Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 8, 2011 12:25:23 GMT -5
Haruka did not seem to pull away from the conversation though, in spite of Tomatsu's clear desire to deviate. "Every man makes mistakes Kasumi-sama. It is how we learn, even the Leadership states 'Never study your victories, only your defeats'." Her eyes seemed to flash, subduing all the more anger quite readily. Tomatsu would only know this look as something she would give right before she headed out to the battlefield to wage war for Toturi. Even Kasumi might know these eyes, though it had been a few months since she'd seen them.
Her tone remained even though, her anger still resting like a coiled snake in the back of her mind. "And with that being said, you think you can learn a man inside out and still he will surprise you. That much I do know, Kasumi-sama."
She seemed to actually grow more tense again, but all the woes of such shocks in one day seemed to fall away from her and be replaced by this unrelenting fury. Haruka had always had a reason to fight and to kill. But this sense of duty was quickly being lit by something much shallower, and such emotions she had to keep in check. Her hand came to her side as if to dust off her kimono, brushing off Tomatsu's hand and arm for now, even making skin to skin contact. But in truth the Unicorn in her hardly cared about that now. Such social structure seemed to pale in the needs of a warring land, and warring mind.
"All the same, women are no different." Her focus turning like an archer's gaze. "When will the Unicorn be joining the conflict at hand. When will Utaku Kasumi-sama ride in alongside me to fight against Hantei and his armies. I feel the battle of Toshi Ranbo will not last much longer, and it would be a shame to deny a fellow Toturi supporter of such glories." Her absence on the battlefield had been felt, and Haruka wished to know why one of the finest Unicorn remained back, restrained much as she had felt since her days debating politics with the Scorpion in Kyuden Bayushi.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 10, 2011 16:30:25 GMT -5
It seems that she did not bother much with Haruka "exploding". Even more, she was rather good with that. At least Haruka started to act like a normal person, not just a doll sitting there and doing things that she had to do.
Watch it, Haruka.
Kasumi has taken an apple and reached under a pillow, taking a knife meant for throwing. She cut an apple in half, showing two, almost identical pieces.
Look at those two halfs and try to understand what I am trying to tell you. She did cut it in even parts, but it wasn't green nor red. Apple's skin was having a few shades of both colors. One part seemed to have more seeds, but the other had a stem. This is why, Haruka, even if I can find my other half... no one said that we would be equal, even if matching perfectly... I am not a child, remember. So, I'd appreciate it if you stop treating me like one... sometimes. As she has already finished her meal, she bit a half of an apple and started to chew on it.
When... when... it all depends on when Kaneka-sama decides to march. For now he's moving rather slowly. But who am I, to rush him? Utaku Kasumi-sama also has things she needs to do here, in Shiro Utaku, that prevents her from moving along with her heart desires. She has shrugged gently. If you want to know what keeps me here... ask me about it later. It's not something that I can talk about now... while you are finishing your meal. And as we speak... are you willing to join Akodo-sama while I will be showing him of my treasures gathered here by my ancestors and me, as he has asked me for it.
Someone has knocked the door and opened it, without Kasumi allowing to come in.
Utaku-dono, there is a message for you. They say it's important. A young female wearing full armor came in and bowed. Bring it here, Ayumi. Kasumi waved her hand. Yes, my lady.
Forgive me for a second... Kasumi said to Haruka and Tomatsu as she started to read. With each second she frowned more and more. Tell Kael and my Hatamoto to come to me early in the morning. I will handle it later, as it can wait... for now. You may leave. Other Utaku bowed again and left the room, shutting the door quietly.
Long sigh came out of Kasumi's mouth when she pushed a message away. I hope you have enjoyed your meal, Akodo-sama, Haruka.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 11, 2011 12:51:09 GMT -5
While her back was briefly turned to them Haruka seemed to have whispered something to Tomatsu while they were seated there, but her neck hardly turned far for such a gesture. She only smiled as Kasumi's eyes fell back on them both.
She promptly turned and stood gently at his side, only pausing long enough for him to rise along with her. The two in a surreal sort of sync that few Unicorn could imagine a former Shiotome and an Akodo to be in.
"Kasumi-sama you know I would not wish to have the master of the Lion caught in a dishonorable situation. I feel I must insist that I at least accompany you both." Her smile was so lively, it reminded Kasumi very readily of the years before her leave when she was just a battle maiden to her. Gentle, playful.
But in that same moment of almost contentment and relaxation she snapped for one of the servants to return. "Bring me my mask back please." The servant naturally bowing as she departed only momentarily from their presence and holding it with some relative reverence. Haruka gave her a gentle gaze as she took it from her and dismissed her just as easily.
"Tomatsu would you re-affix this for me please." She seemed to insist a bit on it here and now. The same mask that she had been given right before her marriage, by him.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 11, 2011 14:49:19 GMT -5
He stood and took the silk from the servant. He held it in his hands for a second, seeing how it had held up over the months. His koku had not gone to waste it seemed, as the stitching and the softness of the silk was almost as good as the day he had seen them first at the tailors. He slowly stepped behind her and dipped his hands around her head, leaning in close to make sure his work was careful, he would not want to be responsible for her mask to fall in any court, even one she was so familiar with. He also used this time to whisper to her, a quick word.
When he was finished he walked back over to the untouched food that was set before him. Inwardly he was sad he wouldn't be able to eat, but he at least settled for finishing off his tea before he left, it would have to do till he could figure something out, at least he had a few rations left in his saddle bags which must be in his room by now. He downed his tea and turned to face the women again.
Thank you Haruka-san for not letting me get myself into trouble. Now Utaku-san, please show me what wonderful gaijin things you have gathered, I look forward to seeing what things I am missing from my collection which I will have to work towards getting.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 12, 2011 8:36:35 GMT -5
Glanced at Haruka and Tomatsu again, noting that someone should really talk to Haruka about how improper her actions were. She did not bother with the way that Lion act, he was just a male. But Haruka was a married woman, and being so intimate with someone else than her husband was hurting even Kasumi's feelings - and she was a special case for being really tollerant to bending the rules... Plus, having them the way they were now... she felt like an intruder in her own house. And she didn't like that feeling at all.
Of course, Haruka. This is why I've asked you if you want to acompany us. If you were too tired for that, I'd have to take one of my servants with me, to follow us.
Kasumi looked at Tomatsu's unfinished meal and frowned. What a waste of food... She felt that again he is not to her liking. Spoiled Lion... probably Unicorn food was hurting his tongue. Next time she will offer him rice and a fish, nothing more! Puckered her lips. Akodo-sama, I see you did not finish your food. Do you wish to eat later in your own room? I can ask servants to bring you a warm meal when we are done with the touring. Same goes for you, Haruka. If you need anything, just let me know... or ask servants around the house. They are there to aid you with anything you might need.
Kasumi stood up, waiting for them to acompany her.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 13, 2011 15:36:56 GMT -5
Yes of course Utaku-san, I would enjoy a small snack later if your servants do not mind. I have found that the topic of conversation this dinner has rather soured my mind towards the prospect of eating. Not that he really cared what her servants thought, but since he was in Unicorn lands, he had to pretend to care. Now I do believe you have some wonderful gaijin things to show us. I have been looking forward to this since your revelation earlier. He bowed his head slightly towards her and took his place next to Haruka's side.
He stood next to Haruka, close enough that she had to turn slightly to continue to face Kasumi. With his right hand out of sight now, he reached back and gently took her left hand, not clasping hands but holding the outside of hers. He used his thumb to rub her hand gently, trying to calm her down a bit, hoping that a gentle touch would remind her of why they came here to begin with. He kept his face towards Kasumi and gave her a, "When your ready" look towards her.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 14, 2011 13:54:05 GMT -5
Looking at how they both acted, she really wanted to leave them alone. It was against her personal believes what they were doing. Tomatsu was acting even more intimate than Haruka's husband would do, and to Kasumi, who treated marriage as something sacred... it was like a loud and painful slap. She remembered how she asked Haruka long before, when she asked her for pemission to her marriage with the Scorpion Champion, if she loves him. And that time Haruka nodded to that. But looking at her now, Kasumi wasn't sure about it. Or she lied to her, or something has changed. Or she was just reading it all wrong... at least she hoped for that option. Because she was sure, that if Tomatsu was acting on his own acord... Haruka would just brush him off - but she did not. So...
Kasumi shaked her head to her own thoughts.
Then I will ask someone to bring you your snacks, Akodo-sama. And now, please, follow me.
Kasumi left the room they were eating in and lead them through corridors till she reached a different part of a house. She stopped in front of a heavy, wodden door and opened it with a small key.
Welcome to my Kingdom. bowed with a smile.
There were many shelfs filled with scrolls and heavy books. Some of them were covered with some kind of material - probably to keep them safe. Pedestals with sculptures and vases, bigger and moe interesting that those they could see while entering her house. Of course, also here there were Gaijin armors or part of their equipments. Mostly weapons. This is my personal hobby. Kasumi pointed at one of the racks. It belongs to my father... Sadly, I have never seen him wearing it... This is "cassis" she pointed at a helmet "catafracta" coat of mail "ocrea" greaves "scutum" shield. This is "pilum" her fingers gently touched a large javelin, about two meters long, with an iron shank. But his favorite was his sword. Slowly, she reached and took a sword on the highest rack near her father's armor. It was shot, two-edged weapon for cutting and had a tapered point for stabbing during thursting. A solid grip was provided by a knobbed hilf added on, with ridges for the fingers. The hilt was ornated and if Tomatsu and Haruka looked really close, they could see engraved name on the blade - "SISERA". There was also a bow, called "arcus" that Kasumi showed to them and arrows "sagitta" with a wooden shaft and iron heads - probably previous owner used it often as it was repaired a few times already. And a "pugio" - leaf-shaped dagger. Its hilt was decorated with inlayed silver. But enough of showing that... let's look at something else. Kasumi touched her father's sword once again and placed it back on the rack.
She approached another racks, full of all kinds of swords like kris with a blade that flares our from the point toward the hilt like a wedge and a small tang projecting from the top, a few kinds of sabers like dadao, longsword, two-handed sword. There were a few types of scimitars like shamshir, pulwar or kilij. Of course swords weren't the only types of weapons she had there. Axes, daggers, maces even hammers, spears etc. It depends on what interests you, Akodo-sama and Haruka. Weapons? Scrolls? Jewelry or maybe clothes? Art? Tell me what you want to see and I will show it to you. This way it will be easier and faster.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 16, 2011 12:22:23 GMT -5
Haruka could remember at various points in her past where strange crates delivered goods to Kasumi's home, and part of her wondered if some of these items were what was hidden inside. Some of the weapons seemed to draw her attention more than others as she had to stay her hand from reaching out to take one of the exotic axes up. Her old Unicorn curiosity getting the better of her.
"These are all so very exquisite Kasumi-san." She put a hand on her chin, thinking about the possibility of what else they might wish to see. Her mind taking in what Tomatsu might also enjoy.
"I wonder... did you also happen to have any of the garbs that the women would wear, or even the jewelry that they would decorate themselves with? It is a shame we could not enjoy their beauty on a gaijin woman, but still being able to see such things would be enjoyable."
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 16, 2011 15:36:42 GMT -5
Kasumi nodded. Oh yes, I do! Loads. My grandmother, it seems, loved to dress up in Gaijin clothes. But tell no one. She smiled and winked to Haruka. If you want you can try some of them. I see no reason for you to only look. Also if you want to have a closer look on any weapon go ahead. Just do not touch those that belongs to my father, please. The rest is available for you to touch.
Kasumi rubbed her nose, thinking about something really intensively. Oh! There! She has opened one of many sliding doors and they could see something like a wardobe, full of colors. I knew it was one of those doors... It seems she was pretty proud that she could remember which one exactly. Inside there were many outfits. Charming kimonos but also clothes that for sure were made by Gaijin tailors. Come, Haruka. Try something on. Or I can call a few servants to model for us. Your choice. Kasumi has taken one of sets out to show it to them. It's called "saree". Pretty comfortable, especially when it's hot outside. But it takes some time to wear it if you don't know how to do that... This is choli, also called ravike. She showed a midriff-baring blouse, that was cut to fit tightly to the body, with short sleeves and a low neck. The choli was cropped, allowing exposure of the navel. It also had a cut-out backs and front-opening buttons, and heavily ornamented with embroidery. They say that there are many styles of draping saree, but I know only a few. The most common one is for it to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the stomach. Some women uses that loose end to cover their hair with. Want to try it, Haruka?
After showing saree, she pointed at a different outfit. This one could be found on the Burning Sands if you look carefuly enough. Anyway, it's really comfortable and practical. Here's "alasho" with a veil. Both women and men wear it. My grandmother told me that the men's facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits. Of course it depends on a tribe, and besides, it is also related instrumentally from the need for protection from the harsh desert sands as well. It's like a tradition. They also wear a lot of amulets containing sacred objects... She turned around and started to search for something Here. On Kasumi's hand there was an amulet with engraved words on it. It is to protect them from evil spirits that come at night. Something related to the moon I think. Anyway, this one is for women, "tasuwart" She showed different veil. Here is "takatkat", both men and women can wear it. showed a shirt Here are pants, worn by men, called "akarbey" and here is "afer", women's pagne... or a wrapper. "Iragazan" here Kasumi showed red leather sandals. Did you know those people are sometimes called "Blue People" because of the indigo pigment in the cloth of their traditional robes and turbans? That pigment stained their skin dark blue. She smiled and touched "alasho" - blue indigo veil, gently.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Oct 24, 2011 4:26:12 GMT -5
Stopped/suspended due to ... whatever the reason is.
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