Christine
Kiyoko awoke with the dawn to find that she had sprawled out of her futon again. The Kakita samurai-ko groggily rose to her feet, running a hand through her chin-length layered bob of platinum-white hair and yawning. Still only half-awake, she rolled up her futon and put it away in a closet behind a sliding door in her quarters.

She hastily changed into a simple white gi and black hakama, tied on an obi, and slipped her Kakita Blade, *Reitenseiya*, and her wakizashi into the obi. The day was just beginning, and Kiyoko would start it as she always did—in training. The duelist slid open the door to her quarters and stepped out into the dimly-lit hallway, then slid the door shut behind her. First, she would make a trip over to the dojo and go through her forms—or see if anyone else was up this hour to spar with.

Kiyoko padded down the hallway to the embassy's foyer, then slipped on her zori sandals over her tabi socks and stepped out into the cool morning air. Things seemed quiet this morning—both ashigaru were at their posts at the gate, the birds were only just beginning to sing their morning-songs, and the sounds of a city not-quite-yet awake coming to life echoed in the distance.

Kiyoko glanced over at the embassy gate again, and started to make her way toward the path that led to the Crane embassy's dojo.
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Michael
The Crane embassy's dojo was small by the clan's standards but nevertheless it was an art piece surrounded by everything but. From the adorning wall art which told the foundlings of each family to the way the lighting was designed to dance around the tatami throughout the day, it was apparent the small dojo itself was the only building within which was truly influenced by their clan.

Within the woven bamboo and earth plastered walls, stood the former Emerald Magistrate of Ryoko Owari aside another who bore dark hair, she too was a samurai-ko it seemed but not of the Crane.

It wouldn't take long for the pair to notice the arriving Kakita and as the Crane magistrate lifted her head with a smile, the dark haired samurai would slip away into the backdrop. 
Saaya was not sure of the individual's identity but she knew she was Kakita and that alone would ease the otherwise stiff persona. Giving a bow, she awaited the arrival's greeting.
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Christine
The duelist was mildly surprised to find someone else awake and in the dojo ahead of her. She was usually one of the first there, most mornings; this was apparently not one of those days. Kiyoko did not recognize either of the two samurai-ko in the dojo, and though one spotted white hair, the other did not. Was that Asahina Yukimi, the shugenja who had just arrived? No, on closer look, the other woman's similarities to Yukimi stopped at her hair color.

"Ah—my apologies, I was not expecting to find anyone else here yet at this hour," Kiyoko said, returning Saaya's bow. She kept an eye on the dark-haired woman as she stepped back—the woman seemed to fade into the background a bit too easily, which only heightened the Kakita duelist's interest in her. More than once during her *Musha shugyo*, she had been unpleasantly surprised by men and women capable of fading equally easily into crowds or shadows.

"Are the two of you new arrivals, as well? I am Kakita Kiyoko."

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Michael
Saaya turned hearing Kiyoko's words but realized that her previous guest has already vanished. Turning back to the Kakita, she smiled.

"Kakita Kiyoko-san. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kakita Saaya, serving as clan magistrate on important business here." This is all Saaya would say but Kiyoko would know this name as the former emerald magistrate of Ryoko Owari Toshi.

"Perhaps you could catch me up on the current state of affairs with our clan over tea?" She continued. The voice was soft yet stern, a tune which rested upon water yet commanded respect al the same. Her appearance too was plain yet exquisite dancing in both realms with grace. It seemed Saaya had mastered the subtleties of beauty, one which often set her apart even from other Crane.
Saaya figured Kiyoko did not come to the dojo to talk with her but the magistrate figured she would not refuse her. After all, the Crane knows better than any that clan affairs trump the desire of the individual. Her long snow stained hair flourished behind her shoulders rolling over each and every breeze which made its way into the dojo's walls. Shifting her head downward ever so slightly, she awaited for her Kakita counterpart patiently.

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Christine
Unfortunately, Kiyoko was a newcomer to Ryoko Owari Toshi herself, and rarely had many dealings with court intrigues or political functionaries. She had just returned from a six-year-long *Musha shugyo*, after all. Had she heard of a Kakita Saaya before? Well, the woman was apparently a Crane clan magistrate. Likely, a distant relative as well. 

The duelist groaned inwardly—gossiping over tea was definitely *Not* How she had intended to start her morning. Oh, by the kami! Was this Kakita Saaya going to insist that she perform a *Tea ceremony*, too? Kiyoko suppressed a shudder at the thought, recalling the harsh words her sensei had berated her with back at the Kakita Dueling Academy when she had first learned it.

The duelist swallowed her misgivings and offered a polite smile as she replied, "Ah, Saaya-sama. The pleasure is all mine." Kiyoko bowed. "Far be it from me to refuse your gracious offer. Will your companion be joining us as well?"

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Michael
The magistrate, while an expert in law both of the Empire and her clan was well versed in the practices of politics too. Though one could argue that law could not exist without the latter, the Crane specifically intertwined their influence in all things, for the wellbeing of the Empire of course. It wouldn't take much for Saaya to read right through Kiyoko in seeing the slight disdain arise. It was apparent Kiyoko's training was dedicated to the blade, so much so that her sincerity was lacking. Either way, Saaya didn't mind and would be satisfied with a quick meeting.

"My... Companion?" Saaya asked slight confused. "I am here by myself." Her smile was as eloquent as it was upon Kiyoko's first arrival. Saaya told no lies, she was here alone and the one before must've been nothing more than a guest.

Waving a hand to a nearby servant, he would depart to fix and grab tea. Saaya was without need of specifying, almost as if this servant knew her motions already.
"Follow me this way." She gestured over to a multi-purpose room which extended off the main dojo. Two sitting mats, and a small table already centered the room. "After you, Kiyoko-san."
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Christine
Kiyoko came up from her bow with an eyebrow raised. She held her tongue, but clearly she was dubious that the other woman had been a stranger to Saaya. After a beat, she simply tilted her head in concession. "As Saaya-sama says."

The duelist dutifully followed after Saaya, pausing at the edge of the multi-purpose room for a brief moment to glance at the other Kakita. Wordlessly, she stepped over to one of the two *Zabuton* Sitting mats. She removed her katana from her obi and paused again, waiting for Saaya to sit before she did so herself. Only after the magistrate had seated herself did Kiyoko do the same. She placed her katana to her right and then did the same with her wakizashi.

"What does Saaya-sama wish to know?"

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Michael
The two Kakita cousins would sit across from each other, both analyzing the scene in their own respective ways.
Saaya had returned to Journey's End not as imperial, but once more a representative of her clan. This was due to various reasons as explained to her by Kakita Yoshi yet before anything of that matter could occur, she wanted to get reacquainted with the clan's perspective within the city. Not just from the ambassador, but from the samurai who find themselves stationed here for various reasons.

"We as Kakita are trained to be observant. Whether through gripping tongues or hilts, we are aware of more than most. Speak on your observations regarding the clan's standing here." Saaya was direct as per usual in her unique style Crane vocalization but she also saw no reason to waste the time of one of her own. Simply put, Kakita Kiyoko was here for the same reason Saaya was, whether she knew this yet or not.

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Christine
"Mmmn." Kiyoko's gaze grew distant as she contemplated Saaya's request. What *Was* The clan's standing in Ryoko Owari? It was hardly a strong position, that much was certain. The duelist refocused her gaze on Saaya.

"It is not a strong position. We have had two Kakita samurai murdered in the past few months, which is a stain upon the family's honor, as well as the Crane's. The captain of the embassy guard, Doji Koharu-sama, is competent. Our new ambassador, Doji Rika-sama, is experienced. We have an adequate number of ashigaru and jizamurai, but it seems many of them lack initiative. I understand that one of the two slain Kakita was an instructor who would drill the guard, so perhaps his absence has allowed those who are left to grow lax."

Kiyoko paused and glanced in the direction Saaya's servant had departed.

"On a brighter note, the Crane and the Unicorn are allied, and the Unicorn have a noticeable presence in the city. Doji-sama may not be pleased that the Crane position is not stronger, but our allies remain a strength. The Mantis are also on friendly terms with us; I think they hope to ally themselves with the Unicorn and ourselves."

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Michael
*'Not a strong position'*

The phrase would continually ring through Saaya's head before the servant returned with tea in hand. The servant methodically placed a cup before each of the samurai and poured each one. Afterwards, she placed the pot in the center and awaited further instruction.

"Ahh, gyokoro. You remembered." Saaya smiled, recognizing the small gesture by the old face she had been apart from for some months.

"Of course, Kakita-dono." The servant would bow and excuse herself receiving a nod of approval from her lord.

The magistrate's gaze returned both to Kiyoko and the matter at hand. The Mantis, an interesting play to pull a 180, and so soon at that.
"Beware of Mantis hospitality, especially when exiting a relationship that of the Scorpion. I will need to confer with our dear ambassador on this matter." Saaya thought briefly to herself, concerned with the reports of the murdered samurai. This was one of the seemingly many reasons she was sent here. Kakita Yoshi couldn't bring her as an imperial representative, and she was beginning to understand all the reasons why.
"Concerning the murders, who has been leading the investigation on them thus far?"

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Christine
Kiyoko watched in silence as the servant returned and poured two cups of tea. At least she was not being asked to perform a tea ceremony, she thought uh by with some relief. Taking up her own tea cup when it was appropriate to do so, she turned her attention back to Saaya as the other Crane woman spoke.

"I confess that I am of most use when not employed in wars of words, as courtiers are. That said, I do not think there is any duplicity on the Mantis ambassador's part. It has been delegated to me to lead the investigation so far, and I have met with both Moshi Mai, their ambassador, and her yojimbo, a ronin named Chiyoko. They were forthcoming with what information they had, and allowed me to interrogate a prisoner they have who was linked to the affair."

She sipped her tea. "But I will keep Saaya-sama's advice in mind."

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Lucienne
A servant hastily steps in, Bows deeply, and says "*Pardon the interruption Kakita-dono but Itsuki-sensei is here to ask a few questions regarding his post to train the Crane guards and insists on seeing you. What should I tell him?*" The servant stand there, looking nervous, awaiting an answer
Michael
Saaya thought once more on Kiyoko's words. It was as if every time Kiyoko spoke, the magistrate thought long and hard about each and every word.
"Very well, I appreciate your insight Kiyoko-san. However, I would like a full report handed to me about your investigation up to this point. Nothing should be absent from this. Have this to me in two days time. If there is anything I can aid you with, I will be residing here at the embassy." Kakita Saaya knew how to speak to each and every individual, whether direct or with pleasantries. She had quite the feeling that Kiyoko was one who didn't like to waste unnecessary time and felt she was appreciate her more natural direct nature.

Just before Saaya was going to ask Kiyoko on how she found the gyokoro, the servant would make himself present.
"Bring him in." She spoke briefly before turning with an eye of interest back to Kiyoko. "I do not know a Itsuki, do you?" She was confused but Ryoko Owari had the ability to make a samurai used to handling surprises.
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Lucienne
Itsuki-sensei walked in and bowed in respect. " The ambassador requested me to come and train the guard. I was just here to see if I had any other responsibilities " He looked extremely confident and was dressed in a Blue and White robe with big beige pants. He had a white-hilted sword at his side and bowed again offering a gift of art. A small hand drawn Peach tree over a waterfall.

"Please accept this gift that your humble servant offer"
Christine
Kiyoko nodded once. She really shouldn't be surprised that the magistrate would want a fully-detailed report. It had been a while since she had had to write anything other than poetry, but she was sure she could manage. Maybe Saaya would appreciate it if the report itself were written in verse? She thought with a touch of wry humor.

At the servant's arrival, the Kakita duelist glanced at the door, and then shook her head to Saaya. She was not familiar with anyone named Itsuki. That was usually a given name, wasn't it? "I cannot say that I am familiar with any such person. A new arrival?"

The samurai-ko's conjecture was proven correct a few moments later when Itsuki entered the room. He must be another newly-assigned samurai to the embassy, she thought. Kiyoko glanced at Saaya. "Shall I see myself out, Saaya-sama?"

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Lucienne
Itsuki-sensei took in his surroundings while remaining bowed. He was trained for this. His master wanted an update on the situation in Ryoko Owari but he didn't want anyone knowing he was spying. Yes he was spying on his own people but it'd be a problem if they knew the Harriers were worried. He looked Kakita Kiyoko. She seemed like she'd be a valuable ally. He smiled a bit to himself. This city could be a fine home.
Michael
"Not yet, Kiyoko-san." She muttered softly not impressed with the samurai's entrance nor that of the servant who so blatantly obvious was new.
"Let us hope you are here to train the guard on martial prowess and not on the grounds of etiquette." Saaya scoffed as she leveled her gaze into his eyes, not once breaking eyesight, not even to look at the gift which was the sole thing saving Itsuki from a more grievous consequence. "Are you not proud enough of your family to take their name? Think long and hard the next time you have a servant address you as a ronin."

Saaya had her doubts that this unfamiliar face was Kakita, may the Kami hope that he wasn't. Nevertheless, Itsuki needed to address himself fully and to state exactly who had sent him and why he was here if he were to request audience. While the conflicts around them called for a growing desire for the bushi arts, Saaya would not allow for the Crane to lose their etiquette. For it was this very code which elevated them above all others. For it was this code that so many believed to be limiting, that the Crane utilized its effect to superiority.

"Now, to start once more, who are you?"

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Lucienne
Taking a deep breath and slightly mad at his mistake he continued "Forgive me. My name is Daidoji no Fujihiro Itsuki. I have come to better the guards battle skills as requested by the ambassador. Forgive my lack-luster entrance and accept this gift that I your humble servant offers." He really hates that he had failed so terribly at his entrance. 


Better?
Christine
Kiyoko dipped her head in acknowledgement to Saaya and remained seated where she was. The newcomer was certainly making an unfortunate first impression on the magistrate, it seemed. The duelist turned her attention to the man, looking him over. His bearing and the callouses on his hands bore testimony that he was a competent swordfighter. Perhaps she would invite him to spar with her later. It would be good to gauge just *How* Competent he was with a blade.

He couldn't be more than a couple of years older than her. His kimono obscured his frame a little, as all kimono did, but he seemed lean, as most soldiers were simply by virtue of their professions. Few soldiers went to the extremes with their athletics, and he didn't seem to be one of them.

They had been without a drill instructor for the embassy guards for a while; this Daidoji no Fujihiro Itsuki seemed up to that task, which was good.

The Kakita duelist remained silent, waiting for Saaya to answer the man, and continued her observations.

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Michael
"A family of forgers. This blade definitely seems of quality befitting your family's reputation." Saaya waved over a servant to accept the gift for her before bowing to Itsuki in thanks.

Kakita Saaya looked thin, more so than a typical stature but it did not affect her posture or unwavering demeanor. Perhaps this was why Saaya had become a magistrate over a more diplomatic role. These were the occasional thoughts that would be typical to run through the heads of those who came face to face with the pale faced Kakita.
"Kiyoko-san. I won't keep you any longer but when you go, take this servant with you." Saaya would gesture to the one who had improperly introduced Itsuki beforehand. "Please make sure this will be his first and last mistake serving the etiquette of our clan. Thank you for gifting me with your time." She bowed. 
"As for you Fujihiro-san, feel free to introduce yourself to the embassy garrison, they have been awaiting your acquaintance." As she spoke, the servant would fade into the backdrop with the offered art piece.
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Christine
Inwardly, Kiyoko winced. Outwardly, she kept her face carefully neutral, and simply nodded. "I was in need of material to test a new katana's edge on," She said evenly, glancing at the servant in question. The duelist rose to her feet and looked to Itsuki.

"I am Kakita Kiyoko, Fujihiro-san. Welcome to Ryoko Owari. I imagine I will see you in the dojo later," She said. 

With that, she escorted the now-quivering servant outside of the room and into the dojo. Kiyoko made a show of selecting a bokken, then led the servant outside of the dojo entirely.

Tapping the bokken on her own shoulder in rhythm, she ordered the servant to turn around. A short, light rap on the backside later, and she spoke again. "I *Highly* Suggest that you keep your manners about you, *Shimobe*-kun. The next time it happens... Well, there will not *Be* A next time, yes?"

The manservant nodded and bowed profusely, then ran off—he knew he was getting off far lighter than he deserved. Fortunately for him, she definitely had better things to do than beat, maim, or execute the staff.

One of which just so happened to be a report that Saaya had requested. Kiyoko rued that her day wasn't starting off with training, but it would seem that would have to come later. Maybe when she returned the bokken she had borrowed.

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Lucienne
Fujihiro-sensei stood up and acknowledged Kakita Saaya's with one final bow. After doing away with final formalities he turned and saw Kakita Kiyoko. "Thank you for being so hospitable and I imagine I will." He was uncertain how he felt about the Crane Duelist. She seemed competent enough but she also seemed... Well he didn't know. He couldn't get a solid feel for her. He was probably overthinking it. He just hoped he'd get to spar with her later. He wished to learn the manner she fought in. Was it sloppy? Probably not. She seemed professional
Michael
A servant would approach Kakita Kiyoko, bowing and making their presence known.
"Kakita-sama, Shosuro Tomoe-sama awaits a meeting with you. She said the matter is of great importance." The servant would bow a second time, holding it in place awaiting instruction. The servant would be the very servant she had reprimanded only a day earlier.

If Kiyoko had high awareness and means to visualize Tomoe from a place of hiding, she would recognize her as the same woman who disappeared from company when she first approached Kakita Saaya. The samurai-ko held tied up, sleek black hair and a face of immaculate beauty, one which only increased the nearer she got, one that had a way of striking her. 
Who was she?
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Christine
Kiyoko raised an eyebrow at the servant. 'Shosuro' was a Scorpion family. Why was a Crane servant running errands for a *Scorpion*? The duelist had met a handful of Scorpion samurai in the time since she had arrived at Ryoko Owari, but the only one that didn't set her on edge was their magistrate, Bayushi no Rokuto Yuto. Was this some sort of trap? The Crane samurai-ko looked around, but found nothing out of the ordinary.

"Alright. Where does Shosuro Tomoe-san wish to meet?" She asked the servant.

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Michael
"She is right outside Kakita-sama. Shall-" Before the servant could finish another voice would appear before them.
"Shosuro Tomoe, it is an honor to finally meet you Kakita Kiyoko-san." Though referencing her as equal, Tomoe would bow to great angle conveying deep respects to the Kakita before her. "You may be wondering for the reason of my intrusion, allow me to explain. I serve as yoriki to Kakita Saaya when she finds herself in this endearing city. I provide expertise and knowledge on a city which can prove..." She thought briefly, her eyes rolling upward as if to search for the missing word. "...Elaborate."
The woman was entrancing, tied up ebony hair glimmered in the peering light which breached through the window pane. Unlike Saaya, she spoke in song. Her voice was like the sweetest of nectars, and her movements were precise as if to set the stage for the movement following. She looked to Kiyoko with the slightest of smiles but one she could ensure the bushi could see.
"I come with an offer, but I can return at a time of better convenience." She blinked, this time a moment longer.
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Christine
Kiyoko shifted her gaze from the servant to the newcomer. So this was who was speaking with Saaya yesterday, before the duelist had stumbled upon them in the dojo. "Likewise, a pleasure, Shosuro-san."

Unaware of Saaya's prior posting as an Emerald Magistrate, the duelist blinked when Tomoe said that she was Saaya's yoriki. A Scorpion, serving a Crane? What sort of arrangement had Saaya-sama made here?

She glanced at the servant and indicated that it was time for him to leave with a jerk of her head. No sense to involve a servant in a samurai's business.

"Now is as good a time as any," Kiyoko said guardedly.

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Michael
"Very well." Tomoe replied briefly before making herself a guest to Kiyoko.

Tomoe was somewhat of an alluring mystery to unravel. While it would only take someone with mediocre courtier skills to see that she was a complex individual, layered with many hidden doors, it didn't change the fact that these passageways stayed shrouded. Tomoe wasn't merely a Shosuro, but one who had spent her entire life in Ryoko Owari Toshi. She was a product of the city itself and few would do well to uncover what that truly meant.

Shosuro Tomoe had also worked alongside the Emerald Magistrate prior to Saaya. She held expertise on matters that proved heavily useful, especially one ignorant of experience within the 'Green Walls.' As such, she was a guide offered by her clan to render hospitality to those magistrates they felt her to be most useful to. Though it was clear that the working relationship between Tomoe and Saaya was nothing shy of a mutual one.

"You have been working on the report regarding the unfortunate events of your clan. First and foremost, you have my sincerest condolences." Tomoe would bow, holding it for considerable time. "Secondly, I have been entrusted to offer this to you... If you so desire." Tomoe placed a document with the Kakita Saaya's seal. Within, contained the official recognition as a yoriki to Saaya herself and the granting access that normally Kiyoko would not have privilege to.
"If you do, then I will make the arrangements to have your fealty sworn in. Personally..." Tomoe would move closer to the woman, standing side by side, facing in opposite direction. Her head cocked downward with a shortened grin shooting across her face. "...I think you would prove quite useful." She'd then take two steps back in her initial direction bowing once more, maintaining her inviting smile, and a gaze intercepting her own.
Christine
The duelist nodded an acknowledgment as Tomoe offered her condolences. Though the two slain Kakita were kin, she had not known either, nor were they close relatives. The affront to the family's honor was of more concern to her than any grief she may have felt.

Given the sealed scroll, Kiyoko gave Tomoe a quizzical look and broke its seal. She read the letter, glancing periodically at the Scorpion. So Saaya was offering to deputize Kiyoko as well? Becoming a magistrate's yoriki was a great honor; she imagined that both of her parents, magistrates in Mura Sabishii Toshi, would be proud.

"Saaya-sama honors me with the offer," She said, rolling the scroll up again. Though she imagined Saaya's motivations to be aboveboard, Kiyoko did wonder what sort of 'uses' Tomoe imagined for the Kakita duelist. Perhaps that was just her general suspicions of the Scorpion clan speaking.

Kiyoko extended her hand, offering the scroll back to Tomoe. "Please inform Saaya-sama that it is an honor to accept."

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Michael
A grin shot across Tomoe's face as she bowed at the reply. Kiyoko had an aura about her, one which attracted Tomoe, as such it was an attraction both towards herself and one which deflected in attracting this aura toward Saaya as well.
Saaya and Tomoe had mutual benefit, on more levels than just one. To the average eye, they would meet frequently, business only of course.

"Inform her, I shall." She took the scroll.

The samurai of crimson and black origins still intended to learn more about Kiyoko and this would come in due time. Tomoe originally wished for Saaya to delay this offer slightly but Saaya was in desperate need of representation she could rely on in the *Public* Perception; the assassinations forced that hand.

"I will depart immediately then unless you have any other concerns." Tomoe smiled once more, a smile Kiyoko would come to know if not already, one bordering deep familiarity.
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Christine
Kiyoko shook her head. She didn't expect a Scorpion to be forthright about anything—even if this one *Was* Serving the former Emerald Magistrate—so there was no point in questioning why she was here in the Crane embassy, serving a Crane magistrate. It would make the most sense to ask it of Saaya directly, though that woman was enigmatic in her own way. "I am sure she—or you—know where to find me," The duelist said.

With that, Kiyoko returned Tomoe's bow and waited until the other woman had departed before returning to whatever it was she had been doing before the Scorpion had sidetracked her. Probably going to the dojo for something.

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