Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 28, 2011 18:35:55 GMT -5
He walked to the room, coming up to Haruka's side as usual, he gestured towards a pillow on the floor for her that would allow them to sit next to each other. He knew she needed his strength now and he would resolve himself to give it. He did not know what had set her off in his room, but he guessed it was just the impact of her family's death finally reaching her. He resolved to change the subject and hoped that would relieve her mood.
He finally spoke, and when he did it was not in the Rokugani tongue, but the harsh tones of a language that was not something Haruka could not understand. If my memory of Augustus the Unifier is correct, "Infantry is superior to cavalry. Men can be exhorted by lash or by coin. Horses do not understand these motivations, and thus are inferior to the work of men." Perhaps if you look at those lessons from that point of view, you might understand what these generals are trying to tell you? He sat next to the cushion he pointed out to Haruka, hoping the foreign language would make her curious enough to forget about her troubles for a moment.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 29, 2011 6:54:29 GMT -5
I don't think it is. Infantry while facing cavalry has at least one weakness. Slow movements and deployment. Cavalry combines both missle and shock capability with extensive mobility. It's not that hard to outflank infantry formations. Cavalry, especially Unicorns... Hmm, yes, that would be good. She nodded to herself. Once, there was a nation that Yodotai faced with their infantry. Something called P... don't rememeber now. Anyhow, they had a heavy cavalry and their success was based on using a large numbers of fast-moving light riders to harass and skimrish. They have also used heavy armored lancers. I believe they were called "cataphracts". Those cavalries used powerful composite bows that shot arrows of sufficient strength to penetrate Yodotai armors. The cataphracts extended combat power by serving as shock troops, engaging opposing forces with their heavy lances in thundering charges after they had been "softened up" by swarms of arrows... She continued talking to herself, using other language and looking at those documents she was holding, not even raising her head to look at her guests. And saying that horses do not understand... it's a lie. Tell it to our Utaku Steeds and then face your punishment when they get mad for being offended by your words. We do not need to pay our horses to work with us. We do not need to lash. We are one. They can fight with us, they are trained to fight on their own if we, riders, fail. They value our lives more than their own. But people that do not use battle horses for their lives do not understand the meaning of the bond between horse and its rider. Kasumi frowned for a second. But same as cavalry, infantry has it good and bad sides. All depends on where and when. And it's general's decission to use the right one unit for his next battle...
Kasumi has turned her head to the door, finally noticing people there. She blushed and sort of rolled to sit. Oh, didn't notice you are already here. Forgive me, but I really got into those scrolls that I lost a track of the time... Kasumi blushed even more, bowing lightly her head to them and hiding her face behind her red hair for a second.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 29, 2011 13:34:07 GMT -5
Haruka was still too out of sorts, absentmindedly leaning against Tomatsu's arm while they were talking. Nothing of substantial contact but her frail mental state caused her to physically weaken as well. They continued chattering on and on in this language she couldn't really understand, and frankly couldn't pull her senses together to care to do so.
Although she was at least focused enough to nod appreciatively as she was served some tea, the cleansing warmth of it helping her to relax if only for a breath as she continued to work through her thoughts. She could've been a bit more bothered by Kasumi's lack of notice, but she seemed too busy drowning in her own internal sea.
The talks went on for months... All these questions of loyalty Success and failure.. What should happen if we simply stood aside and apart from this conflict.. ...then it was the assassination attempt. ........Men throwing their lives on the altar for Hantei.. For him.. against him..
..........But Senshi...? My Senshi?
It cannot be true..
She could keep the wincing internal, making her an otherwise stoic and unwavering figure beside Tomatsu, the tone of his voice being the only thing that tethered her to reality now even though it spoke in a language she'd forgotten. And yet no matter how she fought with it in her head, the thoughts would not leave her be. She simply focused on the drink before her and moved with a calculated precision so as not to shatter her emotional resolve.
Although she felt a change in her heart that seemed to only make it harder, as the sense of disbelief and question now transitioned and evolved into a deep and bitter rage. She took another long sip.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 30, 2011 13:00:49 GMT -5
Tomatsu continued to converse with her, ignoring her apology. He had read the works of Yodotai generals from Augustus the Unifier to Marcus the Butcher, and thought he might understand the Yodotai mindset, they at least shared a few major things in common with the Lion Clan philosophy. They were both infantry based armies and understood that while horses had their place on the battlefield, they had problems of their own. More food was required, roads and flat lands could only be used and the horses were useless against an army with Spears.
Perhaps the Yodotai do not have such a unique connection to the horse as you do. Then again the Yodotai empire is an empire of the man, so it makes sense that they would perfect the style of warfare so closely associated with infantry warfare. If you wish to learn more about their philosophies on horses and warfare, I can have a copy made for you of Aurelius' "Of Steel and Steed". I do believe it is the pinnacle work on how to use cavalry in the Yodotai army.
He felt Haruka lean against him, and he didn't move. He knew she was weak now, with the death of her family. He would stomach with whatever dishonor this would cause, if any, because he knew she needed this strength and he was happy to give. He bowed his head slightly towards the servant who gave him some tea, remembering to be polite to servants in the Unicorn lands. He took a sip of his tea, enjoying the heat on this throat. He had nearly forgotten about his sorrows through the conversation, and he tried again to focus on his Yodotai and his knowledge of their culture and ways of warfare.
Have you read their treaties on naval warfare? I find them fascinating, the thought that ships should just rope on to others to put soldiers aboard the enemy ships so they could fight like it was a normal land battle? Now that would make the Lion the naval power of Rokugan if our ways were not so different.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 3, 2011 3:14:19 GMT -5
Kasumi has raised her head and looked straight at Tomatsu. He has made her curious now. There werent't many people outside of the Unicorn clan that could speak other landuages that freely. Especially this one. Well, he had some problems with pronouncition, but he was Rokugani, and some languages weren't meant for them to use... or something like that. He was good, that's all, and she had no problems with understanding him at all.
Yes, of course, Akodo-sama. This is why I've said that a smart general has a lot of different units, being ready to switch between them when needed. It's not like Unicorn clan is using a cavalry only. It's true that it's based on it, but we do use infantry. We use gaijin weapons as lances or scimitars or different kinds of bows. We use archers standing on the ground but also those that are doing that while on a horse. We have light cavalry that are mobile but also a heavy ones, that charge and strike hard. Even our horses, that are used by heavy cavalry are armored. You should understand that we had 800 years to learn different ways of hmm differnt nations. Also the way they were doing their battles. If we saw something that was worthy of using - we implemented it into our own use and tactics. Kasumi put her documents away and taken a plate with cookies. Put them in front of Haruka and Tomatsu so they could taste it while drinking their tea and waiting for the meal.
I believe you do remember a person named Sun Tao, Akodo-sama. And his book called "Book of Sun Tao". There are no records of our tactics, where we were still called Ki-Rin. They say he went to look for us, but... Anyway, when we came back our equipment, units or the way we fight - it all came to a great shock to all Rokugani. Because there was no way for us to survive without adapting to our surroundings. Thanks to that we came back. Strong and with a knowledge of many nations and many centuries where they were running their own battles and wars. The Yodotai are the same. Their military power is based on the knowledge of many cultures that they conquered. Maybe it's not what you'd like to hear now, but this is what and who we are. Oh and yes, that "Of Steel and Steed" copy you mentioned, Akodo-sama. I think I have it somewhere. My father left it for me. But, as Sun Tao has said... "The wise man knows that he cannot learn to be a general from a book." She has smiled gently. Sadly I did not read their treaties you mention. Ships were never in the field of my interest. But if you'd like, you can search my small library and check if there is anything about it. I believe my father could left something interesting.
While she was speaking, servants came in, bringing small tables that they've set around Haruka, Tomatsu and Kasumi. After that others came in, carrying trays filled with bowls and plates. There were typical Rokugani dishes but also those that could be extraneous. Hundred of scents filled their noses.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 3:16:55 GMT -5
Haruka drew strength from Tomatsu simply sitting there, and as it seemed she depressed her desire to indulge herself had dissipated as well. Her low mood seemed to simply haunt her and linger on, Tomatsu becoming the tether for her sanity.
She started to rest her eyes as she simply leaned there listening to the words drift past her head, far beyond unwilling to try and make sense of it anymore. Her irritation had grown though as she mustered up something to say at long last.
"Could we all just please speak Rokugani.. or perhaps I should leave you Yodotai samurai and leave for Toshi Ranbo now. Enough fighting has gone on without me, and each moment that passes is another that I deny the Lion my blade at their side."
Yes, battle. The one thing that could silence any mind or any doubt. With all this happening she suddenly found herself craving it more than any fine dish before her. The one thing Senshi forbid her to partake in. But now, with his change, what did that matter.. She rubbed her head a bit into the arm of Tomatsu's kimono in a rather intimate display, which seemed funny to her for the Shining Lion to tolerate her so far. But admittedly in their travels together and moments between the Yobanjin and now civil war conflicts, she'd grown much fonder of the Lion and him as a samurai.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 4, 2011 15:26:26 GMT -5
He switched back to Rokugani, speaking to her in a low soothing tone. As he spoke he moved his arm out from under her and wrapping it around her shoulder, drawing her close, attempting to soothe her warrior spirit. There there Bayushi-san. The lady Utaku and I were merely discussing strategy of the Yodoati Empire, but alas, I'm sorry, we will speak so that you may join us as well. Forgive me, and perhaps I will teach you some Yodotai, so that you might be able to join our conversation in the future?
He used his other hand to take another sip of tea, placing the table before him now and he took a good wiff of the smells around him. My my Utaku-san, you certainly have outdone yourself. These dishes smell delicious, and are a welcome sight compared to the traveling rations we have been eating on the road to get here. While he talked he gave a slight squeeze to Haruka, holding her close for a second, trying to lift her mood as best he could. He turned to her, While I eat perhaps you ladies could catch up? I do not mind being left out of the conversation while I eat. He nodded to Haruka.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 4, 2011 16:06:54 GMT -5
Glanced at Haruka and sulked. As for now you can eat and get better. You are my guest now so stop thinking about battles. Think about that little one you carry and your own health. At least for once, Haruka. Besides, I believe battle won't end because you are not there, trust me. And... if you turn your head a bit, you can see at least one Lion by your side. So everything is in the right place. She has nodded to her own words. Now, be a good girl and eat. And remember to eat meat. It's good for your child's health.
Her eyes followed Tomatsu's hand around Haruka's shoulder and she frowned for a second. Even if he was only trying to make her feel better... she tought he's acting with too much of intimacy. Especially with someone else in front of them. Kasumi shaked her head softly and focused her eyes on the table that servants put close to her. Oh not at all, Akodo-sama. This is regular meal for me and I hope you enjoy it as much as I usually do. Haruka is used to it, but I'd recomend to eat dishes with meat slowly, tasting it first. Kasumi smiled limply and reached for a bowl of rice. Enjoy your meal, both of you.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 16:28:31 GMT -5
Haruka seemed to ease when they all finally came level with her and spoke in a tongue she could understand. Tomatsu's gentle but bold comforts even in the face of Kasumi made her smile a little, although it could also be from taking comfort of being surrounded by such warrior souls.
She seemed to give a nod and straighten herself, as the burden of it all still weighed on her in the back of her mind, but she could push it aside and at least enjoy the rare company of these two.
As she savored the taste of meat once again, feeling the strength of it fill her belly and her form, she reminisced a bit on how she always dined well before a battle. Hunger never was a good motivation in the face of conflict and danger.
"So tell me then Kasumi-sama, what else is new out of the reach of the talk of war and loyalties. What have I missed since I departed from Shiro Utaku and the Unicorn territories?"
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 4, 2011 17:13:27 GMT -5
Kasumi swallowed what she had in her mouth and put chopsticks away. Nothing much. Everything goes around Kaneka-sama and Hantei-dono case. Especially that Kaneka-sama is still staying here with his army. That's the main topic here for these past days... or weeks. People aren't that calm as we would want them to be. They are worried. Well, we all are. But we do what we have to. Hands with really long and slender fingers combed bloody red hair. But since you have left... we had some births and some deaths. Natural circle of life. Many horses were born as well. Oh, I believe you do remember Utaku Yuuka. She got herself a husband from Ide family and now they are working on her first born... whatever that working means. You probably know, looking at you, so I am gona ask you about it later... Can you believe no one wants to tell me that? Me! Their daimyo! They tell me that someday I will find a wife... I mean a husband worthy to teach me about it all. Kasumi pouted her cherry lips for a second. Oh, Akodo-sama is it true that it doesn't look like with horses or other animals? You are a male, so you should know it, right? Some of my sisters say that a great warrior is great not only on the battefield but also in his chambers... is it true? One could think she is joking but it seems that she is seriously asking them both about things that aren't considered to be a proper topic for a discusion between people that aren't on a really good terms. Especially while having a meal.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 17:35:12 GMT -5
The strange topic was a fine distraction from matters. Normal courtiers could easily find fault with the woman, but Haruka would save Tomatsu from such a stumble by speaking before he could think of a response. Her words rolling off her lips as she spoke between dishes.
"Well in all truth Kasumi, such things are for married ears only. You know very well what a taint it would be for an Utaku to be aware of such practices before their wedding night, I mean we are women of pure valor. We strive for excellence, and at the same time our focus is not towards things of worldly pleasures that would put any samurai-ko to shame.
Our patron Otaku-dono laid such traditions down for us ages ago, and we certainly would not wish to spoil our honor or her intentions with such talk."
She actually eyed Kasumi a bit more tensely as she spoke unapologetically. The dishonorable speak that came from her lips did not concern her, but certainly gave her something to fix on. Something to correct. She turned the topic around on its head as the question stuck in her mind like a counter attack.
"I wonder though, have you been thinking much about marriage then lately Kasumi-sama?" She smiled a bit more widely, "There must be some warrior in your sights for you to even fret over the worries of married life." She even went ahead and laughed at the thought. "And he must be quite the warrior to take you on!"
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 5, 2011 2:16:08 GMT -5
Kasumi smirked when she noticed that Haruka caught a catch. Finally, she has focused on something else than being gloomy. She didn't mind playing a bit foolish... fine, really foolish person now, if it could help Haruka to speak and concentrate on something that wasn't anguish. Kasumi did notice that Haruka slightly changed her way of sitting, especially when she was rebuking her. And that was good enough for now.
I know it, but... Sheer wrinkle showed up between her nose and horehead when she frowned. It's not that I've been thinking about marriage... it's rather that it is my duty. But... the thing is that I did not find a male that would be equal to me. Of course I have found some that are close to being considered as a good match. Kasumi rubbed her nose. I've been thinking that I would never marry for a political purposes. That must be really boring to be a wife of someone who doesn't love you and who is your husband only because his own benefits. Yes, if there is love I see no reason for it to be also a political marriage... if your love can connect two families or clans that's really good... but It looks like she was looking for some words but after a few seconds she just waved her hand. Besides, can you imagine a male that could handle me? Kasumi started to laugh and covered mouth with her hand to stop herself. I wonder who would be that desperate to even try it. And if we take how good couple my parents were... A male that wants to be my bride would have a really tough nut to crack. Actually, that would be funny to watch how he try to handle me... or tame. Hmm, Haruka did you change a lot when you married Senshi-sama? I mean... you have to be an obedient wife... at least in public. How does it work? Is it hard? Don't you have an urge to pinch him sometimes? Or put your hand on his shoulder and squeeze it so you could almost hear his bones crack? Kasumi leaned to Haruka's side and stared at her intensively. I think that male I decide to marry... if ever, would have to be better than me when it comes to riding a horse, battling, using a sword... or other things. She has completly forgot about Tomatsu sitting there, and talked to Haruka like they would be all alone. Tell me... is love enough to make your marriage work? Or is it better to be partners? Or am I missing a point here? You know, Haruka, I have never bothered myself with a marriage before, but... everyone around is finding or looking for a husband, so I feel left in the back... a bit. Plus, if I don't find one on my own... who is worthy... Khan is gona do it for me, and I'd rather have something to say when it comes to the person who's gona share his whole life with me...
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 5, 2011 14:43:00 GMT -5
Ah of course it had to come back around to Senshi again. But as his name floated past her ears, but it seemed not to sink her in her place now. Instead Haruka dug down inside of her and found a new emotion to couple with thoughts of him now. Nothing pleasant, but Haruka was more well trained in her self-control than anyone could have realized. Her frustration and bubbling anger actually fueled a toothy grin.
"I can understand your desire to choose someone you care for Kasumi. But I can certainly attest to something, and it is that even though you may think you know someone, you cannot always account for their future actions.
You had best make your decision quickly and decisively, as a fellow huntress and rider, we know all too well what it is like when our moment is missed and the hunt failed all in that pivotal moment."
She was not so willing to even suggest any problems with her current husband. Haruka had learned enough from the Scorpion to know how to give nothing, and take everything from even a mild conversation.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 5, 2011 17:48:11 GMT -5
Kasumi has raised one of her eyebrows while looking at Haruka. For a second her eyes stopped at Tomatsu, but it seems he was so into his meal that nothing else could come to his senses.
No, Haruka. Even I do know that there is nothing called "being certain about someone", even if we are talking about the one chosen as a husband or wife. Don't you think it could be boring to know everything about everyone? Where is the place for a surprise then? Besides, do you even know what will you do in a month? Or two? Are you sure you know what would you do if you had three options to decide? No one knows that, just as no one knows what will happen tomorrow or in a month, or a year.
We are all just humans, Haruka. We do mistakes. But the most important thing is to realise it. I must tell myself almost every day that I am not almighty and immortal... And you know what? Sometimes I can't even convince myself...
Kasumi rubbed her nose and sighed. She needs to find a different way... or leave it for now. It isn't smart to trying to break the wall with one's head. Especially without any protection.
I still have some time to decide. I do not want to make a mistake. Especially that I see no one that could be worthy to recive my heart.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 7, 2011 15:04:56 GMT -5
Tomatsu had been following the conversation without eating, trying his best to understand what the two women were driving at. He kept his arm around Haruka, holding her in part to soothe her and in part to make sure she could not get up and do something rash in her emotional state.
Perhaps politics and marriage are two topics we should stay away from tonight, it seems to be... souring our conversation. What else would you ladies wish to discuss? Perhaps any new children in the Utaku family that Haruka-san might not know of? He hoped the distraction of children would save this evening from turning into a nightmare. He eyed the food near him hungrily, unable to eat now because he had to moderate the conversation and inwardly sighed wishing he could eat.
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