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Post by tadakasan on Jan 24, 2011 14:54:32 GMT -5
Tadaka smiles warmly at Kasumi's polite words in regards to the tastes of the dishes. *bowing his hands and clasping his hands together in front of him, he speaks in a slightly jovial voice. "I will keep your words in mind Kasumi-san. I have found that, often, one comes to appreciate things more if one has an open mind and gives them more than a chance. First impressions of things are often colored by prejudice; in other words, the last bite is often a much better indicator of a dish's worth than the first."
He sat there watching Setsuro and Kasumi eat, taking out his journal and ink brush and starting to draw a ink sketch of one of the dishes he had at one peice of but not the other, the drawing serving as a memory of the dish and the flavor. He looks up every once and a while as he sketches, making small talk since he is done eating. "So, what brings the two of you out here on your own rather than as part of an army, not to mention fighting together? I am on my own since I have recieved permission to wander the Empire as I see fit in order to soread the will of my Clan and to find Enlightenment so that I may share it with my Clan. This battle is just another step in a long journey for me, and I am actually planning on heading to Scorpion lands soon despite the invasion; there is supposed to be a need for supplies there and teachers, and I feel my skills would be of use there. No more or less than where we are now, but I feel there are more that would be suitable for here than would be willing to teach and work in Scorpion lands unfortunately."
He finishes the sketch and blows it dry, closing his journal before motioning a servant over to come take his plate. "Forgive me for not finishing all of the wonderful food you had prepared Kasumi-san; it was not a matter of quality at all, I am simply a man of simple needs with a small stomach." He lets himself chuckle softly and pat his stomach.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 26, 2011 6:30:35 GMT -5
Setsuro had actually grabbed for more food before it was all gone. He had no idea if Tadaka or Kasumi were going to eat more. While he was not specifically rude, it was just something he had learned young. Eat like it is it the last day of your life because as a Berserker it may very well be your last.
Kasumi commented about the taste of the food, but he smiled and laughed. "You are worried over nothing, Kasumi-san. I will eat until I can eat no more. Battles earn us this much, at least." Setsuro shook his head and then let out a huff, bowing lightly to Kasumi and Tadaka.
"Thank you for the meal. It was most excellent. Somethings there I had never eaten before. Quite delicious. Sorry, I don't have the graceful words of our priestly companion." He paused for a moment and then grinned, obviously jesting with the holy man. If there was one thing he knew, it was not to anger the Kami or those that could communicate with them.
"Enlightenment?" Setsuro smiled, "Enlightenment is a funny thing. Comes in all shapes and sizes, all colors and creed. There is no mistaking it once you have found it, but looking for it is like trying to catch the wind." When he was finished with his food, he simply sat in a proper cross-legged position.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 26, 2011 11:25:55 GMT -5
Finshed her meal and put hashi away on a hashioki. Lowered her head a little, not looking at any of men in a tent. I really appreciate all the trouble you've gone to for me and I am gratefull for your consideration. Bowed deeper, not even one, a little frown showed up on her face while seeing Isawa's unfinished food. It is my honor to serve a food that is to your taste, Hida-san.
She smiled after hearing Isawa's asking about her and Setsuro on the battlefield together. I can't answer for Hida-san, but I was doing my job, Isawa-san. It is my bounden duty to protect this land that was handed to us by our Ancestors. Every Unicorn's wish is to keep it safe and peacefully. My Sisters are battling there still, but we are humans after all. We need to sleep, eat and take a bath sometimes, so our bodies are in one with our minds. Which you should know really well, Isawa-san. And me being alone was just a coincidence. I've seen many Yobanjin and pushed my horse to help them die, because this is what they will recive after standing on our land. still smiling, but her blue eyes are cold as an ice, staring above his arms... just like she's watching a battlefield and an inviders. After a few seconds she shaked off of that feeling. Turned her head and looked at three tokkuri standing on a small table with three ochoko. Would you like sake, shouchuu or a chuuhai with ume, Isawa-san? Or maybe you'd prefer me to prepare a tea for you? looked at him with a gentle smile And you, Setsuro-san? What would you like me to pour for you?
Still sitting in seiza, not moving an inch - just looking at men in front of her. Calm and composed and her hands are placed palm down on the upper thighs with the fingers close together.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 26, 2011 12:25:20 GMT -5
"Sake, please. It is cold in the north in the winter, and while warm food may ease the belly hot sake is needed to warm everything else." Tadaka smiles softly, a little slyly. Everything being taken away he finds a cushion and sit's on it in the lotus position. Waiting for the sake to arrive.
As he is waiting, he turns to Setsuro after he answers Kasumi's question, "You are quite right of course, Setsuro-san; The Dragon say there is no one path to Enlightenment, and we among the Phoenix have had to learn that very lesson ourselves, though some among us would not admit as such in their pride."
He holds up a palm and a globe of water appears, floating over it. "Enlightenment is like the dance of the elements; if one were to say the world is made of earth, one would miss the sky above or the the vast oceans." The ball of water turns into a roiling ball of pebbles and stones. "So it is with Enlightenment; one must open one's mind, experience the world in its whole, see all the connections that make it up. From there you choose your path. But seeing the world and it's connections is as transient a goal as catching the wind, moving the mountain, or understanding the void..."
The ball of elements turns into void and dissapears. He bows a little to the two bushi, "I apologize if I rambled there samas." He looks up at Kasumi, "And I can think of no greater goal than protecting one's lands from invaders, so I almost feel silly for asking such a question; I'm sure Setsuro-san also feels an obligation to the land and its people, whatever part of the Empire that may be, for is it not the Crab who protect us all?"
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 27, 2011 9:25:43 GMT -5
"Sake then, as well. I've heard it is good luck to drink with a priest before battle." Setsuro managed a large smile before he rubbed his hands together. It was true that the north was cold, but it was hardly something to think about when your heart was pounding from the fires of battle.
Watching the other two be so strict in firm in their sitting positions made him want to stretch out and sit in some unorthodox position that no one had ever named before, but he shrugged and listened to Tadaka's explanation of enlightenment.
Then the large Crab shook his head.
"Let me teach you a secret, Tadaka-san. One that might just very well help you in your quest." Setsuro leaned in and looked between Kasumi and Tadaka for a moment before he spoke quietly: just loud enough for the both of them to hear him. "It is very simple to catch the wind. You need only breathe." When he stopped speaking, he smiled a bit slyly and then leaned back to where he had started.
It was an odd thing for a Crab to speak such profound words of wisdom, but then again it was not so unusual for a Crab to be profound or odd. Most people would never understand the words that Setsuro spoke, but that was his nature of things.
"It is our duty, Tadaka-san." Was the only thing that Setsuro could say to the priest, knowing that this priest knew nothing of the rigors of the wall. Setsuro often found it hard when others spoke of their Duty because very few actually understood what it meant. "I appreciate your value of our service. I suppose I will defend the Empire until the day I can't hold a weapon anymore." He grinned slightly, "I will protect the people of this Empire. As I said..it is my duty."
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 27, 2011 10:59:37 GMT -5
Nodded to Isawa's words. She took a pan and put it on the fire. Added water and let it boil. Yes, you are right, Isawa-san. But to us it's only natural this way. And please, do not feel this way. It's good to ask a question when you want to know the answer. Only stupid person would think he knows everything. A smart person would rather ask someone who knows than live in ignorance. she said while waiting for water to cool down a little.
After she was content with water's temperature, she dipped the tokkuri up to its shoulder.
She looked at Setsuro and frowned a bit. There are other ways to catch the wind, Hida-san. It just depends on your determination. smiled softly and without any unnecessary movment, she switched big toe crossing over the other to relieve discomfort on her legs.
After she heard the sound of a little bubbles swelling on the sides of tokkuri, stopped talking and she was waiting for the alcohol to be ready to serve. And few minutes later bubbles become a little larger and immediately started to rise to the surface - She took a tokkuri and touched its bottom to check the temperature. Nodded to herself with a focus. Poured the warm sake to two ochoko that she handed to Isawa and Hida. One left empty and she put tokkuri back on a small table.
She didn't join the conversation at all, concentrating on preparing atsukun for her guests. When she was done, she sat back in seiza position, looking patiently at two men.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 27, 2011 12:04:46 GMT -5
Takes the warm sake and smells it, bowing to Kasumi before taking a sip, the warmth spreading through his limbs. He grins as he sets his hands in his lap, holding the cup, "Let none among the Clans say there is no wisdom among the Unicorn and Crab. You are both right of course; there are ways to do all those things if you but simplify things. Where one could catch the wind, another breathes in; where one would try to move an entire mountain, another moves a peice of it; where one would try to understand the void, another does not try and yet does... I thank you for the reminder, both of you' He bows a little.
Seeing the slight discomfort in Setsuro, Tadaka relaxes, siitting back in one hand like one would in a casual trip to a sake house. He nods at the Hida, his smile fading a little. " A great duty and a great responsibility as well. I spent two years in the Crab lands on the Wall myself, traded knowledge with the Kuni, and went on hunts with the Hiruma. I have even been to the city of the Lost and fought along side Benjiro-sama. But I know I know nothing for I was only there two years; what is two years when I can go home to beautiful lands and studying?"
He takes another sip of sake, sitting back on one hand. "All I can promise you, both of you, is that I too will defend the Empire until I can no longer hold a weapon or hear the voice of the kami. Whether that be joining the honorable Crab for a time on the Wall or it's here in Unicorn lands turning back the Yobanjin, I will never rest. Afterall..." He grins softly, "They don't call me the Wandering Ishiken for nothing."
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 30, 2011 15:04:58 GMT -5
"I do not recall ever hearing of you being upon the wall, Tadaka-san, but I must say that I am pleased to learn this. I respect everyone that has stood upon the wall." Setsuro looked at the Phoenix shugenja with a newfound respect. It was interesting to learn that such a man, despite his lack of martial skills, stood upon the wall.
Picking up the tokkuri, Setsuro reached over and poured for Kasumi as well. Many clans had traditions where one never poured sake for themselves. He set the tokkuri back on the table and bowed his head lightly to the Unicorn.
Setsuro lifted the sake to his mouth and took a sip. It was a familiar tasted the surged over his tastebuds and it made him a little more comfortable. All of this was rather high class for him, the proper greetings and etiquette constantly. He honestly preferred the company of the Crab, usually.
"You know, Tadaka-san, you're right. Wisdom comes in many forms." The Crab raised a brow as he spoke, noting the interest in the way that Tadaka had spoken of it, but that always seemed the case for shugenja and monks. Always trying to find enlightenment. Meanwhile, he noticed that Kasumi was not taking part in the conversation. Part of him wondered if she was put off by the topic or just not interested.
The call of battle was strong for Setsuro, especially when he was a commander. It was not unusual for him to meet with other soldiers and generals among the other clans to discuss the battle at hand or even as just a pleasantry, even if he did not like said pleasantries. Today was a totally different meeting, though. He had the honor of a meal and sake with a battle maiden and an Ishiken.
(OOC: Sounds like the beginning of a joke. A Battle Maiden, Dead Eyes Berserker and an Ishiken walk into a bar...)
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Jan 30, 2011 16:18:13 GMT -5
She smiled and bowed lightly to Setsuro for filling her ochoko. Picked it up and took a sip of atsukun. Then she put it on a table showing, that she is not willing to drink more.
Isawa-san, do me a favor... and tell us about your voyages. I am always happy to hear about places that I didn't hear about yet. she looks really curious now. You too, Setsuro-san. I'd wish to hear about your experience on the wall, because I am curious of Crab's point of view on it.
Kasumi refilled ochokos of Isawa and Hida.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 30, 2011 17:54:59 GMT -5
"My voyages Kasumi-san? Hm, I'm not sure where to start there or what would be interesting to a Unicorn; afterall, your Clan has been much further in their travels than I." He paused a moment, noticing the two bushi were still sitting rather formally despite him trying to adopt a more relaxed position to made them comfortable. He was lost in thought a moment or two before an idea came to him, "Hm, well as far as places far from Crab or Unicorn lands, I could always tell of my journey to Gaki-do with two Dragon companions of mine and a Crane; it was a journey of accidental misfortune and one would not wish to repeat doing, but there is no harm in telling of such places."
He had finished drinking really, trying to gague the comfortand interest of his two battlefield companions as the sun set outside, the sounds of battle having faded to nothingness as both sides prepared to retreat for the darkness...
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Jan 31, 2011 11:42:35 GMT -5
"You want to hear of my time on the wall?" Setsuro gave Kasumi a funny expression. Knowledge and tales of the Shadowlands were often considered forbidden knowledge when it came to polite conversation and culture. Though the Crab were sometimes excused for it depending on their venue and importance of the matter.
"That would take a very long time to explain, Kasumi-san, except to say that I have more kills to my record than most others upon the wall. I have seen all manner of things the likes of which you'll never see. My most forward thoughts on this subject..is that I appreciate the wall in an entirely deeper way." Setsuro took a moment after he finished speaking as he was reminded of the horrors beyond the wall and how they laid siege to the Crab structure almost daily. The fight against the Shadowlands was just a way of life for them.
"I suppose our perception of duty upon the wall is what makes us Crab. It is our duty, our strength, our purpose. Defending the Empire is just what we do." His eyes glanced towards Tadaka for a moment and then to Kasumi, "Others enjoy the safety that we Crab create. We are a part of the wall. It is as simple as that."
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Feb 16, 2011 19:35:43 GMT -5
Yes, I'd love to hear your stories. - she nodded gently - But if it's something you can't do now, that's fine. You can do it any other time. It's just because I love to hear about different areas and feelings of people who visited those places. Her eyes followed somewhere above Isawa's head and blurred a little, while she was thinking about something that she kept to herself. Must be interesting to travel around, without any worries. Be your own guide and general. And to follow your own orders. Must be... Kasumi smiled briefly and removed unruly hair from her face. After a minute or two she came back to her usual self and poured more sake for Isawa and Hida.
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 16, 2011 20:19:00 GMT -5
As Tadaka was about to speak, a Moto came into the door, bowing deeply to Kasumi, "Kasumi-sama; there is a Shiba courier here to speak to the Elemental Master of Void."
Tadaka turned to the man and arched his eyebrows a little but sighing inwardly; they always managed to find him, even in a tent in the middle of a war camp.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Mar 17, 2011 15:44:47 GMT -5
Setsuro's head turned as the Shiba Courier was announced, raising a brow was the only adequate response he could muster at the moment. At least the Moto was respectful of Kasumi, but it was still interesting that Tadaka had been requested. He thought the man was traveling on his own, yet somehow he was found.
Finishing his new cup of sake quickly, he set the cup down and scooted it away from him, putting his palm over it as if to say 'no more' and then bowed his head. "Thank you." He spoke quietly to Kasumi and smiled, raising back up to a normal position right after.
"Perhaps I will tell you about the stories another time then, when I could sit and give them the detail they deserve, instead of in the middle of a battlefield." Setsuro grinned a bit.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Mar 29, 2011 13:59:58 GMT -5
Nodded slowly to Setsuro. You are probably right, Setsuro-sama. Besides, my servants prepared a place to sleep for you. I've been on battlefield for the whole day already, and I believe you are the same. Her jaw's muscles moved, like she was forcing it to now to jawn Fighting at night is dangerous, especially for horses. And for those that don't know this land well. Plus, at night there is not much to do. It's time to tend wounded and this is when Eta take care of those that died.
When she finished speaking, another person entered her tent, bowing deeply. Utaku-sama, new orders has arrived Kasumi walked to her without any rush. She was higher than her by over a head, and looked down on her with a smile. I see... Young Unicorn bowed deeply again while handing scrolls to Kasumi. Kasumi has broken the seal and started to read. Her face was focused but after some time she started to smile happily. Your orders, Utaku-sama...? Hmm... Inform all Battle Maidens that we will gather at dawn. You may leave, Ayumi. Girl didn't show any reaction to Kasumi not using honorific. Young girl bowed once more to Kasumi. Oyasuminasai, Utaku-sama Oyasumi, Ayumi.
Kasumi came back to Setsuro. I would recommend going to sleep early, Setsuro-sama. When Sun sets on the sky we will go to shed more blood of those Yobanjin dogs. My servant will lead you to your chamber... or a tent, if I can be precise. He will stay with you to serve you if you need anything. And if you want, he will also wake you up before the dawn.
She bowed her head to Setsuro and pointed her hand to a servant waiting for him close to the door. Sleep well, Setsuro-sama. She finally smiled to him.
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