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 Sept 3, 2011 3:22:16 GMT -5
A few hours later, Sojiro sat on a cushion in the House of Fallen Blossoms. The establishment would hardly have been his first choice to be taken to for medical attention, but it was apparently the closest place that the men under his command could get him to, and... well, he hadn't exactly been conscious to make his preferences known at the time.
Two geisha had been very attentive to him since he had regained consciousness - and also before that, he was assuming. His gi had been removed for cleaning and mending, leaving him wearing only his hakama and revealing a tattoo of a dragon and a crane wrapped around each other in an embrace on his chest and upper arms, as well as his full array of scars - many from cuts, but also a few that looked more like burn marks. One girl was in the process of cleaning and re-bandaging his wounded arm, while the other made sure that he had a full cup of saki and food to eat. A small distance away, other geisha were waiting on a few of his men, and one of them - the young man that had brought the Lion charge to his attention in the first place - was busily repairing the straps to Sojiro's armor.
The Crane duelist had to admit that his surroundings were quite pleasant, but he was in a sour mood regardless, and this was reflected in his mismatched eyes and his short, one word answers to the girl tending his arm. I'm here for one full day, and not only have I managed to get myself wounded, but I still haven't reported in to Mitsouko-sama, he thought to himself. His initial orders from the Daimyo had been to report to her tent when he arrived in Toshi Ranbo, but an ill-timed attack from the Lion forces had led to him fighting on the front lines, and within an hour he was placed in charge of the men currently sharing space in the Fallen Blossom with him. Normally he would have no issue with this situation - aside from the wounded arm, of course.
But normally he wouldn't be late for a meeting with the head of his clan, either.
The geisha finished wrapping his arm in clean bandages just as another came over to return his gi to him, sleeve re-attached and smelling slightly of some unknown blossom. He had to smirk as it was returned to him - his sensei had told him long ago that the most sensible color to wear into battle was black, because blood stains were impossible to see on black fabric.
He thanked the geisha for their services, stood up, and gingerly put the gi back on, then belted his daisho back in place. "Hinto-san," he called to the young man repairing his armor. "Do you know the whereabouts of Kakita Mitsouko-sama? I was supposed to report in to her when I arrived here, but I was sidetracked during the attack. The idea of being late to meet her is... highly unappealing."
"I'm not sure, Sojiro-san. I know where her tent is located, though. I'm certain that she will be returning to it at some point."
Sojiro nodded. "That will have to do, then. This is my fault for not staying focused on the task at hand. Thank you, Hinto-san." Sojiro started walking towards the door.
"Gunso, wait, please." Sojiro turned back around to address the man.
"Perhaps you are correct, in that you should have remained focused on your task. However, your lack of focus was a great boon to us today. I don't know how that battle would have ended for us, had you not been there to halt that charge before it began. The kami work in strange ways at times, Sojiro-san, and I have no doubt that the Crane kami was looking out for us today when you were guided to us." The young man bowed deeply. "It has been an honor to serve under you, Gunso. Perhaps the kami will see to it that we fight together again."
Sojiro smiled and returned the bow "I was blessed to have the good fortune of commanding men that had the quick thinking to get me off of the battlefield when I was too wounded to continue fighting. Don't forget that, Hinto-san. In my eyes, I owe you all my life - I surely would have bled to death out there had you not brought me here, and I will not forget this. I am certain that we will see each other on the battlefield once again."
With that, Sojiro turned and left the House of the Fallen Blossom to make his way to his Daimyo's tent and await her return.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 3, 2011 3:26:15 GMT -5
Kakita-sama was displeased. Ayumi’s intuition is pretty much average but not her observation skills. Was the glance with Asahina-sama just a coincidence or did it have a deeper meaning? Yuuto-sama seemed a bit more hesitant. Kakita-sama gaze was slightly different than before. Her face changed. Probably nobody else would noticed it, but Ayumi saw this kind of expression and changes often enough. Then anger had been hiding behind it. She wasn’t sure what is it now. Ayumi was aware that Kakita-sama won’t like the message she brought. Maybe she should have said it differently? But it wasn’t her place to interfere. She just brought the message. They probably wouldn’t kill the messenger but she didn’t feel comfortable in this situation. Her face and her whole body expressed uncertainty. It looked like if she was trying to hide it but didn’t manage to hide it all. She shifed her weight from one foot to other. On a blink her eyes widened in pain. She hid it in a shallow bow. It took her a moment to control pain. And thoughts. Forgive me my lady, but all I know are rumors. There are many of them in the camp, most probably false, as usual with the rumors. Do you wish to hear them nonetheless?
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 3, 2011 18:19:20 GMT -5
Mitsouko’s stance had given Yuuto a momentary pause. Their guest had stood out since the moment his eyes took notice of her, and the behaviors she exhibited suggested a great struggle to meet unknown obligations. Regardless of intent, she had come to the city unarmed, and a thorough search of her belongings assured him she had no desire to directly physically harm the commander.
Perhaps her intentions involved espionage or to assist an element in the city? Even if true, her injuries would prevent her from casually strolling the city, and her insistence in meeting Mitsouko, much less her extended collusion with present company, would have cast doubt in the minds of her allies as to her intentions. In his mind, it would be reckless to treat her as a threat, and not in line with the character of the Crane. Regardless of her character, she would remain safe while in his care.
Yuuto casually dismisses himself to intercept the tea he had already requested, insisting it to be an unacceptable delay for the entertainment of guests of great stature. Finding the young hohei, he relieves her of task, quickly assuming the mantle of tea laden tray, and traversing his supplies of herbs and other narcotics to add perfect effect. Completing his task, he returns from whence he had previously departed.
“Forgive me for the delay,” he states as he shields his eyes from the two in shame, “I have added some herbs to help with the healing Ayumi, hopefully they will dull your pain while we speak.” The intricate ceremony of cups and kettle casually codes his plan to Mitsouko. The furious liquid arches from the kettle and swirls chaotically as it fills wooden vessel, calming itself as it accepts its fate -- the audience of three too enthralled to look away from the intricate play. Passing the warm drink to Ayumi, “I sense that you still have siblings and other acquaintances that struggle with the weariness of war at Permission City – perhaps you could tell us their tales to ease your own troubles?” He quickly pours a drink for Mitsouko and himself flirting with the incensed air rising from cup’s rim, “how do they feel about the war in such places?” As he takes his first sip, patience sets in as lips begin to loosen, and sagacity is to be secured.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 4, 2011 7:41:13 GMT -5
‘No honorific.’ She bowed, both in thanks for Asahina-sama concern and to hide her face. It looked like she was in far worse situation than she thought. Good thing he started performing the ceremony. Both Asahina-sama and Kakita-sama looked like they were completely occupied by it. Good, they wouldn’t pay so much attention to her. But she still made her face emotionless, just in case. Ayumi also was interested in the ceremony. She always liked the atmosphere surrounding the tearoom, there was something sublime in there. She loved taste of machia and little sweets given before the tea. But she was too hasty to perform the ceremony properly by herself. She was looking at the whirling leaves. Healing herbs dulling pain. Will it be all that Asahina-sama added to the tea? She had no way to check it.
She took the cup gratefully. It’s warmth was pleasant, the liquid inside must be hot. She took a small sip. Aci she said quietly. 'It is hot'. She took a moment, waiting for the rest to receive their cups. She didn’t feel any change. Probably drank too little. When everybody had a cup she took bigger sip. Arigato gozaimasu, Asahina-sama. This tea is exceptional. She looked at Kakita-sama. She seemed more interested in the tea than in the messenger. They are all happy to fight for their clan and Emperor, Asahina-sama. About the places… she stopped for a moment looking for appropriate words they know with whom they fight. The usual enemy. Although they are better motivated than usual, knowing how important the cause is. Her voice was determined, in eyes for a moment burned fire. She took another sip calming her emotions. She smiled sadly while continuing. You are right Asahina-sama, I have family members and acquaintance near Permission City. When I was leaving the camp one of my brothers was severely wounded. He is probably dead by now. She lost herself in thought for a while. She really liked that man. She looked at both samurai and blushed a bit. She bowed before them. Forgive me for talking about such nuisance. Kakita-sama and Asahina-sama for sure already heard enough of such stories.
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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 Sept 4, 2011 11:02:15 GMT -5
Hitoshi looked at Mikado, well aware that he might be seeing her for the last time. His stared for a long time, trying to memorise the colour of her eyes and the curve of her lips, before bowing.
Thank you Mikado-chan.
He started, catching himself. Mikado-san. I shall take a small regiment of Daidoji and we will bring Doji Kenna-san safely to Toshi Ranbo. Please inform Mitsouko-sama that I shall leave at once.
He turned and left, a thousand things unsaid.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 4, 2011 15:38:23 GMT -5
A maelstrom of discussion beguiles the beleaguered benefactors as tea helps to flare temper in their transient tenant. As hotter passions mix with cooler heads, impetuous desires inflame furiously above the actions of the assembled actors, to find company with inquisitive gale in more temperate climate.
”Silly girl they surround!” the air popping in quick secession to every word, “purge their pleasantries! Purify the mind of their propositions!”licks of fire spill from the fire kami’s mouth; the speed of his words matching the flow of his flight upward. As he climbs toward the ceiling to escape the serene setting the cool considerations of another dart among the areas of absence in his sight. The wind whirls around, disturbing the demeanor of the angered delegate, tormenting his fires with her teasing as she begins to circle in his haze, “why must you always spark discontent and destruction with my servants?” her wispy voice soothing that which previously crackled with passion.
The popping increased, as annoyance found the kami, “because your followers fail to act, withering unto a pitiful smolder!” His annoyance soon finds anger quickly combusting, “your words do nothing but snuff! Leave me to burn new life into these lands!” The air kami’s eyes roll with waves of passion presented, “do you not burn more brightly when I am with you than against you?” Her eyes glance downward dispassionately, “would she not have been snuffed out if we did not need each other now?” Tentacles of flame wrap his ear and constrict, as he shoots upward in scream, “Enough! Your pleasantries will purge my passions,” the air kami casually dancing around him in pursuit as her loops loosen his grip and present her in his path, “STOP!” Her demeanor taking on the winds of a tornado as she pushes back against his uncertainty, “If this is all you can understand, help her to be honest with her words, for otherwise she may wither.” The two begin to inch closer as flame and winds play together in firestorm, dispassionate fire exciting, “I hate to let you lead, but you may be right,” a combustion of ethereal energies exploding as they combine, a faint whisper echoing from the scene “because we rather desire to burn brighter than smolder in silence”
Yuuto tuned out the kami struggling far above as he sipped intently on the words of his guest; the fire in her eyes denoting the intoxicant taking effect, yet her strong will shielding her secrets, “do not think me disinterested in your stories Ayumi, for I see much suffering and pain these days,” his words hinting towards a test, “if fortune has not favored your brother, perhaps we may hear of his stories to better celebrate his life at the annual Bon Festival?” He paused as the aroma of tea overtook his senses momentarily, “I would be most grateful to honor your ancestors, whoever they may be”
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Post by Doji Kenna on Sept 4, 2011 16:12:11 GMT -5
His decision to abandon the use of the Imperial roads for cross-country was taking considerable and precious time, nevertheless any reduction in the chances of being detected by another Lion patrol was worth it. The rain may be helping to fracture the equanimity of his companions, and yes, he would admit it, himself; but it was undoubtedly helping forestall the chances of them being tracked. If their pace held, in just under two hours they would reach a small and otherwise unremarkable village on the edge of Otomo lands. The settlement was like a thousand others across the Empire; save that the Daidoji maintained a small, elite and secret force there in these perilous times. It would be of great benefit if that force remained, he hoped their journey thence was not in vain.
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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 Sept 4, 2011 20:37:41 GMT -5
Sojiro quickly donned his repaired armor and left the Fallen Blossom, taking the most direct path he knew through Toshi Ranbo - a city he had only been to a handful of times - to reach Mitsouko's tent. As he walked, he noticed the rain. It's not nearly as hot out here when you're not standing in the middle of battle, he thought. The dampness crept into his wounded arm and it began a dull, throbbing ache. He sighed, accepting the fact that, at least for now, he was injured and should probably take care of the wound, and slipped his left arm up into his gi top, using the sleeve and torso as a makeshift sling to avoid straightening the elbow and stretching the damaged muscle above it. The result was that his left hand poked out of the front of the gi behind his armor, and the sleeve hung empty at his side. But, it did help with the aching. He arrived at Mitsouko's tent, only to be told by one of her attendants that she was not present. After a quick conversation about where she might be, Sojiro was slightly overwhelmed - it seemed that Mitsouko was everywhere, tending to a thousand and one duties and responsibilities. Having no other option but to stand in the rain outside her tent and wait for her, he decided instead to see if he could track her down and at least be somewhat useful. It took him most of the rest of the day. He traveled to the barracks, the storehouses, the wall. He talked to soldiers and samurai, shugenga and hotei, and a dozen others besides, and the answer was always the same. Mitsouko-sama was here earlier, but has already left to tend to her other duties. The Daimyo of the Crane clan was a very, very busy woman. Finally he overheard that she was at the infirmary, and he had to chuckle at his luck. Of course she's at the infirmary, the one place I should have gone to when I woke up earlier for my own reasons. The kami have interesting ways of teaching me lessons.Sojiro quickly retraced his steps to the infirmary. Once he reached the main tent, he quickly tried to brush some of the rain water out of his long hair, and at least make himself vaguely presentable. He was forced to use one hand only - spending so much time in the dampness had caused his left arm to ache considerably more than he was willing to admit - and about all he was able to do was get the braided white strand untangled from the rest of his black hair. Sighing again, he gave up on the idea that he could somehow look decent after spending the day slogging through the rain, made sure that his black and teal laquered armor and his daisho weren't muddy at least, and then stepped into the tent. He remained standing at the entrance, seeing that the Daimyo was in conversation with two other individuals and having no intention of interrupting her until she acknowledged him, hair plastered to his head and his mismatched blue and green eyes gleaming in the candlelight. He did his best to stubbornly ignore the pain in his left arm - such a display was simply unsuited to his current company. (OOC I finally caught up to you! )
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 5, 2011 0:07:09 GMT -5
When Yuuto looked at Ayumi, he saw her looking straight in his eyes. ‘They are black’ he thought. It was rather obvious, most Rokugani has dark eyes. But now, as he thought about that, it was the first time she looked him drectly in the eyes. Till now, during whole conversation her gaze focused lower, as it should be when talking with people placed higher in Order. They were freezing cold and simultaneously full of blazing fire. They were sucking him deeper and deeper. When he freed himself from her look he could noticed that she clenched her teeth and her body became stiff. She put away the cup. It was nearly full. She started talking with a cold voice. I don’t recall striking up at intimate relationship with you Asahina-san and I am not eta to be addressed in such way. I would expect this kind of hospitality from Crabs, not Cranes. Even Lions didn’t insult their hostages as much. And on top of that you offended my ancestors. She was trying really hard to control herself. When she calmed down a little she continued. I owe you my life. If I knew that will happen, I would prefer to die from those wounds. I should challenge you to a duel, but it isn’t time for private matters. And I remember my vow, I will pay my debt. But after that we will be enemies.
She turned to Kakita-sama bowing deeply. Forgive me, my Lady. I don’t feel well. If you don’t have any more questions I will take my leave.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 5, 2011 0:27:00 GMT -5
Miga sat fuming as she tended to her duties in the infirmary, "ever since that silly girl found her way here he wastes his time entertaining while beds fill and now he serves her tea!? Yukihime would never be so absentminded in her obligations," her thoughts leveling greater and greater indignities upon Yuuto-sama.
As the door swings open, her nostrils fill with repugnance, eyebrow giving notice, "you smell of wet dog and cheap floozy!" Her vision centering upon unwelcomed guest, she barks, "sit down in the chair," the samurai too shocked to disobey. "It certainly looks like a geisha dressed your wounds," her hands quickly undressing his bandages and going through the motions to clean the wound.
The samurai cringed, unleashing his tongue, "perhaps your bedside mann---," Miga quickly closing his mouth with finger as she cooed him to silence like a child, "save your honeyed words for the geisha, lover boy." She quickly took notice of his scorch finger tips commenting, "did your hand get in a fight with some fire?" Dismissing the soot in his nails, she tended to his wounds with force before rebandaging it and slapping him out the door. As she ushered him out of her presence his courage finally finds him, "I... I wish to speak with Mitsouko-sama and have heard she is here!"
Miga's head cocks as her face growls at the statement, her breath slowly leaving her nose and her eyes closing in meditation, "I suppose you too, wish to be entertained by tea? Please follow me."
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Sept 5, 2011 1:19:19 GMT -5
OOC: Ack, you might want to delete it and repost it after this post. I know when to run from a woman scorned!
A sullen look fills Yuuto's face as his frown grows, Ayumi's words shaking him to action, "you honor me with honesty as I dishonor myself to discern it," his hands bridging his chin as he considered her words. He glances to Mitsouko, his eyes flickering back to his guest's black gaze, "if Mitsouko will give weight to my wisdom, you are to be no ones hostage. I ask only your coerced company for two more days to see you to full constitution."
As the Asahina stands a heavy burden weighs upon his head and shoulders, "although the drink was designed to present your passions, it will also help you sleep," he glances towards the discarded cup, "if you wish the pain for protest, then I will understand, but I desire you no harm while in these walls."
He sighs, his head shaking in shame, "perhaps I chose my words too lightly, but my desire to learn of your acquaintances and ancestors is sincere, and hope you will forgive me long enough to share, but if we are to be the usual enemies, then I will begrudgingly accept our honored traditions."
As he exits, the smell of wet dog and cheap floozy greet him, as Miga's dissapointing gaze flanks for Ayumi's frontal assault. His face grimaces as he looks upon Miga's facial contortions ignoring the samurai she has leashed, "if you come looking to ridicule me, I will be watching the world from the ramparts"
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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 Sept 5, 2011 1:41:52 GMT -5
Sojiro was, in order, surprised, amused (for a second only) shocked, browbeaten, slightly embarrassed, and then terrified by the woman that attacked his arm with healing services and supplies. He was completely taken off his guard by her. Eventually, he was able to stammer out the purpose for his visit, in between her shushing him, shaming him, and aggressively mending his arm. His green eye quirked up in question at her mention of being entertained by tea, but she paid it no mind - he was positive she had noticed. He doubted there was anything that occurred in this place that she didn't notice, but he was certainly not going to push the issue. He had faced mounted samurai in battle and felt less terror than he had felt from her in this first meeting, and he had no desire to receive any more of her attention. He was quickly ushered over to the three individuals; Mitsouko, a male shugenja, and what appeared to be a female Crane that had been injured at some point. The injured woman's outburst shocked him almost as much as the nurse had. Almost. Sojiro watched the unknown Crane woman warily, noting her eye color as he did so. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew that something wasn't right here. He casually slid his injured arm back into it's sleeve, stifling a small groan as he did so, and warily approached Mitsouko, deliberately making his steps loud enough to be heard so as not to startle anyone involved in the volatile situation. He remained silent, but his eyes took in the details quickly - they seemed to dance everywhere at once. The Daimyo, the Shugenja, the tea, and of course the strange crane woman with the disturbing eyes. At length, he spoke. "Pardon my rude interruption, Samas, He bowed deeply to those assembled once he had their attention, then continued. "But might I suggest that we are all under a great deal of stress in our current situation?" He turned his gaze to Ayumi, his expression equal parts concerned and friendly. "My lady, I know that I am speaking out of turn, but I sincerely doubt that the good Shugenga intended to insult your ancestors, either with word or with action. Now, this is not to say that he didn't insult them unintentionally - that much is clear in your demeanor - it is to say that I believe he had no intention of doing so. We are all very tired, and some clumsiness, either in action or word, is to be expected. As a Shugenja, clumsiness of action is hardly something he would find acceptable, so he has but one option open to him. Please, I would take it as a personal favor to me, Kakita Sojiro, for you to at least take the time to consider this situation after getting a night's rest here, where your wounds can be properly tended to. If you still feel that he has insulted your ancestors in the morning, that is certainly your decision to make, and you of course have the right to act accordingly. But right now, the Crane clan has enough enemies knocking on our doors to keep us all busy. We hardly need to find more within our own ranks." He turned to address Mitsouko and bowed deeply again, this time being unable to hide the pain on his face as he did so. "Mitsouko-sama, I deeply apologize if I have offended you by speaking out of turn in your presence."Finally he turned to Yuuto, and bowed again. "Shugenja-sama, I want you to know that I meant no insult to you in my words, only that it is possible a miscommunication has taken place here tonight. As I said to the lady, we have enough enemies already. It would be a shame for short tempers and war stress to lead to internal conflict at this time, and I sought to make certain that this did not happen."
By the Crane and Dragon, I pray that my time spent with the Daidoji and Otomo don't fail me here and now, Sojiro thought to himself. His arm ached more now than it had when he entered the infirmary. ooc: fixed it!
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 5, 2011 2:42:16 GMT -5
She looked at the shugenja with disbelieve clearly shown on her face. There was something weird going on. Did he just call daimyo by her name? What was going on? She checked Mitsouko-sama face looking for any clue. She was too astounded to react at once. Then another man she didn’t see before came and started talking. She was hearing what he was saying but understood only part of it. Did really nobody here found it weird that a shugenja address his lord and fellow samurai just by their names? Even the closest families didn’t behave like that. And now that Kakita Sojiro-san. She was sure he heard at least part of their conversation. It didn’t bother her. Now even more she felt she had to act. But earlier calm down a bit. Right is on your side. Nobody could deny it.
She turned to the newly arrived bowing. Your words are wise Kakita-san. One enemy is enough and there are too many surrounding this city. But even facing a tremendous mass we can’t forget about our honor nor duties. They make us who we are. For example now, I could have forgotten about personal insult, I even could have postpone revenge concerning my ancestor insult, but I have to react to insult directed at my Lord, or in this situation Lady she bowed in Mitsouko-sama direction despite the cost. She didn’t look happy, rather sad. And determined to do what she found needed.
She took a few steps towards Asahina-san, faster than earlier but still limping. You offended Kakita-sama. Name your champion and we will duel till one of us will fall dead.
OCC: come on, leave my eyes alone. It’s not like every Crane has blue eyes. As I understand the it’s quite unique, even among the Cranes. And the case with not looking directly: I found that also typical for Rokugan. So for you to know, I didn’t plan Ayumi to behave weird.
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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 Sept 5, 2011 3:09:34 GMT -5
OOC: It's not the color as much as the icy-firey death glare
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Sept 5, 2011 3:18:50 GMT -5
OCC: if it only was effective
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