Courtney
Kana was certainly not her usual self as she approached the Phoenix embassy. Even with the audience being already arranged, being right amongst her family's progenitor clan was awkward, to put it mildly. Her manner was more reserved, her smile more forced, and her posture more tense. Still, she had no intention of being aggressive or hostile; she reminded herself this was a discussion, and that the ambassador had indicated that he was willing to speak with and hear them out.

She glanced over to Mai. "I thank you very much for accompanying me, Moshi-sama. Especially given how, well... Absurd the situation is."

She suppressed a chuckle. On paper, the whole thing seemed entirely unlikely. Yet it had happened, and had been yet witnessed by another clan's magistrate.

"I'm hopeful things will go, well, though."

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Connie
"It's only right," Moshi Mai replied, "You are under my command as long as we're in this city. I should be there when such incidents need to be sorted." 

All the same, Mai wasn't looking forward to the meeting. It came out of the blue, just as the incident in question, after all. But, Mai wasn't keen on going to places with many Pheonix. Not that she was afraid of them, per se. But as a Moshi, there was always an odd relationship between the Clan and family. 

Mai made sure to dress much more conservatively, to make sure they didn't get written off as they might had back home, and carried herself with distinction and grace, or as much as the pirate turned ambassador could manage. 

"Now, I've only spoken to Shiba-sama once," Mai told Kana, "And that was back at the conference, which was... Interesting to say the least. So, we should be polite, but firm on the fact that this slight must be dealt with. All the same, we won't get pushy; heavens know that the Pheonix have thier problems nowadays." 

Soon enough, they would reach the front entrance, where they would let the servants or guards know that the Ambassador and Magistrate of the Mantis Clan have arrived. 

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Shirley
The door warden quickly gives a respectful bow, disappearing inside to inform the ambassador that expected guests had arrived. Within moments he returned, opening the door wide to accommodate their entrance. "Please, Mantis-samas, right this way. Ambassador Shiba is expecting you in his office."

He led them inside and rapped lightly on the outer sliding door before opening it and bowing. "Ambassador-sama, the representatives of the Mantis." 

Iemon rose from his seat, giving a bow from the other side of his desk. "Ambassador Moshi-sama, Magistrate Moshi-sama, welcome. Please, make yourselves comfortable. May I offer some tea?" Iemon had put himself together adequately for this meeting, since they had been kind enough to inform him of their desire for an audience in advance. He had a feeling from the tone of the letter it was likely to be bad news. *But at least this is a more cordial way to receive it than being publicly called out in front of the embassy.* He thought to himself, absently tugging the sleeve of his kimono over his left arm fractionally lower on his arm. 

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Courtney
"Right... That was my thinking exactly. I don't want to let this pass without any action. Not just on a personal level; how are the Mantis to be respected if we do nothing in the face of... Whatever that was?"

Kana was indeed trying to put the big picture first. She had been insulted, yes, but in truth, she had been more bewiledered by the Samurai's rather bizarre actions. She couldn't possibly imagine that he had been acting on behalf of the ambassador, awkwardness between the Moshi and the Phoenix aside.

She had followed Mai's lead, adopting a full length kimono, less flashy earrings, and minimal makeup. She was reserved in her mannerisms when the warden arrived, bowing politely and following them inside. As she approached Iemon, she bowed lowly. "It is an honor, Ambassador Shiba-sama. Tea does sound lovely."

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Connie
Mai bowed before Iemon as he did for them, all according to proper etiquette, and she accpeted tea, as Kana had. "That would be lovely, Shiba-sama," She said, "Whichever you prefer will do for us as well." She kept herself cordial, as she didn't plan to make a scene anyways. With the course of things and a possible alliance on the line, it was best to show that the Mantis could be just as courtious as the Crane or any other Great Clan. 

Once they were seated and tea was on the way, Moshi Mai got down to the heart of the problem. "I wish I could say we were coming under good tidings, Shiba-sama, but unfortunately that is not the case." Mai didn't frown, but she showed her disappointment in the current situation. 

"You see, it came to my attention from Magistrate Moshi-san here that a Samurai of your Clan had some rather disrespectful and downright fraudulent things to say about her." She looked to Kana, and nodded. "If you would, Moshi-san, explain what occurred in your own words." 

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Shirley
"I have recently received some Golden Needle tea, I hope you will find it acceptable." Iemon gestures for the servant to retrieve the tea and some cups for the three of them. 

Upon hearing the reason for their visit, he leaned back, face guardedly neutral. "Perhaps something stronger for after the tea may be in order, if that is the case." His voice sounds somewhat light-hearted, but the humor does not reach his eyes as he turns to Kana, patiently waiting to hear of the situation that had transpired. 

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Courtney
Kana nodded, taking a deep breath before beginning the story as directed.

"Well, I was conducting my usual walk around the docks in the morning. I purchased some pork buns, and then I decided to treat myself to a bit of dessert." She considered for a moment singing the virtues of the stands and recommending them to the ambassador, but her better judgement signified that was maybe not the right approach to take at the moment.

"I then encountered a man in orange robes, bearing the Phoenix's mon, following amongst the crowds. Nothing unusual on its own, but the way he darted behind people and tried to hide behind them was... Unusual. That said, unusual is no trouble, so I went to place my order for dessert. It was then I saw a rather conspicuous parasol, the open end pointed at me. I wasn't sure what to make of it... When I saw that same man plant it in the ground, dart between groups of people, and then roll behind a building. And I do mean roll. He did not walk, it was similar to a somersault..."

Kana smiled a bit akwardly. Just relating the story, she worried she sounded like a madwoman. Yet she knew she had to speak to what happened.

"At this point I will admit to being somewhat suspicious. So I made the decision to head down and have a conversation with the man. When I approached him, he assumed a ready stance and beckoned me towards him, as though challenging me to a fight. Of course, while I've seen this with enough drunken sailors to know what such a gesture means, I wished to be certain, so I asked the man if this was a jest, or if he intended to challenge me. He responded by stating that this was not a jest, and my supposed indignance meant he had reason to be suspicious of me. What exactly he was suspicious of, he did not say, but I do know he was not of the Thunder Guard, and that I certainly had given him no reason to be suspicious of me. Naturally, I told him that his implications were unfounded and disrespectful, that he had no business conducting surveillance on me when I am well within my right to be in the city, and that if he did not intend to apologize for the slight, if he would prefer I take it up with you, Shiba-sama." 

She took a breath, already knowing the story was a long one, but there was still one to go. "It was then he insulted the Mantis, calling us privateers and saying that meant there was reason enough for him to be suspicious, implied I was a danger to the people that it was his duty to stop, and then told me he would levy an accusation of obstruction of justice simply for speaking to him. At this point, I told him his actions were dishonorable, his accusations and implications unfounded, and that he should reconsider his course and apologize. It was then the Dragon Clan's magistrate, Mirumoto Katsumi-sama, appeared, and attempted to ask what happened. I recounted to her all of what I have recounted to you. On the other hand, he proceded to advance upon me, standing scarcely inches from my face, attempting to intimidate me, claiming he was on patrol and I was shielding myself from his justice. At this point, the Dragon magistrate asked for proof of his allegations."

Kana sighed, and shook her head. "Because there was no wrongdoing he could actually cite to a third party, he attempted to apologize, but it was an apology lacking in truth and sincerity. His apology was for being 'brusque' in a criminal investigation. At no point did he acknowledge his insults, his aggressive behaviour or that he intended to make false accusations to discredit me with no provocation whatsoever. It was then I left the encounter alongside Mirumoto-san. Thankfully, he made no attempt to follow me afterwards."

She bowed her head towards Iemon. "I thought it pertinent to request an audience, as I know we would wish the same if there was one bearing our clan's mon and colors, insulting and threatening libel against our Samurai. I thank you once again for receiving us."

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Connie
Mai chuckled at the tension-relieving joke, but much like the ambassador, it wasn't humorous. It was more just to ease things. They weren't there for blood, after all. This was a simple matter of honor, and surely they could get things sorted without making a major scene. Besides, with the state of the Phoenix at the moment, Mai wasn't expecting much pushback. 

And so, she sipped tea quietly as Kana recited the exchange. It was far less amusing the second time around. Admittedly, Mai had snorted and guffawed at the horribly direct and misplaced attack on her magistrate. 'You are a Mantis, so you must be up to no good!' What a laugh riot! She had to make certain that this fool wasn't in blue instead of orange, the way that hate was tossed out like that! But now... Well, she had to remind herself. A samurai of status, a magistrate and a _shugenja_ at that, was insulted to her face. If Kana was more inclined (or more impulsive like her superior), she could have dueled him in the street. Luckily, she had some sense. 

"As Kana-san has expressed," Mai added, "This simply cannot go without some sort of repercussions. It is the duty of all Samurai to report nefarious goings on, of course, but stalking another and accusing them baselessly goes against Bushido and the basic rules of a civil society. As a very _uncivil_ woman myself, I know all too well that in such cases as this, things can come to blows and make for a nasty conflict, especially when one deems it wise to insult and instigate a fight with a Daughter of Amaterasu." 

Mai sipped her tea to let her words sink in, before adding, "Be as it may, Shiba-sama, we've come here, willing to drink tea and speak in private as we are, so that this can be dealt with without making a scene. Unlike with the Unicorn, no one was injured and the only victim is my Magistrate's honor. I stake my own honor to say that she speaks the truth, so I implore that you view her words as such, and act accordingly." 

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Shirley
Iemon is politely silent as the tale is delivered to him, having quickly poured tea for his guests before they had begun. He had brought out his fan and idly given it a few flicks in the early stages of the recounting of events, but as it neared the middle, and this purported Phoenix's conduct, he had brought it down into his lap, and subconsciously was gripping it tightly in both hands. By the end of the recounting, and the Mantis ambassador's remarks, he realized and looked down, mildly surprised at how white his knuckles were. 

"Indeed, it being brought to my attention post-haste is something I am abundantly grateful for, please make no mistake, but I am afraid I must disagree with you, Ambassador-sama." He pauses, giving a slow blink to collect himself before continuing. "The honor of your Magistrate should not be so downplayed, as obviously she has shown herself to be both capable and honorable to have been granted such a title. This matter will be treated with all due seriousness.

"As you say, with recent history in mind, my Clan's reputation has been severely damaged already by the unabashedly poor judgment of individuals who have too proudly borne our Clan mon. I will not brook such things to happen lightly, nor ever again if given my choice. Please," He says, turning his gaze to Kana, "Did this man identify himself, apart from bearing our colors and mon?"

At that moment, a minor commotion was heard from the front of the embassy. A servant opened the door with only the most cursory of knocks, their face distressed. "Ambassador-sama, Mantis-samas, a thousand pardons for the intrusion. There is a Shiba Obikawa who *Insists* On being allowed in to this meeting."

The sudden silence immediately following this statement was only broken by a loud and sudden snap from Iemon's lap. He absently placed the broken halves of his fan to the side and folded his hands in front of him on his desk.

"Send him in. Do not bother fetching tea or a seat for him, please, Setsu." The servant nodded, hurrying away. 

"Please forgive me my small display. As you both will likely imagine, events have led me to be more tense than I am wont to be. I hope that my hospitality is not poorly reflected in this."

Obikawa is let in by a servant, stiffly bows to the Phoenix ambassador, and pointedly ignores the two Mantis samurai. "Ambassador-sama, I came as quickly as I could, wishing to report suspicious activity I had observed while on patrol." He shoots what seems a triumphant glance at the two Mantis, seeming confident in his words.

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Courtney
"I must admit to a failing on my part, Shiba-sama. Mirumoto-sama and I, after he declined to identify himself, dediced to leave him to his devices in case the situation escala... Ted..."

Kana trailed off as she heard the snap of the fan, and then saw Obikawa enter the ambassador's office, her mouth hanging open slightly as the immediately recognized the towering figure. There was no doubt to be had there; this was the same "Peculiar" Man who had accosted her earlier. As though his apology needed further proof of insincerity, it seemed he intended to continue his absurd crusade.

As she saw him glance to Mai as well, she covered her hand with her mouth as she suppressed a snicker at the madness of it all. Was he now going to include an ambassador in his ravings? One he had never yet met until this point?

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Connie
It was good to see that Shiba Iemon intended to take this matter seriously, and he seemed more inclined to follow it to the book than Mai had offered. Hopefully he didn't take it as her baiting him; she really just meant to cut some slack to the stumbling Phoenix Clan, to show some of that Moshi compassion. She couldn't help but agree with him all the same, and didn't argue his points. 

"I appreciate your conduct and the way you're handling this report," Mai said, "And while it is truly a serious infraction, I think that the ridiculousness as to how it came about allows some grace to be shown on our part. If this fellow had gone as far as to try to subdue or arrest Moshi Kana-san, we might have a-"

She was cut off at the announcement that Shiba Obikawa was _demanding_ an audience. The ambassador flicked open her fan to chuckled behind it. "Really now? This man is either the boldest Phoenix in history or the most foolish." She kept it up, as the words spoken behind it were not truly hers, and tried to compose her smile. "By all means, Shiba-sama, I find this perfect! We'll nip this in the bud, right now!" 

And so, in came the Phoenix at the crux of the issue. Mai's eyebrow twitched at being ignored, though she held her tongue for the moment. Centipedes were deadly things, and faster than they looked, so there was no need to lash out _yet._ 

"Oh my, this must be a great report, to interrupt business between two _ambassadors!"_ Mai's fan came down, and her smile was thin but friendly, her eyes smiling as well. "Please, Phoenix-san, I would love to hear this report. If my Magistrate was up to no good, I would need to know _immediately_ so I could deal with it. Though, I should note that the punishment would be harsh. Broken fingers, exile, execution if it was horribly vile. I'm a woman that strives for compassion, but that also means I have a deep passion for punishing criminals, _liars, and ___charlatans.___ So, please, tell me of Moshi Kana's crimes, post haste! Justice must be served!" 

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Shirley
The look of recognition on Kana's face was all that Iemon needed to act upon. The interrupting Phoenix began to give his report, though markedly more unnerved than initially due to the effect of beginning a meandering statement of 'patrolling the docks,' when Iemon held up a hand. 

"Shiba-san, you will pardon my ignorance, but I do not recall seeing your travel papers, let alone having anyone assign you to patrol any area of this city. Provide those for me." 

Iemon takes the offered papers and begins looking through them, but was hardly sparing them any attention. "Are you a magistrate of our Clan, to perform such a patrol of your own initiative? Was there something that particularly drew your attention to the docks?" He asks, making a show of looking intently at one particular section of the papers. 

"Well... No, ambassador-sama, but my duty to protect our Clan's interests was my motivation."

Iemon makes a slow nod, bringing his eyes up to the offending Phoenix. "So, you took it upon yourself to insult the upstanding samurai of another Clan *While she was on her assigned duty* For the sake of... What? A suspicion? You have *No* Jurisdiction to do so, and your impudence only adds to the difficulties of our Clan. Poor judgment has led to the Phoenix looking like *Fools,* And your actions only serve to exacerbate what is a difficult situation. Pray tell, how is this in line with our guiding philosophy of pacifism? To seek to provoke in such a crass way serves our Clan *How?*

"Ambassador-sama, I have my reasons, and they *Are* Good ones. I just require-

"*Silence.*" Iemon interrupts, his eyes flashing. "I have already too much of a mess to finish cleaning up as it stands here. To have you barge into the embassy after gravely insulting the honor of a higher ranking samurai, *And to ignore giving any due respect to that samurai's Ambassador,* Is the height of idiocy. You will apologize. *Now.*"

The standing Phoenix paused, giving a half-hearted apologetic bow to the Mantis delegation. Suddenly he turned back to Iemon. "You do not understand, Shiba-sama, the *Threat* That they pose cannot be ignored. To do so is the height of foolishness."

Iemon gave a slow blink. "The height of foolishness seems an apt phrase. Tell me, how tall are you, so that I may know the exact height we are discussing?"

The samurai grew red at the implication, and opened his mouth to speak further, but Iemon spoke out, louder and faster. "At this point, I am deeply hesitant to approve these travel papers, because you seem intent on doing little more than destroying our efforts for peace in this city. To let you settle here would be to set a stumbling block within my own path."

The standing Phoenix clenched his fists. "You keep talking about the efforts you are taking to rebuild, but I remind you, *I am not responsible for your past failure to keep others in check.*" The disrespect and anger in his tone unmistakable in the enclosed office.

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Courtney
She would never admit it, but Kana felt an odd sense of relief at seeing that even Obikawa's direct superior was not immune to his misdirected self-righteousness and paranoia. Of course, after that relief came the horrified shock that *Oh, he is actually going to say this.*

Kana immediately felt torn about whether she should speak or not. On one hand, the insult to herself and her ambassador, and to Iemon was egregious, and she didn't want to simply let it slide. On the other hand, she didn't want to accidentally give Iemon the impression that she didn't trust him to discipline his own Samurai. At the same time as well, Mai was here on her behalf, and it felt cowardly to say nothing if she was getting brought into this matter.

So, she decided to keep it brief.

"Samurai-san, you extend your insults to me to everyone in this room. Surely there must be some part of you that sees the dishonor in your conduct!"

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Connie
Mai was amused, very _very_ amused. She had to cover her grin with her fan as she watched the tearing down of the Shiba, especially when it turned out he hadn't even bothered to get his travel papers approved. So, some random Pheonix came to town and tried to pick a fight with the one clan (second to the Lion) that would throw down for honor's sake? Hilarious! 

But, Mai was a good ambassador and hid her smirk and kept her cackle inside. It was only when Kana raised her voice that she spoke up again. 

"Moshi Kana-san." She put a hand against the woman's shoulder gently, and flicked her fan shut. "Don't waste your breath on this matter. He insulted you, and me as well, and not to mention Ambassador Shiba-sama, but this is hardly a man worth anger." Mai looked at Obikawa, and scoffed. "This fool would only make your honor decrease, if you wasted breath on him. Truly, this is a man -a _boy,_ really- that hoped to come into Ryoko Owari Toshi with the goal of quick dividends and glory, by any means necessary. All he's done is make an ass of himself, and try to put Shiba Iemon-sama in _more_ hardship. Do me a favor, Obikawa-kun: Leave the schemes to the Scorpion. Or at the very least, the _educated?"_

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Shirley
Iemon would openly flush with anger at the last remark of the overstepping Shiba. "*How dare you?*" He says, his voice betraying barely restrained wrath. "I will make myself abundantly clear, so that you may understand my meaning without any ambiguity. Your travel papers are not approved. You are to leave Ryoko Owari Toshi to your *Betters* And return from whence you came. If I hear another word out of your impudent lips, you will either be renouncing your family name or taking three cuts to cleanse yourself of the dishonor you heap upon our family and our Clan. Now *Nod* If you understand, and get out of my sight." 

The rude Shiba's mouth had attempted to form some sort of retort to Mai before Iemon had cut him off, and with a cowed nod, departed the room as abruptly as he had entered. 

Iemon gave a short sigh, his eyes flickering to his broken fan. "I must beg the forgiveness of you both. Some sort of malady must have taken hold of him to forget himself so blatantly. I will be writing to his lord immediately after our meeting is concluded, to ensure he gets the *Help* He clearly needs." 

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Courtney
It took every bit of Kana's restraint to avoid displaying her satisfaction at the samurai being put in his place. She knew this was a difficult situation on top of other difficult situations being placed upon Iemon, and that this was no time for mirth. Once they had left the embassy, though? Then it would be another matter.

She bowed her head towards Iemon. "Your apology is accepted, and I thank you for your care and attention to this matter, Shiba-sama. I know it must be difficult to see such behavior. I hope that his lord can help instruct him about the expectations of how a samurai should conduct themself. Your efforts in this are most admirable."

She did not voice this, but she did think to herself if he might find himself another imagined case of evildoing to investigate on his way back home...

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Connie
And that was that. 

Moshi Mai watched the man get torn down by the three of them, and shamelessly she relished watching Obikawa flounder when her biting comments riled him up. Very amusing! He was rather fetching when he was being bullied. Too bad he disrespected the wrong Clan. 

Mai bowed to Shiba Iemon, finding his apology and his actions more than satisfactory. "You are forgiven," She replied, "As far as I'm concerned. If my magistrate is satisfied, you'll find no more qualms with me." She glanced over at Kana, who indeed seemed to be pleased with the outcome. It was a shame that her first visit to the ambassador was for such a thing. 

"Now then," Mai sighed, "That's all settled. Swift justice is the best justice, and all wrongs are righted. And all on the same day while Lady Sun still watches, too. I doubt I could ask for more." She sipped her tea, and set the cup down. "I _will_ request that you allow me to post a few ashigaru near the gates to make certain this fellow leaves the city, post-haste. Don't take this as distrust in you or your own guards; This fool might try to slip about the shadows again, and it'd be best for the both of us if we make sure that doesn't happen." 

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Shirley
"Thank you both." Iemon replied, giving a small bow as he expressed his thanks. "I have no qualms with taking such precautions, and would be happy to lend the aid of our own ashigaru in this matter. The more certain he is properly seen out of the gates of the city, the better." A small compromise of cooperation which would hopefully be taken as a sign of goodwill and sincerity in the actions that led to Obikawa's discharge from the city.

"It is unfortunate that your visit would be over such a troublesome individual. Perhaps we could set a more cordial and social visit between us at some point?" The Mantis ambassador had been quite reasonable to let things be concluded without much in the way of public fanfare, a blessing to the Phoenix who were otherwise greatly damaged in the public eye. 

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Courtney
"I am indeed satisfied," Kana spoke, hopefully giving some additional measure of comfort to the overwhelmed Phoenix ambassador. "I defer to you both on your wise judgement of any additional measures to be taken."

While she paid careful mind to her choice of words and and her expression, on the inside, she was grinning with the delight at the reaction the poor fool might have had to Mantis *And* Phoenix soldiers standing by, making sure he did not see fit to show his face in the city at all.

"Your invitation honors me, Shiba-sama. I would be most pleased to accept such an offer. Another meeting under better circumstances would be most delightful!"

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Connie
"I would love to," Mai said, "If time and duty allow. This life of ours is a busy one, Shiba-sama, as you can plainly see." The ambassador finished her cup of tea, and let Kana say what she wished. She seemed to be in better spirits, now that it was said and done. And with Iemon agreeing to let their men keep an eye out for Obikawa, they had satisfaction and recognition, too. They'd make a good show of it, so this fool of a coward learned never to cross the Mantis again, lest he end up _limping_ away to his lands. 

"Now then," Mai sighed, "I'm afraid that I have other business that needs tending to. Scheduling was surely Fu-Leng's doing, as it never seems to provide anything but stress and fatigue, hm!" Mai stood up, and gave a deep bow to Iemon. "Shiba Iemon, you have done well in my eyes, and I respect your swift justice and respect for me and Magistrate Moshi-san. May our paths cross on kinder terms, next we meet." She would wait for Iemon to say his goodbyes, thus dismissing them, showing a touch more respect.

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Shirley
Iemon stood and gave a deep bow to them both. "I hope that such kinder terms and better circumstances may come to pass, ideally when there is a little more time available." 

He straightened, glancing between them both. "Thank you again for bringing this issue directly to my attention so that I could address it with the swiftness it merited. Had we risked allowing one such as him to remain in the city in times such as these, there is no telling what sort of damage might have been done. Magistrate Moshi-sama, Ambassador Moshi Mai-sama, may the Fortunes favor you both."

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