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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Nov 22, 2011 16:08:53 GMT -5
Kael smirked at Sachiko. "It seems, Utaku Mai-san, that you did not understand what Utaku Sachiko-san has said. Forgive me for saying that, but none of us wants you to leave your own men or those that Utaku Kasumi-dono has sent to your protection. That is nothing but a misunderstanding." Sachiko nodded to his words, and he continued. "I believe any Shiotome could do what you speak of, but as you mentioned on your own, Utaku Mai-san, this is not the right time to travel alone. This is why Daimyo-dono has given you one of the best samurai to aid you on your way back to the Unicorn forces." Kael bowed his head to one of those "helpers", Shiotome that always covers her face with mempo. "Indeed, my sister sent a little army on their own... So, I hope you do not mind us trying to go as fast as we can. We have our reasons, but we were also told to join you, if we meet you. Just to make sure we all go there safely."
Kael's speach was really polite and he did not look in Mai's eyes... but his whole body was giving a strong vibes of being independent and not so easy to break.
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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 22, 2011 16:35:46 GMT -5
"Of course, Kael-san. I only want to be clear." Mai said, bowing respectfully to her fellow family members. Utaku men in particular always seemed to want to prove something, and Kael was no exception, but Mai took little note of his demeanor when there were more important concerns.
The gunso carefully lead Ren by her halter, the horses of the other travelers trailing not far behind. Mai mounted as quickly and easily as if she were simply taking a step and addressed Sojiro quietly. "Up to now we have still made time to stop and rest, as I understand many samurai outside of the Unicorn are not quite as comfortable in the saddles as ourselves, but today we will be taking rations as we ride, and travelling all day. I hope this will not represent any undue imposition to your person." Mai's tone was sincere and careful not to cause offense to the Kikita, but it carried an implied request to not slow the party down. It indicated her own anxiety more than any aspersions on the samurai. For the first time, Mai felt vulnerable in the open plains of her homeland, and felt a pressing need to join with the camp as soon as possible.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 23, 2011 0:48:06 GMT -5
Sojiro grinned at the way Sachiko and Kael bantered about Kasumi. It reminded him a great deal of how his brothers, the Kakita Boys as Mitsouko referred to them, would talk to Mitsouko when they were in private. Their loyalty to her, and to each other, was fierce. And yet, there was a constant good natured joking between them.
"Mai-san, your offer means a great deal to me. Thank you. As for the ride, have no worries." He patted the flank of his horse affectionately. She was smaller than the Utaku war steeds, but sleek and powerfully built. Anyone who knew horses could see the speed and endurance concealed in her build. "Shadowshine is not a heavy warhorse, but you would have a difficult time convincing her of that. She was bred from a line that excels at fast travel over long distances, and we have traveled many places together, often with the need to arrive as quickly as possible."
The horse snorted, and one would almost think that she took offense to Sojiro's "not a warhorse" comment.
"Alesha was more than just family, he was a role model to me when I was younger. After I learned of his fall into corruption, I've been reluctant to place my trust in others. Perhaps I believed in him too much." he shook his head.
"Regardless of that, or maybe because of that, it brings me a deal of peace to be reminded that there are still people in the Empire that I can trust."
"We have a large amount of territory to cover. Let's ride, Mai-san."
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
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Posts: 484
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Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 24, 2011 9:40:55 GMT -5
True to her word, they traveled all day, making camp only when they could barely see the ground beneath their feet. Fires were lit, bed rolls were laid out, and the watch assigned. Mai took no chances, and set up several sentinels with tinder and fuel for signal fires, to better give advance notice should anything transpire. She slept fitfully with her katana by her side, awaking at any snap of twig or pop of the fire.
The troops could see that something was amiss, but the scout was true to his word, and there was not a word spread around camp about Moto Yoee. A few on the watch told tales of bandits, invaders from the Burning Sands, or even mythical beasts, trying to scare one another, but the evening was quiet but for the howling of a few wolves in the distance.
The sun once again rose in the distant horizon, but this time, a large township was revealed in the distance -- Dark Edge Village, barely more than two hours away, the war camp surely not much farther. The camp filled with excitement as fires were quickly put out and equipment packed away. Mai felt a huge swelling of relief as the army found the main road and traveled through the town, passing merchant caravans, city guards and magistrates, and unicorn and other samurai loyal to Toturi. The town was bustling, but everyone made room for the advancing army.
When they reached the camp around noon, Mai dismounted and split off from the main forces, trusting her gunso to see to the accommodations of the soldiers and the horses. She gave Sojiro and Ozora a look, and motioned them to follow her to the command tent.
It was there that Mai, clad in armor from the field cleaned only hastily of the dust from her travels, came to present herself to her daimyo and champion. She knelt down, took her katana out of her daisho and presented it on the ground in front of her in supplication.
"Utaku Kasumi-sama, I, Utaku Mai, daughter of the late Utaku Yun-Li, have come with my forces to answer your summons from Toshi Ranbo."
"I also present to you Kikita Sojiro, the samurai of the Crane I described in my last correspondence, who seeks entrance to Emperor Toturi's court. I can personally vouch for his honor, and the importance of his audience. With all of the dark forces at work in the empire, the khan's recent defection being only another symptom, his information may very well prove vital to our future."
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Nov 24, 2011 11:18:29 GMT -5
When Mai and her companions entered the command tent, they could see three people talking in a really lively manner. One of the Moto family members has been pulling his beard dramatically, thinking about something and the other one, Shinjo has been talking to the woman that had her back turned off to the door. It seems that his voice was meant only for her and Moto, so those that came in could not hear what he has said. But they could see that redhaired woman shaked her head, refusing to his proposal probably. And after hearing Mai's voice, she moved slowly, to see who's disturbing her.
Kasumi was wearing a purple colored kimono with a white obi. One could wonder why white... Her hair, like usually, were all lose. Welcome, Mai. I see that Kael and Sachiko are also here. I hope you've finished what I've asked. But we will talk about it later. She has glanced at Ozora I did not meet you yet, but I also welcome you here. After that her eyes spotted Sojiro and she blinked twice before speaking to him. I also welcome you, Kakita Sojiro-san. You are my guest now, so rest assured that you will be treated well while you stay with us here. If Mai vouches for your honor I have no right to deny to it. Kasumi smiled gently and waved her hand on Shinjo behind her back. Please, get someone to help Kakita-san with placing him in a guest tent. And someone to help others to get them to their units, Motoharu. Kael She looked at him and smiled I assume you'll stay with me, as we have things to discuss later on.
Kasumi rubbed her nose and frowned a little. An hour won't make a difference now. You all are permitted to leave my sight, take a bath and get some fresh clothes. After that come back here to eat with me. Then we can talk about anything you want. If you need anything just speak to the servants I'll appoint to each one of you, as you look really tired. So come back here when you're ready.
Kael was the first one to bow deeply to her. Charming as always, Kasumi-dono. And he left the tent.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 24, 2011 21:14:15 GMT -5
Sojiro dismounted from Shadowshine, patting her flank affectionately and fished the last of the pears from the village out of his pack to treat her with. The horse munched contentedly as he did his best to look presentable after their long ride, and then followed Mai to meet the daimyo of the Utaku clan.
After Mai announced their arrival, Sojiro bowed as was respectful. He waited until the Daimyo address them before rising and getting his first look at the person who would either grant access to Toturi or bar his way - and he had his breath taken away.
Sojiro had traveled many places in Rokugan, but had never been outside of it's borders. Kasumi looked like nothing he had ever seen before. For starters, she was nearly as tall as he was. Her hair was red, something he hadn't ever seen before. Pale skin, almost like snow, and blue eyes that captured the light and reflected it back in to the room were the next things he noticed, along with the freckles across her nose as she rubbed it. He was so taken by her appearance that he needed a second look to realize that she had other, more feminine features that were pleasing to the eye as well. Later, he would recall being thankful for her addressing each person in turn, saving him for last - it gave him a chance to recover himself a bit and not make a fool of himself by staring at her, stammering like an idiot.. She was stunning - literally.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Utaku-sama. I look forward to sharing a meal with you later."
Sojiro wanted to say more. He knew there was some important matter to discuss, but his brain wasn't working right. It was about all he could manage just to get that out.
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Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
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Post by Utaku Mai on Nov 26, 2011 9:07:23 GMT -5
"And what was that, Kasumi-sama?" Mai asked, in regards to Kasumi's query. She was here at her request, after all.
In all her imaginations of how a a summons from her daimyo would play out, simply being waved off like this was never one of them. Did she not realize how much effort and worry had gone into getting here as early as she had? Her eyes flashed, but she managed to reign herself in, resheathing her katana and standing to face her daimyo and champion. The two women could not have looked more different -- Kasumi's red hair and gaijin features contrasting sharply with the traditional Rokugan 'look' Mai inherited from her Crane lineage. While she barely came to Kasumi's chin, She carried herself with just as much confidence and swagger, a demeanor typical of the Utaku battle maidens. That swagger never managed to disappear even as she bowed low and spoke.
"Very well, Kasumi-sama. I should have realized that even in a warcamp, you would want to observe the proper courtesies. I shall prepare myself straight away and return to discuss the matters that brought me here."
She turned to leave, noticing that Sojiro was staring somewhat dumbfounded at Kasumi. Even to Mai it was obvious that the samurai was smitten. Laughing to herself slightly, she spoke softly, only so he could hear, in an attempt to break his reverie. "Would you care to pick your chin up off the floor, Kikita-san? There is much to discuss this evening, after 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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 26, 2011 9:30:39 GMT -5
Sojiro turned to leave with Mai and the escort. He spoke in a hushed tone to her.
"By the fortunes, was it that obvious Mai-san? He shook his head and chuckled. "I came here to discuss important things, and here I am making a fool of myself like a schoolboy. A fine example of our renowned Crane poise and grace, I am."
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Nov 26, 2011 10:44:09 GMT -5
Kasumi grinned to Mai's word. Not really. I am just giving you some time to catch your breath after rushing here. You did great by coming so early. And I appreciate it, trust me. But that hour I am giving you to get all signs of your travel off of you will also help me, as I need to finish my meeting with those two males. She smiled to Moto and Shinjo, that bowed to Kasumi. Plus, we have a noble guest here. I believe he could have it hard while traveling with Unicorn people, especially when they were all hurrying here. Am I right? She smiled but then someone else has entered the tent with a tube. Utaku-dono. A message for you. They are waiting for your reply. A man has spoken with his head touching the ground. You see? Not even a second of a peace... She sighed. Go, prepare yourself for a meal with me, when we can have some peaceful moments without anyone disturbing us. Shinjo has taken the tube from the messenger's hands and handed it to Kasumi.
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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 28, 2011 12:42:23 GMT -5
Mai laughed softly at Sojiro as they made their exit. "I really only had an inkling, but I spent a few winters in my Daidoji father's holdings. The games between the Doji teenagers gave me quite the primer on Crane courtship rituals. I'm sure no one else noticed." A memory brought her back to some time before her gempukku: a small, clumsy girl, always out getting her hands dirty in the stables stables while the pristine, white-haired courtiers-in-training giggled behind their fans. She laughed at her former self, the sting of such childish concerns long since salved by her eventual acceptance by the shiotome.
"Kasumi-sama is very generous with her hospitality, Sojiro-san. I'm sure you can find a way to return her kindness." With that, Mai gives Sojiro one last smirk and excuses herself to get cleaned up. She returns at the dinner hour wearing her simple kosode and riding hakama, a similar outfit she wore to meet the Lion champion for the first time.
<Anyone who has anything else to add before Mai leaves feel free, but don't feel like I'm holding anything up>
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 28, 2011 20:50:40 GMT -5
As they all walked out, Ozora kept only a deadpan face. "Kakita-san, I saw nothing out of the ordinary in there. Sometimes one can be overcome when it comes to strikingly beautiful or completely horrendous views." He looks at Sojiro with that deadpan face but his eyes are twinkling a bit with mischief. A smile cracks through after a few more paces.
Motioning a hand over in a direction away from Mai as she departs. "I believe we shall find our area in that direction." Ozora awaits Sojiro before falling in next to him to follow.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 28, 2011 22:36:33 GMT -5
Sojiro looked from Mai's grin, to Ozora's smirk, back to Ozora's grin, and shook his head, a slow smile coming over his face as well.
"You know, it's not nice to make fun of important, dignified diplomatic officers. And you can obviously tell how dignified I am by my amazing display of grace and control back there with Kasumi-sama."
His smile turned into a chuckle.
"I can only be glad my brothers aren't here. Had they seen that, I would never live it down."
He bowed quickly to Mai as she left them and then turned to follow Ozora.
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Post by Iuchi Ozora on Nov 28, 2011 23:22:42 GMT -5
After cleaning up from the ride, Ozora is dressed in a typical Ide style kimono in purple with that year's cut. Having to visit other clans often, it paid to be prepared for any situation. Ozora patiently awaits Sojiro to finish his primping or whatever it is that Crane do.
Once Sojiro is ready, Ozora heads to the tent where dinner will be held with the new Clan Champion and others.
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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?
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Nov 29, 2011 14:48:40 GMT -5
Ozora took Sojiro to his guest tent before heading off to get changed himself. It was fairly humble, but this was a military camp after all, and Sojiro had certainly been in far worse accommodations in the field.
He quickly stripped out of his riding clothes and unpacked a simple black kimono with blue accents. To this he added a solid black hakama, a blue obi, and his Haori with the Crane mon on one the right side and the Kakita Elite mon on the left. He then attempted to do something with his hair, which simply didn't want to cooperate. Pulling the kogai and kozuka from his daisho, he went to work taming the the unruly mass, eventually getting it back to a presentable shape. He chose to let it hang loose down his back (no sense pushing his luck by trying to do something more ornate and inciting a full-blown hair rebellion), pulling the white streak into a braid that hung down hear the right side of his face, and slipping the end through his typical jade bead to close the braid off. He absentmindedly fiddled with the jade ring carved into the shape of a dragon on his left hand for a few seconds before sliding his tanto into it's customary position in the sleeve of his Haori and attaching his custom daisho to his belt. At the last moment, he decided to grab the one precious thing he had brought with him from Toshi Ranbo, his biwa, and slung it over his shoulder before walking out to find Ozora waiting for him..
(OOC Kogai and kozuka are traditional small "knives" or "spikes" that are specifically used to fix hair, normally kept in a small side pocket of the tsuka (sheath) of a katana.)
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Post by Utaku Sachiko on Nov 30, 2011 14:37:18 GMT -5
[OCC: with an assistance of Kasumi - we have merged our two posts into one, to make it shorter (and as Kasumi... got her laptop's cable broken and can get a new one tomorrow). Sory for the delay, but had no internet in the hospital and no charger for my mobile =) ]
After everyone has left, Sachiko returned to the tent where Kasumi was. She bowed deeply to her, touching the ground with her forehead. "Utaku-dono, as you wished, I am back. On my way back here I head news regarding Moto Yoee" She did not use any honorification on a purpose Which means me and your brother Utaku Kael-san were late. Yet, we bring you other news." Kasumi looked at her with a slighty interest in her blue eyes and nodded so she could continue. "As you commanded, we have traveled to the Burning Sands. We have met with a person calling himself Utaku Kael-san's uncle, as well as yours. He has informed us about another threat approaching us. We have also confirmed that, Utaku-dono. Yotodai scouts are trying to infiltrate our land, just like they did with those they've already conquer." Kasumi frowned and rubbed her nose. "Are you sure, Sachiko?" Moto and Shinjo were just standing there on Kasumi's sides. None of them moved while Sachiko has been reporting to her daimyo and the champion. "Yes, my lady. Utaku Kael-san found one of them, but he killed himself before we could... ask him some questions. I know that they are your kinfolks but..."
Kasumi kicked the small table near her. Bottles with sake went flying. Moto glanced at that wasteful act and Sachiko could swear that she heard long and deep sigh.
"Maybe I do look like one of them, Sachiko, but my heart belongs to Rokugan only. To the Rokugan and our people." She touched Unicorn mon on her chest. "I do not care if they are my cousins, uncles and so on. I was born Utaku and I will die as one." "Of course, Utaku-dono" Sachiko bowed, touching the ground with her forehead again. "I understand" She wasn't sure if she made Kasumi angry or what. "Sachiko, you did well. Today I want you and Kael to take it easy. Make yourself pretty, eat with me and rest. Tomorrow I do expect you to hand me a full report on your journey to where I've sent you, understand?" Sachiko nodded and bowed once more. "Yes, Utaku-dono. Perfectly."
"Then you may leave." Kasumi turned to Moto and Shinjo. "It seems that now we have even more to discuss than before..."
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