The Flutter of the Young Cranes

[Doji Naetaru]

There have been a couple of weeks since Naetaru had not been seen at the Imperial Court. He regretted of abandoning this duty over to something equally important, but when it came to the integrity of the Clan he did not compromise.
There have been about 2-3 days since he arrived in Kyuden Doji. The health state of Doji Yoshi, the Champion of the Crane, was stable. Still his throat was sore and he practiced the art of writing in order to give proper orders.
Naetaru had been summoned amidst the war to Yoshi's Estate. He already had an idea, and Yoshi's decisions assured him of this. Now, Doji Yoshi was everything what a samurai expressed and what a rival always coveted. One of the most honorable individuals in the vastness of Rokugan and the Empreror's favorite Champion, a glorious persona that everyone strived to hate but in the end befriended and couldn't oppose.
That was the Champion, and that he intended to remain, thus he decided to forward the interest of the Crane and not allow a serious sickness drag his Clan back.
Doji Naetaru was handed a handful of the Champion's edicts, which he was to deliver to the respective daimyo's...and the new Champion. Before the young courtier was on his way, he was approached by the Champion's wife, who in turn implored him to respect Yoshi's fine line and reputation....as if it was easy.

On his exit, he was approached by a handful of elite Daidoji warriors. He was to be escorted to Toshi Ranbo and as they said, they would be constantly traveling. The rest would only provide solace for the horse. For the first time Naetaru did comply for such an exhausting plan, for it carried great importance and utmost urgency.

A week and some days later the retinue entered Toshi Ranbo. Naetaru wouldn't wish to waste time, he quickly dispatched a handful of servants to summon Kakita Mitsouko and the newly arrived Asahina Yukihime and quickly headed for Daidoji Fitsu's tent.
He approached the heavy guards and spoke to them for some moments. Without further ado he entered the tent. He was waiting for the individuals to arrive.

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Daidoji Fitsu was going over the latest scouting reports when his esteemed brethren arrived. In truth, had they arrived at any point in the night they would have come across a nearly identical scene, with the reports on the table changing more often than the tight grimace on Fitsu's face.

Still, when guests and friends arrived Fitsu didn't fail to honor them with a smile and appropriate bow. Doji-san, I did not expect to receive you here, or I would have made greater effort to provide some manner of comfort. I fear you must have dark news to share, but perhaps that is because I've had little besides that on my table of late. Please, sit. Have you had any rice today?

[Alesha]

*His command group was out in the field returning with status report on Kakita legions... He saw the fluttering Doji Daimyo's banners from distance, and he knew what it meant.*
-What is going on Alesha-tono? - asked his adjutant.
-Deliver the status, seems that Lions are trying to flank them. - he said donning his helmet and turning his horse - Whatever they are up to, I'm not being part of it.
-... - adjutant looked at him blankly as he sped with his command group. His banner raised to issue challange to Lion commander. His only intend to be in thick of battle when whatever the Clan leadership was up to is being conducted.

[Doji Naetaru]

Doji Naetaru was tired but he wished to press on. He had managed to eat a rice cake just in the morning, just to have some inner reserves to canter off with his retinue into Toshi Ranbo. He looked at them all and watched Daidoji Fitsu.
He was sweaty from the exertion but thanks to his jasmine powder he managed not to stain his clothes with sweat stamps. A courtier was an exemplary of finesse and perfection and thus sweat and smell could only fit to a Lion or Unicorn messenger.
Looking at Fitsu, smiled and spoke in a soft voice.

"Daidoji Fitsu-sama, forgive me for the sudden visit, I trust that the war front advances according to your plan. Sadly, my duties bade me to leave the Imperial Court for nearly a month. I bring news from Kyuden Doji and bearing in mind the importance and necessity to bring these missives through, Inari-kami smiled gently at me for blessing me with rice." he lied. He hadn't eaten properly for a week, yet he hadn't to trouble with further explanations.

"I had been summoned by our Champion, the esteemed Doji Yoshi-tono." and with a move he handed to Fitsu the appropriate letter written from the Doji champion.
"He sents his condolences for not being personally here, but he had his own devils to combat. A vile illness tried to claim his very life, but his inner fire extinguished the vile spirit from within. However, Asahina Timaru, daimyo of the Asahina the shugenja that is looking after him mentioned that he displays some symptoms akin to the plague. This vile spirit has claimed most of his voice at the moment and the Asahina daimyo prefers that he did not exert himself and rest for about a year or more."

Naetaru remembered fondly the figure of his Champion. He never had the chance to do so and when he did he was sick. Still majestic though, he never had the chance to hear his voice which according to the rumors could sway many a hearer but yet again what he beheld was a Champion.

"Thus, the Champion has decreed the mandatory need to hand the mantle of duty over to you Daidoji Fitsu-sama, pronouncing you Tairo of our Clan, esteemed Regent of the Crane"

He bowed, his head low. He was feeling a burden being lifted off and optimistic about the unfolding of events. Fitsu was a hero, and he was happy that he was the Crane Regent of today.

"Noble Tairo, Daidoji Fitsu-sama, you are to assume responsibilities as soon as this letter is delivered to you. Doji Yoshi-tono also decreed that you're to safeguard the Clan of the Crane and honor it as its Regent until his son comes of age. Yoshi-tono will assist you in any matters needed, health permitted. He is to travel with the Asahina daimyo over to the Asahina Monasteries for quite a long time to live in serenity and solitude. Therefore their positions in the Clan need to be carried over to other individuals and thus...

Asahina Timaru proclaims that Asahina Yukihime is to be named his successor as the new Asahina daimyo honoring her with the blessings of Asahina Tamako himself wishing her fruitful journeys searching for favorable omens in the stars.

Doji Yoshi proclaims that Doji Naetaru is to be named his successor as the new Doji daimyo trusting him with the honor and artful excellence of the Doji family, wishing that he safeguards the tradition and arts among the Empire.

In the end, he commands that the Kakita and Daidoji daimyo are to keep their titles and positions.

Thus Kakita Mitsouko remains the Kakita daimyo with the duty to protect what is noble and to display to the rest of us the excellence and harmony in composure and inner strength.

Last but not least, he wishes that Daidoji Fitsu remains daimyo of the Daidoji with the blessings of a true protector, for he must know where the Crane's honor lies..."

And it ends rather curious...

"And so you're spared a journey to Gisei Toshi friend."

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Fitsu's immediate response was a stiffening of his face, to prevent an unappealing show of emotion, and a straightening of his back. He closed his eyes for a hair longer than typical and no more. He took a deep breath, held it, exhaled and then spoke.

In a time of peace this post would almost certainly not have fallen to me. In time of war I shall do all I can to create an era where I would not be needed for it. Thank you for delivering this personally Naeteru, it seems we have much to prepare for. It was only very recently that Tsumerai disappeared in battle, so while I have only recently become Daimyo, now I must attend to the greater needs of the Clan, and the Empire as well. I will preserve the honor of the Clan until a Doji is more suited to the position of Champion. I will require your help, and the help of all Crane to do so.

[Asahina Yukihime]

(OOC: Well, as you might know Yukihime was at Pale Oak Castle for studing stars, owmens and shugenja stuff. And everything happened so fast that I have to be here and traveling to here at the same time >.o So, I hope we can fix if something insane happens, like Lion killing me But, may be I could just "Transfer Essence" or "Teleport" if needed )


With the aid of Shiba Kenzan sama and few other notable members of Daidoji family Yukihime was finaly able to reach Toshi Ranbo once more.
She took a while to make herself presentable even with some servants rushing her, and she was then finally guided to the presence of Doji Naetaru sama and Daidoji Fitsu sama.

She was still unaware of all the political changes going on within the Crane. After the incident with her first nomination being "rescued" by the Scorpion no more important messenge was sent by letter. Yukihime only knew she was summoned back to Toshi Ranbo, and requested to meet Doji-sama as son as possible.

A few months ago she was just a student from a small shrine. The death of her sensei quickly changed everything, as task after task she was requested to replace him, and had excelled in doing so.

With short steps, that were even silenty for one in wooden geta, she move towards a tent. Her face and posture displays a well trained discipline, no emotions or concerns, just serenity. Even if deep inside she could not wait to find out what happened to the other shugenjas she had to left at Toshi Ranbo weeks before. This was preventing her from a even 'scarier' thought, like why she was going to meet so distinguished samurais like Doji-sama and even the Rikugonshokan.

A servent went in, near the Cranes gathering.

-Doji-sama, Daidoji-sama. *after a long bow he continued* Asahina Yukihime sama have arrived.

The Asahina waits by the door outside, better not interrupt any conversation.

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Fitsu nodded to the servant. Asahina-san has impeccable timing. Send her in, she is most welcome and these tidings concern her as well.

He bowed to the newly appointed Asahina daimyo and presented the scroll to her after greeting and bowing when she entered. He waited patiently for a response to the news that could be well described as staggering.

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru was looking at Fitsu and Yukihime. His mind raced back to the days when he had first met them, back in courts, then in the meeting in Kyuden Doji amidst the shadows. Times have changed.

"Asahina Yukihime-sama, as you have read, Asahina Timaru wishes to honor the position of the daimyo by choosing you, an impeccable choice if I may inquire."

Returning to Fitsu,

"As for yours as well Tairo-sama. I would be honored to assist you in every aspect you require. First and foremost is our Clan's advancement and safety. And such I will be bound to keep tactical correspondence."

He awaited for the individuals to speak as they saw fit. He wished to ask about the defense, and how it went.

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime joins the companionship of the other Cranes as soon as allowed to. Once more she is carrying a small paper lantern and even when indoors the tips of her hair seems to be blowed by some discrete and cold breeze sometimes.

The shugenja bows deeply showing great respect for each of the present samurais, and after greeting them she accepts the letter offered by Daidoji -sama.

Yukihime read the letter in silence, for a moment her eyes betrayed her expressing some surprise.

The words of Doji Naetaru-sama came to confirm what she have read before. And acctually his words confort her a little. There was nothing to do besides what have to be done. As always, fully trust the daimyou's orders and directions.

With the proper reverence Asahina returns the letter to it's owner. Trying to organize her mind before speaking something.

"I appreciate your words Doji-sama, and I'll surely do my best to fit in those new duties while I'm necessary here." She made a brief pause trying to hold back all the questions rising with these news. "I must say it is a great honor to share a few lines of Crane's history with both, Doji-sama, Daidoji-sama."

"Asahina Miyagi-san once said 'The Asahina may not believe in fighting, but that is not to say we cannot and will not defend ourselves' or our clan. Just let me know what is need from us, and it shall be granted."

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Fitsu nodded solemnly, his face void of expression. I would choose no others for the positions you now hold, I know we will serve the Empire with the grace the Crane have ever exemplified.

To the matters at hand...our defense here goes well so far. Casualties have been low on our side and the Lion have made little progress thus far. I have reports that the Emerald Champion will take Permission City sooner than expected. There ends the good news.

The Unicorn ride with the Bastard, and things may swing depending on when and where they arrive. From the South the Crab will soon take Lonely Shore City, if they haven't sacked it already. I have given orders that nothing worth using is to be left for them to claim. They will encounter no heavy defense as the majority of our forces are deployed here.

To delay them I have asked that our farmers, gardeners, and all too sick to travel turn their efforts to destroying our own roads and bridges. The irrigation systems have been rerouted to keep the lanes as no more than mud. I do not expect that this will stop the Crab, but it should slow them, and it might keep their Kaiu siege engines from getting through.

Asahina-san, I respect your Order's non-aggressive stance, but I have some ideas of how you may significantly aid the defensive effort without attacking directly. I ask that you entreat the air Kami to leave the water on our roads. I also ask for a steady wind from within the city of Toshi Ranbo, the breeze will carry our arrows farther while the shots of our enemies may be stymied.

If either of you have further suggestions or issues to present I am at your service.

[Asahina Yukihime]

"All this can be arranged, Daidoji-sama. I left two shugenja units under the command of Asahina Yuuto-san, to tend the wounded and help with the necessary rescues. I shall organize the remaining shugenjas in order to get us the proper weather. May be even rain can be achieved, wich may prevent incendiary arrows, is it usefull?"

Yukihime sounded very confident, dealing with the weather was among her specialities. And she had saw the huge storm forming on Phoenix coast, wouldn't cost much to bring some of it here.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko wasn’t aware of the arrival of her friend Naetaru in the capital, knowing even less about the purposes of his sudden travel to the war encampment. When a messenger finally found her, she was making her way to her tent coming from the port, under the torrential rain. And thus the man wasn’t able to notice her strange gaze or her trembling hand.
The Kakita daimyo entering in Fitsu tent after being announced. Mitsouko was in her full armor but not in her best appearance. Wet hair and red eyes. She bowed to the trio trying to put a smile in her face for meeting them, but she failed, while one of the Daidoji attendant handed her dry towels.
Once again, Mitsouko would scandalize Naetaru with her lack of ceremony among friends. Some of her close friends knew she was raised to be a Crab spouse, had passed the years after her gempukku in a Daidoji troop, and that the "otomo Twins" had hard time to return her to Crane way.
Good evening, clansmen… Forgive me for my delay, the messengers had a hard time with all this storm raging outside to find me. What I lost?
A click came to her head, though, seeing the gathering of the Asahina Yukihime, Doji Naetaru and Daidoji Fitsu. Her last conversation with her Lord made her aware of some of his plans. Maybe he finally had decided the destiny of Crane clan.

OCC: Written in a hurry. If someone didn't understand what I wrote, feel free to ask. I probably will edit it later.

[Doji Naetaru]

Doji Naetaru kept a serious face, a slight smile forming on it casting away the sadness that his eyes betrayed.
As he saw Mitsouko and her figure his heart pounded hard. She had a scandalous body and Naetaru had employed many a way to throw his eyes on her for a second or so.
Right now, however, he wasn't risking his proper etiquette over such trivial matters...
Gathering his voice, he spoke.

"Good eve Mitsouko-sama, you came at the most perfect of moments."

It was a Clan gathering, and quickly Naetaru extended the letter over to her. He let her read it quickly and then accompanied his words.

"Doji Yoshi-tono has stepped down, handing over the mantle of duty to Daidoji Fitsu."

The rest she could read quickly, and he followed.

"Asahina Yukihime-sama shared a fine strategy with Tairo here. Regarding the favorable condition of the weather..."

He paused for he had said too much. It was time for the generals to speak. All he was thinking now was the holdings of Kyuden Doji and his father's estate. Fond memories resurfacing, his father's death, his memorial...and made a mental note. He needed a small shrine erected in the favor of his father...but that would trouble him after the war had finished.

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime bowed respectful to the arriving Kakita Daimyou.

While Doji-sama was briefly sharing the news with the Hatamoto. Yukihime managed to take two small, very well folded, origami tsurus from her Kimono sleeves.
She had both on her hands for a while,staring at them and for a while she was focused in something else.
Kakita-sama wouldn't have trouble to reconize these as the same tsangusuri she had received a day ago, announcing Asahina arrival.

Finally she whispered to each of the tsurus

"Asahina Chiharu-san"
"Asahina Haku-san"

The tsangusuri promptly left her hands flying towards the door. Yukihime moved and opened a gap for a while, allowing the messanger to go find their recipient.
Would take a while, but the new plan was on the move already. Or so she hoped.

Yukihime came silenty back to the group, after getting the door for her origami birds, small steps and a ever waving loose hair, even inside.

She would grant the clan what was demanded very soon.

(OCC: Just for reference, here is what happens: at Toshi Ranbo (link) and at Shinden Asahina (link) )

[Kakita Mitsouko]

She bowed low for Fitsu, an honorable man she had opportunity of meeting in person just weeks before the war, but to whom she has blatant admiration.

Fitsu-sama is both an honor and a pleasure to be guided by your experience and wisdom. My loyalty is yours, my Lord.
Yukihime-sama, I was sure the Asahina had great plans for you, may the wisdom inspire your path. You are as young as me but our families have trust in our capacity. We must not fail down to them. I am happy with Asahina family’s choice.

Then she looked to Naetaru. Didn’t you forget to mention something about another person here, Naetaru-sama?
As hatamoto, Mitsouko was aware of her previous Lord's plans for the future, and in general lines was just expecting the day his decision was to be made public.

Though, Mitsouko was trying to conceal her sadness, but her eyes betrayed her words every moment. It was clear the reason was not the news she was receiving in the new Crane Clan Tairō’s tent, but something not related to war. The conversation, though, couldn't avoid the plans for the next days defending Toshi Ranbo and the future of the clan.