Ryuu’s touch captured the attention of Moriko’s busy thoughts, melting away everything but him. A shy smile touched the corners of her lips and she wanted to say something to acknowledge the gesture, something to tell him that the gesture was welcome, was enjoyed. The young Phoenix’s eyes hung on his, in the darkness the blue was mysterious as the massive oceans of Asakaze, they seemed exotic and rare as sapphires to Moriko.

His hair, dyed in the Crane fashion, looked so formal in its warrior’s braid. She wished she could unravel the locks and set them free. Moriko’s brain, usually full to the brim with thoughts, seemed to short circuit. It didn’t always offer the right words, but it was strange to be at a loss for any words at all. “Ryuu-san,” she murmured, it was all she could find to say.

He smiled, eyes narrowed, watching her eyes. Slender fingers trailed down past her ear, until the lightest of touches caressed down her arm, before drawing away. He refilled her cup, and then his own.

"Moriko-san. I apologize for my boldness. But... it seemed the only thing appropriate for the moment." His voice low, but no hint of regret in the deed.

Ryuu’s words finally broke the spell he’d placed over her, “you have nothing to apologise for,” Moriko assured. She sipped her drink, if the sake had made him bold, perhaps it could also give her the right words to say. The Phoenix did, however, have the wrong words; but, as her thoughts came bubbling up in a jumbled mess, they seemed like important words. “The other day you asked me about the Fortunes,” it was something like that, she remembered the intent more than phrasing, “I was wondering, I mean, not wondering, it’s just that...” realising she should quit while she was behind, Moriko closed her mouth and tried to put her ideas in order.

"I am a Spider, Moriko-san. I am a Scion of Daigotsu. My Fortunes are all Dark." He replied, trying to parse her words. "Your Lord Magistrate denegrates them in front of me, but their strength is beyond words." He was serious, but kind.

"I would not ask you to join me in their veneration, and certainly not of the Dark Lord. Should... should we move forward, and once there were children... I would ask that they be allowed to know why their father is... what he believes."

His guess was valid, but she was shaking her head, trying to keep his comments from derailing her. Moriko would have to remember to circle back on that, not that it was likely, with the often scattered way her brain worked. "I'm sorry, I am not expressing myself well, please allow me to try again." She took a moment, taking a breath, "I would like your help in a matter, if I may be so bold? It pertains to the Shinri sect," she knew that the shugenja had been telling everyone that would listen that something was happening, "I presume you've heard something?"

"I have been given some information." He listened, giving her the time. "Something is apparently going on. What can I be of help with, Moriko-san."

"I attended one of their rituals," Moriko was back on somewhat solid ground now, "I saw something unusual. I was about to tell my sister about it, when we bumped into Nakauchi-san, so I told her as well." The girl was vaguely aware that she was getting bogged down in details, it happened inside her head a lot, "during the ritual, the priests opened some kind of portal, and the Gilded King appeared, and all of the on-lookers were, um," this was the part she always stumbled on, and she didn't have Hoshiko here to lean on. "Something was drained from me."

His features turned serious, eyes narrowing. "Are you okay? Were you harmed?" There was a flash of anger in his eyes. Protectiveness, coupled with that terrifying aura. "My blade, my rifle, they are available should you need."

The pit of Moriko's stomach turned in fear as Ryuu's features hardened, but at the same time her heart was melting; and those feelings coexisted, for surely if his countenance could inspire her to such apprehension, then whomever should face the full force of his wrath should have real cause for terror. Smiling, her dark eyes liquid in the failing light, the Phoenix—trained to put herself between others and danger—found herself wanting to be protected, defended.

"I'm all right, a good night's sleep put me to rights again," Moriko wanted to reach out to him, to reassure, to thank him, "but I believe that whatever they are doing needs to be stopped and understood, lest something terrible happen."

"Then there is only one course of action." He nodded. "The thing must be stopped." He wondered if that was what the Lord Magistrate was hiding. He had no skill to get her to talk, only to know she was hiding something.

"Strength will shown in steel."

"Thank you, Ryuu-san," tentatively, she touched the back of his hand lightly with her fingertips. "I feel better to think you will be at my side."

"Those I care about... never need to thank me." He kept his hand with hers, offering reassurances in his smile.

Moriko blushed hotly at the implication, shyly withdrawing her hand and tucking her hair back, "then, may I assume that you have enjoyed yourself this evening?"

"You do not need assume." He smiled to her, leaning in and nodded. "I thoroughly have, Moriko-san."

With a contented sigh, Moriko let her shoulder touch his as she also leaned in. "You mentioned before, the Dark Fortunes? I admit my knowledge is lacking," her knowledge in many areas was lacking, "I would like to know more."

"The Dark Mirror of the Great Fortunes." His voice lowered, conspiratorial. "Equal, yet different. My mother has found herself often calling upon Uzuki the Immaculate, when she works on art and music in the home. I appreciate Her as a Dark Fortune as well... though my name tells you where I deliver most of my Faith." Eyes flicked to hers as they leaned together.

Moriko met his eyes, "as there is light, there is dark. As there is life, there is death. I would be willing to learn, if you would be willing to teach."

"I am willing." He stayed close, nodded the affirmative. "I know that many do not... approve. But I would share my Faith with you."

Letting her eyes close, Moriko lowered her chin until her forehead almost touched his, her voice was breathy, whispered, "I think I should like to share everything with you."

"Fortunes..." he was a whirlwind of emotion. This whole time on Asakaze, the needs of duty had been on his mind, yet... everything just adds to it. The anticipation. The desire. The wanting more, than simply being compatible. To build something that could reflect the strength in any alliance.

"I... this..." his hand trembled, nervousness taking hold, "... I think... we could be happy. I would be." The words were just above silent, private for the moment.

How could he feel so strongly, so quickly? Yet it was certain, he felt it. Confusion how it was felt so strongly amongst those he liked, but he knew it was true.

"... Moriko-san... I do not wish to risk your honor..." but he did not draw back, did not retreat.