Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Apr 17, 2012 11:17:37 GMT -5
This thread takes place immediately following the events of the Castle of the Swift Sword, where Kaneka's forces have retreated to discuss their options after the failed defense of the lion stronghold at the hands of the Dragon army.
This thread is completely open, and though the situation is fairly Toturi supporter-centric, a few Hanteists could probably find reason to come here under peaceful circumstances. That said, I wouldn't expect Dragon Hanteists to be treated particularly kindly .Toturi's forces protected their wounded and defeated army as best they could from Dragon harriers as they attempted to ford the Drowned Merchant's river, swollen as it was from the early spring thaws. The might of the Unicorn cavalry had cut down many under their charges, but ultimately could not stop the onslaught at the hands of the Tamori alchemists. The Castle of the Swift Sword was now reduced to little more than ash and slag, burning many within its once-proud walls. Survivors among the Lion had managed to cross with Toturi's army, but the loss of so many of the proud warriors weighed heavily on the minds of all. In a small clearing of new grass and wildflowers, the shogun Toturi Kaneka, claimant of the emerald throne, sat heavily on a procured camp stool and opened his unusual court. There was much to discuss, and no time to waste with niceties.
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Kenji
Dragon Clan
Otokodate of the Scarab. Ta?sa
Posts: 80
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Post by Kenji on Apr 17, 2012 11:28:01 GMT -5
As the defeated army of Kaneka's retreating from the shambling ruins of what once was known as Castle of the swift sword, a camp has been set in the forest surrounding Drowned merchant river.
Proeminent figures steps out the crowd, shouting last orders before gathering around Kaneka. Among them, the Lion Champion, the Unicorn Champion, Crab and Mantis Generals. Men on the wave are also present : the ex-Dragon Champion Takezo and his once fellow Dragon, now simply Kenji, follow the glorious samourais into Kaneka's main center command.
Outside, wounded and valid men are equally exhausted. Everyone is busy anyway, tending wounds, cooking, watching for scouts from the Dragon.
Suddenly, a voice shouts out words of anger from the circle around the Shogun. Silence befalls on the camp as a lonely silhouette steps out the ring, followed by an maddened Lion.
"Kenji, how dare you talk to your Emperor like that ?"
At first, the ronin doesn't even bother to turn back to speak his mind.
"My words weren't aimed at him, Akodo-San, but at your Champion, who doesn't seem to care loosing three provinces in a row and thousands of lives. I followed Kaneka because he acted quick and well in order to protect the Empire from the Yobanjin horde. But anyway, as long as Kaneka is not protecting Rokugan from pain, he's no emperor, neither his brother his." "You will have to answer this one day." "Why not now, then ?"
The former dragon faces the lion finally. The green saya of the daisho is dusty with mud and blood, but last time they were seen, the blades cut flesh and armor like paper.
"You'd rather ask the permission to duel from your Champion, Akodo-San. The recent events prove he's a mercifull man, keen on sparing his followers' life. Or don't they ?" "I won't ask the permission to soil my ancestors' blade with your filthy blood, ronin." "I won't shame your ancestors by forcing them to greet you on that victorious day, Akodo-San."
Kenji doesn't wait for the Lion's answer, if there's any. He waves his hand and seven men come to him. "Your orders Taïsa ?" "I'm sorry but we are leaving." All seven of them bow before him. "Gather our troops. I don't want to be welcome anymore here. Nuanto ?" The youngest boy bow deeper. "Bring me my sumi set. Letters are to be sent as soon as possible".
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Post by Hida Joji on Apr 17, 2012 11:49:15 GMT -5
EDIT: Droped my Tetsubo, using a stolen Dragon Daisho.
A voice growls from the back of the Crab party "As usual those who fight for koku are the first to discover the virtues of peace. Can you pay your men long enought to find another army to fund your band?"
Hida Joji, the Tainted, steps forward, his clothes are singed with fire and the right side of his face is a burned mass of tissue, hair and mud. He drops his bulging kubi bukuro and rolls his shoulders, his Dragon motif Katana casually held in his hand. From the bag the head of a Tatooed monk looks at his former champion.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Apr 17, 2012 14:24:23 GMT -5
The last time Utaku Mai had entered Toturi's warcamp, it had been a sprawling landscape of yurts and tents, filled with the sounds of preparation -- the metallic pounding of blacksmith's hammers, the kiai shouts of training exercises, the snorts and stamps of corralled horses. It was a strange orchestra of action, with the mood of the samurai there anxious for the chance to test themselves on the field of battle.
Much had changed since then. The only sounds that punctuated the strange defeated silence were the sounds of loss. Moans of the wounded. The prayers of shugenja over funeral pyres. Wails from far too few refugees.
Mai had also changed. Those who saw the young battle maiden fight at Toshi Ranbo, or even swear fealty to the shogun at Mountain Watch Keep, would scarcely recognize the samurai-ko entering the camp on a copper mare as the same person. Several lifetimes of experiences seem to have passed in the months since she left Toturi's warcamp, and her eyes seemed to show age and sorrow despite the firey impetuousness of her youth.
It was that impetuousness that had Mai walking into Kaneka's court in full armor, a wakizashi at her side but otherwise unarmed. The sudden appearance of the young battle maiden that had disgraced herself to her own clan and disappeared during the entire conflict at Shiro sano Ken Hayai caused a moment of scandalized shock and more than a few whispers. Mai's countenance did not change, and she took the opportunity presented by the momentary lull in the conversation to speak.
"The war among our brothers and sisters in the empire must stop, now."
She took a deep breath, letting the audacious words sink in before continuing on.
"While we have been quarreling among fellow samurai, a darkness has come over the land. A darkness that should have been easy to defeat if it were not for our own actions. While the Crab have left their duty on the wall, and our forces die on the swords of our neighbors, that darkness has only grown.
"No clan is immune! How many of you have heard rumors of bloodspeakers in your own lands? Of an oni summoned by a traitor at Seawatch Castle? Of a powerful maho-tsukai's desire for revenge against his former clan?
"They're not rumors. I've seen the cave where they perform their unholy rituals. I've read the accounts of the Crane and Mantis fighting together against the monster that was killing without reason. And I can personally bear witness to what a madman with a vendetta against the empire is capable of when he chooses to fuel his revenge with the forces of Jigoku."
Mai looked entreatingly toward the lion who had gathered in Kaneka's court. She could see their anger at their recent defeat, and understood it well, but hoped they could yet be convinced. "The lion have already extended a hand of peace to the Crane. If two sons of Toturi cannot also do likewise, then we are setting the field for our own destruction."
Mai brought herself down before the shogun and knelt low before him. Sincere tears began to fill her eyes. "I swore to you my allegiance in gratitude for your action against the Yobanjin, and I will gladly give my life in service to that oath if is required of me. Action is yet needed, my lord, but it must be done against our real enemies, or we risk not even having a Rokugan to fight over."
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Hitsuzu
Dragon Clan
Ronin, Ise Zumi, Bloodspeaker's bane, Friendly Traveller (with Sak
Posts: 52
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Post by Hitsuzu on Apr 17, 2012 15:14:07 GMT -5
As Joji sits, an exhausted, dust-soaked, blood-covered tatooed man approach, quietly. He is wearing on his vest the mon of the Wolf, true mon of Toturi the One's first followers. He is smiling, yet slightly crying all the same.
"I see you bring one of my friends to share your rest, Hida-san ! But he won't jest at me like he once would, neh ?"
He looks at the head, crouching, and begin to talk directly to it
"As the wheel of karma continue to round, we'll meet again Togashi Ranjin-san."
He then looks at the immense Crab, and says with a grin :
"I've spoted him into the battle, but you had him first, corrupted son of the Stone Wall ! Too bad, he was of of my students, and I was willing to test how he remembered my teaching ! Bah, I'm tired, my bones are killing me. I will sleep, weep for my friends and foes, and wait for Kaneka-sama's voice to echo around here..."
With that said, he sits, cross-legged, and fall into deep meditation (some calls it sleep, though).
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Post by Hida Joji on Apr 18, 2012 9:36:10 GMT -5
“Corrupted son of the Stone Wall?” – Joji erupts into laughter that ends in fit of coughing. Blackish blood stains the ground in front of him before he manages to find his breath again. He knows who the older monk is, Hitsuzu, one of the first to follow the Wolf.
Joji settles down to wait for the monk to finish his meditation. While he waits Joji cleans and sharpens the Daisho he salvaged from the dead Kensai. The weapons are of very good quality and somehow holding them seems to make it easier to stay calm and control the taint inside him.
As the afternoon makes way for the night, the monk opens his eyes. Joji extends a bottle of Sake and a few rice cakes. “Don’t worry, I don’t spread Jigoku’s strength to those that shun it.” – Joji makes an eating motion – “Eat! Eat and tell me what you think of the battle we just fought. Did you expect this?”
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Apr 19, 2012 13:43:54 GMT -5
Having cleaned up some in preparation for Mai's statement since meeting her in the camp after the long period of time apart, Ozora enters at her side and steps to the side as she moves to speak to all who are assembled. A look of weary exhaustion fills his face. His clothes are obviously colored black by the soot from the fires, though the smell of sweat, blood, and smoke have been removed prior to his arrival, though the stains remained. The last several weeks have not been easy on the shugenja as his skills have been required more often than even he thought possible. He has been treating all who have been injured and able to make it to the safety of the rear lines.
As Mai continues, Ozora scans those there, looking at the hearts of those her hear her words. Sadness crosses his features as he realizes the difficulty that her stance faces.
Turning his attention back to Mai as she finishes, he would join her in tear, but his eyes are dry from the hours of tears he has already shed for the fallen. He patiently waits for her to rejoin him, as he knows his own words would only reduce the weight and impact of her words.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Apr 19, 2012 18:27:06 GMT -5
Tsanuri used fuss created by one of the Dragons to join the meeting unnoticed and was quietly reporting to the Lion command arrival of the last survivors when she heard Mai words. She let battle maiden speech pass before she answered. Tsanuri didn’t speak loudly, her voice was calm and emotionless.
"These… 'people' you want to have peace with just burned whole city with its citizens. Women and children not taking part in the battle. They were all burned. And now your 'fellow samurai' are feasting there, over those people bodies.
They are our real enemies."
Even though neither her voice nor face didn't reveal anything, it wasn't difficult to feel anger radiating from Tsanuri.
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Takezo
Dragon Clan
Shugyosha, Loyal retainer of Toturi, Dragon Champion-in-exile
Posts: 415
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Post by Takezo on Apr 20, 2012 0:22:21 GMT -5
“The destruction of the Castle of the Swift Sword was an atrocity. Now it is celebrated as a great victory, but in time it will be lamented, and painted as an example of the degree to which magical power can be perverted.”
Takezo’s dark eyes glitter as he addresses his luminous allies. His skin, always dark and weathered, is more so from months in the field and in rough travels on missions – with his size and musculature, he could almost be a strong farmer or stone cutter. Dressed simply in dark grey and unadorned, the only thing which reveals his station is the rich ebony of his daisho’s scabbards; nevertheless, his height and ranginess make him instantly recognizable.
“Utaku-sama, the threat of the bloodspeakers is nothing new. Perhaps it is so that their activity has increased, and that they pose a greater threat than usual, but it would be expected that, with the distractions of war occupying magistrates, their activities will increase, and be in some areas go unchecked. I’m certain banditry is on the rise, as well.
But our mission requires focus. It is very easy to justify surrender – let’s call an “offer of peace” what it really is – in the name of a greater good, or to combat a greater evil… but the fact remains that the Court of Hantei remains as venal and corrupt as it has always been. Indeed, the Crane have exploited their unfortunate peace with the Lion to steal political gains while other clans struggled in warfare… one can imagine how much more dainty and foppish the Imperial Court has become in the absence of the martial clans.
So while the bloodspeaker threat is great, a greater danger remains – the soft and silken “bedrock” which is the foundation of Rokugani strength: its very culture, its warlike purity.”
Takezo strides into the open area between Kaneka and the assembled crowd.
“Yet the fact remains that Hantei has the upper hand. As a general, it is unavoidable to advise retreat and defense, but that only leads to a chase which either pins us against the mountains or, better, allows us to take refuge in Unicorn lands, where we began. With the Lion weakened, and our forces divided – the Unicorn in the North, the Crab and Mantis in the south – direct aggression is doomed to failure.
We either need more allies… or we need to think about a less symmetrical mode of warfare. The Hanteists have broken our offensive by annihilating a stronghold to the last man, an indiscriminate inferno; we respond by attacking their leadership – eliminating key figures, not ashigaru, not women, and not children.
If we can maneuver some into duels, I’ll happily take care if them.”
Takezo stops for a moment, looking around the room, meeting the eyes of all present, each by each.
“We have lost the Heartland, but we still control two key strategic assets: we control The Wall, and we control the seas. How might we use these?”
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Apr 20, 2012 13:04:11 GMT -5
Finally fed up with warmongers and wishing he was back in a quiet library again, the weary Iuchi takes up the discussion.
"Violence will only beget more violence. I have seen nearly all that Rokugan has to offer from one side of the land to the other. I have studied with nearly every clan and I have seen more war than I care to ever again. I have seen the court of the Crane and I've been in the dojo of the Lion. Takezo-sama would have you believe that war and violence are the cornerstones of our culture. I would beg to differ. Our culture is an amalgamation of many styles brought together long ago where no single aspect set the standard for the others. Honor is the cornerstone of our culture. It is the constant that holds our society together. If this war was not ongoing, would you allow your honor to be smeared due to another's actions against you? Would you stoop to their level of disgrace in order to even the odds'?" Ozora glares at the shadows cast by the fires and at the other's present as he paces around the inner area.
With sad eyes and a heavy head, Ozora nods his head. "Yes, there was a atrocious event that occurred and I agree that in time, even those who committed it, those who still can find their honor, will understand the folly of their actions. The Lion do not forget. In time, there will be retribution." Ozora looks up at the Lion present at that last.
Ozora pauses and then continues. "Yes, we can fall back to North and in all likelihood they will follow us as we are the threat. I have doubts in Takezo-sama's assessment of the strategic 'assets' we supposedly control. Yes, the ocean is a strong position and the Mantis can do quite well at imposing their will on any shipping, but it is also a very long coastline and the ocean past it is quite vast. History has shown that a force, however large, can still only hold so much."
Ozora turns to look at Takezo. "The Wall? Would you truly have the Crab turn away from it, their Duty? Internal conflicts can be resolved, but the Shadowlands is a threat from which there is little defense other than them. While you are possibly right about the taint that is spreading through the Empire now due to the war, it is STILL a disease. Ozora paces back along the gathered samurai. Allow it to fester, spread, and grow and there will be little we can do. Show the enemy you want the best for the entire land, not just ourselves. We must put a stop to this infection before it grows any further and in our honor and actions will others see our cause as just.
Turning back to look at Takezo again, Ozora can only smirk. "Do you truly believe that the thousands of years of rule by the Hantei dynasty were overfilled with venality and corruption? The dynasty that oversaw the founding of the Empire and it's growth and cultural expansion into what we know and fight for today? While I feel that it is indeed past the time of the Hantei, I will not besmirch the Emperors and their Courts that came before as you so callously did."
Turning towards the Shogun, Ozora lowers his eyes as he continues. "I suggest that we request for a truce. A time to recover that which has been lost and to eradicate this tainted infection festering in our midst. As we are pledged to your cause, your decision will be followed, though I fear for the Empire if we do not stop this here and now."
Ozora gets down on his knees to bow before rejoining Mai.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Apr 20, 2012 13:49:20 GMT -5
Mai nodded at Ozora's words and gave him a worried smile. It heartened her that hers was not the only voice suing for peace.
"It is good to see you alive and well, Ozora-san." she whispered. "It's been a long time."
She turned her attention back to the court to respond to Takezo's assertions.
"You did not see the honor of those who fought and died defending Toshi Ranbo, or you would not dismiss them so readily as dainty and foppish. They are samurai. They are our cousins and uncles, even our brothers and sisters. Their weaknesses can be found in the hearts of all of us, and their strength is no different than our own."
"While the truce stands between the Lion and the Crane, Naseru is protected in the Crane lands. We are at a severe disadvantage if we try to engage the Crane without the military arm of the Lion. Further attacks now would accomplish nothing, and the Crane would make us out to be warmongers...and they would be right to do so. Even now legitimate concerns as to the state of the empire are simply waved off in favor of needless bloodshed."
"I wouldn't waste the court's time with word of scattered bands of weak and filthy men, easily cut down by a dedicated local authority. This is a powerful tsukai who sought to create an army of maho bujin and undead in Far North Village. He would have succeeded if I had not intervened, but the costs were bitter even in success. Kibukito burned to the ground, the people suffered, and the tsukai Shoju lived to strike out again at Ryoko Owari Toshi, killing who knows how many before he was able to get away again. We must act now, before he has a chance to build up his strength and strike."
"He cares nothing for the alliances of this war, he only wants to see Rokugan destroyed. If we continue on the offensive, we will be doing half of his job for him."
She then turned her sights toward Tsanuri, possibly one of the only samurai-ko who could match her own ferocity and fire, and began to speak once more.
"Your words come from rage and vengeance, Akodo-san. They do not become a bushi of the samurai caste. Where is the honor of the Lion who I fought alongside in Toshi Ranbo? Where was the agreement like what was forged by Matsu Yoshino and Yasuki Chad, where hostilities were ceased daily to allow for the removal of the dead and the evacuation of innocents? Was the lion's pride so great that they could not even try to parlay for the civilian population of the castle? Could not their overconfidence in their own prowess have contributed to such a tragic loss?"
"There was one who thought very much like you do now, a Crane who failed in the defense of his lord's city. His lust for vengeance led him down a path of blasphemy and dishonor, one that the Crane are still fighting with all of their strength to bring to justice. How much darkness will you take into your heart to see your enemies destroyed, Akodo-san?"
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Apr 20, 2012 18:03:23 GMT -5
Tsanuri didn’t let Mai finish her speech.
"As much as will be needed to destroy them all."
"Don’t you dare talking as if you know anything about that fight. You don’t. You weren’t there. It was nothing similar to Toshi Ranbo siege. Nothing!"
Tsanuri’s voice, quiet in the beginning became fierce. She looked at Mai with challenge in her eyes.
"Our honor at least doesn’t make us abandon our allies to travel around looking for new amusements or glory."
Tsanuri paused for a moment and continued calmer. At least at the surface.
"You offended my clan by implying that we lack honor. Then my ancestors and myself by putting into question my affiliation with samurai caste. I demand you back your words with steel."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Apr 20, 2012 18:51:36 GMT -5
Near the back of Takezo's personal retinue, there sat a man. If you knew much about him, you would question why a man so vocal in his devotion to the Hantei would sit peacefully in the court of the Shogun; in fact, a few people had already raised such concerns about his intentions, but at a word from the former Dragon Champion their concerns were dismissed. He was an honored guest of Takezo, it seemed, and as such he was to be watched, but not harassed.
The man had come to this court as an invitation from his host, though he assured the now ronin general that he had no tactical information about the Hantei's troops; he was no soldier, he reminded Takezo, and had not even spoken to an officer of Hantei's troops in months. As such, until now the mysterious man remained silent, listening and watching, the thick black cloth wrapping around the left side of his face seeming to no longer give him discomfort as it once had.
Though the spring was chilly, the man seemed at home in a simple black and green kimono and hakama, his wakizashi tucked into its traditional place in his obi, but the katana he bore was placed on the opposite side, as though it were not his weapon of choice, there out of necessity instead of habit. His visible eye was a dark, crystalline green, almost jade in appearance, a feature that clashed with his dark hair and shadowed features. A ghost of a beard dusted his chin and cheeks, giving him the appearance ever more of being aged beyond his years.
Mirumoto Saiko almost jumped in his seat as the Utaku battle maiden began her speech; her face was instantly recognizable to him, as she was the love of his cousin, Kakita Sojiro, and only a few weeks ago had they fought in the lands of the Scorpion together against Shoju, who had held her captive. Mai seemed tired, worn down, though the fire behind her eyes belied any thoughts of weakness that may have surface. He did, however, notice that she did not have a katana at her side, a detail that he did not think too imperative until the young Akodo samurai-ko made her challenge.
The young Dragon stood in a smooth motion in the cold silence that followed her challenge, and more than a few dark looks shot his way as he made his way to the general speaking floor. Saiko felt a chill run through him as he could practically feel Kaneka's icy gaze drilling through him as he approached Mai, though he forced a somber look upon his face as he bowed to the battle maiden.
"Utaku Mai-sama," he began, his voice friendlier than she last remembered, an age ago when they had met in the gardens of Kyuden Doji. "I am pleased to see you in fair health; I know my cousin would be far more joyous to learn this news, as well. I am here as a guest of Takezo-dono, as I came seeking his guidance and wisdom. I have put aside much of my old enmity, and even now I find myself in an opportunity to atone for another former indiscretion of mine."
He straightened up, his eye now burning with a bright green fire as he stared into Mai's own gaze, and continued. "When we first met, I acted upon my own bitterness and hatred, and failed to treat you with the respect you deserved. I resented you for your role in our recent defeat, but that was no excuse for my behavior. My cousin, Sojiro-san, is more passionate about you than he has been about anything for a very long time, and for that I am in your debt as well." Saiko's voice filled with confidence, almost pride, and he gazed around the court, lingering on Tsanuri for a moment before returning to Mai.
"Allow me to make up my previous enmity to you, as well as show my gratitude for what you have done for my family, and grant me the honor of championing you in this duel."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Apr 20, 2012 20:33:07 GMT -5
Mai bristled at Tsanuri's angered shout, her mind swimming back to a very similar situation before the battle had started. She looked at Ozora with a blush beginning to rise up her neck.
Fortunes, she thought, why are my own words against my champion being thrown back at me now?
At Tsanuri's next accusation, though, Mai could no longer stay calm. She reared up from her kneeling position and ran over to face her in a flash of movement.
"I have abandoned no one! Everything I've done, I've done to protect those who call me master. Each charge I have led, each draw of my sword, and every drop of my sweat and blood has been to preserve the people that we have sworn to protect. That is the duty of all samurai."
She looked at the Lion maiden with fires of accusation in her dark eyes. "A duty that you seem to have conveniently forgotten in favor of your selfish vendetta."
Her left hand twitched upward at the spoken challenge, reminding her of the empty place at her saya where her katana should be, but she pushed forward regardless.
"I accept your challenge, she-Lion! If my words will never sway you to see reason, it appears that my blade must!"
She gave a nod toward Saiko as he spoke. He seemed so different since the last time she had seen him in Kyuden Doji. Perhaps she was looking at him with a renewed focus. She sincerely acknowledged his gesture, but shook her head fiercely at the thought of him championing her cause. "I would be ashamed to ask anyone to stand in my place, Mirumoto-san." All of the other questions at the front of her mind for the strange dragon bushi, about what he was doing here, about Sojiro, would have to wait.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Apr 21, 2012 0:28:25 GMT -5
A deep stentorian voice broke the tension that had settled in the room the voice that carried the absolute authority of a man used to giving commads and having them obeyed... Utaku Mai-san - - - Akodo Tsanuri-san
The Lion regent strode out in to the center of the room, with diamond cutter eyes scanning back and forth between the two samurai-ko. Keisuke stopped and turned to the emperor and bowed deeply, Apologies my Lord.
Keisuke turned and took a stance of an ancient statue to address those samurai assembled, Look around this room what a fine collection of warriors we have here Lion, Unicorn, Crab, and wave men. he paused scanning the room before he continued. And if we wish to continue to serve Lord Emperor Toturi then the assigning of blame or the inumerating of past mistakes ends here.
Not one among us has not sacrificed something to get here, but let us not be like merchants and place those mistakes on scales and measure them one against one another. That which we carry with only weighs as much we allow it burden us. Never set those sacrifices aside but do not allow the past to slow your journey on the warriors path.
He locked eyes with breifly the Mai and Tsanuri, Now Utaku Mai-san and Akodo Tsanuri-san, the challenges has been issued and accapted and I can not change that. Yet by my standing as the Regent of the Lion looking at Tsanuri, and as the first among general of the emperors armies, glancing back to Mai. I shall over see this duel it will not occur in the emperors court but tomorrow morning at dawn in a place of your choosing. The duel shall end when first blood is drawn.
Are there any objection to this, or may we continue with the council to advise our lord emperor?
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