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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 17, 2011 8:05:11 GMT -5
A lone figure approaches in the snow, cloak tightly wrenched around his figure to halt the freezing wind. As he reaches the gates of Shiro Kitsuki (ooc: I know this is Shiro Mirumoto but always thought shiro Kitsuki was closest to the south) he takes of his cloak revealing a blue kimono emblazoned with silvery crane figures.
Greetings enlightened samurai of the Dargon caln. This is Daidoji Hikori, humble magistrate of the Crane clan. I am here to pay my respects to my Kitsuki sensei. The lessons I have been so graciously granted have helped me better serve my Lord.
I bring this (the Crane samurai leaves a small ornate box on the snow) as a show of gratitude on behalf of my Lord.
May Amaterasu smille upon you
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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 Jan 17, 2011 18:37:02 GMT -5
The low ranking bushi guarding the approach and waiting outside of the gatehouse turn to the newcomer, scrutinising him as he announces himself. They offer him tea in the visitors' waiting rooms near the guardhouse while they inform Hikori's sensei of his presence. They also ask whom they should search for ("there are many fine teachers here samurai-sama") and if he could please hold on to his gift for now so that it may be properly presented.
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 18, 2011 6:47:58 GMT -5
Picking up the ornate box and reverently tucking it away, the man follows the sentries whille he observes them in turn. He accepts their offer of tea and produces some rice pastries to accompany it which he freely offers to all present.
When asked about who his sensei is the man turns towards one of the bushi, the one who had introduced herself as Kitsuki Yushanime. "You should know him well Yushanime san, he is your sensei as well"
To her puzzled look he adds:" I would recognise that way of tying ones saya to the obi among thousands"
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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 Jan 18, 2011 8:33:14 GMT -5
Yushahime, who was at the gatehouse to deliver a message to the guards before departing, clearly shows some surprise when the Crane samurai addresses her by name but remains puzzled.
"I am delighted you know me Daidoji-sama but I also had many sensei in my time here..."
Her words trail off as she continues to look puzzled before the Crane samurai comments on her wakizashi scabbard. She immediately turns away and reaches for the inside of her right kimono sleeve, removing a fan of the latest style that she holds near her face.
"I-I see. I think I have a better idea of who you seek now. Perhaps I can help..."
Taking a deep breath to defluster herself, Yushahime directs the ordinary bushi guards to allow the Crane access and she escorts him to one of the main buildings making small talk along the way. She asks one noteworthy question
"Please forgive my rudeness and loss of memory but have we met before Daidoji-sama?"
ooc: Feel free to invent a name for a sensei you wish to see!
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 19, 2011 4:03:59 GMT -5
(ooc: sorry I had immagined that for some reason you were one of the bushi and so you had already introduced yourself)
Realising his breach of etiquette the crane magistrate recomposes himself and bows respectfully towards the other sentries before following the young Kitsuki. To her it is clear he is imbarassed.
"You suffer no loss of memory Kitsuki-san" he answers, "sensei kept talking about a young promissing student of his that would surpass as all...repeating your name! It was a pleasure to be able to witness some of your accomplishments at winter court, though my duties impeded me from presenting myself at that point. Reso sama was right on your account"
His stance relaxing again a little bit
"Please, I am not your lord or higher in status, at least in the eyes of our sensei. You can call me Hikori. I hope you will excuse my rudeness"
The two continue the small talk untill they reach the main building where after offering adequate accomodation the young Kitsuki takes on a sincere sad expression and informs the crane of their sensei's demise earlier this winter...
(ooc: feel free to invent the how and why our sensei is dead...felt better to limit interaction to existing players...great playing by the way...I am quite new at forum Rp)
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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 Jan 19, 2011 8:30:02 GMT -5
(ooc: np. Also, I don't think it's a breach of etiquette to know someone or be aware of their saya. My character was just a little flustered as it was unexpected. She doesn't do unexpected usually - what with all the investigative experience! I think you're fine with forum rp. I hope you like what I do with the sensei...)
Yushahime approaches the subject softly but clearly, explaing the circumstances of Reso-sama's recent death. She politely averts her eyes as she concludes...
"... then, when the attendants realised it was most likely too late, the disease was very strong... and so he had insisted on continuing his teaching and meditation in his final days rather than waiting in his room to die"
While she finishes the explanation, Yushahime's grave expression clearly shows her own sadness.
"I did not want to tell you this at the door and must apologise for being the bringer of bad news. This all happened just under a month ago"
Yushahime's eyes flicker for a second as she recalls another important detail
"There is a silver lining though. We have another capable sensei here to take over from Reso-sama; his son. I must introduce you to him when he is next in so that you may present him with your gift. I am sure he will be most touched Hikori-san. Everyone admired his father"
A gentle smiles appears on her face as she reminisces a moment. She turns back to Hikori-san and inquires about his journey
"You must have travelled some distance to arrive here. As a student of the Kitsuki school you would of course be welcome to stay here for as long as needed until you are ready to depart. I believe Minato-sama will be back either tomorrow or the next day so you would also have an opportunity to meet with him?"
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 19, 2011 9:52:50 GMT -5
(ooc: the breach of etiquette lies in calling you only Yushanime san, a way used only among friends. Such reference can be used as an insult, showing you don't consider the other one a threat, or in our case could be seen as unfortunate as we have never before)
The Crane keeps his composure but his gaze darkens.
"You have nothing to apologize for...Yushahime-san. He shared his wisdom till the end and now the world we live in, is poorer for his loss. May his wisdom guide us in this perilous times."
His speech is slower than before. Could be feinting emotion, but most probably he is trying to cope with the dire news he just received. As Yushahime goes on with her story he inadvertently lowers his gaze until she speaks of Reso's son.
Raising his gaze once more, "I am happy to hear that Reso-sama's son can continue the work of his father and I would be honored to meet him"
"Thank you for your hospitality Yushahime san, it has been a while since I last traveled the snow filled path to the Dragon lands and have grown unaccustomed with the weather conditions. The rest will suit me fine before I follow my journey to the Northern Front. My Lord entrusted me support the defense of the empire by helping locate and quantify the Yobanjin threat."
Seeing a hint of interest in the young courtiers eyes he went on,
" I have heard many from your clan are supporting the Unicorn in their defense. A noble gesture, for witch we should all be grateful, especially if the rumors are true"
He retrieved a small pillow book from his kimono and left it on the left side of the table and turned it so that it was directed toward Yushahime.
"These are reports of some of my clansmen that had been helping the defense of the Northern Watch Keep. I am to use this information to travel outside Rokugani borders. With the aid of the Fortunes I will be able to return with useful information on the enemy we face"
Within the book lie parts of reports that speak of the Yobanjin army's organization and what seems to be strategy analysis. There are also some reports on the Yobanjin scouts and patrols that scour the northern steppes as well as the forces that defend the empire. One of the reports speaks of the Dragon forces present and it is clear that there are similar reports about other clans present.
The discussion goes on for a while changing subject to lighter subjects before Hikori and Yushahime retire.
When left alone in his quarters after having bathed and shaved, Hikori finally relaxes and breaks into silent tears over the loss of the man who had almost been a father to him.
The next morning the servants find the room empty except for some of Hikori's belongings. Mostly his traveling gear. The room has already been tidied.
...
There is some activity in the dojo where some of the early attendants watch as the newcomer practices with a staff (yielding it as a Yari) various kata forming an elaborate dance like pattern
(ooc: this way anyone who would like to enter this thread other than me and Yushahime can do so if he thinks he/she would have a good reason for being there P.S: thanks for the thumb up Yushahime-san)
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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 Jan 19, 2011 12:59:45 GMT -5
(ooc: You're welcome for the thumbs up. More people would be nice, agreed. Good point about the san - i hadn't even see that. You use it for people you're equal to or above but being polite to. I don't see Yushahime as too high ranking though and you knew of her from your sensei so probably knew you were at least equal in rank. That's what i assumed anyway ^_^ still thanks for pointing it out!)
Yushahime had departed for her own residence in the mid-evening but felt honour bound to return to the Kitsuki investigator training grounds to see how Hikori-san was doing. She convinced herself it wasn't because he had been pleasant company in the awkward circumstances of their first meeting nor was it because he had spoken highly of her and seemed genuinely saddened by the lost of their shared sensei. Of course she had informed the necessary persons of Hikori's stay but he would likely benefit from a more personal introduction to Reso's son. The man could be quite cold, just like the mountain air.
She decided she would arrive for the early afternoon. She had some other business at the vast training grounds anyway, even if they weren't particuarly pressing...
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 19, 2011 13:10:46 GMT -5
(ooc: I am having so much fun...might be joining on that other thread if Katsutoshi would allow other participants and find the right point...right now i am going to give other players a little bit of time to enter and then i am going to answer your post By the way feel free to read my characters background at Kyuden Doji for future reference if you like)
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Post by Kitsuki Bareian on Jan 19, 2011 15:07:46 GMT -5
(OOC: Oh gladly I would like others to join. Actually, I was hoping that you'd be accompanying her so she can interact with someone other than me. I just need to properly describe what happens next...)
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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 Jan 19, 2011 16:53:03 GMT -5
(ooc: Yushahime would be happy with the company. Plus, if Hikori will eventually be heading to the Unicorn lands to fight in the war then that may provide a reason for her to go too. Of course Katsutoshi would be there. For now, both of you need to meet and Yushahime should arrive after Katsutoshi has left? Up to you. I'll add something here after you both have above!)
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 20, 2011 9:20:12 GMT -5
After one last thrust and a loud kiai shout the staff and its yielder grew still. Hikori spends some moments regaining his breath and slowly relaxes his stance refocusing his attention to his surroundings. In the meantime the number of people in the dojo has grown, both samurai practicing and silent observers. Considering the light coming from outside it is about the hour of the monkey or Shiba as the nobles are expected to call it. Scanning the crowd in hopes of finding a familiar face...none seemes familiar. If his friends from his time at the school where here they would have probably been informed of his presence by now, but as he expected, with Winter Court running at Kyuden Doji and the Yobanjin attack even those usually posted at Shiro Kitsuki are probably absent on one errant or another. A servant approaches him. The boy must have been waiting some time judging by the wrinkles on his kimono, typical Dragon patience. The boy bowes deeply and after presenting himself as Koichi says with a loud and clear voice "My lord, Kitsuki Minato sama greets you as a welcome guest Daidoji sama and wishes you a pleasant stay in Shiro Kitsuki. Minato sama hopes that you are pleased with your accommodations and would be honored to have you, attend tonight's dinner Daidoji sama." The boy paused for a moment and then added speaking faster than before "Minato sama also excuses himself for not being able to greet you personally. " With that the boy, apparently pleased with his performance, bows deeply once more and runs off leaving behind a perplexed Hikori. Hikori is accustomed to more formal invitations and doesn't know what to tmake of this. Is it an insult...a test? He concludes that this could only be part of a test for the young boy just met...or perhaps a test for both. Anyhoe he has barely slept the night before and even though visiting the training grounds has helped him clear his mind and regain focus he is hungry for having skipped breakfast. Having the rest of the day free, Hikori decides to visit the local tea house for lunch. There he knows he can find a particular blend of tea he hasn't tasted since he left the Dragon provinces years ago. Evening finds Hikori in his room getting ready for dinner. He is wearing a fine white kimono with black cranes emblazoned on it.He positions his Katana on the daisho stand and plucks his fan in his obi. Controlling one last time his wakizashi (saya tied to the obi in the same way Yushahime had tied hers) he heads towards the great hall... (ooc: I think it would be a good idea I try and shorten future posts
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Post by Kitsuki Bareian on Jan 20, 2011 20:50:07 GMT -5
Mirumoto Katsutoshi gritted his teeth while rubbing both his shoulders interchangeably to generate heat against the blistering cold of winter. He was dressed in black silk kimono and overlaid by a fur coat made from what seemed to be bear hide, a piece of thick cloth covered his face. Yet, for all the clothes that he had worn for protection against the cold winter night, it did little to ease the discomfort of the winter cold, and the knowledge that he was about to enter the stronghold to one of the empire’s most discomforting family, at least in his mind, to have ever existed;
“Welcome to Shiro kitsuki!” the sentry in the gate shouted “Who goes there and what business do you have within the palace at so late an hour?”
“I am Mirumoto Katsutoshi of Tetsu Kama Mura and I have come for…” before he could finish his introduction, the sentry bowed his head low and approached Katsutoshi embarrassed and apologetic.
“Forgive me Katsutoshi-sama… I did not recognize you from the distance” the sentry stated.
“I can easily forgive you more if we continue inside rather than stand here in these blasted damnable cold!” replied the Mirumoto very annoyed at the cold, the guard, and the duty he was about to perform.
The sentry not wanting to further his offense hurriedly led Katsutoshi to the entrance of the palace. As both walked along the pathway leading to the main hall, the guard could not help notice the outfit Katsutoshi wore, and the things he carried with him.
“Are you here to perform for the Daimyo?” the sentry asked noting the black beautifully made Biwa hanging on the back the Mirumoto.
“I gave up my musical endeavors a long time ago.” Katsutoshi replied plainly.
“But what is the biwa and those sweet fragrant roses you have been holding…” the sentry cut his own words when it quickly dawned what Katsutoshi’s intentions tonight were, shutting his mouth, the sentry continued on silently until they reached the main receiving area, where the sentry called upon another servant to announce the arrival of Katsutoshi.
“Ah winter love…” the sentry mumbled as he went back to his post.
Katsutoshi on the other hand and was keeping himself in check since their walk on the pathways, could only mumble.
“Kitsuki! Very discomforting indeed…”
* * * * * *
Mirumoto Katsutoshi was asked to wait in the great hall as one of the servants called on his purpose here.
“Yushahime” he told them.
For the first time in his life, he had looked upon someone of the opposite gender with more than passing interest and erotic motivation. He remembered the time they met in the newly restored palace of Shiro Mirumoto, she had spoken that night in counter to his statements during the clan assembly and the decision regarding the Champion’s edict. She had made him look the fool, if not for his own quick thinking, he would have lost face with the clans. It made him angry, but something stirred in him towards her as well.
Mirumoto Katsutoshi smelled the flowers he had brought and checked if it still looked fresh. He was getting excited.
Then the smile he wore faded when from out of nowhere, his eyes glimpsed upon a white kimono sporting a black crane mon coming from the direction where the servant went to call on Yushahime.
“Great!” Mirumoto Katsutoshi thought to himself as he swallowed hard to hide the sarcasm in his eyes “It’s not enough that I’m inside the Kitsuki lair. There really had to be a Crane to really enjoy the night.”
Katsutoshi looked on as the Crane samurai was approaching to where he was standing, in his mind;
“Now all I need is an Oni traipsing along to make my night.” He thought sarcastically
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Jan 21, 2011 5:30:18 GMT -5
(ooc: big thumb up Katsutoshi sama!!!! :-) Sorry for not replying in the other thread but I've been really busy...actually i am quite ashamed of my writting in my last post. I let yashuhime and you interact for a whille...feel free to add reactions to my character as you see fit, i have also posted his background back at Kyuden Doji. I should be able to continue this weekend)
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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 Jan 25, 2011 19:27:44 GMT -5
Yushahime finally finished changing into a something more formal for the evening meal. She disliked the larger number of layers as it slowed her down and she never quite needed the added warmth. Still, as she reflected herself in the mirror, she decided it had certain pros that were intensely useful. She half chuckled to herself about one day trying the scorpion gifted and overly lovely court kimono that was folded unused in her drawers. One day she would build up enough courage to try it... perhaps.
Tying her obi and fitting her wakizashi, making sure to tie it in the same way as before, she also slipped her two fans onto her person. One for show, one for defence. Nodded once more she slid open her door and made way towards the main dining area. It would still be a little bit of time before the designated arrival time.
It was at this point a servant scurried her way, being overly deferential (and likely aware she was to attend the meal being held by Minato-sama, now one of the senior instructors), and informing her that she had a visitor. When she queried who and was informed both her eyebrows raised as the surprise on her face was surely visible. Did he intend to have words with her? Perhaps some way of scoring points for overruling him previously? Was he actually here with something formal? She had to be careful. If she was on guard and rude to him and he was here on official business then she would look the fool. If she was polite and he was here to insult her... then she would look weak. She gestured to the servant to lead her to where he was as she put on a poker face. If she could get a glance at him and wait for him to make the first move then she would have the advantage. On a battlefield the first move was often decisive. In court it only gave away your agenda... unless it was well disguised or a ruse. She didn't think that highly of his courtier abilities though.
The look of surprise on Yushahime's face would be repeated only moments later when she turned the corridor to see both Hikori-san and Katsutoshi-san only a few metres away, a slightly awkward air surrounding them as Hikori-san seemed to sense the slight distain Katsutoshi-san seemed to be sending him. It almost looked like the moment before an iaijutsu duel when two opponents tried to sense one another. She had a bad feeling about this. Hikori-san was not a Kakita luckily but a Daidoji had their honour to protect and a Dragon Mirumoto with a Crane bushi was almost a guaranteed confrontation. There would no doubt soon be a discussion over the better duelist tradition. She must interject herself.
Yushahime sped up somewhat, arriving just away from the two so she would be noticed as she bowed slightly "konbanwa (good evening) noble samurai-san, it is a pleasure to see you both here this evening". She smiled as best she could as she raised herself but slightly feared a small uncomfortable twist of the lip was showing. It was then she reached for her courtier fan as she looked meekly at the two
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