Halls of Toku Torid-e

[Yoritomo Raiden]

general discussion thread for any of the Monkey Clan or Allies

[Kakita Shinji]

Finally small group of Crane representatives arrived with just symbolic detachment of bushi that entered after courtiers. Probably not even a squad, but group of yojimbo since, while most of them were Daidoji, some were clearly Kakita. There blue and white colors were dominant. But courtiers in front of them were much more colorful with clearly rich kimonos marking their wealth. Only their leader, short and young man was wearing very traditional Crane colors - white, blue and silver. His kimono was elegand, end despite elaborate pattern and giant crane mon on back, had some modesty to it. Kakita Shinji as already stated - was very short man, yet it seemingly didn't bother him, he had narrow eyebrows, long white hair, now loose and lot of confidence in dark eyes.

He stepped forward and initiated deep bow towards his hosts, rest cranes followed his example immediately.

"We are honoured by your hospitality. May Lady Sun shine over this visit, as our clans have much to learn from each other. On behalf of Crane Clan, we'd like to hand over few modest gifts. A volume of Doji Basho poetry for your great daimyo, a finest bonsai pine from Shiro sano Kakita to be humble addition for grave of great Toku, and few more gifts from humble Asahina and Kakita artists. May they bring you good fortune!"

[Yoritomo Raiden]

The earthen halls of Toku Torid-e are well lit in a cascade of different colored lamps. The smell of snow plums and sandalwood drift throughout the halls. The decorations adoring the Halls are all of earthen color.

A group of representatives are there to meet the Crane envoy. They all are wearing kimonos made from the tailors of Toshi Ranbo. They bear the mon of the Toku family. The man at the forefront of the men is Toku Sanjuro. He is a tall man with classic top knot hair. sideburns that run down to his mid chin. Dark chestnut eyes that seem to see things that others dont see. He wears a blessed sword at his side that is peace tied.

"welcome my friend, my home is your home Kakita Shinji-san."

In a motion of humble friendship Toku Sanjuro accepts the gifts given to the Monkey. In exchange he hands Kakita Shinji a box 1ft by 1ft. Made of engraved oak stained a dark brown. Inside is twelve pages wrapped in white silk.

"these are the writings of Toku during his travels through the Crane lands. They hold his inner most thoughts of what he saw, whom he met, and how he was inspired by your people." Toku Sanjuro said with a respectful smile.

"I believe we have much to learn from each other, and this hour of this day will be herald as a historic day for both our people." Toku Sanjuro bows very deeply to the Crane.

"but first tonight we feast!" Toku Sanjuro's smile turns into a grin.

[Akodo Jafuri]

A servant of the Monkey opens the door shortly afterwards, and a child of the Clan, one assigned to Toku Torid-e to round out her training, announces:

"Jafuri of the Akodo, Clan of the Lion."

As the child's clear, high voice fades into the room, a man of middling height and trim build enters. His hair is swept up into the traditional samurai topknot, his kimono is plainly styled in golds and browns and bears on his sleeves a row of three mons: Lion, Akodo, and what must be a unit patch. Sharp eyes peer out from under heavy brows, and he carries a box of polished maple under one arm. At his hip, his wakizashi rests in a polished saya, and though it is not joined by his katana, where his grandfather's sword is accustomed to rest is evident.

The man takes three steps into the room and bows deeply.

"It is good that the hospitality of this hall is still extended to one who has had the benefit of training here."

[Kakita Shinji]

...

Next morning. Hosts and guests were sitting around tables. Breakfast was accompanied by even less formal conversation.

...And then, out of blue Hida Ikkaku-sama said that once as he rode by, someone said - "the rider has a longer face than the horse".

Most samurai around table laughed. This time Shinji had his white hair braided, and his kimono was elegant, yet appropriate for day's activities. He continued.

Trully it was impressive how Crab can speak of themselves or each other. Still I can bet they held back in my presence. I don't want to imagine some of my clanmembers faces in such situation.

There was some laughter, yet some of Crane courtiers opened their fans in disapproval. There came a moment of uneasy silence...

[Akodo Jafuri]

Jafuri's eyes scanned the faces of the room. He made no attempt to hide his evaluating the people there.

His thoughts, though, remain inscrutable.

[Kakita Shinji]

After that pause Shinji turned to Lion with polite interest.

"Master Akodo, you mentioned being adept of Toku dojo. Would you care to tell me what I should expect there, and please us with your memories of that noble school?"

Then he began to drink his tea.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

standing in the doorway surveying the guests and students of the hall Toku Sanjuro stood there spotting every detail of the conversation. A smile on his face like he alone was privileged to a joke only he knew.

[Akodo Jafuri]

Jafuri nods. "Of course, Kakita-san, if our kind hosts would allow. For I would not presume to say that I could say better than they what there is to say about them."

[Komori Yukio]

A brief message arrives from the islands.

Greetings from your allies among the Bat Clan. - Komori Warai

[Yoritomo Raiden]

the Halls have always been open to any who seek the knowledge kept within. We all would be arrogant to assume the Toku know everything on the subject. We always love to see different perspectives on the subject as well. By all means.......

Welcome honored Komori-san. please come in and warm yourself near the pyr

[Akodo Jafuri]

Jafuri nods.

"I am not an Ikoma, so my speech will not be such as they could give. Still, I found the Toku welcoming during my stay. The youth of their dojo and style manifests as an exuberance in training that I have rarely seen among the students of other dojo. By this I do not say that other bushi are lazy--I know that this is not the truth. But I have seen among many dojo students who do not regard their training as the blessing that it is. Among the Toku, I saw no such students."

He takes a sip.

[Yoritomo Raiden]

the toku are taught to find and keep passion forged with wisdom in all we do. every breathe a gift, every day a journey, and every experience a saga. thank you for your kind words my friend. I have spent a great deal of time in the lion and crane lands. I see the countless men and women in your lands showing the iron discipline and dedication that Akodo himself made known to the empire. all in all i have to say i am glad to have the opportunity to meet you jafuri

[Kakita Shinji]

Every samurai path should come with dedication. Just like Crane, Lion follows discipline and seek perfection. At same time Dragon goes for passion and instinct. Seems way of Toku is somewhat similar. I'm even more impatient to see your dojo. Passion I've found in Mirumoto moutains seemed unmatched.

[Akodo Jafuri]

Jafuri rises and sketches a bow to Toku Sanjuro.