Kakita Mitsouko
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::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 20, 2011 18:56:42 GMT -5
Thank you Akodo-sama. Mitsouko rose and bowed as her station demanded as well, noticing the hurry of the Lion champion in joining Haruka. I would not dare to keep you from your duties. Anyway, I appreciate the offer and your kind invitation. I think we will depart as well, the revigorating tea and this talking will grant me forces to make my travel tonight.
If she do not survive to this travel, though, Lion and Crane truce would die with her. Disappointing her Emperor once again not delivering that letter to Kaneka in person, to see his reactions, would be her final disgrace. Somewhat she thought if it wasn't a trap, a test, a political plot, but she pushed these thoughts for a corner in her mind, to not raise doubts about Hantei-teno reasons to send a samurai who failed him to this mission. But Mitsouko knew well her breath was borrowed already.
She bowed again, waiting the higher station man to leave before them.
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Post by Doji Kenna on Oct 21, 2011 10:19:48 GMT -5
He had watched carefully, hiding his lack of commentary behind the fastidiousness of his tea-pouring duties, a common enough tactic for Doji courtiers. The rising risk of altercation from the Lady Bayushi's increasingly vocal breeches of etiquette he put aside as, and was glad to see the flush of anger that preceded a potential scene die on his friend Sojiro's face. The Lion Champion he had to admit had presented himself well, hopefully the dialogue between him and Mitsuoko could be cultivated further.
When Haruka's irritation partially boiled over and she departed in what would he had to admit, be difficult to assess as anything other than a huff, the tension in the room eased somewhat. He was unsurprised to see Tomatsu demonstrate a polite solicitousness of his absent companion, and his excusing of himself was predictable. Bowing politely to the departing Lion Champion as was expected he waited for the man to leave, all the better to discuss the events that had unfolded with his two Crane companions.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 21, 2011 14:24:02 GMT -5
The evening air had the grip of the coming frost on it. Haruka only seemed to note it in the various areas where her armor wasn't insulated. The Lion Clan was not nearly as diligent as the Unicorn when it came to warmth. She hadn't gone more than a few paces out and off to the side when she could hear Tomatsu coming along behind her.
She seemed to only grip herself a moment as she was looking towards the stables beside the inn. Her Utaku steed was just lazily enjoying its meal when it noticed her, but did little else for the moment. Haruka would glance over her shoulder to verify that she was being shadowed by the Shining Lion and no one else.
"Oh Tomatsu... Are the Crane looking as untouchable as always. I didn't realize you had such a fondness for the white manes of-"
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 21, 2011 20:56:27 GMT -5
He came up behind her and took off his cloak, wrapping it around her. He just stood there quietly behind after that, not saying a word and not moving. He didn't know what to say, peace had been made, but it seemed that not matter how many right moves he made on the Go board of life, he was never victorious. He finally mumbled something along the lines of "peace has been made" but he didn't really have the heart to articulate it with any force. He just wondered why he couldn't ever win at this game, no matter how hard he tried to make the right move.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 21, 2011 23:41:01 GMT -5
She felt the cloth come over her, her hands reaching up reflexively and stroking along the fur as it gave her a deep comfort. Haruka seemed to go still after slightly prodding at him with her words. She knew she had made a mess of things, and pressured him to make things work, and she was well aware that the honor guard had nothing to fear from a few Crane and whatever assembly they sent across the land.
Really it was all a bit of a buildup considering her state. She knew just as soon as things were over here she would have to return. Her other hand reflexively ran over her protruding waist line even though it was decently hidden under the armor.
She had to break this awkward quiet with him, and she had to tell him what was next for her. But naturally her more soft hearted side wanted to cushion the news as much as possible. "..Thank you Tomatsu. I know I made such a scene and I'm sorry. I just.. don't have decent relations with the Crane, no matter how I try. And I'm afraid the time for me has come..."
She turned to look at him with her own eyes, a few smudges of the face paint still lingering on her. Her eyes averting at times as she continued to quietly confess her state between the two of them. "...I must return to Kyuden Bayushi. I'm... getting too heavy to ride, and very soon I will be unable to mount my own horse."
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Kakita Sojiro
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When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 22, 2011 1:35:02 GMT -5
Sojiro looked to Kenna and Mitsouko.
"That was surprising, on many different accounts."
He shook his head.
"Mitsouko-sama, do you know why Lady Bayushi has such hostility towards our clan? Her attitude tonight was quite shocking, disgraceful even. For a woman in her condition, she was quite bold.... and very rude."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 22, 2011 14:45:27 GMT -5
Maybe one Day, after this war, Lady Haruka can be able to tell us her reasons. By now, I don’t think we have the right to judge her as we don’t want to be judged by her. Mitsouko walked to the door. Our rest will have to wait a little more, Kakita. Let’s go.
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Kakita Sojiro
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When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 22, 2011 17:06:10 GMT -5
Sojiro smiled and followed his daimyo out the door and back to the stables to mount up again.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 22, 2011 17:16:46 GMT -5
Haruka and Tomatsu hadn't gotten far from the doorway as she shifted a bit anxiously, gripping onto his cloak all the more as she eyed the oncoming Crane. Her mood shifted right before Tomatsu's eyes as she seemed to be running all sorts of thoughts through her mind now.
She finally seemed to settle, as she came to Tomatsu's side rather assertively, not using his form as any kind of shelter. Haruka would bow lightly to them.
"My apologies if my departure disturbed things, but as you can see I am quite well. There is no need to worry for my sake Crane-samas..."
She strongly doubted their concern was for her, and figured they were just on their way out. The woman seemed to have calmed down at least, having contained her near outburst, though her eyes never left them, constantly trying to gauge them and guard herself. It wasn't as though she had anything to hide now, but for some reason the presence of a Crane always made her bristle, always made her tense. She silently admired their strength, but had found no friend in them.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 23, 2011 8:59:46 GMT -5
Mitsouko nodded, thinking the fresh air had made some good for the Scorpion Lady's anguishes.
It’s really good to hear, Lady Scorpion.
Please, I mean no intention of doubting your capabilities, but I am really concerned for the safety of your firstborn and your own, since our first meeting. It’s sincere, from a woman to another. I still have not the experience of bearing a child of my own, but I understand the responsibility it will be for my family and clan, and to the Fortunes that granted a couple such a bless.
Your experience could be used in another ways, lady, in Kyuden Bayushi by the side of your husband, if I may suggest it. It didn't scaped me you think we are dreaming impossible dreams, me and Lion-sama. But right now, we return to the beginning of our first conversation, my lady, when I asked permission and offered Crane clan help to defeat maho sorcerers and the Spider. Back on that day, we should have insisted in a plan about it. Now we have the opportunity to amend our lack of communication. Lion-sama and I seems to have a same thinking about it, and for all I know, Senshi-sama as well. So, why not?
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Oct 24, 2011 23:05:30 GMT -5
Mitsuoko's flattery felt strange to her. Haruka couldn't help but try to read between her words and try to find something about her own inadequacy. But much to her surprise, no matter how she looked at it she couldn't help but realize that the sentiment was genuine.
"Yes I remember those conversations. And Senshi-sama has not forgotten them either I know."
She sighed deeply, having pushed the embarrassment and the hot headed moment out of her mind. She bowed fairly deeply to Mitsuoko as the stable boy lead over Haruka's horse, and she took the reins.
"I will return now to rest, as this will likely be my last journey this year. I must bid you all a fond farewell as I'm certain the future can only appear brighter from her on out. I pray that this war end quickly, and that the coming conflict ahead finds us all in a more unified mindset."
She got the horse to kneel down to ease her mounting, gently urging it to stand as soon as she was in place. Glancing to Tomatsu, she gave a sad sort of smile.
"I will see you again too my dear friend. Please, take care of yourself and our forces."
She did not seem to wish to draw out her departure any further for now as it seemed hard enough. This was a much softer side of Haruka that few had ever seen, but she did not wish to seem weak and stay idle to linger in the moment.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 25, 2011 4:10:18 GMT -5
Farewell, then. Mitsouko would like to offer one of her men to follow with Haruka, but probably the woman would think it offensive. She bowed deep to the Scorpion Lady as well, wishing no harm, human, natural or unnatural was in the way of that woman to her home. No matter if there was the linger of a feeling that was always bothering her when in presence of Haruka, and how hard was to understand every of her actions, she was a samurai-ko carrying a child. In the middle of her bow movement, Mitsouko noticed her magic crystal necklace wasn’t there anymore. A hint of panic hit her mind. Where? In all that muddy way from Tonbo until this forgotten road? In the inn? She whispered to Kenna. Did you see my crystal pendant? I think I lost it... In her heart she knew it was a bad omen. The link was broken...
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Post by Doji Kenna on Oct 25, 2011 5:54:56 GMT -5
Watching the departing shape he allowed himself the slightest of smiles, it appeared the situation was not as bad as it had first appeared. Of course, a break in the rain would have been a sure sign of better times but he could hardly begrudge the weather. At Mitsuoko's words he turned, thinking carefully before answering, 'No Mitsuoko-sama, I do not recall seeing your pendent for some time. A great shame, he did not know the truth of why, but the item obviously held personal significance.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Oct 25, 2011 14:43:17 GMT -5
Tomatsu nodded to them, taking Haruka's hand behind a fold of the cloak, out of the sight of the others due to Haruka and Tomatsu's closeness of proximity and squeezed her hand.
I'm sorry for your loss Kakita-san. If you will permit me, at Winter Court I shall present you with a gift from the Lion, a suitable replacement for it. Perhaps it will remind you of our meeting here, and of course, that the Crane should always count me as a friend and reasonable soul you can deal with rather than as the villain the Lion sometimes are painted. As long as cooler heads prevail, we will likely be able to make a lasting peace between our clans.
He inclined his head towards them. You are welcome to stay the night here, my guard and I will turn in early and I do believe I will sleep in late tomorrow, so you will not have to worry about running into me again. Then I might make for the wall, by way of Kyuden Bayushi perhaps, or perhaps not, only time will tell. I look forward to hearing from you when you have word of whether your clan accepts the peace.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 25, 2011 15:38:50 GMT -5
Mitsouko knew it was irreplaceable, and why. She tried to mask her sudden sadness, though, with a big smile:
Villains? I think we do not read the same tales, sama. From your house came Toturi the First, and you seems to share his vision. I look forward fo the Winter court, when we surely will have time to discuss Lion's story. It's a fascinating subject! . The samurai-ko arranged her hair under tha jingaza, glad the rain had ceased. About my pendant, don't worry. I do not think you can replace this one, it was given by my betrothed; but I appreciate your concern. We shall go, milord. The faster I go, the quicker you can know if I survived to my own words, and my wish of peace with your clan
A deep bow to Tomatsu and she looked to the other Crane, ready to go.
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