Ron
A letter from the Lion Clan had come days in advance to give notice for his arrival and to prepare for his company. Akodo Katsuhiro was to assume command of the Lion garrison in Ryoko Owari Toshi. He still wasn't certain of how he felt about that. A more wretched hive of scum and villainy could not be found anywhere in the Empire. It was also a major trade hub, and a jewel in the Imperial throne, and Akodo was familiar with how important the city was to the Empire, as well as how devastating its rot was.

He came at the head of a small company of Lion bushi and ashigaru, men to suppliment the garrison he was to take hold of. He heard rumors of some Scorpion plot to incite a new war between Unicorn and Lion, a war for which there was already ample tinder, but for which had been narrowly avoided. The stories all seemed like trumped up non-sense, but he would get the full report once he was there, hopefully from somehow who witnessed this duel.

As they road up to the city, Akodo was surprised at how much it *Didn't* Stink, and how clean the streets were, even outside of the noble quarters. He was again taken in by the striking appearance of the Lion Embassy. He slowly dismounted from his horse, Tate, and then strode into the Embassy as if he owned the place. While not a particularly high ranking samurai, Akodo was a commander, and as such he expected people wherever he went to obey him. It was so much easier with soldiers than with courtiers. Logistics? He could figure them out. Formations? Easy. Terrain and weather? Puzzle pieces that fit together. A room full of accomplished liars who make sport of never saying what they mean? Endlessly frustrating. Not only that, but the ambassador, to whom he would serve under, was almost half his age, whatever the reports said of her skill.

*Perhaps it is just that I am getting old, not that she is so young.* He thought to himself as a flustered attendant ran up to him. He paid little attention to what they were saying and handed over his chop. He was expected, and this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

"Please let Ambassador-dono know that I am here and request an audience."
Theodore
Yet there was no audience to request as the sudden appearance of the ambassador behind the peasant had happened within a blink of an eye. As if she were a magician, but perhaps she was. Ironically. The 6 foot tall lady, built like a brick wall would stand beside him. Deep scars around her face and arm area as she was wearing her shrine maiden clothing at current time. A polite smile grew upon her face. As from the darkness of the bushes behind her appeared her grand dog, Ilu. *"I heard you request an audience, Akodo-sama?"* Himiko spoke with a warm and polite voice. Besides her the dog had wagged their tail joyfully. 

The cursed eyes had looked straight at him. Her presence was clearly there but it was also clear that she had been a child. The golden hairs were perfectly divided into two hair loops in a high pony tail. *"Perhaps some tea and food first? After all you came from far and perhaps you and your steed deserve some rest."*

Himiko advised. *"Whilst getting that we'll simply get straight to the point." The ambassador decided. Knowing all to well how to handle people who underestimated her skill.
Ron
Akodo had been warned not to underestimate the ambassador. He had been told that she was unusual, not just for the Lion clan, but among all the ambassadors. He had been warned that she was a young girl, and while it was true that the glow of youth surrounded her features, that was the limits of where his expectations and reality met. She was taller than him by at least a hand, she was no slight courtier, but instead would have not been out of place in a matsu dojo. He was so off guard by her height, that it took him heartbeats to even realize her eyes were mismatched. Still greater was his embarrassment that he quickly bowed to her, lower than was strictly necessary. It was at this point that a dog came up to her side, and he found himself struggling to hold back the edges of a smile from his face. He always got along well with dogs. While he never had pets on campaign, dogs following a column of soldiers was common and he had hunted with some in the past as well.

She had him, well and truly out-played given their standing, but he felt the need to claw back something for a rapport.

"Please, my lady, will not you introduce our auspicious guest first?" He indicated the dog with his eyes, "I would hate to put my second foot in my mouth."
Theodore
Himiko had chuckled at the display he had set down. Her intention was indeed to catch him off guard and everything about his body language had told her she had succeeded perfectly doing so. So when he had bowed down to her she hid her smile of victory and bowed down in return, welcoming him in the city. *"It is an honor having you here Akodo-sama."* She spoke in a warm voice, not of a child, more of a being that had experienced too much terror already. The blue and gold eye gazed back to the dog besides her as this made her nod once. Allowing Ilu to approach Katsuhiro. 

And so the dog did as Himiko elaborated on the presence. *"Her name would be Ilu, my friend and companion, but she seems to like you already."* The tail had wagged joyfully as the beast began sniffing around. Observing the movements of the man with some caution as after all he had still been a stranger to her.
Ron
Akodo took a calculated risk given the little he knew of Kitsu-sama so far, and he knelt down, offering his hand to Ilu and then one she gave him an approving sniff, he would give her a good scratch between the ears. From this kneeling position, he would look even further up at Himiko and say, without the bravado of his earlier entrance, "Tea and food sound lovely. My men and I have had only rations the last few days on the dusty road, and I did not trust hunting or foraging once the poppy fields came into sight."

He rose from his position and then moved to follow where she lead.

"I have heard only rumors and strange reports of what has been happening here in the city, some of which seems hard to believe. I must admit, given what I've heard, I am interested to hear how things really happened. And to what has happened since the recall of our former Ambassador."

He suddenly paused in his tracks, realizing he was walking through the embassy to a meeting with her while still in his armor. He had expected to be shown to his room first and have time to change, but he had dressed formally for his appearance in the city.

"My lady, would you mind if I had an attendant help with my armor. I would hate to track mud and dust into your meeting rooms."

He had, of course, no mud on his feet. He had ridden into the city and was immaculately clean, but he knew that if he sat too long on the floor in his armor, his back leg would start hurting. His hitatare was finely made and mostly ceremonial for exactly this purpose. Assuming she gave him leave, he gestured for one of the attendents he traveled with to quickly begin removing the most cumbersome pieces of his armor. Within a scant few moments, he would be dressed in the hakama and robes of an officer, with his daisho at his sides. The blades were... Used. They had obviously been nice once, but they had been used more than the average samurai who did not see constant battle and had seen only field repairs.

Akodo had never spared their condition a second thought as he saw and used and cared for them daily, but without the aid of long stints in a city with skilled craftsmen capable of repairing such important blades.
Theodore
Himiko had glanced over to the man in armor and nodded. It was silly of her to forget such a thing but here she was. Ilu had stopped in the tracks to stare at the man, perhaps keeping a strong eye on him. 

*"Of course, my apologies Akodo-sama. It was quite inconsiderate of me to not let you rest first. Please take the time to rest. We will discuss matters after."* Himiko had sent out a servant to guide the man to his place to stay. 

In the meantime the lion had ordered food and drinks from her servant. Making sure that when Akodo decided to join her in the main hall at the table, that he would be well fed and rested. 

With that she had remained waiting for him as everything around her had been moving at a fast pace, but she had been remaining in her calm position. Waiting for the commander to join in. 

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Ron
Akodo joined his lady in the main hall and was pleased to see she had made arrangements for feeding him after his long trek across most of the Lion clan lands. Now, instead of armor, he was dressed in his kimono, the robes of pale, wheat colored yellow, and the richer, golden haori about his shoulders proudly displaying the Lion mon and the Akodo mon.

"Thank you, Ambassador-dono. I feel much relieved and I am excited to eat a meal that is not trail rations."

While he did not offer her a smile at his words, his expression softened in a way that showed he was making a bit of a chest, though his eyes were very hungry at the array of food spread out before her.

"My legion is now settled into Sacred Watch Palace, and I came here with only a few units of trusted samurai to help with our position here, but nothing that would be out of place for a traveling Taisha nor an embassy away from our lands."

He took a deep breath, preparing himself to ask this of her, but it was his new reality, and she had impressed him so far. She knew the lay of the land, and he would be a fool not to trust her knowledge and expertise when it came to the city.

"I, and my resources, are to be at your disposal. So please, without the trapings of court, let us speak clearly to one another so that I can understand how I might be of survice to Kitsu-dono, with the knowledge that I am to also gather information on the defense capabilities of the city, as well as passage through the mountain should things turn... Poorly, in the coming seasons. I shall be the instrument to execute your will."

They were hard words for him to swallow. As a captain outside of a war, his position was in flux, but he was not often instructed or directed by people outside of his general or Daimyo. Still, court was not one of the battle fields he was competant in, and perhaps this could be a place where he could learn and hone that skill.
Theodore
Himiko simply had bowed down at his offer. It was strange for her to be spoken to as -dono. After all she was just a child and she knew how much of the Lion had struggled with her being in this position. Although this had never given her a reason of doubt. She was chosen to act like the Ambassador until maybe one day Ikoma Zenmai-sama would return. Until then she was the one to bring honor upon her clan and these lands. 

*"Then in our cooperation I wish for you to see me as a companion. Kitsu-dono feels rather strange to me Akodo-sama."* Himiko had admitted to this and perhaps making it clear would bring Katsuhiro some peace of mind as well. *"I wish to know your opinion of things as soon as you get the investigation and time to do so. Your expertise on the battlefield can be used in court, which in my eyes feels like a battlefield as well."* Another thing off her chest. This was not her admitting the lack of knowledge she sometimes gave, this was an attempt in trying to reach past the idea of being uncomfortable and daring to speak truth of mind. 

*"But first I wish for you to be comfortable. Please, eat."* Himiko gestured to the food as she watched the lion in front of her. 

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Ron
Akodo decided to take the moment and the offer to think about his response. Himiko was refusing to be cast in the molds he was trying to place her in. So he took his first bite of food which had not been cooked over a camp fire or a country ryokan. He tried very hard not to let the expression show on his face. Their menu was limited, and while he kept the most talented cook on his staff, he was still a heinin cook with only the experience of making what he could with what they had among the supply trains or scavenged from the land. Seasoning was not regularly among them, nor were the accessories of a full kitchen. Akodo felt himself sink slightly into the cushion he sat on, and perhaps his claws retracted slightly once he had some food in his belly, and some nice hot tea.

"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. In private, and within the embassy, I will address you however you wish... However, I feel that in official capacity I should address you as Ambassador-dono, or Kitsu-dono. To do otherwise would diminish your role in the eyes of our opponents. Though if you feel a certain situation calls for a soft touch, and therefore a more informal Kitsu-sama, then I shall acquiesce to your knowledge of court and etiquette."

He took a few more bites of his food and again tried not to have a visible reaction to how good it felt to eat something that hadn't spent months on a supply wagon.

"I shall commence my survey of the city immediately. As commander of the bushi here in the city, I should ask as well, do you need a Yojimbo? Do you feel that the embassy here is in any specific threat I should be aware of? I have brought enough men to have a round the clock guard of out buildings here, as well as someone for you as needed."
Theodore
Yet Himiko has felt no threat so far. Nor has she previously taken the time to consider that she was "Important" Now. This was something she had not believed and only acted up like a leader if she had to, or wanted to for a matter of fact. Thus she replied, mocking herself *"Even if they tried to assassinate me, I'm too small to even notice Akodo-sama."* This made the Kitsu ambassador smirk. Which revealed her more feline teeth, rather pointy as one would say. 

*"I have no Yojimbo, but if you think it is better for me to have a shadow, I would not mind."* Himiko said. *"As for immediate threats, not really, some thieves now and then."* 

The small Kitsu woman petted the head of Ilu, who had been resting beside her. 

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Ron
Akodo nodded his head and took a few more bites of food, very casually trying to slip a spare bit he knew was safe for dogs down below the table to see if he could tempt Ilu.

"Then please, Kitsu-sama, what can you tell me of the lay of the land I find myself in? What are your plans within the city? And is it true both the Unicorn and Scorpion Ambassadors were struck down by lightning?"

The last bit, he had to admit, is what he was most interested in.
Theodore
Himiko had visibly frowned at the idea of them being struck by lightning. Then she had pressed her fingers against her chin and rubbed it as if she had owed a beard. Pretending to think for a second. *"I mean, we could do that?"* The lion ambassador was still flustered. *"Although me and Utaku-sama are coming along nicely so I do not wish that for her."* The Kitsu admitted in a more genuine voice. 

*"How did you get to learn of that?"* The young ambassador seemed fully intrigued as much as she seemed concerned about this fact. The evil eyes made contact with him as a clear combination of mischief and confusion struck her. Then she has shaken her head as if she were shaking those ideas out of them. 

*"Uh- as for my plans. I do not like this city. Too many people who wish to stab your side without you knowing. Whether that is a heimin or your friendly clan ambassador. This city makes people oddly violent."* Himiko spoke her truth. She was convinced, not that she feared it as much as she should, that anyone wanted ,what at first glance presumed low life, dead. The Kitsu was handed some tea as she now moved her attention to as carefully drinking from the cup as she could. One sip, a gulp, cup back on the table and she continued her story. 

*"As for our plans. We have a visit at the Scorpion embassy soon. Me and Utaku-sama are going hunting and discussing our plans for arming heimins."* Himiko was not elaborating further on that matter on purpose. Not that that seemed to matter. 

*"I wish for the lion to thrive. That does not necessarily mean we need to get to the ruling and first place as fast as we can. After all it is a better idea to build something stable. Something that people trust and not suddenly betray. And if they betray us we must be ready to strike harder. Not everything is peace and harmony."* The ambassador spoke. Much like her childish demeanor she had now displayed herself as somewhat of an adult. 

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Ron
"No - eh, I did not mean to imply - what? You're on good terms with the Unicorn Ambassador?" He hadn't meant to imply killing the ambassadors, only question if that's really what happened.

"I had gotten a report from some of the previous delegation. When tensions were high between us and the Unicorn is when I was dispatched this way, but before I got here my orders changed." 

He nodded and took a sip of his own tea, enjoying the rich, not just foraged taste, as she described how the city made people more violent. *Greed and ambition do that to people* He almost spit his tea back into the cup when she mentioned arming the heimins.

"Yo-You want to arm them?" *That would be a terrible idea. That many heimin with weapons could become an uncontrollable faction that would eventually need to be... *Controlled*

"You should really have an escort for both. I am glad you are on good terms with the Utaku Ambassador, but our history runs deep."

He continued to listen carefully as she talked about her plans for the Lion. "I laud your strategy for the city, kitsu-sama. I agree with completely. I will use the Samurai i have brought to try and bring stability to the city through benevolent means. And if things good poorly, that is why my legion is nearby." 

He set his tea cup down, "I do have one last, personal request. It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to practice, but would you grant me some space in the embassy to build a garden? Perhaps right here, so that you could view it with your guests." He gestured to the area just outside, visible when the shoji panels were opened up.
Theodore
The Kitsu had moved forward a bit as she radiated sheer amusement. Knowing that he would be against arming heimin and unsure how to respond to her strange replies. She chuckled even. Then she started to elaborate. 

*"Akodo-sama. Heimin are getting trained and controlled by our troops. They will carry only weapons that require no mastery like we owe them. They are getting attacked by bandits and unless you wish to pull more troops from our lands away from their honorable duties to protect heimin instead. I see no better options."* Himiko was keen. She knew everyone would underestimate her. Yet she had not seen it as something bad or of ill intend. 

*"As for your garden. Feel free. Not just one piece or bit, take it all. After all it looks quite dead."* The ambassador smiled politely. 

*"As for the unicorn. And all clans. I have a hunch they'll backstab us anyways. I wish in my deepest desire to trust them. But never will I fully. Therefore please guide me. We need to be the soil to build on. If we are. We can negotiate or the soil underneath their grand and shining buildings will move and make them crumble."* Himiko folded her hands together. 

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Ron
Akodo realied he relaxed a little bit when Himiko radiated her amusement at his words. Though he still did not like the idea of arming, he was glad she had not taken his words as insubordination. He was beginning to appreciate the fact that he could speak freely with her, without the trappings of court that he was dreading.

"I have trained many Ashigaru in my time, Kitsu-sama, please let me know if there is a way I might be of service."

He was pleased, and flattered, that she would give him so much of the grounds to begin his gardening project. This would take a lot more work than he had originally planned, but it was work he was looking forward to. A chance to leave a proper mark on the Lion embassy here. Something that would outlive him.

"I agree with your distrust of the other clans. I have fought beside all, or most of them, and against just as many. Conflict is the whetstone that hones us as the right hand of the Emperor. I shall not seek out life to take, or life to lose, but I will do what I can to make sure that our Clan is positioned with strength in this city."

*We shall see who is willing to be allies for the good of the Empire, and who puts greed and amition before everything else.*
Theodore
Himiko had nodded at his statement. Taking a grand sip of tea from the cup in front of her. *"Then I require your wisdom when we train our heimin."* The girl put down her cup and it had been empty. Leaving an empty thud to echo in their silence. 

*"I look forward to your gardening plans Akodo-sama."* The shrine maiden admitted. She looked happy and satisfied that the general had been here. It was a relief even. 

*"Tell me. Are there more things you wish to know?"* The Kitsu smiled politely as one of the servants refilled her cup. 

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Ron
"I thank you for your time, Kitsu-sama. I am certain that there are many more things that I will need to know, but I do not want to take up any more of your time. I will ask your attendants for information on all the samurai stationed here before my arrival, as well as accounting of all the staff and servants, and arrange for space for all of my troop and horses and gear. Given that the situation here seems relatively peaceful for the moment, I intend to give my samurai a bit of leave to relax and settle in as it has been some time since we have been to a city, let alone of this size. Then I will begin my survey and analysis of the city, the strength of the clans here, and the defenses. He has not arrived yet, but I have requested the talents of a Shadow to be transferred to the city as well, for their gifts are quite beyond mine in a manner necessary to our work here."

He took the last sip of his cup of tea before setting it down gently, giving her a chance to speak one last time.

"Other than what you have expressed here, how else may I be of service to you?"
Theodore
Himiko had leaned forward to the Akodo. She started whispering. *"Would you please spar with me? My swordsmanship is sloppy and I do not practice it enough."* She had whispered as she had not wished to be shamed for such a thing. After all the wall has ears. Or so the Kitsu had considered. Especially here. Especially after the last few events it had felt like the whole nation was against them. And perhaps they were. None the less, Himiko needed something to blow off steam and swinging a sword would do. 

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