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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 18, 2011 12:14:49 GMT -5
Nodded to Setsuro's words and smiled. Let's leave talking for later. Now follow me, please She has passed an area with wounded and healers and stepped to one filled with tents. Started to maneuver between temporary "homes" of warriors that decided to help Unicorns to defend this land.
After a few minutes she stopped in front of one, circular tent - it even has windows. Opened the door and raised her hand to show the inside of her ger. Please, accept my invitation, Isawa-san and Setsuro-san. I'd be honored to treat you with a tea and a meal. - she bowed her head lightly, waiting for them to enter her tent.
[As for the inside] Inside could easily hold 10 people. In the middle there was a fireplace, surrounded with stones, so no sparks touch pillows or mats on the ground. And that's pretty much, except for two racks - one empty now - and collection of traditional and an exotic weapons. Light could enter here via windows and a toono, so it wasn't dark at all.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 19, 2011 5:12:44 GMT -5
Setsuro followed the Utaku Battle Maiden into her tent and glanced around. It seemed fit for a warrior that was taking up temporary residence. There were a few chairs here and there to support a table that was off to the side of the room and a bed to the side. Also an armor and daisho stand, a lance shelf being positioned cleanly on the wall next to the daisho stand. Setsuro especially liked the various exotic weapons.
"I'm honored that you would invite me in, Kasumi-san. It is a pleasure indeed." Setsuro wondered if the priest had ever been in the tent of a warrior. Most priests and monks were conditioned to better living quarters than what would be available to a warrior. He was used to this, as there had been many times where he had spent the night in a tent when traveling across the Empire with his army. It had been this sort of tent that he had stayed in on the way here.
"Functional yet defendable." Setsuro nodded, "I'm impressed." He smiled his approval and then stretched his limbs out, finally able to be free of the stiffness of standing all day. Or at least, he would be soon.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 19, 2011 5:45:55 GMT -5
Please, feel free to ask of anything you need. I'll call my servants to prepare a bath for you first. - opened the door and called someone - Follow him to the bath tent. You can leave your armor there, Setsuro-san, so they can take it for a cleaning. I'll be waiting for you here
[*pokes Isawa with a whip* - answer if you want to play with us!]
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 19, 2011 11:42:29 GMT -5
Tadaka takes off his hat and his mempo, setting them near where Setsuro was told to place his armor. The tent seemed faily typical for a Unicorn warrior; some exotic weapons, a fire pit, some mats and other seating for sleeping and writing on, otherwise sparse.
Sitting down on a tatami Tadaka folded his hands on his legs with a sigh of relief. "It is good to finally be off my feet sama's..." He bows to Kasumi from where he sits. "I am honored by your hospitality as well Kasumi-sama. I am not so sure I need a bath at the exact moment; But I would be humbly grateful for some simple tea and rice, if I am not imposing on such a request."
The shugenja seems comfortable otherwise, happy to be out of the harsh winter wind and off his feet, not surrounded by the sounds of screaming and battle as he closes his eyes and does some calming focused breathing as he waits for any tea or rice Kasumi might be willing to offer with her request. His stomach gives a small rumble and he smiles, eyes still closed.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 20, 2011 6:08:52 GMT -5
As the Shugenja sat down, Setsuro cast his gaze at Kasumi. She had servants here that would draw a bath for him? ell, that was convenient. In his current condition he was hardly in a presentable state for anyone, let alone a holy man. Part of him was bothered that they had to meet under such circumstances. He had quite a bit of respect for the priests among the clans, but especially for the Isawa. Their knowledge and thirst for it were incredible.
"I suppose I'll have to have that bath then, lest I remain covered in Yobanjin filth. Thank you, Kasumi-san. Take care of yourself, Tadaka-san." Setsuro bowed lightly to Kasumi and Tadaka before he was lead off by a servant. It was time to get out of the heavy armor and get cleaned up so that he could be prepared for battle next time. Even a furious warrior like him knew that rest was required to be effective in combat.
Once there, Setsuro removed the heavy armor and watched them fill the bath with water. He was not going anywhere until he at least had a chance to submerge himself entirely. Even a Crab could look good.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 20, 2011 7:09:00 GMT -5
Called servants to bring food and tea. Then asked them to prepare a bath for her. I hope you don't mind me leaving you for some time to take a bath so I can eat without a smell of blood. Left her tent and followed servants to a different one where she could take a bath.
After a few minutes young girl came inside and without makind a noise she put a table near Isawa-san with food. It wasn't anything special - just a regular meal anyone could find while staying on the battlefield. As she came quietly, she left in the same manner.
In less than an hour Kasumi entered a tent, covered in a fragile scent of jasmine. Long red hair was brushed and styled... in a typical way for her - braid. She's wearing fine purple kimono with a white pattern. Did you enjoy your meal, Isawa-san? - asked with a gentle voice while sitting in the seiza position in front of him.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 20, 2011 11:13:39 GMT -5
Nods politely in reply to Kasumi's question of her leaving, smiling a little even. After the servant brings the small table with food in Tadeka waits until she is gone to open his eyes, smiling and setting the tray in front of him; he eats the rice and drinks the tea with a sigh of contenment, slowly enjoying these very basic luxuries of life.
By the time Kasumi gets back from her washing, Tadeka is still sipping on the tea, even though it is no longer hot. He has a small diary open and he appears to be drawing an ink sketch of one of the weapons on the walls of Kasumi's tent. Finishing a brush stroke he blows the ink dry before closing the book. Looking up he smiles and bows faily deeply to the woman. My sincerest appreciation for it Utaku-sama; such basic luxuries are the true enjoyment of life, especially in times as these. It did me as good for my soul as your bath appears to have done at removing that scent of blood from you."
Bows again slightly, "If I may comment that us a very wonderful kimono you wear. A simple priest such as myself is humbled to be in the presence of such a work of art, in the clothes and the one who wears them."
Finishing his tea he sets the tray table aside, watching as a servant quietly slips in and takes it away. He makes small talk with Kasumi about his many travels as he waits for Setsuro to arrive back as well.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 20, 2011 18:20:19 GMT -5
When Setsuro returned, his hair was slicked back just a bit and his face was actually shaved. He was wearing a simple black and blue kimono that was adjusted to be across the chest with it's color design. For once, he actually looked like a presentable plan.
"I've returned. Thank you for the assistance of your servants, Kasumi-san." Setsuro bowed his head and then proceeded over to a tatami, sitting promptly on it. He looked up at Kasumi and slowly tilted his head to the side, giving her a once over. The braid, he thought, was interesting but part of him preferred just the simple way it fell, like when they were fighting Yobanjin earlier.
"Resting well, Tadaka-san?" Setsuro addressed the priest first, figuring that it was only proper, before he smiled and then looked over at Kasumi, "I'm feeling much better after that bath." His words slowed for a moment before he shook his head, "Thank you again for your hospitality, Kasumi-san." Nodding, he seemed happy with this response, even if etiquette was not his strong suit.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 20, 2011 19:02:17 GMT -5
She smiled to Isawa. Taking an interest in her weapons was a nice thing and it rubbed her weak point, since she loved to collect it - and use it even more. It's my pleasure that you find my weapons interesting, Isawa-san. Not many people from Rokugan, that are not Unicorns, would find it peculiar. She got closer to a rack and touched a scimitar fondly with her index finger. I prefere this weapon over any other sword. At least while riding a horse. It's light and good for slashing. Grip is also very secured. While riding in a battle, there is no time to fight for longer than it's needed. Hit, slash, kill. And I've never lost my scimitar while fighting in a battle. Her eyes, when she turned to Isawa, were filled with an affection, but after she blinked, her eyes returned to normal. Kasumi has taken her previous place, sitting in seiza position again. My kimono is not worth of your compliments She lowered her head a little, as she wanted to thank, but didn't say anything.
When Setsuro has entered, Kasumi turned her head to the entrance and blinked two times. Welcome back, Setsuro-san. I hope you have enjoyed your bath. Please, have a seat and wait. Servant will bring a meal in a few minutes. She was looking at him all the time, with a hard to read face. Refreshed Setsuro-san was like a new man. Not that he wasn't impressing while wearing his armor and a weapon, but now she could see his face clearly. And it was a view that was worth watching.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 20, 2011 21:17:40 GMT -5
Nods as Kasumi talks about her weapons and her scimitar specifically. He waited until she was done speaking, a smile creasing his eyes as she mentions her kimono not being worth any praise. After she finishes he speaks up, "You are right that many outside the Unicorn seem to find the use of untraditional weapons either uninteresting, unsettling, or even blasphemous. But I believe in practicality over prejudice. And one cannot say it breaks honor and tradition I think when the use of such weapons was sanctioned by one of the Kami themselves, am I not right?"
He smiles, opening his notebook, "Everything sanctioned by the Kami and the Celestial Heavens has its place, whether it is a samurai's family katana, or a well made riding lance. And so I find the study of such things facinating in that way."
Turns his head as well as Setsuro enters, giving a small bow of welcome; the man does look quite refreshed, certainly not the typical look for a Crab that he's seen while travelling the Empire. He nods as Setsuro asks about his comfort. He sits up into the lotus position as he waits for the meal Kasumi mentions, the tea having awakened his appetite. "I am anxious to see Unocrn cuisine Kasumi-san, genuinely."
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 21, 2011 3:44:13 GMT -5
Setsuro was not a stupid man. He caught Kasumi looking at him and he smiled just a bit. It was always nice to know that women, especially one like a powerful and brave Utaku Battle Maiden, were sending looks his way. One more smile sent her way and then he glanced back to Tadaka when he mentioned food. He would not have admitted it, but he had not eaten since the morning, and even then it was only a bit of rice.
"I must admit, while I would like to be able to brace myself, I have not eaten since the early morning and I have been fighting all day. I, too, am interested in what the meals are like for your clan.." Setsuro glanced to the side and for the first time he faltered in what to call her. He had been addressing her with '-san' all night, but right now it did not feel appropriate. She was their host and doing quite a great job of it. '-Sama' did not seem appropriate either, as they were both relatively the same status. Calling her by just her name without a suffix would denote friendship and a strong relationship between the two and that was not there. What a strange world of etiquette he found himself in when around others.
"Kasumi-san, you are definitely a gracious host." Setsuro turned so that only Kasumi could see his face and he smiled in such a way that was soft, unlike the hard man on the inside, it looked a bit sly and a bit smooth, though it was at least good intentioned.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 21, 2011 4:20:29 GMT -5
She only smiled to what Isawa has said. Weapon should protect and defend. If my scimitar can protect the Empire and my Clan, I am satisfied with that. Be it a scimitar that I can hold easily while riding my horse or a lance, that can crush an ogre with one strike. We have our duty to protect what was given to us by all means. The end justifies the means.
When Setsuro caught her look, she lowered her head a bit. About the meal that will be served, I thought that you'd prefere to eat something similar to what you are used to eat. Of course if you are curious, you can try our food. And I hope it will be to your taste, because I do not wish to offend you with serving something that you'd find as an improper food, since we like a red meat. - As she was saying, servants entered a tent and left small tables near everyone.
Rice, soup, fish - that was something that anyone would eat. But there was also a bowl with roasted meat with vegetables and a thick sauce. The aroma was intense and filled a tent in an instant. Enjoy your meal she smiled to Isawa and then turned her head to Setsuro. She nodded softly and held her gaze a bit longer that it was appropriate for a woman. As she was looking at him, she took her chopsticks. While turning her head the other side, she was smiling warmishly to her own thoughts.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 21, 2011 10:00:34 GMT -5
Bows and gives thanks for the meal, saying a quick quiet prayer of blessing as was his custom even when eating alone. He thought about what Kasumi has said about the weapons and the ends justifying the means, wondering to himself if that was more or less what he meant, or it was something else...
Tadaka is broken from his thoughts as he looks up at the bowl of meat and vegetables; The words he had said about weapons did ring true in this case as well; if the Kami Shinjo saw it fit to sanction the rule of the Ki-Rin Clan with a people who ate these dishes, he hardly saw a problem with trying the dish. Taking a bite he found it much heavier than he was used to, much more spiced and rich; but then, he was quite used to a simple affair for food.
As he ate he noticed the looks the two were giving each other as they ate, not saying anything about it or showing any sign, but the older man smiling a little inwardly; even in times of war, even amongst warriors, people would still be people it seems. The thought was comforting. Tadaka ate slowly, not too hungry since he had had the small bowl of rice before meditating, but not wanting to turn down the gracious meal.
Finishing, he set his chopsticks down and said a prayer to Inari, not sitting back again but simply remaining in the seiza position while the other two finished, thanking the fortunes inwardly for the rest they had provided him in this tent, as well as the company. It was at times like this he was glad he had decided to wander the Empire; Enlightenment or not, it was enlightening in so many other ways...
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 22, 2011 12:36:32 GMT -5
The wide variety of food, especially the various red meats in different variations astounded him. It had been a long time since he had seen such a thing, especially at the site of a battle. Of course, this was not a feast, but it was definitely a meal fit for a samurai. There were all kinds of things, including things that he would normally eat, and some things he had never seen cooked that way. His eyes shifted between everything and his mind began to work apart what everything might taste like.
Taking a tiny bit of everything, Setsuro began to sample and decipher the different flavor profiles for the different foods. Just because he was a warrior did not mean that he had no desire for good food. It was, in fact, the opposite. He enjoyed finer foods (probably the only thing about him that was actually any kind of high class, period..), but anything that tasted good to him had it's place in his opinion. Of course, sometimes it was strange to eat a food, but when you were a guest, you ate what the host offered.
"While not all of it is traditional, Kasumi-san, there are many, many delicious things you have laid out for us." He bowed graciously and then smiled, having filled himself to the brim with a bunch of different foods. It was a little bit past his limits, but he did it to be a gracious guest and not a insensitive one. Still, the food was good and there was no denying that.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 24, 2011 7:31:08 GMT -5
She smilled with her mouth and eyes, seeing that two men were eating a food she asked to be prepared for them. Bowed her head to them a little. I appreciate that you try our food even if you are eating it for the first time. She frowned just a little, like she was thinking about something really intensively. If you are not finding it to your taste then do not hesitate to leave it on your plates Said it in a really natural way, understanding that not everyone can accept the taste or even a smell of Unicorns food.
From time to time she looked at Setsuro while he was eating, but then she looked at Isawa, sharing her glances to both of them, so no one would say that she's neglecting her guests. She didn't talk much while eating, not being sure if guests likes to talk and eat at the same time.
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