Kakita Hiroshi
Crane Clan
* Duelist * Courtier * Magistrate * Warrior Poet *
Posts: 285
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Post by Kakita Hiroshi on Aug 12, 2011 15:37:29 GMT -5
Kakita Hiroshi was shocked at the news. After a few seconds he bowed again, and said: “Forgive me, Mitsuoko-sama, for failing as a scout on my way here. Later, I will thank the Kami properly for the grace they've bestowed upon us by sending Daidoji Fitsu-sama into our generation. Also, I thank you for the honor of the command you give me. I will make sure each arrow shot will mean a Lion dead. But if I may suggest something... the loyal Crab detachment here made a tremendous job constructing fortifications. With your permission, I would install the archers there, with a clear route to fall back to the walls should we fail at stopping the Lion there.”
In his mind, he was trying to subdue fear, which came with the news spoken by Kakita Mitsuoko. He was ashamed of that fear, but it came nonetheless. He had combat experience, fighting as Chui under Daidoji Fitsu in the siege of Mountain Watch Keep. But that was different. They were fighting measly Yobanjin there. Here, they will face the strongest army in all Rokugan – the Lion. But the City must not fall. They have to succeed, even if stopping the Lion means the Crane clan has to perish here, they will perish, but they will take all the Lion down with them.
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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 16:05:44 GMT -5
She considered the idea, consulting the maps at the table. Raised her eyes to agree with the valiant Hiroshi-san: If you think it suits well then Yes. Fitsu-sama had recommended the man by his feats, so she would slightly change some plans to use his idea. Do it. But… Be sure of guarantee your plan with the archers I gave you, or your head will be apart of your body before Lion reach the wall, by my hands. She spoke seriosuly. She surely would not have the luxury of losing any extra archer she can keep longer, and this surely deserved the warning she gave. Then go, man!
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Shagi the Mad
Crane Clan
Fallen Crane * Scout * Mad * Shadowlands * Experienced 4 Hiruma Shagi
Posts: 180
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Post by Shagi the Mad on Aug 12, 2011 16:30:09 GMT -5
The ceremony had been short and appeared impromptu, though the speed with which the marriage had been arranged betrayed some anticipation of its possibility. There was no celebration. The news from around the Empire would have rendered that a little tasteless, and the bride and groom had other things on their mind as they went to their chambers.
The bride pondered as the servants bleached her husband's hair for the first time and applied the powders that would mark him out in future as a Crane. It would take far more than the whitening of his hair to make this rough-hewn Crab into one worthy of the Kakita name? It must be admitted that he behaved impeccably when courting her. And her parents must have seen something in his manner which showed potential.
The servants finished their attendance on her husband. He rose in his new elegant sky-blue Kimoino and faced her. "I suspect that I should report to my new Daimyo, said Kakita Shagi.
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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 16:51:38 GMT -5
Kakita Hiroshi bowed deeply. “Thank you, Mitsuoko-sama. I will not fail your trust. I will not return to the wall until all the archers under my command are safe behind the city gates, even if I have to stall the entire Lion army with my blade.” He then bowed again and left the tent.
--- A few minutes later, somewhere in the camp Kakita Hiroshi was looking for Asahina Yukihime in the camp. Finally, he found her conversing with a Kakita busi. He approached them at a fast pace and nodded his head to them both.
“Kakita-san. Asahina-san, pardon my interruption, but I come on official business” he greeted them, before turning to Asahina Yukihime. “Asahina Yukihime-san, I bring orders from Kakita Mitsuoko-sama. You are to take two units of shugenja and head towards the city to reinforce the defences. The men will surely need some of famed Asahina healing magic. If you would allow me the honor of escorting you to the outer defenses. We do not want you to fall victim of some cowardly scout hiding in the darkness of the night.”
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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 17:44:15 GMT -5
Yukihime bowed to Kakita Hiroshi-san. ready to follow Hatamoto´s orders. With a few words she had all those few shugenjas ready. They were young, mostly just out of gempukku, not renowned to fall into the orders of a more experienced leader. But they were here now, before everyone else and ready to do their best.
Sure, Kakita-san. We are ready, please take us to the place where we are needed.
She then turned to Asahina Yuuto-san.
Would be an honor to have Asahina Yuuto-san joining us as a nikutai, any experienced assistance is apreciated.
Yukihime was already on the go, followed by her unit and guided by Kakita Hiroshi-san, while waiting to hear from Asahina Yuuto-san.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 13, 2011 2:35:41 GMT -5
As Yuuto's memories swelled over Yukihime-sama's earlier questions, his thoughts danced of trials under the Elemental Masters of the Phoenix and, more recently, of the difficulty in research and containing plague outbreaks in the southern Crab lands.
His eyes raised in acknowledgement to Yukihime's suggestions, "I did not think the Lion would arrive so quickly, perhaps they have stretched their supply lines and their men's stomachs to greet us," nodding faithfully, "I am more than ready to provide my support to whatever tasks you find to be most fruitful."
His feet quickly mirrored Yukihime's movements toward the future.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Aug 13, 2011 8:32:29 GMT -5
*A warweary, yet clearly victorious legion of crane arrives to the Toshi ranbo, having encountered a Lion sneak force accidentally, and having countatacked it on the way to Toshi ranbo. The Taisa dismounts respectfully as his troops make camp preparing for long fight ahead, and he heads to join Imperial and Crane commanders. He is none other than brash, warmongering Kakita Alesha, known for utter disdain for Toturi supporters. He bows as he enters the chambers, crisp, immaculate and deadly as in days of fighting under Shogun's banners. But a lot less talkative in Imperial city than in his days in Crane border castles*
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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 13, 2011 11:36:26 GMT -5
Kakita Hiroshi ordered his archers to surround the shugenja and escorted them to the outer defenses, ever vigilant of any possible threat. Having arrived at the fortifications built by Crab engineers loyal to the Emperor, he approached Asahina Yukihime.
“Asahina Yukihime-san, it will now be safe for you to reach the city gates. I will remain here with my men to help defend the outer fortifications. You should make it behind the walls, you are much too valuable to risk your life and the lives of your command here.”
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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 13, 2011 21:20:37 GMT -5
Yukihime bowed in farewell to Kakita Hiroshi, also thanking him for the escort. She quickly moved through the city gates and found stairs, inside the walls, to climb it.
From there the shugenjas could see the battle ground. Hiroshi's decision was wise, with the archers beyond the walls, and the wind roaring from south, Lion would have a hard time to get to the city.
The sun is setting down. It's dusk now, the well known hour of many attacks.
Yukihime lighted a lantern and ordered her unit to do the same. Old stories are not told for no reason, and scrolls sometimes can not be read in dark.
Asahina Yuuto-san, those hohei shugenjas are now under your command.
Yukihime assigned five shugenjas to follow Yuuto's orders, briefly introducing all of then. Yuuto could notice those shugenjas were not holding weapons.
We are not exactly a military unity, we are more like a rescue and healing unit. This is Kakita Miga-san, she is an able horse rider, the one more capable of traveling through a battle field and bring any samurai that is down, but not dead, back to us. She carries no weapon and is clearly a shugenja. I hope we are facing a honored rival, for it is a great offense to kill not engaged shugenjas. Asahina Hatsune-san, Asahina Kin-san, Doji Junko-san and Asahina Hiroto-san are talented with the Path of Inner Peace and have great understand of the ki path through the body, their medicine skills are sure helpful.
Yukihime noticed Yuuto's blade.
These shugenja doesn't had their training focused on battle. Be very carefull if Asahina Yuuto-san decide to engage them. And I will totally understand if Asahina Yuuto-san decide to move, at anytime, into a more "active" unit. But for now, please take your unit and cover Kakita Hiroshi-san archers. I'm going to move and cover Kakita Alesha-san unit.
Yukihime was zealous to her unit, and was trying, as quick as possible, to give all the information she could. With only 20 of them, they could not rely on numbers to get them to great achievements.
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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 14, 2011 9:32:40 GMT -5
Edited: I think this post deserves an edition, to give it more depth.
By the time Alesha-san had arrived, Mitsouko was receiving both Kakita Hitoshi and Kakita Shagi in the main command quarters. Hitoshi-san… I had a letter of your parents, endorsing your will of give the clan the opportunity of finding a suitable marriage for you. In such times, it proofs your generosity; it’s a gift you give to your kin. I assure you our clan considers it as a great proof of confidence. I will not forget of you. About Shagi, his face was vaguely recognizable, but she hadn’t enough time to read about him; just had the letter of the parents of his wife. She thought a patrolling job would be of interest to a former Hiruma, while she haven’t the time to know more about how useful his abilities could be. She laughed at the words of the brash warrior: Ahh no feather out of place, Alesha-sama! Your arrival came in good time!
Your talents are very welcome, friends. Alesha-sama here is able to divide his experience with us, as you both can do as well. Taking from a table two special mon, she gave the badges to Shagi and Hitoshi. So, can I trust you both, to take care of our internal patrolling units, that can check the safety of the citizen within the walls? This is a task of serious importance. If some enemy spy or infiltrator can break our defenses and reach the core of the city, its presence can be too hazardous to the safety of Hantei. You will report to me and to the Seppun commander as well.Then she turned to the renowned Kakita taisa. But I am sure that Alesha-sama will prefer to lead our main infantry unit at the gates. Is it of your taste, Alesha-sama?
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Aug 14, 2011 14:09:33 GMT -5
The dedication towards pacifism is strong in the Asahina; those who dedicate their lives to the creed of peace inscribed in the Temple of the Morning Sun do not do so lightly. Violations of the path, throughout history, had resulted in permanent banishment from the inner walls and the wisdom shared within. Even now, after many years of living on the roads of Rokugan, Yukhime’s acknowledgement of the blade on his hip brings great shame and embarrassment when in the presence of members of his own family. Life is not to be shed lightly, but weeds and parasites are a much more common reality than in the gardens tended by those who subscribe to practices preached by Shinsei.
Yuuto nodded at Yukihime-sama’s hidden concerns,“I will not ask them to do anything they are not fully prepared to begin.” He signaled his introduced hohei, and began the trek towards the walls bracing the backs of Hiroshi and his men.
Fumbling in a pouch, Yuuto soon produced a scroll, “Hatsune-san, Kin-san, Junko-san, and Hiroto-san – begin setting up a triage facility in the houses adjacent to the walls of Hiroshi’s men. Requisition, commandeer, and seize any and all bedding, pots, and cooking tender you can find,” handing the scroll Hiroto. “I will be back shortly with the alchemical ingredients listed; you are with me Miga-san.”
As the two drifted towards the quartermaster, Miga-san’s excitement caught up with her, “what are my orders?” Yuuto held a grin back, before responding, “You and I will ride at dawn to shadow the scouts harassing the Lion’s supply lines,” her eyebrows rising as she physically questioned his logic. “The Lion have moved quickly, and clashes will ring first among those men most hungry. The more difficult we make it for Toturi to nest, the less agreeable his mane begins to look for those he courts to hunt for his gain.” Looking over to his energized hohei, he slyly asks, “I hear you can ride, perhaps tomorrow you will prove it?”
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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 14, 2011 18:07:36 GMT -5
Hitoshi flashed a glance to Kakita Shagi on his left before returning his eyes to his daimyo.
Hai Mitsouko-sama! he shouted, bowing low and accepting the mon, before returning to a respectful standing position and awaiting permission to leave.
He concentrated on keeping his face impassive. This task suited his skills as a magistrate perfectly, and he was also relieved that he was unlikely to face anyone he knew in battle straight away.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Aug 14, 2011 18:56:08 GMT -5
A Crab Messenger arrives, flanked by two Crane escorts. He bears several recent wounds that have been neatly tended to. He Moves immediatly to Kakita Mitsouko and Kneels before her as he offers a scroll.
"My Lord, Yasuki Chad, sends his greetings to the Crane and invites them to quarter within the Western Gate where space has been set aside for your warriors. He hands the scroll over.
(inside the scroll)
The Lion have been testing the fortifications at the western gate for several days now. While they have been thrown back repeatedly, there is still much work that must be done before the Bulk of their army arrives. I possess detailed maps of the surrounding area and officially request the Crane to take over the overall defence of the Lands outside the City.
Furthermore, it has been brought to my attention that Kakita Shagi, formerly of the Hiruma, travels with you. He can detail the nature of the defences at the Gate I am constructing. The only change from what he witnessed is the Yasuki are performing the task originally planed for the Spider.
Yours in Service to the Emporer, Yasuki Chad, Daimyo of the Yasuki of the Crab Clan
The messenger waits, checking to see if any reply is forthcoming.
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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 14, 2011 21:46:21 GMT -5
The letter of the Yasuki Daimyo arrived when she had already given the Kakita men their orders. The kami of Air told her about the participation of Hiroshi in this decision, and she thanked him in her mind for his iniciative. She thought for a moment, after reading the information, then looking at them before saying: Kakita, please, I need you a minute more. The Yasuki daimyo is offering information and quarters in the Western Gate. Looking at Alesha’s eyes, Mitsouko said: Maybe you can go with me, to check it. Mitsouko dictated the letter to her secretary, that wrote for her in a fluid calligraphy (she surely would not do such perfect work in this moment):
Yasuki Chad-sama, your suggestion fits perfectly with the needs of defense of the capital. The Crane will accept the quarters, and the information you can provide that is very welcomed and useful right now. I think we can meet in the Western gates. I am directing myself to this part of the wall to check the situation personally.
Kakita Mitsouko, Hatamoto of Crane Clan and Daimyo of Kakita Family[/i]
After checking the text and sealing the letter with her personal mon, Mitsouko gave it to the messenger. Just please, tell him I will go to see it by my own eyes. And would love to meet Chad-sama there, if it suits him… As soon as the messenger left, she turned again to her loyal men: Hitoshi-san, I changed my mind, You stay with me, as personal guard... And Shagi-san…I had heard about some of your talents, given your experience among the brave Hiruma. Maybe you can accompany us to the Western Gates, and maybe you can explain me a little about the fortifications of that part of the city, specifically. I am aware some of it was designed by request of the so called Spider Clan? What you can tell me about it? Something about this information, though, was itching inside her head disturbing...
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Aug 15, 2011 0:15:41 GMT -5
He bows to Mitsuoko deeply.
"Nothing would be more to my taste, than to lead our men holding the gate, Misuoko-dono. It is an honour."
He was not a man of many words and as crab letter arrived, and question was asked:
"It will be an honor to join you, Misuoko-dono. But I don't think Lions have the momentum to actually lay siege."
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