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 Nov 14, 2011 3:50:14 GMT -5
Sojiro waited for Mai's emotions to rein themselves in. He was no stranger to strong emotion himself, and remembered in particular his arrival to Kyuden Otomo and his appearance in court immediately after, still covered in the blood and grime of battle.
"Mai-sama, I meant no offense to you. Emotions are running hot on both sides of this conflict, and I am no exception." he chuckled. "I may well have offended the sensibilities of the Otomo family not so long ago for that very reason, by reminding one of their courtiers to mind his tounge in the presence of warriors. I'm fairly certain that my status as a 'war hero', he spoke the words with some sarcasm, "is the only reason my conduct was overlooked at that time. The courtier left with a red face and a very fashionable, very stained kimono." It's obvious by the smile on his face that Sojiro enjoys that memory, in spite of any potential dishonor it may bring him.
"As to why I believe that Toturi-dono would grant a Crane such as me an audience, I believe this for two reasons. First, because he was very close to my Champion, Daidoji Fitsu-sama. The two men have a great deal of respect and admiration for each other, and Fitsu-sama was very torn between his personal loyalty to Toturi-dono and his clan's responsibilities. I am sure that Toturi-dono is aware that many in my clan feel the same way about him. Indeed, I would not be here if that were not the case. He paused to take another sip of his saki, then continued. "Secondly, I believe this because it would not be the first time I have had an audience with Toturi-dono, although last time was stirctly business. Not long ago, I accompanied my daimyo, Kakita Mitsouko, when she was tasked by Hantei-dono to deliver a personal letter from him to his brother. I will admit though, this time my reasons are a bit more personal than before. As for enjoying the hospitality of the Unicorn," he chuckled again, his smile becoming a bit wider. "It would seem that I have little choice in the matter. As I said, I will not ride Shadowshine until she is fully healed. I owe her my life several times over. As an Utaku, I am sure you can understand my feelings on this matter. She is more than just a mount to me, she is a loyal and trusted companion. Furthermore, if I am to enjoy any clan's company with Shadowshine's injury, I can hardly think of a clan that would be better than the Unicorn. The care you show for your steeds is legendary, and I can't imagine that she would be in better hands anywhere else in the empire."
He seems to relax a little, and a seasoned warrior like Mai would notice that his posture changed from one that made his daisho accessible to one that offers little threat.
"You say that saki such as this is best enjoyed in the company of friends. If that is the case, then I would very much like to enjoy it in the company of you and your soldiers, as a sign of a better future for us all, and with the promise of new friendships blossoming this night, and possibly in the days to come. This war has tested many friendships, and yet they endure regardless. Not long ago, I met Akodo Tomatsu-sama, and I certainly would count him as a friend, in spite of being pitted against his forces at Toshi Ranbo. I hope to see you in the same light, Mai-sama."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 14, 2011 13:52:31 GMT -5
<OOC: Ozora I'm assuming you're in on this too, but if I'm wrong just say so and I'll take it out.>
"Your words are very wise, Sojiro-san. Please allow me the honor of pouring the first round, as a sign of our newly forged friendship. And please, Mai-san will suffice. I am no one's lord." Mai pops the cork as she, her two gunso, and Ozora take their seats. She pours sake into a circle of waiting cups, filling her own with just enough to be polite. As good as it was, she still had her duty to attend to, and she needed to keep her wits about her.
"If you are determined to take this course of action, Kikita-san, I will not stop you, but as the nearest ranking military officer in the area, I do feel a certain responsibility to protect our army's interests. We still have a day or so of resupplying before we will be ready to embark again, and you may be best served to travel with us under our protection. It should give your mount time to recover as well. In the meantime I can send one of my scouts ahead to the khan with a letter explaining the situation and your desires. Your fate lies largely in his hands from there. If you are allowed into the camp, you may petition entry into Toturi's court, or perhaps try to arrange a neutral third party location to speak with him."
"I can ensure that unless my orders demand otherwise, you will be treated as well as my own clansmen."
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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 Nov 14, 2011 16:17:44 GMT -5
"I would be happy to ride with you provided that your Khan agrees to let me enter your camp Mai-sun. In the meantime, is there anything I can do to repay your hospitality, or any places I should particularly keep myself out of? I have no intention of blundering into a sensitive area and compromising your responsibilities to your army."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 14, 2011 19:28:42 GMT -5
"For my own troops, we have little to hide, especially here. We carry no valuable intelligence that the khan does not already know, and we carry no spoils other than some tokens of gratitude bestowed upon us by the Lion champion. This town is small enough that avoiding any of us completely will be impossible, but be assured that as my guest on this journey, none of the men will dishonor themselves or me by letting any harm come to you."
"Now, if you will excuse me, Sojiro-san, Ozora-san, the hour is very late, and there is much to prepare. I will compose a letter to the khan tonight, and have a courier prepare to leave at dawn." She bows low to both of them. "Thank you both for an enlightening evening."
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 14, 2011 20:51:34 GMT -5
Ozora returns the bow, even lower than she went. "Of course Utaku-san. As we are both new to the unit, I think it would be an easy way to figure my way by assisting Kakita-san. I've only just arrived and I'm sure there is little need for my services at this time."
Ozora nods towards the two gunso. "I would not want one of your gunso to be inconvenienced when I'm sure there is much to do with a force on the move." Ozora looks at the gunso, expecting them to be relieved that they wouldn't have to worry about the Crane.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 15, 2011 1:04:21 GMT -5
"That would be fine, Ozora-san. You can report to me directly should you need anything. Just send a runner."
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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 Nov 15, 2011 3:38:17 GMT -5
Sojiro bowed again to Mai as she left, and then returned to his seat and took a closer look at Ozora. It seemed that he had seen this person before, but the memory was hazy... he couldn't quite place it.
"Well then, Ozora-san, it seems that we have unfinished saki here. Perhaps we could get to know each other a bit better while enjoying it. Do you have any questions for me?"
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 15, 2011 21:10:34 GMT -5
"Hmm..." Ozora peers at the saki and smiles as his eyes linger over the still full cup in front of Sojiro. He then proceeds to finish his own cup in a smooth motion.
"Ahh...what would be your favorite sake manufacturer? I have been around much of the empire in recent years, only hampered now by...certain restrictions. I've had many different brands and flavors, but I've never been able pick a clear favorite." Ozora's eyes clearly return the thought of acquaintance, but nothing more.
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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 Nov 15, 2011 22:27:44 GMT -5
"Hmm... it's difficult for me to choose one favorite in particular."
He drains his cup almost absent-mindedly and continues.
"It's a bit easier to tell you that, without a question, my favorite sakis come from either the Scorpion or Mantis lands. My homeland tends to produce saki that has a variety of flavors, but overall is fairly weak and watered down. The saki the Mantis produce can hardly be considered as such do to it's potency, but that does not mean that it suffers from poor flavor. When I have the rare chance to spend an evening with my brothers, it is generally saki from the Mantis lands that we drink."
He pours himself a little bit more, and offers to do the same for Ozuma.
"However, Scorpion saki is something else entirely. The flavors are bold, layered in complex manners, and very unique. It is not the strongest drink out there, but it is one of the most flavorful, and it is certainly not as weak as Crane saki either," he says with a grin.
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 15, 2011 23:40:17 GMT -5
Taking the offered sake, Ozora takes at it with a contemplation as he compares flavors in his mind. "Ah, I must say, the Scorpion lands are one area which I did not partake, as I was always quite busy. I must say though, it would typically come down to the nights events. A strong, simple taste, such as a Lion sake or a flavorful, weak Crane sake, it doesn't quite matter in the end. In the end, it all tastes the same to the drinker. It is all just sake, made many different ways but all typically from a similar source and in a similar process."
Ozora looks up at the Crane closely. "It is known that many do things for their own benefit and some do it for themselves. One's company typically indicates the honor behind the actions that they take." Ozora takes a moment to finish his cup, and assuming that Sojiro did as well, take the turn to refill the cups.
"Company need not always be another of the same though. Sometimes a companion, who speaks not a word, speaks volumes for their partner." Ozora's eyes flick towards a window that look out into the night.
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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 Nov 16, 2011 1:00:33 GMT -5
Sojiro took a long sip from his cup.
Thank you for the compliment, Ozora-san. Shadowshine is stubborn, tempermental, and high-spirited, but as I told Mai-san, I owe her my life several times over, not to mention the times she's pushed herself far beyond what I should expect from a horse. My trip here is just the latest example of that."
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 16, 2011 9:53:33 GMT -5
Ozora looks at Sojiro closely, his face passive and thoughtful. A grin breaks out and he gives a chuckle at something he finds refreshing. "Ahh, yes. Typical qualities that one finds in a trusty companion. Who always wants a partner who blindly follows and doesn't show their opinion from time to time? It leads to overlarge egos I have found."
Ozora finishes his cup and then finishes the bottle as he pours again. "A samurai should follow his lord of course, but only the truly...unintelligent, do not listen to council and to advice from those with whom they should trust. In the end, we are still expected and should follow orders, but to do it blindly leads to sorrow and misery for more than just the samurai who follow those orders."
Ozora takes his time with the last cup, swirling it around some. Ozora's eyes glitter, but he only hopes that the Crane understands the full import of the words.
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Post by Horiuchi Yuiren on Nov 16, 2011 15:04:21 GMT -5
<OOC: hello, I hope it's not a problem to join so late?>
When the two samurai sipped sake from their cups, each thinking their own thoughts on the subject, door to the inn slided open. Air inside the inn chilled, as the night wind sneaked in.
The pearson who went in was a tall girl, wearing travelling clothes in purple colours. She looked around quickly and smiled slightly, when she saw there aren't any drunken soldiers inside, and what more, it's quite empty and quiet. However she didn't want to sit all alone.
She welcomed the inn staff first, because she knew, when she'd greet with the samurai, it would be awkward and unappropriate to leave their company to greet the heimin. She had a few quiet wors with a maid, and than turned to Sojiro and Ozora. She first put down on the floor a katana and a paper lantern she had in her hands, and then bowed politely.
"Good evening. My name is Horiuchi Yuiren. My mother is Horiuchi Shoan. I am very sorry to distrupt your converstation. I wonder if you could be so kind and let me be your interlocutor for tonight. Of course, if you were just about to leave, I won't bother you any further, I know the hour is late."
From close, both samurai could see, that she could be no more than 20 years old. Also, that she surely has some gaijin ancestors, judging on the colour of her hair and eyes. (which is brown and green)
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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 Nov 16, 2011 21:18:14 GMT -5
(OOC I don't have a problem with it)
Sojiro shot a quick glance to Ozora, and then back to the girl in front of them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Yuiren-san. I am Kakita Sojiro." He stood up long enough to bow and offer her a seat.
"What brings you to this saki house so late in the evening?"
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 16, 2011 22:36:02 GMT -5
Ozora turns in his seated position to face the new entrant to their night of wet tongues and open minds. His eyebrow goes up somewhat at the mention of the Horiuchi Shoan. Of course everyone in the Unicorn knew about Shoan.
Ozora's eyes tighten ever so slightly, a little put off by one who seems to come right out with the name of a famous family member, as if attempting to ride their coattails. Quickly shaking that, he returns to a normal smile and allows the Crane do the talking for now.
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