Melissa
It was almost so perfect.

The plan had seen setbacks, yes. The Dragon fell silent over the winter. Zenmai had returned to the field, and with her the generous goodwill possible between the Unicorn and the Lion. The diplomatic advisor had left that position scarce days into it. Yet the clan carried on undeterred. The bazaar ran by her former advisor filled the clan coffers with more commercial power than imagined, the new Lion Ambassador proved easy to work alongside, and the Dragon who remained in the city remembered the promise of Unicorn aide and were able to see it in action.

Then, disaster. A single day brought ruin to months of preparation.

Kazuko sighed as she looked over the finalized officiation of the upcoming duel. Her choice of champion was made before the Phoenix announced there's. It was designed to embarrass an idiot shugenja and their inattentive yojimbo in the most humiliating way possible. Instead, it may well end any possible hope of reconciliation with the Phoenix Ambassador. *Why did the idealistic fool put himself on the line?*

It wasn't fair. She did everything right. Struck first, reaching out swiftly to the rightfully aggrieved Phoenix after the events of the Winter. Gave ground, personally apologizing to Iemon regardless of the effect on her reputation. Regrouped, assessing the best way for the two clans to collaborate and move forward. Now that was all pointless.

She was a failure. It was as simple as that. When success eludes one time and again, the only logical explanation is personal incompetence. Kazuko was not worthy of her assignment here. Word would return to Shiro Utaku Shojo of her disastrous tenure and she would be recalled in shame, most likely stripped of rank and shuffled off to some far away outpost to be forgotten while the position of heir was given to someone more deserving. She would not fight it. That is what *Should* Befall the worthless and useless.

The faint sound of Fuyuko clearing her throat at the doorway brought Kazuko back to the present. Tired eyes turned towards her servant. Now she was making *Her* Worry; she could not even meditate on her failures properly. She tried to put on a false smile. It looked pitiful. "Something you need Fuyuko-san?"

"I need you to stop being so hard on yourself, but that's like asking a Kaiu to love you more than The Wall." The smaller woman sighed as she walked over and placed a hand on her lady's shoulder. "Also, I need to inform you that the newest delegation from the north has arrived. A couple scribes, another cook, and—the best part—one Ide Takuma."

A fraction of the tension in the Battle Maiden's shoulders melted at those words. Thank the Fortunes for a proper courtier. Maybe, just maybe, things could turn around. Someone finally who could play the game that Kazuko so struggled with. "Send him in as soon as he is available. We have much to discuss."

Fuyuko bowed in acknowledgment, then headed out to the waiting rooms to find the long-awaited diplomat. The blossoms of initial success had begun to fall, but perhaps that did not herald the end of spring. There might still be a chance to navigate this ever increasingly difficult political quagmire, and hopefully this man would prove to be a useful piece in the game.

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Robert
A few minutes later, a stout, bespectacled samurai wearing the open palm of the Ide appeared at the chamber's entrance. Rather than the gaijin deel his kin were usually seen wearing, Ide Takuma was instead adorned in a shimmering white haori cut in the current fashion, over a lustrous kimono whose floral pattern had been dyed in the deepest purple. Despite his somewhat plain features and stout frame, this resplendent ensemble managed to give the courtier a grand bearing.

The heart spoke. When he and Kazuko made eye contact, Takuma's bow was slightly lower than was proper, but deliberately so. Trained in empathy, Takuma's first move whenever entering a room was to read its occupants, and he sensed that much weighed upon the Battle Maiden. Through this subtle gesture, Takuma hoped he might assuage some of what lie hidden beneath Kazuko's mask of dispassion. 

"Konbanwa, Utaku Kazuko-sama. I am Ide Takuma, come to serve the Unicorn in court. Your summons provided an excellent briefing on the political situation in this city; nevertheless, I hope to learn as much about the specifics as possible, so that I may best represent our people's interests." ||
Melissa
Kazuko bowed curtly but respectfully, then began to sign the standard introduction as Fuyuko spoke. "Ide Takuma-san, I bid you welcome to Ryoko Owari Toshi. The woman speaking is Fuyuko-san. She serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak clearly after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her are my words; please consider them with the same weight."

After waiting the appropriate amount of time to let the chain of communication sink in, she would continue. "Your arrival is most fortuitous, as it seems the political situation in the city is set to begin destabilizing once again. You know how the clans view each other outside this city, yet the City of Lies has its own ecosystem of political ties, and I would explain them to you. Not on an empty stomach or dry throat, however."

The doors opened and another servant bearing tea and boortsog, serving the three assembled before vanishing back out of the room. Kazuko took a long sip of the hot beverage, bringing her mind back into focus and willing any signs of weakness away. Now was not the time for vulnerability; she needed to be bold and ready to act.

"I will limit my speech to the clans who have been players in the scene since the events of the winter. Assume those I do not speak of have simply remained silent in the interim." Slowly she began to count through the clans who she considered to be of import. "The Scorpion are regrouping. A new politician has taken over their face, and claims to be interested in removing the corruption in the city. A laudable goal, but clearly he has ulterior motives. The Mantis are making inroads with every clan they can, building mercantile relationships no doubt to pad their options. They have begun to court closer ties with our own clan, and have invited several members of our delegation to a *Dinner*, which I can only assume has ulterior motives.

"The Lion hunger for retaliation against the Scorpion, such that their Ambassador has agreed to work with us toward that goal. In contrast, the Crane, our allies in the Empire, have done us nearly nothing of note. Their garrison commander is incredibly competent as is the diplomat I have worked with, but otherwise they have done nothing to solidify their position in the city." She watched the man's facial expressions, trying to get a feel of the type of courtier who was before her. Was he the type to shy away from the challenge, to seek only to strengthen what was already being built, or was he the sort to throw himself into impossible tasks like the founder of his family?

A long breath, then Kazuko moved onward to the last clan of note. The one she looked forward to discussing the least. "Finally, the Phoenix. An already rocky relationship which I had nearly mended was destroyed by the actions of their clan. Hopes of reconciliation between our clans within the city are quite likely henceforth off the table. We cannot throw in our lot alongside them."

It was a lot of information, Kazuko was aware. Still, he needed to know what he was dealing with, and a frank and clear retelling of the facts would do just that. "In short, that is where we find ourselves as we move ever forward into the battle over who will gain control over this city. Do you have any questions?"

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Robert
The Ide took a moment to digest the information, running through each of the clans spoken of and considering their respective roles in the current political climate.

*The Scorpion Clan*
He had to agree that this Scorpion plan had, as most Scorpion plans had, the taste of double speech about it. The Scorpion were said—in hushed tones and far from unwanted listeners—to be involved in all manner of underworld dealings, and to cleanse Ryokō Owari of such things must have a certain agenda behind it, whatever that might be.

*The Lion Clan*
Though historically the Lion Clan and the Unicorn Clan had shared a mutual respect for one another's strength at arms and martial honor, recent events had torn the two Great Clans asunder, when an engagement brokered in bad faith had been called off by the bride-to-be, the Unicorn Champion Shinjo Altansarnai. Clan friction had only escalated from there. If Lion and Unicorn could somehow reconcile in common opposition to the Scorpion, that was welcome news indeed.

*The Crane Clan*
This news that the Crane hadn't shown an earnest attempt to secure power in the city surprised Takuma, but he could understand they must have reasons for this. The situation here being fraught as it was, a people as shrewd as the Crane might have seen the value in letting events play out as they will, only to step in when the opportunity was ripe.

*The Phoenix Clan*
There seemed to be little hope for brotherhood with the Phoenix at this point. But Takuma did not believe in hopelessness, and was resolved to do everything allowed of him to "Redeem" His clan in the eyes of the Empire's spiritual masters—even if he knew in his heart that the Phoenix were the ones at fault. 

At length he spoke. "Utaku-sama," He began, not yet presuming to use the woman's taken name, "You say that the Mantis must have ulterior motives for scheduling a dinner. What might those be, apart from merely presenting their aims in the best possible light?"

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Melissa
The question brought the Shiotome pause. What indeed? So focused had she been on the fact a silvered barb was hidden somewhere in the plans of the Mantis that she had yet to consider the nature of said trap. Her brow furrowed with thought.

"The Mantis are longtime rivals of our allies in the Crane, and each seeks to cause the other distress whenever possible. In fact, the rumors say the only reason the Mantis joined forces with the Scorpion was due to the promise of Crane humiliation." She stroked her chin, slowly putting the pieces together in her mind. What the agenda of the seaborne Clan might be, and how it could be exploited. "While I do not doubt they wish to strengthen ties with us, I feel they wish to do so at our ally's expense. Forming friendships with our clan while placing a wedge between us and our oldest friends."

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Robert
"Naturally, that would be unacceptable. Whatever bad blood runs between them, our bond with the Crane runs far deeper. No agreement we make with the Mantis shall compromise that." 

Takuma paused, choosing his next words carefully. "We ought to learn, from each side, the rationale behind their lasting conflict. Do either Mantis or Crane stand to gain aught from persisting in this rivalry, and if so, what? If only we knew the answer to that question, mayhap we could satisfy them both somehow, and usher in a peace that would make our three clans able to work together, without causing friction."

It was the Crane, of course, who had been first to welcome the Unicorn—then known as the Kirin Clan—back into the Empire after their centuries-long journey beyond. To Takuma's mind, tradition if nothing else dictated that the current Unicorn-Crane alliance ought to be preserved at all costs. Then a thought struck him.

"How do relations sit between the Mantis and the Phoenix? The Crane and the same?"

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Melissa
"The same long-lasting memory which served our people so well upon our return to the Empire is the cause of the rivalry which divides them. The two largest navies of Rokugan vie for dominance, and in the decades between fending off gaijin invasions the Yoritomo often devolved into little more than pirates and thugs." Added to that was the Crane's legendary disdain for anything non-Rokugani that didn't benefit them. It was not a likely event the two would come to anything more than uneasy neighbors at best.

His next question caught Kazuko by surprise. She took a moment, taking a sip of the tea as she collected her thoughts. "Other than our own people, the Phoenix are the only ones who consistently maintain positive relations with the Crane. As for the Phoenix and Mantis, I do not believe they were pleased when the Moshi joined as a member family. As we are well aware with their dismal view of our practices, the Phoenix—particularly the Isawa and Asako—do not take kindly to others who perform their tasks better than they.

"Do you have something in mind?"

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Robert
The courtier offered a slow, tentative nod. "Possibly. Whether or not they will confess as much, it's easy to speculate that the Mantis derive a meaningful portion of their economy from raids on the Northern Crane coast. In order to appease the Crane, we could make our alliance with the Mantis contingent upon them signing a treaty of nonaggression against our Crane friends. (Ideally, perhaps we might somehow persuade the Crane toward a similar agreement, if they knew of the Mantis's consent.) Now, if I speculate correctly, the Mantis might not be receptive to such a treaty—unless they were made to recognize that there are other birds along that coastline whose feathers they might ruffle instead.

"Make no mistake. I have every intent to repair our relations with the Phoenix where possible. But I must also be realistic. We will not give up our traditions, and the Phoenix will not tolerate them. To prevent their hostility from kindling any further, it would be worth diverting their attention away from us. If conflict must be waged, better that it be waged by proxy rather than directly. And if the Crane agreed to the treaty, they would be unable to intervene."
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Melissa
An interesting and unique strategy. Push the more delinquent of Mantis farther north into Phoenix waters. Kazuko nodded slowly in understanding. "I see. That is certainly an option. We must keep all our avenues open of course.

"I applaud your goals to repair relations with the Phoenix, but I fear the time for that is well past. Were you made aware of the recent events between our clans within the city?" Her impassive stare began to falter as the recent events replayed in her mind. Anger, disgust, regret, all subtly vied for dominance over her features.

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Robert
"I know only as much as was related in your summons. It is best that I know all of the details, however. The better I understand the local landscape—literal as well as figurative—the better I can tailor my approach to suit it. Please, tell me what has happened." Ide Takuma's palms turned upward as he spoke, responding to the imaginably tense nature of the topic. It was a submissive, disarming gesture that had been hammered into him throughout his training, and repeated over years of diplomacy, so that by now he practiced it almost entirely by rote. || revanchist_industries||
Melissa
Kazuko sighed, then began to explain the situation. Perhaps going over it again with another outlook would provide clarity she lacked. "The Phoenix assaulted my second, Utaku Masanori-san, nearly killed a hinin child, and set a large swath of the Leatherworker's Quarter on fire in the middle of a delicate operation. The Ambassador to their clan then chose his words poorly and insulted us. To be frank, I do not see this relationship mending, nor do I entirely find it prudent to do so. They have proven their intent, have they not?"

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Robert
Ide Takuma was taken aback at Kazuko's words as relayed by Fuyuko. The Phoenix were known to be staunch pacifists, more so even than his own kinsmen. That a clan so committed to peace would commit such violent crimes unprovoked was unthinkable. But then, these were unthinkable times.

"Clearly, they have. But to what end? Would they have open war on the city streets? Responding in kind would risk damaging our claim to Ryoko Owari. Yet we cannot afford to suffer such insults unanswered. Our best move right now, as I see it, would be to consolidate our relations with clans—great and minor—who are not presently allied with the Phoenix, and establish common opposition to them wherever possible. I can also conceive of us using their own foul acts to our advantage, and rallying the common folk to our cause. They need to be cowed from aggressing us further."
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Melissa
"Agreed. I have already met with their Ambassador and laid out terms: removal of the Isawa who threatened our samurai, renewed efforts to overturn the spurious accusations of meishodo heresy, and a duel to assuage our clan's honor." The approval of the Ide made Kazuko feel justified in her actions. It was good to know that she was not merely blinded with the anger of a soldier or the rage of a sibling. Emboldened, she continued. "The hinin already threatened a riot when next they saw a Phoenix in their grounds. Convincing the people to turn would be an easy matter. Establishing common ground against the Phoenix among the other clans may prove more challenging. While many do not find them pleasant company, few are willing to risk the wrath of the keepers of Rokugan's religious order."

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Robert
The courtier nodded his acknowledgement. "Indeed. However rightly we refuse to surrender the way of names, we cannot bring others into our plight without cause. It would be much easier—and less costly to our own reputation—to merely spur on existing resentment of the Phoenix Clan. And few clans have as strong a rapport with the lower castes as ours. Nevertheless, I would say that the most pressing business is this Mantis situation. They could prove to be strong allies, but only should we avoid giving our Crane friends offense by accepting their proposal. But, who knows? If we could encourage the Mantis to halt aggression, doing so might even *Strengthen* Our ties with the Emperor's Left Hand." ||
Melissa
She pondered the idea. Her alliance of convenience with the Lion was kept secret from the Crane due to necessity due to their longstanding feud. Holding one card closely was already dangerous. To add a second?

"You speak wisely, Ide-san. Your words bring a clarity that recent events have prevented my own eyes from seeing." She nodded, favoring his suggestion. "I will see what inroads I can pursue at this dinner. In the meantime, it would benefit us greatly to strengthen our connection with the Crane so they may be more willing to accept such a notion. Can I trust you to do so for us, to reaffirm our standing of trust and respect for each other by building greater goodwill?"

Sending Takuma would prove a useful test not only of his own abilities, but also of the current disposition of the Crane authorities within the city. Getting a better gauge of their allies would provide valuable intelligence that Kazuko could then work into an actionable strategy, one that would lead to success rather than the failures she thus far had met.

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Robert
Again Takuma nodded, proffering a smile that stopped just short of being indecorous. "To act in the name of peace? It would be my pleasure, Utaku-sama. I shall meet with one of their delegation and, should an opportunity arise, suggest the nonaggression pact. Given it's presented with tact, I can think of no reason they would choose to decline."

He bowed deeply, and strode from the room. Despite his initial apprehension at being summoned to Ryoko Owari Toshi, all of Takuma's reluctance had fled him during his meeting with Utaku Kazuko and her translator. He was in his element now, ready to work toward strengthening an existing alliance in the hopes of gaining another. Fine work for an Ide Emissary. For where most of the courtiers in this city surely had plots and schemes that lie behind their honeyed words, the students of his school performed only honest work. The only question was, could an honest courtier thrive in the City of Lies?
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Melissa
After all was said and done and the man led out by Fuyuko, Kazuko was feeling rather more pleased than she had at the start. Finally a proper courtier to do the work she had thus far been flailing about with, someone who could look at the situation with the delightful honesty of an Ide. She took a long sip of the tea provided for her, savoring the gift from the Lion Ambassador. It was quite a nice tea.

Her brief period of respite was broken when Fuyuko returned with a quizzical look on her face. Refilling their cups, she poured a new one and set it on the far side of the desk. "Kazuko-san, there seems to be one more visitor to grace us today. An additional member of the diplomatic entourage. You remember Taehime-san?"

Kazuko blinked in surprise. Why did so many members of her family suddenly pop out of the woodwork in this city unannounced? First Tsu-chan, now Tae-san. Shouldn't they all have stayed far away from the danger of the city? She shook her head and sighed loudly. Still, having any help was better than what she had now. It just meant she'd have to keep a closer eye on this one, to make sure she didn't get herself into any trouble. A minor inconvenience for the services she should be able to utilize from her. "Send her in, Fuyuko-san."

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Dorothy
Taehime made her way into the office of her kinswoman, trying not to show just how overwhelmed she was at this massive city she'd been assigned to. The young woman walked in, and curiously, she had a walking stick of some sturdy wood, like the wood of a Battle Maiden's bow. She bowed deeply and properly to Kazuko. "Greetings, Kazuko-sama. I am Utaku Taehime, lately of the Ide Courtier School and before that from Shiro Utaku Shojo. It is an honor to meet you. I have been sent to assist you in whatever manner you deem fit."
Melissa
The Battle Maiden's eyes grew cold at the woman's introduction. It was not the most promising of starts. Still, she could be forgiven a little due to their familiarity. She began to sign as Fuyuko translated. "Utaku-san, I bid you welcome. I also remind you that when speaking with a superior in a formal setting you are to address me as Utaku-sama or Ambassador-sama."

Her piercing gaze softened a bit as she gestured to the cushion for the newcomer to sit at. The filled teacup was gently pushed to her end of the table by Fuyuko. Once her cousin was situated, Kazuko continued. "This place is quite different from the orderly Shiro Utaku, you will soon discover. However, the timing of your arrival could not be better. We are facing many a challenge besetting us from all sides, and the honest truths of those trained among the Ide will prove invaluable in the coming months."

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Dorothy
She took the offered seat, and folded her hands in her lap. "My apologies for any disrespect given or implied, Utaku-sama." She had to remember that even if this was her cousin, she could not allow her courtesy to slip! "How may I be of assistance in dealing with these challenges?"
Melissa
How indeed? There were many political fronts to address. Takuma was sent to speak with the Crane and Mantis, Kazuko was busy keeping relations with the Lion from heating back up again. There were several clans still unaccounted for. "Utaku-san, the fields of politics are vast, and one person cannot be everywhere at once. I will give you current areas of interest and perhaps you can see an avenue you wish to pursue.

"The Scorpion are battered but regrouping; we need to prevent their rise back to any sort of position of authority. The Crab and Dragon remain reticent, but perhaps reaching out to them will draw them out." Kazuko paused to let the younger courtier absorb the information. It was a lot to take in, and she did not want to overwhelm her. She took a sip of her tea and waited for any response of interest from her cousin.

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Dorothy
Taehime considered. "If I remember my lessons correctly, and please correct me if I'm wrong, Utaku-sama, but have we not traditionally enjoyed cordial relations with the Crab and neutral to positive relations with the Dragon? If I may, might I suggest sending me to speak with the Crab? If they need to be drawn out, perhaps a hand offered in friendship will draw some interest from the clan of Hida-no-Kami?"
Melissa
Kazuko nodded, then quickly gestured to a parchment as Fuyuko set to work writing. It was a difficult thing, wiring while translating, but Fuyuko had managed to make it work nonetheless. "Very well. We have worked alongside Ambassador Hida Koyama-san in the past, using the ronin Atsuko as an asset to lend to their efforts in hunting down creatures of vile nature. Perhaps a more concrete gesture of assistance could do good."

When the writing was complete, Fuyuko handed it to the Ambassador, who placed her personal chop on it before giving it to the younger courtier before her. "Should you require the authority to speak for me in matters with the Crab, this provides you with the authority to do so. Do not use it unwisely or unless necessary."

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Dorothy
Taehime stood and bowed. "Yes, Utaku-sama. I will strive to assist the Crab and win their support for the Unicorn. Should you have no other need for me at the moment, I will endeavor to speak with Koyama-sama as soon as possible."
Melissa
"Good. Perhaps it would be best to start by speaking with one of his subordinates, to work out the matters before bringing it Ambassador Hida-san directly." There was at least one Yasuki who Kazuko had the good fortune to meet, and she had no doubt there were other mid-level courtiers and diplomats with which her cousin could speak with before jumping straight to the Ambassador. Being on friendly terms with many a Crab would also make their negotiations easier.

At the swift rise, the Battle Maiden quirked an eyebrow. Eagerness was appreciated, but haste could prove just as dangerous as inaction. "Heading out so soon, Utaku-san? Our servants have not finished preparing your room yet, and I would like to hear how my cousin has found herself since we last saw each other. It has been some time, after all."

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Dorothy
Taehime blushed a bit and smiled. "I remain at your disposal." Her smile brightened. "I *Would* Appreciate a chance to rest a bit before setting out, and to enjoy your hospitality." She seemed to relax just a bit. "As for how I've been, well, it has been some time since we last saw each other. I believe I was still a little girl in Shiro Utaku Shojo then." She chuckled. "I remember swearing up and down that I would join the Battle Maidens just like my big sisters Yue and Kyoko one day. I truly intended to make good on that promise, but sadly, I could not." She sighed a bit. "You remember how sometimes I would stare blankly into space for minutes at a time? At the time, we thought it a passing phase, but it grew worse over the years. Uncontrollable shaking and occasional collapsing." She blushed more and looked down. "When I fell from my steed, it became clear that the Fortunes had decided that the Battle Maidens were not to be my lot in life. But I hope to serve the Clan and you well in this position."
Melissa
There was concern in Kazuko's mind. Worry for her cousin's safety was at the forefront of course, but also of the implications connected to sending her here. A courtier who collapsed mid-negotiation would not do well for the ambitions of the clan or family. She should have been kept in reserve within Unicorn lands, allowed to live a life of quiet peace without concern for any loss of face. A good life if less than exciting. Did they seek to embarrass Taehime? Or worse, was this a representation of the clan's lack of faith in her position as Ambassador?

Though all this ran through the elder Utaku's mind, she did not show it on her face. It would not do either of them any good for her to show worry now. Let her enjoy the posting; the weight of responsibility was Kazuko's to bear. She smiled slightly, in an attempt to reassure the younger woman. "I am glad to hear that you have found a place you can excel at. Should you require any additional aid, we recently received three Iuchi here in the city who are more than capable of lending the voice of the kami."

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Dorothy
Taehime smiled brightly. "I would love to meet with the Iuchi. I'd like to understand their methods of speaking with the kami. Perhaps their insights will be able to help me in my service to you." She considered a moment. "If I may ask, how have you been? I haven't seen you since I was a girl, and I know life can get hectic, even with our duties to provide a supporting pillar."
Melissa
"It has been eventful. The assault to retake Otosan Uchi, the War of the Plains. I led my brothers and sisters in battle through them both. Now I find myself here, trapped behind a great deal of politicking I am ill-suited for." The Shiotome was never one to lessen the blow of truth, even less so among family. She pursed her lips together as Fuyuko continued to translate. "Yet we do what we must for Clan and Champion."

A young servant girl appeared, bowing deeply. "Utaku-sama, the room has been prepared."

"Excellent." Kazuko gestures toward the little girl. "Utaku-san, arrangements for your place to stay have been completed and your belongings placed therein. Hisa-san will escort you there and can assist with any other arrangements you need to make."

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Dorothy
Taehime stood and bowed. "Thank you, Utaku-sama! I hope to be a credit to our Clan and to assist you as best I can." She turned and bestowed dazzling smiles to both Fuyuko and Hisa. "Hisa-san, if you will please show me to my quarters?"