Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 4, 2011 21:26:07 GMT -5
A letter arrived for the Kakita Daimyo, brought by a lone Sparrow bearing the badge of an Alliance courier. The simple samurai left the message and then went on his way.
The handwriting was not as formal as the game of letters dictated. One could instantly tell that the writer knew little about politics, the writer spent more time with a sword rather than a brush. It was held together with a ribbon of red silk, and smelled faintly of iris. Though the writing was not decorative, the paper was of exceptional quality.
"Dear Cousin Mitsouko, The letter you sent was well received. I passed your regards to my betrothed, and she asked to send hers in return. There is much darkness in the Empire, though your words of blood and kinship warms the icy grip the Empire is caught in. It is understandable that we've not had the time to visit. Duty overshadows the desires of men. Still, it is never so dark that one cannot find a light shown. I know little of rumors circulating around me. Perhaps unease can be banished, perhaps not. I find myself with the need to travel close to your lands. Perhaps in each others' company we can find a moment of solace from the darkness. I should arrive within the week. As always dear cousin, you have my fondest regards.
Toku Torid-e
"You are aware My Lord, that this is most likely a trap." Toku Nakata said from his seat across from Hirotomo. "It makes sound sense, lead the enemy around, take out the weakest links, then strike." The old Monkey was blunt. He fought with Toku himself, first a Lion, then a ronin, then a Monkey, the man had lived many lives.
"You can't be sure of that, Nakata-san. Perhaps she really does just want to talk of old and better times."
"It's not her I'm worried about, My Lord, but her masters, the Doji. This could be an attempt to get you in the open, vulnerable, and easily dealt with. You will be very close to the Imperial City."
"No one knows of my allegiance, save the Bayushi, and I don't think that they are the type to hand enemies information with abandon. Neither is my father, only those I trust implicitly know where I will lead us."
"The Scorpion lords have not sided with anyone, who is to say who their enemy is? The Dragon also knows."
"And I trust her implicitly." Hirotomo said with a faint tinge of annoyance.
"Her own clan turned its back on its Champion. She is not a Monkey yet." Nakata said gently.
"She is in every way but name." Hirotomo said, ending that line of thought with a wave of his hand. "I will go. If it is a trap, then I will get out of it. I have business with Naka Tokei and I have heard that he is near the Crane lands. Some of the remnants of Toturi's Army have also been sighted there. Call Toku Bokatu, he could go with me, as well as you. Both to keep me out of danger, and seeing old comrades might instil in them the desire to raise sword in defense of the Empire again. Some Crane are disenfranchised with their leaders. Perhaps we could give them a new home and cause."
Toku Nakata gave a grim sigh. Then he followed it with a short smile. "You remind me greatly of you Grandfather, my lord. I'm sure he would be very proud of you. Should I ask for anyone else?
"Only those who can keep their tongues in their mouths." Hirotomo said thinking. "I don't want to show my strategy before the pieces are laid."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 5, 2011 12:11:48 GMT -5
Maybe, like in the old stories about war between clans that Mitsouko's or Hirotomo's generation hadn't ever seen, the routes by east of Three Sides River were uncomfortable to the ones not declared as Hantei supporters. But, as soon as the new Toku Champion arrived at Crane Lands, a small garrison presented , wielding Mitsouko's mon, and conducted the guests to The Crisantemun Bride Manor, a house that was no more the official residence of the Kakita daimyo, but reserved for (few) the moments of privacy she needed. After the refresment deserved by Hirotomo's and his small retinue, they (or only Hirotomo, if he wishes so) to a room where tea and sake was served, as well as the finest meals. That was where Mitsouko should meet him.
“You can, as a free woman, do whatever you wish to, but I ask you… If the rumors are true, you are the one that can easily check it for me. I trust in your abilities… Take care, dear Mei, I have fondness in your friendship, to think the harm you can suffer in a travel in such dark times…” Mitsouko received the beautiful woman’s smile as a nod of agreement, and when the messenger came in with news about Hirotomo's arrival, Mei bowed low and was gone as silently and smoothly as a silken dream. Mei owned a quality most of her kin didn’t: the art of a shut mouth. Long past were the days when she can keep her own mouth shut for days. Maybe, like a reflex of her own personality, the clan was not so prolix now was in the last Winter Court. A big mouth started a grudge between the Shogun and her predecessor (that passed away so young, she must admit with a shiver). No matter if the Shogun was Kaneka, or even if the Kakita daimyo was right or wrong. With that brash attitude, many Kakita lost their lives, in battle at the command of Kaneka, or at duels about their master's words. Much of her thoughts were focused in politics, in strategies. Even if she wasn't been seen traveling as often as she used to, the main of her time was in chambers discussing maps and strategies. Soon, she would declare her move... so there was a chance of having news about the destiny of the beloved ones, in the other side of the line. And the line was coming closer, fast. Better have time to see family when one of the sides was still alive. Mitsouko opened the shoji of her inner chambers and headed to meet his cousin.
She passed by two guards near the room, but far enough to permit privacy. The servant opened the door. She smiled at Hirotomo, making him a gesture to skip pleasantries, after the usual bowing:
"Well, cousin, is really good to see you! You are...taller!"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 5, 2011 17:37:41 GMT -5
The ride was not difficult, though it had been quiet. His retinue was small, only five others aside from himself. He was very easily the youngest among them. Toku Nakata rode in front, Toku Bokatu rode on his left, Toku Rokugo to his right. Behind him, Fuzake twins were chattering away. They were courtiers, brought in at Nakata's request.
When they were brought in, the twins performed a comedy act for Mitsouko, as the Monkey's gift to their host. Hirotomo was glad for the skipped pleasantries. He'd had his fill of such things lately. He left the others in the antechamber, save for one of the twins.
"I am told it's a side effect of youth, Mitsouko-san. I'm sure it will pass.. I hope I have arrived to find you well." Hirotomo said with a smile.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 11, 2011 8:58:56 GMT -5
OCC: I am aware this RP is placed before "The Monkey's Howl".
Well, yes, I am, and thank you very much for such entertaining act, Hirotomo-san. It’s always good to see how some of us are so wrong in thinking that Crane and Scorpion can detain all of Empire fun! Ah, it reminds me a thing. Looking at a servant, she asked for a scroll she previously had let at hand. With the two hands she bowed to her cousin, offering the gift.
Please, take it as a memento of our travel and adventures together. Those weren’t for sure either fun or inconsequent, but surely made us both more aware of what we truly are. The scroll was of the hanging type, and was artistically painted with a sweet scene of the Toku Keep, in the top of the mountain. In bright red letters, it was written:
Toku Hirotomo: Born by Toku’s Keep With the beautiful heart of a bird From the bosom of the Empire He removed the evil with a needle As sharp as his spirit.
Well, I try to keep my promises, cousin. Even against your modesty. This is the most precious copy; in most peaceful times I am sure people will read it everywhere. If art survive to these times, of course.
She sat in front of him, but, while her lips smiled, her eyes showed that Mitsouko had a concern.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 11, 2011 16:12:36 GMT -5
Hirotomo smiled as he accepted the scroll after the third offer. "Thank you, Cousin. It is very beautiful, I will ensure it's place of honor in my keep." Hirotomo looked at his cousin to see her look of concern. He inwardly sighed. "Mitsouko-san, it appears that something is troubling you, I hope Sho-san is doing well." He knew that the Phoenix was most likely not troubling her mind, but he would not bring up the subject himself.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 12, 2011 14:59:27 GMT -5
She sighed, no thirsty at all. Mitsouko scrutinized her cousin's face in search of clues, but, though he had some talents like his father, he wasn't too good at hiding his feelings. She knew Hirotomo was waiting for bad news. For her wish, their meeting would have with another subject, but everything was pressing for a politic talking. Mitsouko even had a proposal that can ease the things a little, but it was on depend of his words.
Well, Hirotomo-san, both you and I can skip half words, as we are both bushi and I consider you my friend, no matter what happens. So, I must tell you I received letter from your grandfather, my uncle. He is wondering why you didn't send word of your new duties to your clan, as Champion, or why you didn't invite them to come visit you in Toku Lands. They are wondering, if I am allowed to speak for him, as once he granted me the right, if you don't want to have contact with your Kakita family is due your divided loyalty. Please, cousin, you know you are talking with your family. And you can speak freely with me The marriage of your mother and father wasn't made for the purpose of loosing ties, instead, to straighten it. I hope their effort wasn't in vain. Even if Aiko is now dead, you have our blood as well. I think you can explain us, if you wish to, of course, that your grandfather's thoughts about it are a bit... dramatic.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 12, 2011 15:23:51 GMT -5
Hirotomo looked a little confused. Then a realization came over him. "I've been Champion for less than a month. I'm afraid my duties have left me little time for thinking about such matters. I recently found one of my own hoarding resources for trade in the war. I sent word to very few people about my elevation. There are those that still believe my father to be champion. I've not meant to slight Uncle in anyway. He should be receiving an invitation to my wedding soon, the troubles have made message delivery very difficult. My loyalty is not divided, and I wish for a swift end to the coming storm. Until that time, we are still samurai, if the war does not end by the end of summer, then we'll have all of Winter and Spring to rest. I have the blood of Crane, Lion, and Scorpion running through me. I have no ill will for my kin on any side. Any group of visitors will be welcome in my lands. It's probably why I never thought to send invitations. Of course, armies will be unwelcome, but anyone who wishes may visit." Hirtomo smiled. He would have to fight, perhaps both sides to maintain the lives of the people, but he knew what he had to do. His true loyalty was to the Empire. Not men on thrones."[/color]
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 12, 2011 15:53:44 GMT -5
Oh, of course, maybe the couriers had delayed in coming to Crane lands at time. She kindly spoke. Maybe it was a failure of theri courtiers, Mitsouko knew very well that Hirotomo wasn't a men of such subtleties. But, she was sure the family would not forgive for a disgraceful choice. If Hirotomo ignored the ties of blood with the family of his mother, joining Kaneka's or Crab men against the Crane, she surely would cry for Aiko's vain sacrifice. Oh, how I wished to keep war from this meeting, cousin. I had thought it was to be very different! Unfortunately, just before your arrival I received the complains of your uncles; you know how family can be resentful by a zeni value thing. But, when you descend of a Toku and a Crane, when you are trained within Daidoji School, I can only understand that, even if Lion blood still runs in you, it's lesser; its influence is minor. You are trained in Daidoji School by choice of your parents. Your father's choice. Of course your heart is loyal to Toku Clan, we can't expect less. And of course we understand you were too busy, but as yourself spoke right now, war is in our minds. Monkey daimyo's position by our side is expected, Hirotomo-san. So, your help in the war, defending the True Emperor, Hantei, is expected. Your silence about it to us, family, is frightening.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 12, 2011 16:04:40 GMT -5
"Very few really care about my choice, Cousin." Hirtomo said frankly. "Will I win the war? My armies are less than a tenth of yours. I have my alliances with the other Minor Clans, to be sure, but who really does care about my actions? We are too small to be bothered with, at least that is the general feeling towards the Minor Clans. My Mother was born a Crane, yes. She left the Clan to join the Sparrow, to live in honorable poverty. I am a man of many bloods. I am following what my Grandfather would have done. I'm protecting the People. Let the Great Clans have their war, no one thinks of the commoners, they have no voice, so I will be there for them."
Hirotomo smiled as he said this. He may support Toturi, but that was a means. He would fight to end the suffering of the people, the Minor Clans knew how to properly lead the people, how he wished the Great Clans would listen to that wisdom.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 12, 2011 16:25:50 GMT -5
So, if you tell me you will do it for the People, you surely isn't telling me that the Monkey Clan will keep neutrality. Because doing so is telling me the Monkey Clan will permit that their farms and lands are to be destroyed by the passage of great armies, stealing their food and doing what you know armies do in such situations? It doesn’t seems to you, it doesn’t seem to Monkey. And surely, I do not expect that you are telling you will be at the side of that braggart. I haven’t heard the voice of the minor clans, it’s true. I am sure they are intimidated and trying to prevent as much losses as they can, or secretly joining the ranks of greater armies. But, of course, the Monkey’s voice is one to be heard. Mitsouko of course was expecting the worst, her cousin was more direct than it. But at least, she was there trying to understand.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 13, 2011 14:27:08 GMT -5
Hirotomo gave a feral grin. "Our Alliances will deter greedy paws, after all who wants to create more battles when one is already at war? My home has been destroyed twice. I've done much to ensure that this time, it will be a very unappealing target. The same holds true for the rest of the Alliance, if one falls, then how much time until we all fall? There are many among the Great Clans that resent the new found strength we have. No longer shall we live at the sufferance of others. We must band together, despite our various loyalties. As for the Monkey's voice, my Grandfather spoke already. I merely am following what he dictated."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 15, 2011 8:50:33 GMT -5
OH please, cousin. I think I wish hear no more. I wish not to inquire you no more. I don’t want you to leave my house as enemy. Let’s get dinner together, let’s have our time as friends. You have the same temper of your father, I see our lives will put us in different sides soon, it’s a pity and I don’t want to lose you, too. Then, looking at the first time to the cup in her hands and the foamy liquid almost cold inside it, Mitsouko considered: I lost as much as you, Hirotomo-san, but I wasn’t allowed to complain, it would be a shame in the circunstances it happened. Destiny sometimes isn’t in accord with our hearts, and also, hearts are a difficult thing to heal… The Daidoji scouts in Three Sides River heard rumors within the villagers… Tell me: is Sanjuro-sama among the Mantis now?
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 15, 2011 14:58:16 GMT -5
Hirotomo sighed. "I've heard of a Yoritomo matching Sanjuro-sama's description. While we have still been unable to locate him, it seems as though he no longer wishes to be found. Perhaps he chose another path, perhaps he is on some grand quest and was forced to leave the Monkey behind. Perhaps even painful memories keep him. I've not had insight into his soul."
Hirotomo swirled his tea in his cup. "I'm not going to be your enemy, Cousin. In truth, I want no enemies. That is not the world we live in, sadly. This sort of thing always has the same ending. I have been praying to the Dragons that they deliver us from this horrid mess. The heavens are silent, and there are rumors spreading that they no longer care of the matters of man. With a word, they could clear this mess. I want it over, I do not wish to raise sword against my brothers."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 22, 2011 10:01:26 GMT -5
So, my cousin, do not do it. She winked at him. Let's have our dinner? Mitsouko get to her feet again, calling him to change the room for a better suited that would be able to comport all his retinue. Tell me how things in Toku Torid'E are going? Will you wait to marry in Winter court?. The Monkey clan had no news of Sanjuro yet, but for some rumors she heard, he avoided Monkey, Lion or Crane lands and went with Mantis to the sea... Maybe he wasn't amnesiac anymore... What would happen next? With Mantis as Toturi allies, it made her search very difficult. But maybe Sanjuro would be restored to his place soon... maybe. She kept her thoughts to her, it was a decision of the Monkey now.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Aug 23, 2011 16:51:19 GMT -5
"Home is well. More work to be done, and there is a few additions to be made to the Hall of Champions. My father's statue is going poorly. The sculptor we hired is having difficulty with the nose. I plan on marring before Winter Court, though that may change. Depending on what Winter Court I'm invited to. Rumors swirl over who will have the honor of hosting the Imperial Winter Court. Kyuden Doji put on an exquisite court, perhaps the Bayushi will be up for the task. Though, due to the grudges of the unpleasantness, I've started speaking with the Alliance to host it in Kyuden Suzume. The Sparrow have enough room, and with the other Minor Clans' assistance, we may be able to do a suitable job, all things considered."
Hirotomo sat drinking his tea. The Twin that accompanied him was very useful. Her subtle movements were steering him away from compromising his position. His cousin would see her err, then reconstruction would be swift. Unfortunately, grudges build up and the Crane would likely bare the brunt of the war. The Crab and Lion loathed them. The Mantis would clamor for their wealth, hopefully they could sue for peace before the worst befell them.
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