Robert
"Ah! Fujiko-san! What do you think would be a better choice for tea today? A traditional green tea? Or perhaps some of that spiced black tea? The former honors tradition and may be more readily enjoyed, but the second will show Kitsu-san we are inviting her to experience what our clan has to offer, and may yet be a stronger sign of friendship..."

Kana paced nervously about her office in the embassy having taken time to straighten everything out. She had come to view the Lion's war shugenja, Kitsu Miu as a friend, but she knew that in the case of a formal invite to the embassy, appearances and the messages they sent did count for something. They had gotten a response from the Otomo regarding their plans for a healing bathhouse, and she would hate to give Miu any reason to rethink their joint venture when they had already made such progress.

She was also grateful that Mai's daughter, Fujiko, was willing to accept her invitation to help. Kana knew somewhat of medicine ||Medicine 3||, but also enough to know that it would only strengthen their case if they had someone who had more expertise helping them prepare their presentation for the Otomo. 

"I don't know... Am I perhaps overthinking things?"

||
Florence
Miu would then decide to pop up out of the blue. After all she was taken in by a servant and popping up was what she was good at. She would shake her head. She had overheard the stress Kana had expressed yet decided to not act upon it. Today she had decided to dress up nicely due to the invitation to the mantis embassy, the one she had barged in last time to challenge and battle Moshi Mai so directly that she must've let some memories behind. Her hairs, separated in several braids, braided tight to her scalp, leading to a grand pony tail on the back of her head which had exposed her wild manes even more. The braids owed small golden beads stuck in them. 

The golden eyes were contrasted with a line of green like make up, ever so subtle. She would wear a white top covered by a golden kimono embroidered with white details. This time she was wearing pants, just for the ease of it but it never made her look not elegant. *"Moshi-sama!"* The Kitsu had introduced herself into the room as she would bow down deeply. She held a lot of respect for Kana. In her hands had been a small box. She would offer it. Inside had been a statue, a totem for the water kami carved into wood. It would be their first sign of success she had hoped. 

*"Thank you for having me!"* 

||
Bob
Moshi Fujiko had a bundle of supplies under her arm: scrolls, research papers, a calligraphy set, the works. She always went all-out when she was asked to assist on a project, no different than what she did for Utaku Masanori-sama (even if he broke her heart in a million pieces). 

"Well, I like oolong tea and jasmine myself," Fujiko said, "But I think green will be fine! Mother says that Kitsu-sama is a very kind person, LIon War Shugenja and all! So, maybe you should relax, Kana-sama. I'm sure-" 

When Miu introduced herself robustly, and found herself immediately intimidated. Tall! Muscular! A forceful presence! Truly a warrior shugenja if she ever saw one! The little shugenja bowed deeply to the imposing woman, and stood _slightly_ behind Kana. Just in case. 

"Uh, it's a pleasure to meet you," She said, bowing to the Kitsu, "I'm Foshi Mujiko- I mean, Muji Foshi- Sorry! Moshi Fujiko, healer at the Jeweled Flower Clinic. I'm here to help you and Kana-sama with your bathhouse proposal." She bowed maybe three more times before getting the servants to get green tea and fumbling to set up her supplies. 

||
Robert
"Oh, she is very kind indeed! I just want to make sure I'm leaving a good impression given the importance of our w-"

Kana didn't have a chance to finish her thought as Miu entered the room, smiling brightly and bowing to her. The Lion Shugenja's positive energy always seemed to be a good fit for Kana's own, and she found it hard not to radiate happiness when around her. "Kitsu-san! How good it is to see you! You're looking wonderful today! We were just finalizing preparations for tea. I hope that a classic, simple green tea is amenable to you!"

Noticing the box, Kana's eyes widened in surprise, almost forgetting about the customary three refusals before accepting the present. When she opened the box, she marveled at the gift; something both beautiful and honoring of the Kami. "Kitsu-san, it's beautiful! When we get our venture approved, I will make sure that this is displayed proudly in our office!"

Taking a glance back to Fujiko, she suppressed a chuckle, instead offering a warm smile; considering the clan and her mother, she was almost certain that she would have been used to being around strong women capable of hefting a grown man over her shoulders. Perhaps an introduction would help put her at ease?

"I am honored to have brought the two of you to meet! Moshi-san is very skilled in the ways of medicine and healing, and has done me the honor of allowing to assist her at her clinic," She spoke. "Kitsu-san is a good friend of mine, and the mind behind this whole idea!" She stepped back a bit, allowing Miu to formally introduce herself to Fujiko.

||
Florence
Miu would bow down deeply. After all a friend of the honorable Moshi Kana is a honorable and respectable person. *"It is a true honor to meet you Moshi-sama."* A healer at the clinic. She owed the clinic. Miu had felt truly humble as she had little knowledge on these crafts. Crafts she had admired and work towards for the longest time. The lion forgot that she had to stand straight for a moment. She rose only to reveal the most radiant smile she could put up. 

Only would it grow bigger to see the joy Kana had displayed at her gift. *"I am beyond joy you like it Moshi-sama. Please. Green tea is perfect!"* She would state. Of course she wouldn't refuse tea. Wheter it had been disgusting or not. This was Kana and Miu had admired her. She was her friend after all. 

Miu would brush back her wild manes and adjust her clothing. *"How are you today Moshi-sama? Do you think the fortunes will stay with us when we face judgement."* It was clear that that was a rethoric question. She knew it had to come from their wisdom and strenght. Maybe, just mabye a little luck. 

||
Bob
Fujiko was relieved to find out that this Miu woman was much like her mother: strong, imposing, but actually very nice and pleasant. Okay, so she was different than her mother, as her mother wasn't near as nice to anyone not named Moshi Fujiko. So, she lightened up a little, and motioned for the older samurai to sit. She'd then pour tea for them all so they could get to business. 

"So," Fujiko started, "I am most pleased to hear about this bathhouse plan. The city is so large, and having only one major bathhouse seems rather silly. Did you know that a lack of consistent washing can lead to fungal infections? I have a research paper on the topic by a Kuni physician that's very interesting!" She spoke of fungal infections like they were puppies and kitties. Truly an oddball. "Oh, not to mention that special salts and hot water can ease joint pain and flexibility."

||
Robert
"Fungal infections? I knew of some consequences to general health, but that sounds rather serious! Perhaps I should glance over that paper when I have a moment..." ||Medicine 3|| She then moved to set out and fill the cups for tea. "This is precisely why I asked your help, Moshi-san. Your medical expertise will help us to show the Otomo just what a benefit our plan can give to the city!"

Looking back to Miu, she took a moment before responding, contemplating the question. "I think they may will. It was the kami themselves who guided us to the proposed location for our bathouse, so clearly they saw fit to smile upon us the day we first set to planning. I confess, I do feel somewhat anxious... It's not often one deals so directly with the Imperial line. However, I know we must face this challenge with confidence if we are to succeed. After all, they will not believe our proposition holds value unless we truly hold that belief ourselves!"
Florence
Miu would settle down as she heard the two of them speak. *"Sounds like you exactly know what you speak of Moshi-sama."* She would glance over to Fujiko *"May I one day visit you so you could teach me about these things? I seem to lack knowledge."* She would then look back at Kana.

*"But how much would a non shugenja honor the kami as much as us? I wish to not be pessimistic but much like many lion proved. They lack knowledge about the kami and therefore fail to make a clear judgement. They fear what they do not know."* Miu sighed. This had clearly been her main concern. *"Do we have any knowledge about the Imperial family? I understand that, mind my language, complimenting them to death, will help but not do the job."* 

||
Bob
"I'd be happy to share what I know," Fujiko replied to the other women, "But I'm not an expert. You're more than welcome in my clinic to observer, though! There's always needy people that could use some aid, after all." 

As the two spoke of the persuasion part, Fujiko sadly wasn't much help. "Well, I know I make sure the taxes from the clinic reach the proper Imperial representatives, but I know little of politics and the like. That would be more my mother than anything." She rubbed her chin, lost in thought for a moment. 

"Well, sometimes in old parables even grand heroes don't always believe the Kami, and they ask for signs. And the Kami always deliver in magnificent ways. So, perhaps we could demonstrate the effects in can have." She shrugged, unsure. "I'd wager the Imperial servants are very tired with all their work, right? Well, maybe we can have a few receive our medicinal bath services, and show how more efficiently and happy they work. Happy servants make happier estates, as they say." 

||
Robert
Kana listened closely to Miu's words. That was indeed the next part of the challenge. While she wouldn't go so far as to question the piety of the imperial line, it was true that those who did not commune regularly with the kami didn't quite have the same understanding of them as those who did. That left a lot of resting on protocol, and that wasn't exactly something which came naturally to Kana. 

Then came Fujiko's rather *Ingenious* Idea. Kana's expression lit up, and she broke out into her usual grin once more. "That's brilliant! We will show the value of what we offer directly! Of course, we will need to think of what to offer to the magistrate overseeing our request as well; it wouldn't do to offer only his subordinates something, and we must make clear he would not partake in a medicinal bath alongside the heimin, but..."

Kana trailed off as the mused on the matter. What could be offered to the line of the son of heaven? What could they give to someone accustomed to having nearly all they desired?

||
Florence
Miu would rub her temples with her fingers several times. She was clearly thinking but didn't have as much brain capacity as the two Mantis. *"So we show our direct value..."* She mumbled under her breath before sighing. *"So we will make the clan samurai, magistrates and otomo their own bath place away from the heimin."* She repeated the words so she could think out loud. It was clear the red headed lion tried. *"We don't want to be too slimy with gifts. We are not backstabbing like the scorpion."* It was clear she tried to hold a conversation with herself. Then she snapped back to the two of them. 

*"What direct value do we have to the otomo? Why should our bathhouse contribute other than honoring kami and healing heimin and samurai?"* She questioned them. She looked helpless on ideas. 

||
Bob
Fujiko listened as the two older women thought and pondered out their ideas. All very good ones, and she was happy to know her little idea turned into such a great one! She was content to stay silent and let them work out the details, until they hit the snag of the higher ups. 

What could they offer...

"Well," Fujiko muttered, "The baths have medicinal purposes for all, that's a given. But what would fancy superiors like?" She wondered about it for a minute, before shrugging. 

"I like fragrance and such when I take baths," She said, almost flippantly. "Mother gets me fancy salts that smell nice, and that's always pleasant."

||
Robert
"No, not slimy, or underhanded, or attempting a bribe or anything like that, Kitsu-san!" Kana reassured her. "Simply a way of showing respect and what we can offer. And I think Moshi-san has the right idea! This may even show that we can offer something unique; after all, we can offer much more with fragrances than most other clans, thanks to our trade network!" Kana seemed to get more and more animated as the discussion went on. The excitement seemed to only grow as plans were solidified...

||
Florence
Miu was clearly relieved when Kana said they hadn't to pretend their extra goodwill. The eyes would glance at the two of them. She was clearly excited but still not certain how bath salts and nice fragrances could convince imperials that the bathhouse of theirs, which was a mare concept, could be better than the sole ranging bathhouse that the scorpion offered. *"That does sound like a good idea."* She stated. Her eyes would squint. *"Could we show them? I fear that the mere concept of our bathhouse will be easily contradicted by the idea of there already being a fully functioning bathhouse. One that can clearly not heal of course and has no honor to the kami of the water. Nor does it fulfill the duty of being of good quality like ours with the salts and fragrances. But perhaps they may consider it like empty promises."* Miu wished not to be a party pooper. But she had to be realistic for once. Strange how she had to be like that. 

*"Can we, even though it might be a grand display or strange for a courtroom, bring a grand tub of wood, filled with water to the perfect temperature, show how we can heal a wound? Perhaps even show them how the kami would be delighted that their honor and will of flowing water is carried?"* Miu seemed a bit embarrassed saying such things. She had to pretend to be smarter than she truly was. 

||
Bob
"Hm, a fancy bath demonstration..." Fujiko liked this idea, and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I really like this idea! We can get all the supplies from our Clans, no doubt, and Mother will surely sign off on this." Fujiko was excited at the prospect, indeed. It would be a lot of work to display such a thing in a courtroom, and there was the chance that there'd be no takers, but they might just be able to pull it off. "Though, you know, we might not need to bring a large bath to them!" 

Fujiko had her cup of tea, and she carefully spilled it on the table to cover some surface without making a massive mess. "Water Kami, hear me, please! Show me a place I recall, use this source of water as a mirror. Reflective Pool." And then, a clear image appeared of outside of the Embassy, where Moshi Mai was fast asleep, sunbathing like a lizard on a rock. Her centipede was lying on top of her, curled up in a coil. "See? We don't have to drag everything to them, we can keep it elsewhere. Matter of fact..." 

Fujiko shook her head. "No, no, it'd be too... Sneaky. But, if there's someone that wouldn't want us to have a bathhouse, it'd be the Scorpion, right? So, what if we got a Scorpion to try our healing bath? If we show them in the reflective pool being so well taken care of that they're very pleased... Well, you can't argue with results, fufufu." Truly, while the kindest of souls, Fujiko had some of her mother's bullying ability.

||
Florence
Miu's eyes would widden as she saw the water mirror. She would clap her hands together loudly enough to make the cups on the table tremble. *"Moshi-sama! That is amazing!"* She would bow down towards Fujiko, her eyes even more bright than they had been before. *"You are a true strategist!"* She would raise again as the now curious being had stared at the picture of Mai. She would chuckle a bit. After that she would sit up straight again. Upon hearing the plan she would nod her head. Even though Miu had no ability to bully anyone by now she saw the idea as a statement. 

*"Have you heard of Yuto-san? The magistrate? I think he'd be willing to take a bath for us in return for a good bowl of ramen."* Miu had chuckled. Turning towards Kana in the hopes that she was into this plan as well. Taking a sip of the tea the Kitsu would stare at the two in good hopes. A warm smile on her face. 

||
Robert
Kana couldn't completely disguise a snicker at the sight of her ambassador and the centipede cuddled up together for a nap, but she quickly caught on to Fujiko's meaning, her grin matching Miu's.

"Well, I think Yuto-san would be the perfect candidate! I do count him amongst my friends, and perhaps a therapeutic soak would do him some good. Perhaps lighten his burdens some. He might be asssisting us with a certain matter, so what better way to pay him back?" She then giggled. "Of course, were we to get bowls of ramen, I certainly would not object!"

||
Florence
Miu chuckled. She would brush back some of her hairs. *"I am glad Moshi Mai-sama wouldn't mind helping us out. Much like I am grateful you are helping us, Moshi-sama."* She would bow down once more at Fujiko. Then she decided to take a sip of tea. The golden eyes glanced over the table. 

*"So, it is like court right? I am not familiar with how the rules are and how it works. Is there paperwork we require to do? Is there something that could simply instantly deny us? Even though our plan is 'waterproof' "* She would question. Miu was nervous. It was clear this was a goal she'd love to reach. 

||

*"So I suppose you'll manage to get some special bath supplies from Moshi Mai-sama. Shall I try to arrange something with Yuto? I haven't seen him in ages but I am certain he wouldn't mind having a chat with me, or would you like to do that Moshi Kana-sama?"* Miu offered but clearly didn't want to ruin anything. Looking at both of them with some hope of approval. *"I could ask Himiko-san to arrange us some fine clothing or... Uh? Paperwork? I know Yoshihiro-sama knows a lot about the law!"* 

Miu started to mutter and realized she was doing so. Taking a sip of tea to stop herself. 

||
Robert
"Whichever you prefer as it concerns Yuto, Kitsu-san. I would certainly have no problem approaching him myself. I think either of us have a good chance of convincing him to participate! It sounds like you've a few other connections you can rely on as well, Kitsu-san. It sounds like things are very much coming together." A wide grin spread across her face, the excitement palpable. 

"As for the actual meeting, I do not know if this will be exactly like court, but I know that etiquette, formality, and the need to make our case effectively will be important. With that said, I am not certain that we'll be encountering that much in the way of resistance or objections."

||