Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 16:59:09 GMT -5
Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Sept 18, 2011 16:59:09 GMT -5
The Daidoji nodded. His yojimbo training reflexively committed the blade's location to memory. He did not think the Lion would try anything with it, but it would not do to fail in his duty twice in one day. We will go straight to the court of Hantei-teno, and he will receive you at his convenience. I hope that my Tairo will be there as well, I believe he will be eager to see you again.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 18:32:24 GMT -5
Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 18, 2011 18:32:24 GMT -5
"If it pleases you, Senshi-sama, I will walk with you. Perhaps we can keep these delays to a minimum." He gives a deep bow to the Scorpion Lord and falls into step with them.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 20:09:38 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Senshi on Sept 18, 2011 20:09:38 GMT -5
Senshi did as instructed. To him it was an agonizingly long walk. Under the scrutinizing gaze of the defenders of Hantei. He gave of an image of unerring confidence, as if he knew he could do no wrong. He walked and stood tall. Inside though was a tumult of roiling emotion.
Senshi shut the world out and just walked, he would only stop if anyone made an effort to halt him. He would walk straight to Hantei, and would shut the door behind him.
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 20:22:43 GMT -5
Post by Akodo Taiyo on Sept 18, 2011 20:22:43 GMT -5
Taiyo acknowledged the Yasuki Daimyo with a brief nod. Chad-sama was known to him by reputation only, as certain stories concerning him had reached the commanders at the Lion encampment. This was the samurai who had helped forge the reoccurring morning cease fire, that both sides may collect their dead and recover wounded.
Taiyo mused Perhaps diplomacy should be taken out of the hands of the diplomats and ambassadors and placed into the hands of the men and women who face death on the battle field every day.[/b]
As yojimbo, however, his first priority was Senshi-sama's safety, and all other considerations would have to be left behind. He could feel the hatred and disdain heaped upon him by nearly every Crane they passed.
Fine, let them place all of their blame on my shoulders. Perhaps once their emotions are spent they will be more reasonable.[/b]
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 21:00:25 GMT -5
Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 18, 2011 21:00:25 GMT -5
Chad sympathized with the lion; when he had made his opinion clear to his clansmen when Kaneka's Announcement reach his clan, many of them looked at him the same way the Crane looked at this Lion. He was fortunate Setsuro-sama gave each of his vassels leave to support who they wished.
Although at that time no one thought an open, brutal, civil war was about to erupt.
No one bothered them on the way to the Palace, although many looked like they were about to but thought better of it.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 21:41:51 GMT -5
Post by Asahina Yukihime on Sept 18, 2011 21:41:51 GMT -5
While walking through Toshi Ranbo (yet far away from the main castle), for those who bother looking further around, it would be possible to notice a few shugenja fully dressed in white, running the funeral ceremonies and cremating the dead with great honor and full respect.
The tributes were not only to the Cranes, the Scorpions who had found their final moments here were also receiving their share of prays in the most tradictional ways.
(OOC: I'm aware no distinguished samurai will have time to deal with this right now, but I thought it is important that everyone knows how it was dealt with. And that no detail was forgotten in this case)
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Arrival
Sept 18, 2011 23:09:56 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Senshi on Sept 18, 2011 23:09:56 GMT -5
Senshi was pleased no one tried to halt him, and his travel took him through the palace. The last thing he saw before entering the court chambers was a window that overlooked the whole city. There Senshi noticed the funeral absentmindedly, bowing his head, before closing the door behind him.
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Arrival
Sept 19, 2011 15:36:41 GMT -5
Post by Akodo Taiyo on Sept 19, 2011 15:36:41 GMT -5
Taiyo watched solemnly as the doors closed behind Senshi. He turned his back to the door, and held his head high. He stood alone before the assembled Crane courtiers and bushi and met their gaze, one after the next, with stoic resolve. The sound of raised voices came from behind him, and some amongst the gathered samurai strained to catch a hint of what was said.
Clearing his throat and stepping forward with one foot Excuse me, Doji-san Indicating the lovely artist in the corner holding a biwa If you would do me the honor of playing, I would be most grateful. In such a time as this I would rather have the sound of your music on my ears, than be tempted to listen in on a conversation that is not mine.
The Doji artisan looked to her clansmen for approval. Disdain, and a bit of confusion at such an unprecedented request shown on the assembled faces, but no one intervened. Without further pause, the samurai-ko knelt down and began to sing a few notes, before letting the sound of the lute join the song. A sad, and low music began to flow from her, washing over the audience, and masking the conversation coming from the other room. Taiyo looked at the Doji, smiling at her understanding and compassion.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Arrival
Sept 19, 2011 17:55:48 GMT -5
Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 19, 2011 17:55:48 GMT -5
"Taiyo-san, if you would indulge my curiosity.... Why did Senshi-sama choose a lion bodyguard."
The Scorpion Lords choice of escort seemed insane, given the circumstances.
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Arrival
Sept 19, 2011 23:39:21 GMT -5
Post by Akodo Taiyo on Sept 19, 2011 23:39:21 GMT -5
Taiyo silently regarded the Crab for a moment, while pondering the inquiry. Yasuki-sama, I would not dare to speak for Bayushi-sama in this matter. The decision was his, and only he knows the secrets in his heart.
His stance changed from one of resolve to a more relaxed pose. However, it is well known that he and Tomatsu-sama are close friends, as close as brothers...even without shared blood. Even now, at Bayushi-sama's request, his wife is in the Lion's care, recovering from an injury she received on the field of battle. Much like your own clan, the Scorpion have been divided in this civil war, and even their mighty Champion has been caught between difficult choices. Perhaps his choice of escort has more to do with where his heart is, than with the duty that has been thrust upon him by his clan.
Returning to his protective stance, and scanning the assembled samurai for any threat But of course, I really do not know. This is only one possibility, and the truth will most likely be more complex than I can fathom here and now.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Arrival
Sept 20, 2011 0:02:20 GMT -5
Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 20, 2011 0:02:20 GMT -5
"That is essentially the same conclusion I came to. And one of the reasons I did what I could to expiadate your time in the city. Less a chance for idle words born of frustration." It was clear from the Yasuki Daimyo's manner that he was not wholly comfortable in court. Disgust of some remembered event virtually coated his last words.
"It won't be long now, will it? With the Pheonix on their way here and Permission City.... so pressed, your Champion will try to resolve this battle as soon as possible. It has been a regrettable honor to face your army in battle." He says this is a low tone, so the music hides his words from eavesdropping Samurai. His expression is serious.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Arrival
Sept 20, 2011 14:57:04 GMT -5
Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Sept 20, 2011 14:57:04 GMT -5
The Daidoji who had led them through the streets appeared somewhat restless. Akodo-san, I do not pretend that our conversation changes anything, but seeing as we here...why have you raised arms and armies against your Emporer?
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Arrival
Sept 20, 2011 17:47:40 GMT -5
Post by Akodo Taiyo on Sept 20, 2011 17:47:40 GMT -5
Shaking his head in disappointment Daidoji-san, I must applaud your skill with the spoken word. Truly the Crane are gifted, as is demonstrated today by both your music and your speech. Your skill is so great that you have managed to forge both a question and its answer into a single sentence. The first is the question, which on the surface would seek to understand the position that the Lion have taken in this conflict. The second, however, is the answer, at least as it is understood by the Crane. 'The Lion have abandoned their honor, betrayed the Emperor, and have fallen lower than eta.' Am I correct in interpreting your meaning? Hmmm...I am sure I have heard that from the Crane before...perhaps it was mentioned by your diplomats in an exchange of letters?
You leave me with a quandry...which part to answer? I am not sure I can answer the first, because any answer that I give which may be contrary to your presumed understanding will only lead to more disagreement...a luxury that I do not have at the moment, what with the duty that I fulfill here today for Bayushi-sama.
Likewise, I am not sure that I can correct the answer that you hold so dear, as your clan has already come to a conclusion on the matter. Now, if someone in the Crane were willing to come to the Lion with an open mind, and hear our position without judgement, then perhaps we could come to an understanding, even if agreement was never reached. You may not believe it possible, but the Lion have been able to remain civil, and honorable in the dealings we have had with our adversaries in this conflict. Just ask the Phoenix Champion, who recently visited our encampment outside the city.
I hereby invite you, and which ever of your lords or ladies who have the courage to set aside their preconceived notions, to a frank and friendly discussion between samurai, so that we may better understand each other. But I warn you, come with venom on your tongues and words laced with double meanings and the conversation will be short.
Concluding his thoughts, Taiyo turned away from the Daidoji and returned to his watchful gaze.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Arrival
Sept 20, 2011 18:33:17 GMT -5
Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Sept 20, 2011 18:33:17 GMT -5
The Daidoji listened attentively to the Lion's response. You ascribe far too much depth to my words, and I've heard no foolishness of comparing samurai to eta. I simply wish to understand what calamity occurred that convinced you and your armies that you were now someone else's Right Hand. I assure you, my mind is open, although it no more apt to change than your's.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Arrival
Sept 20, 2011 19:03:13 GMT -5
Post by Bayushi Senshi on Sept 20, 2011 19:03:13 GMT -5
A voice, pained and thin, traveled past the closed door. "Taiyo san, could you get the door, please." After the yojimbo's task was completed, an alarming display stepped out of the room. There stood Senshi, face flushed with fast pumping blood, his right kimono sleeve draped loosely at his side his arm pushing through the front of his robes, exposing some of his chest.
But what really drew everyone's attention was the smell of burnt flesh and the blackened mass that was once Senshi's right hand. Only his index finger and a bit of thumb remained, though they were clearly inoperable. Senshi gripped his wrist with his good hand, and took three shaky steps forward.
His whole body shook as he looked around the room, it wasn't weakness the others saw, but pure concentration and focused pain. A sharp exhalation of air preceded his next words, "I... have done what I must, to prove to our true emperor... my devotion to his cause, and hav- ... have sworn to..."
He paused, clenching the muscles in his face, closing his eyes shut and he gasped again, "Sworn to defeat Totur-... Kaneka. I chose, to suffer a pain worse then my life... to prove this..... sincerity, by thrusting my hand... into the torch fire, until my hand became but burnt... flesh. And have given control of my armies.... to the Emperor Hantei-dono. I have... been given leave to return to Kyuden... Bayushi... and muster our forces- for the cause... of the Emperor and the Empire he resides over. From any threat, seen- and unseen."
Senshi fell, backwards. Landing on his rump, clearly still in pain, but when others offered to help he shook his head, stood under his own strength, and started to make his way out of the room and down the hall. A stunned silence remaining in the waiting room.
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