Lawrence
After saying goodbye to his improvised guide, Saizou presented his travel documents to the guards and entered the Crane estate. Behind the white walls, peaceful gardens welcomed the weary traveler, while some servants came to take the bridles of his pony and the rest of his luggage from him. He also gave his weapons to one of the guards, and only kept with him a small travelling satchel.

"Please, follow me, Daidoji-sama" One of the servants said. All quick, gracefuly and efficient. The Crane way, he thought. Saizou went through the gardens and inside the main building, keeping pace with the servant effortlessly. At the end, she slide the panels of a small room, richly decorated like all the rest of the place. A fresh kimono and a jar of warm water were already lain out. 

"Freshen yourself and rest, if it pleases you, Daidoji-sama. The ambassador will call for you when ready." And with that, the servant disappeared promptly.

Crane servants never cease to impress, Saizou thought, while taking off his rugged travelling clothes, washing himself quickly and donning the robes disposed for him. He couldn't remember the last time he wore fabric so soft. Maybe this post was a blessing in disguise after all.

Saizou rejected the idea quickly. He shouldn't forget where he was. Ryoko Owari Toshi, the Journey's end, but better known as the infamous City of Lies. A trading port on the River of Gold and the main hub of Scorpion commerce, this place was in equal parts rich and corrupt. Formerly of the Scorpion, he reminded himself. And they were not happy about that status. Whatever his new duties were going to be, they won't be simple.

He checked his satchel. Only two items were there: his introduction letter still sealed by the Daidoji daimyo and a lacquered sake cup, a perfunctory gift to the Ambassador, Doji Rika. Saizou wasn't sure what to expect from her. Some courtiers would welcome someone with his... *Resume*, and some would reject it.
John
Seconds before the man's wait would have turned from pleasant to vaguely uncomfortable, a servant would collect him to the Ambassador's meeting room. Upon entering he would be greeted by a true testament to Crane artistry. A single long table sat in the middle, simple yet elegant in its own way. The surrounding area was tastefully decorated with masterful works of artisanship: from ceramics to paintings to even a few ceremonial weapons. Most proudly displayed however, was an elegantly cultivated bonsai of a tree commonly found in the Akage Mori.

Tending to it, back turned as she held a tiny blade, was an elderly wisp of a woman. Short even by Rokugani standards, and thin enough a stiff breeze may knock her over, her diminutive stature did little to mask the presence lurking within. Perfect posture, immaculate hair, the ideal wardrobe. All things which to the non-court trained eye would make her stand out, but to the experienced would mark her as exceptional.

"Daidoji-san. Welcome home. If you will wait just one moment—" She delicately pruned a single leaf from the bonsai—"There. Now everything is perfect for your arrival. Please, sit and have tea with me. You are the first of many new faces I have been graced with addressing."

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Lawrence
As he entered the wider room, Saizou couldn't help but feel himself in awe. This place reminded him of the magnificent halls in Kyuden Doji or Shiro Sano Kakita, and that probably wasn't a coincidence. This was an embassy after all, where you received dignitaries from the other clans. There was a message in everything, and the one Saizou perceived here was: *We are Crane. We are better*.

But more impressive even was the elder woman occupying the chamber. She was small and frail and the Hiramori towered over her, but just a glance at the room and one could immediately comprehend the power dynamics here. This was *Her* Arena, and in here, Saizou was hilariously outmatched. 

Saizou took his seat in the place the ambassador pointed at him and bowed deeply to her, repeating the discourse he practiced in his mind countless times in the small waiting room:

-"I am humbled and undeserving of such a grand reception, Doji-sama. This servant's humble name is Daidoji Saizou of the Hiramori. Please, accept this small trinket as a token of my appreciation. May every sip help you evoke images of the distant shores of our homeland". As he said that, he presented the small cup he brought from the Crane Lands. Giftgiving was an art and not his own forte, so he trusted his spouse's recommendation for it. 

Honestly, he just wanted all this protocolary stuff out of the way so they could get to business.
John
"Ah. Why thank you, Daidoji-san, the craftsmanship is lovely. Now let us get this over with." The Crane woman was kind, but her tone as she moved through the motions of the proper refusals seemed to border on either annoyance or boredom. Once finished, she carefully placed it to the side as a servant filled three cups of tea. "I apologize for the wait but I believe another will be arriving here shortly. As my time remaining in Ningen-do is limited, I would prefer we handle introductions as efficiently as possible. One never knows when I may simply refuse to wake up."

She chuckled to herself at the comment, then settled smoothly into a sitting position but with no small amount of effort.

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Lawrence
At the words of the elder woman, he couldn't help himself but smile for a bit. *A woman after my own heart*, he thought. Still, it wasn't but an instant, as he recovered his composure, straightened himself out and handed the dignitary the letter with the seal of the Daidoji daimyo.

"To the point, then." He said, perhaps a bit more brusquely than intended, " News from this city reached Shiro Daidoji and caused some concern. I've been entrusted with this by Daidoji-sama, along with instructions to assist you in whatever capacity you see fit. I've served as a scout and information specialist within the Iron Warriors, and also as yoriki within Shiro Giji and all around the Hayaku province."

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John
"An excellent record of service, Daidoji-san. In fact, we find ourselves in concerning times, and your arrival is both appreciated and accounted for. I believe your unique skill set will serve our purposes well. The Harrier network was in my last request, after all." She smiled sweetly, taking a long sip of her tea and savoring the flavor. It was, as far as the Daidoji could tell, a genuine one. Meanwhile, footsteps would begin to approach from behind the shoji screen as a servant brought the other newcomer to the Ambassador's meeting room.

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Victoria
"Thank you for your hospitality, Ambassador-sama. It is much appreciated. I hope you're not too upset that I was late. I was held up by Highway Robbers so I got sidetracked. Please pardon that inconvenince. Here accept this fan as a gift" ***Fujihiro-sensei holds out a a blue and white folding fan as a gift while bowing in respect***
Lawrence
The Doji's answer surprised Saizou. The name of the Harriers was usually no more than a whisper in the deepest halls of Shiro Giji, and not even the Crane champion was privy to their activities. The fact that she casually name drop them in this of all places was not something he expected. He made a mental note of that. Fortunately, she was an ally. He would not like having her as an enemy.

His thoughts were interrupted by a servant that gave pass to another samurai to the reunion. He was nervous, like a fish out of water, but his posture was firm and his physique was powerful. It was a type well known for the Hiramori. *This man is a career soldier. Interesting*. As force of habit, Saizou masked his presence as much as he could in the situation, so the newcomer's attention was focused solely on the ambassador as he presented her with a gift. || **Stealth 6/6**||

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John
The elderly Crane blinked slowly, then went through the motions of the proper refusals before accepting the gift. A servant would appear to provide the new arrival with tea, then shuffle off back into the corner. "Highway robbers? I certainly hope not *Too* Near this city.

"Nevertheless, I am pleased you are here safely and without harm, Fujihiro-san. Both your arrival and Hiramori-san's are fortuitously timed, and perhaps now we can begin speaking of matters such as duty and assignments." She gave a knowing smile and faintest nod at Saizou, masked carefully with another sip of tea. "As you are both bushi, I entrust you into the care of our chief military advisor, Doji Koharu. She is an excellent officer; you are unlikely to find a more dedicated *Shōi* Than she."

The rank was an odd one, not used frequently yet not entirely unheard of either. Saizou, however, would know it was used most often in *Certain circles* Of the Daidoji army. That a Doji was associated with such circles was curious. Rika continued, "I believe she will ensure you will be tasked in ways most beneficial to our aims."

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Victoria
"You also said duties. What are my duties?" He understood that he was taking a risky decision by asking outright but he was ready to get to work. Also he wanted to get out of here before **He** Found him. His nervousness was clear on his face yet he also maintained his posture and confidence. "And thank you for the tea"
Lawrence
There was no doubt in Saizou's mind now, if it ever was: this woman wasn't simple. No wonder Daidoji-sama had her in such high regard. Just to err on the safe side, while the soldier asked his question, he received her orders with a bow and, subtly and quickly, made some *Special* Hand signs expressing acknowledgement, while staring at her attentively, fishing for her reaction.

"By your will, Doji-sama. I'll debrief with our *Shōi* As soon as I am able".

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Victoria
"As shall I" Itsuki-sensei looked over momentarily at the Daidoji standing back. He was unsure of how he felt about him until he saw that he was a Daidoji. A fellow Harrier? No couldn't be. He didn't have the air about him. He made one last bow to the Ambassador and turned to the Daidoji "And may I inquire to who you are, Daidoji-sama? I don't know you I'm afraid. Forgive me if my question is out of place. I just wish to understand who I'm working with" At least he thought he was working with him. Itsuki-sensei was uncertain as to this man's role here

Itsuki-sensei noticed his mistake and turned around FAST "Forgive me Ambassador. That was rude of me. Is there anything else you need? Again I'm very sorry about the rudeness just now." He was furious with himself. He's CRANE he should know better. This is a mistake he would make certain to never commit again.
John
"Well is that not sweet? Bless your heart, my dear." It was difficult to tell what precisely the Ambassador did or did not mean in her response to the apology. Still, it was glossed over and politely ignored as she continued. It was equally uncertain if there was any reaction to the Hiramori's hand signs. "I have nothing further to say to you both at this time. You are well-equipped to make yourselves useful amidst our number. There are several matters which could benefit from your aid, from assistance in training our guard to more recent investigations now held. Speak to others in our number and attach yourselves to their tasks."

She would bow politely, clearly done with the conversation at this time. As she did so, a small note would be passed to the Hiramori as a servant collected the tea cups. The faintest nod from Rika. "Get to know this city well. Keep watchful, know just as our allies are steadfast, so our enemies in this city remain those who have always wished us ill. Unless you have any further matters of import to bring me, you are dismissed, Hiramori-san and Fujihiro-san."

Enemies in the Lion and Scorpion, and perhaps Crab. Allies in the Unicorn, perhaps Phoenix. Her last words were warning and a message: who to trust and who to be wary of.

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Lawrence
"Hai"

With that simple acknowledgement of his orders and a final bow, Saizou left the room, taking a quick and discreet peek at the note before crumbling it and hiding it in his clothes. Pretty concise, not much different for the dossier he had. Curiously, it left the Mantis unmentioned, but as far as he knew they had a non irrelevant presence in the city. *Means that it's unclear, probably*, he thought. Neither did the Dragon, but that was less strange, as their allegiances never were easy to tell.

No matter, speculation was an enemy of truth. He waited for a bit until the other vassal left the room and greeted him with a slight bow.

"Well met, Fujihiro-san. My name is Hiramori Saizou, pleased to make your acquaintance. Hope we can work well together and contribute to the glory of the Crane" He wasn't sure of the other newcomer, but his presence wasn't that surprising either. As far as the Hiramori could tell, the security of the embassy was lacking, so another sword arm would be useful. "I'll be seeing you around."

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