Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 18, 2011 16:32:45 GMT -5
This is a CLOSED RP, a part of the Threads of Destiny story arc.
It takes place following Kaneka's declaration of his intent to claim the Imperial Throne and before the Great Clans decided whom to support. It will take place in 4 Imperial holdings - Kyuden Miya, Kyuden Otomo, Otosan Uchi, and Kyuden Seppun - and will begin the conclusion of the Threads Arc.
If you wish to join in, please IM me which portion you wish to join us for and why. If we can work you in, we will.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 21, 2011 12:36:36 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai, Kakita Mitsouko, and Doji Naetaru had crossed the River of Gold, cut through the lands of the Hare and were now on the Imperial Highway that would lead them to Kyuden Miya, home of the Imperial Heralds and onetime home to Miya Shokujin - the man whose odd memories had begun this journey nearly two months ago...
An odd gasping noise coming from his horse caused the Void Master to gesture for the trio to halt by a grassy pool of meltwater from the Spine of the World mountain range. As they did so, Shodai could hear the same sounds coming from Mitsouko and Naetaru's rides.
"The horses are getting lathered from the hard riding. If we push them too much harder, we'll kill them; fortunately we're now on the Emperor's land rather than that of the Scorpion... It should be safe to rest here a while to let the horses recover."[/b] Agasha said as he removed the red armband that - as promised by Bayushi Senshi - had allowed them safe passage from the territory of the Scorpion Clan as he guided his horse over to the watering hole.
It was hard to believe they'd come so far in a few short hours of night riding.
A few hours ago they'd been attending what was - hopefully - going to be a negotiation for a Crane/Phoenix/Scorpion alliance, but those hopes had been cut short by Kaneka's mad grab for the Imperial throne; leaving Senshi in a position where he was unwilling to consider new alliances without first seeing how his existing alliances would be affected by this newest power struggle that would likely rip the Empire apart.
'Damn the man.' Shodai fumed silently at the traitorous Shogun's actions. 'He oversteps his boundaries yet again! True, he is Toturi I's eldest son, but he is not a true-born son and, therefore, has a lesser claim to the throne than the Emperor or Isawa Sezaru. He joins my Clan, but refuses to take the names of any of our families. He makes an oath renouncing his claims to the throne and - capitalizing on the actions of Daidoji Fitsu - uses that as an excuse to break his vows. The man is nothing but trouble!'
Shodai glanced over at Kakita Mitsouko. The two of them had been growing slowly closer during this journey, but both of them kept avoiding the discussion about the events of the Three Sides River. Mostly because Hirotomo had been riding with them, save for a day or two while he'd returned to Toku Torid-e, but even when they'd been alone neither had been willing to talk about it; choosing instead to try and provide morale and emotional support for the burdens of leadership that they now bore.
And yet there were times when the Void Master could still feel the pleasant tingle of the Kakita Daimyo's lips against his.
Okay, sure, she'd 'kissed' him while giving her breath to him in an effort to keep him alive while he was trapped in that potent memory awoken by his accidental touch of the Meido. And she was still worrying over the still-missing Toku Sanjuro, the one whom she had come to love, the man whom Shodai had sworn a promise to Mitsouko to help her find because the Agasha's honor refused to accept victory by default; both Sanjuro and Shodai had made an official declaration of omiai for Mitsouko's hand, after all.
Almost before he'd realized it, Agasha Shodai had found himself falling in love with Mitsouko.
The Kakita Kenshinzen was such a dynamic woman: as full of life as Shodai's "little sister," Moshi Kimiko, but with the civil grace of Asashina Ino. A woman with her own mind and capable of holding her own in a fight. A kind, sensitive person that did her best to hide it with the armor of her training. The bonds between them grew stronger with each conversation, but the Agasha kept his heart walled off; a defensive measure against Mitsouko picking Sanjuro - assuming he was found - over him. For a shugenja, emotion was dangerous - the kami responded to the feelings of the one that summoned them as much as they did to the words that called them forth.
Agasha Shodai sighed softly to himself, averting his eyes before the Kakita caught him staring at her, feeling the conflict within him once more...
Part of him was the Void Master - deliberate, decisive and unbendable - but then there was the part that was still the young man that dreamed of finding a woman like Mitsouko and carrying on his family line... His mother's side could trace its roots all the way back to Isawa Ouno - brother of the founder of the Tribe of Isawa - himself, while his father's side went all the way back to Agasha Kitsuki and, even further back, lady Agasha herself - though that last one was hard to prove thanks to the loss of several critical records at the time the Agasha family defected to the Phoenix Clan.
Shodai stroked his horse's mane, offering up a silent prayer that the journey across the Empire, chasing the odd visions would not be for naught.
And some selfish part of him hoped that their stop in Kyuden Miya would not result in all the answers so that his time with Mitsouko could continue...
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 22, 2011 9:46:47 GMT -5
Sitting in a private chamber in a decent teahouse somewhere between The Way of The Night Pass and the road leading to Kyuden Myia, Mitsouko seemed weary and disgusted, . One never can tell she was the Kakita daimyo, but for the quality of her kimono and the appearance of her retinue. She sipped the bitter tea as to try to make the tiredness and anger away. The makeup she wore in the Celebration of Victory over the Yobanjin raiders at Ryoko Owari Crane Embassy was lightly blurred under her eyes.
The night had no chance for them of a rest, as for the abrupt arrival of the Scorpion champion and the announcing of an imminent war, obliged her and her traveling companions to follow in hurry from the City of Lies. She of course didn’t believe in an imminent assault or a great move of Kaneka against Scorpion lands that should put them in real harm. Not in a night. Not before Kaneka or the Emperor know exactly who would be their allies. And mainly, their safety as hosts would not be at stake, not if Senshi was still the champion he claimed to be. But Senshi insisted to the Crane to go away from Scorpion lands and it sounded as a great insult. Kenpachi, by other way, had seen by Naetaru arriving and demanding to talk with someone of power, and getting a private conversation with Senshi, though. While he sent that clumsy Unicorn dressed as Scorpion to treat diplomatic matters with Crane. That disgusting couple had an interesting of way of making politics. Of course courtesy and courtier abilities had skipped a generation in the family of the Bayushi daimyo.
She sighed noticing people around her concerned with her silent and bitchfaced expression. Naetaru writing letters in the table near of hers; and Shodai, the Phoenix Void Master and her friend, looking at her as either studying or reading her thoughts.
Sorry friend. I am not being a good traveling company. The events of last night made me feel very angry. And angry is really not a good thing to share. The breakfast should make me happier. It always does. Not today… Funny, when I think I should be a little more feminine and not talk about how hungry I used to be… and I used to be always hungry. She looked at the barely bitten omusubi in front of her. Well, what about Senshi’s generous offering of letting you help him?
Not hurt to remember that, this is only RP and inner thoughts, not personal and/or Mitsouko's loud statements.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Aug 22, 2011 11:23:52 GMT -5
Naetaru was tired from the long journey, himself being in a bad mood, a thing he was trained to cast aside. There was no need to display negative emotions, especially in front of individuals that he held some respect for. Instead he drew from the vastness of the Doji technique a playful smile that would shield away his emotions from prying eyes. However he could not ease his mind, and thus he resumed over to some ambassadorial work. The Champion of the Scorpion had recently "relieved" him of his duties, and thus did Naetaru decide to prioritize his duties accordingly. There was no need for that lovely Shosuro maiden to have her petition approved for travel in the Crane's border provinces, neither would it hurt for the Scorpion merchant in Ryoko Owari to wait for about a decade before he would get the permit to trade his silk monitored by the Doji in Shizuka Toshi. And he was sure that those Scorpion brides would have grown into old hags before they would be able to get the beautician and cosmetics physician of the Crane. Instead he kept his work into something more serious. The daimyo had received some letters that required utmost secrecy. A chain of letters were arriving from the Asahina, the Kakita, the Doji even some Yasuki individuals...all in cadence, the secret language of the Doji courtiers. He was replying to them all, his hand moving over in perfect calligraphy. Now that relaxed him, granting him a vision of home, the smell of sandalwood, the Gardens and his wife...
His wife...he had married her a moon before. She was gorgeous in his eyes, she was dynamic, practical and sometimes naive. But she was perfectly beautiful. She was a Lion of course, before she took the Doji name. Her reaction...
"What? Am I a Doji now? Seriously?" a rather unpredicted reaction. Neither the change of attire or even the need for cosmetics did matter to her, but changing from Matsu Sadoji to Doji Sadoji turned her world upside down. And he did not blame her.
Mitsouko, the Kakita daimyo, had some common traits to that fair maiden and thus Naetaru's mind traced off while he was looking her. And right now, his mind raced again and when it resumed he remained motionless...and thought.
"Stance? Honor-knelt...check Posture? Scribe-looking...check Face? Thoughtful...check Smile? On....check"
His eyes did not avert from the letters, but he could hear the couple discussing idly in front of him. He did not wish to interfere, Agasha Shodai and Kakita Mitsouko were nice people. He wanted to leave them in their peace, he could trouble them later. And he resumed back to answering the letters.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 22, 2011 15:24:30 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai sighed faintly as he took a bite of his own omusubi to clear the taste of the local tea from his mouth. The mountain terrain was normally well suited for growing tea leaves, but the heimin farmers belonging to the Hare or the Unicorn (depending on which side of the mountain was being cultivated) lacked the patience (in the case of the Unicorn) or skill (in the case of the Hare) to raise a proper crop.
"I wouldn't read too much into it, Mitsuko-san... Between the fact that he's realized he can't deal with his nemesis on his own and that Kami Shiba and Kami Bayushi were twin brothers, that's likely the only reason he accepted my offer of personal assistance. I did it mainly as a means to settle a debt of honor my predecessor left for me to deal with."[/b]
During the ride from the Three Sides River to Ryoko Owari Toshi, Mitsouko had managed to peel back some of the emotional armor that had been allowing the wound of Tadaka's betrayal to fester in his soul so that he could begin to heal. But despite his gratitude for that, he had not revealed the fact that Tadaka had unwittingly assisted the escape of the murder of Bayushi Senshi's brother.
He figeted slightly in his seated position. "I'm sorry I monopolized the discussion with Senshi, Mitsouko-san; I was trying to salvage what I could out of that little debacle. The Bastard's declaration and his personal grudge were clearly weighing heavily on him; normally the Scorpion Champion does not display his emotions as he was..."[/b]
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Aug 22, 2011 18:21:16 GMT -5
Indeed? I knew some Scorpions that were able to keep powerful and lethal being also courteous. And well, the Scorpion clan wasn’t known for their outbursts and displays of their feelings; it’s more proper of a Unicorn or a Crab… Maybe much of his wife’s customs is being taught in Bayushi courts, and not the contrary… But thank you my friend, you acted kindly with me. Mitsouko touched the everliving blossom he gave to her, caressing a petal idly with a finger. Kaneka’s declarations sounded so announced when you hear of it that I feel like an idiot. Those rumors in the court; everybody heard of it but nobody heard about a witness that can trace the murder attempts to the Emperor. I saved Kaneka’s life once, myself, of foul murders that cannot be identified. But he is the shogun, he is supposed to be enemies all within the Empire; generals that should feel they were much more capable than the Emperor brother. I should think in a bunch of names, but never, his own brother that received him so kindly and even gave him the autonomy as Shogun, in spite of the Champion Emerald, to lead Rokugan’s armies… I simply can’t understand how a man like Kaneka can believe the Emperor wants to kill him. But maybe...he doesn’t believe in it. Maybe it is just a pretext. But,... I am sure my champion will deliberate with the Emperor Himself about it. My clan will wait for his word. She found a smile to give to him: I know we must hurry with our personal matters in Kyuden Myia: both of all are needed in our clan lands. The council should wait for you, right? She turned her head to Naetaru: I am glad I brought Naetaru with me. I will not feel like abandoning my duties with him near to help to dispatch. She should be feeling very lonely right now, if not for them. Each one on their way.
Sometimes was weird to see the face of Mikado in a man, a beautiful man, a young but promising politician of her own age. He reminds her of home and safety. She was sure he would be the next Soba-yōnin of Doji house and probably, of the entire clan. Well, my dear Naetaru-san where you found that incredible tea? I miss it! After speaking it, she turned and looked at Shodai's eyes, with a sweet sigh; he meant home and safety as well. But in an entirely different way.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Aug 22, 2011 18:57:58 GMT -5
Naetaru displayed a kind smile. He wished to be sincere.
"The tea my lady? I am certain that pepper jasmine with orange blossoms was your favorite...around that time of season. Warm but sensitive, like the springs breeze which gives way to the burning summer. I presume that lord Shodai-tono finds the tea to his liking?"
Looking up to the couple...
"That blend was one of the blends that I had safeguarded after the Scorpion demanded to cancel the festival. A pity. If there was given proper time we could've managed to gather our personal belongings rather than be ousted like common refugees."
Looking over at his desk...
"Forgive me samas I did not mean to distort or journey's serenity. I am more than thankful to have been allowed to accompany you in this journey. Mitsouko-tono, there is a heavy correspondence on your behalf..."
Sitting idly, looking at the woman. His posture that of the servant kneeling. He had put his cup near the manuscripts, the cup empty, and the writing utensils pointing over to the mon beside his heart. He was certain that his daimyo was aware of cadence's sign language, the one perfected by Kakita Yoshi himself. Even though he was fond of Shodai, Clan secrets had to remain such. His message was clear.
He was sitting as a servant beside his bed, not sleeping, but lying... In front of him a container with liquid, sign of maleability and sickness... The writing brush pointing at his heart symbolized that the news came by written message conerning his family, the mon over his heart. Mitsouko could add up the puzzle... Lying, sick, written, Doji lord. Naetaru's eyes watching at her...
However his tone remained composed as he carried on.
"But there are no letters coming from the Daidoji. Quite common to be honest. Perhaps a day of meditation at the Shrine of Gisei would be more appropriate should you find the chance. But please forgive me, I tire you once more, a thousand pardons, Clan duty often carries me away. Let us drink to the serenity, a much valuable commodity nowadays."
His whole attitude was different from that back at the festival. He was more "earthy", less arrogant, kind and friendly. He did not wish to tire, indulge or offend. He was less interested in politicking around Mitsouko and Shodai.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 23, 2011 22:54:43 GMT -5
"You presume correctly, Doji-san. In fact, I will undoubtedly need to make arrangements through our next Ambassador to your Clan to acquire more of it with some regularity once I return home. In fact, I have a passion for good tea that has made into something of a tea connoiseur... Its one of the few vices I can freely permit myself since it has no negative side effects; aside from wanting more once it's gone, of course."[/b] Shodai said lightly.
The shugenja took another sip of tea in response to Naetaru's toast, wincing at the bitterness that stung his tongue. To have poor quality tea served was, in his hot-headed youth, sufficient to have pushed him to the point of demanding a duel with the procurer on more than one occasion...
"THIS, however, I shall find no difficulty in denying myself a second cup of."[/b] He said with a wry grin to Mitsouko and Naetaru.
Agasha Shodai's eyes twitched slightly as he glanced over their newly acquired Doji companion, his eyes spotting a display the Crane's supposedly 'secret' language. If the language had a proper name, Shodai was quite unaware of it, though he knew of its existence and pieces of the 'vocabulary' that he'd pieced together over a decade of dealing with the courtiers of his Clan's traditional allies.
Oh, to be sure, no one save the Crane were likely trained in its full lexicon, but anything one person can create, another can decipher. And between the Void Master's photographic memory and an analytical mind that loved solving puzzles, cracking such a cipher took little effort. By the Fortunes, the scrolls he's learned his first spells from when he was four had a more complex code. The hardest part about the Crane's body language cipher was it possessed the perceptual facet that required someone to be looking at the display from a specific angle to get the full context. All Agasha could really get was that there was a letter from one of Doji Naetaru's superiors; clearly something important given the fact that he was willing to do so in an open environment like a roadside tea shop.
With a subtle grin - barely a twitch of his lips on the side of his face hidden from Naeteru - Shodai decided to have a little fun with the Doji courtier to get a gauge of the man. It was very important to understand how the man would react to the unexpected... Especially considering that near attempt on Mitsouko's life in Beiden.
True, the Void Master had managed to neutralize without the duelist even being aware of it; his silent summoning of lightning in the middle of a thunderstorm to strike the man dead from beyond bow range before he could finish drawing his arrow had ensured that much... Whomever had tried poisoning Mitsouko had realized that the attempt had failed and was now using more conventional means.
Fortunately, Shodai was not limited to such means when it came to protecting the woman that had begun to take root in his heart.
The Void Master set his tea cup down, the kanji of the teahouse's name pointed at the cup Naetaru had used to send his silent message to Mitsouko, who was undoubtedly fluent in the silent language. He then took another bite of his breakfast and set down his chopsticks, the wide ends aimed at Doji's cup and the tapered end pointed towards the shop's exit. The message Shodai sent possessed two meanings that Naetaru would have to be blind to miss. First was to be cautious that someone other than the intended party could have intercepted his message and, second, that it would be better to discuss his news on the road.
"And I fear our journey thus far has been anything but serene, Doji-san; the troubling news of last night was merely the latest in a line of disturbances... Although none with the ramifications of disaster quite like Kaneka's latest rash act. In fact, having you along will come in quite handy: an extra pair of eyes for threats..."[/b] He tilted his neck as if stretching out a krick in it, the single black lock of his hair falling to point at Mitsouko-san. "And undoubtely your expertise will be quite handy once we reach Kyuden Miya... I am owed any number of favors from the Imperial Heralds, but depending on where the clues we are following take us, the silver tongue of a properly trained diplomat might open doors that favors may not."[/b]
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Aug 23, 2011 23:26:49 GMT -5
(ooc: *cough cough* LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
Sorry for interrupting, you may proceed.
P.S. Should ANY of you have any questions about what all that was about, please pm me and I can discuss it ooc.)
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Aug 24, 2011 2:28:25 GMT -5
Naetaru saw the Void Master's discreet "reprimand". He felt annoyed, but flattered. In his heart he was aware that Shodai was more than the eye could see, but what proved an astounding fact to him was the fact that he was discreet and kind. He smiled, thought twice and said:"True Shodai-sama, I only hope that Kyuden Miya has not been struck by the same turmoil that looms over these lands." He glanced at Mitsouko. He was somewhat unnerved but still fell safe in a company of the Kakita Daimyo and the Phoenix Void Master.((OOC: I am at work guys, so the response was somewhat short. Glad to see the Scorpion Champion looming over the scene Scorpions are everywhere! ))
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 27, 2011 10:47:51 GMT -5
"I'm certain Kyuden Miya has been untouched so far."[/b] Agasha Shodai said, smiling to himself as he saw a glint of recognition in Doji Naetaru's eyes, but the man kept his cool despite the surprise he was surely feeling. "Mountain Watch Keep is on the other side of the Spine of the World Mountains, protecting it from the recent Yobanjin invasion, and Kaneka cannot afford to risk the ire of the Imperial Families by moving to take control of the Heralds. Should his mad claim actually result in him stealing the throne from the Emperor, Kaneka will need the good will of the Families to maintain power."[/b]
Agasha Shodai finished off his breakfast. "I should see to the horses and ensure last night's ride wasn't too much for them. Once their strength is restored, they should have us to the Miya by nightfall."[/b] He bowed slightly as he rose and took his leave, giving the two Crane a few moments to discuss things in private.
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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 29, 2011 11:33:34 GMT -5
Mitsouko turned to her loyal friend, in a whisper. “That is not good news. I mean… I knew it already, but not that he would be worse in so little time…” Her concern for the Lord was genuine. “I will make sure this travel is as fast as a summer breeze, Naetaru-san. We need to come back. And… you made a wonderful party, friend. Everything was in the excellent taste of yours. The poetry contest… The Otomo Lady is an incredible poetess; I am a huge fan of her! I am not sure, of course, how many of our guests understood her words… An Embassy is like its clan house and being disrespectful with your host is so dishonorable that I feel shame for them. I never expected guests so discourteous and perverse. But I will keep Mikado-san’s lessons in my mind: when a guest acts in an ill mannered way, just ignores him. Then, Mitsouko, decided to put a stone over it, as a good samurai is taught to do, spoke softly to the gentle brother of her friend (he was a bit serious when he was younger, so she wasn’t sure if he would like her customary open behavior, so he contained herself): “Naetaru-san, please, have a rest. Fortunately Myia family is courteous and from now on we will find hospitality and kind hosts for ourselves. It should be a temptation to stay longer, but I count on you to open our way and make our stay brief. They should be very busy right now with the news of Kaneka’s claiming… Anyway, send the letters you need, tell the clan what they need to know and that we will be on our way back home in few days. If everything goes right it should not last more than two days… Then we will use the way Phoenix-sama suggested before; by the mountains. So we will need no further reinforcement. But…right now… an onsen would make my day. She opened the wide smile she used to have, just in thinking of it. Dear Naetaru-san… She pledged with wide eyes… in my hurry I forgot a beautiful piece of silk I intended to use to wrap my gift to Shodai-sama. Do you know where I can get one; that not seems a thing I got when arriving in Kyuden Myia? It would surely sound so rude and… I want to impress my new friend. He is being very patient and always so helpful…_ Naetaru would be soon aware (if not already) of the intentions of the Crane clan about her new friend The Void Master. Letters were been exchanged right now between their families, by a skilled Otomo matchmaker. She was sure Haha-ue Tisuke was making her plots like she did already, getting them to know each other in the most weird situation possible. Inside her heart, Mitsouko knew that Sanjuro would never be out of her heart. But she was aware of the new, smooth, tingling and revigorating feeling she has now, a sense of coming home when she reminded when their lips touched…errr… it wasn’t a romantic act, but in any way, their skins seemed like comfortable with each other. There was a sense of betrayal, a sense of guilty, when she thought of Sanjuro. She figured, when they met, they would stay together. She was nothing but a simple clan Magistrate, maybe a skilled duelist with noble origins, but her family was full of duelists like her… She would made an excellent choice as spouse for a Minor clan Champion, and Sanjuro agreed she wouldn’t be responsible for administrating the house; a thing that made her relieved. Then, world turned upside down, and she became a daimyo. She lost her father, lost Sanjuro and he was nowhere to be found; two mysterious and painful losses and attempts of murder against her. Then, strange memories of a past life, a man she would never suppose to be by her side and even less, to be so kind with her; he asked to her daimyo to see her and he knew about Sanjuro. Shodai was a truly an exceptional sort of samurai; honored , true and noble of heart. Even if her clan wasn’t interested in keeping the new Master of the Void as a close family to Crane, the whole idea of a marriage with a man like him wasn’t bad to Mitsouko…Before love, duty was most important...but her Lord knew better... and maybe the Fortunes was conspiring for her and Shodai. I have a very special gift for him, I hope he likes. She said to Naetaru, with a wink.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Aug 30, 2011 3:23:12 GMT -5
Naetaru smiled serenely, looking at the Kakita daimyo he merely whispered.
"Kakita-sama, I truly thank you for your kind words regarding the festival's arrangement. I merely wished to share our Clan's respect for tradition and arts with our rest Rokugani fellow. Just as Lady Doji vowed to the first Hantei. However, I did not expect the Scorpion to follow on the same footsteps mentally. Their Clan values only loyalty...to themselves...to one another, one cannot truly fathom, for it might seem as a petty excuse to slander, dishonor and betray. Do not fret, Mitsouko-sama, the importance of the matter lies elsewhere."
He looked her in the eye, and then continued. Their discussion pertaining a political nature. It took them about 5 minutes before Naetaru changed the subject.
"About the silk, rest assured my lady, I happen to carry a bolt of fine Doji silk."
Mitsouko was taken aback...but this was about the courtier as a profession. A courtier was not a mere politician as people often described him, he was an organizer, the individual that assured that everything could run smoothly for his lords and Clan. Even moreso when he belonged to the Crane Clan, who valued perfection among other things.
"Always carry a bolt of silk" would his mother say. "What would you gift to a daimyo if he comes to rest in an outpost? A poem?" she would spat. "Spare him the Crane courtesies, son. And be sure to remember this! Even the most precious of gifts needs a good wrapping. It isn't a mere container! If the wrapping is delicate, it would show that gift is a delicate one as well!"
And Naetaru would follow this lesson to the heart, dressing himself in perfectly clean and stylish attire, wearing the most fashionable of perfumes,he grew into a snobbish man that the Otomo loved! He was his mother's son for sure.
"Scented or unscented sama, it's your choice"
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Aug 31, 2011 8:41:32 GMT -5
As Agasha Shodai stepped from the entrance of the teahouse into the sunlight cresting over the Spine of the World Mountains to the east, where the light had a dull glow as if the sun were setting instead of rising, the shugenja felt a rush of familiarity wash over him and the ...
~*~
~Otosan Uchi, 6th Day of the Horse, 958~
Miya Shokujin adjusted the front of his new kimono nervously as he awaited the two samurai-ko that he'd be treating to a night at the festival at the top of the steps leading to the Seppun Hill shrine. The lime and lemon colored one he'd been wearing when he'd run into Seppun Saimei had gotten dirty and torn, so he now wore was deep royal purple - close in color to his 'evil' eye - that went well with his chrysanthemum hair dye.
"Miya-san!"[/b] Otomo Kaoruko called, raising a hand in greeting as she rounded the corner of the hill, not caring that it was unseemly to do so. The shugenja wore an elegant kimono that was liberally covered with silken images sewn onto it, one depicting the very event that the Empire was celebrating: the Fall of the 8 Kami to Ningen-do. The elegant robe had undoubtedly cost more than a full suit of heavy armor and seemed to accentuate the woman's natural curves. The woman may have been trained with the Seppun Hidden Guard, but she was clearly Otomo to her core.
The Otomo paused in her tracks, turning back to talk with someone that was out of sight. Kaoruko seemed to take an imperious air as she spoke before stepping out of view only to appear a few seconds later with her hands on the tight waist of a woman with white hair, pushing her up the stairs the way a heimin might force a stubborn mule. The woman being pushed was trying to struggle without making a scene, her dismay at the Otomo's actions evident on her face when she glanced up at the courier, a blush flushing her cheeks as she looked at him.
Miya Shokujin felt his breath freeze in his chest as he saw the woman's green-gold eyes. Seppun Saimei was even more beautiful now than she had been before. The elegant tresses of white hair framing her face reminded the courier of freshly fallen snow upon the mountains of his home in Kyuden Miya far to the west. The samurai-ko's kimono was a simple yet elegant affair, colored a deep blue/green like the southern sea in the Crane lands where the sand was salt white.
In short, where Saimei was beautiful before, now she was jaw-droppingly gorgeous; like the Kami Doji reborn - a natural beauty that did not need any of the cosmetic enhancements or extravagant trappings that her Otomo ward was using so liberally.
It took until Saimei and Kaoruko finished climbing the stairs to the shrine before Shokujin was able to untie his tongue. He bowed to the two samurai-ko. "Konbanwa, ladies. I am your humble servant for the evening and your worthy command will be my action."[/b]
Otomo Kaoruko said something under her breath that Miya Shokujin didn't catch, but Seppun Saimei did. The female bushi's blush turned a deeper shade of red as she hastily averted her eyes, afraid that the mental image that the Otomo had conjured would carry to Miya. "'Ruko-sama!"[/b] Saimei gasped in shock.
"Don't knock it until you try it, Mei-chan."[/b] Kaoruko countered.
Before Shokujin could muster the courage to ask what had been said, every bell and gong at the shrine came to life as the Ceremony of the Fall began. "Shall we go, ladies?"[/b] The two nodded as they began to head towards the center of the shrine that now covered the entire hill as the setting sun gave the other high hills an almost supernatural glow.
~*~
Agasha Shodai blinked back to his senses as the sun finished rising over the hill and shone into his face. He sighed, shaking his head as he walked over to check on the horses. "By the Kami and the Fortunes, I hope I get some answers when I get to Kyuden Miya... These flashes are getting more intense and far more frustrating..."[/b]
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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 Sept 1, 2011 13:55:54 GMT -5
What happened my friend? are you talking to the sunbeams?
Mitsouko made a movement to touch Shodai's shoulder, standing by her side, but retracted her fingers in time. Sho-san (yes, she would never think in Agasha Shodai, the Voice of the Phoenix Council, the Master of Void, as Shodai-sama because he had gave her the opportunity to know Sho. But right now he was not only Sho-san; and they were in a public place).
"Please, Shodai-sama, can we walk a little by the fish pond? It will be fast I promise." She pointed out not the stables, but a more private garden, beautiful in a modest way, that served the tea house. Right now, by the wise arts of the owner, the tea house only housed their group. As soon as they reached the center of the small garden, Mitsouko stood in front of Shodai's, and brought from one of her sleeves her gift to him. She would like to make it with a more casual expression, but she was afraid if he would not like the present. mitsouko's eyes were a bit watered now. Since she was a child, Mitsouko believed she should be perfect to her father. And to her mother too. And both were the most exigent people she ever met in her whole life. She had made everything her father wanted. Every single thing because Shinoburo was her father and nothing was good enough for him. But she needed her father's smile to live, as air. Soon she discovered how to please him, how to be the perfect child, the perfect daughter; how to achieve every single thing he wished her to do, for more odd it would be. But Mitsouko never discovered how to be the perfect daughter to her mother. If, for an unfortunate destiny, Sho-san was a Phoenix like her mother, a picky person and somehow, cruel, apt to play with her feelings, he surely would despise what she was offering now.
mitsouko had chosen a beautiful piece of silk from the options the wonderful Doji Naetaru had with him. Lightly green, like an acquamarine jewel, with pictures of koi fishes. She had wrapped a little lacquered black box she had since nine. Inside the box, she had one of her most esteemed treasures. And it was for him, since the day he saved her life. Until now, Mitsouko had no opportunity to give it, but she could not wait anymore.
Please, Shodai-sama. Accept this humble gift as a token of my gratitude. You have been a good friend, had cured me and helped me and my clan. Showed me things I never considered to see and know. Better, you are opening a new world to me. The magic things and places I always was scared to even think of.
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