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 Sept 20, 2011 9:10:11 GMT -5
(Dance, have some drinks, meet each other, hang out or talk to someone important - all here!)
The people of Nanashi Mura had been celebrating for a good few days now. Some had even spent the whole time all but completely inebriated. Nonetheless, the town was orderly and well managed and there had been no reports of fights breaking out or things being stolen. The town guard patrolled reguarly and the townsfolk and ronin seemed both equally genuinely happy about the upcoming gempukku.
In what passed as the town square, a large open area with a post for important announcements in between the market stalls and the mayor's house, many ronin and heimin had gotten together to start the Tuesday's celebrations. Everyone had now arrived and competitions were beginning. The market's lively atmopshere almost matched that of the drinking stands and buildings scattered around the town - its inhabitants that jubilant. Had not Musori promised this event would bring the town wealth, respect and glory and that it would the gempukku hosting would be celebrated every year thereafter? There was much to be ecstatic about!
A number of students had started gathering at the town centre too, brought here by the promise of live music from a travelling group, free food and drink - they had to only show their Clan Mon. The group were mostly still fiddling with their instruments, one had a flute and looked ready to go while one on a samisen and another on drums looked busy inspecting their instruments. This did not stop two female dancers from spinning around and laughing as they called others over.
After a few minutes the music started, at first a gentle song as a warm up that slowly quietened and expanded the crowd. The town square was becoming full now, though a few of the larger tables became empty as the second song started - it was much more lively. A few of the students even forgot themselves and started to dance with some of the better looking ronin and peasants. This didn't seem to bother the two dignitariesthat were there, the venerable Akodo Giki who merely cheered while his yojimbo looked on awkwardly, and the only slightly younger but much more odd looking Isawa Pibyoji, whose yojimbo stood rigidly, a stern look as the man inspected the musicians and dancers.
A lot was going on. The band played, people danced, ate and drunk. Some trinkets were being sold by a couple of wandering merchants, making the most of peoples' good spirits while a ronin patrol circled the square with smiles on their faces. Elsewhere a monk, flanked by a few others, seemed to be meeting people and offering blessings. It was a good day to be in Nanashi Mura.
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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 Sept 25, 2011 10:04:01 GMT -5
After weeks on the road with the other Unicorn who came to attend the festivities, Iuchi Maiko was more than happy to be out of a saddle for a time. She uneasily dismounted her horse, the dapple grey mare standing quietly in place for her as though knowingly. Maiko gave her a tender stroke of appreciation before the stable boys took her to rest and recover from the journey.
She also took the chance to remove her other companion who was lashed to the saddle by a leather tether, a young hawk that seemed rather eager to be anywhere but lashed to the back of a horse. With a few disgruntled flaps of his wings, the hawk settled down on Maiko's leather glove.
Immediately reaching to her back, she removed the ornamented walking stick from its place and brought it to her side. The feathery additions on the top of it matching her head dress. While there was talk of competitions and things, she thought it best to get acquainted and have a rest first.
With a sigh of contentment and quiet anticipation she ventured forth, without hindrance with the aid of her walking staff. Seeing that there was a few tables left unoccupied, Maiko took the chance to rest herself on a firm place and gather her strength for whatever might come. While her eyes rested rather enviously on those that had the ability to dance, she simply consoled herself by caressing the impatient bird that rested on her wrist. He had been brought up in human care since his hatching, but he was still not far along enough in his training to be trusted off his tether.
"Shh, Sakka. Do not flutter so much or you will only ruin your feathers."
She spent her time for now quietly consoling the bird and looking up expectantly at the other arrivals. It was an interesting occasion to be in contact with so many clans at once, but she understood that the Unicorn were well misunderstood, and she didn't have the courtier's courage to start a conversation with anyone else just yet. Maiko only waited in some hope that she could participate in the shugenja competition soon.
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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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Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 25, 2011 10:16:30 GMT -5
To Bayushi Shinra, the party was an irresistable diversion. The Journey up here was constant test, test, test by the Scorpion Sensi and he knew he had nothing to worry about. No one ever came close to his skill back home, this contest would be just the same as all his other victories. So when the time came, he politely detatched him self from the Scorpion retinue and joined the party with enthusiasim. Remembering the downfalls of achohol, he refrained from partaking in it, but ate perhaps a bit more then was prudent.
He joined the Dancers, dancing with one Samurai-ko after another. From each he took their name and asked if they were here to participate in the contest. So far though, only spectators. When the dance ended he would invariable move to another woman, and the whole process would repeat.
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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 Sept 25, 2011 12:47:47 GMT -5
Moshi Arisu had had just about enough of the journey here. She had been places by boat before, but traveling overland was just a hassle. At least with traveling by boat there were storms to color the sky in beautiful greys and blacks. The constant sunny days traveling overland had ruined her mood. She remarked that she would have to live somewhere on the coast in the future, perhaps Broken Wave City. However the drinks that she had taken when she arrived at the beginning party has soothed her mood, dulling her hard edge, and of course there was dancing...
She was glad she had decided to skip her more formal kimonos, as the dancing and the drinking caused the heat of the activities to affect her more so than they would separately, despite her normal resistances to such things. Yet she did enjoy dancing and took a few songs in stride. She watched the desperate Scorpion bushi, trying to get the names of every girl he danced with. She sighed inwardly at how far the Scorpion had fallen if he couldn't even work his wild Scorpion charms or Scorpion intelligence networks, just to appear one night to the girl of his choice, already knowing things about her. She left the dance floor before he could get a chance to embarrass himself with her, or so she liked to think he would have, and a smiled creased her face at the thought.
She picked up her Furoshiki and rummaged through it for her fan. She scanned the area looking for the perfect combination of seat location and conversation partner. Her sensei would be proud that she remembered her lessons well. She settled on what must be the only seat remaining at the festival, and walked her way over to it, lithely dancing around servants and people moving about, continuing to fan herself. She finally arrived at her seat, next to what she assume was some sort of unicorn courtier or shugenja, she couldn't tell based on her quick assessment but she had concluded she was no bushi. She sat with her back to her, taking the pins, combs, and jewelry out of her hair, replacing them with a small purple ribbon to keep her hair up. Her sensei always said that it is always best to put personal touches based on the person you were talking with, to help elevate their mood. She thought the touch of adding something unicorn to her look, such as it was, was the best she could do right now. She threw the rest of her hair accessories in her furoshiki and tightly pulled the drawstring shut, before turning to face her partner.
Lovely night isn't it, it is nice to see such a lively festival? To no one in particular, the most appropriate way to start a conversation with someone you did not know before hand, and with the lack of someone to do the introductions.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 25, 2011 12:58:18 GMT -5
A rusty voice replied to the Moshi's question. "Indeed, Mantis-san. I apologize for addressing you as such, but I cannot see your mon, as it is turned away from my eyes. I am Ikoma Arami," Already on his 2nd bottle, Arami was in a good mood. There was both drink and woman in abundance here. He'd considered going to see the Unicorn, but the Mantis' words felt perhaps she needed company, and he was more than willing to give it. "and I must confess, that it's both an honor and a privilege to be in your company, however brief. Would you like a drink?"
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Sept 25, 2011 16:53:22 GMT -5
Shosai had recently arrived at the village, escorting his charge. The charge was a member of the the Seppun family and while Shosai was not told the reason for him to come here, it was no real concern of his. The charge had pay his dues and informed him that his service was no longer in need. So Shosai had found himself searching for a new charge yet again.
Shosai had stowed his armor and gear away in the room he was staying in. He dressed in a plain fashion with no more than his daisho showing his status as a samurai. He pulled his white hair back into a knot for this occasion.
Shosai had found himself amongst the people of the square, a few merchants tried pushing their wares on him as move past, only to be turned down. Kiku sat on his should with her tail wrapped around Shosai's neck. The pet doing nothing more than waving gestures at others and make noises.
Approaching another who had seemed to had brought a pet as well he spoke to her. "Ah, that is a fine bird you hold there."
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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 Sept 26, 2011 4:04:20 GMT -5
The music shifted gears again, this new song some type of local melody that was hauntingly beautiful if a little slow. Both dancers stopped and started to sing along to the tune. It told the tale of a woman who died prematurely and refused to move on. She originally protected and guarded the one she loved in life but grew bitter as he moved on to new lovers, finally cursing him. However, the day she was exorcised by a monk on the man's insitence was also coincidentally the day the man died suddenly due to flood waters. A strange tale. Still, the local peasants and ronin seemed to appreciate it, many joining in if a little disharminously.
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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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Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 26, 2011 14:26:54 GMT -5
When the music changed Bayushi Shinra said goodbye to his dance partner. The nearest table had a ronin man talking to a Unicorn maiden with a hawk. He remembered she had flashed him a death stare on the floor when he began to approach her on the dance floor and he, perhaps wisely, quickly chose a diffrent partner. The Table next to them had a lovely mantis samurai-ko talking to a lion. All the other tables nearby were full, so he took a seat at the table with the Lion and Mantis.
"It is a lively festival, isn't it?" Without waiting for a reply he continues, "I am Bayushi Shinra of Three River dojo. I am here to compete in the Tournament. You?"
He talks rapidly, still flushed from the dancing. He looks perhaps 16.
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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 Sept 26, 2011 15:49:14 GMT -5
Arisu fetched the metal fan out of her furoshiki. She flicked it open begun to fan herself, while it was more work, the results were greater. She first addressed the lion, as he had spoken first and it was generally best to honor those with the courage to speak first, or so her master claimed.
I apologize for not wearing mons, this was a party and I did not realize it would turn into such a court function. My name is Moshi Arisu, and it a pleasure to speak with you Ikoma-san. I would honored to share a drink with you. She delved into her pack again and produced a rather ornate sake cup, placing it on the table in front of her.
She then turned to the Scorpion who she had seen dancing earlier. She congratulated herself that her beauty must have caused him to follow her off the dance floor. She merely gave him a look of intrigued curiosity before answering his question, she figured he had earned at least her name, and at the very least, she now knew someone in the Scorpion delegation.
Hello there Bayushi-san, my name is Moshi Arisu, I have to say you are quite an accomplished dancer, it is too bad I tired before we had the chance to dance together.
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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 Sept 26, 2011 16:48:03 GMT -5
Iuchi Maiko looked to the voice that addressed her. Her eyes gently scanning rather swiftly finding no real mon or any distinctiveness in his character. However her eyes did catch onto the small ball of fur of a monkey clambering around him, and the sight of it just made her smile.
"Oh my, yes, thank you." She bowed her head to the man, still being seated there and resting her leg. The Hawk on her wrist only flapping his wings another time before settling back down and appraising both this new person, and this new potential prey item.
"He is hardly a pet I'm afraid. Though not fully a hunting companion yet either. Sakka here.." giving another gentle caress to the bird, though his eyes did not deviate from his new targets. "Is still very much in training. But who may I ask do I have the pleasure of meeting first tonight on this most wondrous of occasions?" She went ahead and drew a slight assumption that perhaps he was indeed a ronin. "Did you happen to live around these parts, or did you have to come far?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 26, 2011 17:12:20 GMT -5
Grinning, Arami took out a ceramic bottle. "Then I shall share my best. This is a Unicorn brew, with juice from the Burning Sands added in. I admit, it has a bit of a strong kick. Bayushi-san, would you like to join us as well?" Arami had already poured him a glass as well. "It's nagiri, so no need to warm it. It's a small, but fantastic distillery they have."
He smiled as he took his drink and downed it in one go. He smiled at the Moshi and Bayushi. "It is proper to introduce one's self over sake. I am Ikoma Arami, and much like you Bayushi-san, I'm here to compete. Though I will be in the courtier competitions."
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Sept 26, 2011 17:59:34 GMT -5
"You may call me Shosai, and this is Kiku." He said pointing at the monkey that was accompanied him. "I am not from here but as it is I am currently not from anywhere." He said with a bow. "Tell me if you may, who do I address and are one who is here to be tested?"
Kiku held on through Shosai's motions. When a person with food walked by she reach out in attempt to grab some. After being unsuccessful full she looked at who her master was addressing to notice the hawk and stared at it.
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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 Sept 26, 2011 18:55:09 GMT -5
"Shosai-san," Nodding again very respectfully, "I am Iuchi Maiko, and it is my honor to take part in the competitions today. I unfortunately am no sage with a blade or the words of court. But I do hope to prove myself at the shugenja competition, but I need not hope or worry. My hands are guided by the forces beyond and I will do whatever their will desires."
She seemed to silently notice the two familiars having their starting contest as she shuffled her hand, forcing the hawk to readjust himself and rebalanced a bit, breaking the focused stare. He gave a slight snap of his beak in annoyance but she would have to coach him on how to find the right targets later.
"Will you be participating in any of the events here Shosai-san?"
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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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Post by Yasuki Chad on Sept 27, 2011 9:00:46 GMT -5
"Well, BANZAI"
Shinra takes the glass and after the barest of hesitations downs the sake. His eyes water and a slight cough escapes his lips. He is obviously unused to drink.
"That was.... diffrent. But good." He coughs again and shakes his head.
Turning to the Moshi, with a smile he says, "Not to worry Arisu-san, when the music livens up again we can dance. This is the last chance, for me at least, to simply enjoy myself before the Tournament demands my total attention. And I aim to make the most of it.!"
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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 Sept 27, 2011 9:47:36 GMT -5
She took her drink and took it down in one shot, echoing the Scorpion's cry of Banzi. She then set her cup down and turned so that she could face everyone, including the budding conversation next to them as well, trying to widen their circle so that she could meet new friends as well. She inwardly sighed that this Scorpion was truely a bushi, for any one with a hint of courtier would not have been so informal at a first meeting.
Well Bayushi-san while I am sure your stamina is endless for dancing, I have reached my limits on dancing, I am not the best dancer you see. Ikoma-san, may I have another drink, I find that your strange brew is quite good.
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