Darlene
By the still waters of the residence's koi pond, a calm and serene shugenja sat placidly. In her hands, a cup of milk tea. By her side, a pot of said milk tea.

As she enjoyed the creamy mildness of this particular blend, she sighed contentedly. She had just finished another round of studies in the arts of healing under Ide Nobuko. As always, it was hours spent memorising a long series of treatments, herbs, ailments, and the like, and why they worked to heal or harm. And after that, putting that knowledge to the test on an imaginary patient.

True, while with the Baraunghar, her focus had been on spellcraft and logistics. There was no shame in specialisation. However, she had always wished she had more time to properly cultivate her skills as a healer. Not just to help her unit and her Clan, but because she had always admired those who could help fix this broken world a little better.

Her eyes traced the movements of the fish, how it went from a pattern to randomness, as she reflected on her time here so far. She had brushed up on her spells and done her best to honour the ways of her husband's Clan, even if her duties hadn't yet pitted her against the forces of Fu Leng. And of course, she did her part to offer proper thanks to those close to Temujin.

*We have moments of peace like this. But still waters can grow turbulent in this city of sin. Especially in the wake of such disasters as the former Ambassador's death and the young Phoenix's disaster. We have much to do.*

But for now, it was time to take a breath and enjoy her favourite kind of tea. It wasn't her father's home, but it was a most welcome oasis to her.

||
Carl
Another day drifted towards its close, and Masanori found himself once more desiring the respite of solitude. He had spent much of the day as he had in the days prior: delegating commands through the burgeoning network of Unicorn forces in the city. Whether it was seeing that the embassy's security remained honed as a razor—fraught as their position in a den of Scorpions was—or carefully laying the groundwork for the clan's many planned excursions in the region, many of the Utaku's waking hours were dedicated to shuffling from location to location, from yurt to yurt, meeting with subordinates and peers alike. For one who had long prided himself in conforming to the quiet dignity of his ancestors, it was an oft-grating thing. 

Places to find solace were far and few in between, however. A city, by definition, was a densely packed environment. Some establishments prided themselves in providing a level of serenity and calm amongst the bustle of the city, yet their scarcity often made securing them all the more difficult. 

Except for one.

For all the differences he had with the Ide, the breadth of their residence, which had served as the nerve center of the Unicorn amidst the city's sprawl, was something he could unequivocally appreciate. The high walls around its perimeter not only allowed for a level of safety for those who inhabited it but also allowed for rare sanctuary. Tucked within the sprawling camp of yurts and courtyards was a koi pond, sheltered from noise by tastefully manicured plants and cared for by the residence's diligent gardeners. The koi pond became an oasis for the lieutenant, whenever he needed time to himself to compose his thoughts and reflect upon the happenings of the day. 

But oases often acted as beacons for those in need, and as the young officer found his way to his treasured place of rest, he found it more occupied than he would have preferred.

"Iuchi-san," The disappointment Masanori felt was easily buried beneath his steely, stoic demeanor he projected, his eyes lingering on the mon the woman bore, "I did not realize you were here. Please, pardon my intrusion. The koi pond is often unattended at this time of day."

||
Darlene
Khulan was so lost in the patternless patterns of the koi that the other samurai's presence surprised her for a moment.

While she might have passed for an average Iuchi, Masanori's figure was certainly far more distinct, from his imposing height to his stoic mien. Jin-kun had described him to her, and from his words, he evidently held the man in great respect (though the fact that his and the Ambassador's airs of authority were able to intimidate her free-spirited cousin of all people was equally notable).

The shugenja rose and delivered a respectful bow appropriate for a superior. And indeed, she dressed as the Iuchi did, in a mix of flowing fabrics, jewellery, and familiar riding gear. As she stood, the *Mon* Of the Ide's open hand was clear on her left sleeve.

"Greetings, Utaku-sama. I am Ide Khulan of the Iuchi delegation," She greeted serenely. "It is no trouble at all; my apologies for taking up this space!"

The apology was sincere, but not overly long. Stepping aside, she gestured deferentially to the seat, her tea set resting upon it.

"I was just sitting down to some tea, but I can make myself scarce if you wish."

||
Carl
It was a strange enough thing, to mistake the identity of one of the embassy's inhabitants. Masanori had grown somewhat accustomed to the sight of the Iuchi's number—after all, the son of their daimyo would one day become his very own brother-in-law. Ide Khulan certainly looked the part, yet she instead carried the very name of the residence they inhabited. Perhaps she had married out of her kinfolk? An unusual thing for a shugenja, but the Unicorn were something of an oddity when it came to most all Rokugani cultural norms. The towering Utaku offered a polite bow in return.

"You need not vacate the premises on my account, Ide-san. You arrived here long before I did."

Unwilling to displace another as he was, it seemed as though his meditation would instead occur within the solitude of his quarters. As his eyes drifted over the small space his clansmen had set up for herself, however, he reconsidered. Not for a particular want of company. Rather, because of the company Khulan made herself. 

It was no secret that the Iuchi were amongst the foremost scholars of mystic curios in all the Empire. None save the Phoenix could boast as wide a breadth of knowledge of strange spiritual matters, and their zealous adherence to orthodoxy all but assured that what they *Did* Know was unlikely to be shared with outsiders. Especially outsiders who had humiliated them in a matter of honor only weeks ago.

Perhaps speaking with Makoto directly would have been an easier thing, given their familiarity with one another. But the poor man had his hands full with Kazuko and the matter of their engagement, undoubtedly. In his place, one of his subordinates would do.

"Regretful as I am to interrupt your contemplation, it would be remiss of me to not broach a recent matter of... Spiritual interest with a member of your delegation. Perhaps you might lend me your ear and offer your thoughts?"

||
Darlene
The Ide-trained-by-Iuchi acknowledged the response. With their bows given, they now faced each other.

Masanori's imposing physical figure gave her the impression of someone very disciplined, and very much in control of himself. In his own way, he honoured the stoic legacy of his family's founder. In fact, he reminded her of Jin-kun's older brother, Mifune. 

*And much like Mifune-san, he'd best take care not to break himself through service.*

She kept that insight to herself, however; leave each to carry their own burdens, and all that.

So when he asked her if she would hear his question, inwardly, she was glad. The man had the sense to ask, at least for that which he might lack knowledge.

There seemed to be no change to her expression. She took it in harmonious stride, and nodded calmly.

"It is no trouble at all, Utaku-sama." Khulan replied warmly. "I would be glad to offer my ear, and my counsel if you ask."

*Hm. I have yet to peruse all of our Clan's reports. But by the sound of it, it seems this is more than religious curiosity.*

||
Carl
It was a reassuring thing to hear that the Ide would hear his concerns. It was not as if she had much choice in the matter, given his position within the embassy, but a career officer understood that throwing one's rank around was often a quick way to sour relations. The hulking Utaku settled himself neatly atop the soft, well-groomed grass that surrounded the koi pond and considered how best to phrase that which had added to his worries since the fateful day the Isawa saw fit to nearly strike him down with lightning.

"Shortly before your arrival to the city, there was an incident in the Leatherworker's Quarters. I will not bore you with the specifics of the inciting incident, but a rather grievous abuse of the kami saw a young hinin girl struck down in a flash of lightning. It was a terrible thing to witness—that she lived long enough to beg for death was something of a miracle in and of itself."

The memory was a foul one. If he lingered on the memories long enough he could still feel her in his arms. Still *Smell* Her singed hair and burnt flesh as he raced her through the streets toward salvation.

"I could give her that mercy. Whether you consider it a weakness or an act of pragmatism—the girl had information I required, after all—matters not. I scooped her up in my arms and I hurried to the nearest source of aid I could think of. An enigmatic figure who makes their roost in the underbelly of the city, under the pseudonym 'Silver'."

Thoughts of the irreverent criminal mastermind soured his otherwise steely mien, but Masanori continued regardless. His troublesome tale had yet to reach the inquiry he needed to make.

"Distasteful though I found them, I had made their acquaintance in the course of my work here in the city. They had expressed a desire to me during that time: they wished to protect the community they had made their own. The hinin of the city. It stood to reason, therefore, that they would provide aid to this poor, dying girl. She was one of their people."

A sigh left his lips.

"And they did. She was well beyond the point of return. Even the shugenja I found amidst their company could do little to stabilize the child. But Silver managed it... And how they managed it is the origin of my concern. The Iuchi are known as great travelers—few can boast of having trodden the places your masters and their masters before them have. But have they left this realm? Can one of your talents so easily leave this world of ours behind and go somewhere... Else?"

||
Darlene
Khulan listened patiently, her expression level and serene even through its most vivid details. 

She took care not to judge or interrupt; that wasn't her place as a subordinate. Still, it did give her context on the kind of man Masanori was, paired with what Jin-kun shared. From his words, which he had no reason to embellish, she saw the tense combination of military pragmatism and compassion.

"My thanks for entrusting me with this tale, Utaku-sama. I shall do my best to answer it."

The Ide delved deep into her stores of knowledge, cupping her chin in thought. A process which was blessedly swift, given her scholar's mind. She had to be prepared to answer any question in an instant.

Histories. Tales. Traditions. She recalled every story and teaching of the Old Masters that survived to be passed down, knowledge hard-earned and built over 700 years of wandering. Each encounter with foreign magic adding to their lore, evolving their arts into the Way of Names.

Finally, she gave the *Chui* Her full attention and spoke.

"What was achieved *Is* Possible. But in so short a time, with such lethal wounds, it would require either incredibly powerful magic... Or bargains I dare not even consider." Khulan explained. "*Meishodo* Offers speed, but power comes through one's connection to the kami."


The arch of her brows creased in thought.

"As for the Old Masters... While I believe they are in Yomi, it *Is* Possible their spirits could have taken different paths," She admitted, the idea's implications worrisome. "Iuchi travel magic, *Ugoki*, focuses on traversing space, and in our Exodus, we found many forms of magic some consider to be unnatural. Including in preserving one's body or spirit."


||
Carl
"I know it is possible to achieve, Ide-san. The girl left that den of villainy on her own two legs and accompanied me back to this very residence. She still inhabits it."

There was a certain edginess to Masanori's voice as he responded, a frustration that what he received seemed to answer comparatively little of what he had sought. Perhaps it was unfair to expect such an answer without the benefit of firsthand experience. Steeling himself against his vexation, he spoke once more.

"I am no shugenja. I cannot say definitively what occurred in that building. That Silver saw fit to dismiss the only one capable of communing with the kami before working whatever magic they did indicates to me a purposeful decision to conceal the nature of that magic. But I am certain that whatever spellcraft they wove took them elsewhere. Somewhere more... Primal than the realm we inhabit."

He allowed himself the mercy of a sigh before continuing.

"It is not my inclination to pry further into the affairs of that entity than is strictly required. I am sure they prefer as much as well—for better or for worse. But I must pry far enough to ensure that whatever magic they employ is not the foulness that our southernmost neighbors are so accustomed to combatting. Do you believe you could assist me in ascertaining that much?"

||
Darlene
*Hm. Utaku-sama is most careful to control himself.*

If Khulan was surprised by Masanori's frank reiteration of his experiences, she gave no outward sign. The Ide simply serenely listened to him voice his other thoughts, as much out of courtesy as out of rank.

When he was done speaking of this great unknown, Khulan nodded with a small smile. Not so much for the state of affairs as to see that he had the good sense to see that this matter should not be pursued recklessly, but still needed investigating.

*Kojima-kun might quite respect Utaku-sama's demeanour.*

"Of course, Utaku-sama. My primary duties, of course, are to facilitate a proper study of *Meishodo*," She replied, "And to be a representative of the healing and compassion of our Clan's shugenja."

Having given that necessary aside, she bowed respectfully to the Clan's head of military matters.

"But should you require my assistance, I am most willing to give it, and convince my superiors that it should be done." Khulan said, rising as she did so. Her expression was one of preparedness, unperturbed by possibilities. "After all, it also potentially concerns the spiritual welfare of this city."

The tiniest lift of one of her mouth's corners gave any indication that she had her husband on her mind, whose duties were once focused on scouting out such things.

||
Carl
"I do not believe Silver would tolerate your presence even if I were to bring you to them. They are a cautious sort in that way."

It was difficult to say which ate at Masanori's patience more: that Silver's unique brand of evasiveness vexed him so, or that his vexation only seemed to amuse them all the greater. He would eventually need to pry some semblance of truth out of them if they were to continue down the path of mutually beneficial cooperation, that much was certain. But the last thing he needed was to overstep and send them squirming ever more into the Scorpion's corner. It was already irritant enough that they seemed to be intent on playing both sides of the brewing conflict.

"Until such a time as I can arrange such a meeting, perhaps there is another way. The girl I mentioned? Part of the deal I made with Silver to ensure that she lived saw me taking her under my protection. She currently serves as an assistant to the stablemaster here at the residence. I have ensured a close watch is kept on her, lest Silver think I would so easily accept an informant into our ranks. Until the arrival of the Iuchi delegation, I have had little opportunity to pry deeper into the nature of her ordeal. Perhaps you would be willing to meet with her? See what can be gleaned from her experiences?" 

||
Darlene
Khulan nodded in acknowledgement, her cup of tea left untouched. It was indeed quite inspiring to see the Utakus leading them at work; she did not glorify war or conflict, but their cultivated excellence as they dissected threats and formulated plans was a great asset to the Clan.

"I would indeed, Utaku-sama," She confirmed. True, an order was an order. But the man had sense enough to care about how he spoke to his subordinates.

Having given her agreement, Khulan straightened up, and her expression grew focused. Before there was serenity and calm even as she recalled the lore she studied. Now there was direction, and a sense of progress.

"Will you be with us when I meet this girl? And I gather you would prefer I only use my spells in an emergency? The investigative powers of the kami are great, but could also risk early detection by this Silver."

||
Carl
The Utaku allowed himself a moment of consideration before offering his response.

"Perhaps it is best. I cannot claim she is comfortable around me, nor any samurai. She was—and still *Is*—a hinin. It is to be expected that she go in fear of us, especially given her upbringing in a city ruled by the Scorpion."

It was a sad thing to admit, but a truthful thing all the same. Their contemporaries had not undergone the deprivations that the Ki-Rin had over the course of their exodus which led to their descendants valuing their spiritual lessers all the more. Within the borders of the Emerald Empire, where there was plenty, the lower castes could be considered disposable assets rather than necessary ones. That led to more than a few regrettable actions on the part of their fellows in the other clans.

"Still. I believe I have cultivated some goodwill with her as a result of my actions on that terrible day, and the fair treatment she has received since. I would request that you refrain from using your spellcraft on her unless she has offered her consent. This entire affair began with a shugenja of the Phoenix recklessly unleashing the kami on her without warning or warrant: I do not wish to put her through such an ordeal again."

||
Darlene
Khulan nodded in acknowledgement. Thankfully, as much as the Iuchi encouraged liberal research and delighting in the kami's gifts, restraint and humility were also essential lessons. She would have no trouble holding back unless the girl gave permission.

"Understood, Utaku-sama," She said with a short bow. "Then a gentler approach is called for. If luck is on our side, words will suffice to learn more from her."

It was a regrettable state of affairs that the *Heimin* And *Hinin* Had to live with fear, but part and parcel of life in the Emerald Empire... Even if most peasants generally don't have to worry about an Isawa unleashing excessive elemental force on them.

Khulan kept her eyes on her superior, rather than glancing over to the koi pond. Thoughts and ideas were forming in her mind, and she chose her words with due consideration.

"Is there anything more I should know about this girl, and the events surrounding her? Does she have family, or contact with her previous circles before coming here?"

First things first: The more she knew about this girl, the easier it would be to form a connection. By all accounts so far, she was being treated fairly yet securely. And she was working in a place which, while kinder than any other she had likely been in, still held the weighty realities of class and past trauma.

||
Sharon
Kiyoko was at the stables, and out of the few hinin that shoveled up the animal droppings, she was the only one that was chipper and happy about it. She was definitely an oddball out of the bunch; being the girl that was struck down by Osano-wo only to bear his markings and grow about a foot in height and cured of all ailments was definitely an odd feature to have. But, that also attributed to her cheerful disposition: The fortunes themselves paid attention to her, even if it was violently; why be depressed and sad when she knew that even hinin could get the fortune's eye upon them? 

And so, she sang a made-up, off-tune song as the Samurai came for her. _"Take all the droppings, put 'em over there! 'Thanks' says Odobi-chan, and all the other mares! Watch out for Katami-sama, cuz she likes to kick! One time she kicked Touru-sama in the-_ Ah!" 

She was mid scoop when she spotted Utaku Masanori, the most intimidating but also her _favorite_ Samurai. Hard not to like a man that saved her life, after all. She quickly removed the droppings before prostrating herself, much too much as she had done many a time. "Honorable great Utuaku Masanori-sama! Hello again! I always have a moment for you, Great Utaku-sama. I'm pretty sure it's illegal not to!" She was veyr much not one to understand etiquette, or more she just took it to an extreme to be on the safe side. 

Kiyoko looked to the other samurai, the fair lady, and prostrated again. "Greetings, great Unicorn-sama! I'm the humble hinin Kyoko, and-" She stopped. "Wait, I'm supposed to wait until you say who you are, right? I messed that up, didn't I- wait, I just asked a question when I wasn't spoken to, right?!" She seemed ot be all sorts of flustered, truly a low-born orphan that didn't get taught the way these things should go. "Uh, I, um..." She fell silent, and prostrated. Again. 

||
Darlene
Most samurai in the Empire would balk at even looking at a *Hinin*. But Khulan was a Unicorn. Even when raised in a family that walked with the traditions of two worlds, she still appreciated those lower in the Celestial Order. Both for their service, and for their own sake. To do any less might have doomed Shinjo's Exodus.

What she didn't expect, however, was that the young girl would have been so... Cheerful. Especially given her circumstances.

Khulan's mother would wear her most intense Bad Magistrate scowl if she knew her daughter felt *Protective* Of this girl.

Speaking gently, Khulan's voice was clear enough to be heard even by a panicking, prostrating *Hinin*.

"All is forgiven, Kiyoko-san. Please, rise. I would very much like to meet you."

Whether the girl obliged or not, once the moment Khulan offered to rise had passed, she would begin with her proper introduction.

"I am Ide Khulan, a somewhat recent arrival of my Clan. It is a pleasure to meet someone who's so cheerful in their work; Ebisu himself surely smiles on such honest toil."

Of course, most of the lower castes knew the realities of the distance between them and the samurai above. But Khulan, for her part, spoke with, if not the same closeness, at least the same warmth as she used with those under her care.


For the time being, though, she stopped herself from explaining that she was a shugenja, given the girl's experiences. Right now, she would follow Utaku-sama's lead, her mind preparing what questions would be appropriate while she studied the girl's behaviour and physicality.

||
Carl
It seemed that a few short weeks within the safety of the residence's walls were not enough to break the young girl from a lifetime of fearful subservience. Perhaps it was for the better that she clung to some amount of the anxiety she felt: though the city's hinin population held an unbecoming amount of power compared to their contemporaries elsewhere, they were still the lowest of the low in a land ruled by overlords who had little patience for even a single misstep from their underlings. Intelligent choice though it was, seeing the girl kowtow to him at the mere mention of his need for her presence vexed the Utaku, however, and so he gestured with his hand for her to rise.

"Your diligence in observing proper etiquette is admirable, Kiyoko-san, but there is no need to fear reprisal. Ide-san is a kind woman, and she wishes to learn a little bit about the ordeal that brought you to us."

It was hard to say how fresh the memory lingered in the girl's mind. It had not been so very long ago that Masanori cradled her broken, blistered body through the streets of the Leatherworker's Quarter and delivered her to an enigmatic crimelord for salvation. Yet the scars she wore looked far older than the fresh burns that he could still almost smell. It was as if they had healed over many, many months, if not longer. All the more reason to find out just where that verdant realm beneath Silver's domain led.

"She is a priestess in service to the Unicorn, and so is better versed in theological matters than I. It is my hope that in speaking with her, you might better understand what happened after Silver-san spirited you away that fateful day."

||
Sharon
Kiyoko was relieved to see that the Great Masanori was kind enough to forgive her folly, and she was pleased that the Great Khulan. Both of them were kind enough, and with no feeling of being up to something. The Scorpion growing up always had a motive, it felt like, and too many times had she gotten burned in the process (ironically enough, it was the Phoenix that burned her the last time!). 

So, when Masanori explained the situation, she was amicable and receptive. "Of course! I'd be glad to help you boh, Great Unicorns!" She bowed as deeply as she could without being too obnoxious, and proceeded to try and recollect her situation. 

"I'm truly sorry, but I don't remember a lot about the first part. I angered Great Mighty Furious Osano-Wo so much that he struck me down, he did. And then I was actually, truly dead, I think. I could see myself, but I could see through my eyes, too?" 


She scratched her head, musing. "Hm... Yes, and then Great -but not as Great as you two, of course- Silver took me somewhere." Her eyes lit up a bit as she spoke on. "It was _beautiful._ It was a huge forest, but it wasn't scary at all! I remember waking up after some time, and I was bigger. I thought I was just healthier or something, but it turns out I was asleep for a while." 


"So, I stayed there with Silver as I healed. It took a long time to learn to move and all, and for this scar to heal... I thought it was ugly, but Silver said it was 'a sign of my purse o' veerance and ten aciidy to live.' I don't know what those words mean, really, but I _did_ learn a lot of other ones, and how to read, too! Oh, and talk to animals, I suppose, but Silver said I shouldn't do that often in front of Great Samurai, so they don't get angry at me." 
 

"You know, I never learned the name of the place, but Silver always said that it was safe, as long as I was with them. They really are a good, good thing. Whatever they are, they're very good." She made sure iterate that a few times. "Like, I'd say that even if they weren't human, I'd say they're great and shouldn't be harmed, but I'm just a silly hinin girl, so what do I know?" 
||Void 3 or Water 2: Kiyoko is definitely compassionate about SIlver, and is hamming it up to make sure no harm comes to them. Investigation 3: It's clear she's being honest, but she's also trying to be careful as to not betray Silver on anything specific they spoke of.
Darlene
The girl was certainly coming on strong. She knew that such blatant theatrics were usually a diversion, but from what, she couldn't quite say.


"It is as they said: You have a strong spirit, Kiyoko-san." Khulan commented in a sisterly manner. "I thank you for sharing this, and will try to help you understand."

Folding her hands together, she considered what she learned: an out-of-body experience, and transportation to a spiritual realm with signs of nature.

*Sounds like Chikushudo, especially if this gift with animals is real, but I'd have to read up to be sure. Such a feat does track with this Silver's abilities. The question is: What was their mood and motive?*

This turn of events seemed extremely fortuitous for the girl. Such miracles were rare, but possible. However, that it happened in Ryoko Owari Toshi rightly warranted proper investigation.

Looking between the girl and Masanori, the Ide spoke calmly, projecting that same welcoming calmness in her words. Her brown eyes fell upon the girl, though they were very much kind, rather than interrogative.

"Indeed, Kiyoko-san, you *Were* Brought to a different place. One where the healing could work on you much faster than it would here. Was there anything else in this forest?"

None of this bore the hallmarks of *Kansen* Or *Maho* So far... But such things could sometimes play very subtle, very long games.

She was no Kuni trained to hunt *Maho* And the Taint like in her husband's home Clan, but she was not without knowledge that would help her see if there were signs of the mystical in the girl's words and health. Both the sacred and the profane.


||
Carl
The loyalty which the young girl seemed to display towards Silver was almost admirable. Were it to a more trustworthy overlord, perhaps Masanori might have even respected her dedication. But a matter of split loyalty was a danger to all men and women, regardless of how high or low their birth. The best he could hope for was to try and endear himself and by extension, his kin to the young woman before such a point where she would be made to choose arrived before them. 

"Silver has little to fear from us, Kiyoko-san. Even if they are not wholly human."

The words were liable to sound heretical to the more zealous of the samurai caste. But the Unicorn knew well the value of allies from beyond Ningen-do—their ancestor's exodus had opened their eyes in ways that few conventional clan samurai could imagine. The business unfolding within the Shinomen was evidence of that. 

Still, he had brought Khulan along to question the girl with her superior expertise on such matters. Once he gave the nervous girl his assurances, Masanori retook his place to the aft of their conversation: he was an observer more than a participant, his presence only necessary to provide the hinin a level of comfort, for as much as it could provide her.

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Sharon
Kiyoko could tell she was caught half-fibbing, not telling the entire truth. She didn't want to get Silver in trouble. And she didn't want to get _herself_ in trouble, too. But, she knew one thing about Silver that surely these two didn't: they were very, _very_ smart, so they should be safe no matter what. 

"Okay," Kiyoko said, "I can try and think some more about this..." She put fingers to her head, trying to think hard about it. "Okay, let's see... There was a lot of animals. And they could speak to me, and I could speak to them, after awhile. Owls, not so much; they look very cute, but owls are mean! But, they were nice enough as long as Silver was around. 

"Except for the _foxes."_ She pouted a little, an annoyed scrunch on her face. "The foxes like to play pranks on me, all the time! They'd hide my lunch or reading scrolls, or trick me into saying bad words in bear or raccoon dog, and worst of all, Silver-sama just laughed along as well! I don't know what they thought was so funny, but they really liked the foxes."

Kiyoko sighed. "But, that's all I really remember. Talking animals, learning to read, and prankster foxes that made Silver-sama laugh. But, if that helps, maybe there's something I can ask of the Unicorn-samas? Since I was helpful, and all! N-not that I need to be paid for my thinkin' stuff!! I d-didn't need money, anyways, I just, uh..." 

||
Darlene
Considers what she knows so far.

This girl, Kiyoko, was taken to a spiritual realm by Silver. There, time flowed differently, and her grievous injuries could knit. It was a realm with an affinity with animals, or at least the appearance of it. And her benefactor had an affinity for *Trickster foxes*.

*But were they the true fox spirits, or spirits disguised as foxes? I must remember to consider consulting the Kitsune.*

Of course, the burakumin's cheer and request might have turned the heads of more traditional Clans, and all gathered there were aware of it. But fortunately, as Kiyoko might have learned over time, the Unicorn were more understanding of that sort of thing.

"Thank you, Kiyoko-san," She replied with courtesy the girl might have found odd coming from a samurai. "Indeed, you have been most helpful, and I thank you for your honesty. Your friend, Silver, must be quite clever indeed to bring you there and back safely. They seem to love animals, too, and they seem to love Silver."

She wasn't asking more questions, but subtly keeping the mood cordial. And from her experiences as a student and a parent, she was attempting to engage Kiyoko in the hopes that she would get into the praise and inadvertently volunteer information. But if not, at least it helped maintain the delicate trust that existed between her and her new masters.

Her statement done, the Ide's eyes turned firm, though not unkind.

"You are certainly welcome to ask, Kiyoko-san. While I cannot make any promises, I would be glad to listen to you and see what I can do."

And if her demeanour throughout this meeting was anything to go by, Kiyoko might get the sense that this was genuine. For all intents and purposes, the lady spoke honestly, but also considerately. A gentleness few Clans bothered extending to their lessers.

||
Sharon
Kiyoko looked between the two Samurai, and after Khulan gave her assurances that she would be heard out, Kiyoko gave a determined nod and made her request. 

"When I was little, my mama told me that one day, we'd save up enough money that she, papa and I could be able to gain a better status. She said that sometimes hinin can prove they're not just poor fools and they can be actual people. Well, I know real people can read and write, and they have enough money to have a hut or a room or something, and a job, usually." Kiyoko rubbed her shoulder, feeling awkward. "Well, I can read n' write, and I gots money, and a job, and I have a place to sleep, so... Can you two help me gain heimin status?" 

She prostrated herself, once again, to beg for the aid. "I don't know where or who I'd need to go to, or if there's forms or something, but please, pretty please help me do that! I'll still work really hard and do good work, I swear, Great Unicorns!" 

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Darlene
Her expression grew startled for a moment. Any such social movements were always uncommon... But not unheard of. When it came to the boundaries between the peasantry, it was often a matter of wealth and merit which kept *Heimin* And *Hinin* Where they were born.

"Please rise. You have been most helpful and forthcoming with us, Kiyoko-san, and for that I am grateful."

As she gestured to the *Hinin* Girl, she faced her with that same comforting expression. Her words were coloured with a hint of uncertainty, but also hope.

"What you ask is uncommon," She admitted, "But it *Does* Happen at times. And I can clearly see how hard you have worked, how much you have endured. The kami will surely notice this. So, this is what I can offer in return."

Keeping herself facing the peasant, Khulan folded her hands together thoughtfully.

"You have my promise that I *Will* Speak to Utaku-sama about your place with us," The Ide said resolutely with a nod. "I cannot guarantee that your wish will come true... But I *Will* Make it known that you have been serving faithfully, and speak on your behalf."

She didn't speak with the fervour her cousin might have displayed... But she was no less a Unicorn. And that meant she, too, wished to treat the peasants with fairness. To see service and atonement rewarded.

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Sharon
"Wow, really? You'd do that for me?!" 

Kiyoko's eyes twinkled with delight, looking up at the Ide and the Utaku with sheer admiration. "Oh, Great Unicorn-samas! You're so great and nice and smart and pretty and handsome and _wonderful!"_ She gave a thousand thank-yous and praise and acclamations, oh so very pleased to get the chance to have someone _talk_ to someone else to _maybe_ gain heimin status. 

"Oh, when I get that status, I'll get a hut, and a bed, and a table, and a cup and bowl, and oh! A new kimono so I can look all fancy and buy gyoza and shake hands- OH! People will want to _shake hands with me!_ Ha, that would be amazing!" The little hinin girl was all smiles, her horrible scar doing little to tarnish her cheerful demeanor. 

But, that was the girl known as Kiyoko. As bad as her life had been, she didn't stay down, for long. She rose smiling, happy and eager to appease the two samurai. "If there's anything else I can do, oh Great Unicorns, please order me!" 


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Darlene
She was touched by the girl's enthusiasm, though keenly aware that a lot of this came about due to exceptions.

*All we can do is the best with what we are given.*

Her smile was serene as she bowed shortly.

"Of course, Kiyoko-san. And I am both pleased and thankful for that. I will do what I can, but at the very least, you may come to me if you have any other concerns or questions."

A sincere offer, though it was also a traditionally Unicorn approach to inspiring loyalty and trust with the peasants.

"Though I believe shaking hands is only with other Unicorns." Khulan added, the smirk only in her voice, not her lips. "Or the peasants you see here in the Residence."

Looking back to the tall Utaku, she nodded in acknowledgement.

"And I believe I am satisfied with my questions. Is there anything else to bring up, Utaku-sama?"

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