Lonnie
The summons was a simple one, phrased rather as a request to meet and discuss matters of the Kami with two of the newer Phoenix members that Iemon had yet to properly acquaint himself with. He sat calmly in his office, a servant already preparing tea for himself and the two Shugenja he had invited. With two civic projects that the clan had been invited to assist with, ascertaining their abilities and willingness would be imperative. 

His office is kept intentionally simple, a small stand with his armor off to the side, a small shelf with a few scrolls arranged on it, and a small portrait of a crimson flower the only notable pieces of decor apart from his desk.

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John
Having received the summons at his home made his way to the embassy. After at least 10 minutes walk he entered said embassy. He walked casually through the building to the ambassador's office. He raised his fist and knocked politely on the door.

Wanting to make as best an impression as possible with her first official summons, Emiko proceeded to Iemon's office at the appointed hour.

Attired in the traditional shrine keeper outfit, she inclined her head in greeting to Taisei under the assumption that the ambassador must have called him in as well.
Lonnie
"Please enter." Iemon calls out only loud enough to ensure his voice carries, nothing more. When they come in, he gestures for them to sit. He quickly puts aside some of the letters to give his fellow clan members his full attention. 

"Isawa-san, Kaito-san, thank you both for your swift response. I hope the city has not been too unkind to you, as I have not, unfortunately, been able to meet properly with either of you prior to my little speech. My apologies for the oversight, but with how troubling the local happenings have been, I have not had the attention to spare that I would like." He bows in apology to them both individually.
John
"It is quite alright Shiba-sama," Taisei replied returning the bow and sitting down. "I understand. I'm sure this job of yours can be quite hectic. I hope you are at least setting aside a little bit of time for yourself."

Emiko nodded in calm agreement, careful to maintain the placid, almost icy, mien that her family had been noted for having.

"Apologies are not needed, Shiba-sama, for there is nothing to apologize for, I would think. What has happened, has happened. We are here now, though, together."
Lonnie
Iemon nodded. "Thank you for your understanding." 

He clears his throat. "As I mentioned in my speech, I do have a current task for you both, but another has also arrived that I must consult with both of you on. 

"Isawa-san, I had mentioned to you the Unicorn bazaar. The contact for that amongst their clan is Ide no Sui Kenza-san, and he had visited me some months ago forewarning that certain trade volume as well as some of their sources from can bring in items that can pose a spiritual threat. As this is something that is a purview we focus on, he sought our aid, wisely, if I may say so. 

"Kaito-san, I had mentioned to you about establishing and maintaining a shrine within our Embassy complex here. As much as I would like this to be a priority... Because I have indeed been neglecting time for myself, I admit..." He sighs, shaking his head. "Duty does not rest.

"The Lion and Crab clans are going to be endeavoring to rebuild walls in the Noble Quarter. Hida Koyama-san has asked for our aid in ensuring these new walls are adequately warded."

He sits back, thoughtfully. "Now, for my part, I would say the bazaar and the walls are definitely a higher priority, as they show our direct involvement in civic affairs and that we share the concerns of others who wish to encourage the city to improve. I may have singled you both out for particular tasks, but I am more than willing to hear your input and advice as to how best to advance our interests spiritually in Ryoko Owari Toshi."

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John
"I think you're right to think of the future of the city," Taisei replied. "I think we should be cautious and alert. I have a feeling that we are in for a dark future. My visions have been disturbing as of late and it is interfering with my sleep. I know the spirits are trying to warn me of something. We should pray hard that this great city stays safe."

Walls? A new shrine? Emiko tensed slightly as she thought about the undertakings involved in both projects and how the scope of such work was beyond any she had done before.

"If it is your intent that we be seen to support the city as a whole, then, Shiba-sama, I agree with your opinion that the bazaar and the walls should take priority." She paused, considering her next words. "As for the shrine for the embassy, I - well - was there a kami in mind that we should consecrate the shrine to?"

It was something of a gambit. A way to provide a face-saving out for delaying the project. If it was spiritually unfavorable to build the shrine immediately, why press on? Such things were the decision of the spirits and fortunes in these things.
Lonnie
He nods in appreciation of Taisei's sharing of his visions. "Indeed, vigilance in the coming months will be paramount. With the Imperial oversight in place, appearances as well as results will be doubly scrutinized, I have little doubt. If the spirits give any indication of what we can do to avert their warnings, we must be ready to act."

Iemon turns to Emiko, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I am glad you agree. I am afraid I cannot say for certain, I just felt that it would be... Right, to have a shrine? Perhaps it is a passing fancy, nothing more. Perhaps the Kami will make clear their desires, and a spiritual patron will be revealed to us. Either way, the shrine project will be placed on hold so that the walls of the Noble Quarter and the Unicorn bazaar may be our focus."

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John
"I can assist in that regard if need be," Taisei offered. "I don't have any skills in warding, but I am willing to offer any assistance to my colleague here that she may need. As regard to the merchant quarter, other than items of a dubious nature what else should I be on the look out for?"

Emiko nodded in acknowledgement of Iemon's prioritization of the projects. She kept her thoughts to herself as Taisei asked his questions, mulling over the walls project and allowing the members of the more senior families of the clan to have their discourse unimpeded.
Lonnie
"I freely admit to not being trained in the ways of the Kami, but there are at least some sort of general warding that I have on good authority is customary training, is there not? If I am mistaken, perhaps it would be better to focus on the bazaar for you. If I am to understand what Ide-san had said, there may be any manner of items being brought in for commercial means, both from within and without Rokugan. As an archeologically trained individual, I will also rely on you to keep an eye open for relics that may be better preserved within the lands of the Phoenix rather than traded openly. I will trust to your judgment in this." Iemon gives a small nod with this last sentence.

"Kaito-san, would you be more knowledgeable in warding? If you would be willing to assist in the wall project in the Noble Quarter for now, that would be ideal."

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John
"As you wish Shiba-sama," Taisei replied. "I will focus on the bazaar. I just thought it polite to offer just in case it was needed. I will do my best. As for the warding, no not all shugenja learn that. Kaito-san is a shrine keeper and I'm not. We went to different schools, so we've had different training. In fact my knowledge of Magic is in defense, attack, and utility spells. I don't even know any warding spells."
Lonnie
Iemon nods. "I will take your word for it, as this is not my area of expertise, clearly." He gives a slightly rueful grin. "Another matter that may be an excellent use of your talents? Asako Sanumo-san, Isawa Kashikoi-san, and Shiba Tsutsumi -san are conducting an important investigation that I think having more hands set to it may make the work lighter and bring it to a more speedy conclusion. If, between inspecting the bazaar, you would be able to look into this, Isawa Taisei-san, I would appreciate it.

"Kaito Emiko-san, if you would, report to the Lion and Crab who are beginning work on those walls when possible. It goes for you as well, if you would be willing to lend aid to the investigation and bring that to conclusion, all the better. The sooner that these tasks are finished, the sooner we can redirect our efforts to other matters of more spiritual import. 

"Do either of you have any questions for me?"

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John
"Not at this time, Shiba-sama. I will meet with the Lion and the Crab as you wish."

Emiko's tone was chilly, but her bow was sincere in complying with what was ordered of her.

"I will gladly join the investigation as well, if you would have my assistance there."

"I think I understand completely Shiba-sama," Taisei replied. "I am willing and happy to lend my aid to this investigation. Just let me know the details and I will be there. I am happy to serve."