Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 17, 2011 21:31:49 GMT -5
Very delicious. Chiyuki appeared to ponder for a moment then clapped her hands. "Then perhaps you can lead me to people who will know what you can desires. Then I can help to see it come through. Your clan is far too important and I don't want you to have to suffer those dreary Crane. I'm quite good at fulfilling desires.
She motioned for Odamitsu to lead. From behind his right ear he heard a whisper "And don't forget our lessons, Odamitsu-san. I may not be a gentle teacher, but I am very thorough. Tell me do you prefer to learn by watching or by using your own hands?
Chiyuki was enjoying this. The melancholy was completely gone now and she did not even mind the mud. Today would be enjoyable.
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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 Jul 17, 2011 22:00:32 GMT -5
He took a few paces, then stopped a tad confused, "You want me to... lead you to Scorpion who have their own agenda? So you can help them get what they want." He looked back at her for clarification.
He seemed to be focusing on the task at hand as a means to ignore her more obvious advances. Looking for the lesson and ignoring the stir in his blood.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 17, 2011 22:53:18 GMT -5
Chiyuki smiled. "Almost correct. I wish you to lead me to Scorpion with their own agenda and so I can show them that what they want is to support Toturi. Individuals want unique things, but as a Clan, ah, there is the subtle difference of wanting something in unison. Toturi is in a better position to offer the best prizes. The Crane are the lapdogs of Hantei, he will not give you Three Sides River, why would he when his favorite dog came as commanded. Toruri can make such concessions. What can Hantei offer? The idle prattle of the Crane? The confusing mutterings of the Dragon? The simpering talk of peace from the Phoenix? I'm here to make sure the Scorpion gets what it wants, and I'm here to make sure that Toturi is the one that gives it to you. Why stop with the trade route? We will need a new Emerald Champion to replace that Crane who calls himself Crab. What could he do that a Scorpion could not do better?"
"I was born for this very task. I am ever so good at pleasing others. Tell me, Odamitsu-san. What do you want?"
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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 Jul 17, 2011 23:52:44 GMT -5
"I want to make it through the next 45 minutes without disgracing my clan in front of an ambassador." He sighed, "That's what I want. I can take you to go see Senshi dono's personal servants, some of them are not quite as they, ah... appear." His last hesitation was brought on as he lowered his gaze and looked at Chiyuki, forgetting to not look directly at her. His eyes snapped back to the front again and he started walking again. Leading so she wouldn't notice any tells from his eyes or the reddening of his face.
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 18, 2011 8:21:48 GMT -5
"I can't say that I'm familiar with the order of Venom, but I would think that if you all are as armed as you present yourself to be, You have little necessity for my services.... " The ronin thought for a moment. and then walked to the Sohei's side. "I hope you are right. It has been a very long time since I believed in anything, and if this comes to war, I need to believe in something if I'm going to die because of it."
The ronin looked at the command tent, and back at the Sohei. "Well, I guess there is no time like the present to find out then eh?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 12:54:45 GMT -5
"People are rarely what they seem to be." Chiyuki mused. "Also, I'm sure you will in no way shame your clan. After all, we're much better antiquated now. and I'm sure we'll be even closer by the end of the day. I'm very persuasive.
Chiyuki gave Odamitsu a genuine smile. He seemed to be a good man at heart. Loyal, willing to admit fault, she would be gentle. Not too gentle. She had a reputation to uphold after all. "Then please, Odamitsu-san, lead the way. I think you'll find me very open to suggestion."
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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 Jul 18, 2011 13:06:02 GMT -5
Odamitsu stopped talking then, and led her to a nearby tent halfway between the Shogun's and Haruka's. It was from all outward appearances a tent for scorpion servants. Odamitsu stopped outside and called, "I require an attendant for an emissary to the scorpion."
The flap opened and a middle aged gaijin woman's face poked out, she went back in and two other servants came out, one a woman the other a man. The two bowed before Chiyuki and Odamitsu and asked how they could be of assistance.
"I only require the assistance of you." Pointing to the woman. "Come with us, servant." Odamitsu turned and walked toward the Scorpion camp, he did however entertain a glance at Chiyuki when he turned. Clearly something had changed to make him feel a little cockier. He seemed quite pleased with himself.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 13:17:24 GMT -5
Gaijin? Chiyuki had never seen one before. How odd they looked. Looks like the mercy showed to them taught them proper respect. Chiyuki noticed, the glace and returned it with a satisfied grin. It seemed that Odamitsu was becoming more open. She may have him quicker than she thought.
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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 Jul 18, 2011 13:33:10 GMT -5
The guard found an unoccupied tent and stepped inside. "Fuzake Chiyuki san, I present to you Shosuro Tomiko sama. Sama, Fuzake Chiyuki san would like to know how best she can assist you today."
The woman hid her face in her hand, clearly upset that her cover was just blown for this. She looked to the monkey with a look of, "this had better be good."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 14:46:39 GMT -5
Not who they seem to be indeed. Chiyuki bowed politely. "Shosuro-sama, I am here to assist the Scorpion clan in the support of Toturi III. In order to do that, I must first know what the Scorpion want, and then make sure Toturi III is the one to provide it. I may not look like much, buy you have very admirably just proved that appearances can be deceiving.
Women. Chiyuki could not use her normal charms here. Perhaps blunt honesty would work. We need you. What is your Price? Well, she said it more formal than that, but the message was clear.
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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 Jul 18, 2011 15:08:54 GMT -5
The Shosuro looked between the two as if this were some joke, then a realization seemed to dawn on her, and she stared venom at the Bayushi guard.
"I can't believe this Bayushi san. You bed a minor clan courtier for one night and you become her slave so easily. You should be ashamed, you exposed my cover AND you dishonor your vow of loyalty to the clan. I will have none of this." And she stormed out of the room, leaving the two of them behind.
Odamitsu stood there and just blinked a couple of times. "Oops." Then he looked to Chiyuki, "Sorry about that..."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 15:20:01 GMT -5
"Careful, before you shame yourself, Shosuro-san. Chiyuki said darkly. "Bayushi Odamitsu was directed to assist me by your Champion, and has acted with nothing but honor. He loyalty is true, his devotion to your Clan is true. she sniffed. "Besides, I haven't gotten a chance to bed him yet."
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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 Jul 18, 2011 16:09:02 GMT -5
Her words fell on deaf ears as the Shosuro was clearly not interested. She left the two of them alone in the tent. Odamitsu's new found boldness now but a shattered remnant of a memory, he took a seat and rubbed his eyes.
After a moment he said, "Tell you what: Lets just pretend that never happened. She'll be too busy maintaining her cover to actually say or do anything that'll harm us."
He groaned then realizing something, "I'm deeply sorry Fuzake san, you haven't really seen my clan at its best today. Is there anyway I can make it up to you?" No sooner had he said the words then he regretted them, and it showed as he closed his eyes. But he'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't secretly want what was likely to come next.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jul 18, 2011 19:17:39 GMT -5
Chiyuki's eyes brightened and she closed the tent flaps. "Well you still have 40 minutes, Odamitsu-san. I'm sure your Champion is using the time to his advantage, why don't we do the same?
She would be quite busy for some time and would greet the Scorpion Champion, the next she saw him, with a satisfied smile.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 18, 2011 22:28:27 GMT -5
Hime finished and then immediately burned the message she had scribbled out. Everything had changed. At her desk she was already receiving reports that in her and Takezo's absence the Clan's leadership had pressed for support of Hantei. The Tamori Daimyo was particuarly responsible for this, though she held not grudge towards him. Her Lord has asked everyone to decide on the matter based on their own intepretations of honour. Still, the mass of news was shocking and she could feel her plans falling apart and her own network of unfluence breaking. Perhaps that was the nature of civil war? It wrecked and destroyed everything blindly.
It took some time for her to regain her wits. She genuinely prayed to the fortunes and her ancestors for guidance. Only after meditating for half an hour did she feel she had contained her emotion enough to function. Still, she felt lethargic. Would she be forced to fight her own Clan? Perhaps even her own family? She could count on some allies, some support. Many were personally loyal to her or would follow her commands. Many more would follow their own decisions though, or the orders of those that had installed themselves into power. Her mind faltered, lost in a realm of possible futures and consequences of her next moves. She felt... frightened. Frightened at not being able to pursue her purpose. Frightened at how badly the Empire would be damaged. Fearful of what the real foes would do with that weakness infront of them.
She took a few deep breaths and rose. Snatching a copy of Shigekazu's earlier report on spies, she hastily exited her tent and paused. With a few hand signs she instruced all of her followers, retainers and aides that were not busy to accompany her and form a large retinue. In disciplined unison the bushi formed a wedge while her religious and political advisors formed the centre, curious at what was going on. She happily noted that many of her agents were not present and would be performing their duties elsewhere; to watch the camp and work with the Scorpion. Even so, it was a very impressive honour guard.
She moved into the centre of the formation. A cross between a military unit and a noble procession. She instructed them to march to the Scorpion headquarter tent. She had urgent business and would not be delayed. The bushi began marching immediately, all those before them quickly parting way. She followed, a few bushi closing the wedge behind and forming a triangle. She could already hear the gossip. Was someone going to be arrested? Was she leaving the camp by foot? Had some important scandal been uncovered that she had to handle? It was none of these. It would be twofold now. She would share her intelligence - both on the enemy agents in the camp and on the Dragon Clan's response to the civil war. When the Scorpion knew, she would then have their courtiers join hers in informing the Shogun. She was not yet sure if she should do so in person. Perhaps Haruka or her husband would be able to advise her. She dared not ask one of her advisors as she did not want to show weakness.
It was not long before the delegation were within the Scorpion part of the camp and bearing down on the command tent. Their weapons were luckily lowered, so they gave the correct impression of not being here for anything menacing. The very large group had also done their job admirably - the walk had taken no time at all. Many Scorpion retainers were already responding to the incursion of sorts into their territory within the camp. Some of the Kitsuki courtiers waved their hands to calm down any tensions, a handful shouting (their best guesses) that the group had an important political point to raise with their allies. For her part Yuushahime began to think of the best way of presenting her information and asking her questions and finding out what the Scorpion leadership thought. She was lucky they were both here. However, she would usually have thought ahead before even leaving her tent. She mentally scolded herself for her foolishness at not being able to keep mental discipline. A voice at the back of her mind consoled herself that it was understandable with the grave situation she and her allies, as well as her Lord Takezo, now found themselves in.
OCC: I don't think that'd be necessary. Could be fun if this were a RL RP but for here I think we can shorten things. Lovely idea though and thanks for your post and effort Shigekazu. I do enjoy the whole cipher explanation. 100% realistic and believeable. Hime will become very religious in the coming days, as you say
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