Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 12, 2011 18:34:54 GMT -5
The sun had long since set below the endless plains, and the day's bustle of the soldiers and samurai moving about the camp had migrated into the many unicorn-style yurts dotting the landscape, each with its own plume of smoke emanating from the center vent. The night was cold and sharp, and only those with good reason to be outside were leaving their warm fires to deliver messages or perform other tasks. Yukataka no Onna's trail was veering ever closer to the coming winter, despite the heated war between emperors, brothers and clans. Mai could not feel the cold through the fury burning through her blood. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her faced was flushed as if she had run a great distance. Only as she distanced herself from the unicorn champion's tent would the cold, hard ground start to become noticeable through her straw sandals, cooling her off with each passing step. At nearly the edge of the camp, where the ashigaru and other conscripted troops were entertaining themselves for the evening, that Mai's rage could finally dissipate and allow her to face the full measure of what she had just done, what she had said, and who she had said it to. Her rage turned inward into shame. By the kami, what have I done? she thought. Speaking to her champion and daimyo in such a way, outright insulting an honorable samurai who she had come to consider a friend. By all accounts, I should go back, beg forgiveness...with my own life, if necessary. Protocol demanded no less, but something deep within her, something tied inextricably with her very sense of honor, of duty, of compassion...she could not bring herself to admit fault to the likes of her clan champion, not regarding her duty to Toturi of all things. Forgiveness may restore her own honor, but would shame the riders who died at Toshi Ranbo's gatehouse. Their deaths still burdened her like a great weight placed on her chest. For you, the honored dead, I would put myself as low as the insects in the grass. Your sacrifice may go unnoticed by our clan, but it was no less honorable for having been made.The only real question was: What was there to do now? No longer fitting in even among the shiotome who had imbued so much meaning into her life, what would she do now? Fight with the lion against their numerous enemies? The thought may have appealed to her before, but no longer could she ignore the empire's enemies tearing it apart from without. Her thoughts turned to the enigmatic spider emissary who pleaded to Toturi's court for recognition -- his execution should have put the issue to rest, but the influence of the shadowlands seemed to press in tighter by the day. The odd appearances...the signs and portents...the oni summoned against the distant Crane Castle...the khan himself succumbing to the taint. No, Mai determined. I will not raise a hand against my fellow Rokugani in such times. I must find the real threat, and do all within my power to stop it.
Even if I must do it alone.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 14, 2011 17:32:40 GMT -5
Sojiro had no problem following Mai - she hadn't gone to great lengths to be unnoticed, and it wasn't long before he found her near where the common soldiers made their camp. He approached her with a heavy walk, deliberately making sure she heard him approaching, and stopped about ten feet from her.
"What will you do now?" There was no anger in his voice, only a calm acknowledgement of what had happened.
"Once, when I was young, my father took me with him to attend the Otomo court. While I was there, a boy a little older than me started taunting me because of my eyes, saying that I was a nezumi and then calling me a coward when I asked him to stop. I reacted to him based on what I felt was right, and before long the servants had to pull the two of us apart. At the time, I felt that I had done the right thing. I wasn't until later, when I learned that my actions had caused my father a great deal of dishonor and cost him his appointment as head of the Kakita Dojo, that I realized the full implications of acting on my feelings instead of thinking with my mind. And to be honest, it's a lesson that I still struggle with to this day. So I don't feel that I have the right to judge you for making the same mistake."
He shook his head, clearing the memory from his mind.
"You are not the only veteran of Toshi Ranbo here, Mai-san. I would ask you to remember that, and ask yourself if you truly meant what you said about me."
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Dec 15, 2011 5:30:52 GMT -5
Ozora is only a few moments behind Sojiro, but as his Champion commanded, he maintains a respectful distance, outside of regular earshot.
There he stops and makes sure to intercept any who would interfere.
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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 Dec 16, 2011 13:05:22 GMT -5
Hearing the samurai following her, Mai fully expected to face the retribution of his blade, but when she turned to face him, she was taken aback by his calm demeanor and moderate speech. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, though Mai appeared to make a few false starts. Finally, after letting a long, tired sigh out into the cold night air, she could finally begin putting words to the jumble of thoughts running through her mind.
"Sojiro...I could not deny the wisdom of your words even if I wanted to. There was a time, before the Yobanjin war, that I would have agreed with you, that courtesy and respect were as important to a samurai as honor and courage, and measured responses delivered by clear heads would win over passion when the cause was just."
Memories of the past year flooded her, and for the first time, Sojiro could see Mai looking...helpless. Her typical self-assured swagger was no where to be seen, and the fire in her eyes had now given way to deep pools of sorrow.
"I was with a contingent of Unicorn at Kyuden Doji last winter's imperial court. While my people were pleading for assistance against the Yobanjin -- even when support from the Crane champion and Daidoji seemed assured -- I saw far too many white-haired courtiers smile behind their fans, treating our struggles as a great feast on which to gorge their own ambition. Ensuring their own position -- their own wealth and comfort -- at the cost of our people's lives. The day that the Hantei secluded himself was...well, we knew then that our petition was a lost cause. We played as well as we could, with great courtesy and respect for protocol, but we were fools to fail to see how the rules were set against us from the beginning. We were never more than pebbles on the go board, mere pawns in the courtier's games."
"You may not agree with those of us who marched under Toturi's banner, but whatever you may think of his intentions, when action was necessary, Kaneka-sama acted, knowing that it might cost him dearly, for the benefit of our people, and of Rokugan. I can not think to do any less, even if it means facing similar consequences."
She shivered, finally feeling the chill for the first time. The action seemed to bouoy her up slightly, moving her body toward some of her original demeanor. She pulled her quilted hitatare close to her for warmth, as if creating a protective barrier between herself and all outside forces.
"I would be foolish not to recognize the skill and bravery of the Crane at Toshi Ranbo. The Kikita, the Daidoji, even the Yasuki all showed great courage on the battlefield. But even knowing that, I can't stop thinking about those who smiled while my mother died."
She took her katana from her daisho, not in a threatening way, but holding it with both hands as if it were some strange curiosity. The decorative motifs and wrappings hearkened to Unicorn sensibilities, but the make of the blade was clearly Crane. Daidoji Kuzon had spared no expense for its creation, and had presented it to his daughter at the ceremony celebrating her gempukku and acceptance into the shiotome. She had raised it more than once against its creators at Toshi Ranbo, but she hesitated at the thought of raising it against the Kikita before her. Slowly, almost reverently, she placed it back in its sheath and spoke again.
"I understand what your honor demands now, Sojiro-san, and I will not stop you even in my own defense. You are not my adversary, but you could still help me find our mutual enemy."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 16, 2011 17:01:32 GMT -5
Sojiro smiled at Mai.
"Mai-san, if I was to stand here and give you all the reasons and examples of why I agree with you concerning most of our courtiers, we would both be frozen and numb before I finished. Instead, I will simply say that the one - and only - good thing to come from this war, is that my clan is more self aware than ever before. It has brought out the true colors of everyone. Many have scurried away to hide behind their fans and their pretty words. One has sacrificed his honor and his soul, in part because he could no longer handle watching such things. Others... others have taken steps to see to it that the Crane stop acting on the guidance of such cowards. And those people, myself included, are bringing change to the clan of fans and pretty words."
"I will agree with you that Kaneka-sama's actions saved the empire during the Yobanjin war. That.... it simply can't be denied. But I feel that neither brother is a complete emperor without the other. Kaneka-sama is a warrior to the core, but is impetuous and hot-headed at times..." He paused to grin at her again, "Not unlike two other warriors I could mention right now. Naseru-sama, for his part, thinks too much and acts too little. If the Yobanjin war wasn't enough proof of that, you have only to look at the current war and the actions - or lack of them - the Hantei forces have taken. I believe that fates made those two brothers for a very good reason. They balance each other's extremes... when they are willing to hear what the other has to say."
He pulled two rolled tobacco cigarettes from the inside of his haori, offering one to Mai before lighting one himself. "A gift from my cousin, Mirumoto Saiko. They calm the nerves, and I find they keep the chill of winter at bay. It may not be as sweet as horse milk, though." His smile grew a bit.
"You are not my enemy, Mai-san. If there is one thing this trip has made clear to me, it is that I have found someone that I can not only respect, but that I actually trust and enjoy the company of, in you. The insanity of this war may have placed us on opposing sides, but I'm not sure that I could ever see you as an enemy at this point. So, instead of solving this like the egotistical Crane duelist that I sometimes am, I think I will make you another offer."
He took a hit from the cigarette before continuing.
"Mai-san, I would like you to accompany me to Winter Court, as my guest and my friend. I have several reasons for this request. The biggest is that I believe I've found someone willing to stand beside me and work to address the real threat facing the empire, and I absolutely will not abandon someone willing to do that. Secondly, I think it will do much for ending this war, if it is seen that two warriors, who stood on opposite sides at Toshi Ranbo, now stand together in agreement that something is very wrong in the empire right now. They may even open their eyes and start to pay attention themselves. Third, I would love the opportunity to not only return the hospitality you have shown me over the past few days, but also to show you my Crane clan, the one that is willing to stand and fight instead of running and hiding behind gilded kimonos and veiled faces. And fourth... well, I have to admit that the idea of the two of us dealing with the foppish courtiers together sounds like something I would enjoy very much, as would my family."
"I understand you spent some time among them as a child, and judging by the blade you carry, it was a significant amount of time. If nothing else, it would give you the opportunity to torture them a bit..." he took another hit of the cigarette and grinned at her again, "Instead of, for example, torturing a poor, naive Crane traveler by offering him horse milk for the first time in front of a Unicorn daimyo and leaving him with no idea what to expect."
His grin went away as he looked her in the eyes.
"You've proven your quality as a person to me in a very short time, Mai-san, and I find it foolish to banish someone of such quality simply because they sought to do what was right. If fact, I can say that I did something very similar at Toshi Ranbo, and my only punishment for it was a lecture from Mitsouko- sama about not checking in with her before I decided to take my unit in to battle. Technically, I wasn't supposed to be there either. I don't think you went about questioning your Daimyo's decisions in the most.... graceful... manner, but if I had my honor and position stripped from me for every time I have improperly brought a mistake or error in judgement to Mitsouko-sama's attention, I would be a homeless eta by now."
"If she can't see your worth, at least know that someone here can."
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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 Dec 18, 2011 9:16:51 GMT -5
Mai took one of the proffered rolls and looked at it curiously. She had only ever seen the pungent weed smoked through long pipes, usually by old peasant men in the villages around her holdings. She inhaled tentatively, though the unaccustomed action combined with hearing Sojiro's surprising offer flustered her to the point of an uncontrolled coughing fit as the smoke worked its way through her insides. Was he crazy? After what she had just done, he wanted to turn her loose on an assembly of courtiers? Truly he was like no other Crane she had ever met. Her coughing incredulity gave way to laughter and she looked at him with something akin to astonishment.
"And here I was, thinking that I would have to face you in a duel, but now I see you have something far worse in mind..." She said, smiling through her own feelings of trepidation. She thought for a moment, weighing the options in her mind. The offer to work together with him was...intriguing, to say the least. "I had thought to start chasing shadows and ghosts myself, but it will be nearly impossible once winter sets in..." She bit her lip, clearly swaying toward his offer. "All right, Sojiro. I'll accept. With your help, perhaps this year's winter court will prove more fruitful than the last."
Perhaps, Mai thought hopefully, I am not as alone as I had feared.
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Moto Yoee
Spider Clan
The Dark Clown
Posts: 194
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Post by Moto Yoee on Dec 19, 2011 5:47:41 GMT -5
Apparently, Mai and Sojiro were too busy discussing with each other, and Ozora was too busy looking after them to have noticed the slow and purposeful approach of a cloaked figure. To their credit, the man was unnaturally stealthy, as if the shadows themselves tried to conceal his very existence.
Under the hood, only his grin could be seen. And if one only saw this feature, he could have thought that the man was insane. Not that it was not the case, but the sight of his too-bright-to-be-true teeth and of his malevolent smile were more than enough to make any low-rank soldier flee in terror.
However, when the silent figure pulled his hood and revealed the rest of his face, his grin disappeared. What was to be seen was only the peaceful face of a tired warrior. Some might have recognized the former Khan of the Unicorn clan, his siblings and his parents for instance, but to those who didn't know him intimately, he had become a completely different man since he fled the Unicorn clan and joined the minions of the Dark Kami. His skull and face had been completely shaved, in the fashion of the numerous monks who wandered the Empire. He didn't wear any armor, only worn-out clothes. However, there was a clue that the man wasn't a peaceful monk. A large blade, a scimitar, was hung at his side. He didnt wear a wakisashi though, his new master didn't require such a petty sign of allegiance to prove his loyalty.
As he approached the place where stood the three samurai, he allowed himself to be less discreet, so that he wouldn't look as an ambusher trying to murder them. Not that it wasn't a possible conclusion of this not-so-random encounter, but his intent wasn't cold-blooded murder today.
Yoee noisily cleared his throat and rubbed his beardless chin, seemingly thoughtful.
- What a nice day, samurai-sama, he said, slightly bowing, far less than what the rigid Rokugani etiquette demanded. I hope the Fortunes have treated you well.
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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 Dec 19, 2011 11:09:48 GMT -5
Mai, distracted by the conversation, whirled around at the noise and faced the odd individual. She did not recognize the man's face, but something about him seemed...off-putting. The cold seemed somehow colder, and the night darker. In absence of any other cues, she falls back on her military instincts. Without thinking, her left hand slowly makes its way toward her scabbard, readying it to draw should the need arise. She makes a mental note of the distance to the nearest yurt-- certainly within calling distance, but who knew the state of sobriety of the soldiers inside should reinforcements be necessary. She addresses him with respect due to his apparent position as a monk, but she cannot completely hide the wariness from her voice.
"Hai, Obo-san. Is there anything we can assist you with this evening?"
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Moto Yoee
Spider Clan
The Dark Clown
Posts: 194
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Post by Moto Yoee on Dec 19, 2011 11:49:21 GMT -5
The man nodded, and a slight smile appeared on his face.
Such a predatory maiden, such a beautiful weapon... That'll be a delight to bring her to our side... he thought, having clearly noticed her first gestures after he interrupted their conversation.
- Hai, samurai-sama, he said cheerfully. I am sure that you can assist me...
He raised his right hand and slammed his forehead in a deliberately overexagerrated motion.
- It looks like I keep forgetting in what a fine company I am. Please allow me to introduce myself, I am... Maruhage, the wanderer, he said, bowing ever so slightly. But I wouldn't want to interrupt a clearly important conversation between three honorable samurai who have more important matters than to listen to a humble man's gibberish.
He bowed once again and took a step back, visibly waiting for the three samurai to end their conversation.
- Of course, I wouldn't want to pry or impose my trivial point of view to such fine servants of the Emperor...
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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 Dec 19, 2011 15:06:52 GMT -5
"Certainly not, Maruhage-san. We were just taking advantage of the fresh air of the plains." She gives Sojiro a sidelong glance, seeing if he had anything to add, or if his instincts were at all similar to her own.
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Dec 19, 2011 15:30:55 GMT -5
A frown forms on Ozora's face as this stranger comes up from the opposite direction and catches him unawares. What a time to look the other way...
Peering over at the newcomer, a thought scractches at the back of Ozora's mind. He has a strange feeling that he should know this person but just cant place from where or who this person is.
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Moto Yoee
Spider Clan
The Dark Clown
Posts: 194
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Post by Moto Yoee on Dec 20, 2011 6:10:33 GMT -5
The man rubbed his chin and simply sat down on the dirty ground.
- Hmm... I see that my unfortunate arrival has put an end to your discussion, samurai-sama, he stated. I wish to apologize for that, since it was not my intent to do so...
He casually retrieved a smoking pipe and a bag of herbs from his kimono. Slowly, he prepared his pipe and lit it. After having taken a few puffs, he looked intently at each of the samurai present.
- Hmm... yes, I think that you might be able to help me, samurai-sama, he said, thoughtful. I recently lost something, and have been trying to find out how I could retrieve it. However, it would be extremely bold for someone of such a low station to ask advice from such honorable samurai.
After one long puff that made him cough, he emptied his pipe on the ground.
- Bad habit... he said, visibly disgusted. He then stood up and started to rub the dirt from his clothes. Perhaps I should leave you alone, I have been imposing my presence for too long.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 20, 2011 19:55:44 GMT -5
Sojiro remained silent as the strange man walked up and introduced himself, taking in every detail he could. The first thing that struck him - and the reason for his awareness - was the simple fact that no one in their right mind would be out wondering the area at this time. It was cold out, even to Mai, who was quite familiar with this place. And yet this man seemed to have no regard for the temperatures with his simple cloak and willingness to sit on the frozen ground. The second was his willingness to intrude on a conversation between two samurai - or three, as had been pointed out. Sojiro glanced behind him, finding Ozora there and feeling slightly more comfortable for it. He wasn't sure why yet, but he felt that he knew the shugenja from somewhere, and his presence was a welcome one. Most wanderers, even monks, would be reluctant to do something that a samurai might construe as rude, unless they were from a social caste higher than samurai.
The third thing he noticed was the scimitar on the bald man's hip. Obviously a unicorn weapon, yet the man bore no unicorn mon or features. It was also out of place considering the rest of the outfit was typical of a monk, and very few monks carried weapons.
He stepped up beside Mai as her hand slid towards her sheath, the air kami that kept him company becoming restless as he did so. They weren't agitated to the point of aggressiveness yet, but something was definitely disturbing them. He fiddled with the ring on his left hand as the stranger engaged Mai in a sort of roundabout conversation about nothing... finally mentioning a lost item while coughing on a pipe.
"Ozora-san, please feel free to join us," he called back to the shugenja before addressing the stranger.
"It is fine, Maruhage-san. May I ask what sort of lost item would lead to you wandering into a war camp in the middle of a very chilly evening?"
(OOC sorry I was out of contact. Had things to take care of yesterday that kept me away from the computer.)
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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 Dec 21, 2011 12:26:51 GMT -5
(It's cool, nothing got held up for very long)
Mai hears Sojiro move into a better position, sensing somehow that the fellow warrior was at a similar level of vigilance to herself. It put her, not at ease, but at least at a lower level of anxiety should the monk's intentions not be entirely peaceful.
"Even samurai can honorably lower themselves to assist a follower of Shinsei, obo-san. Please, tell us, what can we do?"
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Moto Yoee
Spider Clan
The Dark Clown
Posts: 194
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Post by Moto Yoee on Dec 21, 2011 12:34:42 GMT -5
The Crane seemed quite talkative before Yoee's arrival. Clearly, something wasn't right with his behaviour. Did any of them had recognized him? Impossible. None of them had ever seen him in person before, and his physical appearance had changed so much since he joined the Spider. No, they were simply suspicious about this lone stranger strolling in the Unicorn warcamp. At least, they hadn't found the two dead sentries... yet.
- Well, well... he said, holding two fingers up. There are two things that disturb me in your reasoning, Crane-sama... actually, three things, he added, raising another finger.
He fell into silence for a few heartbeats, purely for dramatic purposes.
- Firstly, I think that I have introduced myself, something that my old sensei told me was a good start for a peaceful conversation between honorable men... and women, he said with a sidelong glance towards Mai. Secondly, the weather isn't really cold here, isn't it? Or is it that an old man in rags can withstand what a samurai wearing warm clothes can't. No, that can't be right. And finally, you seem to suggest that I have lost an item... but I've never said such a thing, for I wouldn't want to lie to you, samurai-sama. What I have lost is a thing that isn't as tangible as the blade that your friend here, he stated with a gesture of the head towards Mai, seems to value, if I judge by the swiftness with which she wants to unsheath it.
All this had been said with a warmful smile. The wanderer couldn't look less malevolent. He then turned to face Mai and answer her question.
- What you can do to help me? Hmm... I have just a simple question to ask you. However, I am not bold enough to ask it to you... I wouldn't want to share my... shame with you, samurai-sama.
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