Carrie
The meeting with Kazuko had gone as well as he could have hoped. And just as he promised, after a quick wash and a change of clothes, Shinjo Temujin immediately departed to seek out the stoic-seeming Shinjo Inadoma.

*Assigned to look into the Dragons. Carries himself differently from most Shinjo. Married into the Clan? But he is a trusted samurai, and that's what matters.*

Following the directions he was given, he moved past the inner parts of the Ide Residence, going from bulb-capped buildings and fields hosting yurts, and into the stone and wood of Ryoko Owari Toshi proper. It wasn't an exceedingly long journey, but he did note the contrasts immediately, even if it was a home within their domains.

Temujin stepped towards the entrance of his fellow Unicorn's home. Finding the first servant around to receive him, he greeted them with a polite bow. Sadly, the urgency of the task prompted him to cut out his usual small talk.

"Greetings. May I speak with Shinjo Inadoma-sama? Please inform him that Shinjo Temujin is here on official Clan business."

Temujin extracted the letter from the folds of his tunic, showing it to the servant. He offered them a good look, but did not transfer the missive to them.

*Caution is wise, even all the way in our territory. If what I'd heard of him in passing are true, he might appreciate that.*

"If your master requires proof of my reasons, you may mention this letter bearing Utaku Kazuko-sama's official seal."

With one last bow and a genuine word of thanks to Inadoma's servant, Temujin prepared to wait.

*Most of us prefer yurts. But this looks more like a traditional residence. If not for my time with the Ide, it might have surprised me.*

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Lewis
A servant, who had just finished purchasing and bringing a few satchels of food for the evening was the first to greet Temujin. They approached when greeted and followed with a bow to the Bushi, as the woman rose she folded by hands over one another as they listened closed. With a short glance to the letter, they nodded. `"I shall inform Shinjo-sama."` They stated before bowing and turning to enter through the front door.

To the right of Temujin were a pond that took up the corner of the exterior courtyard, homing a small school of docile fish with a stream leading down the right side of the homestead. The aquatic life were cut off from the stream, forced to confine themselves within the pond alone. Furthermore, an extremely well kept and groomed row of flowers covered the bottom of the front wall, either side of the front entrance. A myriad of chrysanthemums, camellias and wistera flowers kept in mint condition.

After some time, the servant returned through the front door bowing to Temujin. `"Shinjo-sama will see you now."` She stated, expecting Temujin to follow her into the machiya. Once they did, she brought him to the room in which the family dined. Inadoma was presently sat on a cushion at the head of the chabudai table, taking in a light huff from his gray metal kiseru pipe as the servant led Temujin into the room. The door remained open, the servant still present in the room off to the side against a wall.

Inadoma let out a small and controlled stream of smoke for a couple seconds, expressing a relaxed look as he placed the kiseru down on the table in its designated spot, the smoke eventually ceasing to rise from its end after some time without use. He looked up to Temujin, a brief and professional smile rising through his face as he offered a seat for him to sit. `"It is a pleasure to meet with you on such a fine day. Tea?"` He offered, moving his hand to signal the tea set that were placed in the centre of the table.
Carrie
Temujin was shown in and willingly submitted his *Daisho* For safe-keeping, as was courteous. Moving in, he remained observant of the home. With silent appreciation, he glanced at the small pond and the garden. Symbolism might have eluded him, but he could appreciate its beauty and serenity.

*Good places to rest and reflect. Something he does in his free time? Or someone ese in his household?*

Finally, he was escorted in, and there before him was the Shinjo he saw at the Clan's meeting. He sat with a smoking pipe, and seemed to take a few seconds to himself.

*Simply a hobby, or giving him time to study me?*

Nevertheless, Temujin returned the smile with one that was properly controlled; Unicorns may have been more free with their expressions, but there was no harm in being proper here.

The wiry outrider bowed deeply but smoothly; he may be the most veteran scout present in the Residence, but it was right (and prudent) to give the older samurai greater respect. Particularly if he was a magistrate trusted with whatever this matter was.

"The pleasure is mine, Shinjo-sama. Thank you for seeing me."

When he was given leave to sit, he would take a seat opposite Inadoma.

"Thank you for the offer. Tea would be lovely."

*Remember. Let your seniors and superiors set the pace.*

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Lewis
Inadoma signalled for the servant to pour a cup for both him and Temujin, the servant gracefully stepping forward to grasp the teapot and serve the two. From the teapot, a smooth stream of Gyokuro were poured equally into each cup, the servant returning the teapot to its resting place before back stepping to the wall, hands clasped together in front of them. Inadoma took the cup of tea in his hand, taking a short sip before placing the cup back down precisely where it previously was. He silently smacked his lips, the strong taste of the Gyokuro dispelling the taste of tobacco in his mouth.

`"Let us proceed.. What is the nature of this meeting?"` He looked back up to Temujin with a sharp look, one of focus as he finally finished flowing from his more relaxed demeanour into a stricter style now that the meeting had officially begun. He intended to know the meaning of what Temujin were here for so that he could command his servant to depart depending on its secrecy.
Carrie
*Not much small talk other than some hospitality. I can respect that.*

He took a moment to look about. Temujin's first thought was that a Clanmate's own personal household should be secure, but he also understood the importance of discretion.

*For a duty I know little about.*

Still, the younger scout did face his host and senior with a nod.

"Very well, Shinjo-sama. I am here by Utaku Kazuko-sama's command. To put it briefly, she mentioned that you had a duty of some delicacy and bade me to assist."

The point was loosed, left to be considered. Smoothly, Temujin reached towards his own cup and took a civil sip, setting it down before him again. Stronger than the usual teas he liked, but not bad.

*He knows what it is, even if I don't. I'll leave it to him to decide how to approach it. And he already knows I have the letter; no need to parade it unless he's reluctant.*

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Lewis
After Temujin finished speaking, he held out an open hand to his left towards the servant. `"The letter."` He stated, informing the servant on how to proceed as they approached the side of Temujin, holding out a hand themselves to take the letter and hand it to Inadoma across the table.

To fill the void of time and silence to come, and to avoid speaking on a subject that would be better spoken of in secrecy, Inadoma spoke. `"How has your time in Ryoko Owari Toshi been, Shinjo-san?"` A simple piece of small talk, Inadoma knowing that Temujin were reasonably knew to the city. Though he were certain that a scout such as him most likely knew the city better then him.
Carrie
Temujin nodded, handing the letter to the servant, facing them with a mild but polite nod. He had been cautious earlier given the apparent delicacy of this task, but as he suspected, he could ease up within his Clanmate's home.

While it was passed to the servant's master, Temujin turned back to the older samurai, considering the question while being aware of its purpose.

"It has been quite the education, Shinjo-sama," He replied with practiced composure. "I have seen much along its streets and paths, like they're a wilderness of their own. And yet I know there is even more to find."

He left his words on the matter there with care; even within a Clan known for its frank honesty, it was still wise to practice restraint. The subtext of what one could find in Ryoko Owari Toshi was quite clear.

Careful words aside, however, the Shinjo scout actually allowed himself a mild but sincere smile.

"Even so, the Fortunes have blessed me, and I've come to know some honourable samurai. Some I would even call friends."

He held back on asking a returning question; they may have both been samurai, but he was his senior, and quite possibly a Clan magistrate? Certainly the one taking the lead in whatever delicate task this was. And he would also only discuss it when Inadoma deemed it proper.



||
Lewis
Inadoma inspected the letter, seeing that it were a simple proclamation to establish Temujin as legitimate. He nodded, folding back up the letter and placing it aside. `"It brings me comfort to know that you have grown familiar with this city and its people."` He gave a look to the servant accompanied by a subtle hand gesture as the woman bowed to both of them before leaving, moving to the door and sliding it shut after slipping through the door way. Ultimately, Inadoma believed it would be better for the servant to the ignorant to the situation, rather then arrogant. 

`"This city has many layers with many more secrets.. I find myself attached to it in a strange way, its mystique is palpable."` He noted, his left hand finding its way gracefully upward as he spoke, gesturing to accompany his speech. `"My family has adjusted well enough to living here. They enjoy the scenery, the people. It were a wise choice to move here."` He gave a brief chuckle through his nose, breaking eye contact as he looked up and to the left as if imagining something,

 `"My eldest son has found an unlikely love for travelling into the temple quarter to study the structures. He wishes to take up painting soon to depict some of the temples he is most fond of."` A clearly genuine and warming smile melted onto Inadomas face, his eyes not making contact with Temujin for a moment before he eventually moved his gaze back onto Temujin, coming to the realisation that he had spiraled into a ramble about his family. 

`"Apologizes for another one of my familial rambles.. Let us proceed with the meeting at hand."` He said with a slight shuffle in his seat, his smile coming down slowly, `"What have you been told by Utaku-sama?"` He opened with, knowing that Temujin were here to help with his upcoming investigation, but wishing to know where the gaps in knowledge were so that he may fill them in,
Carrie
The younger Shinjo smiled at his senior's reverie; among the things Temujin appreciated, true bonds of family were most precious indeed.

*Interesting. He connects to secrets? Wonder how that attitude will apply to this duty and his skills. But it is good he has family to ground him.*

The moment passed, and Inadoma's focus returned. With a short nod, Temujin met the man's gaze, inwardly musing that his sharp features belied the moments of calm and relaxed emotion he saw. His expression shifted subtly, his eyes vigilant and alert to show his focus and awareness that this was an important matter.

"Only that it is a matter of some delicacy that you were assigned to, Shinjo-sama. Though I gather from the lack of information that discretion is not just vital, but necessary."

*Her words were 'reliable and discreet'. Most relevant qualities at the time?*

The second part might not have been strictly needed. But the younger Shinjo theorised that if he had no other information, the least he could do is show his mind was not idle.

He'd hold off on the fervent affirmations of loyal service, though. He wasn't a *Lion*.

||
Lewis
`"I know that you are a trusted individual, and if we are to be working together I would prefer we are both on the same page of understanding."` He said, interlacing both hands together as he leaned more into the conversation. He stared at Temujin, a sense of constant analysis filling his mind as Inadoma were extremely vigilant in his sight and perception of him. He were looking for any small, tiny indications of what kind of character Temujin was. Including taking note of how his eyes moved onto each word Inadoma spoke, no matter how minor they were.

`"In recent time, a man named Gunso Moto Orichi has entered the eyesight of the clan. They were once a member of Ide Nakato's entourage, having travelled here to Ryoko Owari Toshi with the objective of spirit hunting. Furthermore, Orichi themself served as an officer to an elite task force in Medinaat."` He informed, indicating the risk of the situation. All the while analysing Temujin to see how he would respond to the challenge. `"After his departure upon witnessing Ide Nakatos death, he has vanished. We know that he holds a resentment to his kin, and an even greater resentment towards the Scorpion.. This means that he is an unknown variable. A dangerous spark that could light a deadly fuse. We cannot allow him to proceed unchecked. He travels alongside two others who are married to one another. Named Gansukh and Yargui."` He gave the background information and context, informing Temujin of who it was they were going after and their capabilities.

 `"Our mission is to travel to the last known location, track down the targets, and convince them to return to their senses."` He stated, his words already firm as he spoke. While speaking he briefly closed his eyes, but his final line of dialogue were delivered with much more potency in his voice. `"No blood is to be spilt."` He finished.

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Carrie
Before, while he sat and kept his gaze upon his host, there would always be some small reactions. The raising of a brow, the opening and closing of a hand, understated gestures of animated movement. Enough to show that while his manners were practiced, he was a scout who was used to being in fluid motion, with an open personality.

When Inadoma began describing their assignment, however, Temujin's expression grew serious and his movements were stilled. As if his tendency to study his surroundings was focused upon a single point. His eyes wore grave acknowledgement born from awareness of the context, but there was steely determination and a fiery curiosity. Inadoma would already be able to see he was thinking as he was listening.

*So we have to find this man, and bring him back to the present before he reignites the past's flames. Shinjo's Law is in effect, so we can't draw blood or risk violence. First we have to find them, and they've had a headstart.*

Finally, the older investigator finished his briefing. With a nod, Temujin bowed deeply.

"Understood, Shinjo-sama. I am at your command."

*Good thing Masanori-sama had me scout in my early duties; that means we're not totally in the dark.*

Rising again, Temujin's expression was one of preparedness. The circumstances were grim, but he wasn't deterred by that.

"If I may ask, where was Moto-san last seen? Hopefully, I may have some familiarity with the area from my patrols."

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