Suzanna
Khulan knew this day would come, here in Ryoko Owari Toshi.

It was only so long she could fall back on the familiar company of her cousin for protection, or beseech another of the Clan's bushi. Eventually, she would require a full-time protector; shugenja were, after all, too valuable to leave undefended. Even the lack of a protector might be taken as a sign of either weakness or arrogance.

Being pragmatic, Khulan accepted this precaution. Even as her Ide upbringing doubted she was worth the fuss.

So it came to pass that at the appointed time on the appropriate day, Shinjo Itu was escorted by a servant (a frenetic *Gaijin* Clerk by the name of Abin Sabdul) into the room of Ide Khulan.

The room itself, at a glance, seemed quite traditional: tatami mats, a calligraphy scroll hanged upon a wall, a desk and writing tools, and a small shrine with incense sticks. But upon closer examination, there were subtler hints of foreign decoration: jewellery with bolder curves and slopes by a mirror stand, a furred blanket rolled up with a futon in one corner, and furniture with extravagant engravings and colourations.

Its inhabitant, a woman of about 30, was not so different either. She was of an average build and had graceful Rokugani features, and wore a traditional kimono of pale violet. But as she turned to greet the newcomer, the signs of their Clan were readily apparent: a windswept complexion, jewellery and amulets with distinct icons, and a long, flowing obi bearing foreign script.

Khulan nodded in acknowledgement as the young clerk nervously stepped aside. Bowing politely to the newcomer, she rose to speak, her brown eyes conveying a sense of calm and serenity which was present in her voice.

"Greetings, Shinjo-san. I am Ide Khulan, and I shall be under your protection. I am honoured to make your acquaintance."

She gestured to a spot across a low table.

"Please, have a seat. Shall I call for refreshments?"

||
Lisa
As he returned from the city back to the residence, Itu received a message from his new charge. Without wasting much more time, he left to meet with them. Upon entering, Itu bowed deeply to the woman. 

The man wasn't really much anything extraordinary, maybe except for the fact that he was rather young. Other thing was that he wore brown kimono and beside the symbols of the clan and family, there was also a single branch of mistletoe pressed behind his belt. 

"The honor is mine, Ide-sama. I am Shinjo Itu and I was given the honor and duty to protect you from any harm that may befall you.", he said. "I'd be utmost grateful", was his response to question about refreshments. As she commanded him, he sat down, but only after she did. 

As he took his place after her, he placed the katana down on his right, with the handle facing opposite direction than Ide Khulan. "If you have any questions regarding me, ones that were not mentioned in letter you have received about me, ask and I shall answer according to the truth"
Suzanna
She noted his relative youth, and drew a comparison to the other younger samurai among their number.

The brown of his attire may have seemed different, but it wasn't unheard of. While it was common practice to wear at least one article with the Clan's colours, it was equally common to have a mix of other colours for either variety or modesty, leaving the *Mons* To represent their allegiance. Certainly, the less flamboyant samurai she knew preferred that, especially with a Clan colour as rich as purple.

Nodding in response to his reply, she called in the refreshments. Soon, a couple of servants brought in prepared platters of a mix of Unicorn and Rokugani cuisine. Fried dough cookies, dumplings, cream and sauces on the side, with milk tea.

As these were being set down at their table, Khulan nodded to the younger man approvingly upon seeing his observation of courtesies. Given the more peaceful bent of her missions, that was encouraging.

"Of course, Shinjo-san. I am sure we will learn more about each other over time." Khulan replied openly. "But for now, this is a good opportunity to get acquainted."

She then moved to pour tea for him first, and took a light pastry for herself, though did not bite into it just yet.

"So, if I may ask," She began as she returned to her sitting position, "What were your previous duties before coming here? Were they far from Ryoko Owari Toshi?"

A question to explore his history in his own words. Using a simple opener of showing interest in others to give them space to speak, without being too interrogative. Though of course, this was but the first question, from which she would see his responses and mannerisms.

||
Lisa
"I come from Bugaisha Province and before arriving here I never left its borders. Furthest I have gone from residence of my family was to the closest city as company and a guard for my half-sister.", he responded. As he spoke about his sister, his tone changed as if he'd speak about some good, pleasant memory. Clear sign that he had good relations with his sibling and he loved her, in family manner that is. "As for duties I did not have many. Beside my usual training in the art of sword and occassional lessons in etiquette, of which I am greatly lacking, I remained in residence. My half-brother preffered to keep me hidden from any allies and friends he had. In his eyes I was shame and dishonor to our family. Sending me here was his way to get rid of me. A mistake, I believe, he will soon pay for. Despite that I wish him well. Family bonds are hard to maintain but without them, we are simply animals. That is at least my philosophy, Ide-sama"
Suzanna
Khulan considered his words as he spoke of matters dear to his heart. Training, family, and complications. A state of affairs that was sadly not uncommon in the Empire.

"I see. I am from Eijitsu province myself," She replied in return. "And the only times I properly left home were when I went to begin my training with the Iuchi, and for my meetings with the man who would become my husband."

The young man, in her view, seemed to carry about the weight of his family connections, but was trying to not let them hamper him. She would have to wait and see just how he grappled with it, but for now, it was at least a struggle every samurai knew.

*I suppose Utaku-sama is the one to deal with this first. Still, as complicated as it is, it seems that his words about his brother 'paying' are not a vow of vengeance, but a statement of fact.*

Having shared about herself, the Ide then faced the Shinjo with a serene, even expression.

"I thank you for the trust you have shown in sharing that," She began, even while she knew that it might just as easily have been due to obligation or the need to unburden his mind. "Please allow me to assure you that so long as you honour me with your protection, I will honour your service."

Khulan inclined her head knowingly, rising again with a quiet resolve in her eyes.

"Blood, lineage, and standing *May* Matter. I will not deny that truth. But for we who serve, what matters is skill and character. And so far, I believe you will be able to serve well."

Her words might have seemed like polite flattery. But they *Did* Deliberately emphasise issues other than heritage. And they were spoken with a warmth and openheartedness which felt encouraging and experienced.


||
Lisa
"Thank you then for placing your trust in me. There is one more thing you should know, something that you was not informed about as it seems", he spoke. It was hard for him to tell that. This one secret could change whole situation. He could be rejected for all he knew. Yet still, it was necessary he share it. The struggle was clear on his face. He gathered the courage to speak the fact.

"While I bear the name of Shinjo Family I wasn't born purely in noble marriage. While my father was still married he found solace in the arms of a peasant woman. From their relationship I was born. My father was honorable, good man but as everyone had weaknesses. It seemed that my mother and later me were his ones. He took me in and raised as his trueborn son. For that my brother hated me. I am shame and dishonor to family in his eyes. While sister loved me unconditionaly, brother as head of family did everything to keep me away from any important matters to a point where my name wasn't even invoked when meeting with allies.", he said.
Suzanna
Khulan listened with care to Itu's secret, understanding its weight. She was raised in the world of nobility, and even among the Unicorn, such things still mattered, even if in a different way.

Still, her first instinct was to show sympathy.

"...Then it seems that you have been through quite a bit, Shinjo-san," She commented. "And as you have lived through it, there is no need for me to explain that harshness to you. No doubt many others were already more than free with their opinions."

Straightening up, the Ide faced her charge head-on with dignity in her hazel eyes.

"All the same, my words still stand: I thank you for your trust. And so long as you serve well and honourably, then that is all that is required from me. As for the rest of the world, I have only three things to add."

The Ide began counting them off her fingers, her expression steady.

"Firstly, though it is regrettable, I will not lie: a lower lineage, whatever your mother's was, *Can* Be viewed with distaste by others. When dealing with others, I would entreat you to avoid bringing this up.

"Secondly, and more positively, know this: So long as your father allowed you to use his name, then you **Are** A Shinjo. That is something you can say with honesty.

"And thirdly, allow me to assure you: Among our Clan, so long as you live and serve with honour, you *Will* Be treated with the same dignity as any other Unicorn."

*Even we struggle, though. Wave people like Akio or Atsuko are still viewed as outside of us, even with their service.*

Her eyes narrowed as her brow knitted with subtle fierceness, though it wasn't directed at him.

"If any of our Clan forget that, and the lessons of cooperation and compassion we learned on our long journey beyond the Empire, you may speak to me about this so that I may *Remind* Them."

The protectiveness softened, returning to a state of serenity.

"Now then," She asked, "Have you any questions for me, Shinjo-san?"

||
Lisa
Itu listened with great care to her words, his face steady and calm but at the same time focused. "Honorable Ambasador Utaku-Sama already informed me to keep my heritage to myself at most time and speak of it only to those I deem trustworthy and who are of our Clan", Itu said. 

He went silent for a bit, wondering wheter he have questions or not. Ultimately he had something to say but it wasn't a question and rather a request. He did not deserve one but still decided to ask. 

"I know I have no right for that and I was already informed about it, but I know that you, Ide-sama, are of great importance to the Clan and hold high respect among everyone, including me. I would most greatful if you would convince Utaku-sama to not harm my beloved sister. Sending me here by my brother was an insult to the Clan, one which will end up in punishment. I feel concern about my sisters well being in that. My family might feel results of my brothers action but she did nothing wrong and couldn't stop him from doing what he did. If something would happen to her, be it physical way or reputation from the Clan, I would not forgive myself", Itu spoke and bowed his head deeply to her, hoping she will understand. 

"Beside that, I have nothing to add nor ask. I am ready for any commands and orders you might have for me."
Suzanna
She nodded in acknowledgement of Kazuko's pre-emptive instructions. Still, better to be safe than sorry.

His request was heard out, and weighed against the context of his familial concerns. The picture cleared a little: His brother was at odds with him, but his sister loved him.

She instinctively wanted to assure him that Utaku Kazuko wasn't the sort to play such games. That she was a stern but fair Ambassador, an exemplary *Taisa* With the integrity that required.

Then again, she was very much a Unicorn *Taisa* In every sense of the position: disciplined in controlling their fierceness, but explosive when unleashed, and with a clearly-defined sense of morals they were not afraid to uphold.

There was no question the boy's brother would suffer the consequences of his choice, whatever its intent. But the *Extent* Of such judgement sometimes included collateral damage to a house.

"You may rise, Shinjo-san. There are limits to my influence. Those gifted to be shugenja are valued, but their domain is that of the kami and spirits." Khulan admitted with an apologetic nod, though her voice lifted as she added "However, I promise that I will attempt to bring this matter before Utaku-sama, though I can make no promises."

Looking the young man in the face, she attempted to smile reassuringly, though it wasn't as fully committed as her prior words.

"Still, she is a good leader. Worthy of her position as *Taisa* And Ambassador. I believe she will at least hear me out."

Turning to the refreshments, Khulan took another pastry as she spoke.

"Besides that, I believe all that is left is to brief you on your duties. I will let you know my schedule, so that you know when you are on duty. However, outside of that, your time is your own, I promise you. You may use it as you wish, so long as you do not dishonour yourself or your responsibilities."

||
Lisa
"Thank you for listening to my request, Ide-sama.", he said, bowing his head once again. "I have nothing else to ask. I will require little free time, only to get some sleep and eat as well as to train from time to time. A samurai is required to polish their skills. Beside those activities, I am at your orders, anytime of the day and night", he said. 

The words came out of his mouth before he could even thing about what is he saying and so, it could sound in two separate ways, as well as he could just doom himself for numerous sleepless nights. But the deed was done and it was too late.
Suzanna
Khulan nodded, her expression collected and serene. She was not blind to innuendo despite her vocation, but didn't seem to respond to it.

"Your dutifulness is noted and appreciated, Shinjo-san. Still, you may rest assured, I will seek to be reasonable with your time," She assured him. "One does not push a horse to run endlessly, after all."

She beckoned a servant over, giving them instructions to clear up the refreshments. While the *Heimin* Busied themselves with that, she faced her new guardian once more.

"And if you seek to train or grow familiar with the city, you may consider meeting with one of our main scouts, Shinjo Temujin." Khulan added warmly. "He can show you the quickest paths to get where you need to go, and explain the basics of this place."

Hardly a standard piece of advice for incoming Unicorns. But a useful one nonetheless. With that being said, Khulan gave Itu a respectful bow, the sleeves of her kimono gently brushing the tatami.

"Until then, I thank you for your service, and receive it gratefully." Khulan said with honest feeling. Rising again, she nodded to the young man. "You are excused for now; take time to grow familiar with your lodgings. I will provide my own schedule shortly."

He was an honest, earnest young man. And he seemed to carry the weight of his circumstances with him. She would have to remember to pray that he find his footing.

||

`End Scene`