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 17, 2011 6:28:22 GMT -5
Yukihime camly noticed the skylark approaching and could easily sense the kami. It was a neatly done spell and the mensage was clearly delivered.
It made her task very easier to complete. Too sad that Kitsune family, and clan, had long ago merged with the Mantis. And Mantis were now sided with Kaneka.
Yukihime took a deep breath and turned her steps towards the Roar of the Origami Lion. Gladly it wouldn't be necessary to ask favors to a magistrate.
...
A while later... a heimin would knock at Kitsune Manji's door.
Kitsune-sama, it's Asahina Yukihime-sama, she... *the heimin seemed kinda confused* is inviting you... I mean... inviting Kitsune-sama for tea. We had set a chado room beside the main hall.
There, Yukihime was moveless and silent, with low eyes upon the chawan, waiting for her guest.
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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 17, 2011 7:41:42 GMT -5
She bowed to the Daidoji legend, with a smile for his arrival. That’s why I am confident you will do the best, Fitsu-sama! Alesha-sama and I were here considering some options, but you are our Rikugonshokan. Yours is the word: I would be very stupid if I think I would match your experience and skills in strategy. Though, I was following our pre determined tasks while you are coming: preparing the defense of the inwalls and getting everything prepared for your arrival, so your legions can take care of what will happen outside, I mean, the main battle in the surrounding area. So Mitsouko waited for Fitsu new plans. He was the man who won the battle against the Yobanjin, for the glory of Kaneka. And the Shogun used the hard job of others, including the commanders of every clan legion, to claim right of the throne, doing nothing but sit and wait the great clans work for him. Everybody would expect it from a Emperor, but not from a shogun. It just suited his ronin way of life.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Aug 17, 2011 8:01:53 GMT -5
Fitsu nodded to Kakita Hitoshi, his expression grim.
The Crab are on the march, although it is unclear how many have decided this conflict is worth abandoning their ancestral duty along with their honor. It grieves me to know it, as I have spent long hours with them. I have fought along side them, bled with them, and mourned for them as brothers. Many of them have won my respect and admiration, one so much so that I married her. But now...
They have not crossed the Tidal Land Bridge yet, and if that is their route then they will face stiff, if sparse, resistance the entire way. It doesn't take many Daidoji to make a road very difficult for a marching army. The Crab know defense, but this is not the sort of war they are accustomed to. I'm certain my officers and our clansmen will use that to their advantage.
Fitsu closed his eyes for a moment, ruminating on how to address the rest.
I've no word on what the Mantis intend, but our battle is here and they are not. If they come here flying the Bastard's flag then we will kill them. If they take to assaulting our lands while we adhere to our sacred task, then we will kill them when it is complete. We fight one battle at a time.
As for the Scorpion? I haven't heard which way they've settled, but I wouldn't trust any news if I had. I have heard it said that Loyalty was the sole virtue left to the clan of secrets. If they've chosen to shed that then I'd rather they be on the other side of our walls.
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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 17, 2011 9:05:49 GMT -5
Kakita Taisa bows respectfully to the Daidoji Legend, remembering him well from previous battles.
"Fitsu-sama. Your presence here fills me with double confidence in our victory, no matter what the odds might be."
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 17, 2011 9:35:48 GMT -5
He was finishing the laborious job of braiding his own long hair when the messenger arrived, he knew how the Crane had a judicious eye for appearances, nothing less than perfection would do in a situation like this. Manji sent the man along after hearing his message and thought, as he finished preparing himself and walked towards the stairs, "At least its tea, not swords she comes with. One is surely tastier than the other, although, both are equally deadly". He knew only a highly capable, and polite, individual would be so confident as to accept his invitation and come alone, after all, their Clans were enemies.
When he reached the inn's main hall, Manji told Shinnosuke with a sly smile "Shinnosuke-san, please prepare a large bowl of water for me. As large as you can manage, without disrupting the ceremony by splashing water everywhere when I call for you", the innkeeper couldn't hide his surprise when he saw that the battered youngster with shaggy hair that checked into his inn days ago was now sporting a combed and exquisitely braided hair and wearing the jade green robes that marked him for a shugenja of the Kitsune family. "Of course Manji...", then added inquisitively "-sama". Manji bowed slightly and headed to the chado room. As he slided the shoji open he thought "Choice and sacrifice indeed my old friend. Now, its the time for both again".
He did his best to hide his marvel as he entered, the room was very simple but very Crane, that is to say, impeccable. Impressive what one could do with so little. He bowed deeply and said "Asahina Yukihime-sama, it's both an honor and a pleasure to meet you. A shame we aren't under more auspicious circumstances", as he tried to hide his excitement.
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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 17, 2011 11:04:17 GMT -5
Yukihime, comfortably sitting in seiza, bowed to the arriving shugenja. The Kitsune's hair got her attention for a while, that color was no ordinary dye. She was in a serene mood and tone while welcoming him. Greetings Kitsune-san. If Kitsune-san allows me I would make your words also mine, it's a pleasure and a honor to meet. Circunstances could de milder, I agree, but this war is tering appart old ties and setting new ones every time. It's quite providencial.She took a brief glance at him once more, being carefull not to stare at the him directly and then invited with a mild moviment of hand, suggesting him to take the guest's sit in front of her. Please, I would be honored if Kitsune-sama could join me for tea ceremony.Once Manji was accommodated Yukihime started the ceremony, conducting it with gentle and precise moviments. The void was flowing since the very begining of the ceremony. The fire was quietly boiling water and the tea leaves had being carefully tended too. The was an incense nearby, a clearly offering to the kamis, but the smell of tea was taking over the room. Water pouring Silence replacing words Running lives Yukihime displayed the whole ceremony with elegance and commitment, it took almost an hour but seemed like only a few minutes until she politely offered tea to the guest she was honoring. She organized the chado tools aside with her chawan before her, ready to hear the words from Kitsune Manji-san. (OOC: Well, tea ceremony could be loooong and have way more description, I'm going to trust everyones imagination on that I believe it's no need to make a huge post to something that is not the main plot right now, so, my apologies for the brief text)
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 17, 2011 18:44:32 GMT -5
During his travels he witnessed first hand the plight of the heimin and the Empire being bled by civil war and Spider plots alike, which left him in a state of constant restlessness. He couldn't remember when was the last time he relaxed but now, even though he was in a war camp, he felt at peace. A peace he needed because his next decisions would sting like a knife through his heart. Treason is always treason, no matter how noble the motives. He knew he had her to thank for this little respite, so Manji decided to be as direct and truthful as possible with Yukihime.
My Lady, I will be straight with you. After the Mantis champion disappeared at sea, some of the captains have been questioning the Clan's decision of betraying the Emperor. Notably, Tsuruchi Kimo-sama and Yoritomo Masamoto-sama. Yoritomo-sama tried to propose a gathering of captains aboard his ship, The Sun's Gambit, but I fear things took a turn for the worse, he paused for an instant, thinking about his next words while sipping a bit of tea.
Matsu Harushi-sama tried to defy Yoritomo-sama aboard his own ship and for that he was stabbed and left to drown. This display wasn't the most inspired move and now I doubt that he will be able to sway the other captains' opinions, especially those of Tsuruchi Kentaro-sama and Kitsune Daichi-sama. When I last saw them, they were being approached by a Monkey envoy ship and, since they're pledged for the former Shogun, that should complicate things even more.
The Mantis Fleet will stand divided. That should lessen the raids against the Clans who pledged for the Emperor and some of the Fleet may be able to help our battle here, but it will be near impossible to tell friend from foe amongst the confusion of the war.
Yoritomo-sama asked me to act as an envoy and bring a representative of the Crane and another of the Crab aboard the ships, for parley. He hopes to forge an alliance and avoid further shedding of blood. That was my original hope too, but now I see that, given the situation, the distance between "envoy" and "hostage" would be less than one step. If I may be so bold, I would advise you to warn your brethren about these events and not go to the parley.
Once, my old mentor said that no choice comes without sacrifice so, please, help me with mine. I came here to pledge my services to the Emperor and am willing to serve under the Crane command until this conflict is over. Do with me as you please. If you so wish, I may also show you the situation aboard Yoritomo-sama's ship to prove my sincerity. I'm familiar with it and it should be no trouble to ask the water kami to show us a vision.
At the end of his speech, Manji pressed his two hands against the ground and offered a deep bow to Yukihime, while patiently waiting for her words.
EDIT: minor typos.
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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 17, 2011 21:50:06 GMT -5
Yukihime promptly, yet briefly, replied the bow when the Kitsune shugenja did so. Then she pondered for a while before letting the words flow.
Kitsune Manji-san makes me remember distant ancestors, the Crane used to be very close to the former Kitsune clan. Once our champion even married a Kitsune family member named Amieko-sama... well, it was all long ago.* Her voice became a little pensive* Rokugan seems to be different right now. Or... may be the poetry had fixed some past mistakes.
Yukihime talk about the past with some impossible nostalgy but also some kind of admiration, all well veiled in her low eyes and contemplative posture. In other way, talking about the present, and the near future, wouldn't be so easy.
I'm sorry to hear Yoritomo-sama's noble intents will hardly be completly well suceeded. Also, if Yoritomo-sama requested a representative would be unpolite to let Yoritomo-sama waiting. Nevertheless I couldn't disconsider the advice I so kindly received from Kitsune-san.
If Kitsune-san allow me to question, I , or any Crane representative, should not visit the Sun's Gambit and Yoritomo-sama becouse it's risky or becouse no definition about alliances is going to be achived?
Anyway, I must take these news to the Hatamoto-sama. I'm more than interested in protecting as many lives as possible. And if we could manage an alliance or even find a way not to fight those who carry the same beliefs as us, it would be something great.
My life is probably one of less worth compared to everyone else. If someone should visit Yoritomo-sama I'm the one to go, no prejudice will rely on the clan if an "accident" ocours.
Yukihime was divided. Going on herself seems to be less costly to the clan, if something go wrong not much will be lost and if everything is fine she would be back with news. Yet, obedience were speaking louder. Once more she had to trust on Crane leaders, gladly these leaders had always shown wisdom.
I have to say I much appreciate Kitsune-sama words and attitude towards the Empire, and it's going to be a honor to have Kitsune Manji-san on our side. Would Kitsune-san like to join me on my visit to the Crane clan hatamoto-sama?
(OOC: Well, we are living in a weird timeline where Fox Clan merged into Mantis before the dead of Naseru (I may be confused, I'm not and expert on the official setting) so, if anything I said sounds too awkward just let me know and I'm going to fix it, ok? ^^ Tks )
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 17, 2011 22:51:49 GMT -5
I share your feelings Asahina-sama, he said with a sad voice, trying not stare too much at the Crane as he found himself admiring her bravery.
Yoritomo-sama is an honorable man. Short of temper, yes, but honorable. He wouldn't allow any harm to befall guests aboard his ship, especially those invited by himself. But I fear what may happen if things go awry. When tempers start to flare, swords are soon to follow.
I ask you though, do not make little of your own life. In the few moments I've been with you, I've seen more bravery than I've had previously seen in many samurai. For a samurai, it's easy to throw oneself upon his enemies' swords, but risking one's life trying to find a peaceful resolution for a war? That takes a special kind of courage.
He took a deep breath and said solemnly, my Lady, it would be an honor to accompany you to the Crane hatamoto. If you must attend the parley, I humbly ask that you permit me to guard you. I will not allow any harm to befall you.
Manji stood up elegantly and said, I would like to ask you one more thing. Please, call me Manji, as he extended his hands to Yukihime.
[OOC: I think the gallant part at the end was a pretty bold move, by rokugani standards, but, if there's no objections, I'm trying it. Also, you're right, the Fox Clan joined the Mantis in 1169, one year after Toturi III's death. But I guess our timeline is a bit different from the "official".
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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 18, 2011 8:17:39 GMT -5
Asahina tasted the tea once more while pondering on Kitsune-san's words. The container was then empty and laying on the table.
Facts are facts and as Kitsune-san well told 'there will be sacrifice', in a way or another. We must choose wisely what we are going to loose, so we can may be achieve what we intend to win. Besides, I hope my words are not deceiving Kitsune-san, I'm not so brave... lets say I just trust the protocol. I trust manners and courtesy, and this shall prevent us from loosing ourselves.
Unfortunately, I believe we are late for peace, right now the skirmishes are happening between Crane and Lion forces. But we can still prevent the life waste that is to come. We should all be loyal servents of the Empire, the greater clans seems to had forgotten our origins, despite disagreements this Empire was started by brothers and sisters, thats how I would like to deal with everyone else, or, at least, everyone who shares Kami's heritage.
Yukihime words carried some sadness and almost some disappointment, she was just starting to realize that the Empire she had learned about and read about wasn't exactly an accurate version of the real one. Still, she was clearly willing to pursuit the ideal version.
Yukihime watched while the Kitsune-san stood up and held out his hand. His attitude made her kinda confused, or concerned, but nothing was shown. Where had the Mantis sailed? As far as the unicorn rode? Yukihime was unsure if it was a gaijin greeting or if the shugenja was just trying to help. Second option was nicer and more likely, but she couldn't accept it anyway. It was the frist time she sees such manners and... well... it was out of the protocol she knew and so... not easy for her to deal with.
I mean no offence and I hope my words doesn't sounds rude, I have found great affinity for Kitsune-san, but our relation is not as old or as narrow for me to feel confortable useing only Kitsune Manji-san's name, yet.
Also, I must walk upon my ancestors steps, I must behave as my ancestors behaved, what right now means keeping a respectful distance.
She stood up lightly, with a brief gently smile and then bowed respectfully before indicating the door.
Shall we?
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Tamori Manji
Dragon Clan Mod
Demon Fox (妖狐)
?Dragon Clan ?Hatamoto ?Fire ?Void ?Yamabushi ?Tattoed ?Nonhuman
Posts: 922
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Post by Tamori Manji on Aug 18, 2011 9:27:03 GMT -5
He smiled slyly and made a small bow, too long away from the courts have rusted my manners, Asahina-sama is, of course, correct. We do as we must.
Please, lead the way, we have no time to lose.
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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 18, 2011 10:43:51 GMT -5
Kitsune-san is fine, and it all may change in time.
Yukihime took her way to the Western Gates of Toshi Ranbo, walking along with Kitsune Manji-san.
The Empire Capital was crowded by working heimins, ashigarus and samurais, stocking supplies, crafting and organizing weapons and armors. Yukihime wasn't delayed by any of this.
In her way she hoped for the other Cranes would be willing to listen to the Mantis, and even to her. She could not expect from a bushi the same she would from a shugenja.
Finally, she could find the leaders of her clan gathered by the Gate.
Asahina stood closer to them dedicating a deep bow to the Crane Hatamoto and right after to the admirable Rikugonshokan. Then she bowed to the other members of her clan, as always one by one, giging each individual attention at least for a brief while. Again Asahina waited for permission to speak. While greeting and waiting she tried to keep the Kitsune shugenja slightly behind her, not hiding him, but kinda on the way, just to be sure no one would step ahead for some hasty confrontation.
Kakita-sama, honored Hatamoto of the Crane clan, I would like to introduce you all Kitsune Manji-san. Kitsune-san is the one I was set to find, and who, actually, found me first and kindly proposed himself to conversation.
Circunstances are not the most fortuitous, but sounds like we could may be find allies among the Mantis, as I believe I had found an ally in Kitsune-san.
Yukihime then directed her words to the Kitsune, proudly introducing her clans mates one by one. Those were really important people and she has hoping to make the Kitsune aware of it in advance.
She have had quite a embarrassing and hard time when meeting champions and daimyos in some very unlikely places and situations during her travels, would be nice to prevent Kitsune-san of dealing with the same issue.
Kitsune-san is now in the presence of some of the finest samurais of the Crane, and probably of the Empire. Kakita Mitsouko-sama, daimyou of Kakita family, wise and careful leader of our clan in Hatamoto positon. Daidoji Fitsu-sama, surely a brilliant tactician and Rikugonshokan. Kakita Alesha-sama renowned taisa of a well succeeded battalion. Kakita Hitoshi-san, exemplary bushi and duelist.
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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 18, 2011 11:45:14 GMT -5
Hitoshi was surprised to see a samurai in Mantis colours walking towards the group of Crane, escorted by Asahina Yukihime. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the Crane shugenja carefully, looking for any signs that she was acting under duress.
Upon finding none, he took up a position near his daimyo so that he could either interpose himself if needed, or swiftly draw on the Kitsune if he attempted to speak with the kami uninvited. Listening to Yukihime's introduction, and recalling some previous conversations he had had with Mitsouko-sama, he suspected that Maiji had indeed come with good intentions and bowed courteously when his own name was mentioned.
He waited for his superiors to speak, and whilst he did so he recalled a case he had worked on not long before the war broke out. There had been a murder, and the guilty party had used an enemy of the target as an unwitting distraction so that whilst all eyes were on him the victim had been struck down from behind. I must take care that I do not become too focussed on this Fox, thought Hitoshi, and he fell into zanshin.
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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 18, 2011 12:24:09 GMT -5
Parts of the troops were already installed in the Western gate quartes, and Hiroshi-san was required to defend this side of the Imperial City with their archers. While he was coming to the gates, Kakita Alesha and Daidoji Fitsu were sharing their thoughts about a strategy with the Kakita daimyo. Fitsu-sama had talked about fighting a fight at time, and Mitsouko agreed with the Rikugonshokan, making a thoughtful nod to his statements. They had already made their option for abandoning the Crane lands almost defenseless favoring the defense of the capital, and would surely have to pay the price of their loyalty. But there is no regret: at least they weren’t hiding themselves in a game of intrigues and delayed decisions as Scorpion were doing right now, when Lion was already surrounding the Imperial lands. Would they have the audacity to offer a side their loyalty when other armies already made their choices and started their moves? As always, they would use the excuse their loyalty was to the Empire and claiming that they have their way to do it, but of course, she still prefer Scorpion Clan on the other side, being loyal in their way to Kaneka. Fitsu-sama, I am more confident right now I know you share my own thoughts, but… Mitsouko was ready to say more, but by the movement eyes of Hitoshi-san she was made aware of the arrival of Asahina Yukihime, bringing with her a Mantis shugenja. They seemed concerned, but the Crane shugenja was acting in an amiable way to the man by her side. She nodded to the pair's arrival, acknowledging Kitsune Manji, and after listening Yukihime words, she turned to the general and taisa by her side: Uhn... Mantis allies? It's indeed a surprise. Maybe we can understand how it can occur right now, my friends? Please, talk, Kitsune-san. I, at least, am curious to know more about it.
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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 18, 2011 13:38:46 GMT -5
He bows to the two, eyes warily fixed upon the Mantis. He was known for his extreme views on anyone allied with Kaneka, and his eyes fixed sternly on the Kitsune.
"Konbanwa"
He then turns to his Daimyo: "Sounds like a splendid idea."
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