Vito
*This is foolish. There are any number of ways in which this could hamper or even jeopardize the state of affairs we've worked to establish. What am I even doing?*

As it turned out, he was approaching the Ide Residence and, stuck in his thoughts as he had been, he nearly walked too close to the established guards and risked giving offense. *Keep your head on straight, Sanumo. At least preserve **Some** Of your dignity.*

He briefly introduced himself to the guards and, inevitably, answered when they inquired as to what business he had. « I would like to request a meeting with Fuyuko, translator for the ambassador. Please inform her that this visit is for personal reasons, rather than clan business. »

*Why is my throat dry? I've stood in the perilous depths of courts and this is what makes me truly uneasy? This cowardice is unbefitting of a Phoenix.*

At that inward rebuke, he straightened his posture and tried to compose himself.

||
Steven
"What an unusual request. Here to see you, Fuyuko-san?" Kazuko was seated in her offices looking through the report recently provided by her agent in the field. It was interesting indeed. Soshi Junichi was a dangerous player in the field, breathing new life into the dying ploys of his clan. If the rumors were true about his promotion, then he was going to become a major thorn in her side. Another headache to add to her growing list. The request received was a welcome distraction. "You're getting popular these days. First the Kitsu, and now a Phoenix. I should really start charging."

Fuyuko simply glowered. The near death experience with the Lion was not something she wanted to be reminded of. It was the most terrifying event that had happened to her since their arrival, one wrong move away from making orphans of her children. At least this one has the decency to knock.

"Oh don't be so cross. This will be easy, and you know the guards here are on your side. I can manage for a few minutes on my own." Kazuko's brow furrowed as she began to write a plan of action to combat the rising Scorpion threat. It wasn't anything official yet, only a rough draft. Nori-kun was spearheading the assault on the cartels, which left her free to work out her least favorite job of politicking. Better her than anyone else; at least the blame of failure would fall on her.

"As you say, Kazuko-san." Fuyuko bowed and departed. Time to figure out what exactly the Phoenix wanted from her. Hopefully not more signing lessons.

After a brief time waiting in the common area, Sanumo would be ushered into one of the several private meeting chambers set up in the residence for diplomatic meetings that did not need to presence of the Ambassador herself. Tea was already at the table, with two cups filled with the aromatic green liquid.

The screen slid open. Fuyuko entered, bowed deeply in respect of the vast gap in their status, and came to sit across from the Phoenix. All the while she kept her gaze appropriately downcast so as not to look her better in the eye. "Honored Phoenix-sama, at your request the services of this humble servant has been provided you. Please, allow this one to provide whatever insignificant assistance she can."

In comparison to the woman who boldly spoke words far beyond the station of any heimin, challenging and voicing thoughts to samurai as if they were equals, the servant who now found herself before Sanumo could hardly be recognized. The looks were the same, but everything from the way she carried herself to the modest, meek tone in which she spoke made her seem a different person. The only tell was the eloquence with which she chose her words; clearly she was trained beyond the limits of a traditional servant.

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Vito
He nodded in acknowledgement, but was slow to answer, enough so that Fuyuko might feel inclined to chance a glance up and see him staring into his tea contemplatively.

« I'm sorry, I have a lot on my mind. I thank you and the embassy for your time. » *How can I say this without being direct about it?* « After our recent meeting, I found myself... Spending a lot of time going over what had happened in my head. I found that what stuck out to me the most was the sense of gravity and humility that Utaku-sama carried with her that day. »

His dry throat was certainly not improving, so a pause for a drink was practically necessary.

« I was impressed with the depth of character she exhibited. As what I can only imagine to be her most trusted servant, I would like to ask you if you could tell me more about her. If my intuition is correct, I would do well to spend more time with a samurai of such distinction. »

Similarly to Fuyuko, he was not as eloquent as he had been when Iemon thrust him into the spotlight that day. He hesitated more often, deliberating about how to say the unspoken.

||
Steven
The man was searching intently for the right words, trying to find his footing to ask what exactly? Fuyuko waited patiently as he presented his case, hoping things would clear as he made it through. This is when Kazuko would glower and angrily declare *Spit it out already.*

When the revelation hit, it took her years of training to remain nonplussed by it. It was bold, to walk into the Embassy and ask her, Kazuko's most trusted servant, how to impress her. She found it equal parts impressive and humorous. The graceful diplomat of their last meeting was now completely out of his element. Still, he had the courage to do this; she would meet him in kind. "Of course, Phoenix-sama. This one has served Utaku-sama for many years now. I can answer your questions, so long as they do not endanger my lady."

Fuyuko kept her gaze downcast still, taking a brief sip of the tea before her. The reflection held the slightest glint in her eye and barest smirk on her lips, but that could have been a trick of the rippling liquid. "Though to best serve you and provide knowledge that will aid your pursuits, honored samurai-sama: this additional time spent with Utaku-sama is for further diplomatic overtures, yes?"

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Vito
« That is correct. This is all in the interest of building relations between us. I would never ask you to divulge anything you think would be detrimental. » 'Us', in this context, was a convenient turn of phrase. In truth, he meant between himself and Kazuko; not the Phoenix and Unicorn.

Of course he would be perceived as acting on behalf of his clan. Why wouldn't he be?

« You said you've worked with Utaku-sama for many years now. How long has that been and how has she changed since you've known her? »

It seemed like a relatively open question to lead with - and one that would lend itself to hearing Fuyuko's opinions directly.

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Steven
"Of course, Phoenix-sama." There was enough subtext in his words that she had a suspicion what really brought him here, though that could be her extensive training to detect such things overreacting. "This one's family has been in service to Utaku-sama's family for over seven generations. I have known my lady since we were children, and was assigned her personal servant upon her request."

The second part of the question was interesting. How has she changed? A loaded question. She had changed in many ways: become colder, more distant, crueler. She no longer took care of herself nearly as well as she should, making Fuyuko force her to do so. Then there was the more recent issues. None of these were ones she would ever share to a man she only met briefly once before. The pause as she chose her next words would have been noticed. "As I have known her since childhood I have seen her develop into a peerless warrior and a fine samurai, capable of making difficult decisions at a moment's notice and unafraid to act in the face of insurmountable odds."

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Vito
Seven generations? That was laudable, to be sure. Plenty of peasant families failed to remain such diligent, long-lasting servants. Truly Kazuko was fortunate to have such assistance.

"So she's decisive then. An admirable trait to have, especially in those with good judgement. Lesser samurai can't bear the results of their own choices made under such stresses."

Sanumo carefully didn't think about how the stresses he'd been under during his short time in Ryoko Owari Toshi had been proving difficult to shoulder. It was a relief to no longer be in direct service to an Isawa, but Iemon's needs were many and varied.

"What was it like growing up together? What sorts of things might she remember fondly?I know it brings me comfort to recall the wide, beautiful plains of Yogen province and the many curiosities one could discover therein."

His nerves actually calmed a little at the thought of home. Well, that and the fact that he hadn't immediately been ejected for attempting this... Questionable investigation.

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Steven
Fuyuko never said Kazuko could bear the results of her choices. In fact she knew far better than anyone the sleepless nights and pained prayers that haunted her lady day after day. Still, when she needed to appear it Kazuko knew how to look and act every bit the calm and collected samurai and commander her people needed. It brought calm to the hearts of those under her command, but Fuyuko could only wonder how long before it finally broke.

Well, with the newest set of questions it was quite clear what Sanumo's intentions were. One did not simply idly ask for childhood memories with no ulterior motive.Either he was a Bayushi manipulator in disguise or he wanted to have a closer relationship with Kazuko than two members of an Ambassador's team typically had. Fuyuko nearly shut him off immediately, but there was an earnest interest in his questions that she found appealing.

"My mother served as Utaku-sama's wet nurse when we were both children. Many of these childhood memories are of things below the interest of an honored samurai as yourself." Surely he did not want to hear about the two playing in the stream while her mother washed clothes, or other stories of them alongside what would be considered peasant work. "Growing up in Shiro Utaku Shojo provided no shortage of opportunity to ride free across the vast plains filled with wonders for the eyes of the Utaku family and theirs only."

She sighed softly. Those were simpler, happier times for everyone. Fuyuko, Kazuko, little Masanori. Before the familial rift set in. "As you know, my lady is a soldier, and many memories she holds fondly are of past battles."

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Vito
All told, Sanumo thought his question was a bit on the brazen side, but had been hard-pressed to pass up the easy transition which Fuyuko had set up for him. It seemed, based on her reply, that he had likely pushed too far.

"Truly? Fond memories of the battlefield? Perhaps..." No, he couldn't continue that thought without risking offense. He floundered momentarily on where to pick back up. The brief moment to actually **Think** Was all it took.

Realization hit him like a brick. He really **Shouldn't** Have come here; not because the idea was unworkable, but because he had failed to do the one thing he always did: **Plan**.

Sanumo had walked in here with no plan beyond opening a dialogue. There was no forethought, no tactics, no... Delicacy. Inadvertently having zoned out, he looked across to Fuyuko.

He paled as he considered how, experienced as she was, she must have a reasonable idea of why he was truly here - or at least he hoped so with how unabashedly opaque he was realizing he'd been.

He bowed to her, "I... I owe you an apology, Fuyuko-san. I have not been as forthright as I could have and I think we are both aware of it. It is just that this is... Quite literally my first attempt at anything of this sort and I am at a loss for how to proceed. I am used to being led by my mind." The unspoken 'and not my heart' could well be inferred.

"I would like to ask more directly for your advice. Should it be to leave at once and for us to never speak of it again, I will do so."

Were it not for the depths of his research as a historian, he may have felt poorly about asking a peasant for their advice. However, the story of Kakita seeking Yasuki's aid was a good tool for tempering such thoughts - especially given the Yasuki still persisted to this day. Clearly there was some merit to the idea. No matter the thoughts of some, a peasant couldn't be discounted simply for being one.

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Steven
"Please, it is unbecoming of a great samurai such as yourself to apologize to one as lowly as I." She moved to refill his cup, in hopes it would show she did not hold any hard feelings toward him. It was challenging for many samurai to speak about these matters, and one area where heimin such as herself had more freedoms.

Not that she was going to let him off easy of course. She sat a little straighter, a little bolder now. If he wanted to get to her lady, he would have to first get through her. Starting with the honesty he sought to display. "Very well, I believe I can answer your queries. As I said earlier, I will need to know directly, in order to best convey information. What is your aim in receiving information on my lady?"

She would not let him proceed any further until he was honest with her, and more importantly with himself. This was a risk, she knew, but one she had to take for both their sakes.

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Vito
An uncomfortable silence reigned for perhaps half a minute. It very well may have seemed like Sanumo would excuse himself and leave.

**Any damage is already done.**

« I... Am in unfamiliar territory. I am smitten with her, but... I don't know if this is something of substance or a momentary flight of fancy. I've hardly met her, I... People don't *Actually* Fall in love at first sight, do they? Those are just stories. »

He made a few simple gestures as he talked, as if going through the motions would help him sort himself out.

« I want to learn what this really is and... Pursue it to its natural end. »
He hung his head, feeling ashamed at having admitted this to somebody. It seemed like such a self-serving, ridiculous notion to him to complicate things this way.

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Steven
There it was. Sanumo looked ashamed to admit the truth, but Fuyuko could not be more opposite. The grin threatening to spread across her face for some time now opened into a warm smile like one a proud mother would give to her children. "Please, samurai-sama, do not be ashamed for giving this one the knowledge she needs to be of service to you. You are simply asking for information to guide your next step, no different than setting foot in a library and speaking of your subject matter to a scribe."

She hoped the analogy would bring him some comfort. While she did enjoy the reversal of power between the two, more than that Fuyuko felt sympathy for the poor man. This was no time to poke fun at his genuine display. Perhaps later, at another meeting between the two. "Let me ask, how would you approach this matter with my lady? If you wish to get to know her better, what would *Asako Sanumo* Do? It is important to know the details of the samurai I am working with, to get a baseline of how then to alter and adjust to provide aid without taking away what makes you, you."

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Vito
Fuyuko seemed to be taking this well in stride. What was happening? There was no way the Unicorn could've foreseen something like this and, even if they had, why would they notify her.

This was an unexpected development, but not an unwelcome one.

« Well... It would be improper for us to be seen as making deals simply because of whatever might happen between us, so I would have to be careful and nondescript. To my mind, that leaves the traditional methods of letters, suggestive gifts, or arranging time with her under the guise of furthering inter-clan business. »

He recalled Masanori and how he had cautioned the warrior about the traceability of letters and how they might be weaponized.

« Though, in hindsight, I don't think letters would be the way to go with this. So I would stick to one of those other methods. »

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Steven
"*Careful* And *Nondescript* Are two words not in my lady's vocabulary, or her tastes in . . . Friendships." Fuyuko had been in many an awkward situation with Kazuko and attempted suitors who were dismissed for being uninteresting. She did have a soft spot for genuine kindness, even if she would never admit it openly. Sanumo had his work cut out for him.

"Letters are not her interest. Gifts are acceptable, but as the Ambassador and heir to her family's holdings she receives no shortage of those; it would have to be fairly remarkable. Time spent with her would be beneficial; even her casual outings are always mixed in with some sort of work." Fuyuko thought to the upcoming hunting trip with the Lion Ambassador. A perfectly relaxing day suddenly had scheming and plotting thrown into it. Typical Kazuko. "Especially as you are spearheading this triumvirate approach, you have need to speak with the Unicorn Ambassador more frequently, no?"

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Vito
« That's true. At least until this Winter Court,-» *Or until this plan comes apart at the seams* «-we should have reason to speak from time to time. »

He drummed his fingers on the side of his teacup. « If a delicate hand is not to Utaku-sama's tastes, it seems I will have to work on being more... Forthright. I admit that this doesn't come easily to me, but that's no excuse for a lack of honest effort. »

It would be clear to Fuyuko that the fog surrounding how to tackle this issue was thinning, at the very least.

*Well, if a more direct, or at least unsubtle approach is more suitable, best to start practicing immediately. For example...*

Sanumo stood a little straighter in his seat. Whether he'd consciously meant to or not, he had at least reclaimed his own spine from wherever he had misplaced it.

« Fuyuko-san, why do you choose to help me? » he held up a hand as if to stall her. « Do not mistake my question for a lack of gratitude; I *Am* Grateful, but I fail to see why you would do so. By all reasonable expectation, I should be returning to the embassy empty-handed, as it were. »

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Steven
*Because Ko-chan is a miserable shell of herself and if she can't be bothered to care for her own mental and emotional well-being then that duty falls to me. Why after seven generations did I get saddled with the most dysfunctional siblings ever born to the proud line of the Utaku daimyo?*

"To be truthful, Phoenix-sama, yours is not the first potential suitor who has come seeking me for advice. Many are not willing to be so forthright as you have been, and I have turned them away." She smiled, and for the first and only time this meeting would look the samurai in the eyes. "It is no doubt the foolish beliefs of a heimin, but this one believes anyone willing to take a leap and pursue such a lofty goal should have the opportunity to attempt it."

The smile faded and the gaze fell once more. The man needed to be aware of what he was getting into. "However, it is no easy task. Utaku-sama is fierce, strict, and as quick to action as she is to anger. I cannot foretell your success in this endeavor."

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Vito
"A wise man never disregards failure as an option. You honor me by aiding in even making an attempt."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before releasing it slowly through his nose. When he opened his eyes, it was with a conviction; resolution to see this through - one way or another. But first...

"You've given me much to think about and have been far more benevolent than you had to be. I feel obligated to extend a similar kindness. Should you, personally, find yourself in need of assistance, only say the word and I will do what I may to even the scales."

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Steven
It was . . . Strange, to be offered a favor from a samurai. Strange, but not unwelcome. The Phoenix in the city seemed a good sort, and devoted to peace. Fuyuko could do with some peace these days. She bowed deeply. "Your offer is far too much, honored samurai-sama, but I will remember your kindness nonetheless."

Not a refusal of the gesture, nor an acceptance. Perfectly deferential as a servant should be. She deftly loosed a long, silvered hairpin from herself and handed it to him. "Now, I thank you for returning this from your Embassy. It looks as though my lady lost it when she . . . Apologized deeply at our last meeting, didn't she?"

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Vito
An eyebrow rose briefly at the curious display before resuming its normal place. *Kazuko was truly blessed by the fortunes to have such an adaptable servant at her side.*

« Yes, unfortunately so. No thanks are necessary; any respectable samurai should strive to return the lost belongings of another. »

Sanumo began the process of excusing himself, explaining that he had already taken up too much of her time for such a small matter. In no time at all, he was beyond the bounds of the Ide Residence and returning to his own embassy.

*Many have attempted this before me and they have all failed. Does that make me brave or stubborn for my own efforts?*

Abandoning his introspection for a later time, Sanumo turned his thoughts to how he would need to rearrange his schedule to account for this impromptu visit.

And, occasionally, he stopped himself from wondering what his next meeting with Kazuko might look like.



[End Scene]