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Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 8, 2011 8:51:20 GMT -5
Junko followed Haruka in to Tomatsu's presence, but she was too wise to pipe up. She restrained an impulse to finger the belt of her rough-cut kimono, suddenly feeling very self-conscious of its crude cut and print. Although Tomatsu's garb was not as luxuriant and extravagant as the perfumed Crane "generals" she had met while defending the city, it was nonetheless a display of prestige and position that made her as a mere scruffy Ronin feel quite small.
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 8, 2011 9:33:03 GMT -5
Kibo walked quietly forward and bowed to the ground in fromt of her Clan Champion. She'd assisted Keisuke=sama with some of the details of the siege and led a portion of the Ikoma O-Ban in the final battles, and done well. Let the people think the Ikoma were a lot of old men who told funny stories. They were also people of action!
She knelt, head to the ground, and said,
"The Ikoma will always be there for the Akodo as it has been from the beginning. We live to serve. Please accept the captured standards that my Samurai took in the city's capture."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 8, 2011 18:20:13 GMT -5
For a moment Haruka paused, turning to regard Junko before so much as greeting the Lion clan champion.
"Please wait here, we need a moment to discuss things in preparation for the presentations."
She had been quite simple and polite, though it was hardly an order the ronin could refuse. The thin walls that divided the inn hardly allowed much for them to really hide beyond the necessary discussion, but Haruka went on in with Tomatsu to finish such last minute preparations.
Their silhouettes merely betrayed their lips moving as they spoke just below the hearing level of those in the rooms around them. The occasional personal attendant of the Shining Lion also fluttered about the room quietly, the tabi they wore brushing against the floor as they shuffled along without a word of command from the samurai. In truth they merely were discussing some minor details about the proceedings before them. But it would be Tomatsu to decide when they were ready to leave.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 11, 2011 14:36:12 GMT -5
(Yah yah I'm here, here we go)
Thirty minutes later the doors of the room flung open with a loud crack. The din of the room was quickly silence as the lord Akodo himself appeared before the gathered men and women on the floor below. He wore his full battle armor, polished and shined to an almost mirror finish. He took a few steps forward to the railing of the upper floor, placing his hands on it and looking out over the gathered Lion and other faithful warriors present. He raised them a bit, palms upward towards the sky and nodded a few times with a smile. This is a gathering a Lion Champion can be proud of.
He put on a smile as he moved down the stairs, glad handing those present who had gathered, a rather informal meeting as was his favored style of diplomacy. He pass by the table with Jin and Taiyo and stopped for a second. He put on a sour face and reached across the table, taking the sake bottle up and shaking his other finger at them. Now now gentlemen, how dare you start drinking without your honorable champion. In one swift motion he then downed the rest of the bottle and gave them a big grin, bowing slightly more deeply than was his normal to both before moving out to his horse.
At this point a servant now addressed the room.
"Greetings honored donos. Tomatsu-dono has left specific instructions for the progression of the ceremony. All riders will be given positions behind Tomatsu-dono. Those receiving honors from him will continue to ride in formation once we reach the outer gate of the embassy, but will wait for Tomatsu-dono to reach his position on the dais. Each will stop at the bottom of the steps, bow, then proceed half way up the steps and bow again. You will then proceed to the last step before the top where you will receive your honors. After your presentation, you will file out along the pathway and will be allowed to join the crowd gathered or return to your duties. Those not receiving honors will be escorted directly to the crowd for the viewing of the ceremony once you have arrived at the outer gate." She bowed and with that the gathered servants began to usher the gathered samurai out of the building, to join in behind Tomatsu as he took his position on top of Lioness' saddle at the head of the procession.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 11, 2011 14:51:12 GMT -5
As Yamuso (obvious)
Yamuso watched the Lion Champion from behind his mempo. He watched as he met with those in the room. The bravado, the confidence, If ever a man had been the perfect candidate for becoming the paragon of perfection, Yamuso had found him. He made a mental note to speak about this later.
As the servant spelled out the plans for the ceremony, Yamuso leaned over to the Yasuki daimyo. I think they mean for us to witness, and then to report.... or at least... for you to witness and report.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 11, 2011 15:17:42 GMT -5
For now Haruka had nothing to add in the wake of Tomatsu's appearance. She only nodded and beckoned Junko to follow along the procession as she took her place on Riku's back. The stallion hardly having needed anything more than a light brush to straighten his mane as he stood proudly.
She was positioned near enough to Tomatsu, but regardless of where she stood it hardly seemed to matter to her as she remained simply focused on the stoic appearance. One lone Scorpion standing with the Lion and the forces of Toturi as they walked in relaxed victory, the battle over, for now.
Silently she stilled her urgency, her worry, and her rage against her husband. Such thoughts needed to be pushed aside for now. Once things were attended to here, she could easily depart.
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Akodo Keisuke
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 11, 2011 17:18:08 GMT -5
Keisuke moved up next to the Lion Champion, and after the briefest of formal bows Keisuke spoke in a lowered voice to Tomatsu. Lord Tomatsu-sama I will spare you the details, but here are the plans I have set in place. Pausing as though to gather his thoughts and leave nothing out. Your arimies are have struck camp and moved with in the walls of the city I have worked to divide them among each of the four gates as to not over crowd one part of the city make if it is needed the defense of the city easier.
Our work crews have begun repairs on the Western Gate, and expect to finish on schedule, whilst it will not be as strong as it once was work will continue till either your armies leave the city or Hantei forces attempt to reclaim the Capital.
Lastly my Lord the roads to the North are being watched and traps are being laid down on the approaches from Permission City. I have stationed a select few of the veterans commanders from the battle at Permission City on the North Gate their insight to Hachi's tactics could be invaluable. The plans are simple, Wardens will attempt to foul the roads leading from Permission City, while those forces leaving the city have been ordered to move to Crossroads Castle to recover while some forces from the Crossroads shall be split to reinforce Toshi Ranbo and Castle of the Swift Sword.
Keisuke bowed once again to the Champion and moved to take his place in the procession.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 11, 2011 17:26:47 GMT -5
He watched his most veteran commander from his saddle, and as he turned to leave, Tomatsu called him back.
Akodo-san, first of all, they are our armies, you are their general after all, I am merely the man who keeps them all together. So let us split the difference and call them ours. I approve of your actions, they seem in order with the highest values of leadership. My only additional order is that I meet with those commanders from Permission City to confer with them on Yasuki-san's tactics. I did work for him for quite a few years after all and might be able to shed some light on the matter as well.
My only other question is what preparations have you made to deny the enemy any more of our resources between here and Permission City? I do not relish the idea of the Phoenix or Crane growing fat off of our backs.
He stared down at the man with kind but firm eyes. He needed the facts and now was not the time for him to try and be efficient, now was the time for details. He had missed the final battle at Toshi Ranbo, now was the time for Tomatsu to make up for that, and be the leader they needed.
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Akodo Keisuke
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 11, 2011 17:42:26 GMT -5
Keisuke nodded, Earlier this morning when I met with our commanders at the Northern gate, I gave the order to Ikoma Tomoi, our the commander of the Wardens to destroy all food stuffs and set fire to the fields between Permission City and Toshi Ranbo. Even repeating the order here and now left a bitter taste in Keisuke's mouth. He hated that he had to do it but this was war and he could set such feeling aside for now.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 11, 2011 17:57:27 GMT -5
Whats done is done. We did not want this war, and if we have to do what it takes to win, then Ikoma will be satisfied. Now go back to your mount and put this from your mind, you have honors to receive later, you were the architect to our victory after all, I can't have you in a sour mood.
He nodded to the man and returned his attention to his mount, making sure she was feeling well and would not get spooked.
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Akodo Keisuke
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 11, 2011 18:07:49 GMT -5
Hai Lord Tomatsu-sama With that Keisuke returned to his horse, and sitting in his saddle he took a deep breath. He would enjoy this moment today, tomorrow can wait.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Oct 11, 2011 18:32:36 GMT -5
"Perhaps." Maybe that was all he was to be. A witness and messenger. He didn't believe it for a second, but he'd been wrong about things before. Particularly about the Lion.
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 11, 2011 18:52:00 GMT -5
A Lion officer handed Juno back her steed. At first it seemed too good to be true, but exhiliration flared in her mind as she climbed onto the saddle - still battle-beaten but still good, usable. She firmly gripped the reins as she fell in behind Haruka-sama. At that moment everything seemed fine and good. She felt on top of the world. She had her steed again, how bad could things be?
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Oct 11, 2011 19:42:42 GMT -5
Taiyo had become aware of Haruka's presence when she and Mai had first entered the inn. He watched as she made her way to the rear and passed through the shoji that led to Tomatsu's room. Yes, she was definitely showing now. A pity, that she and her husband couldn't cherish this time in the comfort of their own home. But still, even in the midst of this civil war new life was thriving. Taiyo took it as a sign of hope, and turned his thoughts to her husband.
When Tomatsu had come out and playfully chastised them, Taiyo had grinned at Jin and cheered him on. He was losing some of the awe he felt in his Champion's presence, but his respect and sense of brotherhood had grown proportionally. They were Lion, and they would stand together no matter what. That was all that was important.
As the procession moved towards the ceremony grounds, Taiyo tried to make eye contact with Haruka. She seemed preoccupied, and her attention was on the the up coming ceremony, not one of many army officers forming the crowd around her. He decided to take a risk, and urged his horse towards the front where Haruka was riding. She sat several hands higher than he did, his own horse dwarfed by her magnificent steed.
Bayushi-sama, it is good to see you here and in good health. We have not met before, but I have seen you at the camp and on the field. You are truly a master Shiotome, and I am honored to have shared the field with you. I am Akodo Taiyo, Taisa of the 1st Akodo Legion serving under the honorable Akodo Keisuke-sama. I recently had the honor of meeting your esteemed husband, Bayushi Senshi-sama.
Taiyo paused for a moment, both to let the words sink in and to prepare his thoughts. Haruka turned to look at him, her expression showing that he was approaching dangerous territory.
Softening his voice and speaking lower so that only she could hear... Several of the highest ranking Lion samurai present here today were chosen to accompany your husband when he recently went before Hantei. The Crane refused to admit most of us, but I received the great honor of accompanying the Bayushi Champion as his personal yojimbo into the very lair of our enemy. I was most impressed by your husband that day. He is a true samurai, and despite the high cost he was forced to pay, continues to fulfill his duty to protect the empire. The Heaven's have blessed us that such a man lives in the world today, and I would lay my life down to protect his. I...I just thought that you should know. He won another ally within the Lion clan that day.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 11, 2011 21:16:16 GMT -5
Haruka's eyes narrowed fiercely even as the compliments dripped off of Taiyo's lips. She had seen the report in passing, not having been able to bring herself to study the report in detail or in full. But the way that this Akodo addressed her now of all times caused her to wonder, caused her mind to flutter anxiously with concern.
Her voice did not falter, her expression held as if impenetrable, only lessening her intensity to a more even look. "You were there.. when he.." She hesitated, biting her lip somewhat as such an exchange would hardly aid her mind now of all times. She knew her mind had to remain balanced, and any more condemning words could easily send her over an edge that she could not regain herself from.
She averted her gaze from him briefly as she steadied her voice, relaxing almost immediately. "Thank you Akodo Taiyo-san. Your service to my husband will not soon be forgotten, much as any courageous act during this war will not be forgotten. Such men and such deeds will be written into the histories for all the empire to remember." She noted that he rode on beside her, but she felt that strange difference between a warrior and a commander, even though the height between them didn't reflect as such. She was a leader, but never took the station up herself. But even so she still met eye contact with him now and she kept speaking as though they were equals. She had no qualms in drawing these lion closer to her side.
"Will you ride with me then to the presentation? I would be honored to have Bayushi Senshi-sama's guardian at my side this day."
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