Ralph
It's been a long journey. 

Asako Yamanosuke stepped into the embassy grounds and near immediately felt the tension in his shoulders relax. He dismounted from his Rokugani Pony, and set foot onto the cobblestone pathway. Even the cold stone walkway feels more welcoming on these grounds than the other civilized streets surrounding the embassy.

The midday sun made an appearance, albeit briefly from the clouds, and Yamanosuke was glad to feel the warm kiss from kami upon his face.

He stepped to the gate of the embassy. Removed his helmet, and steadied his stance. 
"Asako Yamanosuke to see the Magistrate. I have traveled from Kyuukai Province to serve. I have papers for Lord Shiba Iemon."
Elizabeth
One of the ashigaru stepped forward and gave the papers a once over. Seemingly satisfied, they handed them back. « Greetings, samurai-sama. I will make your arrival known to those you seek. Please stay here. »

Turning on their heel and entering the embassy proper, it wasn't long before the ashigaru returned alongside Sanumo. The young courtier bowed to Yamanosuke, his dark, shoulder-length hair gently swishing as he did so.

« Greetings, Asako-san. I am Asako Sanumo, Karo to the ambassador. In lieu of a clan magistrate, I can process your papers alongside Shiba-sama. Please, be welcome. »

He gestured across the threshold and quietly guided the newcomer into the embassy and into a small meeting room. The walls were decorated with depictions of mountains that appeared to be jutting out from the walls themselves. The space above the mountains was painted to show a vibrant sunset and a sky broken by the silhouettes of many birds in flight.

« Shiba-sama has been notified and should be here momentarily. Tea will follow closely in his wake. » he seated himself at the table and settled in to wait.

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Ralph
Yamanosuke bowed, respectfully, and seated himself at the table across from the Karo, Asako-sama. The fragrant tea flooded Yamanosuke's senses. It has been a long road from Kyuukai province back in Phoenix Clan lands. The promise of a peaceful moment this afternoon reminded him of home. The smell of tea, the ringing of the temple bells, the wind in the grass, all of it seemed so far away just now.

"Tell me, Asako-sama," Yamanosuke began, as politely as possible. "How does the Phoenix fare in a City such as this? It seems so far removed from home, and I must admit to feel a bit out of place in the lands of the Scorpion." Yamanosuke caught himself probably divulging too much personal perspective.

"I am sure that a Karo as distinguished as yourself has had time to acclimate to the city..." Yamanosuke's words trailed off as he lifted his tea to his lips.
Ryan
With a light rap on the door, Iemon made his presence known, bowing to both men in greeting. "Welcome, Asako-san, to Ryoko Owari Toshi." He joined them at the table, with the lightest of gestures straightening his orange ambassador's kimono as he settled into his place. 

As promised, the tea almost directly followed the ambassador, who insisted as usual on pouring for both Sanumo and their guest. "How do we fare? Such a direct question, Asako-san. I appreciate that." 

He looked over the new Asako for a moment, assessing. "Our situation is unique, to say the least. Our focus here, as in the Empire as a whole, is the spiritual well-being of those who live in and near the city. As such, our interests are not in directly controlling the city, but in facilitating a more lasting peace between the Clans. To that effect, we have had mixed success." He paused, mentally compiling a summary, and sipping at his tea. 

"Our efforts have shown the Lion and Scorpion to be potential allies to us. That the Lion would appreciate the path of peace is itself a promising sign in and of itself." Iemon began. "The Crane, our long-standing allies, have been mostly silent as of late, only recently reaching out to request a meeting. Similarly, the Dragon have been silent in official matters thus far. The Mantis have been neutral to us, and were thankfully willing to brush aside the insults of a brash samurai that had spoken far out of turn. Relations with the local Crab have been civil, but..." He paused, glancing at Sanumo, "With tensions between our Clans rising on the larger stage, it is only a matter of time before that further colors our interactions." A tinge of regret entered his voice at this, but he did not allow any change to cross his face. 

"Finally, our relationship with the Unicorn is tumultuous at best. An incident resulting in a duel and a now former Isawa Shugenja renouncing his name to ride the wave has tarnished our efforts at friendship.

"Officially, the Elemental Council has reopened an investigation into the practice of meishodo and whether it should be considered heretical. To that effect they have sent a trusted Shugenja to investigate the practice with a fresh set of eyes."

Iemon paused, sipping again at his tea. "I do not think I am forgetting anything, am I?" He gave a small amused look to Sanumo. 

"Our chiefest interest beyond peace is in securing a supply of opium for the manufacture of medicines in our home provinces. These are then used across the Empire as a whole, and allow us to help reduce suffering on a grander scale."

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Elizabeth
The words to reply with had just been on the tip of Sanumo's tongue before his superior had seized the reigns of the conversation - as was his right. He shared an understanding glance with Yamanosuke before paying rapt attention to Iemon's words. Though his eyes were on Iemon, his focus was inwards as he ensured the comprehensiveness of what was said.

He was not found wanting.

« Your recounting sounds accurate to my ear, Shiba-sama. If there's anything I've learned from my time here, it is that the city never ceases to surprise. We do our best with what comes our way, but there is always a new hurdle to overcome. What matters is that we do so - and with the mindfulness befitting a Phoenix. »

« Our situation is not the one we would have predicted prior to our arrival, but I cannot say that it is one without hope. »

*It has been a peculiar string of months to be sure. To think that we would find the friends that we have beggars belief.*

« I am honored to be part of such a dynamic period of our shared history and I hope that you will come to feel the same, Asako-san. »

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Ralph
Yamanosuke was gripped by every word from Shiba Iemon's mouth. His focus was sharp as he absorbed the current state of affairs as presented by the ambassador.

"Meishodo..." He let the words escape his lips in a lapse of judgement. "I had always believed it to be a fable. Something that was told as story to young Shugenja." Yamanosuke took a sip of the hot tea. It was fragrant, subtle, and grounded him once again.

"Surely, I do not understand the Kami as those that have the gift. My lord has informed me that my duty here was to assist in the regulation, trade, and transport of medicinal ingredients." 

Yamanosuke turned to Sanumo-san to pay respect to his point about duty to the Phoenix, "I am honored to have been tasked with an assignment to Ryoko Owari Toshi to serve. My experience does not take me outside of Kyuukai province, so I cannot speak to relations of other great clans." He turned to address the ambassador directly, matter-of-factly, "I would do that which is asked of me, Shiba-sama. You can count on me."
Ryan
"It is indeed more than mere fable. Part of the terms that prevented conflict escalating with the Unicorn was their direct request that I petition to reopen the case. That the Council has already sent a Shugenja, let alone one with such direct favor with the Master of Water, shows that it is no tall tale." Iemon replied, sipping again at his tea.

"Assisting in regulation, trade, and transport are valuable skills to add to our available resources. Tell me, though, what are your skills? Have you led others in battle? Are you proficient with the blade, or are you primarily focused on administrative duties?" He rested a hand under his chin, leaning forward to prop his elbow on the table, his gaze growing more intent as he waited to hear the man speak on his capabilities. "We will not misuse your skills, I can assure you of that. Proper placement to best allow you to fulfill your duties is part of my responsibility, and it is something I treat with the greatest of of care." 

*If anything, my being too lax early on may have contributed to our situation with the Unicorn...* 

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Ralph
Yamanosuke steadied his breathing. 

"I have been a tax collector for years back at Kyuukai Province, Shiba-sama. I am trained in the arts of Kenjutstu, as on rare occasion, some tax-payers need more convincing than others- particularly when resources are slim. I do not fear the need to unleash my steel, though I prefer it lay at rest."

"I have served in the Shiba Army, albeit briefly. I never saw a battle. I choose to avoid duels as well, though I have never been challeneged. There have been sanzoku on the road to dispatch to keep the peace."

"I have a passion for Kyudo as well, my lord. I have always enjoyed the company of my bow and the whistle of the arrows as they fly. I have never found the daily rituals of Kyujutsu to be work. To be frank, I am quite proud of my abilities for arrows to find their intended destination."

"I am a capable rider, as well. I have always enjoyed riding. I believe it comes from my youth. We were never wealthy, but my father always had a horse in his charge."

Yamanosuke shifted his weight a little as he sat. He placed his tea on the table in front of him and attempted his best not to show any discomfort, though it was difficult to steady his voice. 

"Being a tax collector, I have also come used to the idea of dishonesty, Shiba-sama. I have a keen eye for documents that have been created in haste or signatures that are not their own." His gaze straightened and face braced for the unsavory mention of forgery. 

"I mean no disrespect, Shiba-sama. I do not create documents or deal with unsavory men. I mean only that I have a keen eye to discern what could be forgery. My record is impeccable back in Kyuukai province..."

Yamanosuke stopped. He bowed his head abruptly. "It is not my wish to speak of such things. My apologies. I am a man of the law. It is my duty to enforce it, and, respectfully, Shiba-sama, I have done so to the best of my abilities. I would not dishonor my father, Asako Yamanoshi, with anything less than my best."
Elizabeth
With Yamanosuke's attention fully on the Ambassador, it gave Sanumo the opportunity to give undivided focus to the tale being told.

*A capable warrior with a wide skill set and more administrative experience than that of the battlefield. I can work with this.*

He caught the Ambassador's eye and, after receiving a nod to go ahead, interjected. « Shiba-sama, it sounds to me as though our new arrival is a capable combatant, as well as possessed of some people skills and administrative experience. It is my recommendation that we assign him as Captain of the Guard for the embassy. It sounds as though he has most of the talents we would expect and the remainder can be improved if I call upon a favor from the Lion. They still owe me a debt for helping their Karo learn about the city and become integrated. »

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Ralph
Yamanosuke swallowed his tea hard.

"Asasko-sama." He started. He bowed at the wait as respectfully as the table would allow. "You honor me so greatly."

Yamanosuke's heart was beating hard within his chest. He could feel each beat coursing through to his head. Doing his best to contain his excitement at such an honor, he turned his gaze back toward, Ambassador Iemon, holding his bow as long as his muscles would allow.
Ryan
"We are honored to have another samurai as dedicated to serving the best interests of our Clan joining us in this city." Iemon replied, returning the bow. "Your willingness to accept such a role shows your commitment to duty."

His nod to Sanumo had hidden the slight surprise at the suggestion, but the reasons given all made for a convincing argument. The skills the new Captain of the Guard had listed all made him sound quite capable. "Truth be told, I have had to do much to grow into the position of Ambassador here in the city, but we must all seek to rise to such occasions when presented to us. The room to expand our own capabilities beyond is a valuable learning experience, and I have no doubt you shall find your stride and thrive, Captain Asako-san."

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Ralph
Yamanosuke slid himself from behind the table and bowed quite low to the floor. *Captain Asako Yamanosuke* - He was beaming with inner pride, and was trying his best to be humble and gracious.

"I am deeply honored, Siba-sama. You can count on me. My blade and my heart for the Phoenix Clan."  

He returned to sitting seiza and bowed also to Asako Sanumo-san, for it was his suggestion to bestow the promotion upon him. "I am grateful to both of you. How may I be of service as Captain, Shiba-sama?"
Ryan
"Firstly, taking stock of our current ashigaru, ensuring they are proficient enough for our security will be a good place to start. I am confident they are adequate, but assessing them will give you an opportunity to get to know them." Iemon's reading of Akodo's *Leadership* Was beginning to show. *Come to think of it...*

"In our library we have a copy of Akodo's *Leadership,* A gift from the Karo of the Lion Clan in this city. If you have not read it, this is a perfect opportunity to do so. This copy has annotations by an Ikoma bushi, and his practical insights have given me additional understanding that I would not have even considered had I just the text itself."

He pondered for a moment, stroking his chin. "Beyond that..." He looked to Sanumo, "...That should be a passable beginning, I should think?"

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Elizabeth
« We only do that which is demanded of us, Asako-san. Your thanks is unnecessary, but consequently welcome. » The lines around his eyes betrayed the smile that his lips did not permit.

He nodded at Iemon's assessment, albeit hesitantly. « I am no bushi, nor particularly versed in military minutiae, but these seem as good a place to start as any. »

A distant look lingered on his face as he began planning something out in his head. « I'll send that letter to the Lion as soon as possible and make sure you both are aware of their reply. »

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Ralph
"Hai." Tamanosuke started. "I will start familiarize myself with the garrison and see to the Ashigaru. If there is a staff in place, I would appreciate knowing who to reach out to. Supplies, inventory, and training regimen should all be evaluated."

Asako Yamanosuke bowed again showing his gratitude and respect. "You can count on me, Tono-sama. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."
Ryan
Iemon rose and returned the bow. "Thank you, Asako-san. It has been a pleasure speaking with you, and I look forward to seeing our efforts collectively bearing the fruits of peace for this city.

"I believe the quartermaster and interim leader has been a young heimin named Shin. It will likely be good to allow him to resume his focus on his previous duties."

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Ralph
"Hai, Shiba-sama." Yamanosuke bowed.

"I will see to him, directly. Lord Shiba-sama, I humbly thank you for the hospitality and your trust. Asako-sama," Yamanosuke addressed Asako Sanumo, "I will report to you once I have been in contact with Shin-san."

Yamanosuke bowed to both men, and waited for his moment to leave.
Elizabeth
« I look forward to hearing your report, Asako-san. I trust you will notify me if there is anything I can do to help you settle in. »

It was a relief to have a proper Captain of the Guard again, even if one that required some polishing. 

*Heimin should not be left unsupervised to attend to matters of violence. The potential for scandal alone would be of great concern.*

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Ralph
"I will be in contact with you as soon as I have an opportunity to touch-base, Asako-sama." Yamanosuke replied. Again, with a curteous bow.

"I take my leave, my lords. Again, you have humbled and honored me and you have my gratitude. I only aspire to live to your expectations."

With that. Yamanosuke shuffled across the floor toward the sliding doorway, and with as much precision as his hands could provide, opened the door. He turned to face the ambassadors within, bowed once more, and slid the door closed.

I great sigh escaped his chest. *Captain of the Guard. Me? Surely the situation here isn't all that desperate. I will muster my courage and provide as much leadership as I am able.*

He quickly remembered where he was, and gave a quick glance around, hoping to see no one take notice of his apparent relief of stress after seeing the Ambassador. It wasn't his intent to show any signs of weakness or dishonor. He stood and gripped his helm. Holding it at his hip with a sense of pride, he strode his way toward the gate in search of the Heimin known as Shin to bagin his work as Captain of the Guard.