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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 27, 2011 17:20:58 GMT -5
One eyebrow arched slightly as she regarded Hirotomo.
"About what, Toku-sama?"
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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 27, 2011 20:30:49 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad pauses briefly, but does not turn around.
"Our masters are aware of this, the Komori sent messeges to the leaders of all the clans... major and minor. His words were dismissed out of hand by most, the rest set investigations in motion that this war effectively ended. But the plauge, the yobanjin invasion, this "Rokugani noble" that spured the yobanjin on, and this civil war.... to me it looks like a strategy to weaken a nation. And whoever wins will be weakened, make no mistake. But is the threat from outside rokugan? The shadowlands? These questions I cannot answer."
"You now know as much as I do. If you believe my words I suggest you contact the Rogue Kitsuki, or the Toku. They are the most likely to listen within your camp."
He resumes walking away. After a few dozen paces he shouts.
"And I forbid you to die before our match! I shall look forward to it."
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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 Aug 28, 2011 2:11:41 GMT -5
"The war, the right path. I've heard many things from many sources. I am wondering what they have told you, Isawa-san." Hirotomo said with a faint grin. His eyes showed a quiet sorrow. Perhaps his happy-go-lucky attitude was merely a front. Perhaps the war was affecting him more than he would let on.
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Aug 28, 2011 5:38:50 GMT -5
KiraBoy walked alone through the camp. He didn’t convince the guards to tell him where to find the commander. He understood commander has important duties to fulfill but his information was also pretty important. He sighted. If only one of their commandant came. They would for sure manage to find out what they wanted and went into the tent. But Toshi went to Permission City and Homura… well, if she could come she wouldn’t sent him instead. He only hoped nothing happened to her. He went to the rest of his men. They were sitting near one of the fires aside from the main camp and eating some porridge. It didn’t look best but he’d eaten far worse things. You took all the supplies we need?He went to his horse, took out his bowl and sat between them. We have enough for at least week.For all or only for yourself? He took some of the porridge. It tasted plain. But there definitely were worse things. How could you! Of course for all… well.. for most of us. Hitaku offended expression changed to a wide grin. Cranes don’t need rice'Most of them for sure. At least now’ Kira thought. Fine, then when you finish go back to the rest. They are also hungry. And send here the Cranes with two or three people. But this time choose someone suitable, maybe Hideyori and Akawa. Not Tsuru. Last time he nearly get himself killed.But only after he killed all the others. And they deserved it. Hitaku eyes went narrow. Two other nodded in agreement. Maybe, but I don’t want see him killing other guards. This time it may end in a far more unpleasant way. He noticed, that all of, for now, his man finished eating. He put away his bowl. You finish, so now go, I will come in the morning. And don’t forget about the Cranes.All five of them move from the fire, bestridden their horses and went towards the forest. He was alone, only this his horse and camp of sleeping soldiers. And a few guards, hopefully awake. He finished his bowl when heard group of horses riding near. He moved so he could see them when they approach. Some of them wobble in their saddles, some were leading spare horses. He nodded to the man who went on before the troops. You shouldn’t go too far or your wounded will be dead instead. There should be some shugenja near here and I still have some rice in the pot.[OCC: thanks Tsuruchi-san ]
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 28, 2011 8:48:09 GMT -5
"As far as this is concerned," Kaida made a small motion with her hand, encompassing everything that could be seen in and around the city, frowning slightly as she did. "I was told nothing.
"You will have to forgive me, Toku-sama. My last posting was a library near Nikesake. Portents and omens aren't my strong suit, and I was told nothing prior to coming here."
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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 Aug 28, 2011 14:49:45 GMT -5
"I've heard similar things. Nothing is being said. I confess it makes me wonder since the Divine Blood is lost, the heavens care little about the wars of men. There are far worse places to be than a library. It's the key to knowledge after all. Many of the highest ranking people depend on the knowledge you safeguard." Hirotomo scratched his chin. Though a priestess in a library would be unusual in my clan. Do the Phoenix consider such sites to be holy?[/color]
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 28, 2011 15:01:54 GMT -5
"That would depend on who you ask, Toku-sama." Kaida chuckled softly. "Watching over the library was not my only duty while I was there. There are ... seven or eight new shrines in the area as well."
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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 Aug 28, 2011 17:23:14 GMT -5
"Impressive, Isawa-san." Hirotomo said as the entered the outskirts of the Lion camp, a little further and they would be with the leaders.
"I'm afraid that we only have twice that number in our entire lands. Though the Fortune of Virtue shrine is most impressive. Perhaps if you ever have leave you could visit it. It's quite breathtaking. Librarian and priestess of temples, your ability to multitask is quite admirable."
Hirotomo looked at the night sky. It was dim, thanks to the lights of thousands of small campfires. The moon should be rising soon. "If I may be so bold, why send a librarian to a battlefield? Your attention to duty is irreproachable. Perhaps you could grace me with your opinion if not fact."
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 28, 2011 19:14:25 GMT -5
"Thank you for the offer, Toku-sama." Kaida inclined her head slightly, a faint smile curling her lips. "The Phoenix did not send a librarian to the battlefield - they sent a priestess. As I told the Ikoma who so graciously invited me to the Lion's camp, I am well-versed in the healer's arts."
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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 Aug 28, 2011 19:22:37 GMT -5
"A most valuable skill, to be sure. Hirotomo said with approval. "I myself learned how to heal, as a member of a small clan, we must become adept at many studies. Perhaps this prevents us from becoming true masters in any field, but it as least allows for flexibility. I hope you do not mind your skills being put to use here, I doubt the Lion will let such a valuable person leave quickly.
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 28, 2011 19:48:10 GMT -5
"I do not mind, Toku-sama, though I confess I am not eager to help."
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Post by kentaro on Aug 29, 2011 8:00:16 GMT -5
Kentaro and his raiders approached a camp in the night. This far from the city, it was unlikely to belong to Hantei forces.
Upon seeing the sea of Lion mons decorating the camp, Kentaro relaxed. Sending a scout to confirm it was, in fact, a Lion camp, Kentaro waited for the report.
The scout returned silently, and bowed to a still mounted Tsuruchi Kentaro. "Chui, the camp is most certainly Lion. By the heraldry, I would say the commanding officer is an Akodo Homura-sama, a fearsome and somewhat wild samurai-ko of great status. There appear to be some prisoners in the camp."
Kentaro smiled. "Well, we'd best not provoke the Lion by approachingly quietly. Stay ready and in formation, but let's make a little noise on the way in."
Harness was loosened and allowed to jingle, breaking the silent march the Mantis has been leading.
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As they neared the camp, Lion sentries began to follow the Mantis, no doubt reporting their presence. Kentaro made sure his men and women made no hostile actions; all weapons were sheathed and slung.
Upon being greeted by the boy, Kentaro was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. No misunderstandings had occurred, and no friends had been mistaken for foe in the night.
"Lion-san, thank you for your kind offer. I do have some wounded, and all are hungry. The spare horses, however, are spoils of war, not testimony to a loss. It would appear you have captured Tsuruchi Kentaro, Chui for the Mantis and Toturi the 3rd. Please, take me to your commander, Akodo Homura-sama, that I might negotiate for my release, or at least that of my men, with this crate of fine Crane sake."
Kentaro's raiders laughed good naturedly at their commander's joke. While he was clearly being sarcastic, it seemed no insult was meant to the Lion by this mock surrender.
The Mantis proceeded to settle into the Lion camp, sharing the rice and the sake they had brought, though not to excess.
Kentaro dismounted and removed his helmet. Sorting through the crate, he quickly selected four of the best bottles.
"Please, lead me to Akodo Homura-sama. I am ready for whatever fate she may grant this prisoner."
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Post by Akodo Tsanuri on Aug 29, 2011 10:57:10 GMT -5
Kira
Kira was sitting near the fire observing the whole scene. The Lion’s started coming closer to the Mantis troops. He picked 2 soldiers that came closest and ordered them to wake and bring back healers. They weren’t happy but did what he said. That stopped the rest. For now. He quickly started to order them around. Some were to take away enemies weapons, some to start fires. If only he didn’t send all his man back to their hideout. Good thing Lions were used to fulfilling orders of higher ups and luckily that Hantei gunso addressed him. Other way they wouldn’t listen to him. He nearly succeeded. He was only one man short. Why should we listen to a boy? You has no power over us. You like it or not I am a Warden and in special cases I can command everyone of you. This is that case. And they are Homura-dono prisoners. He said it with confidence in his voice hoping it will work. Most soldiers continued doing what he said but few just stood watching the scene. You’re a damn Stray Cat, not a Warden. Not Cat, Kitten. More and more were laughing.
Stray Cats, or Strays was a name given to their squad by other Wardens. They didn’t like it that Homura took in Lions of lower status, ronins or other people with dubious reputation. Wardens were an elite formation and the Strays… well, the name didn’t came from nothing. What’s more Strays had the best scouts and hunters. They were all used to live in forests, many had vast knowledge about bandits tricks and hides. And they not always obey the rules. Most of the them liked that titre and they adopted it to be the squad name.
Kira was standing calmly by the fire. I gave you order samurai. You better fulfill your duty. Our Kitten has sharp claws. You better stop teasing him. 6 other Lions appeared near the fire. They were all on horses backs and keep their hands on their swords. Kira-san is our commandant now. You want to say something more? The gentle smile on Hitaku's lips didn't suit the cool in his eyes. All Lions went back to their tasks. After finished they moved away back to where they were.
Rest of the Wardens hobbled their horses and together with the shugenja they went to help the wounded. They were talking with the Mantis in a friendly way while observing their behavior in the same time. Just in case.
As soon as the situation was settled Kira addressed the enemies gunso. He bowed politely. Forgive me for what you have seen. It shouldn’t have happened. I assure you it’s not common situation and all of them with be properly punished. He straighten up. Let’s sit down. He sat. My name is Kira. Homura-dono and Toshi-dono aren’t in this camp and I am commanding the squad in their place. He stopped for a moment waiting for any reaction and not seeing any he continued. I can’t negotiate in my lady name about the release conditions that’s why I will ask you to wait for Homura-dono return or for our lord decision. For now you will stay in Homura-dono tent and we will provide you and your people in everything that you need. I must ask you to give back your weapon and swear that neither you nor any of your people will try to flee or attack anybody while being in this camp.
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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 Aug 29, 2011 13:51:56 GMT -5
"In that, I do not blame you, Isawa-san. Please do not see it as an impression of you to our service. See it as a strongly worded request. It may not be much different, but it is a little less depressing. Levying is for commoners, not one of your status." They were close to the Command tent. "I have enjoyed speaking to you, Isawa-san. If you see the Master of Void. Please give him my regards."
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Post by Isawa Kaida on Aug 29, 2011 14:12:05 GMT -5
"It was an honor to speak with you as well, Toku-sama." The shugenja bowed politely. "And I shall be sure to pass along your wishes."
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