Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 2, 2011 18:54:52 GMT -5
((This thread takes place after 'The Lion, The Scorpion, and the Unicorn.' It is open to both sides of the conflict with one of the main features being the presence of the esteemed Akodo Tomatsu handing out honors. PM or contact me if you've any questions!))
Toshi Ranbo has come under the control the Lion clan. Through their, and the combined efforts of the Toturi supporters, the city was taken and the forces that remained were hurriedly evacuating the courts and their belongings as needed. Although the battles had been vicious and tense, the city was not largely damaged as the siege warfare raged on further south.
The Lion forces and the samurai with them worked through the city, but one such individual who was present for the final battle isolated herself from the forces as they made their way to secure their grip on the capital. Bayushi Haruka was in her full red riding armor, her Utaku war stallion also armored, though neither showed any further signs of damage from combat. They had only arrived as the final attack was occurring, having been delayed by the road between Shio Utaku and the front lines. Needless to say the victory had lifted the spirits of the men, but for her it seemed to only still her heart's aches.
She had heard news of her husband and his actions in the Imperial court, so she began wading through the evacuating people, searching for rumors or signs of the Master of Secrets. But to no avail. Though at least she did recover some information from one house servant who was packing up their master's belongings that he'd been moved along back to Kyuden Bayushi, or at least so he'd overheard.
The Crane would gossip about such things..[/i] She thought to herself.
Tossing the man two bu, she began making her way back as Tomatsu would likely be wondering where she'd wandered off to on her own. She didn't really care to be under such a watchful gaze, as he was charged to protect her. But her husband's wishes were far from her mind now as she made her way back through the city on her armored steed.
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Oct 3, 2011 11:34:32 GMT -5
Mai and Ren took a steady trot through the town, wielding a jitte instead of her usual lance or katana, wearing only light armor and barding as if to tell the city that there was nothing to fear. It was important to establish order as soon as the city was fully taken, so Mai's cavalry was quickly mobilized into a police force, enforcing the nightly curfew and dealing with any crime that the chaos of battle may have opened the city to. Criminals were dealt with fairly and quickly, and any attempts of lion or unicorn troops to collect spoils were met with even swifter, and harsher, modes of justice. The city was valuable for what it was -- a prosperous center of trade and culture, fit to give large tributes to whoever held it. Under her watch, it would stay that way.
She had just finished breaking up a fight between two hot-headed young men trying to disrupt the line of refugees out of town when she caught a glimpse of an utaku steed in full battle armor. As soon as she saw Haruka, a smile broke across her face and she raced over to greet her utaku sister. She'd heard that Haruka had broken away from the battle to visit Shiro Utaku, and it seemed like a lifetime had passed since they last met.
"Haruka, I'm so glad to see you! I'd heard you'd suffered injuries on the battlefield and feared for the worst." She looked on Haruka's face only to find a deep pain in her eyes. Perhaps her injuries were still severe? "Please, my sister, tell me what is wrong? Are you still in need of care?"
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 3, 2011 17:02:11 GMT -5
Haruka's gaze lifted as her eyes came to life somewhat being mentioned by name. The voice and face were quickly recognized, and thankfully for the moment it seemed to just be the two of them. And in a flash of reaction she wanted to correct the battle maiden, but her own pride seemed to just as quickly be shoved away by her already overwhelming troubles.
"Ah, Utaku Mai-san." She had to steady her own voice to push the heavy thoughts aside. She simply shook her head in response to the question. "Thank you for your concern but I have already fully healed from my injuries." Giving a light pat on her shoulder where the arrow had entered her reassuringly.
Haruka only seemed to stop and pause, looking on past Mai at the squabbling men. Where they had thought to cause trouble perhaps before, the gaze of the Mistress of Secrets was enough to send them off on their way.
Her attention returned to Mai and her steed, as Riku seemed to nose towards Ren in a sort of curious and gentle greeting. "It pleases me to no end to see you here and now in the city, safe and taking charge." She smiled under her mask. "Although I wonder now if you'd be so kind as to accompany me back, as I know Akodo Tomatsu-sama is to be arriving very soon, and I would prefer that the sight that greets him is our fine warhorses standing vigil within the city. Would you oblige me?"
Her tone had lifted a bit as she looked now to where she would be headed.
|
|
|
Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 3, 2011 20:49:14 GMT -5
JUNKO
A pair of low-ranking samurai infantry approach the two samurai-ko, carrying with them a woman wearing a dull brown kimono stained with dust and ashes. The woman's hair was disheveled but her gaze was defiant. She wore a few scraps of armor and a katana.
"Excuse me, sama" the younger of the two says. "We found her hiding in the basement of a sake house near the walls. Some of our men saw her serving with the false Emperor's forces in the cavalry skirmishes outside the city. She was riding a Shinjo Steed - we think she might have stolen it from our honorable Unicorn allies. We suspect her of making an escape"
"How dare..." Junko raged, before realising that deference might be the better here. She swallowed and continued. "My name is Junko, but I once was Shinjo Junko, and that steed is mine as rightfully as either of those steeds you ride are yours, my ladies" She particularly paused to admire Mai's Utaku steed. "It's true that I fought alongside the Crane, and it's true that I was trying to join their retreat. But I am not a thief! Take me prisoner if you must - you beat us fair and caught me square, I don't deny it - but I'll not be treated like a common thief!" She jostled the guard in annoyance but made no attempt to break free, instead focusing her gaze on the two samurai-ko, clearly hoping they had the intelligence to believe her. Despite her defiance she was clearly frightened, as frightened as any defeated officer deserved to be.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 3:01:58 GMT -5
Haruka's gaze fell on the approaching guard, her concern increased as she saw they had apprehended someone. As the woman spoke and tried to justify her loss and her support Haruka's sympathy quickly departed. But in victory and defeat were the times of such moments that must be respected and remembered throughout the empire, no matter how subtle or unseen they might seem.
"Unhand this samurai-ko and leave us." She spoke with an almost dark authority, as her point traveled quite clearly across to the two guardsmen. With a quick bow they merely departed as she was clearly displeased.
The moment that the three of them could remain alone, she waited for the former Shinjo to regain her footing first before addressing her with very intense eyes.
"Junko-san." Again, speaking with such a deft tone that her words were unrestrained. "I have heard of Unicorn aiding in the actions of Hantei" avoiding the words 'false emperor', "and as all samurai understand that defeat in the service of one's lord in such a crucial task, such as war, and risking the life of one's lord because of it is a failure that no samurai can bear."
She seemed to pause a moment, guiding her stallion to come over and around Junko, looking her over with a slight grumble under her breath. She did not know many Shinjo in her duties as a Shiotome very intimately. She seemed to churn in her mind as the horses leg churned around the former Shinjo's body.
But as she was appraising the situation she looked upto Mai with some consideration. This was her clansmate, not Haruka's, and it was then that a sharp thought hit her like the arrow. Her eyes only slightly widening in some realization.
These words probably seem impossible coming from the Scorpion.. After they just declared their support for Hantei.. ... ....Senshi.
Her stallion paused obediently as she seemed to regain her senses and a new strange compassion loosened her tone. Part of her did not wish to speak over Mai, but another did not wish for her to carry out the necessary task as her second either. Such times had driven Haruka deeper and deeper into this mental warfare of what loyalty really meant, and if the samurai of Rokugan realized what this did to them all.
Her voice rose again. "I am on my way to see the victorious Lion Champion himself." The chance of being lead straight to the general responsible for pulling off the great conquest would daunt any captured foe, but Haruka continued. "Akodo Tomatsu-sama will be answering requests for those most faithful to him and our Emperor." She only paused a moment more before returning to Mai's side, still calmly seated. "He is answering to the wishes of the samurai who fought under his gaze, perhaps... I could request that your loyalty to Toturi III now be realized, that your mistake be washed from memory, that your loss be cleansed from your spirit as you rejoin your brothers and sisters."
She looked intently into Junko's eyes, as her fate now lay before her. "Unless you would prefer Utaku Mai-san as your second here and now, or myself if you so desire."
|
|
|
Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 4, 2011 5:13:48 GMT -5
Junko swallowed. Part of her wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. She rubbed her wrists as if savouring the fact that they were free.
"First of all, my lady, you may have heard of Unicorn aiding the Hantei, but let me clarify for you. I am no Unicorn. My last Lord made that totally clear to me. So what you may have heard of Unicorn does not apply to me"
"Second, you ask for my oath of loyalty to Toturi III. I never swore any oath to Hantei Naseru, so you are not asking me to break any. I simply agreed to work for an employer and do what he said. But this is the thing. The Crane who hired me might not have thought me honourable but he gave me work, pay, food in my belly and a roof over my head. I don't know your story, Mai-sama, but I doubt these are things you've ever had to work for. I've spent too many winters to count with my belly gnawing empty and my face burning from the cold to undervalue them. If I take your oath I have nothing to eat, nowhere to go. I am a refugee in a war zone and that is a slow death"
"So if you're going to take an oath from me and cast me out, take my life instead, because I know you are an honourable Scorpion and that you'd take it quick and without pain."
"But if Toturi III wants my blade, not just my loyalty... then that is another story. I fought for the Hantei's men and I fought well. We lost not because the soldiers weren't strong but because the Crane generals are incompetent fools who are better at dying their hair than planning a battle" She drew in a breath, realising that many Lords would cut down a mere Ronin simply for defying them, but she noticed the confrontation had attracted the attention of some nearby troops. One of them even stifled a laugh at the crack about the effeminate Crane.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 5:44:29 GMT -5
"Do not be so hasty in casting words around and against your former employers Junzo-san." A strange motion, defending the nobility of the Crane. Her stallion stomping his foot almost in emphasis. "The Crane fought well, and I can only pray that this transfer of power goes swiftly and smoothly."
She tilted her head up in a bit of thought. Haruka did not realize that the woman had merely been hired, and this changed things a bit more. She did not bother chastising those assembled for their laughter, she simply did not join them in their reaction.
"I do not know that Toturi-dono will be able to pay you as such. For that is not why we fight." Haruka's gaze returning to her, her words only slowing to ensure she would not speak something she could not follow through with. "But.. if you were clever enough to escape from the eyes of those who promised your pay, and if you so wish to continue fighting I suppose a new employer could be found."
She realized she wasn't giving Mai much of a chance to respond, but in the same understanding she didn't wish any more burden on her than what already was. Her place as the wife of the clan champion gave her a bit more leeway with the decisions she put down. There were many in Haruka's personal collective of recruits and under her command even from as far back as the Yobanjin conflict. Most notably her medium infantry squads..
"Work for me, be a blade on the side of Toturi and I promise you a meal every night so long as you fight faithfully. Every blade at my side will never go onto the field wondering if they will rest hungry, but when the time comes for battle, I expect only that you will fight with honor."
Her compassion passing into her eyes as they softened a bit, the rest of her expression hidden under her mask. "So long as this also means you will not pull the same stunt with me when the time comes. You should not expect any forgiveness from me should you flee the battle or hide away in the face of defeat."
She sat atop her steed relaxed now, hoping to resolve this gently. Enough blood had been spilled in the battle, she really did not wish to force a former Unicorn to do the same. She also knew that more fighting would be soon, no doubt that Hantei would be assembling his other loyalists for a counter attack soon enough. For now she didn't even so much as place her hand on the hilt of her blade, hoping silently that she'd accept.
|
|
|
Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 4, 2011 5:57:20 GMT -5
Junko shrugged, obviously not that interested in discussing the skills of the Crane Generals - she'd seen enough to make her own opinion, but if Haruka didn't want to hear it, that was OK with her. She did listen more carefully to what followed though.
"Rest assured I will not change sides again, Haruka-sama, although I expect a lot of your officers won't believe me. But I never swore loyalty to the so-called Hantei XXXIX, I only agreed to serve a Crane. That agreement seems to have been broken, so it is no dishonour for me to seek another. But if I swear to Toturi III, believe me, that is not an oath I would break."
"As for what you offer, I am not some scheming merchant dreaming of huge piles of koku. I only want to know that my belly won't hunger and my body won't be ravaged by the seasons. I don't ask for anything you don't give to the lowliest ashigaru who serves under you. I've gone hungry too many times to look down on millet and water"
"So then... if I am to swear loyalty to Toturi III, is this the place to do so? Will you be my witness?"
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 8:01:43 GMT -5
Junzo couldn't see it but the relief on Haruka's mind spread even into a smile. She gave a gentle nod as the matter was settled. "I believe my dearest friend of the Lion clan can attend to such an oath. So long as you are fighting with us I will do everything in my power to keep you comfortable.
Speaking of which..."
She turned now, already at Mai's side as she looked over at her rather expectantly. "I cannot delay the Shining Lion much longer, as he should be arriving any minute. Have you decided if you'll come along with me? I'm certain your honorable authority won't be missed for the short time we would be needed."
|
|
|
Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 4, 2011 8:12:09 GMT -5
Junko nodded and fell deferentially into step behind Haruka and Mai. Privately her heart was torn between relief - she didn't fear death, but she feared a dath as pointless as that would have been - and fear, for she had no idea what the future would bring, and uncertainty was a fearful thing for one whose life had so often been close to being taken from her. But she realised it was better to shut her mouth now even if she was no courtier.
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Oct 4, 2011 10:54:32 GMT -5
(this is what happens when I miss the forum for a little thing like sleep. Fie on me and my mountain standard time zone!)
Mai took in all of the events and looked over Junko with trepidation. She hoped Haruka knew what she was doing. She gave a high whistle, and her second-in command rounded a corner. She tossed him her jitte. "I will be attending to the Mistress of Secrets to ensure her safety until she reaches the Shining Lion. I'm trusting you not to let anything bad happen in the meantime." She gave a sidelong glance at Junko. Through all the dirt and hardship, she did seem to still have some small bearing of the unicorn. "See to it that the shinjo steed that was confiscated today is taken to the care of Bayushi Haruka-sama. My order supersedes the city magistrate's, but assure him I will explain it to him when I can." Her second, a fellow unicorn, would make sure it was done.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 4, 2011 11:52:54 GMT -5
Haruka nodded, as Mai consented to accompanying her. Their pace through the city would be steady, only trotting along side by side as they came to the gate, largely undisturbed as they began heading deeper to where the Toturi forces had already secured their control on the city. It wasn't as though there was much alarm to be accounted for as those who remained were well aware of the transition.
She knew exactly where to go, although that was only because she had somewhat arranged the fanfare as it were for his reception. She only seemed to pull away from Mai as she took to parting the path for his coming, standing in formation with many of the troops who had fought beside her. The stark contrast of her armor shining out among the others, and as it seemed for now she would simply wait.
Meanwhile the Lion embassy seemed to be churning to life deeper in the city. Already word had been sent to prepare the grounds for the occasion. And while they knew the victorious clan champion on his way, the nature of the message seemed to indicate something more was afoot. Needless to say the servants and samurai stationed there were already hard at work putting the finishing touches on the embassy.
|
|
Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
|
Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 4, 2011 15:11:48 GMT -5
They would find Tomatsu at an inn just inside the entrance of the Gate. It was not on the main road, slightly off on a side street to that ran parallel to the main road. What would normally be a minor inn was bustling with Lion samurai, attendants and horses. This was the gathering point for the samurai who would ride behind the champion to the ceremony, these were the samurai who would be receiving honors from the champion and as such, had earned the honor of riding in with him. There were twenty horses out front, all being groomed and cleaned in preparation for the big day. Lioness was amongst them, having been cleaned first and she was now patiently being armored for her ride.
The inside of the inn was far less organized. In the center of room of the inn, the tables and seats were filled with the twenty samurai, all being groomed as their horses were for the ceremony. They were in various states of dress, from just kimonos to full armor. Attendants were running around all of them taking care of small things, such as a tweak to their hair here, or a cleaning of a bit of armor there.
However Tomatsu was not seen amongst them, a familiar young servant woman appearing before the women and bowing. "Donos, Tomatsu-dono is inside getting prepared, he left instructions for you, Bayushi-dono to be taken inside to see him and that your horse is to be groomed. Is Utaku-dono here to join in the procession as well? If so she is welcome to leave her horse to be cleaned and groomed, and to use the attendants inside to prepare." She bowed to them and awaited their response.
|
|
Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
|
Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 4, 2011 15:57:24 GMT -5
Akodo Jin sat at a small table in the inn. Having been through both the clan war and the war of the spirits, Jin had been decorated a few times before. He was not here though for himself, but rather as the proud father of a small cavalry captain Akodo Daisuke. Daisuke had charged into the front lines himself with a whole unit of cavalry in a flanking maneuver that had earned great success. What was not seen before hand by their leader though was a large unit of Daidoji defenders that were lying in ambush. It was Daisuke's quick thinking that not only saved his unit but also routed a much stronger opposing force long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
Akodo Jin himself had also participated in the march on Toshi Ranbo recruiting men, keeping looting to a minimum, leading his men into combat, saving many, having led many to their deaths. Jin had come out of retirement for this war. He was far too old but for some reason he kept on fighting. He only awaited the day when he could again take up residence with the ikoma and live peaceful days in the hall of ancestors again.
But for today he was proud of his son, who had successfully led a daring attack and survived, he was also proud of his daughter giving up her duty to fight in this war for an even greater duty... to find out why the Emerald Champion hadn't marched during the Yobanjin war. She had received his letter as they were about to take the west gate, and after the battle was over he told her his answer in person.
"Yes Akane, I dont think I could keep you from such a glorious duty even if i wanted to. Go with Ikoma Toshi, and make me proud."
While she was married and had had children, she still answered to her father. Her husband was a kitsu shugenja, but he understood the bond that father and daughter had, and respected it.
"Soon" Jin thought "I'll be able to retire, and leave my people in good hands with the rightful emperor"
|
|
Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
|
Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 4, 2011 17:09:41 GMT -5
- Hour of the Tiger 04am - 06am - Keisuke and his attendants made their way through the disappearing Lion camp. As soon as Toshi Ranbo had been secured Keisuke had begun dividing the army in work crews that would work night and day dismantling the camp and siege lines. Food stuffs and supplies had the priority, they were being moved in to the city first. He watched with pride as his troops moved with the fluid grace of a single creature, they each had their task and they knew how important it with the news from Permission City. Hachi was Never where he needed to be, taking his time gathering and army while Unicorn lands burned, then attacking a minor Lion holding when the Lion armies where marching on Toshi Ranbo itself. But Keisuke shook those thoughts from his head and he turned his focus tho the earth shugenja who were destroying the seige lines that had been built not weeks before. While not as strong as the elemental masters, any army attempting to use anything the Lion had built would find it very difficult indeed.
- Hour of the Hare to Dragon 06am - 10am - At the northern gate, Keisuke met with the Ikoma Wardens and Matsu Beast masters. They were to discuss ways defend the apporch to the city from the north. The plan was simple, Wardens would attempt to foul the roads leading from Permission City, while those forces leaving the city would be ordered to move to Crossroads Castle to recover while some forces from the Crossroads would be split to reinforce Toshi Ranbo and Castle of the Swift Sword.
Then he had to give the an order he never wanted to give but better that Keisuke gave it, instead Lord Tomatsu-sama. He turned to the ranking Lion Warden. Ikoma Tomoi, you are to destroy all food stuffs and set fire to the fields between Permission City and Toshi Ranbo. I want Hachi's forces to find it very difficult to resupply themselves before they march here. Silence filled the small gathering, they knew it would hurt their own people, however all things can be endured, crops can be resewn, store houses rebuilt such was the ways of war.
- Hour of the Serpent to Horse 10am - 2pm - From the Tower of the Northern Gate Keisuke met with those surviving commanders from Permission City. He wanted to know everything they knew of Hachi's tactics. Of those officers who were here now Keisuke placed them back in the command of forces guarding the Northern gate. They had fought Hachi once and lived and he knew they could do so again. He soothed their fears and reminded them that in every war there are victories and defeats, and this war was no different.
- The Western Gate - Keisuke paused to whip the sweat from his brow, he had joined one of the chains of soldiers that were clearing ruble from the Western Gate. As he looked out over the plain he could see were his work crews where building a new structure to house the gate. The sight was a thing of beauty the pieces for the gate were laid out upon the ground in the shape of the gate but laying face down. As work on the tower would finish new peices of the gate would be brought in to place. Keisuke had no doubts that his men could finish the work in time.
|
|