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 28, 2011 4:33:45 GMT -5
OCC This thread is the Sequel of Crossroads and it happens after The Honorable Occupation thread. It is semi Open RP, if you are not Lion or Crane please PM to your favorite party to present your reasons to be there and then join either retinues somehow. Summary: After the fortuitous meeting Lady Kakita and Lord Akodo had in an obscure inn in an obscure night, the seed of truce was sought among Crane and Lion. After succeeding in her mission and handing Hantei's letter to Kaneka (even not knowing the content of the missive), Mitsouko and her yojimbo made their way back to Kyuden Otomo to deliver the response to Hantei XL, and after it, she had a clarifying meeting with her tairo and Doji and Asahina Daimyo, presenting her thoughts and considerations to the other Crane clan leaders.
Not long after, a letter came to the hands of the Lion champion, excellent paper with official seals of the Crane clan and a fine writing, but still straightforward, content:
Most Honorable Lion Champion Akodo Tomatsu sama
May this letter find you well, with the blessing of the Fortunes. The Crane Clan, in its sincerity, invites the Lion Clan to a peaceful conversation, aiming the cease of hostilities between both clans, in virtue of our contrary political visions at the moment. This suggestion is presented by Kakita Family Daimyo, based in her belief that Lion Clan Champion is also interested in achieve the best for the Empire. The Crane clan is in accordance and proposes this meeting to be in the home of the Most Loyal Seppun, a truly neutral and hospitable environment where the Descendant s of Lord Akodo and Lady Doji can express with liberty their ideas. A treatise can be signed if both clans are in accord at the end of this meeting.
May this letter be received with the same good will our celestial ancestors had to each other.
Kakita Mitsouko, Hatamoto of the Crane Clan.
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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 28, 2011 15:53:12 GMT -5
Several days later a rider returns to Mitsouko, dust and mud covering him from a long and hard ride.
Kakita-san,
I shall arrive as soon as you tell me you have prepared whatever place you desire to met. I do however have to inform you that I cannot stay for extended negotiations, as the Dragon have moved against my birthplace at Castle of the Swift Sword. I hope you will forgive me on that matter.
Akodo Tomatsu
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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 28, 2011 17:24:14 GMT -5
Akodo Tomatsu had the opportunity of reading a letter with a different caligraphy than the first one, a short message of personal tone:
Akodo-sama, you and your retinue will be expected at the new moon in the Seppun Castle. May our intention of peace inspire the other clans.
Kakita Mitsouko
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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 31, 2011 7:56:16 GMT -5
At the new moon the Lion delegation arrived at Seppun Castle. It was a small delegation with little fan fare, and at its head rode the Shining Lion. The champion and his retinue dismounted as they arrived at the gate, bowing and exchanging the formal greetings with the Seppun daimyo. A ritual exchange of gifts were given between the two, and Tomatsu thanked him for allowing such an historical event to be held in his castle walls.
He had never met the man before, but Tomatsu thought him a rather pleasant sort, for a Seppun, who seemed more fanatically devoted to the ideals of Bushido than even his own clan could be characterized. None the less he had not ridden here from Toshi Ranbo just to meet the Seppun. Tomatsu was not too fond of the Seppun, or many imperials. He generally avoided any time he wouldn't be called Sama, and the imperials tended to take their birthrights and the lack of his seriously. At least the Seppun damiyo was pleasant if only formally so.
Tomatsu and his band were ushered into the court yard of the Shiro, to await the formal greeting by their true hosts, the Crane clan.
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 31, 2011 11:51:06 GMT -5
Akodo Daisuke had been chosen by his father Jin to accompany Tomatsu to Kyuden Seppun. Jin and Tomatsu had been friends for what seemed like forever and Jin wanted to make sure that Tomatsu had one of his family there for protection. It was his first time visiting any imperial family castle... save his participation in taking Toshi Ranbo. It was odd now walking into one of these structures peacefully. Wait. He needed to shake that thinking, this was just a meeting. Nothing had been assured yet. He must keep up his full guard, the seppun could have set a trap, the crane might have their own plans, and who even knows whats going on with the spider?
He followed closely behind Tomatsu keeping as close an eye to the mannerisms of their hosts and the surrounding environment as possible. If he seemed suspicious of his hosts he certainly was doing his best to hide it. But was still very much ill at ease. As the gift giving ceremony wrapped itself up he continued to ponder the peculiarity of his current circumstances.
Peace? With the crane? Seemed rather preposterous to Daisuke. He had been there at Toshi Ranbo and saw how fiercely they fought. He thought that if anything was assured in this war it would be that the lion and the crane would share a continued mutual animosity. Who knows maybe miracles are still possible?
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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 13:07:46 GMT -5
Naetaru was resting at the antechamber picked for the Crane delegation. He was knelt on a firm cushion resting his mind, emptying his thoughts. He had arrived rather early and so had the time to get to know the Seppun castle. The missive he had received back in Kyuden Otomo stressed the importance of the meeting, and that he was required. Truth be told, Naetaru hadn't the time to speak to anyone other than the Seppun daimyo and the Crane delegates. He had so many things in mind, and bearing a title meant to keep someone preoccupied. There were so many things left back in Kyuden Doji, his home...his wife. He was sitting in silence holding close to his wife's gift, the one that he'd received back to the day when they were married. He carried it, caressed it, felt the gentle warmth it emanated. It was a fan. Made of bamboo, dyed black and processed granting a laminating effect. It's core was made of silk, dyed black as well with artistic stains of orange with gold embroidery. Dark hues forming forming to the kanji of "Sincerity" on the backside and while turned in the front it depicted the "Death of the Noriaki Tribe", iconizing lady Matsu confronting their enemies on Seppun Hill. Naetaru managed a simple laugh, for it seemed anachronistically ironic. He drew the fan open and waved it in the air as the fragrance of cardamom filled the air. Now, this was a masterpiece and Doji Sadoji must have gone to a great extent to find such a perfect gift. And that exactly was what Naetaru and every Crane would admire...perfection. Some moments passed as he held his fan in hand, he rose as a trio of female servants rushed to adjust his kimono. He looked at the sleeves and around his waist...vaguely trying to remember how this kimono came to his possession. It was of an outdated fashion, that he had noticed, and truth be told he didn't mind. The latest trend demanded for someone to reach to such a monetary extend of expense that only Soshi Kiso could currently afford. He reached for his hand mirror, a gift from the Utaku daimyo back before the war begun...or was it after? He looked at his hair noticing the first trace of roots."Long and loose today Achikara" he beckoned to the servant of the Ashidaka family. The Kakita daimyo ensured that he would be treated perfectly by the hand-picked maiden named Achikara and she has done so favorably up to the extent where Naetaru would think that she was "stalking" the daimyo."A Kakita spy" he thought amusingly. Mitsouko was full of surprises... ( ) The hot water warmed the comb as his bleached hair were forming a straight grooming line and moments later he was handed his fragrance. He looked at the small bottle, it was a sandalwood fragrance dilluted with tangerine leaves."Leave that. I'm not wearing any today." he intoned as he felt the need not to use it today. He clenched for the other bottle, the "sake" as he called it. It was a mixture of valerian root mixed with sake enriched with tangerine leaves...again. He was pretty nervous, Lions were everywhere and made him tense... He gulped down a mouthful of the mixture... And he was ready for court!
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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 31, 2011 15:16:38 GMT -5
Yukihime was waiting, her mind belonging much more to other realms than to ningen-do. With gentle, but yet mechanical, moves she folded one more tsuru... another perfect one.
Long ago she would fold it over and over again, until the paper becomes dyed in red from finger cuts and worn from so many attempts. But once perfection was achieved, it was never lost. And every sacrifice worth it, every minute spend.
A cold breeze was swirling around her white hair, loose as usual. The elemetal spirit wouldn't bother anyone but with the winter approaching it is growing colder. The traditional kariginu, a fine shugenja outfit in Crane colors, was perfectly placed. And the long white fabric of her garment could not find any dust on Seppun hallways.
Her lack of sleep costed her one spell. And as always, her serene looks is emotionless.
The Asahina stared her new tiny bird. A craft comparable to the huge paintings on the walls surounding her. Soon it would fly. She was alone, and on time she would join the other leaders of the Crane to greet the Lion retinue.
((OOC: As by posting it is hard to syncronize...I'll just go through the door following the other Cranes once they are ready to do so ... that's all ^_- ))
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Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Oct 31, 2011 15:35:20 GMT -5
These walls weren't unknown for Kaito. He spent a few months here, when he's father was a member of a Lion delegation to the Seppun.
A short smile appears on his face, when moment of hard training with the young Seppun warrior-to-bes comes to his mind.
How many things have changed since that time. Now he's on the side of the Lion clan champion, Akodo Tomatsu sama, among a few chosen ones, who have accompanied him to a negotiation with the Crane. Of course this is not the first time he meets his blue cousins: he was sent as an ambassador to them before the Yobanjin wars. He even found a friend among them - Kakita Takeo, who died on the battlefield killing many of those savages. Sad memory for a friend, but gloriuos for a bushi.
The cause is different, now a truce is needed. This mindset is hard for somebody who got used to see his enemy on the battlefield face to face during the last months, but under the confident leadership of Tomatsu sama, Kaito learned not every battle is won by blood.
His outfit shows the change also. He's not in his armor and helmet. Now he's wearing the finest kimono , which is gold and brown dyed - the colors of the Lion - to show his status. For him it is hard to take down his sword, so the daisho he inherited from his grandfather is sill in his obi - and it will be until the Seppun mediators don't ask to change this.
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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 31, 2011 15:42:17 GMT -5
As soon as Mitsouko finished of being tortured by the hairdressers and assistants, she needed to meet with the Doji daimyo and host the Lion.This was what Kazue, Doji Mikado's substitute ( and Doji spy, Mitsouko used to think ) was saying. Mitsouko was taught to refrain her tongue and her informal habits. "With the proper respect, a true dame does not speak as much as milady uses to like, and..." Mitsouko stopped to listen at some point. Since she became daimyo, and the Doji decided to correct her "bad habits", Mitsouko had passed by extensive retraining to remember everything she should to have learnt before her gempukku. She relearned a lot, but definitely she still needed people to dress her in a fashionable way. But Mitsouko had so many things in her mind to worry about, thoughts about war and peace and honor and pride... But at the same time so many willing Kakita and Doji women to help her in this task… So everybody was happy and the Kakita that love art and beauty would not be ashamed by their daimyo's lack of style. She had word that Fitsu sama decided to have a small time alone with his thoughts, and had not returned already from the small shrine he decided to visit. She took the fan that Mimiko, her favorite servant, handed her and gave a second glance to the picture in it, admiring the beauty of the scenery. Then turned to the Regent's Spouse, Daidoji Suzuka, a bit distracted by the window. The former Crab samurai-ko fought under her husband'ss command against Kaneka allies but confessed to the Kakita daimyo that she was longing to come back to the wall to battle the foul threats the Shadowlands were sprouting with crescent fury while the Empire was divided. Suzuka-san, do you know if Fitsu-sama will join us soon this evening?Hai, Mitsouko-san, the tall woman, taller than the Kakita daimyo, left her place and walked through the room directing to her. My husband only needed a time far from… Suzuka was a smart Crane spouse and knew she should left her personal thoughts about Crane courtiers to herself; at least in a room full of them. She was the spouse of the tairo, right now. Others affairs that could distract him for the serious matters he has to deal with tonight.Mitsouko nodded, getting up from the stool as soon she noticed the hairdresser was looking at the finished hairdo as it was the ultimate opus of an Kakita artisan. In the corridor, Suzuka turned to her: Mitsouko-san, I know you already asked to someone tell my husband the time to meet the Lion is come, but I 'll meet him to make sure... the former Crab found no words to express her feelings, but Mitsouko knew what she was talking about. Shhhh... I know, Suzuka-san. Take your time. She bowed to the spouse of the more powerful Crane in the Empire. Still so accessible and humble as her own husband. The Daidoji samurai-ko left with a bow and a shy smile, and Mitsouko crossed the rest of the way through the corridors of the Seppun Castle to the next hall, and there met Naetaru and Yukihime.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Oct 31, 2011 20:05:25 GMT -5
Fitsu regarded his wife warmly when she told him everyone was ready. Though their marriage had been political in origin, it was full of love and mutual admiration. He knew she had great value in any of the myriad battlefields around the empire, but he was grateful she was here.
Before he had meditated at the shrine he had spoken to her at length of the year leading up to this day. He had told her that he had travelled with and fought along side Akodo Tomatsu in the spring, that they had discussed tactics over the same maps with Kaneka, and that they had soiled Unicorn dirt with their blood and the blood of their brothers to protect the Empire from foreign invasion. What should have been a happy reunion between veterans of a campaign, filled with reminiscence and comradery, would instead be a formal affair, tense in the best of circumstances.
Fitsu wore a simple outfit, he knew the Lion would respect its utility, just as he knew the other members of his clan were far better suited to represent the well known elegance of the Crane. His clothes were better suited to be worn under his O-yoroi, with only a fine haori to give credence to his rank of Regent of the Crane.
Fitsu shared words with Suzuka that were for her alone that left her with a subdued smile. He walked to his fellow Crane, inwardly very pleased with their respective choices in adornment. Though he was not well regarded as an artist, he still found appreciation for beauty even in times of turmoil.
He led them out to the courtyard and addressed the Lion samurai gathered there. O-hayo gozaimasu Tomatsu-san, I had hoped we would have the time to play that game of Go you suggested before we last parted, but I am not sure we have the time now. I understand you have urgent business elsewhere so I will state my desires plainly.
This war we fight will end in no good for the Empire regardless of its winner or the circumstances of its victory. I do not understand, nor condone, your actions against your sworn Emporer, but I do not think I can change your mind here.
So...I propose this: the Crane will launch no offensive against the Lion so long as the Lion seek not war on the Hantei or the clans that have continued to support the Celestial Harmony he personifies. Does this meet with your approval?
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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 31, 2011 20:23:09 GMT -5
Taiyo had been sitting quietly while the Lion waited for the Crane to appear. He had dressed in a simple black kimono, bearing only a single, golden Lion Mon on its back. There were other places he would rather be, but duty called him here today.
He listened attentively to Fitsu as he spoke, and leaned in close to Tomatsu after he had presented his terms. My lord, the Crane seek to remove us from the board without agreeing to similar terms. We would be locked into our own lands, sitting on our rumps while the Crane would still be free to attack our allies, as well as his grand prize, Toturi's army itself. These are not terms of peace, but of subjugation. We gain nothing from this. You must refuse.
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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 31, 2011 22:13:58 GMT -5
Yukihime stored the tsuru on her sleeves and bowed in deep respect for the other Cranes once they were gathered. After entering the room, she bowed low and also respectfuly to all the Lions present.
Once more the shugenja remained silent, a few steps behind the other Cranes.
She truly wishes for peace, but not of any cost, and the bushi clearly doesn't see the costs as she does.
Surely those who can make use of eloquence and strategy have more to say in a meeting like this than she would ever have.
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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 31, 2011 22:15:28 GMT -5
Greetings Fitsu-san. One day we will get that game of go. Remind me before I leave, I have a gift for you, something I never got a chance to give you before we parted ways after our last campaign together.
He held up a hand after Taiyo had spoken, signaling for the younger Lion to return to his place. Tomatsu knew the stakes here.
It seems Kakita-san's memory is a bit mistaken. We set terms that only applied to the Lion and Crane. I cannot agree to not launch actions against the man who no longer is fit to be Emperor, especially when our rightful Emperor commands action. I would try and convince you of the error of your ways, Fitsu-san, but out of the curtsey that you have shown me, I will refrain from doing so.
I propose the only peace which I can agree to, the Crane cease all offensive actions against Lions anywhere and everywhere, and the Lion cease all offensive actions against the Crane everywhere and anywhere. As for the Dragon and Phoenix, I will make peace with them when they are willing.
He spread his hands wide and inclined his head to Fitsu. How do you find these terms? he said, locking eyes with the man.
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Oct 31, 2011 22:40:39 GMT -5
Daisuke resisted reaching for his sword at the obvious insult provided by the crane. He nodded his head at Tomatsu's wisdom and ability to calmly swipe aside such an obvious attempt at upsetting the entire lion delegation. Daisuke shifted uneasily in his kimono hand at the obi showing an understanding that violence might be imminent but giving the situation a chance to clear without need for bloodshed. He looked at his surroundings gauging the response of the crane and his fellows. Being a younger samurai he was often given to breaking protocol but after such a brash affront he'd rather be ready.
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Daidoji Fitsu
Crane Clan
A prepared Daidoji is an implacable foe on the field of battle. Fitsu is always prepared.
Posts: 311
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Post by Daidoji Fitsu on Nov 1, 2011 0:15:03 GMT -5
The Crane Tairo took everything in with a steady breath and maintained his On despite the Lion's casual blasphemy against the celestial order. How had an honorable man fallen so far without even seeing it? He let out the breath with a sigh and let the anger out with it.
I see what you are saying, but if we cannot create a treaty we can both abide by then we cannot create one at all. Neither of us want that.
I cannot speak for every Crane everywhere anymore than you can speak for every Lion. The Emerald Champion, for example is a Crane who will do whatever the Son of Heaven requires and I have no authority to say otherwise. The same could be said of Crane serving in The Imperial Legions.
Let's see...the Crane armies will make no move against any Lion holdings or Toshi Ranbo, so long as the Lion show no aggression towards the Crane's holdings or those of the Imperial families.
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