Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Oct 29, 2011 19:08:48 GMT -5
Kaori glanced at the Doji daimyo for a while. She had no reason to disbelieve him. She would like to answer those letters, it is good for a courtier to keep "conected" in a nice network of ever flowing letters. Truth that her official role haven't being any other, and only, Yoshi's wife.
She felt the opportunity scaping through her finger while the Doji was smiling. And he probably knew very well. But Kaori could only smile back, deep, and secretly inside, she could only be proud of Yoshi's choice... not that they could be compared, she refrained herself.
Gasp... going to Otomo lands? how to get out of that?
"Certainly I would love to pratice my courtier skills in a unique enviroment like Kyuden Otomo, but wouldn't be apropriated for me to leave my husband in a time like this. It's a nice offer, but I will have to save it for the future, my family is my main concern at the moment. Besides, winter is coming, Doji-sama is back, this can't be but good news about Kyuden Doji activities."
"About my son. I had the oportunity to talk to my husband when he had condictions to do so. Doji Nio is growing up among the finest things that Rokugan have to offer, and it is in a place like this that he will expend most of his years. But Doji Naetaru-sama, himself, just arrived from a travel. Rokugan is not made only of Crane lands... actually Crane lands seems to be diminishing... but what I was saying... as a courtier, and even, likely as our future champion, my son will have to deal with many clans, with many differences and with much bitterness that some previous Cranes left behind themselves. I share his wish for knowing the empire, specially, he is looking forward to meet his grandparents on Scorpion lands at least once, before he is fully dedicated to a sensei's teaching. I believe my son should have the chnace to visit his ancestors home lands...*she briefly smiled* the... other ancestors."
Kaori knew she had bought the time she could. She was hoping to change Hotaru's mind into agreeing with her in time to use her as an ally, but Doji arrival came earlier than Kaori expected. Her wishes were on the table now, and she was aware it wouldn't be easy to deal with the Crane, even if Nio is as much her son as he is Yoshi's.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Oct 30, 2011 7:37:53 GMT -5
Naetaru heard what Kaori had told him and truth be told her words sounded rather reasonable. Her courtier talent had formed a perfect scenery of words for the daimyo to get lost into. Where in his mind Kaori wandered around the halls of Kyuden Otomo would she now stand beside him as her son departed to the Scorpion lands...
He had to quickly shake away those thoughts, for it was the poisoning of one's mind that was the strongest of them all. He raised his eye level to meet hers. Surely she was in a position to "refuse" a gift outright with slight repercussions and Naetaru didn't wish to press further. He closed his fan softly as he spoke:
"I understand your concern Kaori-sama. A mother would care first and foremost for her son indeed. A mother's Clan and her daimyo, the welfare of her son."
He pictured his mother in an instant recalling the days of his own past. He was his mother's precious son and he remembered her small haiku she would say to him...the once he recited moments before. He looked at Hinto once more and felt the safety among peers as he carried on...
"However it seems that one's duties won't keep him idle enough. Doji Nio's safety resides in the embrace of his father's Clan, given the circumstances that he is of young age it would be unwise for him to travel through the war-torn ravaged highways. The boy is to stay with us until the following Spring."
He looked in her eyes. He might had been slightly deceived but he could still reach a verdict.
"Given the fact that we're preparing for Winter Court, it would be a perfect chance for him to participate, to have the experience of the court accompanied and advised by you of course. A mother's word of wisdom is the best path for a young man's walk."
His smile faded away as if in reverence to the words he was uttering.
"However, he is not to be deprived of his family's own presence. Please send word that in the Scorpion retinue of Winter Court delegates the first and second grade relatives of Doji Nio are to be heartily invited among the halls of Kyuden Doji. The retinue's limit in size is to be preserved." he looked over a corner where artisans would carry on in their painting.
"And that would be my second gift to you Kaori-sama, I wish you find it pleasing enough. Please ensure that you send the missive to your Scorpion relatives, let Hotaru-san help you in this." he bowed in respect and he was ready to depart.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Oct 30, 2011 15:17:09 GMT -5
"Wartimes... that is another of my concerns. Of course I can't complain, Kyuden Doji was never left unprotected.
I know some Cranes had employed great effort in... avoiding bad news to reach me. For now, I believe it is for good that it has been done. But even I have heard the rumors on how bad was de situation in Lone Shore City..." - it was still hidden, but her voice now carried some sorrow. She enjoy teasing the Crane about their losses but, truly, she wans't happy about any of it. If nothing was done would be her son to inherit all those problems... besides, she truly wished to have some good news to share with Yoshi, for bad news would sure not help him to recover - "...and seems like the mantis is harming Sea Watchcastle as bad as Crab did, or even worst. Some scouts were spoted, not here, but nearby."She reised her eyes to the Doji daimyou, a little more humbly, and truly concerned. Like her or not, she knows he is the one "holding the leashes" of the family now, and not Yoshi anymore. War not being amoung her specialities and the lack of oficial information makes her apprehensive. "But I'm sure Doji-sama have access to more information about it than I have. If Crab and Mantis ever decide to join Lion forces and pursue the Hantei-tono, we are nothing but a detail in their way. Now that Doji daimyou is back I believe some forces may arrive to guaratee your safety, but yet... will it be enough to safeguard us against Crab and Mantis?"Having no fan in hands, she rose her hand gracefuly just to hid a sigh behing the fine blue silk of her sleeve. She recomposed herself, back to the confident and quite aggressive courtier she uses to be. "I do agree about Winter Court experience, but Nio was around last year, and he shall expend many years between Crane and Imperial winter courts. I understand dealing with the Scorpion... - she made a pause. She was about to say it is hard but... would anyone be offended by that? She promptly resumed - may not be a pleasant experience sometimes. But my family will do no harm to my own son. Soon the first snow may fall and will be too late to travel. Winter may give us time, may bring us court, but... the truth is we will all be trapped here." "Given the fact that we're preparing for Winter Court, it would be a perfect chance for him to participate, to have the experience of the court accompanied and advised by you of course. A mother's word of wisdom is the best path for a young man's walk." She couldn't doubt of Doji's sincerity, so she was quite surprised, amost flattered by his unespected words. "I surely would like to be with my son during the next winter. And I'm pleased to know that Doji-sama would consider my advices a good thing. But above this is my wish for him to be safe, and my duty to my husband, whom I couldn't leave right now. I believe some experienced Crane courtier, and the necessary yojimbos, may travel with Nio, if this is to happen.
Please, I would appreciate if Doji Naetaru-sama could give it a second thought. Whatever this rebelion is planning, we can't foretell. But by now, we still have time, if acting quickly, to make the proper arangements so my son can go while is still safe, with the proper Crane retinue, and come back when the war is over. Scorpion lands are unharmed, there is nothing that anyone wishes lieing there. Even I can tell it is a safer place to be than here." - She bowed, reinforcing her solicitation for him to think about it once more. "Inviting my family is surely a honorable act Doji-sama, and it matches Doji Yoshi-sama intentions with our marriage, reducing the aminosity between our clans. But I don't think I can accept such offer for I would never be able to repay the gift fairly." - and she gave start to the traditional refusing twice process. ((OOC: Yay, hint on Naetaru's past... U know I love it Well... due to the amount of topics (war, son, family, travel, etc)it took me a while to replay, I hope I got everything covered and didn't missed to answear any topic, it wasn't her intention to "skip" anything o.o))
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Oct 31, 2011 2:04:17 GMT -5
Doji Naetaru noticed the talking style of the woman change, forcibly or not, into a proper courteous one. He had a quick look at her. She was young, vibrant, stunningly beautiful. The Bayushi technique was starting to hit at his courtly defenses and he had to shrug it off. Everything on her seemed tempting and Naetaru knew that even her mellow voice was a tool for swaying opinions.
"I have personally attested to the safety of the Imperial highway Kaori-sama and I will be forced to officially forbid any kind of transportation until before Spring. I will not allow any harm done to either member of Doji Yoshi-sama's family. The heir of the Doji is to stay here."
He paused in thought making some mental notes and then resumed.
"I would never wish the wife and the son of our past Champion resort in grief. It is a man's blessing to be surrounded by family. Accept this gift and find solace in the warmth of being around relatives, Scorpion or Crane." he smiled offering it for a second time.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Nov 6, 2011 15:56:27 GMT -5
Kaori launched a quite sharp look towards the Doji lowering her eyes right after. He looks gentle and kind and that probably made her underestimate him. Of course she was aware dealing with the new Doji daimyo shoudn't be easy, but it was proving even harder than she expected.
Once more she found herself praising her husband in her thoughts, even if Naetaru was strongly against her will, he was a good choice for a daimyo. She couldn't expect less than a challenging conversation from him.
She let flow a keen smile.
If it is too dangerous for my son to travel to Scorpion lands, it may also be to dangerous for my family to travel to threatened Crane lands. Even if Kyuden Doji could offer a warm family environment I believe I must refuse your kind offer. - she boldly refused the second time.
Kaori smile was fading out as she waited for Doji's words when Hotaru went back to the room. Hotaru bowed the present samurais once more offering a fine fan, of plain white feathers to Kaori, who quickly took it in hands.
I bring you something else, Kaori-sama. - Hotaru them offered a letter, clearly from Scorpion lands. - A messenger just arrived from Kyuden Bayushi... but seems like he had more letters to deliver, he left already. - Hotaru let the information go with some dissimulation, more to the Doji daimyou than to Kaori at this time - a shy messenger probably, he wasn't interested in talking over a teacup. - With that she justifies her delay.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Nov 7, 2011 2:03:47 GMT -5
As he listened to Kaori, Naetaru was more than happy with how the situation was going. He didn't let his guard down however, for this moment was a Scorpion's perfect time to strike. Then came Hotaru, bearing news... He kept silent as he was hearing the news regarding the so-called "messenger" and the fact that he had more letters to deliver. To whom and for what. Etiquette kept him going and he looked the Scorpion wife once again in the eye.
"The family of the Crane heir isn't to be left unguarded Kaori-sama. As much as I wish to provide both you and your family welfare and safety among the Crane borders, I would provide the same to it's Scorpion relatives as well. The outposts of the vast lands of the Doji will be informed as such, as well as one more of those heavy-carrying Scorpion messengers will be sent to deliver to Kyuden Bayushi that, the Doji daimyo will offer more than his spirit of welcome to the first-grade relatives of Doji Nio and that is, safe passage."
He didn't wish to promise anything more and anything less. He simply wished to let the heir in the Crane lands, for now.
"And please allow me to provide you the luxuries of Doji Adajiko, the new innovative seamstress of the Doji. She has won the Musume Mura contest of kimono makers and we'll be proud to have her services in our Winter Court. A brand new fashionable kimono will adorn our past Champion's wife's body, in esteem and gratitude."
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Nov 7, 2011 11:01:21 GMT -5
Kaori had no problems with the Doji eyes upon her and looked at him back.
"I really don't see how Doji-sama can promise safe passage after loosing lands to rebels who are looting Lone Shore City and SeaWatch Castle, and these same rebels may soon be knocking at our door. But I, of couse, have no reason to disbelieve Naetaru-sama's words and I'm going to accept this kind offer. Shall I write the invitations or Doji-sama is going to take care of it?"
Kaori was getting herlsef ready to leave, letter in hands, when Naetaru presented her a new offer, making the conversation longer than she wished for.
"Doji Adajiko-san? I heard about her, I don't think I can accept the services of such a renowned fashionist, she must be busy after winning a prestigious contest."
Kaori lowered her eyes only to find who sent her the letter, Bayushi Yorin, her former sensei. She couldn't wait to read the news but seems like Naetaru wouldn't let her go that easily. Well, she couldn't complain, a new kimono wouldn't hurt.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Nov 7, 2011 12:58:21 GMT -5
((OOC: OH! Not another 3-step refusals for the kimono maker as well, please ;D Will be posting tommorow, now at work ))
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Nov 7, 2011 13:14:37 GMT -5
(( LOL That's what people fear about Doji courtiers We can torture anyone with "now, please have this", "and this", "and this" ))
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Nov 8, 2011 3:37:02 GMT -5
Naetaru frowned. "You really don't see...Lady Kaori, I will give you one more gift...some more time to rethink any possible faux pas. It's the word of your daimyo you're concerned of. Please proceed into inviting your relatives for the Winter Court, for as we've seen you manage to keep a strong correspondence with Kyuden Bayushi perfectly."
He motioned over to the letter resting in her hands. Smiling he nodded shortly and began to depart.
"Please Hotaru-san, see that lady Kaori is helped according to her Doji duties." and quickly turning to the other side motioning to one of his servants.
"A sumi-e set to my room as well." If he would be having Scorpion relatives, he would ensure that the Crane branch was here as well. And he departed quickly, putting plans in motion for he would soon might be having guests.
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Nov 11, 2011 8:58:51 GMT -5
Hotaru bowed remaining low until the daimyo leave the room.
Kaori bowed also, hiding her face behind the withe fun. "As your wish..."
Both samurai-ko stared at the art work once more. The paintings were nearly done.
"Come, I do have much to do now"
Once more the artisans were alone in the room, like it none of this had ever happened around them.
(OOC: gonna move on to another thread)
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Nov 11, 2011 9:55:30 GMT -5
((I really liked RPing into it Yuki . I strongly suggest you play a Scorpion some time, cause you do it fantastic! ))
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