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Post by Shoju on Nov 23, 2011 10:53:05 GMT -5
Shoju nodded at her mention of prayers, and he listened as she promised aid. Haruka-san, I'm curious, how will your aid be kept secret from your husband? Surely the Master of Secrets wouldn't allow you to send Scorpion to aid, me of all people? Why... by now I would expect that I've become something of a modern day "Junzo" in the eyes of my estranged family. Shoju smiled a little at the emphasis in the name he uttered. That you have found aid for someone like me speaks volumes Haruka-san. Just remember, while I will always appreciate your aid Haruka-san, I would much rather you live and continue to be an ally, than to die and be reviled.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 23, 2011 14:43:29 GMT -5
She gave a gentle giggle, "Oh you needn't worry about that. The Scorpion do teach well, and I have some skill now to enforce my plan. But undoubtedly my faith carries me. For my place in this world is but a temporary passing unto greater things. The karmic cycle that dictates our pasts, present, and future will continue as it always has, how it shall do so forever more. I cannot ignore the pull of destiny."
Haruka turned her head briefly as the firelight caught the corner of her eye, a very faint reflection of a silhouette of a man was watching over her, but she seemed entirely unconcerned. In fact she nodded to acknowledge him, but said nothing, his identity veiled by the faint detail in the reflection. Likely a part of her assembled support for Shoju. Her expression did jump slightly as a memory struck her, her gaze returning.
"Oh! And do send your warmest regards to your associate, Yun-san. I do wish to speak to him again very soon." She bowed her chin again, honoring the name.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 23, 2011 15:20:48 GMT -5
By your words, I trust that you still feel that your life could be forfeit.... Shoju trailed off... It was less a question, and more an observation really, and Shoju cursed himself for making reference to what happened in Saisei when he saw the shadow of company with her.
I will indeed inform Yun that you have sent regards, and look forward to speaking with him again, Haruka-san. Shoju smiled at the thought of yun speaking with Haruka. He wondered if the young ones impetuous tendencies could keep him safe with a Scorpion.
When should I expect your support Haruka-san? Should I continue as planned and meet with the Ox? Or would you think your aid close enough that I should wait?
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Nov 23, 2011 17:22:38 GMT -5
[OOC] From here: Clicky! [/OOC] And Yun then departed Thrakhath's mind, leaving him to the battle at hand. "Arrogant thing.... At least he is getting something accomplished." Yun sighed. There would be a bit of time before he thought Haruka to be asleep. Yun reached for his metal tea set that he had constructed oh so long ago to accomodate his travels. He heated some water with a small manipulation of the fire kami, something innocuous, one wouldn't even consider this a spell in the Isawa lands... Then poured the water into his cup then brought out his tea steeper to make himself a glass just the way he liked it. As he held the cup, the memories of his last encounter with Haruka wormed its way into his mind, there had been tea there. And there would be again. "Passionate woman...." He really wasn't sure how their next meeting would go. He didn't want to simply inform her of what Shoju had said. But he didn't want to come across like a lustful maniac either. He breathed deeply a couple of times, and took another drink of his tea. "What to do, what to do...."
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 23, 2011 22:59:59 GMT -5
Haruka again glanced to the side and nodded. Something unspoken going on between her and the other onlooker in the Champion's quarters.
"I can't trust those I do not know, Shoju-san. I can only presume that the other samurai of the noble Ox will not be so welcoming. But again, I do not know them. My reinforcements might be a helpful tool in securing relations between you and the Ox, so that your... nature doesn't appear as the face for your campaign."
She rested her chin in her hand. "Appearances are so important to the empire, and I think my courtier would be quite the appropriate representative at your side. My support will depart as soon as we are finished here. I hope that this plan is to your liking, Shoju-san."
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Post by Shoju on Nov 25, 2011 9:19:32 GMT -5
Shoju sat and thought for a moment. If Haruka was conferring with someone in The Champion's quarters, who knew she was talking to Shoju, she must have found someone to implicitly trust, or someone capable of turning a blind eye to more questionable endeavors. Either way, A courtier would definitely be of benefit. Shoju had never cared for the courtly platitudes, not even in his first life, and the idea of a third party coming to aid them was too good of an advantage to pass up.
Very well then Haruka-san. We will await the arrival of your retinue. Our position currently shields us from the eyes of the Ox Patrols. Tell me, how long before we should expect their arrival? I will mask the presence of us in the meantime.
Shoju felt uneasy. He couldn't explain what had him on edge, but something was gnawing at him. His mind cursed the uneasiness. This should be a celebratory time. The time he had spent fostering an alliance with the Mistress of Secrets was finally beginning to pay off.
Shoju glanced sideways and looked at Tenshi. Her form, the child growing inside of her, and back to Haruka. The words were there to ask, but he feared those in the room with Haruka may not understand the delicate nature of that situation. For now, his mind wandered to Tenshi, and his desire to be next to her.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 16:00:46 GMT -5
Tenshi's thoughts had reflected the unease the entire while, but she'd done well to keep quiet about them so as not to distract Shoju. She nodded in gentle understanding as she waited for them to conclude their discussion, and waited patiently for now.
"Within days, as quickly as they can, Shoju-san. This is a clan that need not worry on how they move through the lands in times of peace or times of war. It will be as swift as possible, I am even lending my Utaku steeds to help aid in this mission. But this mission alone."
Haruka had to fight herself down a bit, she could not show restraint, but the horses had become her one pride. She was willing to even sacrifice that to expedite the situation. It seemed no resource was off limits for now. "I want no delay to cause you or my sister any greater peril." She bowed to him with the conclusion of her words.
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Post by Shoju on Nov 25, 2011 16:18:11 GMT -5
Shoju returned her bow, but the uneasiness remained. The uneasiness was welling. Utaku Steeds? Scorpion Aid? Conferring with one so close while they spoke? How could this be? How had we arrived here from an alliance started in secrecy because her husband had sworn to wipe Shoju's existence from the Empire?
Shoju calmed his mind for a moment, and looked at the image of Haruka. We will await your arrival. Your care in this situation is much appreciated Haruka-san. As your retinue heads North, will they be flying Scorpion Colors? How will I know them to be yours?
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 25, 2011 16:25:15 GMT -5
Again Haruka's eyes curled with another deep smile behind her mask. "You will know them when they arrive. They will not hide from you, they will not shy away from whatever front you deside to put on. But I am sending them all, so it is your own risk you undertake. To destroy them is to destroy all I can offer.
It has been a pleasure to assist you in these matters, but I will not delay their travels a moment more..." Her last words seemed to struggle a bit as her head wrap puffed forward with a heavy breath. As she rose from her place, Shoju could see she was in the same heavyset position as Tenshi, marking only a few days to hours for the arrival of the Champion's twins.
It seemed she closed the spell of her own volition as the view went dark. Tenshi actually seemed to ease as this occurred.
She's in pain, I can feel it..
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Post by Shoju on Nov 25, 2011 16:42:39 GMT -5
I agree. Something has been gnawing at me, besides your own reservations. Shoju picked up the crystal and stood. So many things have changed in the course of the conversations with her, but I can't understand what spurred the change, or why?
Shoju began to pace Her offerings of aid are far more...... open, now than they ever were. Using her steeds? Wouldn't her husband notice? Sending a courtier? What courtier? Shoju stopped pacing, and was working over something in his head. In the information that I had read, I had come across a report that the Scorpion had sided with the Hantei. Lives were given as atonement, and The Master of Secrets atoned by giving his flesh unto flame. The report says that he lived, but what is his condition? Shoju began pacing again. Has Haruka taken control of the clan in his absence? Could it be that in the turmoil that engulfed the clan, her alliance was discovered?
Shoju began pacing again, his uneasiness filling him with questions. Questions that only time could answer. What, or who would be arriving in several days? Shoju stopped pacing, went to the entrance, and whispered to Bonfei. At times he laughed, because whispering was done to keep a secret. But amongst the two in the tent, there were no secrets any longer.
Bonfei nodded, and moved silenty through the camp to The young shugenja's tent. and called in. Shoju-sama would appreciate it if you would scout to the south of our position for the next few days. Reinforcements are scheduled to arrive, and he wants to know how many are being sent.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Nov 25, 2011 18:23:56 GMT -5
Yun was deep in thought considering his course of action when Bonfei called in. It took him a moment to realize that someone was talking to him. "I'm sorry, Bonfei-san, I was meditating, can you repeat that?" As Bonfei did, Yun nodded to himself while Bonfei spoke. "Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. I mean, aside that I don't know what I'm looking for, but I will scout for troop movement to our south." There was a pause. "Uh, thank you, Bonfei-san for delivering the message." The time had passed much slower than Yun had wanted, but it was getting towards that time. Haruka may be sleeping more now, so he would go ahead and get situated. He sat down in the cushion, facing the south-west, towards Kyuden Bayushi. He began to meditate and as the gates of his mind extended, he sought for the sleeping form of Haruka. Time would pass as Yun waited. [OOC] Follow here: Clicky! [/OOC]
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Bayushi Senshi
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Nov 26, 2011 6:55:44 GMT -5
In the champions quarter's in Kyuden Bayushi, the figure stepped forward. He wore no mask, and was beaming a malicious smile. "Oh, how I love you, my Haruka," Senshi said, his blonde mess of hair cascading over his tired brow.
He stepped up and warmly put his hand on her waist. "The Utaku steed is a pleasant surprise. Are you sure I'm ready to ride, dear? You are an excellent teacher of course, and perhaps a better student... offer the steeds for the mission proves your devotion to them."
His smile only grew, he wished he could lift her up in the air, and twirl her around. But with his injury, and her condition it was probably for the better. She would feel his youthful enthusiasm however. He leant forward and kissed her on the lips. "Words do not describe how proud of you I am, my Haruka, and I swear I will enact revenge for the harm brought to our family and to our clan. I wish you could come with me, dear. Oh how I wish it!" He kissed her again, "Kami, how I love you!"
He turned toward his light armor display, then looked over his shoulder at her loosening his courtly robes, "Will you help me, my love?"
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 26, 2011 10:49:13 GMT -5
Haruka gave a slight bow, understanding the honor of equipping her husband for battle. While she was still heavily burdened and nearing the end of fostering this life within her, Haruka did her best to move gently and gracefully, half succeeding.
Without the use of his other arm, one would think him suicidal for desiring to strike out against the tainted. But Haruka knew her husband too well, and so long as he drew breath, his wrath and his vendetta would not be sated until one had fallen. His strength as a kensai and as a bushi allowed her to understand more than ever that he was able, in spite of losing an entire arm, to fight as necessary.
With his robes off for a brief moment, she gently caressed over his skin and kissed along his stub of an arm, inspecting the damage. Kiso had done well and the putrid skin was finally gone for good. Senshi was as fit as he was ever going to be without the jade hand.
"If my Senshi is pleased, I have done well."
Her words were only distant for a moment as she prepared the armor for him. She had her doubts about his decision to go, but considering her sudden willingness to reveal what she had known all along, Senshi had seemingly overlooked such a slight and embraced the idea without missing a beat.
She worked methodically, putting each piece on him in quiet meditation over the events that had brought it all to this moment. The gentle licking light of the flames playing with their shadows on the wall.
Strangely this was part of her first thought, when she first got Senshi alone, although by accident rather than purposefully of course. Him standing with his arms extended for examination. But her eyes had become far more seasoned in a single year, and rather than basking in his appearance, she worked to arm him for his mission to come. Haruka remembered the sound of the weapon striking into his brother's chest, only to know now that his brother's blood would be repaid with her sister's life.
As she lashed the final piece in place on her beloved husband, Haruka fetched the beautiful blade of the Champion, Churetsu. She displayed it across her hands before readying it at his side.
"I have allowed one of my personal steeds, Riku, to rest, so that he might be ready for battle. It will not be the first time he has faced Shoju. He is gentle as he is true, and he will carry you to your glory, my love."
Her final act was to gently place the mask onto his lower face, not that he couldn't do this on his own. But it was the final piece of his armor that would show her intimate devotion to him. Her task complete she gently stood apart from him for now, looking on to Senshi, and passing a point of no return.
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Bayushi Senshi
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Nov 26, 2011 17:21:44 GMT -5
Senshi's eyes never left his wife as she dressed him for battle. He never thought the moment could be so intimate. When she was done, he bowed his head toward her until their foreheads were resting against each other, and he looked up into her eyes. "I'll be home soon my love."
He lingered there, just wishing more of her presence. He knew he would likely miss the birth of his own child, but the timing had to be now for that reason. None would expect him away from Kyuden Bayushi now.
When he turned to go, he picked up a new mask. Not his father's uniquely designed war helm, but instead a bitter lies mempo, and a cowl that covered up his hair. With the aid of Alana, he pulled it all back into a pony tail, and tucked it away under the garment. Mempo in place and hair concealed, at a distance he would look like any other Bayushi Bushi.
He turned to his wife one last time and looked at her there for a moment. "You truly are the most beautiful woman in the world." And then he was gone.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Nov 26, 2011 17:44:43 GMT -5
Truly it was nigh impossible for anyone to believe he'd leave now of all times. Scorpion tradition would pull men from the front, and farmers from the yard in order to celebrate the birth of their child. But Haruka knew, and understood well enough now.
Just before he passed out of earshot to take her horse and begin his journey, she came to the window, her mask pulled down from their earlier embraces. She was not teary eyed or afraid, but proud of the man who had chosen her.
"Put her to rest, my love. May your blade be true and may the shadows serve and protect you. I... I will be waiting, Senshi. Don't be long."
Riku as gentle as ever, responded well to Senshi. And while he'd never been a proficient horseman, the black stallion allowed him the comfort and ease of a well trained beast. Where Rin, Haruka's grey mare was ferocious, Riku was obedient and sensitive, but no less dangerous in battle.
The ideal mount. She thought, watching him ride off into the night. The darkness soon consumed him as he disappeared out of sight. But no sooner had he departed, something lurched within her form.
She stomached an outcry, but her hands gripped onto her stomach desperately. Haruka turned slowly to Alana who stood wide eyed at her, she was stilled completely for a moment. But Haruka didn't need to look to realize what was happening.
Quickly she would be surrounded by her trusted female attendants, Alana keeping closest to her side where Senshi should be. Laying on her bed that had only finally been cleaned after the mess made with removing Senshi's arm.
Haruka's labor had begun.
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