Jesse
Letters had been exchanged, and a time chosen that would best suit the Lion and Phoenix ambassadors to begin official talks of alliance. *Something that I would not have considered with the previous Lion ambassador and her retinue.* Iemon mused to himself as he approached the Lion embassy. His formal kimono of state was worn proudly, the mon of the Phoenix emblazoned on the flame-colored fabric. 

His escort left him at the gate, more for show of propriety than due to any real fear of harm to his person. Even had there been, he still felt enough confidence in his abilities that he would not have inconvenienced the Phoenix personnel that had accompanied him. He gave a short, but grateful bow. "I believe I can take it from here." 

Iemon turned to the Lion's guards. "Ambassador Shiba Iemon, here to see Ambassador Kitsu Himiko." 

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Johnnie
The guards however did nothing but bow down to him as from the shadows a man scurried. A friendly face nonetheless, not one Iemon had seen before however. The man would bow down. *"It is an honor to be able to welcome you here in our embassy Shiba-sama."* The man stood tall once more before guiding Iemon towards the office. 

*"My wife has been awaiting you. I hope you like fried chicken and some tea?"* The man questioned before the journey through the well cleaned and simply decorated building went rather fast. There was nothing out of the ordinary other than the omamori that Miu had put up here and there. When they arrived the doors opened on their own when the Kitsu knocked. In the doorframe stood Himiko, bowing down to Iemon. Smiling grand. 

*"Welcome."* 

She gestured for him to follow her and take a seat after the proper greetings. She would do the same, just on the other side of the desk. 

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Jesse
"It is an honor to be welcomed, Kitsu-san." Iemon made a point to match the bow of the man who had identified himself as Himiko's spouse. "I am both humbled and grateful for the hospitality that is so freely offered.'" 

Iemon followed, acknowledging respectfully the simple but efficient decorations of the Lion Embassy. He returned Himiko's smile upon her entrance, bowing deeply himself. "Thank you, Ambassador Kitsu-sama. I have been looking forward to our meeting." 

He followed her gestures efficiently, seating himself once all proper greetings had been observed. 

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Johnnie
*"How have you been?"* Himiko asked out of politeness. She was not sure if small talk would be the way to go in things like this. Especially not after all that had occured after their last meeting. That and Katsuhiro had joined them to back her up. Now she was on her own trying to behave like the adult the Champion expected her to be. In the distance she could hear the clouds rumble. The kami had been trying to release their energy in ways that would frighten many. 

For a moment Himiko would look behind her as she had heard the first signs of dripping rain down the rooftop of the embassy, landing behind her as the doors had been opened. A fresh gust of air one could say the least. She would turn back to look at Iemon. A polite smile grew on her face. 

*"I suppose the kami want to hear what we have to say."* She mentioned when the rain started to audibly fall down. Causing whoever could be listening from afar to hear their voices as muffled. Perfect. 

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Jesse
"Well enough, Kitsu-sama. Thank you for asking." Iemon led, with a customary politeness, though with the privacy of closed doors his demeanor was more aloof than usual for him. He paused, listening to the rain begin for a moment and nodded. "Indeed, I suppose they must. We certainly are living in interesting times, and more eyes than our own mundane ones are likely fixed upon Ryoko Owari Toshi, hm?"

He let a moment of silence pass, turning back to her once again. "I suppose I should congratulate you for your recent victory in the name of lawful action against criminals who flaut the Empire's laws. The work done by the honorable Lion, Unicorn, and Crane clans was obviously necessary and deserving of praise. It must have been truly a great threat to encourage such cooperation between not only the Children of Shinjo, but the Left and Right Hands of the Emperor?" Iemon bowed in respect. "I only was surprised to have not heard of the event after the fact, rather than hearing of it prior." 

It was intended as a gentle reproof of having been left as deeply in the dark as the other four Clans had been, and his delivery was not harsh. A hint of hurt may have been detected, but the words were not laced with the usual double-meanings one would often expect from the more politically motivated. His own concerns regarding the Crane he still intended to keep close to his own chest. *Besides, if they have managed to infiltrate my own embassy's staff, who is to say they have not managed to do so to others?*

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Johnnie
*"If only one detail had leaked to the wrong one. Death would've followed for many of us. Including me."* With that, if Iemon had any knowledge of lion warfare, Himiko admitted that she broke some of the laws doing so. The young Kitsu would tilt her head. *"And I assumed you'd disapprove of such plans of active violence. I apologize for assuming."* There was only a truthful speech here. Himiko could not lie even if she wished to do so. Her cursed eyes of misfortune would stare at him. *"Or did you wish to have blood on your hands as well?"* First Kazuko now Iemon. Were they all going to shun her for wanting to be part of making the world a better place? 

*"I hope these decisions will not give you doubt in our faith and honor."* Himiko would pour the Phoenix ambassador tea. He was admirable to say the least. Having to deal with so much trouble at once and not one hair turning as pale as a crane's. 

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Jesse
Iemon took a sip of tea, measuring his response as he inclined his head in gratitude for the drink. "Your caution is understandable, and your judgment of my response... Well, accurate. While I would have disapproved, as allies we will likely have to hear words we may not like. Compromise and sharing goals is a necessity. At minimum, we could have provided additional aid or counsel should you have convinced the Phoenix to involve themselves in a just cause." 

He sighed, setting the tea down. "I do not come to lecture or talk down to you, Kitsu-sama. As I have come to learn, thinking of the past and dwelling on good or bad is not productive. The past simply *Is,* And the present is left to us to define our futures.

"Please believe there is very little that could convince me to doubt the faith or honor of the Lion. Not in the city at large, nor in the heart of their embassy." A small twinkle of humor crossed his eyes at that last note, but it did not take away from the sincerity of his words.

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