Gladys
Most of the time, Temujin's duties took him outside the Residence and into the streets and wilderness. Sometimes, to the Clans he established cordial relations with.

So he thought it to be the timing of the Fortunes that he was present when a guest arrived for him. A certain Crane swordsmith he recently did business with.

Within the Residence's reception hall and its mix of foreign and Rokugani furniture, Temujin entered in a simple violet kimono and lighter grey haori. While servants busied themselves with the work of delivering orders, keeping things clean, or standing guard, the samurai bowed before the arrival among the furnishings where he was asked to wait.

"Greetings, Doji-san," The Shinjo began with sincere politeness and a respectful bow. "It is good to see you once again."

Rising again, he moved towards the round, oaken table painted with a mosaic of some of the Clan's travels and took a position across from Daiki.

"May I offer you some refreshments? We have a number of different tea blends, including matcha and jasmine. Or sake, if you prefer."

He held back a quip about offering airag; he respected and liked the Crane well enough, and thought Daiki could be refreshingly direct when set to his craft, but he knew that he'd have to wait and see for longer before going straight to humour with them.

||
Josephine
It was not a moment too soon that Temujin arrived. Daiki was doing his very best to avoid inspecting the foreign furniture. The odd waist-high seats and high tables were practically an eyesore to someone who had been exposed to so little from beyond the empire.

**"Shinjo-san!"** He answered upon the unicorn's greeting, perhaps a little too eagerly given his discomfort. He cleared his throat and continued. **"Thank you for agreeing to see me without notic."** Returning Temujin's bow, he let his eyes flick from one piece of furniture to another.

*Please don't ask me to sit in one of these... I don't even know where my feet are supposed to go... Do I sit on them in seiza? Do I let them just like... Sit flat on the floor?*

Fortunately, the table that Temujin indicated was standard height with standard Rokugni seating. **"I would be most appreciative of some tea. Matcha sounds excellent."** Taking his seat, he folded his feet up under himself. **"Tell me, how is it with the Unicorn? I have heard few tidings in recent weeks. While some say no news is good news, one does not wish to assume."**
||
Gladys
Temujin nodded and quickly instructed a servant to bring them some matcha tea, speaking in Rokugani rather than Mekhem. Wouldn't do to speak in a way that couldn't be understood in front of a guest, after all.

Inwardly, he was both amused and regretful that Daiki was so discomfited by the furniture. However, he held back on sharing those observations.

*We should look into how to make things more comfortable for guests; our furniture is certainly a display of wealth and could help measure or unbalance guests, but I'll have to instruct Abin Sabdul and the servants about seeing certain dignitaries to more conservative rooms. Don't be too quick to suggest a change, though, lest the guest feels shame for being picky.*

"On the whole, as well as can be expected in the City of Stories. I've heard all kinds of murmurings on the streets lately, however. Things which, as a scout, I should be wary of blindly believing or ignoring."

The scout shrugged his shoulders, rolling them once while making sure to meet his guest's gaze equally.

"But we persevere, and find our footing. And I myself have had the pleasure of meeting more samurai, seeing if they're worth knowing or likely to aid in the cause of peace."

He avoided specifics, but its broad strokes, he hoped, were clear. There were rumours which he knew should be investigated, and helpful allies were being sought.

At least that was the coded premise. It did, however, double as an honest answer from Temujin, given that his expression lightened up when speaking of new acquaintances. 

The curiosity within his eyes turned their focus to between the two of them.

"Incidentally," He added, "You may have met one such samurai. One Akodo Katsuhiro-sama. He was seeking a swordsmith, and I actually recommended you."

||
Josephine
**"Ah, and just like that you have hit on it,"** Daiki said, turning his palms upward and smiling. He was not one for overly dramatic ritual, and so the fact that the unicorn had found the reason for his visit without the need for too much polite rigamarole was no skin off his nose. **"I did indeed meet with Akodo-sama, and he was in dire need of a smith."** These were not untrue words. Indeed, he had reforged the taisa's weapons. This was not the whole story, but since nothing yet was public, it was not his place to go into further detail. **"He was most satisfied with my work, and he and I got along famously."**

As tea was offered to Daiki, he took it with both hands, trying to feel the temperature through the cup. As usual, his marked and calloused hands no longer had a good relative sense of surface temperature, so he waited and watched Temujin to see if his hands could feel whether the tea was yet cool enough to drink. **"I wished this meeting to give you my thanks. We are allies, of course, but my work is important to me and I do not take good recommendations lightly."** He set down his cup and lowered his head. **"I am most appreciative, Shinjo-san." **
||
Gladys
He smiled, though not to the level that made more conventional samurai uncomfortable. His tone, however, was more expressive.

"You are most welcome, Doji-san. And it is my honour to let your skills be known and practiced."

The Unicorn took the tea. While his own hands did bear the marks of practice as well, they weren't toughened by the labour of the forge. He gave his cup a slight, soft sip after a precious few seconds.

"Hm. A good blend," He said appreciatively, "Though I wonder if you would be open to taking tea by our koi pond? It's a short walk within the grounds, and the weather is good for koi viewing."

Whatever the Doji's response, he would respect it, whether he arranged for their tea to be moved or stayed put. A bit unorthodox given that the tea had just arrived, but he was offering an out for a change of scenery, given Daiki's unfamiliarity with the furniture.

Either way, Temujin continued speaking. His words flowed with frankness, though they were chosen with polite care.

"Truthfully, your news is actually most welcome, and I thank you for delivering it. I am aware that our Clans have had more... History... With the Lions than most."

His meaning was clear without going into heated detail; samurai should always be polite even with their foes, after all.

"Akodo-sama, from our first meeting, left an impression as a respectful and honourable person. On those grounds, I believed he would present himself well." Temujin admitted openly, letting his positive but tentative impression show. His expression lightened as he added "But I am glad that your meeting was not just cordial, but splendid. A blessed occurrence, no matter the Clan."

*Granted, all of this could be politely talking up someone more than they deserved. But neither of us seem the type to bullshit like that.*

||
Josephine
The suggestion did catch Daiki a little bit off-guard, but the idea of a koi pond was never an unwelcome one. He nodded his assent and followed the unicorn's lead.

**"You are not wrong,"** He answered plainly. **"Ever since Kakita refused to bow to Matsu, the lion and crane have been at odds. I am... Having to put my personal opinions on the historical matter aside for the sake of diplomacy,"** He added giving his head a slow, thoughtful bob. **"However, Akodo-sama is nothing like Matsu was. I am sure he had his points of pride, but even around his rough edges, there is honor and ritual. A strong sense of right and wrong, though perhaps a little lost patience from so much battle."** It was as honest of an assessment as polite company would allow, but at the same time, even given perfect liberty to speak, he was not sure he would be able to conjure any less polite thoughts on the man and mean them. **"I believe he will serve his clan well in the city."**

The change in scenery was a welcome one, though as with any Unicorn holdings, the smell of the stable still tickled the nostrils. It was not the foulest of smells, but it was just one more reminder of how vastly different their clans truly were.

*Still, I can think of far worse company.*
||
Gladys
The teapot and its cups were gathered on a tray, and a *Heimin* Brought it along with familiar posture and a meek acknowledgement.

A quick turn and an exit through a path which led to a more traditional *Shoji* Door opened up to the fresh air and grassy grounds of the Residence. In the distance, their yurts dotted the vicinity, with perhaps the odd samurai or servant handling some business, and horses were not an uncommon sight. But thankfully, it was simply a contemplative stone path which took them to the koi pond, with its trees and seats. There were even some game boards and bowls for Go and Shogi.

Temujin received the Doji's thoughtful observations with interest. Though he was mindful of what familiarity and openness were proper, he was thankful that with Daiki, it was mostly enough to simply be polite and respectful, and he could study the words as they were given.

"I can relate to that," He concurred with a short nod and a sober tone. "I knew people who lost loved ones in the War of the Plains, and I have a brother who guards the border. It is... Easy... To expect the worst when you grow up with such realities. These weigh heavily, and make it hard to set aside such biases."

*The death of diplomacy, as Ide-sama called it.*

The two samurai soon found a good spot, boarded and covered for clean seating, cooling shade, and a good view of the fish that lazily shifted through the pond. Taking a seat, Temujin thanked the servant as the tea was set down. When they excused themself, he would refill their cups, serving Daiki first.

"But I believe you have the right of it," He added, a bit more optimism in his voice. "It seems to me that he has cultivated the best of what his family and Clan can be."

Green tea was restored, and the pot set down. The scout took the opportunity to breathe in the restful atmosphere. Hard to think this is where his service began.

||
Josephine
At the mention of the war and loved ones lost, Daiki's expression hardened slightly. Solemnly, he nodded his head. **"For a land where war between the clans is forbidden, it is painfully common for its lands to be torn asunder by it."** The steel in his stormy blue eyes glossed over as his thoughts strayed. **"We each serve each other. And yet, we each serve ourselves. We aught to be brothers, not enemies."**

A partlcularly enthusiastic flip of a fin sent a splash and an eddy of water along the surface and Daiki's eyes focused on the present once more. **"In any case, I believe that Akodo-sama has enough wisdom to see it as such."** He nodded with a note of finality before stepping off of this topic and back to the original matter. **"More to the point, Shinjo-san, on the matter of your recommendation - I do owe you a debt of gratitude."** Turning to face the unicorn properly, he placed his fingertips on the platform where they sat and lowered his forehead to the planks. **"I believe that may have been the move that truly kicked off my career here in the city. Should you need support in your endeavors, do not hesitate to call upon me."**
||
Gladys
Temujin noted Daiki's reaction. A brow twitched in curious concern, but he left it as simple acknowledgement of the subject's seriousness; vigilance was one thing, but baseless speculation only muddied the waters. He did, however, feel heartened by the wish for brotherhood.

The topic moved, and he accepted the shift readily, quietly satisfied to reflect on the unusually positive exchanges.

Daiki's deep prostration, however, caught him off guard. He felt both foolish pride, and also nervous consternation that a scout shouldn't ever warrant such an address.

"Please rise, Doji-san." Temujin said with earnest surprise, though his thoughts shifted with the flow quickly enough. "You and Akodo-sama reached that understanding of your own accord. I am simply glad my words could help point the way."

*Though that* Is *What the Ide and Doji do. Mediate, albeit more directly.*

Indeed, while it was a humble self-denial, its intent was genuine. Temujin never forgot how lost he felt when he first came here, and those who helped him find his footing. As Daiki rose, he might catch a glimpse of his sincere desire to help guide those in a similar position.

"You honour me with your gratitude. And please know I extend the same to you."

The Shinjo bowed, mirroring the gesture, his head softly brushing against the wood. He kept it there for either an equal length of time, or if he was bidden to rise earlier. When that happened, his usually honed demeanour of proper moderation loosened up to one which he wore more naturally: easygoing and open, but still polite.

"You are a most competent craftsman, and an honourable samurai I am privileged to know," He said with assurance. "I am confident that whatever other bonds you make in this city will be as well-forged as your blades."

An honest compliment, coloured by admiration and faith. Perhaps a callback to the Akodo, but that was contextual at most.

||
Josephine
The refusal of the praise was to be expected, but Daiki was not one to leave debts unpaid. He rose and resumed his seat. **"Perhaps the fuel was in the right place, but the forge cannot start without a spark,"** He answered to parry the downplaying of Temujin's role.

**"Come now,"** He continued, waving aside the unicorn's polite refusal like smoke that had wafted into his eyes. **"We have spoken painfully little of your role in the city. I know that you do some scouting as per your role, and by all means do not share that which my ears are not privy to."** Taking up his tea cup, he turned it in his hands before taking a sip. **"Still, I will not know how I may aid you in your work unless I know more about it."**||
Gladys
Temujin nodded in gratitude before Daiki's response, and left it at that; with the sincerity being that clear, he felt that dragging on the song of dance would just be insulting.

His eyes did light up, however, as the Doji of the forge expressed an interest in his work, and assisting in it. Discretion and vigilance were trained into him, of course, but Temujin was, at heart, someone who enjoyed trust and sharing.

"Your interest is most appreciated, Doji-san, as well as your honourable intent. As to the nature of my duties... Hmm... How to put it..." He trailed off with the flow of his thoughts, tapping his cup in thought.

Taking a sip and savouring the tea, he straightened his posture, letting the words come forth. They were open and trusting, and as he spoke, he did grow subtly more animated with recollection.

"As a scout, my duties normally take me into nature, so you can imagine my surprise when I was assigned here. However, I've since learned that the city is its own kind of wilderness.

"Whether it is within or beyond the City of Stories, my job is to watch. I find paths, and things and opportunities of interest. Sometimes dangerous, sometimes safe. Sometimes I take initiative and act, though I take care not to overstep. I'm not a magistrate, after all."

He paused at that point, taking a moment to quietly take a breath, his demeanour growing more poised and deliberate. His tone remained, but the subject was also subtly shifting his demeanour.

"However, I'm also an envoy on occasion. I go where the Ambassador commands, but at all times I seek to foster good ties between the Unicorn and the other Clans." 

The sometimes-envoy kept his expression properly calm, but raised his cup towards his companion. His words, however, were warm with subtext.

"Even if these meetings happen by chance. Or perhaps especially then."

||
Josephine
**"I can understand the need for eyes and ears on the ground, even in the city,"** Daiki said, pausing slightly before adding, **"Perhaps especially in the city. After all, the danger here can think for itself and can reason ways around your defenses."**

He nodded thoughtfully as he listened. **"I can see why you are used as an envoy. You represent your clan well, especially given the many unicorn are not overly concerned with making good impressions. It seem the ambassador has picked a good representative."**

He was well aware how such observations could be taken as backhanded compliments, but given the rapport the two had been fostering he trusted that Temujin would not take it as such. **"Frankly, I wish my clan did a more consistent job of that. I'm beginning to believe that we're not less rude than other clans, just better at getting away with it."** He let out a polite huff of laughter before steering the conversation back to the topic at hand.

**"Now, about your role and duties..."** Daiki tapped his finger on his chin thoughtfully. **"One thing does come to mind, actually,"** He said, leaning his head to one side. **"It seems you have multiple reception rooms. However - and I hope I do not offend you with my honesty - they are a bit of a grab-bag of cultures. For some, this may be a difficult or uncomfortable greeting, and first impressions can be key. Would you be interested in having some artisans help arranging some reception areas that are a little more accommodating for those less flexible than others? Perhaps even just on the basis of consulting rather than undoing your time-honored traditions for the sake of fashion. Your own artisans are quite skilled. Still... You know how stuffy some samurai are... "**
||
Gladys
He grasped the intent behind his praise, and smiled appreciatively at the trust expressed.

"My thanks, Doji-san. Though my lord did teach me: diplomacy is a conversation, not a Noh play. It takes two, after all."

Daiki's vocalised doubts about his own Clan surprised Temujin. The Crane moved from his point before he could give an evasive reply, but he mustered his thoughts. For now, he listened attentively.

The sunburnt scout chuckled warmly at the mention of stuffy samurai. As much a deft presentation as a personal observation, given Daiki's direct facets.

"Indeed I do, even within my own Clan. Some Moto would draw their blades if you even suggested moving their hunting trophies from their yurts."

Refilling the cups, he spoke in a free but even manner while he poured.

"As it so happens, Doji-san, I thought similarly. The past ambassador, may he do better in his next life, leaned into the foreignness of our Clan. As much to honour our traditions as to display their splendour to visitors. Certainly a means to impress and disorient, but not ideal when one seeks understanding. Though of course, he is far from the only one to take that approach."

Setting the pot down, he faced Daiki with a respectful nod.

"I think it's a splendid idea, worth bringing to our superiors. However hard we try, what we consider 'normal' is, alas, a little too much too soon for many; a traditional eye would be fortune-sent."

Now he shared the reply he had in his mind, the thoughts assembled to charge.

"And if your Clan would honour us with their skill, I am certain it would go very well. I admire the Crane's willingness to account for others' tastes instead of replacing them. It truly is a shame when those they meet can't see this goodwill. Even among my own Clan."

The subtext of their first exchange was clear. He knew it could also be seen as a backhanded comment about 'rarely displayed goodwill', but he chose to return the trust in their rapport.

||
Josephine
**"Then it is as good as done!"** Replied Daiki, clapping his hands lightly in a note of finality on the matter. **"I know of a few artisans who went a different route than I with their schooling who I am sure would embrace the challenge. Much as I had to tie the themes of your different styles of sword together in your tanto, I shall instruct them to lean into unique traditions while embracing that which brings all Rokugani together."**

With that settled, Daiki lifted his tea cup and drained its contents. Setting down his cup, he rose to his feet. **"Well, I have imposed upon your hospitality enough for one day,"** He said, knowing very well that Temujin had not insinuated in any sense that his welcome was worn out.

*Still, this visit was unannounced. I am sure he has no shortage of duties to see to, nor do I.*

**"Please, feel free to visit our embassy at your leisure,"** Daiki said, offering a deep bow. **"Friends are always welcome. I am a busy man these days, but with some warning I can make myself available to at least catch up on how the redecorating is going."**
||
Gladys
The Shinjo nodded appreciatively with a similar level of enthusiasm as the Doji, brightly replying "If their eyes are as honed as yours, then I shall greatly look forward to the result!"

Though not exactly an artistic person, cooperation was something he valued greatly. Besides: Pretty colour and decoration make brain happy.

Finally, the tea was consumed, and to the last drop, signifying the end of proceedings rather than leaving a sip for a refill. Temujin rose with Daiki, quietly nodding once in acknowledgement. He gave a few quick orders to their attending servant to retrieve any of the Doji's belongings he left with the help and meet them at the outer entrance.

"Very well, Doji-san, I shall not keep you, though please allow me the honour of seeing you off." Temujin replied as he turned back to the Crane with a hospitable expression. "But this was a most pleasant visit indeed. I thank you for your offer, and make the same to you and your Clan. Our doors will always be open to those who come in peace and friendship."

Gesturing with one hand, the scout would lead Daiki along the path they came from, making a turn to the main road leading back to the outer entrance. He set an average pace, neither leisurely nor hasty, but it would be sufficient to give the servants time to gather Daiki's things and present them.

"And certainly," He said with more warmth enveloping his courtesy as they trod the paved path, "*I* Always enjoy making time to catch up with friends."

Not a firm statement with the pressure of friendly ties. But a soft way to express his view of their partnership; thankfully, an approach Ide-sama cultivated on top of his childhood instinct of just saying *"Hey, we're friends now, right?"*

*Hm. A Lion and a Unicorn both carry steel forged by a Crane. Is that a kind of poetic kinship? ...Eh, I'll leave that to the actual poets. But it's a nice thought*

||