Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 4, 2011 8:55:04 GMT -5
(OOC: Hikori, I'll adjust my post to reflect your clothing. Kai is wearing a simple but well made Green and Gold Kimono, with the Dragon and Kitsuki Mon on each sleeve.)
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 4, 2011 9:26:31 GMT -5
Upon hearing Ryoko's report and learning the identities of the two lovers and of the unusual Mirumoto he saw on the path, Kai went to the bath house to clean up. While there he dictated a letter to a student and had it sent to Yushahime's room. That should provide a pretext for a meeting. (see ambassadors thread for the letter) He then removed a small package from his bag and began the process of coppering his hair.
The Lion have long claimed to copper their hair to match their clan's colors. But the truth was that many a lion were born with the red hair of a Gaijin, and they did not want that to be known. Kai coppered his hair in honor of his old master. At last avenged, his pilgrimage complete, Kai could justify such afectations.
He went form there to report to his old sensei Kitsuki Akamatsu. Akamatsu was a grumpy, bilious, prejudice and all together unpleasant man. But he was an excellent detective. Forced into teaching technique due to constantly accusing superiors of crimes, his skills are without question. That said, few students indeed ever choose to work with him.
Kai bowed deep. "Akamatsu-Sensei."
"How many obi beads are being worn by the guards outside the door?" Akamatsu refused to return the bow until he was satified, leaving Kai awkwardly bent over.
Kai cursed himself for allowing his mind to stray and decided to buy time while he searched his memories for clues. "It is a trick question Sensei."
"Ohh?" Akamatsu seemed amused.
Two guards, one obi bead each. Kai heard a scuffle outside the door, and footsteps heading down the hallway. "There were two upon my arrival. Now there is only one."
"Good." Akamatsu struck Kai across the shoulders with a bokken. "But too slow.'
The pain flashed through Kai and he nearly lost his balance. "Hai, Sensei!"
"You will go now and teach the younglings for a few hours, then we will speak." Akamastu lifted his tobacco pipe and smugly puffed at it.
"Hai, Sensei!" Kai retreated and crossed to the 8 students who had apparently been waiting the better part of an hour for a lesson from Akamastu-Sensei, if the layer of snow on their shoulders was any indicator. Kai sat down in front of them and resolved to finish Akamatsu's lesson. He began to meditate and wait for a student to ask him a question. Learning began with questions.
The whole situation suited Kai just fine. If the Daidoji and young Yushahime came to meet with him in the dojo while teaching, he would be called Sensei, and with status elevated by 2 ranks. More than enough to ensure social dominance. From there he could ask all manner of questions while ignoring any of their's he wanted to.
He looked at his students...This would be a long lesson.
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 4, 2011 10:07:37 GMT -5
(ooc: where is the like button??? I am waiting Yusha's reply...great entry)
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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 Feb 4, 2011 18:02:59 GMT -5
Yushahime looked at the message in horror before her mind overcame her emotions and she started to scrutinise what was infront of her. It was possible Hikori-san had prepared this and had something to gain. A quick look at the brush strokes confirmed these as belong to Reso-sama however. She doubted most could create a forgery of such elegant brush strokes but a Crane may have the skill. Still, she could think of no motive... yet, and Hikori-san's response to the message was of seemingly genuine surprise. Her gut also told her the message was authentic.
She began inspecting it in earnest, oblivious to her surroundings and the movement of green cloth on a path that overlooked them in the distance. The brush strokes were not rush. The character choice was unusual. The kanji making up assassination was not the orthodox choice. Perhaps an idiosyncrasy of Reso-sama? Unlikely in such a trained mind. She looked at each character and picked out the odd ones and began to search for meaning. A clue as to the culprit or the victim, perhaps the method of assassination? She also thought about the circumstances.
Logical analysis of the situation told her the victim was Reso-sama. The fact he was dead and no others had died recently suggested as much, at least until another body was found. Of course it could be a planned assassination on someone else that he had become aware of but then he would have launched his own investigation. One of the characters was also used in the character for toxic she remembered; an indication of poison perhaps? It was then she noticed the hidden and barely visible pressings on the scroll paper. A slight indentation of characters followed each of the symbols making the word assassination. There was more to this...
Some of the characters were ordinary words but held greater meaning under the lessons of the Kitsuki Justicar sub-school. These gave an interesting insight and conveyed a much greater message. Why then had Reso-sama placed this message here for Hikori-san? Ah... then again, he had but close to Hikori-san and would know who was within the Justicar training program. He would know Hikori-san would visit to pay his respects and that Yushahime was undergoing the training and would almost certainly be present for the coming weeks. Furthermore he had mentioned Yushahime positively to Hikori-san on a number of occassions it seemed. Did he actually intend for this outcome? That would be quite a gambit for one so old.
One thing didn't feel right... she knew Reso-sama was capable and could potentially have foreseen all of this but... then why was he dead? He must have allowed it to happen. The only reasonable explanation was linked to the lightly indented characters infront of her - especially the characters for son, hostage and traitor. She could not be sure who the traitor or the hostage were yet though. As for son... only Reso-sama's son came to mind. She would need to look into this and very quietly at that. Could she trust Hikori-san to help her?
She turned her eyes away from the note, blinking three times as she memorised all of it. Not just the brush strokes but each slight tear to the piece of scroll, even on both sides. She handed it and the statue back to Hikori-san with a serious expression. He may notice the indentations and some of the hidden meaning behind the words but she was sure he would not pick up everything since he hadn't had the Justicar training.
"I must look into this. Our dinner meeting with Minato-sama draws near. Please could we meet afterwards to discuss this further? If I find out anything else I will let you know immediately"She spoke sincerely but almost cringed at the half truth at the end. It was hard lying to anyone trained in the Kitsuki method, especially someone who could use the technique wisdom the wind brings, but hopefully her lack of a lie and Hikori's familiarity of her would lead him to not question her. At least not yet. She had much to do suddenly and precious little time.
She bowed to Hikori-san and then wordlessly departed, the growing chill in the air a bitter but appropriate accompaniment to the anxiety in her heart.
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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 Feb 4, 2011 18:23:11 GMT -5
Yushahime made it back to her room in haste, without being seen by too many of the servants. She tidied her hair and thought of having a quick bath before dinner, noting the tasteful arrangement of roses in a vase in the centre alcove of the room as she did so. She also noted the message there waiting for her. She sighed as she realised she would not be able to take that bath. Instead she changed with experienced hands as her mind wandered to think of those she could rely upon to help her and who might know more information.
She would not have much longer before dinner... only enough time to ask a few questions, meet a friend and respond to the letter awaiting her. She opened the letter and read swiftly, then called for a servant in a harsher tone than her normal. She prepared her response...
"Kai-San,
Thank you for your message. I believe I can speak on behalf of the whole Clan when I say it is delightful that you have returned from your Musha Shugyo. I hope you gained much. I apologise in advance for this sloppy response and my inability to offer proper courtesy but I find myself pressed for time.
I would support you as being the Lion envoy if that is your desire, but be aware that it will be a difficult duty. I can brief you further on this, as I am sure our Lord Takezo-sama could do if he were not leading our forces elsewhere. We will of course seek his approval before making any final decisions. Volunteering to be the representative to the Unicorn is also most helpful. We have been looking for a capable and I might add brave samurai for this purpose. In regards to your last point; I am currently planning on attending the Imperial City in the very near future after some matters here are resolved but a regular visitor there or multiple would be beneficial to the Clan as a whole.
I will communicate with Takezo-sama to help with your kind offer and will speak to those I know to generate support for its acceptance. I do not believe this will be hard - you have already shown a strong heart but volunteering when others would not.
As for the Dragonfly... we are indeed close so we could rely on them if necessary for diplomacy. I would prefer to elect our own members if at all possible.
Thank you again for your correspondence and I hope we can discuss things in greater depth in time. Please do not apologise for what cannot be helped in regards to your travels; your suggestions are welcome and your input in our diplomatic duties will be valuable. Rest assured these matters were under consideration but were not being handled as quickly as necessary to benefit the Clan in these dark times.
If you have any further comments please do contact me immediately. I pray you enjoy the hospitality of the family you have been away from for so long. We welcome you back with open arms. Warmest regards,
Kitsuki Yushahime, Dragon Clan Ambassador & Magistrate"
(ooc: I'm going to do some quick investigating after this but thought i'd leave room for people to reply first. I'd say one more post each before dinner? Oh and Kai-san - you are almost certainly going to be invited to dinner with Minato-sama too as Akamatsu-sama is attending there also, having been previously invited. Of course you don't have to go!)
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 4, 2011 21:59:44 GMT -5
Hikori suddenly came out of his blissful state. His body froze as he stared for a moment towards Yushahime. She had noticed it as well. The brush strokes where made in Reso's style.
The more he thought about it the less sense it made...why leave a message here...for him? Looking around them with the corner of his eyes he saw movement above them and...red, gold and green and also grey and brown ...probably a samurai and his servant going to the castle...he returned his attention to Yushahime.
Hikori observed as she scanned the message and followed her eyes as they jumped across the message from the words themselves to...other slighter hints...
He saw her paying much attention to small details that didn't mean anything to him...a secret code he thought...hmmm....why offer this message to a crane and put in there hints in a code he wouldn't understand? They were either false hints or Reso intended for these to be seen by someone else!
He finished following Yushahime, watching as she followed the memorization mantra he had seen many dragon use and awaited for her remark.
As he expected she didn't say anything...better yet she was to focused trying to hide from him the fact that she had noted something that it was easy for him to still play shocked.
"Yushahime san this could mean many different things...perhaps it was a test sensei prepared for me that unfortunately survived its creator." he said showing how he didn't believe what he was saying but feinting that he was doing so due to incredulousness and shock.
He cleared the branches for the maiden and let her pass...he thought of secretly following her but decided against it...too many variables where still hazy to say the least.
He exited the cluster as well and after slowly putting his Kimono in place and making sure there where no hints as to his last surroundings decided to return to the castle.
He walked slowly keeping his senses to his surroundings but willingly relaxing his muscles.
Once he reached the castle he headed towards the gardens. There he took a sit apparently being lost to the beauty and serenity of the gardens.
The message was surely meant for him and was written by Kitsuki Reso. There were hints on the message...some he could translate: poison and something akin to loyalty or the opposite...but there were other things that he couldn't understand...like the impressions on some characters and the tears that had captured Yushahime's attention much more than the papers color or way of folding...
A hidden message that a Kitsuki could understand but he couldn't...How could Reso have predicted that the note would have been seen by such, while giving it to Hikori?
He had gone to great lengths in keeping it a secret from his clanmates only to hide within information only they would grasp?And then again why had he kept silent on his findings?
It was much more logical that those information were a feint or perhaps even a way to conceal who the true receptor of this note should have been!
If the note was found then none would suspect that this was meant for a crane samurai...
Another fact also felt strange...Hikori had found the note by chance. He would have surely visited this place had he come to the Kitsuki lands, but he wouldn't have endeavored such a journey unless invited...or unless he was attending here on some official occasion...a funeral perhaps...Reso's funeral. Not before such an event...not after...Since he hadn't been invited it would seem Reso had known he would have died...or would have to die to send this note without pointing attention to the recipient...
Back to the note...if the note was meant for him perhaps there was something else...something only he would know perhaps... Not a color...not a shape...
Hikori held his hands in his kimono's sleeves where he held both the dragon and the note and fingered both...
He tried to remember hard anything that might help him...
He took one of his hands out and to fight his instincts to rub his chin used it to support his head...
Suddenly it came to him...that smell...his left hand smelled funny...the one holding the dragon
He controlled the other hand..but it didn't smell as much...
He controlled both the note and the statuette...
Invisible inc on the dragon...
"Even if the note was found I would still recover the dragon...remarkable..."
Not only had his sensei found a way of communicating only with him...but he had given him a perfect means to find more clues...and now she had seen it as well...involved or not he would only gain from it...an ally, or knowledge of an enemies true nature or even both.
Hikori grinned to himself as he made his final preparations to go to dinner keeping both the dragon and the note on his person. He could not fail his sensei.
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 5, 2011 14:42:34 GMT -5
(Ooc: sorry about the longest post ever...didn't have the courage to read it twice myself...hope you are more courageous :-P )
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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 Feb 5, 2011 16:47:16 GMT -5
After her letter, Yushahime had departed from her room and noted that she had just over an hour left before dinner to begin her investigation. She hoped to find something useful. She began with those most often overlooked by her compatriots; the servants.
Most of them knew her or knew of her and that made things much, much easier. She asked about Reso's health and how he had been before he died, what he had been up to and so on. She asked if anyone had acted unusually around that time and if there was any gossip. A few of the more attentive peasants had some useful information but it was still not much to go on. She had then made her way to the guard post. She was reasonably friendly with the the deputy head of the guards of the training grounds, a middle aged gunso by the name of Mirumoto Hibiki. He was a talkative man, like herself in a way, and they had always gotten along. He had a lot of information that she speedily memorised and began to pick apart.
She thanked him for his time, offering him an invite to her estate for tea when both of them were free. Of course she also meant that she would offer him information or her investigative services when he next needed them. He had sensed the underlying offer but waved his hand to say there was no need. This had cheered her up somewhat and meant one less thing to think about later.
Finally she visited Reso-sama's room, receiving permission first from one of the more higher ranked samurai who was present. She had given the false reason that she wished to offer a prayer to his spirit, since he had died in his room. The lie had been believed and soon she was alone and inspecting the room for any insight she could find. She felt somewhat bad about the lie and being in the still empty room of one of her most respected but now dead sensei. If it meant uncovering a crime and a traitor though... she persuaded herself it was worth the less than satisfactory conduct.
She only had ten minutes to search the room and analyse the situation. Later, as she walked the corridors to the feast room Minato-sama would be waiting in she put one hand to her face to help herself focus and the other hand across her chest. She found this best enabled her to piece everything together efficiently. She slowed her breathing and closed her eyes and tried to get a feel for everything.
Soon she found herself outside the feast room and announced her presence. She was fortunate; she had arrived with less than a minute to spare but better still Minato-sama had been delayed. More likely he was arriving late on purpose to show his increased status. She sighed. He could be very capable and effective sometimes but perhaps his new status as senior teacher was increasing his pride? She hoped it would wear off soon.
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 5, 2011 18:33:40 GMT -5
"Sensei-Sama?"
Kai opened his eyes and beheld his shivering students. Near the back one student was bowed deeply, indicating she was the one who spoke. Some of the other students were casting disdainful looks on her for breaking the silence. The students were shivering, some had blue lips...this was a good time to end the lesson. "Yes Kitsuki-dozan?"
"When will the lesson begin?" the nervous girl asked.
"The lesson is already underway." Kai responded. His answer was met with silence. Akamatsu had departed some hours ago, no doubt to prepare for dinner. Kai, it appeared, may miss dinner.
Another student shuddered and appeared to be turning red, despite the chill. Kai watched him in silence. The youth met his gaze angrily.
"WHAT'S THE POINT?!" The student burst to his feet, snow sliding from his shoulders and making matching indentations in the snow by his feet. "ARE WE JUST SUPPOSED TO SIT HERE??!?!!"
"No." Kai said calmly.
"I....ungh" the youth slumped to the ground and folded his arms, all the while glaring at Kai. "Why, then?"
"As Kitsuki, you must search for knowledge. It is rare that the truth reveals itself on its own. If you ask no questions, you will find no answers." Kai watched as understanding bloomed in his students. You will all go take warm baths and have supper. After that the two of you who were brave enough to ask questions may seek out Akamastu Sensei and tell him you performed adequately today. Dismissed!"
"HAI SENSEI!" the students shouted and quickly made for the warmth of the bath house.
Kai took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The snow began to fall on the empty spaces left by his students and he pondered whether to go to dinner.
Snow falling from high The twisting paths of our lives Silent mountain home
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 7, 2011 7:17:54 GMT -5
The dinner hall was buzzing with activity. All over servants were running to keep up with the samurai's requests.
There were many samurai attending...a contrasting picture with the emptiness the castle had provided only a day ago.
It seemed that other than Minato and his entourage others had decided to attend after word of Hikori's gift had gotten around. Few if any were reluctant to celebrate Reso's memory.
Hikori shrugged to himself trying to hide his nervousness. He hadn't expected this. His visit had been one surprise after another and his sure and clam demeanor where dangerously being challenged.
His only prayer was that Yuushahime would have preceded him...she was the only one who had a passing idea of what was going through his mind and knew way better than him how to navigate the dragon court.
He smiled to himself as he entered the room after being announced and seeing many pairs of eyes turning toward him...non of which was Yuushahime's...patience he thought to himself.
He was escorted to his place on the table and started chatting with those present trying to scrutinize them for any clue as to what would be expecting him...
...what better way to hide something after all, other than try to find something someone else is hiding?
While speaking Hikori sensed a nudge in his back and turned to find himself face to face with the grizzled figure of Kitsuki Akamatsu...
"So you finally remembered your way back...or was it that you were so busy you couldn't visit, Daidoji san" the old sensei said retrieving his pipe, his eyes holding part amusement part disdain.
So much for waiting Yuushahime Hikori thought to himself while bowing low to the respected sensei "Kistuki Akamatsu sama," Hikori said while bowing...he had to measure his words well "I hope the fortunes...
Hikori was cut off by Akamatsu once more...
(Ooc: Sorry if I interpreted your sensei...if you feel anything he has said or done isn't right let me know and I will edit my post immediately. This way if you don't want Kai attending dinner you can interpret Akamatsu...if not can't wait to have Kai join in)
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Kitsuki Kai
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan ? Ambassador to the Lion ? Magistrate ? Samurai ? Courtier ? Tatooed ?
Posts: 22
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Post by Kitsuki Kai on Feb 8, 2011 10:01:46 GMT -5
(OOC: No worries Hikori, I'm curious to see where you go with him. Kai will be arriving late, so feel free to take Akamatsu where you'd like and I'll jump in later.)
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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 Feb 8, 2011 18:48:48 GMT -5
As Yuushahime entered she looked around to see familiar faces. It seemed quite a few people had turned up to this part of Shiro Kitsuki's training grounds. Likely they knew it entailed an official gift giving by the Crane student Daidogi Hikori and this must have generated some buzz.
At the head of a long table, raised slightly off the ground with pillows either side, was an empty seat where Minato would sit. Around it sat some of his current students, most of them past their gempukku. Some sensei seemed to be in attendance too, including the strict Akamatsu. Yuushahime was pleased to see Hikori was already present, though sadly for him he was next to Akamatsu. Still, he was placed opposite Minato at the other head of the table. This was quite an honour! Evidently Minato also thought highly of Hikori or was trying to suggest as much. It was not unknown to most of the room that his father had thought well of Hikori. Two places were empty - one in the middle of the table near some of the other trained Kitsuki and Dragon family members and one opposite Akamatsu. Yuushahime was directed to the central seat.
She bowed formally and made her way over. Light talk filled the room so she began idle conversation with some of the other Dragon she knew nearby. All told there were a dozen places in the room. A lady to the left of what was Minato's seat nodded to everyone who had come after a few minutes of the designated start time. She apologised for the delay and insisted Minato was coming but that it would be slightly longer than expected. Perhaps another 5-10 minutes. She dipped her head many times in apology, offering some excuses about him being summoned and having other tasks that had suddenly materialised. Most of these apologies were directed at Hikori.
Yuushahime knew the woman as Minato's new wife; Natsuko. The two had only been married for a few months now. Some feared the death of Reso would dampen the relationship but from what she had heard she knew that the two had become even closer. Minato's rise to senior sensei had ensured that. She frowned for a split second in annoyance at being unable to easily pass information to Hikori or reveal what little she had already uncovered.
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 9, 2011 5:28:38 GMT -5
(ooc: tommorow I have my abilitation exam...so I can't really answer till after that...Right now I am prepparing as best as I can...Sorry for the delay)
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Post by Daidoji Hikori on Feb 11, 2011 21:14:16 GMT -5
Minato's entrance found Hikori tense as a bow string. Akamatsu's presence only made things worse...
Just in that moment Hikori remembered the boy that had given him the invitation earlier...it's posture had been a little stiff at the left shoulder. Hikori hadn't put much thought to it back then dismissing it as a training inury...but Akamatsu was well known for his teaching methods!
Judging by Akamatsu's gaze this was all as the old sensei wanted...damn him and his tests!
Finally the moment for Hikori to present his gift finally arrives. The attending samurai make themselves comfortable after having finished their dinner. Hikori stands and thanks everyone and especially Minato for the hospitality he has enjoyed.
" Most glorious and esteemed Minato sama and noble samurai of the Dragon clan, I am truly honored by your hospitality, even these cold and hostile mountains seem warm and friendly after such a treatment as the one you have held in store for me...or perhaps I have indulged in too much sake"
Hikori says smiling. After a short pause
" The humble gift I bring to you Kitsuki Minato sama can in no way be compared to the blessing your father has bestowed upon me. To have been able to meet and study under Kitsuki Reso sensei is something I will brag about even when I'll go meet my ancestors after my demise."
With that the Crane samurai retrieves a small box from his sleeve and places it in front of him so that it can be seen by all. Images of birds of prey ornate the sides of the box except for the upper side where a stylized lightning bolt is depicted.
"As you know I am a Daidoji. All of the Daidoji at the day of their gempuku receive a tattoo of the Crane clan mon on their right forearm."
With that Hikori uncovers his right wrist, proudly showing it to the gathered samurai
"This tattoo represents the coming of age and the acceptance of ones duty to his clan."
Hikori opens the box and retrieves a small bundle made of blue silk. He unwraps it revealing a tattoo kit
" As much as Reso sensei's teachings have forged me into who I am today and have made me able to serve my Lord better, these needles and these colors were used to create the symbol of my becoming a samurai. They have been blessed by and they have been kept at my family's shrine...and now I bring them to you Kitsuki Minato sama, to honor your father as he has honored me by accepting me as his student and as you have honored me accepting me as your guest"
With that Hikori bows low to Minato and waits for his reply. With the corner of his eyes he watches for the reactions of those gathered to his gift..
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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 Feb 12, 2011 14:42:31 GMT -5
Minato-sama allowed for a long pause for those present to study the situation and for the tension to grow slightly. He enjoyed small displays of uncertainty as he believed some stress helped others grow. For their part the other dinner guests were uncertain, including Yuushahime. Akamatsu made a huffing noise, unsure himself of how to view the tattoo set. He was not a big fan of foreign students or Clans, treating them even more strictly than he did students actually from the Dragon. Still, even he eventually nodded after taking time to consider the deeper meaning behind the gift.
For his part, Minato remained reserved. He was a tall man, just under 6ft, with black hair tied in a top knot and a neatly trimmed beard. He was in his mid to late 30s. It worried some that he had still not had a child with his wife. In the modest dining hall he was wearing a very formal dark green kimono. He had left his wakizashi at the door along with his katana. The fact he commonly had a daisho on him showed his confidence more as a bushi than a courtier - he was quite keen on continued close relations with the Mirumoto family and was one of the key Kitsuki family members to press for such teaching. It was well known he had mastered the ninten style after training heavily with the Mirumoto.
However, he had a high degree of respect for the Togashi and other families that employed tattoos. He held back his smile as he made a display of looking over the gift with a poker face.
In a monotone he offered his two refusals and accepted the gift on the third offer, finally remarking upon it and showing his approval.
"This pleases me Hikori-san. I am touched by your personal gift and believe that my father would have felt the same. You grace us with your presence and kind words. I humbly accept your gift. I hope we receive more Daidoji family members as students in the future, especially if they are as sincere as yourself"
He picked up the gift and regarded it once more, finally revealing a smile. He then called forth "Sanoko" and a very young servant of around eight or nine years of age appeared in a flash. He instructed her to take the gift and proudly place it in Reso's room for the time being so that his father could also admire the gift. With that he sat down again and motioned for the meal to continue.
Yuushahime snuck a sideways long glance at Hikori-san and dipped her head in approval before going back to her meal. For his part Akamatsu grinned and offered a toast to the continued relations between the Kitsuki-family and the Crane as a whole and it was met with a cheer. It was quite unusual of him to offer such a gesture. However, he avoided looking at Hikori as he made the gesture; it wasn't quite clear if this was due to a lack of sincerity or him not wanting to appear too pleased with how the gift giving had been received.
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