume you've read the entirety of the letter I sent, yes? My goal today is to learn what you have been up to since our return from the countryside-" His words stalled and his eyes unfocused briefly as he recalled the horrors they had fled from "-and... Uh... Determine if there is a more desirable course of action I could steer you towards to further our clan's agenda."

Regaining his composure, he made his request more directly. "Please, apprise me of your goings-on so that I may make an informed decision."

Sanumo hadn't really been looking forward to this talk for multiple reasons, but knew that it was important to help cultivate a unity of purpose among his clansmen. He could deal with an Isawa and some... Dark memories briefly if it was for the greater good.

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Karen
_Kashikoi nodded, smile eternally set on his face as he tilted his head in thought._

"I have been conversing with the Lion Clan Ambassador after a late night walk encounter at the shrines to the Elemental Kami. Kitsu Himiko and I share much in common and she was in slight distress over something. We talked for awhile before going our separate ways for the night and agreeing to converse more later."

_He nodded, blinking slightly as he shifted through his memories._

"There was also that dinner with the Scorpion we had to create our alliance, which reminds me; I need to reach out to Rokugo-sama about our operation. I am permitted to use my abilities as necessary, yes Asako-sama?"

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Carol
"I would hesitate to use such a strong term as 'alliance' to describe what we've cultivated so far, but you are correct in that reaching out to Bayushi-sama is a good idea." They had seemed earnest in their dealings with the Phoenix up to this point, but tangible action had yet to be showcased.

He took a few measured breaths as he considered his reply. "Please exercise your best judgement regarding your abilities, Isawa-san. After Taisei, I am loathe to give such blanket approval, though you are always welcome to ask more direct questions to myself or the ambassador as they arise."

However, something Kashikoi had said earlier on had caught his notice. A slight edge bled into his tone and his eyes narrowed marginally. "You know of something distressing the Lion Ambassador and this is the first I'm hearing of it? Does Shiba-sama know, at least?"

Such knowledge could be impeccably useful to have and he hoped that an Isawa's eagerness to probe a problem personally had not cost them in some way.

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Karen
"Not yet, she has not fully divulged it to me. I do know that she has had a few troubles regarding her _Shugendō_ and a few nightmares, perhaps in regards to the Kitsu's unique Medium abilities."

_He neglected to mention the Void and training her to more aptly use it. He shook his head, glancing at Sanumo with sincerity._

"Not yet, it was a very private matter and her duties as Ambassador keep her busy. Soon, however, we will arrange a meeting with Shiba-dono over the matter."

_His smile widened, shaking his head._

"No worries Asako-sama, I will not endanger any chances at union or coexistence with the Lion."

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Carol
As Kashikoi explained his reluctance to have shared up to this point, Sanumo procured a sheet of paper and made a note for himself. While the shugenja's words were a sufficient mollification, it was worth keeping this in mind and checking up on it if enough time passed without further development.

"I understand. We appreciate your delicate hand in these matters."

Idly, he drummed his fingers on the table and considered his options. With his... Unique talents, Kashikoi would catch snippets here and there.

*With Taisei gone, I see no way around it. He will have to pick up the slack.*

*What even were those creatures that set upon us? Though they are beyond the city, do they represent a larger threat than what we witnessed?*

*Peace, spiritual health, and the flow of opium for medicine. These are the pillars we stand behind.*

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Karen
"I do not mind having to make up for the loss of Taisei."

_Kashikoi actually frowned as he gripped his chin, humming in thought absentmindedly,_

"I know they were likely _gaki_ but ... There was no mention of them until we walked towards the temple. Perhaps a response to our wayward Isawa, or some other foul machinations a foot."

_The idea behind his worry went unspoken, but the palpable concern was certainly noticed._

"We will achieve our clan's aspirations, Asako-sama. We must have faith that we are capable. Never doubt yourself or Shiba-dono's ability to pick the best and brightest of our clan."

_He takes a minute, before blinking and looking closer at Sanumo, sweat dropping comically as he tilted his head._

"You ... Did not actually say any of that ... Did you, Asako-sama? Apologies, sometimes the drifting waters of the mind sound as the spoken wind to my ear."

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Carol
*Surely that can't be right.*

He searched the Isawa's face for any signs of deceit - or even just tomfoolery - and came up dry.

"You're... Serious about that? You can **Hear** Thoughts?" The idea seemed utterly ludicrous to him, but it wasn't as though the Isawa hadn't come up with a myriad of peculiar and befuddling tasks to pit themselves against.

He found his mouth dry, realizing that Kashikoi likely already knew the extent to which he despised the Isawa. The shugenja suddenly seemed much more dangerous than he had been mere moments ago.

But there was nothing to do except push on and make sure Kashikoi was given no reason to act against him. 

"Right... Well, Taisei used to be in charge of helping the Unicorn screen their bazaar for wares that are dangerous in a spiritual or supernatural sense. With no other viable candidates with which to assign that task to, I'll be arranging a meeting with the Unicorn. We need to determine whether they'd like to have you take that over or cut that portion of the deal entirely."

"Did you say Gaki? Aren't those supposed to be a scary 'campfire story' sort of beast?" In this moment, the Loremaster showed the full extent of his failure to pick up even the basics of theology at the dojo. Perhaps he could use a refresher.

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Karen
"You've no worry from me, for now at least, Asako-sama. I can understand why one would harbor ill feelings towards my family, no matter the circumstances of history. Were I any other Isawa, I would not be calling you Asako-sama or Shiba-dono as I do, but here I am."

_His smile widens slightly, raising a brow as he chuckles lowly, the sound somewhat menacing given the revelation Sanumo likely is experiencing._

"So a _gaki_ is less real than a man who can read thoughts and call upon the Void? Or even just speaking to the spirits of the world and calling on their power? Come now, Asako-sama; your lack of faith or theology is unbecoming."

_He does give Sanumo a slight disappointed look, shaking his head before humming thoughtfully._

"Searching the Bazaar would be similar to my existing position, as spiritual adviser. Would work well, and I find I might have an easier time than most integrating with the Unicorn there."

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Carol
Being admonished by an Isawa, even to a minor degree, stung his pride. It also didn't help that it was in an area he was *Well aware* That he was lacking in. There was simply no good rebuttal to the truth, and so he clenched his teeth in impotence.

"Your point is taken." His clipped words outwardly betraying his emotional state, were it even necessary with Kashikoi in his head. 

"I will let you know how the meeting with the Unicorn goes as soon as I am able. Is this... Talent of yours common knowledge? You haven't asked me not to speak of it and I worry what other clans will think if they know you capable of such things."

After the Isawa's response, he would double back (begrudgingly) to the topic of the likely-gaki. "You've been rather quiet about these gaki in the time since our journey. Is this... Not of concern? At the very least, they will set upon travelers."

He refused to state it directly, but the unspoken 'You would know better than I, in this matter' hung in the air.

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Karen
"No, I imagine the clans would not allow an Ishiken anywhere if they were to know of this particular talent, wouldn't you not allow me in anywhere?"

_He nods at the response concerning the Unicorn, smiling as he tilts his head._

"I look forward to hearing word."

_He frowns and hums,_

"As for the _gaki_, they are of concern, but we must determine how they came here from the Realm of Slaughter. We can let the officials know so as to bolster their caravans, but we cannot do with widespread panic, which would lead to witch hunts and baseless accusations. We must be careful in how we navigate this."

_He notices, mostly because he can hear the sentiment within Sanumo's mind._

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Carol
The sweeping cold of realization hit Sanumo like a runaway horse.

*The Imperials. I haven't told the Imperials. If anything happens to the city and they find out that we had forewarning, I may as well melt down my daisho!*

Many, many things had been heaped upon the courtier lately and it was only inevitable that something would elude his notice. He only hoped that this lapse wouldn't be fatal.

"You are, of course, correct." His words came slowly at first, the momentary dread having hit him hard. "I'll make sure they are aware of the situation. If there is nothing else, I would return you to your duties so that I may consider how best to approach these matters."

"And Isawa-san." He added as the shugenja (presumably) went to depart. "Thank you for your service."

There were many mixed feelings that went into that remark, but Sanumo found himself begrudgingly appreciative of the restraint that Kashikoi had shown. Many others would, and likely have, used such powers as his for terrible, terrible goals.

It remained to be seen whether he would join the ranks of the ill-intentioned, but at least he wasn't among them yet.

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Karen
"You are welcome, Asako-sama."

_He does begin to gather himself, but he stops. Visibly pausing for a moment before looking at Sanumo, face devoid of his smile._

"I understand your ... Shall we say, frustration to be polite, with my family. The Isawa are not as the Shiba, the Doji or even the Bayushi, descended from Kami. Our father even made our clan's Kami kneel, such was his hubris."

_Kashikoi keeps his voice low, his stormy grey eyes not wavering from Sanumo's as he speaks; the gravity of what's being said is palpable._

"Thus, I do not take offense to your caution. Of your using your position of authority. In fact, I applaud and respect that, just as I, whether you believe my words or not, respect _you_ and Shiba-dono. I may be the Isawa, but I am no man's master, until I am given a Yojimbo or position as such."

_He bows, deeply; more than any Isawa would to anyone aside from higher ranks and other Isawa._

"Be calm. Be at peace. We will solve these dilemmas, and fulfill our objectives. And,"

_He stops bowing, walking to the door before glancing back over his shoulder, smile returned._

"I will not read your mind intentionally, as of this moment. Be well, Asako-sama. May the Fortunes favor you in your duties."

_With that, Kashikoi makes his leave._

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