Antonio
Temujin took in the view of the Crane garden, a meticulously created and arranged series of certain kinds of trees and flowers with strategically placed koi ponds. Though certainly more limited than the fantastic ones they had in their own lands, it still lived up to the children of Doji's reputation for beauty and art.

He was here for his meeting with Doji Daiki to discuss interior decorations for the Unicorn. Granted, it was more like he roughly told Daiki what the Unicorn hoped for, tried his best to listen to the Crane's in-depth but refreshingly direct options, and weighed in if he could. But right now, he was waiting to be shown in once the wait for his acquaintance was done.

At least he could enjoy the small pleasure of the Cranes' unfailing courtesy. It may have been putting on a lot of airs you had to be aware of, but at least the result was intended to be pleasant, whatever the goal.

"Our most ancient allies..." He murmured to himself in thought. It wasn't that he didn't like the Crane; he just often found it hard to truly *Get* Them past all the layers. But they were indeed one of the closest allies of the Unicorn, and he respected what they gave and took from each other.

For now, he was looking at bonsai trees and a koi pond, and perhaps the odd servant tending to the gardens. Still, it was an open area. Now and then he might have seen a Crane enjoying a moment's respite here...

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Christopher
"Do forgive me for missing you at the gate, Shinjo-sama," Tadayasu said as he gently turned. "I was rather preoccupied, but caught news of your arrival a moment ago. Did you come here to meet someone?"

He set down the brush he was using on the small writing table before him. The pages he left there to dry, as he stood to greet the Unicorn with a bow.

Asahina Tadayasu wore his status well. His dark and lustrous outer layer was patterned with silvery silk thread, and beneath was a layer of brilliant blue, erupting with the multicoloured flowers of spring. In contrast, his snowy white hair was only crudely pinned, most of it hanging comfortably loose in the wandering breeze. 

"And if not, then please forgive my intrusion. The garden is a fine place for quiet contemplation, and you are most welcome to remain. It was built for guests, not for us."

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Antonio
The Shinjo was slightly surprised by the greeting, but not alarmed. The man had the look and demeanour of a more courtly samurai, but also a subtle sense of strength.

*An Asahina? Interesting. I seldom meet any from their family.*

"Oh, it's no trouble, Asahina-san; I'm merely waiting for a meeting with Doji Daiki-san. I hope I haven't disturbed your writing!"

He sincerely hoped he didn't intrude on any solitude the man sought, even as he knew Cranes would be too polite to admit as such. Temujin reminded himself not to volunteer too much information at once, in case the man would like some peace.

In his passing glance, he took in what details he could of his attire and the art he set himself to. Having grown more familiar with the brush, it seemed that the man was writing poetry rather than practicing calligraphy.

Turning aside while keeping the Crane in the corner of his eye, Temujin spoke up briefly.

"Still, even if it's made for guests, the hosts have a right to enjoy it as well."

An obvious observation, perhaps. But also an expression of sentiment: he wasn't a bother, and should feel free to remain.

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Christopher
Tadayasu gave him a glimmer of an amused smile.

"A kind answer, Shinjo-sama. I fear that Doji Daiki is currently pursuing some... Extended duties. The last shipment of iron we were hoping to receive has seemingly vanished during transit, and he is personally out on an excursion to recover the missing goods. Likely a delay due to road closures, petty robbery at worst, nothing of great risk."

He unfurled a broad white fan as he spoke, and gestured to the paths that ran through the embassy garden.

"If you please. There's no need for concern - our guard captain has done well keeping the ashigaru drilled for duty, and Doji-san is going with a capable escort. In the meantime, I can perhaps find another who might provide some of Doji-san's metalworking services for you, if you so wish."

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Antonio
Daiki's whereabouts were news to him, and Temujin allowed one eyebrow to raise in curiosity.

"Indeed? Then I will pray the fortunes grant him a speedy return," He replied, more curious than alarmed. "I am certain he and your Clan's ashigaru are up to the task."

The polite distance shrank a little as the conversation developed, and the Shinjo's smile grew by a pinch.

"Though while I *Have* Benefited from Doji-san's smithing, our recent collaboration actually involves the Residence's rooms and how to improve them." Temujin added, his tone growing more animated. "His eye for detail and aesthetics serves him there as well as it does with forge and blade."

Then... He slowed. Went from bright and eager to his previous controlled composure.

"Ah, but pardon me for speaking ahead," He said with a respectful bow. "Shinjo Temujin, scout and envoy of the Unicorn. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Asahina-sama."

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Christopher
Temujin certainly seemed like a perceptive and self-possessed man to Tadayasu. Though he wasn't a courtier, he adapted to his surroundings well, a mark of any good scout. Great individuals always came from good foundations. 

"Indeed, a pleasure shared. I am Asahina Tadayasu, clan magistrate overseeing public works. If you're looking for guidance on a design... Well, though my skill set is not as aesthetically focused as that of Doji-san, I may be able to offer you some advice on the matter."

Tadayasu waved a servant over with one hand, requesting one of the garden-facing rooms to be furnished with two fresh sitting mats.

"Shall we share something to drink? The embassy larders have been stocked with new pickings of tea, made from the tender leaves of spring. I find the gentle fragrance a good companion for the garden view."

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Antonio
Temujin nodded. His lips curved into a small smile, but he maintained his decorum, as appropriate for the graceful trappings of the Crane. So far, this Asahina was a most amiable host, treating a guest with polite hospitality. He was also comfortable in it, the conversation's flow polite yet progressing forward.

"It would be my pleasure, Asahina-san. Good tea and company are always good for the soul."

With the mats placed, Temujin would smoothly take his seat. While they awaited the tea, he continued speaking with his usual mix of ease and alertness.

"Your advice would be most appreciated. An eye for art is valuable, yes," He said, "But what I've found most important is a mind for tradition."

Certainly, any official matters wouldn't be a secret within the Clan, but volunteering the information would still be polite in showing trust, now that they had done some small talk.

"You see, what Doji-san and I have been doing is attempting to balance the Unicorn's style with more traditional furnishings. By doing so, we hope that our rooms will be feel more welcoming to those from other Clans."

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Christopher
Tadayasu sat as well, and floated the proposition in his mind for a moment. Within any clan, there were those fervently proud of their own artistic traditions, who tended to blanch at ideas of deviating and adapting. But the Unicorn were of a fluid mind, and came to surprise even Tadayasu with their ways of compromise.

"And the others in your clan are not opposed to such a gesture?" He said, raising an eyebrow. "How interesting, that is. As a scholar of the arts, I've come to admire the depth and richness of Unicorn craft, and never anticipated that there would be a renewed interest in the Rokugani style. But of course, if this is your desire, then I shall certainly support your efforts."

A plink and rattle announced the arrival of the tea, brimming with the aroma of the tenderest of spring leaves, served in cups of deep earthen ceramic. *Like the mountain rain which rolls down the hills and awakes the slumbering earth.*

"If you would approve, Shinjo-sama, I will order some exemplary Crane works to be brought here for your viewing, and we may discuss their broad character."

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Antonio
"Some, perhaps. But we also understand: The purpose of our Residence is not just to display our culture, but to receive others hospitably," He answered in turn. "And that includes making them feel welcome in their surroundings."

He appreciated this Crane's diplomatic words, even if he understood the constant, unfailing politeness of the Crane. And how they were often disarming to subtly coax words from others. But one could only be so vigilant; at some point, *Trust* Must also be offered with the open hand.

"You have my thanks, Asahina-san. I would be honoured to receive your assistance." Temujin continued with a short lowering of his head. "I will admit, I'm far from an artisan, so a truly practiced eye is most appreciated."

Then the tea arrived. Assuming their cups were not immediately filled by the *Heimin*, the Shinjo would wordlessly offer to move and pour tea for his host first.

"And perhaps in the future," He said as the cups were filled to be appreciated in their fragrance and flavour, "We can arrange a visit to the Residence, if you wish. So that you may see how it looks now, and what progress we have made so far."

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Christopher
"Of course, the appointment would be much appreciated. It will do the craftspeople good to feel and measure the space before commencing their designs."

Tadayasu graciously accepted the tea and poured Temujin a cup as well. He sent the servants away with a short spoken list of items to bring, and then began a short introduction for each piece before it entered the chamber. 

"These tables, cushions, mats, and byobu were all brought to the embassy from Crane lands, and they do not differ much from the popular court styles of the past thirty or so years. Comfortable and familiar for our users. These ceramics are different; the vases and statuary we display is of a style which goes back ten generations. The imagery reminds us of the traditions which distinguish our clans from others. 

"And of course, the architecture. Every column and beam, every shingle and stone - all quarried or cut fewer than three days up the river from here. We take the materials locally refined, and treat them our own way, so that in the end our home in Ryoko Owari is part of the city. Well integrated and still uniquely our own."

Now with all the pieces of furniture and artistry placed before himself and Temujin, Tadayasu gestured for the Unicorn to inspect them at his pleasure. He allowed himself to show a bit of pride, in the way that many Asahina savoured the joy of a long endeavour coming to fruit.

"If any of these are inspiring to you, we would happily loan them to you for study in detail, if you have other errands today. If not, we can leave them here for as long as you wish."

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Antonio
The Shinjo gave an appropriately composed nod in response to the Crane, but allowed himself a small, socially acceptable smile.

Though when the artful items were brought in, his expression shifted. There was a brief look of a student who had neglected to study for their *Gempukku*, the sense of being out of his depth ||Self-doubt||, but it settled into proper focus as the Crane guided him through the pieces.

He carefully observed the works of art and their accompanying explanations, his thoughts building upon each word and view. Finally, as Tadayasu concluded his tour, Temujin faced him with an honest but composed expression.

"I will admit, I have limited experience in art. But I am greatly impressed, Asahina-san; as you said, these are fine examples of the Crane styles. Each one worked with a different medium, and has a distinct style. 

"Yet through those periods, they remain clearly Crane. I can see it in the lines and the use of colours, the forms; there are consistencies here and with what I see in your Embassy, and a clear contrast from what our Residence uses."

His smile widened slightly. Though he had seen some of the twists of Crane politics while serving Ide-sama, he appreciated reminders of the true strengths and virtues of his Clan's ancient ally.

"I've always admired that about your Clan. You are able to apply your strengths to many different fields, yet keep the essence of who you are. That is a quality the Unicorn value greatly as well."


Turning, he swept his gaze across the gathered artwork briefly.

"I believe for our waiting rooms," He answered, "The tables, cushions, and screens would be most helpful as references. We want to help ease in visitors with familiarity for what they'll be using. There will be much to see in the future, but I believe that will be a good start."

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Christopher
"Naturally," Tadayasu replied. "Though it may be unfamiliar to your training, Shinjo-sama, you seem to understand all that I've advised. It's a mark of a successful warrior, to understand matters outside of their martial upbringing - just as it is vital for a courtier to know the basics of self-defense."

With his drink finished, Tadayasu stood. 

"I shall endeavor to gather a few artisans and conduct a formal survey of the Ide Residence in the coming days. Then we can decide on how best to intervene. As for the remainder of your stay here, please enjoy the respite, and use our garden to the fullest. Receiving you as a guest has been a great pleasure, Shinjo-sama."

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Antonio
Artful praise from the Asahina. A classic Crane move, but that didn't mean it was insincere or unwelcome. Temujin nodded appreciatively in response, finishing his own drink and standing to face the courtier.

"And being received by you has been an equal pleasure, Asahina-sama. A time of comfort and inspiration through words, deeds, and art; very true to Crane hospitality."

He bowed, a little deeper this time (while still being within appropriate levels) to convey his respect. Straightening up, he faced Tadayasu, the satisfaction of this meeting clear in his eyes.

"I, too, will look forward to the future collaborations in this matter. Though for now, I shall take in the beauty of your gardens one last time before I take my leave."

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