Tyrone
Entering the Ide Residence and walking past the clerk Abin Sabdul, Shinjo Temujin had just returned from a meeting with the merchants he'd been working with more closely.

He was no Ide, and certainly no Yasuki, but he at least felt he needed to *Seem* Like he was invested in investments. And certainly, given enough attention, *Some* Of it was starting to stick. Now, however, was the time to let the numbers out of his head and unwind with something mindless!

However, as he glanced over toone of the Residence's refurbished rooms, his keen eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. Or rather, the figure was familiar; his posture, of late, was markedly different.

*Takeda-san?*

Familiar thoughts raced in his mind. About a young man's step losing its pep and shambling into doldrums, and whether he should be given his privacy or shown concern.

But seeing as whatever it was hadn't seemed to resolve itself, the Shinjo's feet were already on their way to the room.

*If the source of that angst is what I think it is, the poor guy's going to need all the help he can get.*

Finally, his swift stride slowed into a steady approach, clearly seen from the young shugenja's side. Coming to a halt a few feet away, the Shinjo announced his presence by clearing his throat.

"Good day, Utaku-san. Have you taken *Suhur* Today?"

An adjustment of the traditional Rokugani greeting, invoking the morning meal in the Caliphate. And hopefully something to better ease Takeda into a conversation.

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Hulda
Takeda's room, for lack of a better term, was a mess. Just like him.

Half crumpled notes ranging on a wide range of topics littered around, while a pair of half carved wooden apples sat upon a shelf. It just seemed like the young Shugenja was unable to get his thoughts in order and it was beginning to show.

*Okay, so you're seeing someone.*

*So you gotta be subtle so you don't get caught*

*Only not too subtle or she'll think it's someone else*

*And it needs to be thoughtful. But not too thoughtful or it comes off as insulting.*

*And if course there's the whole clan thing*

The spiral had left him in a bit of a rut.

He was, however, broken out of his morose by Temujin.

 A few confused blinks answered the scout, even as the cogs in Takedas brain started working in the opposite direction.

*Wait. Temujin-san. Out of anyone here he'd know what to do, right?*

"Shinjo-san." The Shugenja replied "I could do with a drink."

The last part was said maybe a little too loudly, but the look he gave Temujin said the rest.

*No eavesdroppers, witnesses or crowds for this. I think I need help*
Tyrone
He'd heard Khulan's stories about the Iuchi's scattered sense of organisation, but somehow he doubted this was what he was seeing.

And despite his own self-assessment as a learner, Temujin was actually prepared for this. With the junior scouts he'd led, he had seen deflection, denial, and even hostility. The many ways a samurai adjusted their *On*, whether it was cracking, slipping, or cast aside.

So when Takeda gave his reply, emphasis on the drink and his look seeking aid and privacy, the Shinjo understood immediately. Being perceptive, he never failed to notice Takeda and the others of their Clan noticing him.

*That, and I've* Lived *Through that look myself.*

"Fields to the south," He 'ordered' pointedly but discretely, his expression understanding. "I'll bring the *Airag*."

A place with some cover from tall grasses or the treeline if they felt so inclined, not frequented by many. Unless the Fortunes decided to throw a wandering apothecary their way, that is.

After a quick stop to the pantry, the stables, and the fields in that order, it didn't take long for Temujin to spot Takeda riding out to meet him, beckon him over, and pour him a stiff drink of their Clan's trademark .

Though the Unicorns had an honesty for being bluntly honest like the Crab, the Ide's influence and their gregarious nature lent them a degree of or desire for grace. Temujin had seen the dance of words at court, using metaphor, hints, and subtext to convey messages within words and gestures. And he had grown to appreciate that there were times when a gentler, subtler touch would help others to open up.

"Alright: What's got you feeling worse than a Doji at a Crab play?"

This was not one of them.

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Hulda
Takeda told Shingen to stay and crossed over to where Temujin was, thanking him for the drink.

However the scouts question about what was eating him made him realise that his feet maybe the most interesting things right now.

"...Was it that obvious?" Takeda mumbled and then sighed.

"It's just a personal matter." He tried deflecting, offering the half truth. Then he realised that wasn't going to fly, and offered another line.

"I'm seeing someone. She is amazing, but she isn't exactly going to meet with anyone's approval" He almost blurted out.

Well it wasn't the most gracious start, but it was a start.
Tyrone
Temujin nodded with a grimace in response to Takeda's question. However, his gaze remained watchful but not severe while he listened.

As soon as the younger man revealed the topic, however, the Shinjo's expression immediately bloomed into expressive sympathy.

"Well, first off: Congratulations are in order," He said with a sincere, easy smile. Gently, he added "Why wouldn't she be approved of, however?"

Raising his own cup, he instinctively pondered different reasons while he took a sip of the sour brew. Class disparities, marital status, or even chosen profession. And of course: Politics. There was a whole genre of pillowbooks dedicated to falling for someone you shouldn't.

And given Rokugan's attitude to *Discrete* Affairs separate from betrothals already giving leeway, he had a sinking feeling that the field was narrowing...

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Hulda
Takeda gave a muttered curse in Mekhem. *For Fucks Sake, I was the one who warned Kotori. How could I be so careless.*

"Don't go congratulating me just yet." The Shugenja sighed and looked out towards the horizon before taking massive gulp of airag. The stuff was poison, but at least it made him feel a little bit better, if only temporarily. "There's every chance this doesn't go well."

"Let's just say she likes to wear a lot of red." Takeda finally said, giving a side-eyed look at Temujin as if Takeda himself wasn't sure if he should start running or not.
Tyrone
The scout immediately understood his meaning. More than the Phoenix garbed in the colours of flame, it was the Scorpion clad in night and blood who were in a *Pretty precarious* Position with them.

The Shinjo didn't lose his cool, though. There was neither naive optimism nor Clannish umbrage, simply an understanding nod.

"I see."

*Scout it out. He's already on dangerous terrain. But is he with a predator, or prey?*

He set his cup down and unfolded his legs, like he was stretching to stay limber.

"Utaku-san, you don't need a lecture on what you already know." Temujin said, his tone grown a shade more serious, but still not confrontational.

Though one thing that was clear was that his eyes still held sympathy. Even empathy.

"So why don't we start with: What's she like?"

A gentle question intended to be open and welcoming, without being too probing. He hoped that it conveyed his discretion and his interest in letting the young shugenja air his problems.

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Hulda
Takeda let out a long exhale for a breath he knew he'd been holding for some time. It was almost like a sigh.

*Oh... Thank the heavens...*

"I know." Another sigh, this time in understanding and the Shugenja took another deep drag of airag, using it for liquid courage.

"She's..." Takeda paused and chose his words somewhat carefully "Smart, and Talented, and funny, and..."

Takeda stopped and felt the blood and heat rush to his ears out of embarassment.

"Can I just admit that I wouldn't be in this mess if I didn't think she was amazing in quite a number of different ways?" He asked quietly, the embarassment creeping through in his tone.

"And I'm aware of the problem. I just..." Takedas hands seemed to grasp the very air as if fighting to find the words. Eventually he gave a sigh, not of infatuation, but resignation.

"We had a... It wasn't quite an argument and not a falling out. But it was something." Takeda frowned and took another draught of airag "She wanted a gift in the shape of a horse and I warned her some people would see that and take that the wrong way or worse, piece things together."
Tyrone
He considered his words with the patience of a Unicorn horse whose master told everything to.

At first, he wondered about any of the Scorpion ladies he'd met. He remembered Bayushi Kaori: Smart, talented, and certainly with a wicked sense of humour. But also *Dangerous*. Temujin felt a protective instinct.

But hearing the rest of the story, he wondered. True, if Kaori was truly devoted to the role of a honey trap, she might very well endure the indignity of feigning interest. This, however... Sounded too sincere.

*...Wait. Nee-san told me about it. Another Scorpion who wears her heart on her sleeve. Could it be?*

He sighed, taking another sip of the sour drink. Good thing he acquired the taste. Had she been a more typical seductress, it would have been easier to warn him to flee.

*Still rather early to judge this girl. But I think I know some of this terrain...*

"I've actually been to some smaller courts with my lord," He began. "Learned that courtship uses that language: Trinkets, fans, paintings, poems."

He looked to the sky, as if recalling his knowledge from the clouds.

"They deliver messages and serve as gifts. To keep a part of your lover close with you, and to proudly hint at your relationship without exposing it." He snorted incredulously. "Apparently, there's an *Art* To this, but it still confuses me even after I learned what it was."

Looking back to the young man, he smiled with a mix of gentleness and wryness.

"Still... She must be quite sweet on you if she wants such a memento. It risks exposing *Her* As much as it would you."

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Hulda
"It might have been easier if you said I was being an idiot and left it at that." Takeda frowned, tossing back another drink.

"I suppose you're right. It does risk exposing her." He finally said after a long draught, his head was starting to buzz a bit, loosening him up. "Or it would have before I tried to suggest something a bit more subtle."

The younger Unicorn frowned. "I've recently been made aware of the courtiers secret language of letters too. It is *A lot* To take in."

"It was a lot easier flirting with Bushi. Or in Medinaat where things were a little more open." Takeda chuckled darkly. "Still, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the style of these things being the substance."

"Outside of letters, when we do get to actually sit down and talk it always goes well. Almost too well. It's just..." Takeda gave another thoughtful frown "...Given where we are both coming from, I tend to run out of inconspicuous ideas to spend time together. You know, ones that aren't going to look exactly like what is happening."

"I don't know whether any of that made sense. Sorry." Takeda then added, taking another long sip of the drink "Maybe it's the Airag talking."
Tyrone
He snorted at the young man's snappy comment, taking it in stride.

"Love makes fools of us all, Utaku-san. I'm pretty sure Shinsei said that."



He noted the airag was starting to do its work, so he took care not to keep pouring. The rest of the tale was absorbed and processed at speed. Finally, he nodded understandingly to the younger Clanmate.

"Actually, I'd say you're making perfect sense. And for what it's worth, I can see that you're doing good: You're looking out for the both of you, even when it hurts. And our Clan values being forthright, so these layers don't come easily to us."

Not *The* Issue. But it was important he knew his actions were not in vain. Takeda had trusted him with something close, even damning. And being asked for aid, the Shinjo resolved himself.

"I can *Definitely* Relate to you. I have someone I care about, too." Temujin admitted with grave honesty. "I have it easier than you, but it still needs to be kept quiet for now."

Probably the worst-kept secret in the Clan and even parts of the city. But a secret it technically was, and now was the time for trust. Among the thoughts racing in his head, whether discretion or seeking a resolution, the lead horse in that race was Compassion.

"Whenever we're together, I know we should be discrete. For our Clans, and for our sakes, to avoid meddlers." His voice caught briefly as he looked back to the city's direction. "But when you're with someone who's great company, who speaks to your heart, you can't help but want to express that to them."

He turned back to Takeda.

"I know you've spoken about what kind of gift should be given. And I know you can both clearly *See* The situation you're in. But have you *Talked* About it with her?"

His question, while pointed, did not carry an accusation or reprimand. Merely honest curiosity.

"Even if it's obvious, it helps to know aloud that you're on the same page."

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Hulda
Takeda scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Afterwards it sorta kinda didn't come up." He coughed nervously "Looking at it now, I think we were so caught up that the other was leaving we kind of both closed ourselves off for a bit."

"I hated it. But we only just got it back to happiness before I realised I was late to cleaning lessons with Ide-sama. And we haven't seen each other since.

"Which is a really circular way of saying no, I guess." Takeda frowned "Though she did almost handshake me on my way out, I thought that was amusing."

"No, we haven't." The Shugenja sighed "It's been a few weeks and we both have somewhat of an understanding of what discretion means so we're kinda on the same page just..."

Takeda gestured wildly, thinking of the phrase"...Just from two different worlds sometimes."

"But you're right. We should talk. I should do that." Takeda sighed "Only question is where."
Tyrone
The Shinjo nodded understandingly in response.

"It's definitely not an easy subject to broach," He mused solemnly while his thoughts began catching up.

*Officially*, one shouldn't fraternise with the enemies of one's Clan. *Unofficially*, the Empire was filled with enough star-crossed lovers to populate an entire genre of pillow books.

*Officially*, a samurai's private affairs were their own business as long as they didn't interfere with their duties. *Unofficially*, Ambassador Kazuko would probably disembowel the lad if he was caught.

But ultimately, what settled the matter was one thing: Benten had blessed him with Kana's smile. It was only right that he return the favour and help another.

"Listen, Utaku-san," Temujin sighed, "I'd like to help you do more than cut and run... But I *Can't*."

Before the younger shugenja could respond, the Shinjo scout's words marched forward, swift and precise like a lightning raid, his hands gesturing subtly while his voice lowered conspirationally.

"I *Certainly* Can't tell you that the Golden Koi is a good place to test the waters and has crowds you can fade into. I also *Wouldn't* Tell you about a safe and scenic clearing about twenty minute's ride south of the city just on the edge of the woods. That's the one past the little stone shrine dedicated to Inari."

Straightening up, Temujin's voice cleared up to its usual timbre as he shrugged nonchalantly.

"Like I said: I'd *Like* To help you... But I *Can't*."

True, right now it was just the two of them and their horses. But given the weight of the issue, some technical deniability wouldn't be amiss.

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Hulda
Takeda opened his mouth to reply before Temujin continued, and left it hanging open as the scout continued.

But his eyes, his eyes looked like someone who picked it up quickly and made some very hasty mental notes.

"Yeah thanks, but no thanks." The Shugenja said, before giving Temujin a wide-eyed, side-eyed smirk to say that the message was received.

"But really, thank you. I..." Takeda sighed "I didn't know what to do. It not like it's not an honour she chose me, but given what's going on it's also not like I asked for this situation either."
Tyrone
Temujin nodded in acknowledgement. The scout took one last swig of *Airag*, feeling the first hints of a buzz.

"It's unknown territory, and wild winds," He remarked as he got up and stored the wineskin in his saddlebag. "You're right to be concerned. All any of us can do is keep our footing."

The flaps closed quietly and he sat back down with a gentle smile.

"But some good directions can always help. And you know me: I love giving them."

*With that, I should be good for scouting metaphors for the week. I think.*

With his subtle support conveyed, the older scout folded his arms together.

"Like I said: I won't lecture you on what you already know. About your situation, and the dangers of the Underhand. But I will add this."

His blue eyes softened, landing somewhere between serious and nostalgic as memory and learning entered his voice.

"My lord, Ide-sama, knows a Scorpion. He always expects that any time they spend, any words they share, will find its way to ears in the shadows."

Temujin met Takeda's gaze, allowing a moment's pause to let the reality sink in. Then, he continued to speak. This time, with hope.

"But once he understood that and accounted for it, he made one of his truest friends. I pray you'll find something similar."

Foolish idealism, perhaps. But a Shinjo through and through, it was in his blood and his heart to be thus.

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Hulda
Takeda took all of it in. He bit on his tongue to not ask if the Shinjo was finished on the puns yet, but did chuckle at... Well *Most* Of them.

"So do I." He finally said, when he'd heard the story with a solemn nod and somewhat of a frown. "I keep waiting for the horseshoe to drop, as it were." 

"And yet..." Takeda's hands went everywhere in wild gestures before he gave up, shrugging. "She's so not what I expected I'm starting to have doubts she even has an underside to her hands. And don't get me started on how she's taken to horses."

"I don't know, either I'm the biggest sucker or..." Again, another shrug. "Or I don't know." *He did* "And maybe that's the problem, because *I* Am so much interested in what's behind the mask. It'd be so much better, or easier if *Someone* Could see her and come to a similiar conclusion. But..."

The Shugenja gave a sighing shrug. "But we know that days not likely to come any day soon."
Tyrone
He listened to Takeda with an understanding look. The younger man's concerns, at least were met with true consideration and not scorn.

"Maybe not. Or even if they did, the rivalries remain."

He paused as he measured the situation. There was only so much he could know. And his prior experiences could only hint at the picture's shape, not fill it in.

"...I'm sure many would assume a catch. And it's wise to be aware." Temujin admitted. He scratched his brow out of habit, adding "But sometimes, there's only so far you can go with your scrutiny. I admit I know little of this girl, and I'm no courtier... But it seems to me like the bigger concern is what her Clan gets up to, not her."

A short exhaling signalled the scout's chuckle.

"Though of course, 'soft' doesn't mean harmless. Just look at my family."

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