Joyce
*The twos conversation continues as they approach the Mantis Embassy,* "I am not aware of the specifics of many of the cultures beyond the borders of Rokugan, but I know of the broad strokes." *The Mirumoto admits, an oversight she would correct with time given the living, breathing, vexing reason that walked alongside her embodied within a man.* 

"You are of... Merenaen blood? *She questions uncertain if she had chosen the name of the right distant land. As while the Dragon dealt with those beyond the Empire to the north such cultures differed vastly from Rokugani's maritime opponents.*

"As for how you in specific came to be I do not believe I need a verbal retelling of such a tale," *The Magistrate swiftly assures him as the two approach the Embassy guards. The sanctity of Kishi's papers enough to ease some of the worry that had tensed the Mirumoto's shoulders. With luck the Bounty Hunter would see himself on his best behavior. As smoothing her hands over her yukata the Dragon offered a polite bow to the guards.*

"I am Magistrate Mirumoto Katsumi of the Dragon. My companion is Magistrate Tsuruchi Kishi of the Tsuruchi," *She introduces them both,* "We would speak with the Mantis Ambassador should she see fit to grant us an audience." 

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Harry
"Indeed i am. I'll be sure to give you the details in time, after all i doubt my mother will look kindly upon me not introducing you two, given the circumstances she would likely have me keelhauled if i didn't... She still might if she doesn't meet you before the ceremony." *He lets out a laugh that's a bit more nervous than usual, and she can't be entirely sure if he is joking or serious.*

*As the approach the guards, Kishi bows deeply, and says a short greeting after she finishes making introductions* "We have important matters to discuss, and i am to report to her to provide assistance."
Vannessa
Mai was just finishing up one meeting when another arose. She quite literally dismissed Kitsune Meiko when Jūnko arrived and notified her that there were two magistrates here to see her. 

"Hm? What now? Did you cause some sort of trouble, Jūn-chan?"

"No, Mama Mai," The boatswain sighed, "But they say it's important. Mirumoto Katsumi and Tsuruchi Kishi are here."

"...Tsuruchi? Hm." The shugenja hadn't had the honor of meeting the bounty hunter, but she was made aware that he would be on his way. What could he have gotten himself into with the Mirumoto woman?

"...Send them in. Bring out the sake this time around, since I think I'm done working numbers." 

Thus, the pair of magistrates would be ushered in soon enough, to join the already sitting ambassador. "Mirumoto Katsumi and Tsuruchi Kishi. Welcome." She offered the seats, once niceties were exchanged. "I wasn't expecting another meeting," She explained, "Or you, Tsuruchi-san. I take it you showed your travel papers to my magistrate, Moshi Kana?

"Either way, I doubt you're _both_ here for such a thing. What can I do for you?" 

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Harry
"I did indeed show my papers to Moshi Kana-sama. She was quite taken aback to hear another magistrate was joining you in this fine city. I think perhaps she was concerned you were seeking a replacement." *He says with a polite smile.* "I assured her i am merely here to help our efforts here while seeing to some more... Personal business. To which we are here to discuss." *He looks across to the dragon beside him* "Though i feel it may be best to allow mirumoto-san speak to that topic in detail." 

*The ammbassador can likely see the Man before her is... Stressed. For all his appearance as a warrior, a simple conversation appears to be enough to raise the poor mans blood pressure. Not quite to the point of sweating, but his eyes certainly linger on the bottle of sake once it is provided.* 

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Joyce
*The Mirumoto returns Mai's greeting with a polite bow of her own. Accepting the proffered seat with a smile. The woman was in comparably less a state then the nervous Tsuruchi, but those of Niten had always favored a relaxed calm making it difficult to ascertain. At least to unpracticed eyes, but given the Ambassadors yojimbo the mask of calm was obvious for what it was. A mask. A far more practiced one, but a mask nonetheless.* "I do not know if Kitsune Tsuta-san passed along word yet, but one of the reasons for my arrival in the city was to settle the betrothal contract between my sister who has sense honorably departed and a member of your clan Moshi-sama." *The Mirumoto explains as she carefully indicates the Traveling Magistrate at her side.*

"As the marriage never took place it left matters unclear thus my family wished to approach Tsuruchi-san and the Mantis in regards to either transferring the betrothal contract to a still living member of my family which would be myself or peacefully dissolve it. As the Dragon have no wish to cause slight." *The Magistrate elaborates,* "But likewise we understand that the betrothal may bare renegotiation given the unique circumstances of both the Dragon clan and the Tsuruchi-family in regards to our status." 

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Vannessa
"Was she now? Ha! Poor thing. I'd hardly remove a fellow Moshi from a position she carries well." Mai was amused by the prospect of Kana being worried. The only time she saw the woman be worried was when that anonymous letter came to the embassy. Oh, and whenever _Temujin_ came around. All the sudden she would stammer and get so flustered... Hm.

"Anyway," Mai said with a clearing of the throat, "Back to the topic at hand."

And it turned out the topic at hand was marriage. A very complicated situation, at that. This Dragon's sister was to marry the Wasp, but the poor girl passed before this could occur. And indeed, the responsibility fell on Katsumi's shoulders. "I see." The servant Junko arrived with the sake, which she was ordered to hastily pour for Mai, especially. She took a big sip, and took a moment to mull it over. 

"First of all, Mirumoto-san, I pray your sister is warm in the Lady's embrace, or finds herself in higher standing when she returns. And I respect you for honoring a deal made by your family. It would have been easy to forget it ever happened, and pursue your own interests. Truly, honor before the self at play. The same for you, Tsuruchi-san. I know you not, but I've heard well enough to know this isn't something you'd want to find yourself entangled in. I will say, you could do much worse, hm! She's quite fetching. 

"But, you didn't come to me for compliments. You're here because I am the ambassador." Mai's expression went analytical, and she stood a little straighter as she started to put things into motion. "The Mantis have never had issue with the Dragon, as far as I am aware, and less so the Centipede of the Moshi. From time to time we trade for your ores, but I cannot think of any great endeavors between the two. Other than all that arrived on the Second Day of Thunder, of course. 

"In other words, there is nothing in history that would call for such a union to be a slight or a disgrace. You are both Magistrates back in your respective lands, so waiving other accolades you're both of equal or close standing. Tsuruchi-san is older, but that doesn't always mean... Hm..." 

Mai let out a small sigh. "This is not an easy decision. Mirumoto-san, a question. If I gave the choice to you, to either uphold your family's promise or wipe the slate clean of the deal, which would you choose? The same question for you, Tsuruchi-san." 

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Harry
*Kishi clears his throat, shifting a bit in his seat and taking an equally deep sip of sake as Mai* "Well. In the event the decision were left upto us, Mirumoto-san and I thought it best to discuss it to some degree, and we seem to be in agreement that it would be best for us to uphold the contract. I am as you say older, and... Well... As you have said i could most certainly do much worse..." *He smiles despite himself, clearing his throat again and attempting to recollect his face.* "I believe the primary concern between the both of us, though i invite Mirumoto-san to speak to it as well if i am mistaken, is who's family the other will be marrying into. Given both the Mirumoto and Tsuruchi Families are both intent on growing their numbers given current events." 

*Kishi looks across to Katsumi, and back to the ambassador. Its rather clear that this is the primary cause for the Bushi's stress. The wasp were known for the strong ties that bind their family together. Loyalty above all else, even honor. Even swearing to not so much as draw one another's blood in settling disputes. To say nothing of the Merenae in his soul imparting a similarly strong sense of duty to ones blood.* 

*And of course, it wasn't hard to see how a mantis who'd taken the name Kishi would be devastated if relegated to the mountains, far from the crashing waters of the sea.* "But we both understand that decision lies mostly outside of our grasp, and would ultimately lie in the hands of our ambassadors if not even farther above us, Moshi-Senpai"
Joyce
"Thank you Moshi-sama my sister shall be missed," *The Mirumoto murmurs offering the Ambassador a bow of thanks. While she and Misaki had never seen eye to eye the loss of her elder sister had come as a shock even if the Mirumoto yojimbo had perished most honorably in the line of her duty.*

"My Father is an honorable man and the Mirumoto are a family true to their word," *Katsumi spoke,* "It is as you have said. The Mantis and The Dragon have never had cause to clash. Our interests lay in differing matters and both our traditions and cultures are oft times little understood by our neighboring clans." *The Magistrate explains as she chooses her words with care. If given a choice would she choose to walk away? To turn a blind eye to such a promise? The Mirumoto and the Dragon as a whole were in need of new blood and desperately so. Their numbers dwindling dangerously low. To bind themselves to the Mantis who had no reason to turn against their clan was not such an ill-made match.*

"I would choose to honor the betrothal Moshi-sama should a suitable agreement be reached," *The Mirumoto intoned with a slow incline of their head. Her expression a mask of calm even if the woman's jade eyes sparked with worry.*

"I believe as Tsuruchi-san has mentioned the issues arise in regards to the fact the betrothal terms were originally intended for my elder sister," *Katsumi explains as the woman keeps her hands folded in her lap, sleeves obscuring the white knuckle grip upon her own fingers,* "The standing of a Clan Magistrate and a Traveling Magistrate are close enough to be comparable, but the Wasp as a younger clan are in need of growing their numbers while the Dragon clan face the same crisis and can ill afford to lose not only one of their Samurai, but a Shugenja." *The Magistrate elaborates as a few stray strands of flaming crimson hair fall across the Mirumoto's face. The woman stilling the tremble that runs through her fingers as she carefully brushes the locks back behind her ear with a tentative smile polite and affable.*

"And with our Ambassador's attention elsewhere I do not believe I can yet set aside my work within Ryoko Owari Toshi Moshi-sama." *She admits for while the thought of traveling appealed to the Mirumoto her family could ill afford to end with her. The thought of leaving her work unfinished and the Dragon Embassy once more empty save for the monks who held little interest to see to their clans affairs weighed heavily upon her shoulders.*

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Vannessa
Hearing the both of them out, Mai sipped her sake. She didn't say anything immediately though, and merely nodded. "I see both of your points," She said, "And I can respect your desires to honor the promises set by our clans. 

"Now, if I understand the history of it, the original ruling was that if the Tsuruchi won that kyujutsu contest, the marriage would commence. That leads me to believe that to the victor, the spoils -ah, not to say that Mirumoto-san or her late sister are spoils, surely grand prizes of love and beauty. All the same, I would be of the opinion that, if this marriage is to continue, Mirumoto Katsumi-san would join the Mantis Clan as Tsuruchi Katsumi, betrothing Kichi-san accordingly. That is the most logical outcome. 

"Naturally, I would want to have the Dragon Ambassador weigh in," Mai sighed, "But from what I understand, no one sees the fellow as of late. If this is to lie completely on my shoulders, that is my verdict. Mirumoto should honor the competition, and marry into the Tsuruchi Family." 

Mai poured more sake, and filled any empty cups. This was all rather tiring, especially since marriage was hardly the romantic thing one hoped for. She herself didn't know hers was love until after she was betrothed. "Now, I can understand if there's disagreement with that," She said, "But that is how I see it. We can certainly try to discuss this more, or bring in family members or the mysterious Dragon Ambassador. I will ask that you both spend more time together, but perhaps not in the _Dragon Gatehouse?"_ 

She smirked, eyes locking on Kishi like a viper. "Honestly, Tsuruchi-san. I can see she is beautiful, but so beautiful to not bother to see your ambassador? Surely I'm not so ghastly that I would have to wait until it was convenient, hm?" 


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Joyce
*The Mirumoto listens in silence as they incline their head,* "I have heard your verdict Moshi-sama, but I would ask the Dragon Ambassador to oversee the contract as I would not leave my family without further heirs." *Katsumi points out her voice soft and firm, the calm of the mountain before a great gale.*

"While I am not opposed to tying myself to the Wasp I would like the contract to take into account any children born with the gifts of the kami and the complications that may arise in regards to my status as a shugenja. In addition to the Dragon's situation within Ryoko Owari Toshi," *Katsumi explains with a polite smile her sleeves concealing the woman's white knuckled grip upon her own hands.*

"For you have spoken truth in that the majority of the Ambassadors duties have fallen upon my shoulders with his attention turned elsewhere." *The Samurai admits with quiet reluctance and no small amount of tired resignation in regards to her absent 'boss.'*

"Respectfully I do not wish to leave my work yet undone and burden the monks of my clan. Thus delaying their paths towards enlightenment." *The Mirumoto murmurs offering the Ambassador a bow.*

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Harry
*Kishi listens, nodding his head at first, listening to his ambassador speak. He doesn't disagree with the assessment, but grows more and more concerned as the dragon speaks. It was what he had wanted. One of his greatest fears of finally coming to terms with this betrothal was being castaway from the ocean mists and locked away in the mountains. To be ripped from both his families in one turn. As his prospective wife continues to speak he cannot help but feel a sense of responsibility to ensure her voice be heard.* 

 "I must agree with you Moshi-san, i will not hide my desire to remain a Tsuruchi. And it would seem in fairness given the nature of the reasons for the betrothal and our comparative statuses that she join us as a Tsuruchi herself." *He pauses as he thinks how best to frame this* "But i would be a poor husband if i did not voice my agreement with Mirumoto-san on some of her concerns, Leaving her family without an heir and without her skills and position in this city as well as leaving them without her presence in the family is a valid concern." 

"I would dread to think my legacy would be one of driving our great clans farther apart than geography has already, and would rather this be something we may all celebrate as the beginning of renewed co-operation and mutual benefit. In that interest, I think it is fair to ensure the dragon are not left wanting for shujenga in her absence from our children. Well. At least the first few who are blessed with the blessings of the Kami, I have great doubt our families will be found wanting of heirs in the coming decades, Perhaps by the third or forth we can consider the duty fulfilled."

 *He says with a completely straight face, but his eyes betray the internal laughter.*
Vannessa
"It is of no concern of mine that your family did not have further heirs, Mirumoto-san," Mai retorted, "But I am also not so callous as to say that they should have prepared for death or any other malady that could lead to these issues. Nevertheless, the deal seemed to be that if the Tsuruchi won, this wedding would take place." Mai had started jovial and teasing, but she continued on with a more serious tone. 

She understood the woman's concerns. She wanted to cling to her family name as much as any, but there was more to it than just that. Even Mai knew of the troubles in the Dragon provinces. Low birth rates, fewer and fewer samurai... Surely, losing a shugenja would be a blow that would be hard to recover from. 

But, she was a Mantis, not a Dragon, and she wouldn't just side with whichever sad story came her way. Family and Clan above all. Though, compassion was important as well... 

"Enough." Mai put a hand up as Kishi started in his (admittedly funny) jest about heirs. "I have said my piece and what I deem is just. Mirumoto Kitsumi-san must wed Tsuruchi Kishi-san. I will _not_ repeat myself.



"...However." Mai rubbed the back of her neck, rather unlady (or ambassadorly)-like. "When I was to wed my dear late Yoritomo Tomoru, we made an agreement. I was a shugenja, and he a mighty captain, so we found ourselves at odds. But, to keep the peace, I became _his_ wife. But, we made conditions. First, any daughter we had would be a Moshi, and I would train her, if she was found to be blessed. Second, any son I birthed would be Yoritomo, blessed or not, and would follow in Tomoru's footsteps. Until the day my husband died, I was Yoritomo Mai, only reclaiming my name upon his death, ill-fated as it was.

"I say all of this to propose something that should make the both of you a little less nervous. Especially _you,_ red dragon." Mai chuckled, motioning at Katsumi. "The Dragon have been found lacking in shugenja and children. I propose you do as I did, and any blessed one join your schools to be trained. By decree of marriage and carrying Dragon blood, they should be allowed, Tsuruchi or no. The Dragon, from what my ronin explains, can be much more accepting of such things. Likewise, if they are not blessed, they shall be taught in the ways of the Mantis. 

"Furthermore, seeing as how the city is in such a state, the Dragon need a Magistrate. So, surely Katsumi-san should remain at her station as long as this conflict is going on, at _least_ until after Winter Court. And Wandering Kishi-kun here will remain as well, to aid _my_ Clan, and help the Dragon. It's only right to help one's love, hm?"

Mai crossed her arms, and nodded to the both of them. "Well?" 

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Joyce
*The Magistrate bore her grief well with the silent stoicism the Dragon were known for. The Mirumoto's usual fire giving way to quiet solemn reservation such as even Kishi's playful prodding could not manage to dust the Shugenja's cheeks with the bright blush he had seen color her features before beneath the morning sun. Her relationship with her homeland had been a tumultuous one at best, but Katsumi could not deny the love she harbored in her heart for the great mountains of the Dragon Land's. Nor the uncertainty of her place within the Mantis. The woman perched upon her seat still as a stone statue barely moving, barely breathing, like a figure cut of ice.*

"I have witnessed your orders Moshi-sama and will abide by them," *The Mirumoto intones unwilling to make the woman repeat herself and risk dishonor even if she felt as though she'd slit her own belly with each syllable. Kishi's discomfort and attempts to allay her worries easing the agony that stiffened her shoulders and sat heavy upon her chest strangling her voice within her throat.*

*For a moment Katsumi believes it is done. The Shugenja already leaning forward to bow so that she might rise and depart that she might find solace elsewhere and unmask when Mai's voice brings her up short. The red dragon as the Mantis had called her pausing, jade eyes quickly darting up to focus upon the woman with a quiet fervent hope. The icy fear that had gripped the Mirumoto's heart slowly thawing before such a proposition. The knowledge that they would not yet, and may never need to, abandon their work with their clan and set aside their life's passion painting the future once bleak and forlorn with shades of expectation.*

"I and the Mirumoto would be grateful for such considerations Moshi-sama and though reclusive the Dragon are known for our long memories. Though I doubt the Mantis would need wait unduly to see our gratitude bear fruit." *Katsumi murmured her voice soft as she spoke with a tentative smile akin to the sun breaking through after a long winter storm.*

"Thank you Moshi-sama. Such terms are more than acceptable and I shall not forget your wisdom and aid." *The Shugenja spoke as she bowed low forehead nearly pressed to the floor with the weight of her gratitude and relief.*

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Harry
*Kishi watched her from the corner of his eye, watching Katsumi's features soften and the color return to her face brining him no small allowance of relief.* "I find these terms to be more than amicable Moshi-Senpai. I look forward to the many great things to come from this agreement, including providing my services in ensuring this city remains in the good hands of our people." *He bows his head respectfully, rising again before continuing to speak* 

"I thankyou for the candor with which you spoke to your own experiences in this difficult subject, and express my sincerest condolences for your loss. I imagine he smiles upon us all for being lucky enough to bask in the wisdom such terrible circumstances have bestowed upon you." *He says softly, though it seems the ambassador is not upset by bringing forth this information, he speaks with a gentleness all the same.*

"I do believe however, with the conclusion of these negotiations, all that remains is a discussion of the finer details of accommodations for the both of us. Lest i be forced to ascertain just how comfortable the top of our *Own* Embassy gatehouse is, or if it has room for two." *He remarks, a more typical smile returning to his features* "And of course, some form of celebration this evening is certainly in order." 

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Vannessa
Mai looked pleased as punch to see the Mirumoto practically prostrate herself over her wisdom. Honestly, she was proud of herself, too; it wasn't often that good ideas come to her so easily, and for once her anxiety didn't wrack her psyche in the moment. But, it would seem Katsumi and Kishi were both much more relieved over what the ambassador had to say. 

"Now, now," Mai chuckled, "No need for all that. Though next time if you _start_ with all the praise, you might get what you want with less pushback." 

Kishi's words were appreciated as well, though her smile wavered just a moment at the mention of her Tomoru. She appreciated the words, truly, and she wasn't angry, but every once in awhile, she missed that man dearly. He was a hard one to replace, hence still being unwed to this day. 

"You're a darling for saying as much," She said, "And I'm sure he would be pleased to find his wife has learned to be more civil, hm. 

"But, back to business." Mai got right back to her sterner face, as a few last things needed to be covered. "Naturally, depending on how speedy acceptance comes from the Dragon clan and Mirumoto-san's family, this wedding could begin as soon as the summer. In the meantime, the two of you are betrothed, and should act as such. I don't know how the Tsuruchi do things, but when I came up, I wasn't allowed to go have rendezvous in gatehouses with my soon-to-be husband. But, I'm also not a fool. 

"There are some homes in the noble quarter that maybe available, at least temporarily. If you find one suitable enough for the both of you, I would recommend you do so. In the meantime, I need _my_ traveling magistrate here, and I doubt the Dragon want to hike to the Mantis Embassy to find theirs. So, when night comes, be where you should be, yes? Remember: you actions don't just reflect on your love. It reflects on two clans and their honor. I _will_ take action if necessary." 

She let the stern, threatening words sit for a moment, before flippantly motioning for them to shoo. "Go on then, you two lovebirds. Go and celebrate. I find myself with a lot of work to be done, so I will celebrate in spirit. We'll cover details later on, and then send letters to your respected families. But for now, begone, and be merry." 

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