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 10, 2011 9:04:31 GMT -5
OPEN RP: The interminable sequence of teal and silver banners of the forces of Crane clan arrived to Toshi Ranbo by the morning, gathering during the day in a huge encampment (unfortunately the best spot was once occupied by a lesser and dark comitive: the so called Spider clan Emissaries, and right now, the soil was to be untainted by specialists). The Kakita daimyo sent letter of her arrival, and soon one of the best strategists of the Empire, Daidoji Fitsu, was to come. The mission was clear, defend the capital. Over more than a year ago she had been in Toshi Ranbo, a bustling and beautiful place; but the current mood of uneasy silence was prevalent. She was aware that the Spider forces were attacked earlier by a combined force of Hantei allies, and the Phoenix Inquisitors had a good job with them. She had her confidence in Hantei’s assured once again. He wasn’t a man of taking actions in the heat o the moment, of course, as Kaneka surely has the habit. But he listened to his people. Now, the Crane should defend the capital, and honor the words to their allies and Emperor.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 10, 2011 14:43:57 GMT -5
The clang of sword and armor, hoof, and feet echo throughout the grounds. Engineers and workman, once employed in more atistic endeavors, engage now in the tasks of men at war.
The clatter of hammer, joins with the clash of sword on armor. The sound of men in formation roar and the yells of officers resound, mixed with the foul curses of men obligated to more mundane tasks. Smoke from fires can be seen in the distance as those set to tasks of cooking and cleaning for this diplay carry out their work as dutifully as the most loyal samurai to his lord.
One thread of commonality is shared among the faces of all the actors this day -- no joy, no smile, no happiness is to be found -- only grim determination. There is not a theatre today or ever, that can compare with the performance taking place for the pleasure of the Emperor of Toshi Ranbo.
Among the boxes and crates that ever increasingly arrive to sustain this drama, a long haired samurai in simple kimono sits purveying the scene. He struggles with pen and scroll, a look of frustration on his face. Muse soon finds words.
Samurai gather Honor clashes pride will spill Family divided
Closing the scroll, and fastening it to his belt, he eyes his sword before clasping it. He shakes his head in frustration, and accepts it is time to play his part. Oh the irony of men who will refuse to listen, but follow orders without question.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 10, 2011 20:22:25 GMT -5
The young Asahina was with a small detachment of shugenjas. She had recently arrived from the Shrine of Ki-Rin.
Nothing else is secret, nothing else is sacred ... she had listened a while ago.
Quickly those shugenja were organized, in a more protected area. They should tend the wounded, if there was any. But mostly, they must watch over the souls of those facing their "best hour" .
She took a look around. It was a weird felling, the pride of fulfilling the duty and the sadness of knowing she was now staring some of those samurais for the last time, even if it was also the first time. So much would be lost, but this was the path of the Crane, and we now must be walk through it.
As the war had not begin yet, but was sure to come. The hopes rely on perfect planning and accurate strategies. At this time wise decisions would be rewarded with the spare of many lifes.
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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 10, 2011 22:26:57 GMT -5
The rumors in the city had reached her ear, and they thought of feelings. That the Spider clan, even if being dreadful and an abomination, had found allies and admirers in Toshi Ranbo. Some lamented their destiny. She was aware many of them had the chance to flee, but many was executed. Whispers rumored that the Emperor granted the chance of seppukuying to the Spider clan leader, Daigotsu, but ordered execution to his emissaries. If so, that wasn’t a contradiction? She sighed trying to put it in the respective drawer of her mind, to a later analysis. Also, Shodai’s letter telling her about the bad events and the Presence of the man Haruka mentioned in Ryoko Owari, acompanied with another Chuda, in the Festival of White Orchid, sounded like a bad omen. If the woman would be wise enough to share the information, many of this shameful things would never happen. Again, Scorpion clan tried to keep it all covered to pose as heroes of everything, but failed and the Empire had the shame of having such men wandering through Rokugan, daring to making proposals to everyone, including now the very Emperor. Crane clan, as a whole, supported Hantei because it was what a samurai swears in his gempukku. But, if Hantei would fell in the temptation of accepting the Spider support, probably things would be very different.
Her role as Hatamoto of Crane clan, in the absence of the champion, demanded her to greet and acknowledge many of the faces of the ones that surely will face hard times soon, in the name of duty. As soon as she began her walking through the encampment Mitsouko saw the sweet figure of Yukihime-san, the Asahina young shugenja. Directing to where a group of shugenja were installing themselves, she greeted the group, and then, the woman:
Yukihime-san, Would wish to meet you in another court room, but destiny is rather capricious… I have thinking of you lately. Even considered you to accompany the Phoenix Emissary to the Scorpion as her personal attendant… But unfortunately the warfare demands took my time to arrange it properly. Anyway, I don’t think you would find any difference in dealing with perils… either at war or at Scorpion Chambers. She smiled to the gentle shugenja woman, in an excuse.
Also, her eye caught a poet focused in his work. Like herself, once. War used to breed the best poetry. The beauty and the tragedy of life was always screaming before a battle.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Aug 11, 2011 3:04:22 GMT -5
In a corner of the encampment Hitoshi was attempting to lose himself in the practice of kata. He drew and cut, span and cut again, his feet kicking up small piles of dust as he moved.
He was trying hard not to think about the fact he had friends in the clans who were marching on Toshi Ranbo, and that he might have to face them in battle in the coming days. Trying, but not succeeding, and as the thoughts crossed his mind again he slowly came to a halt. He looked at the familiar faces in the camp, both of the men under his command and Crane samurai he knew, and wondered how it had come to this.
Hitoshi had never met Kaneka, as he had not been part of the Crane force sent to Mountain Watch Keep, and he wondered how the man inspired such devotion in people that they would rebel against their Emperor.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 11, 2011 8:09:39 GMT -5
Asahina Yukihime devoted a deep respectful bow to the Kakita daimyou.
As Kakita-sama wishes, we shall meet later this evening. And I appreciate your considerations about me. I'm going to put all my efforts in whichever task my clan demands me. I hope to be no source of disappointment.
There was still many samurais arriving and the hatamoto sure had much to do. A meeting was set for later on, so no reason to keep the Kakita daimyou away from her tasks right now. Yukihime bowed and quickly left the way so Kakita-sama could go through.
When Kakita Mitsouko-sama walked away, the Asahina was caught by the precise moviments of Kakita Hitoshi-san. As the katas were flowing the shugenja decided not to interupt and kept herself at a respectful distance. But the scene let her thinking about how much one can accomplish, such a refined technique seems like art to her.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 11, 2011 13:29:30 GMT -5
The wind flickered through the activity of the camp, giving life to the colorful banners of honorable men, and dancing with the flames of cooking pots and camp fires. As it passed through the assembled, it plays with the cuffs of kimonos, yet taking care to part way for those who wear Kakita’s blade, before continuing the journey to pay respect to the Palace peaks.
A particularly biting gust strengthens the back of a samurai approaching the assembled shugenja, the cold air lifting and disrupting his bleached hair, but taking care not to offend the gentle perfection of Yukihime’s flowing mane.
“Yukihime-sama, it is an honor to formally meet one so well spoken in court,” the encounter shocking the senior shugenja from some unknown distraction, “although, perhaps fate could have provided this opportunity under better circumstances.” Bowing his head in respect,“My name is Asahina Yuuto; I assume you are the person whom authority should be deferred?”
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 11, 2011 22:09:58 GMT -5
Yukihime was well attuned to the air and could easily sense the kami following Yuuto-san. Having the elements around always seem like a blessing to her. She could felt the Kakita daimyou also had an elemental companion, and the arrival of Asahina Yuuto, surounded by winds, seemed very auspicious.
Greetings *Yukihime bowed in a polite cumpliment.*
I agree these are not the most fortuitous circumstances but I believe we still can make this whole conflict unfolds in the least wasteful manner. So let's celebrate what we have. It's a honor to meet a promising shugenja like Asahina Yuuto-san.
Yukihime could sound or seem blinded by some kind of insane optimism. Yet those really sensitive would notice a veiled apprehension in her voice. She was not completely in peace with the approaching war.
I'm in charge of this small group *Asahina indicates nearly 20 more shugenjas* but we just arrived and were not assigned to a chui yet.
Would Asahina-san mind to tell me about your previous training and habilities? Our numbers are low enough so we can get to know one another. I believe the success of this group may rely on wise usage of everyone's potential.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Aug 12, 2011 2:16:03 GMT -5
Hitoshi finally drew his forms to a close and sheathed his blade for the final time. He glanced at the two shugenja talking nearby and, assuming an air of feigned nonchalance, walked over to them and grinned.
Konnichiwa, Asahina-sans. I hope I am not interrupting you, but I thought I would make my acquaintance now as I hope that I will not be needing your attentions in the forthcoming battles!
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 12, 2011 6:49:38 GMT -5
Asahina bowed to the bushi approaching.
Greetings, Kakita-san. There is no interruption, feel free to join us. *she made a gentle movement inviting to join the conversation, and then started a brief introduction * This is Asahina Yuuto-san, talented shugenja of the Asahina school. And I'm Asahina Yukihime, former student of Asahina Heitaro-sama.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Aug 12, 2011 9:00:47 GMT -5
Hitoshi returned the bow.
Thank you. I am Kakita Hitoshi, son of Kakita Fusaki and Kakita Achiko, and have the fortune to count Korihime-sama as my sensei.
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
I have only just arrived at the camp; have you heard anything of what either our allies or our misguided brothers have been doing?
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Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Aug 12, 2011 9:25:29 GMT -5
In the meantime...
Kakita Hiroshi arrived on his horse, coming from the south, and headed directly to the command tent. He waited for other samurai above his rank present their matters to the Hatamoto, using this time to rest his body and clear his mind. When finally his turn came, he energetically entered the tent and bowed deeply before his daimyo.
“Kakita Mitsuoko-sama, Kakita Hiroshi reporting for duty. On my way here, I took a detour along the river. There aren't any sizable Lion units moving near the river, but the patrols on the other bank are numerous, and well armed. While it seems they didn't start to make any decisive moves, they are wary and well prepared.”
Kakita Hiroshi took a breath and continued. “As it is, I am at your command, Mitsuoko-sama. What would you wish me to do?”
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 12, 2011 12:04:47 GMT -5
I have not heard much. I was informed we are supposed to meet some representatives of our Dragon allies, to discuss and organize combined actions courses. But seems like they haven't arrived yet.
Also, the Emerald Champion may had made up his mind, wisely as expected, and is moving in order to hold back any eventual Lion attack.
Yukihime suddenly glanced around for a while. She could spot the horse arriving.
And, we probably have even more news incoming.
She stared at the sky and clouds once more...
The weather is about to chance... if anything happens I believe our archers will be able to strike with perfection, within a couple hours the winds will favor us.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Aug 12, 2011 13:04:49 GMT -5
(OOC: Wow, lots of official news right (like 15') after my post >.o but I won't change it. And archers in Toshi Rambo, lol, my humble astrology divination is improving )
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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 14:33:35 GMT -5
Mitsouko was about to reply Hiroshi’s words, when a messenger came almost breathless, and bowing delivered a letter in her hands. The Air kami, though, whispered her the news before she was able to open the letter.
I just received word that Lion Forces are already in Movement, by the North, Hiroshi-san. Please, take your post as taisa with the 3rd Archers command. Fitsu-sama is coming, but the order now is divide our efforts in keep them away as far as we can, with our Daidoji scouts units. They are already at their positions to prevent the advance of Lion Forces, undermining their supplies lines. Fitsu is too busy keeping the infantry lines ready. I want every archer ready at the wall and in their units before the night. Please, first, please find Asahina Yukihime-san and tell her she is responsible by two shugenja units. You can go now.
The two newcomers had proven talent before and Mitsouko wished them to test their leadership.
So, there was war. The most of the infantry was responsibility of Fitsu-sama. Mitsouko was ready for a siege, if Fitsu cannot carry the Lion attack at the field. She also had word that Crab was moving on their way to Crane lands. They probably would delay, but her heart was saddened in thinking her homeland at the will of Crab’s destruction. No word about Dragon yet, but she was sure they will not fail. But if Mantis attacks by sea, the Crane would not have chance either to defend the capital, or to survive without help. Well, that happened once, in her previous life as Seppun Saimei. She had died in the Night of Fallen Stars. That would be counted as “experienced in sieges” and experienced in battling Lions”. Some humor was always good, she thought while taking her kabuto and her precious Nushi Gashinshoutan to leave the tent, when you think your armies are infinitely lesser than your enemies ones.
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