Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Oct 11, 2011 22:40:01 GMT -5
Taiyo bowed his head to Haruka. No Bayushi-sama, the honor will be mine. As I told your husband, 'you have but to speak, and the Lion shall see it done.' I'm certain that Tomatsu-sama would have it no other way. He turned his head away, breaking eye contact before the conversation had a chance to continue. This was neither the time nor the place to go into details, not here, in public before the grand ceremony that Tomatsu had planned. His heart, however, felt clear, as he had finally been able to discharge his duty. If Haruka wished to discuss this in more detail later, he would certainly oblige. It was the least he could do. But for now, he would be strong, silent, and present. He hoped that would be enough.
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Post by Ikoma Kibo on Oct 12, 2011 13:08:07 GMT -5
Kibo looked around and realized there appeared to be more of an agenda at work than what appeared to lie on the surface. She figured their Yasuki 'guest' would eventually be dealt with by the Crab Champion, whom she'd also assisted with at the recent siege at Lonely Shore after Toshi Ranbo had been secured. To see *that* little meeting would be rather amusing, if the Ancestors allowed it.
For now, observe, listen, analyze, then report privately to Keisuke and Tomatsu-sama later. Regardless of whether she concurred with their thoughts on any given matter, it was the Ikoma's duty to always advise and offer thoughtful opinions and ideas to further the Clan's goals and agendas. Regardless of the mask, Haruka-sama was definitely agitated. Why-- at a time like this, was another question....
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 16:05:43 GMT -5
(OOC: this one is gonna be a long one to finally get this thing rolling right, if you guys had things you wanted to do during the post feel free to add it in in your own posts, just want to get this thing kicked off)
After a few moments to prepare the precession was giving the starting signal. They rode slowly down the street till the end of the block before they made a right, down a side street. At the end of that street they made a left and reentered the main road of Toshi Ranbo, the streets now wreathed with throngs of people. All the buildings down the main avenue had been covered with many different banners depicting the various mons of the armies that had help win this victory. Among the Lion mons that were present were a fair number of Unicorn, Monkey, Crab and Mantis mons. Tomatsu had even made sure a few Scorpion mons were present, to honor the sacrifice that a few of them had made to still support the rightful Emperor.
At first the cheers from the crowd were subdued, only those samurai that were not present for the ceremony but had come out to see the procession gave cheers, the peasants likely afraid of a reign of terror that could follow the taking of any city. However as the procession went on, and more food and trinkets were handed out, the crowd warmed up to the members of the procession and by the time they reached the outer gates of the Lion embassy, there was a deafening roar that was continuing to assault the riders ears.
At the gates the procession was halted. The doors were opened to the outer courtyard to the Lion embassy, which now housed a sea of almost 1000 invited samurai of the Toturi armies. Those honored with acknowledgement of their services but not worthy enough to earn titles from the Lion Champion. The building had been decorated in lion banners, but one banner hung from the top of the building and covered down 3 floors, which depicted the Shining Lion's personal mon, the realistic Lion head, similar to the Kitsu mon, roaring upward with the rays of the sun emanating from his mouth. Tomatsu entered the small dividing pathway on horseback, the hum of the crowd rose into a massive unending cheer for their victorious general and champion.
Tomatsu was all smiles at this point, taking a moment to dismount, which was not part of the carefully scripted event, and walk down the path way on foot, accepting sake bottles, various trinkets and words from the assembled crowd, drinking in the love of the soldiers gathered there. He finally reached the steps up to the front door of the embassy, which now housed statues of the Lion kami, and a chair in the middle for him to sit upon during the ceremony. He quickly sprinted up the stairs, handed off the bottles and notes to a servant and turned to address the crowd, gesturing for them to be silent. This took a few minutes but finally he had them quiet enough to address them, practically yelling to be heard.
Soldiers of our Emperor Toturi, I must congratulate you on your victory here, there never was a finer army in all of history than this one right here. When the might of the Crab, Mantis, Unicorn, Monkey, and Lion unite, there is truly nothing that can stop us. He was interrupted by another round of loud cheering from the soldiers gathered. He gestured again for them to stay silent and finally they complied. We have gathered here today to honor those who have distinguished themselves with honor and glory on the field of battle, let them come forth so that I may show my, and thus our Emperor's, thanks. He turned and took his seat. A servant stepped forward and opened a scroll, announcing the first name on the list. "Would Bayushi Haruka-dono come forward to receive her honors."
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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 13, 2011 16:38:04 GMT -5
Such was part of the plan she knew, her stallion actually bowed himself for her ease as she dismounted him. Her state quite heavy now as she struggled but still persisted in her fighting lifestyle. She turned only for a brief moment to regard Junzo, nodding to her. These were largely ceremonial affairs with pleasantries and words to show for deeds, but one practical effect she could have was at least to spare this ronin's life from that of destruction or ruin.
She came to the intended mark as she bowed deeply to the Lion clan champion. "I am here, Akodo Tomatsu-sama." She rose so that her voice could be heard more certainly, as no one would want to speak in any disrespect to the victorious champion.
"I have but one request to ask of the Shining Lion-sama. And that is that Junzo-san, made ronin from my birth clan be given full pardon and accepted as another warrior among the ranks of Toturi III." She bowed to show her complete asking, and to show the honorable sincerity of such words.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 16:50:43 GMT -5
He nodded and waved an impassive hand.The ronin's life is not under my authority to spare for the long term, however I have no desire to spill blood today. Only Toturi-dono can make decisions regarding permanent life.
He now waved another servant forward. This man produced a large wooden box and handed it to the champion. He didn't rise but held the box out for Haruka. Come forward and accept your honors. The first is a personal gift from me, in gratitude to the hours of friendship you have given me, it is a lion pelt cloak, a particularly distinct honor among out clan. Almost the same as your prized horses, but not as prestigious.
The second honor is I bestow upon you the title of "friend of the Lion" and the offer that should you ever wish to join our clan, I will sponsor your membership.
And finally the last gift I have for you is perhaps not so much a gift as a burden. Given the more deadly nature of Rokugan these days, I find myself in need of a second yojimbo, so that I might be guarded against all threats. I can think of no more an accomplished warrior and protector as yourself Bayushi-san. I bestow upon you the title of "yojimbo to the champion of the Lion".
He let that hang in the air. Of course the crowd erupted in cheers, but he knew there were people out there who would realize how bizarre an honor that making a Scorpion the personal yojimbo to the Lion champion would be. He hoped it would only signify the trust he placed in her, but he knew the more salacious out there would read what they would about it.
Now rise, Bayushi-san and join me on the dais for the rest of the presentations as the honored warrior that you are. Another servant brought forward a second chair and placed it beside Tomatsu, whose hands still held out the wooden box.
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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 13, 2011 16:56:21 GMT -5
She would be obedient to Tomatsu's wish as always. Her Utaku stallion knowingly rose to his own feet as he departed for the stables, understanding that Haruka would have no further need of him for now.
She only stopped briefly to regard the new gift bestowed upon her, wondering what the other Lion would think of such words now, if they would agree or otherwise. But she wished to look presentable at his side and opened the box for herself. And not to delay the proceedings any further, she took a knee before the Champion as the servant would place it on her, allowing her to wear it while she took her place at his side.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 17:01:50 GMT -5
The servant dutifully did so, taking care to make sure the cloak was not out of sorts in any way. She then gestured towards the chair and brought forth a tea cup for her.
The announcement servant, the only male servant on the dais, opened the scroll again, signaling the next announcement. "Would Akodo Keisuke- dono present himself for honors."
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 13, 2011 17:36:45 GMT -5
Keisuke, dismounted from his horse in a swift motion, and taking powerful strides with a parade ground precision up to the appointed marl before his Champion. Standing there before Lord Tomatsu, Keisuke could not help but feel the weight of his ancestors upon him. Mightier and wiser men had born the name Akodo, and now he was one of three that had led the Lion armies a successful attack on the capital of the Empire. Was this even true would his name be written down in the same histories as Matsu Nimuro and Akodo Toturi.
He bowed deeply to the Lion clan champion. "I am here, Lord Akodo Tomatsu-sama." The Keisuke rose to face his Champion.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 18:21:06 GMT -5
Tomatsu took a moment to speak, gathering his thoughts. Akodo-san, I recall when we were in our dojo days, you were always the shining star of your school. Never would I have thought that one day I would be honoring you, I had always assumed it would be the other way.
He waved a hand and beckoned him to take the final step up onto the dais proper as he spoke, an honor onto its self. To the architect of our victory here, I bestow the title of "first among generals" and with the exception of my own orders, your orders will command all of our armies from now until either your glorious death or your retirement. I also give unto you a plot of land equal to 10 acres just south of Toshi Ranbo, so that you might have a home that looks out upon one of your greatest victories. The servant came up from behind and handed a scroll to Tomatsu, so in turn held it out towards Keisuke.
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Oct 13, 2011 18:47:08 GMT -5
Junko bowed at Tomatsu's words. That wasn't quite the warm endorsement she had been hoping for but it was damn better than the life of a refugee or a prisoner. And she hoped Haruka's words still held. After bowing, she stepped back and watched as Tomatsu granted honors to his subordinates. Hopefully she and Junko would speak later.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Oct 13, 2011 21:13:44 GMT -5
He bowed as he accepted the scroll, Arigatou gozaimasu, then he stood straight up at attention. He bowed once more to Lord Tomatsu, taking a step back Keisuke turned to face the assembled Lions and he bowed to them as well. Then he took his place back with in the ranks his fellows.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 21:35:21 GMT -5
Tomatsu gave a wave of his hand and the servant appeared again with the scroll.
"Will Akodo Jin and Akodo Taiyo both approach to receive their honors."
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Akodo Taiyo
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Hero ? Samurai ? Tactican ? Shireikan ? Honorable ? Loyal
Posts: 196
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Post by Akodo Taiyo on Oct 13, 2011 23:27:04 GMT -5
Taiyo paused for a moment and glanced at Jin. He acknowledged his clansmen with a nod of his head before they dismounted simultaneously. The Taisa fell into place beside the older samurai, and they marched together to stand before their champion. His unflinching gaze first met Haruka, and then Tomatsu's eyes before reaching the appointed position. He stood strong and proud, displaying himself before his lord and master for a few short seconds before bowing low and showing the appropriate respect. His courage had clearly grown since the last time he stood before his champion. Look upon this weapon that has been forged for the Lion he thought, under your tutelage and care I have become a bane to our enemies, and a staunch defender of our friends!
Tomatsu-sama, it is a great honor to stand before you today in the company of so many exemplary samurai. My life is yours to command, and my only hope is to bring great honor to the Lion before I die.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
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 23:55:59 GMT -5
Tomatsu stood and took a step forward to be right in front of the men, and bowed to them, more so that was required by his position. He addressed the younger man first. Akodo Taiyo, do you remember just before the battle, what you asked of me? Do you regret my decision that I made that day? Do you think we could have won this battle without your stalwart courage? He waited for the cheers to calm down before looking at him for the answer.
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Post by Shoju on Oct 14, 2011 9:14:21 GMT -5
Yamuso stood as quietly and as attentively as he could while watching all the fan fare. He watched the Yasuki as he watched the spectacle, he watched the proud soldier of the Lion and their Allies. The victory celebration was irritating to Yamuso.
They had won. They had taken the city. They had taken a prisoner, and now... Now they celebrated? They had no fear at this point. Oh, how Yamuso wished that he had stayed silent and watched from afar. His chances at sticking his blade between the shoulders of a Leader in this army would have been great at a celebration like this.
Yamuso turned to the Samurai guarding the pair. "Lion-sama, I wonder, do you fear a surprise attack while celebrating like this? Or, do you think that your enemy retains his honor?"
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