Julia
It was a good day of work at the Temple Quarter. Khulan had introduced Itu to the other priests and monks she had grown acquainted with, and showed him what she did. He might notice that her prayers out in public were different from those she offered among the Unicorns, spoken in the language of the Empire rather than Mekhem, as commonly used by their Clan.

"Good work today, Shinjo-san." Khulan said encouragingly as they strode through the street towards the Residence. "You remained vigilant as I showed you around."

As the entrance grew in their sight, they could identify figures more clearly. Two were *Ashigaru* Guarding the place, but a third approached from the opposite side as them.

The incoming man stood a little taller than Khulan, but not overly so, leading a storm-grey steed by the reins, a horsebow and quiver slung along its saddle. He wore standard Unicorn scouting gear, a mix of a purple-brown tunic with dark pants and tough, fur-lined boots, and also carried one of the slender, curved scimitars their Clan was (in)famous for.

And as they drew closer, his features stood out more clearly. He and Khulan shared a windswept appearance marked by weather and nature, but his complexion was more tanned. And while her expression was most often like that of a serene pond, his was more like a running river. His movements held a fluid grace, but despite his easygoing smile, his blue eyes (markedly rare in the Empire, but less so among their Clan) were still vigilant and observant.

Khulan bowed respectfully before him with a warm smile.

"Ah. Good day to you, cousin. Have you eaten rice today?"

He smiled and returned the gesture, then rose with a hand extended for shaking, as their Clan normally did.

"Indeed I have. And the same to you, Nee-sama."

If the address surprised Khulan, she didn't show it as she firmly shook his hand. Instead, both looked to Itu, Khulan sweeping the same hand towards him after the handshake.

"Shinjo-san," She said to the younger guardian, "Allow me to introduce my cousin, Shinjo Temujin."

Temujin repeated his gesture, bowing and rising to offer a hand. Realisation dawned on him early, and he spoke with a friendly tone like he was welcoming a friend. His words and manners were certainly proper, but less formal than Khulan's.

"You must be Ide-san's new guardian. Good to meet you!"

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Dixie
All the way back from the meeting Itu was vigilant, walking close to Khulan yet not too close and observing surroundings for potential danger. Fortunately they both arrived to Ide Residence without issues and now were safe from any danger, more so when a man approached them, one that looked quite intimidating, but maybe because of his rather outlandish clothing rather than posture.

He observed their greeting and when it came to know he is Cousin of Khulan, he raised an eyebrow. Only then he heard the name of a man. The same name other Shinjo mentioned.

As in custom, Itu greeted Temujin with a proper bow and then shaking his hand.

"Likewise, Shinjo-sama. I am Shinjo Itu, it's an honor to finally meet you. Shinjo Sumire spoke very highly about you", he spoke in rather formal manner, trying not to embarass himself or insult the experienced Shinjo in front of him. "I must say, you are exactly how I imagined you to be. In positive way and with respect of course", he spoke, this time trying to be less formal but again giving a slight bow in case Temujin would feel offended.
Julia
Temujin saw the young man attempting to observe his courtesies. Stiff, but definitely sufficient. He returned the favour with a small but honest smile.

"I doubt I warrant a -sama," He said with humour in his tone, "But she is most kind to say, Shinjo-san. I hope to be worthy of that praise." 

The casual tone warmed into welcoming warmth. The sense of the open hand welcoming a new meeting.

"Likewise, my cousin tells me you're a most able protector. I thank you for keeping her in your care."

The cousins exchanged a brief look, and Khulan turned to her *Yojimbo* As they entered the Residence.

"I shall return to my quarters and reflect on the day's duties, Shinjo-san." Khulan said, a common routine. "Thank you for your service; you're free for the rest of the day."

The Ide normally stuck around a bit to check in on her guardian and give him a chance to voice his thoughts, further familiarise him with their duties. But today seemed to be one of the days when she simply took her leave.

But while the woman departed with polite farewells, the scout faced Itu with a look of gentle curiosity.

"So, how are you finding your time in this city, Shinjo-san? Saw any interesting places or people so far?"

With a more casual Unicorn, he might have been more openly sympathetic to how hard it could be to adjust. But he avoided touching on troubles and doubts for now until the young man's confidence was on surer footing.

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Dixie
"It is an honor to be of service to Clan and even greater honor to be Ide-sama's personal Yojimbo. I deserve no praise for simply doing my duty, Shinjo-sama", Itu replied to Temujin's thanks for protecting Khulan.

"Besides mentioned Shinjo-sama, Honorable Utaku-sama and Ide-sama, I did not have opportunity to meet with anyone outside of duty", Itu responded. "As for the city... It's quite bigger than the one near my family residence. And far dangerous as well. It may sound like nothing from person like me, but I swear that I will do anything in my power to protect Ide-sama from harm, even if that would mean my own demise", Itu said and bowed his head to Temujin. 

Being polite and respectful to others was surely a good touch but Itu seemed to be too much focused on being like that, as if he had reason for it and it was more than clear. Temujin, if he'd try to think about it, could see it. A secret reason for Itu to act like that. Yet it was up to the other Shinjo to ask the question or not. After all, they were in safe place were Itu's secret would be safe to reveal.

"As for places, I have spent short time with Shinjo Sumire in one of tea-shops. I will remember the place surely, for it seemed quite to my liking." Itu said. 

Itu seemed rather serious and formal in the conversation, but he was too young to blame it on his age. He looked as regular Rokugani and dressed as regular samurai, with exception of the mistletoe branch pushed behind his belt.
Julia
The scout nodded in approval. The young man was dutiful, and aware of the city's dangers, even with its reputation. Though there was something about his words which roused Temujin's intuition.

*Not that our Clan can't express our Sincerity, but he seems to be trying quite hard. Especially for his age.*


That curiosity made its way onto his expression. Temujin was naturally expressive, though training and Duty had cultivated appropriate restraint. It passed after a moment, however, returning to his relaxed, welcoming demeanour.

"That is good, Shinjo-san. A dutiful protector is an excellent one." Temujin replied encouragingly. "And it is good that you've had time for tea with a Clanmate; moments of peace help us to uphold our duties."

Encouraging words. But also honestly meant.

*Let's not ask him just yet, though. He might answer without hesitation, but I'd prefer he come to trust us.*

Beckoning the young man to follow with a slight gesture, the outrider led Itu through the Residence while asking his next question.

"So, if I may ask, where did you study the blade? Were you trained with our Clan's scouts like I was, or perhaps with the duellists of the Ide?"

He was doing more than holding a conversation, however. He was also subtly, gradually leading Itu towards the inner dojo.

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