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 19:17:36 GMT -5
The thoughts aligned in his head when he heard her name. The Lady Kakita herself was here. That was actually a good sign, with someone so equally important in this war as herself here, neither side would want to risk doing something stupid for fear they might fail and have their charge fall into the enemy hands.
He gestured for them to join them, removing his kabuto and mempo from the table and placing them next to him. He did not speak, he waited to be addressed, in case there was an off chance they did not know who he was yet.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 13, 2011 20:34:58 GMT -5
I am glad, thank you. In fact Mitsouko noticed that, for the first time in a long time, she was calm. Gladly calm. She was before a civilized Lion. That was indeed an opportunity to share a vision with him. Things happened fast and a conversation between Kaneka and Naseru never occurred, or between the sides of this dispute. Lord Akodo… she spoke with confident, amiable eyes. I am sure in another occasion our first meeting would be merrier, but as a Crane, I wish to say I hope our sides meet and agreement soon, so the shadow of recent events would not permit my expression of admiration for you to sound insincere to any ears. She took a seat at the other woman's side, and presented her companions: My companions in this travel, Doji Kenna-san and Kakita Sojiro-san, pride of my house.
Edited: My bad, boys. Almost asleep here.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 13, 2011 20:36:55 GMT -5
Sojiro's eyes widened a bit in surprise when Mitsouko addressed the female "Lion" - but only for a split second.
Lady Bayushi is here? For what reason? What on earth...
He stopped his thought process when the man beside her took off his kabuto and mempo. Sojiro didn't recognize him personally, but his face shared certain features with a Lion he had come to respect at Toshi Ranbo - Akodo Keisuke, the man commanding the troops he had fought against during his attack on the ram. Sojiro had encountered the Akodo family before, and had always been left feeling that they were an example of the honor that every samurai should aspire to. He wished the Matsu family would pay attention and follow their example, frankly.
If Lady Bayushi was here, in the presense of an Akodo, there must be a good explanation for it. Even at war, he would find it difficult to believe that an Akodo was consorting with someone who had betrayed their enemy - something else was going on here.
And then Mitsouko introduced him to Lord Akodo, and for the second time in as many minutes, Sojiro's eyes widened. THe Lion Champion himself?! A small smile played across his face, gone just as quickly as the widening of his eyes. He bowed deeply to the two sitting across from him before taking a seat next to Mitsouko.
"Lady Bayushi-sama, it is an unexpected pleasure to meet you. I sincerely hope that all is well with you and your house." He turned to Tomatsu and bowed deeply again. "Lord Akodo-sama, it is a great honor to meet you. I had hoped to share tea and a meal with your family one day, but I never assumed that it would be so soon, or with the Lion Champion himself. Your reputation precedes you sama, as does that of your family." There is no sarcasm or spite in Sojiro's voice, only respect.
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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 21:14:21 GMT -5
She bowed her head to each of the two other Crane in recognition. "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you all on this fine evening. Please sit. I'm very well informed of the events surrounding this moment. Although you all seem to have that fleeting puzzled look about you."
She smiled, even laughed. "I am most certainly grateful that we can meet on such peaceable terms as such. Although I must admit now that I am one of very few among my clan who supports the Emperor Toturi's forces along with the Lion and other aligned clans.
I certainly would not wish to offend the Crane in their most admirable efforts to defend the city and their Emperor by not enlightening them to who I am and who I stand for."
She avoided looking at her Lion companion for now, only trying to lighten the mood of their situation, trying to ensure there was no grudge to bear now. And at the same time it seemed to be a test of pride. Their answer to such an honest but positively regarded loss would tell her everything she needed to know about how the Crane assembly felt this evening.
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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 21:33:35 GMT -5
He waited for Haruka to finish before finally speaking, knowing now he was finally seen for what he was.
I welcome you fine Crane-sans to our table as well. There may be a war between us, but for tonight, we may pretend we are nothing but simple samurai enjoying a time of peace between us, can we not?
He paused for only a second. However I will say, before we continue on, that your forces acquitted themselves well at the battle, and it was not as easy a victory as it could have been, which I attribute directly to the hard work of your troops. I fear any other clan might have missed the significance that Toshi Ranbo possess, and you have certainly honored your ancestors with your defense.
He took up his cup of tea and took a sip. He then shifted uncomfortably and placed his tea down. He moved slightly in his seat and removed his daisho from his belt, placing them down behind him, in a clear sign of pacifism, or perhaps to be more comfortable while sitting. With that he returned to the table and search Haruka's face to see what she was thinking.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 13, 2011 21:39:55 GMT -5
Sojiro's mismatched eyes swiveled to address Haruka.
"That decision is between you and Lord Bayushi-sama, Lady. I did not come here to pass judgement for personal choices, as I believe we all have our reasons for fighting beside those we fight with. When this war started, I admit that I saw all of Kaneka-sama's supporters as traitors, having sacrificed their honor for reasons I couldn't comprehend. I have since been shown the error of that belief, particularly in combat against Akodo Keisuke-san's forces. I could not have asked for a more honorable opponent on the field of battle than that man. But, while I have come to understand that the Kaneka forces still have their honor, I do not understand their decision to rise against Hantei-dono as they have, and I am hoping you might be willing to enlighten me on this matter, Lady Bayushi-sama. If I may be so direct, why have you chosen to side with Kaneka-sama, even after your Lord's demonstration of Loyalty to Hantei-dono?"
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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 21:50:55 GMT -5
She paused at the thought, almost looking amused. Suddenly her interests became the target and she wondered for a time if it was something worthy of an answer. In one sense it was just a chance to prove herself in private what she had done so in public, but on the other it slightly diverted them away from the matters at hand.
She hoped then a simple answer would quell the question in his mind, locking eye contact with his strange two different colored eyes. She wasn't one to be afraid of anything, even those who's very eyes could be something of an ominous omen.
"My husband has made his decision, much in the same way as he gave the decree of allowing each clansmen to follow their own path. And while majority of them have taken up the same as he, I know I am in no danger of earning his ire or being considered disloyal to his interests.
I came to Toturi-dono's aid for he came to mine when my place was at the heart of Mountain Watch Keep. It was he who I stood by, it was he who fought by me. I have the lives of me and my entire clan to thank him for, and such a debt I will not ever forget."
For now giving the appearances of something simple and genuine should suffice for now, or so she'd hoped. She endeavored to reveal as little as possible and keep any insidious thoughts of plots surrounding the conflict to herself for now. This wasn't time for any sort of speculation.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 13, 2011 21:53:00 GMT -5
Sojiro nodded in approval to Haruka's response.
"I understand that kind of loyalty only too well, Lady Bayushi-sama. I have fought beside my sworn brothers, Kakita Hiroshi-san and Kakita Hitoshi-san, many times. We have saved each others lives in battle on more occasions than I can honestly count at the moment, and I would follow them into the gates of hell and back out again before abandoning them."
He set his custom, fused-saya daisho down, following suit with Tomatsu as the old woman brought out tea for the five samurai.
"You honor us with your words, Lord Akodo-sama, but the battle was hard fought on both sides, and I will not forget that. The Lion is a ferocious opponent."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 14, 2011 4:54:39 GMT -5
I was there, fighting against external threats as well. Mainly in the beginning of the battle… Mitsouko graciously removed her daisho as well, putting it at her side in a pacifist manner. She, as her hosts, intended to keep this conversation civilized as possible. A time of peace would be, by Crane's part. Though, if I may share a thought with you, Akodo-sama, I’d wish we were fighting together against a same enemy again, the renewed and strong external threat we have now, than using our skills to battle each other…
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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 14, 2011 13:32:42 GMT -5
He nodded. It does pain me as well to see two clans with such history as ourselves, at each others throats like we are no better than some of the gaijin cultures out there. The Crane and the Lion should always be hand in hand, as almost as one united clan. For each of our strengths is the others weakness, if we were but one clan, we would be unstoppable.
He let those words sink in, taking another sip of tea to buy himself some time. And yes Kakita-san, I have heard of the rumblings in the South. While I have faith in the forces the Crab have left behind, I do grow tired of fighting my fellow Rokugani, especially when there are threats out there that we can unite to fight.
He paused again, and looked her straight in the eyes, taking in her beauty for a second before asking the all important question. How is Doji Yoshi-san? I have not seen him in quite some time, since my last official visit to Kyuden Doji, which if I recall, was just before Winter Court.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 14, 2011 15:05:11 GMT -5
Mitsouko sighed, saddened for a moment: In fact, Akodo-sama, I am afraid he is not well. Since the Winter Court finished, his health has declined quickly,a vile illness that took much of his strenght but not of his spirit. He must have rest and care in a monastery, for the sake of his life. Doji-tono took advice from the clan and presented to the Emperor his reasons to step down from his duties to the Empire, to take care of his health. She looked inside the cup of tea before the first sip, as looking at faded scenes into her memories… But when Mitsouko raised her eyes again, her tone was lighter than previously. Our clan misses his wisdom, but he had nominated Daidoji Fitsu-sama as Regent with the approval of the elders, to rule over Crane clan until Yoshi-tono’s firstborn comes to age. Fitsu-sama is wise and without flaw, I cannot think of better name. Then, a subtle smile. I am sure your ambassador to our clan is aware of the whole situation, my Lord. Probably he will inform you in official manner as soon as you arrive to Lion lands. Then she finally tried the tea. She was aware of Kenna and Sojiro at her left, and it made her comfortable. She had implicit trust in both. OCc: More IC Detailed Info about the Regent and Daimyo of Crane clan: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ic&action=display&thread=1520&page=1
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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 14, 2011 15:49:30 GMT -5
I see. As you can understand, Ambassadors only report what they can either gleam or what we allow them to report, but alas I have not had time to speak with mine as he has been detained in your lands. But no matter, he is being treated well. And I do hope Yoshi-san will recover. Despite us being on the other side many issues in Rokugan we always had civility for each other, something that not every samurai in my, or your, clan has always expressed, present company excluded. He thought back to those letters exchanged between the Crane and the Lion at the beginning of the battle for Toshi Ranbo, after the war he would need to have words with those parties involved.
Please let him know that the Lion will render unto him whatever help he could need, from doctors to medicine, we do not wish him to be subdued by this illness any longer. And please convey my best wishes to Fitsu-san, I wish him luck in his new position. Tell him, "Soon he will understand the true burden of Leadership." Next time we meet, I will have to give him something I found useful during my early days of leading a clan, it might help him as it did for me.
He took another sip. You said Yoshi-san had children, I knew he had one son, but he had more? Tell me of them, they will hopefully grow up to be the best friends of my children, and I do want to know what to expect. He smiled.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 14, 2011 16:54:30 GMT -5
Our clan truly appreciates your concern, Akodo-sama, and your generous offer. If we need something special in this matter from Lion, I will make sure you will be the first to know. She smile as well, staring at him for just a moment to make sure the Lion knew she was talking sincerely.
Yoshi-tono has only one son, indeed. He is 2, a truly lively child for all I know. She discreetly searched any information in Kenna’s cadence to know what to talk about Akodo Tomatsu’s spouse and children, using the brief moment to consider if it was a good time to mention the Yoshi-dono's younger sister was waiting for a suitable husband. Unfortunately there was not too many good matches for such precious maiden in the Empire.
But it was only the beggining of a conversation, not final details of a settled deal. And maybe, no deal has to be made at all...
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Oct 15, 2011 4:35:15 GMT -5
Sojiro's expression changed slightly when Tomatsu mentioned the threat from the south. Was it... anger? Regret? Sadness? It was difficult to tell. For a second he seemed to be somewhere far away, the emotions swirling together in his eyes. He blinked and took a sip from his tea, savoring the flavor, and his expression returned to normal.
"As much as I hate to admit it, I don't think the Spider is the true threat here. It doesn't make sound tactical sense for them to attack now, before the war has done all the damage it can do. Think about it - if you were to launch an attack against all the clans of the empire, would you do so with only two of them weakened, or would you wait a bit longer, for the warfare and strife to weaken all of your foes?"
"I can't say for sure what I believe the real threat to be, but I can say that I believe this war is their doing. I believe they have been pulling strings from behind the scenes of both the Hantei and Kaneka forces, manipulating events to their advantage. There is also the matter of the strange omens the Phoenix shugenja have seen, and this dratted, massive storm that refuses to go away. I have even heard tales of strange ships being spotted in teh seas around the storm, not matching the description of any ship the clans would use."
He took another sip of his tea and looked back to Tomatsu.
"Tomatsu-sama, do you know the reasons for Kaneka-sama waging this war? I have heard that it is in response to the attempt on his life, and that he holds Hantei-dono responsible for that act. But to be honest, much like the shadowlands attack, that doesn't make sense to me from a practical level. Kaneka-sama served Hantei-dono loyally and well, and with honor. Hantei-dono had no motive to order such an assassination. Perhaps, if he feared his brother might seek the throne, I could understand it. But that also doesn't make sense to me. Kaneka-sama willingly gave the throune to Hantei-dono, so why would he suddenly wish to take it back? More over, If Hantei-dono DID wish Kaneka-sama dead for some reason, all he would need to do is ask for his seppuku."
He shook his head.
"I do not doubt the truth of the assassination attempt. But I doubt that Hantei-dono is responsible for it. He had nothing to gain from Kaneka-sama's death, and even if he did have something to gain, he had everything to lose by ordering an assassination in such a manner. Again, it makes no sense on a practical level."
"I can not claim to know who would do these things. Honestly, I have no idea yet. But I will tell you that I fully believe we are all falling into a trap by continuing this war and weakening ourselves. Unfortunately, I see no way of stopping it at this stage, aside from revealing the true forces at work somehow."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Oct 15, 2011 5:42:05 GMT -5
After the battling at Mountain’s Watch Keep, both the Emperor and the Shogun didn’t talk with each other. This is a wish Hantei-teno has and was made impossible by some diplomatic unskilled moves in both parts of this dispute. By Crane clan’s part, we believe we must propitiate this meeting between the Toturi brothers. Isawa Sezaru-dono can be a third part. He also suffered and attempt against his life months ago, but never brought to public any accusations to any of his brothers.
For the first time in this night, her eyes sparkled with a flame of passion, and her body leaned slightly towards their host:
What do you think, Akodo-sama? Can we, Lion and Crane, work together to make our leaders to meet and talk in a civil manner? They are brothers; they must talk to understand what happened to stain their relation and their trust in each other.
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