Rotten Eggs or Tea? (D4, EA, Fukawa's Yurt)

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai. Of course he was injured." She peered at the woman, wondering if the Crane was impervious to any prying. "What do you think of him being a hero, Doji-san?"

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa blinked a bit at the odd question.

"Hmm, well it does demonstrate his sense of Duty and Courage. It confirms in my mind that he is an honorable samurai." she replies. "And to be honest, in these difficult times, a few more heroes in the Empire is a good thing."

She looks over at the burned, and mutilated Shinjo.

"I know the miai has only been going on a few days, Shinjo-san, but what is your initial impression of the state of the Empire?" she asks, curious what the Shinjo's one outsider eye saw.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"The state of the empire?" she repeated. She was not entirely sure what the Doji meant. "The Empire is populated with great samurai, Doji-san. I do not know much about the politics," she admitted. One story, though, came to mind. "I heard that the Tonbo Family had to become vassals to the Dragon."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nodded.

"My apologies, I should have been more clear." she says. "I meant, how does it compare to where you've been, and what you were expecting?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue looked down at the tea set, it a representation of a culture she was adapting to. "It is more pleasant than the Ride," she admitted. She took a sip of her tea and shot the woman a glance that she did not wish to discuss it further. "As for my expectations, I am not sure. I knew I would be surprised and I still was." She smirked. "I am still growing accustomed to the different Clans, Doji-san."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"Much has changed while your clan was away." she said, accepting the hint to not talk about the Ride. "The rise and fall of minor clans, such as the Dragonfly. The Lion's military might has grown and grown during your absence, as well."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai." The Shinjo traced her index finger along the cup. "I heard the Fox Clan's history. I admit that I am unsure of what the implication of their ancestry entails for the future."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa considered the cup.

"Hmm, I'm afraid I don't know much about that Shinjo-san." she offers honestly. "I remember hearing that they were the ki-rin that remained behind until the Lion annexed...the lands they were on. They will not be reabsorbed into the Unicorn?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I am not sure. It is not my place to make that decision." She drank once more from her cup. "Regardless of circumstance, I believe they will be invaluable for my Clan's full return to the Empire."

[Doji Fukawa]

It was odd to think of a minor clan as indispensable. Still, Fukawa could see how it might be of use.


Fukawa nods.

"The Crane also want to see the Unicorn resettled and active once more in the Empire." Fukawa says. "If there is anything I can do to assist with that or your own struggles, Shinjo-san, in any small way, please feel free to ask."


The soul of Honor: 29

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo thought on the woman's offer for a moment. There was a certain appeal to the Crane, be it her proper tone or outright beauty. Regardless, Yue felt compelled to answer truthfully. "I need to secure a marriage," she admitted. She took a sip from her tea. "I am not performing well on the notice board." She gave a faint smile. "I have suitors in mind but I am unsure of their thoughts on me."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa looked thoughtfully at that.

"Hmm. I do not wish to pry too deeply into your private affairs, Shinjo-san, but I would be willing to speak with them. If I cannot ascertain their feelings about you, I could at least see if they were seriously considering someone else. Six days is a short time to change minds, but a long time to live in uncertainty." Fukawa offered.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"That sounds reasonable," Yue said. She let out a soft sigh before continuing. "I have spoken most with Soshi Taira, Asako Hirase, and Yogo Yuichi. Also, I promised to teach Kaiu Hiroji. Yasuki Tomonaga, and Ichiro Daisuke how to ride a horse. However, I do not know them well." There were a few more men but she thought that was plenty of names to mention. She paused and tried to gauge Fukawa. "Are you familiar with any of these names, Doji-san?"

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"A few of them. I've spoken with Soshi Taira and Asako Hirase before." she notes.

She looks down at her cup.

"Six candidates and six days, hmm, Shinjo-san? I can't promise you anything, but I will make my best effort to help you with this."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"What is your impression of them, Doji-san?" The Shinjo shifted awkwardly in her seat. "What can I do for you in return, Doji-san?"