Jessica
Okiku stepped through the gateway into the embassy proper. Clothed in her typical shimmering white kimono, her smooth pale flesh gave her the ambience of a spectre.
Her rich black hair, modest makeup, and the rich Mantis green of her obi were the only colour she had allowed herself. Even her wakizashi's saya was laquered white wood, with an ivory tsuka-ito.
As she walked, her hands clasped before her and tucked within her sleeves, a breeze would seem to blow gently at the blades of grass she past by.
She approached one of the samurai standing watch over the grounds. She offered them a formal bow in greeting.
*"Please pardon this intrusion, Lion-san,"* She said, her tone soft, barely more than a whisper. *"I come on behalf of the Mantis magistrate and would request an audience with an official who maintains the successful operations of the Lion dojos."*
John
The soldier in charge of securing the gate would greet the Mantis with a bow, and after the proper greetings, the soldier would return to his composed stance. 

*"I will notify Akechi-Sama that someone is requesting his presence. In the meantime, please come and enjoy the gardens while I go inform about your arrival."*

The gatekeeper would lead her into the garden for her to wait, then proceeded to go into the dojo where Akechi would be training. Giving the samurai a bow:

*"Pardon me Akechi-Sama, there is a visitor from the mantis clan looking for someone who operates the dojo."*

Akechi would pause his exercise to draw his blade back into his sheath. Returning the bow from the gatekeeper: 

"A mantis, you say? Interesting, please instruct them to come into the dojo, and I'll introduce myself to them."

The soldier would nod at Akechi as he followed precisely as instructed, calling the mantis into the dojo and escorting her in, then dismissing himself after accomplishing his mission. Akechi would be standing idly, with a black kimono with golden designs and his trustworthy katana at his hip. Giving the mantis a cordial bow: 

"What may I owe the pleasure of your visit, madam? The name is Akodo Akechi, one of the master swordsmen in the embassy."

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Jessica
Okiku offered a formal bow in greeting. *"Good day, Akodo-san,"* She said with her usual quiet tone. *"I am Yoritomo Okiku of the Mantis."*

*"I thank you for seeing me so quickly and I apologize for the intrusion without a prior notification,"* She added. *"I have come on behalf of my magistrate, Yoritomo-Ryuzo."*

She paused a moment in consideration, then pursed her painted lips minutely. *"As you would be aware, the Mantis' resources in the city have their limits. This is merely the reality of our current situation."*

*"However, I shall resist the temptation to play coy and dance around the reason for my presence,"* She said with a slight, if cool, smile. *"I have approached the majesty of the Lion clan as your dojo is clearly one of the finest in the city."*

*"The Mantis are currently without an appropriate means to allow our bushi to maintain their skills,"* She explained. *"My magistrate in particular has requested for me to approach the Lion in the wish that he may enjoy your hospitality within this establishment."*

*"He does not presume to train as you would, to study your school's arts. His wish is to only have the space to maintain his swordcraft skills under the graciousness of Lion hospitality — to have appropriate access to facilities we do not currently possess."*

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John
Once giving each other the appropriate greetings, the lion would stand firm, looking over the fellow mantis as he indulged in her requisition. 

"That's a real shame; I wouldn't have minded indulging in a tidbit of conversation with someone of your status."

The Lion said so confidently as he continued to discern the lady's request, which intrigued Akechi quite a bit. The Mantis was somewhat renowned for their ability to duel wield. Although the mantis did hold a reputation of being opportunist, but this could be a stepping stone to kicking off a relationship between the clans. Even though this mattered very little to the swordsman, he was more intrigued about how they handled their blades. 

"I am flattered to hear such praise, I assure you will not find a finer establishment in these walls when it comes to the art of the blade."

He said with a projection of pride in his voice, moving the placement of his right hand toward under his chin. Thinking about what the mantis had proposed to him:

"Very well then, I will allow for the use of our dojo to the mantis clan. I only ask but a few humbling requests in return; one is for the opportunity for each of us to study each other ways of combat. Another thing—well, how about we move the conversation to a more comfortable setting, would a cup of tea suit your fancy?" 


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Jessica
Okiku offered her usual, cool smile at the arrangement. *"This would please my magistrate and our bushi greatly,"* She said, and offered a formal bow. *"I shall inform them soonest of your agreement, as well as your wish to study both our schools' forms as well as your own."*

*"You can likewise be assured that the Mantis will value this arrangement and will honor the spirit in which it is given, Akodo-san,"* She added, her tone soft. She tilted her head at the mention of tea, as if momentarily not certain how to respond.

The coldness that surrounded her presence and her dark eyes tended to urge others to simply let her be. An offer of social time over tea was not exactly unique, but uncommon enough she would not have initially expected it.

She recovered quickly enough however, and gave a slight bow of her head. *"Some tea would be most appreciated, Akodo-san,"* She said.

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John
The Lion would return the bow he had received from the mantis, which surely excited him to be soon able to learn more styles of swordsmanship. That aside, this could also benefit future relationships with the mantis. He proceeded to nod as the mantises approved socializing over tea, making his way into the nearby garden that had some seating arrangements made to enjoy the scenery. 

"Please have a seat while I finish up the arrangements."

The Lion would say cordially as he went on to get the cups and a teapot, taking his seat across from the female mantis. Akechi would pour each of them a drink: 

"Cheers to our newfound fellowship. Though I am rather curious, if you don't mind me asking, you seemed rather perplexed early when I asked you to join me. You not get asked out to such occasions often?"

He asked curiously while he drank from his teacup. 

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Jessica
Okiku sat quietly while she awaited the tea. Though the day was pleasant, it remained somewhat cool around her herself. A light breeze seemed to ruffle at the silk of her kimono.
When Akechi sat and asked his question, she paused a moment in thought. *"While I do serve my family as a courtier, I do not often engage in the more typically social aspects of my duties,"* She said with her quiet voice, as if she was concerned about unnecessarily waking potential sleepers nearby.

*"As such, I am not often invited to social occasions,"* She then added, slipping around the general air of discomfort she seemed to embody.

She reached out to carefully collect her cup with a slim hand and sip at the hot tea. *"I will admit I am pleased to see the openness and willingness to indulge the other clans,"* She added with the hint of compliment. *"It would be my pleasure to inform my magistrate of your eagerness. I will also request an open discourse of the varied styles and philosophies between our schools."*

She paused again as if weighing her words. *"The Lion's embassy is truly a work of art,"* She complimented.

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John
It was a pleasant day out here in the gardens, with a vivid display of the sun hitting the scenery. The breeze hitting the lion's kimono would slightly reveal the scar bearing across Akechi's upper body. 

"That is quite surprising to hear, admittedly, with someone as alluring as you, I would think you'd have quite the crowd trying to get your attention."

The Lion would say assuredly as he proceeded to take another sip of his tea. Noticing the discomfort she had when speaking about her public affairs: 

"Well, I'm sure we'll get the chance to engage more with our clans now that we share a facility. I also enjoy the thought of learning more about the different arts of swordsmanship, so whatever I can do within my reach to extend said knowledge and practice, I'll do so without hesitation." 

He shares a bit of his passion when speaking about the way of the sword, as it was his only form of comfort throughout many years. 

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Jessica
Okiku offered a brief smlie and gave a very slight shrug of her slim shoulders. *"It is what it is, Akoko-san,"* She said with her quiet tone before taking a quiet sip at the tea.

*"I was to be a Shugenja, stepping in my father's footsteps,"* She said after some moments of consideration over the gardens. *"However such was not to be. It was not a talent I was able to harness despite considerable effort."*

She frowned just a moment, not certain why she felt compelled to share that failure in her studies. But regardless it was out there now. *"However, my sensei felt I had the countenance and poise to represent our family at court,"* She added. *"As such, it has now become my calling."*

She broke off from her personal reflection to look back at her host. *"What is the Lion's impression of this city, if I may be so bold as to pry?"*

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John
"Sometimes failure is the catalyst for success Yoritomo-San, or at least it's what my seniors often say to me."

He said, reminiscing a bit about his past and some of the teachings that were passed down to him. Although, it did catch him off guard that she would reveal what seemed to be an intimate piece of history for the young mantis. Taking another sip of his warm tea, the Lion pondered about the mantis question before disclosing:

"Well, I had a rather warm welcome to confronting a rather unpleasant adversary in an old brewery. Other than that, it's been what I was expecting—a lot of glamour and sights to see but behind the facade, something mysterious lurks in the background. At least that's how I feel regarding these lands."

He fixed his view back at the mistress with a curious expression on his face:

"And how about yourself? How has your experience been so far, if I may ask my lady."

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Jessica
Okiku considered the question for a long moment before offering a slight, if cool smile. *"I will admit I have not had any threats upon my persons,"* She said. *"So I would consider that beneficial."*

She gave a slight nod. *"Yes, I do concur. This city would very likely seem to hold its secrets, though it guards them close to its chest,"* Okiku said.

*"However, that is part of the game, is it not?"* She asked after a slight sip of tea. *"To delve into the heart of the mystery and lay them bare in the sunlight."*

She gave another of her guarded, slight smiles that didn't quite reach her eyes.

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