|
Post by Utaku Kasumi on Dec 2, 2011 4:41:03 GMT -5
After Sachiko lft, Kasumi had a short but really intense conversation with two of her advisors, Moto and Shinjo. When they were done, she also left the command tent to get ready for the meal that should start soon.
Of course, as a real woman, she had a problem with what should she wear. Should it be a purpl with white patterns kimono? Or maybe a purple with white patterns kimono? It was really hard to decide, so she has closed her eyes, turned around and pointed her finger to the direction of a purple kimono with white pattern. Either one was splendid, of the finest silk... and identical. Kasumi's servant smiled and helped her to dress up.
"Should I do your hair, Utaku-dono?" "I wonder about it, Rie. I should, probably, tie it down, but this is such a bother..." Kasumi sulked like a spoiled brat. Rie, an old servant, who has been working even for Kasumi's mother, Amaya, and helped her to deliver this redhaired deamon in front of her, smiled even wilder. "May I be honest with you, Utaku-dono?" Kasumi shaked her head gently. "Like I would ever be able to stop you from doing that..." Rie touched Kasumi's hair - the only thing she really cared for, silky and soft, like something alive between Rie's fingers. "Now, when you have obtained the Champion's position, you need to think about your future. You need a heir, and to have one, it would be good to have a husband, Utaku-dono." "Why do you speak about it now, Rie?" "Because Kael-sama can't take care of your stables forever. He's a man afterall. He needs a wife himself. A good one, as he is worth it. And besides that, Winter Court is coming. I believe you will recive many proposals from other clans and families, Utaku-dono." Kasumi pouted. "But I refuse to marry if it is not because of love!" She turned her head to look at Rie. "Not many are allowed to lov, Utaku-dono. Love is a beautiful thing, but in Rukugani eyes, it blinds us. They think great crimes and great tragedies happen because of love and a passion." "But... I don't want a husband who's pushed on me because of a political issues. I want to find my other half, just like my parents did." "Your parents were on of their kind, but they had to pay for their love, you know it..." Kasumi nodded slowly and started to play with a hair accessory near her hand. She knew Rie was right but she could not accept it. "Evn if they had to pay for it, they had their happy moments. Their love gave me the life." Rie stopped to brush her hair for a second. "Besides, no one would want a wife who looks like me." Kasumi smirked "I am too tall, too strong, not as fragile as a husband would want his wife to be. My hair are of the color of blood and my eyes are blue. They've called me an Oni so many times before Rie, that I can't even count. So what if I am the Champion? A marriage like that would lead to a tragedy for sure. With or without love I would never allow my husband to drift away. You know I am possessiv." She waved her hand to cut this topic. "But this is not something to discuss now. I need to get ready." Rie nodded to Kasumi's last words, but she had her own opinion on what that girl just said. If she has been forced to marry someone she has no feelings for any act of betrayal of her husband would end up with him being dead. And knowing Kasumi, she would marry only once. But maybe it's too early for this girl to even think about it? Who knows...
Because of her talk with Rie she was late. When she entered the command tent, everyone was already there, waiting for her. "I see you have already gathered here." She smiled softly "That's good, as we can start eating as soon as servants..." Gave a lightly nod to one of the servants near the door "... bring food in." Without any rush Kasumi got on a spot prepared for her beforehand. Glanced at Sojiro, an outsider, and she got herself into a proper position while sitting.
Kael has been observing his sister for some time already. Even without talking to her he knew that there was something wrong. Her eyes gave it all. He wasn't sure if it was because of the news that Sachiko and him had for her, that he knew Sachiko passed on her earlier. It had to be troubling her, especially now, when they were entangled with that whole thing with civil war and Toturi-dono fighting with Hantei-dono. He knew she left many scouts to observe every move of Yobanjin near their borders, so she could try stoping them before they gather more of their forces to attack once again - which she though was more than just possible. And now another threat for Unicorn Clan. Plus there was that thing with their previous... with Moto Yoee. Yes, his sister had it tough for sure. Not in the whole world he'd want to be in her position now, but he'll do anything to help her. "Utaku Sachiko-san" Kael whispered to his companion "How did she react to what you sayto her?" Sachiko smiled, but only with her mouth. Slowly raised her hand to her hair, like she wanted to check if everything is in a right place - covering her mouth for a few seconds as she speak to him. "Utaku-dono wasn't happy. She sent sake table flying. Which means she was really annoyed. You should see Moto's face when she did that though..." Kael had to grit otherwise he'd laugh loudly. Kasumi kicking sake table was something worth to watch. But then he calmed down. Sachiko was right - she must have been really mad after hearing those news. Especially with her being half their blood, and him, Kael, being one of them. At least if they take it as for where he was born. Because, just like her, he was Utaku in his heart.
Soon after that servants came in, bringing small tables with food, and placing it in front of every guest. "Enjoy your meal, my dear guests. Kakita-san, I hope our food will be to your liking, same as our sake." "And our other alcohols." Kael added quietly, but it was heard by Kasumi. "I second to that, Kael." Kasumi smiled and reached her chopsticks, so others could start eating.
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 3, 2011 8:03:18 GMT -5
Mai smirked slightly as Kasumi addressed Sojiro, giving a subtle sidelong look at Ozora in the process. She pours some tea and reaches for a small jug on the table. "Sojiro, our champion has kindly provided us some fresh horse milk for our tea. I have been away from the Unicorn lands for so long, I had almost forgotten what it was like to have it. Please, allow me to pour some for you."
A wicked grin grows on her face that only Sojiro and Ozora could see.
|
|
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
|
Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 3, 2011 8:47:24 GMT -5
Sojiro took a seat in the tent with Mai and Ozora, setting the biwa to the side. He wasn't completely sure why he felt the need to bring it with him, but he had learned long ago not to ignore the little hunches he got. Soon after, Kasumi came in and signaled for the servants to bring in food. He glanced up when she came in, and for a second their eyes met and he smiled. He made an effort not to focus on them, or on the way the light caught on her hair when the tent flap opened, or on....
Get it TOGETHER, Sojiro!
He bowed as she entered - a great excuse to break eye contact - and then let her go about having the food brought in. It all seemed slightly ridiculous to him. Here he was, in the "enemy" camp with his Crane and Kakita Elite mons openly displayed and a biwa by his side... and not only was he sitting down to enjoy a meal with a group of "enemies" he had actually come to like over the past few days, but he had somehow managed to become completely taken with, of all people, a Unicorn family daimyo.
How did he get himself into these situations?
He smiled at Kasumi's mention of enjoying the food, and flashed Kael a genuine grin when he heard the comment about "other alcohols".
"My lady, if the food is as good as the company and the hospitality your clan has showed me over these past few days, I am certain it will be quite enjoyable."
He was a bit shocked at Mai's offer. Horse milk? Was this a prank on Mai's part, or was this a Unicorn delicacy he didn't know about? He didn't really know much about the Unicorn to begin with... but he did know mischief in a grin when he saw one.
"Mai-san, your offer is very generous, but if this is something you have missed so much, I would feel rude to be the first to enjoy it." He grinned back at her. "Besides, I am unsure of the proper way to enjoy it. I think the best way to educate myself is to watch someone who enjoys it so much, and see what they do with it."
He took a bite of the food, and his eyes widened a bit as he was pleasantly surprised at the flavor. "This...I'm not certain of what it is exactly, please pardon my ignorance, but it's definitely the best food I've had since the war began." He glanced over at Mai and Ozora and grinned, noting the smirk on Mai's face as he did so. "Perhaps I should find more reasons to visit the Unicorn, if this is how you treat your guests. I find myself wishing I had brought something to share in return, Kasumi-sama."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 3, 2011 9:49:43 GMT -5
"Truly, the generosity of the Crane knows no bounds. Allow me to demonstrate the best way to take advantage of its restorative properties.". She poured tea for both herself and Sojiro, cool as can be but for her smile, and took the small earthenware jug that housed the milk. She swirled it around a little, letting the smell waft to Sojiro's nose and allowing the cream to reincorporate itself. She topped off her cup with the thick pale liquid, then raised it to her lips and drank a long, satisfied quaff.
To Mai, who grew up on the concoction, it was a sweet, fatty taste with the slightest medicinal tang borne of a lifetime of memories taking it at any turn of childhood illness. Even so distant from her mother's lands, she felt as close to home as if she had never left. She also made a mental note to prepare for the other eventual qualities of the drink by ensuring the heimin left a clean chamber pot in her tent that evening.
She looked innocently at her Crane guest but said nothing, instead picking up the jug again to pour for anyone who desired the additive.
|
|
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
|
Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 3, 2011 10:22:04 GMT -5
Sojiro took a cautious sip from his tea, keeping one eye on Mai and waiting for that grin to resurface.
It was an odd thing for him. Sweet and certainly not a bad flavor, but thicker than he was used to, and with a slight hint of alcohol mixed in. He took another sip, getting used to the texture.
"Interesting. I've never had anything quite like it before, Mai-san. Thank you."
He cast a quick glance around the room, making sure that they weren't all snickering at him or looking at him like he might explode or something. He knew there was a trick here somewhere... but for the life of him, he couldn't see it. He knew Mai wasn't going to do anything malicious, but still... somewhere inside of him there was a teenage boy that was very worried about looking like a fool right now. He told himself that it was because he wanted to make a good impression for Crane, and that it had nothing to do with the woman with the red hair....
....but he didn't really believe that.
|
|
|
Post by Utaku Kasumi on Dec 3, 2011 11:03:19 GMT -5
Kasumi glanced at Mai teasing Sojiro, who as an outsider had not many chances to get in contact with their eating habits. She shaked her head lightly and smiled behind a cup of jasmine flavored green tea that she's been drinking before eating.
After Sojiro mentioned about one of the dishes to be delicious, she looked at his bowl and started to giggle, hiding her mouth with her hand, as she barely choked. "Kakita-san, this is what we call... Khuushuur. As you can see, those are dumplings filled with mutton meat. There are some vegetables inside and I believe you can identify them without any problems. But, let me give you an advice, my dear guest. Do not use chopsticks to eat it. Use your hands. After you eat it, a servat will bring you a bowl with water to wash your hands. It tastes much better if you eat it while holding it in your hands." She was serious, even if she smiled. And to prove what she said, she has taken one of Khuushuurs between her fingers and then soped it in a little bowl with something white. "This is isgelen tarag, also called a fermented yoghurt. It contains alcohol, but not that much. You can drink it, especially if it's cold, but I like to use it as an addiction to meat, best if that meat has some garlic inside, just like Khuushuur has. " Kasumi covered her lips with her free hand while taking a bite, but Sojiro could clearly see that she was eating it. "I know you might think our food looks or smells weird, but we have been working on it for centuries. When you go traveling to the distant places you eat what you can and what won't kill you. And as we sit here, in front of you, eating this kind of meals for our whole lives... it just means that this is eatable. Plus, it tastes good, if one has a courage to try it. " she has been challenging him for sure, but she did it with a really nice smile.
Kael lookes at Kasumi and then at Sojiro, then at Mai. His sister was too nice, which was way too suspicious. He looked at his own food, trying to find something unusual. But everything seemed to be fine, at least with food. "Which reminds me, Utaku-dono" Kael smiled to Kasumi. "I have something that would be perfect for today." He waved at one of the servants near him and handed him a big solider. The servant went to Kasumi, and gave Kael's present to her. After she has opened it and smelled, she grinned. "Yes, I think it will be perfect. Kakita-san, I suggest you to eat a lot today. And you don't have to thank me for that advice tomorrow." Kasumi winked to Kael and got up. Starting from Sojiro, she poured transparent liquid for everyone gathered here. Everyone could smell a nice, plum aroma. What everyone could also notice was that she did not fill the whole cup with it, but only a half. After she got back to her own place, Kael got up to pour one for her as well. "Enjoy" Smirk on her face was ponderable.
Kael was the first one to taste it. Even knowing what's inside he caught a deep breath after drinking it and his eyes became teary.
|
|
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
|
Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 3, 2011 12:05:05 GMT -5
"It does taste good, certainly."
Sojiro tried doing as Kasumi suggested, using his hands to dip the dumpling in the yogurt. He seemed a bit awkward at first, but after the first taste he forgot all about the awkwardness. Between bites he said, "For the most part, I've been living off of soldier's rations since Toshi Ranbo, with the exception of my stay in the infirmary afterwards. This is definitely strange food for me, but it is very good." Given how quickly the dumplings were disappearing from his table, it was obvious he was enjoying them.
When Kael passed him his drink, he sniffed it and his nostrils flared. His eyes got wide and a big smile came to his face. He drank it down and coughed once, the smile getting bigger as his eyes got watery.
"By the fortunes, what is that? It tastes like fire. Sweet, delicious fire... my cousin Mirumoto Saiko and I have spent a lot of time drinking together, and he is going to be jealous when I tell him about this."
|
|
|
Post by Utaku Kasumi on Dec 3, 2011 14:09:22 GMT -5
Kasumi laughed at Sojiro's words. "Then you can ask Kael to give you a bottle or two before you leave. It's his masterpiece. Even I don't know what he add there, maybe except for plums, but that can be said by anyone tasting it." Kael bowed to Kasumi's words with a smile. "Your words are too kind, Kakita-san. It's just a simple moonshine, nothing special. But if this is your wish, I will gladly share some bottles, so you can take them with you when you decide to leave our company." He gave a lightly nod to Sojiro and went back to eating his meal.
"So you are fond of alcohol, Kakita-san? If so, you'll fit well here, with Unicorn people I believe. And if you also like our food and can accept other things about us I think you will find your time that you spend here... enjoyable."
Kasumi finshed meat dumplings and reached for roasted mushrooms that she wet into a boullion in a bowl. "A seed of wheat is vital for feeding the blood! A pinch of soil is vital for living in homeland! - this is what my gradmother said, whenever I've whined while eating." She said with a distant look in her eyes.
[OCC: Gosh, I am getting hungry because of all that talking about the food... and I am a darn leader when it comes to describing it...]
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 4, 2011 9:11:31 GMT -5
Mai smiled warmly as Sojiro took his tea and sampled all of the strange dishes, helping herself to a few of her favorites. Ever focused on her duty, Mai once again went very light on the alcohol, waiting the conversation to move to more important matters, but Kasumi didn't seem to be in any rush to discuss anything other than food and drink, and she was starting to become frustrated. Hoping to change the course of the conversation before everyone else became completely plastered, she turned to her long-suffering Crane guest.
"Sojiro, wasn't there something you wanted to discuss with Kasumi-sama? Regarding the strange happenings in the empire, and your petition to enter Toturi's court?"
|
|
|
Post by Utaku Sachiko on Dec 7, 2011 13:29:12 GMT -5
Sachiko has been eating quietly, observing people around her, and only from time to time replying to Kael's questions or to what he said to her. "Don't you think, Utaku Kael-san, that meals shouldn't be disturbed by political talks? " She whispered to him, so only he could hear her. Not that she care if others did."Even thinking about it makes my food go sour. And it's not a pleasant feeling..." She looked at Kasumi and then at Sojiro and went back to eating, as she wasn't in the position to comment in a loud voice - but what Mai said... if she was her daimyo she would speak to her about it, as Kasumi already asked about eating in peace. But maybe their daimyo was too nice, or maybe she had her reasons to act this way. Maybe she did not want to humiliate Mai in front of others - especially when there was someone from the other clan here.
Sachiko, same as Mai, went lightly on sake and other high voltaged specifics, as she had to write a report for Kasumi that should be ready when the sun sets - otherwise she'd be doomed.
|
|
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
|
Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 7, 2011 15:16:41 GMT -5
Coughing once more from Kael's drink, Sojiro nodded. "There is much to discuss, but I had assumed that Lady Kasumi-sama wished to have a meal in relative peace, so I was planning on discussing these things later. However,"
His gaze moved from Mai to Kasumi.
"Kasumi-sama, if you wish, I have no problem with discussing things now."
|
|
Utaku Mai
Unicorn Clan
*Battle Maiden* *Paragon of Honor* *Goddamn Rockstar*
Posts: 484
|
Post by Utaku Mai on Dec 7, 2011 17:16:20 GMT -5
Mai turned to face Sachiko. "I should not think Kael-chan's opinion matters in the slightest. He should concern himself with the states of the Utaku stables and leave matters of battle to his betters." Champion's brother or not, an Utaku man had no right to discuss such things in the presence of three shiotome, and Mai made sure that she at least would head off any possible impertinence.
"In case you haven't noticed, we are at war, and while I'm sure the courtiers of Kyuden Doji would happily discuss roasted mushrooms for hours on end, the honorably departed soldiers of Toshi Ranbo may find the subject somewhat tedious."
She stared at Sachiko with eyes ablaze. "Not that you would know. Although, I'm sure you were doing something far more important than reclaiming our glorious emperor's rightful lands." There was a deadly calm in her voice, like a knife wrapped in silk, that she realized would make her father proud.
While the statement was obviously aimed at her equal in the battle maidens, her gaze happened to fall upon Kasumi-sama, knowing her crime of inaction was shared.
|
|
|
Post by Iuchi Ozora on Dec 8, 2011 2:19:51 GMT -5
Having been outside of Unicorn lands off and on for the last several years, it was always a pleasure to enjoy a bit of good Unicorn style food. Off to the side, Ozora patiently sat, ate, and listened as the others threw barbed words around the table.
Having long ago learned his place and that it was in support of others, he knew better than to interrupt on anything outside of his knowledge base.
This is much different than Yoee-dono's meals, that is for sure.... A smile breaks on his face as he lifts another morsel to his mouth.
|
|
|
Post by Utaku Kasumi on Dec 8, 2011 4:25:58 GMT -5
Kasumi glanced at Mai and rubbed hear ear. She smiled softly which wasn't a good sign as combined. "Indeed, I wanted to have a peaceful meal at least once, especially for the past weeks when I was eating, if, while doing my duties. Which is really making me unhappy, that someone is dustirbing those few minutes of my peaceful eating." She has turned her head to Mai again "My dear Shiotome. In my presence any man or any woman has the same right to state their problems. Not sure what my brother said just now, if he said anything to you, as I've seen him eating and drinking and not talking for the past few minutes, I wish you act as a Shiotome, that you mention you are and keep your dignity. " Kasumi got up, leaving more than just a half of her food on the table, which was unusual for her as she was always hungry, asking for seconds. Kael has put away his chopsticks and bowed deeply to Kasumi. "You wish to discuss matters now, Utaku Mai? Fine. First of all, as you already mentioned, we are at war. So why one of my Shiotomes leave Utaku forces, to happily go on her own to fight with Lions, when our army was with Toturi-dono, protecting him and marching by his side?" She wanted to talk about it in private, without other Unicorns or Crane especially, but as Mai been digging a hole in her backs... Kasumi started to walk slowly. "Second, I heard about you taking honors from the Lion Champion. I am really glad for you, my dear Shiotome, but are you of the Unicorn or the Lion clan? Why did you leave your sisters, breaking our wall? I understand you wanted to take an action, but you traveled on your own, leaving your sisters and risking your life not to protect the one we have chosen to protect - be it Toturi-dono or our own people." For now, in this room, there was only Mai for her. Kasumi's eyes turned from blue to grey. Kael did not move, in the same position as before. "Another thing is, my dear Shiotome, your words directed to Sachiko was meant for me. And yes, her mission was far more important than yours, as it was given by me. Are you saying that mission from her family and a clan daimyo are less important than something you decide on your own? Funny thing, Sachiko did not discuss about food. It was me. So, my dear Shiotome... you will live. I forbid you from pulling your katana out and proving that you have your honor still. Your words are your actions. And if you have nothing to speak about, then be silent."
She knew that what she has just said was a cruel thing, but Mai pushed it to the limits. "Sachiko, I do not know what has been said between you and my other, dear Shiotome, but you can deal with it later. Of course you are fobidden to duel, as I wouldn't want see the blood of any of you. But there are other ways to solve your problem. Or, I could solve it on my own, as your daimyo."
Kasumi looked again at Mai, then Sachiko and finally at Sojiro. "I do not wish to see my Shiotome fighting or badmouthing themselves. Especially in my presence or when we have a guest. This is something that won't go unpunished, as there are two rules. If you follow those you will live a happy life... First you never disturb my bath time. Second one, and far more important - never, ever, disturb my meal time. As those are my precious moments that brings me a peace of my mind." Servans came in and took Kasumi's table out, which meant that dinner time is over for everyone - even if they were still eating.
She was annoyed, for sure. "Now, when we are done with what I wanted to say to you. What is so important on your side, dear Shiotome, that it couldn't wait for another 30 minutes? What is so important to pull our guest into our private matters? What is so important to, no offence Kakita-san, discuss it in a presence of our enemy?" Grey eyes turned back to being blue, as Kasumi forced herself to calm down. Her smile was gentle, once again.
|
|
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
|
Post by Kakita Sojiro on Dec 8, 2011 5:07:34 GMT -5
Sojiro watched as Mai's outburst dug her a hole that would be hard to climb back out of. His eyes flashed when she mentioned Toshi Ranbo - she was certainly not the only veteran of that battle present - but he remained silent, the only clue to his change in attitude being his lack of smile and burning, mismatched eyes.
He then watched as Kasumi calmly and gracefully put the Shiotomo in her place. His expression didn't change, not even when the servants came to clear away his half-finished meal. He wondered if Mai was going to quit while she was behind, or keep digging.
|
|