Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 7, 2011 9:34:34 GMT -5
OOC: get well soon, looks like I'll take a bit more leading role till then to keep things moving.
IC: Kitsune Daichi gave a deep bow then while coming back up he started, "Welcome aboard, Doji Hikaru and Quarim, I am Kitsune Daichi and I will be the acting voice of the Mantis side. You may see her once this talk is finished however regret ably you are unable to take her until an agreement is struck. I can assure you that we are treating her respectably and with care."
He then paused for effect, his face showing no change. While he was well versed in the art of the courtier, he was not so sure now was a good time. "We shall accept the call for a cease fire. To insure the cease fire, it would be in good nature for someone to stay."
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 7, 2011 10:34:49 GMT -5
Quarim was surprised Daichi took the lead in negotiating for the Mantis. His years at training at masking his emotions and his sea sickness easily masked and confusion however. "I am no expert in Rokuganee culture so please excuse any offense in advance. I merely seek to use my experience to find a agreeable solution. As I said I must remain neutral so both sides will have to accept any ideas I come up with however I am quite creative. May I see what both the Mantis and the Crane propose, so that I have an idea of what both sides expect?"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 7, 2011 12:08:45 GMT -5
Doji Hikaru was a young man and prone to much blunder. Even though he was a prodigy, he was not "experienced" at talks like this, and thus he rushed into including Quarim into the discussion...
"Sama, amidst the talk between our Clans I presume that you might be a neutral mediator. The Crane Clan is interested in expressing its gratitude as long as safeguarding the interest of every Rokugani regarding the Shadowlands threat. Thus, several heroes are already on the shore planning to neutralize the Oni that has cause everyone so much pain and trouble. I assure you of the validity and the sincerity of those words for it has come to knowledge that the individuals involved have been extensively dealt with. Regarding the trade matter, we look forward into investing into a long-term partnership between our Clans. Trade governors have already been informed on this, should the Mantis wish to comply. So samas, as you may think this through may I be escorted to lady Kakita?"
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 7, 2011 14:39:14 GMT -5
"You seem to be in a rush to see Kakita-dono, and it is rather worrisome." Daichi let a worried expression slip onto his face. However, it was hard to tell wither or not it was planned or real.
"Do you fear that we would not treat her honorably or be lieing that we have her? Such implications are not nice. Are you here to negotiate or are you her to just escort her?"
His face returned to his half grin. "our terms our our surrender are, if you would hear them, a small patch of land, large enough to build a trading post, in Crane lands just north of the southern most river. This is in addition to the ability to control and patrol that river. Of coarse the Crane shall receive a cut of the profits. This is all for the trade of our surrender here as well as the return of the Kakita daimyo."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 7, 2011 17:20:29 GMT -5
The Void Master nodded at Yuuto's apology and made a gesture that it was unnecessary. He was familiar with the events the Asahina was alluding to, but he remembered - rather vividly - some of his own encounters with his classmates at the Isawa Shugenja school. For someone that comes from the one samurai Family even more pacifistic than the stereotypical Phoenix, Shodai could imagine it was a rather eye-opening experience for Yuuto.
"It's okay, Yuuto-san... The political landscape had been topsy-turvy for the last few months, so it's easy to wonder who is friend and who isn't anymore. And, unfortunately, the delays in mobilizing a Clan accustomed to rational discussion for something as irrational as war certainly did not help. But now that we have mobilized, Kaneka and his rebels will see first hand why the Phoenix are not an inherently war-like Clan."
"And, yes, that's Mitsouko's sword..."[/b] Agasha Shodai nodded to Asahina Yuuto as the other shugenja raised Nushi Gashinshoutan.
A wistful smile crossed his lips as he thought back on how the katana before him was a testiment of the journey he and Mitsouko had taken together to reach this point...
The muddy Crane Blue lacquered saya was one that Shodai himself had given to Mitsouko as a gift in Kosaten Shiro at the tea ceremony she'd invited him to that she'd held the night she had recieved word that she was the new Kakita Family Daimyo. Despite its current appearance, the saya was actually a minor relic of one of the Phoenix Clan's few warrior heroes, Shiba Kaigen, that had died in battle against the Lion. Shodai had given it to Mitsouko as a gift at the Tea Ceremony she'd invited him to the night she'd become the Kakita Family Daimyo.
The Void Master bowed slightly to the blade - showing respect to a self-aware weapon with magical properties was a sure way to ensure they'd be willing to work with you - as he accepted the weapon from Yuuto. Shodai brushed the mud from the weapon's guard, looking at the ornate eclipsed sun motif bifurcated by the katana's blade as he remembered the day a few months ago in Otosan Uchi when it had been created.
When Tsukinai - the sword that had served Saimei's family line for well over three centuries, ending up back in Mitsouko's hands when her father died - was reunited with its sister blade, Hinata Koimizu - the sword Shodai's previous incarnation, Miya Shokujin, had given to Saimei but after her death and Shokujin used it to avenge her it had been locked away for two hundred years - something amazing had happened.
Once the two Kakita Blades - one forged by a master swordsmith in the 800's and the other by the first smith's great-great-grandson a century later - found their way into Kakita Mitsouko's hands, the soul fragments of Seppun Saimei and Miya Shokujin realized the onuses keeping their souls tied to Ningen-do had been absolved. The two lovers - seperated by death and two hundred years - decided they would not permit themselves to be seperated again and they requested that Shodai utilize his powers of magic to tranfer their ties from Mitsouko and Shodai himself into Tsukinai and Hinata Koimizu.
After the transfer was complete, the true magic had begun... The two souls, tapping into the energy the swords had accumulated over the centuries, fused together into a single sword. Shokujin and Saimei were united forever within the nemuranai Nushi Gashinshoutan.
Shodai took a half step back as he drew the weapon from it's scabbard: a mystical aura, something palpable and visible to the shugenja in the room, began to eminate from the Kakita Blade as he did so. The sword was brightly polished and razor sharp thanks to the magic of the saya and gleamed brightly in the torchlight. He turned the blade so that the side bearing the kanji "A Journey for Truth" was upturned and perpendicular to his body.
"Nushi Gashinshoutan... Your mistress is in need of help; please lend us your aid and reveal her location so that we may assist her."[/b] The Void Master beseeched the weapon.
The aura pulsed once and one of the kanji at the far right began to glow. In response, Shodai turned about-face and the glow faded. The sword's energy resonated a second time, lighting a kanji just left of the centermost character. With a few more rotations and pulses, the middle kanji finally lit up.
"Thank you both. You will be reunited with her soon..."[/b] Shodai promised as he sheathed the nemuranai.
The Void Master looked to Asahina Yuuto and Hatsune, pointing in the direction Nushi Gashinshoutan had indicated. "Mitsouko is somewhere along this bearing..."[/b] He paused, recalling what he saw as he flew over the region. "As I recall, there was a Mantis war vessel docked in that direction, so I could check there first. If she's there, I could get in, find Mitsouko, and be back within a quarter hour... But it would help if those diplomats you sent were given word to act as a distraction to keep the Mantis occupied."
"However... I'm not 'officially' here at the moment; I'm supposedly in the Phoenix command tent at the Crossroads Castle battlefield, but I couldn't sit by and do nothing while Mitsouko is in danger. Since you are the ranking Crane here, Yuuto-san, so I will let you decide how we should proceed. Stealth or diplomacy?"[/b]
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 8, 2011 2:15:39 GMT -5
By listening to Daichi's words Hikaru didn't flinch neither did he grin. He simply proceeded as ordered.
"Kitsune Daichi-sama, your request has been heard and noted. It is of a careless mind to rush over to decisions and certainly not fit for any entrepreneurial deal. The Clan of the Crane won't discuss the matter further until the Kakita daimyo has returned to her duties for need I remind you once more that the real threat lies ashore?"
He asked in a testing tone, a message that could be interpreted differently.
"As said, the willingness that your Clan has displayed both with the Kakita daimyo and with the...Seawatch Castle issue has been noted. Our peacekeeping discussion will carry on tomorrow morning, amidst our dignitaries, ashore. The safety of your vessels will be safeguarded by the siege weapons located in the Keep, as they are right at this moment."
His face stern but calm.
"Until tomorrow samas"
He bowed in respect as he began to leave.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 8, 2011 4:52:58 GMT -5
Quarim waited for Hikaru to leave then turned to Daichi.
I am not familiar with your culture but in mine that is a threat. I know nothing about the oni you speak of but perhaps a retreat is called for here. I'm sure Kakita Mitsouko will be pleased to be out of harms way. Negotiations can always resume when circumstances are less demanding no?
He chose his words carefully so he could continue to claim neutrality but it was clear he was proposing for the Mantis to take the Kakita Daimyo prisoner and leave the Crane to their fate.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Dec 8, 2011 7:29:08 GMT -5
We have their Damiyo captive, and they send a messenger to make demands to us! They have significant reinforcements then for a Crane to be so bold. I would expect that from a Yoritomo courtier not a Doji.
Raiden pondered this for a few seconds and determined that the flash in the sky, and the massive disruption of kami must be a powerful shugenja had arrived and manipulation of the kami on the level only suggested two things.
1. Raiden himself just entered the battlefield, HA!
2. One of the Elemental Masters had arrived.
Please let it be the Master of Water, I always enjoy dealing with him!
Raiden cracked a smile in the courner of his mouth and stormed off after the Crane diplomat to reach him before he departed leaving the neutral man Qaurum and Daichi alone together.
Raiden quickly caught up to Naetaru before he left. His men became defensive at Raidens quickness to catch up. Raiden stared at them a moment letting his sheer presence overwhelm them. He then looked directly at the Crane diplomat.
"Naetaru-san I liked your opening to us greatly, your use of words both reminded me of the Yoritomo courtier school and the directness of the Yasuki merchants. Getting your point across and hiding subtle threats as well. I would like to inquire on two things if you don't mind since the Crane information has been vague. Whom it was that released this oni upon both our forces in the first place, and which elemental master has arrived to aid your forces? For your cooperation in these matters I can share a good bit of information with you as well, in the spirit of diplomacy of course." Raiden sounded completely bored with the conversation and his gaze remained neutral and hard to read. Naetaru found it hard to know if these were threats, insults, or facts that the Yoritomo Daimyo said.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 8, 2011 8:11:35 GMT -5
((Guys reminder..this one is Hikaru...Naetaru is in Kyuden Doji...I am at work. Reply coming asap.))
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 8, 2011 9:55:12 GMT -5
Hikaru eyes the daimyo with mistrust.
"Yoritomo-sama, the subjects responsible were not identified as of now, at least to the knowledge of my lord's court. Perhaps tomorrow you might inquire as of their nature to the samurais responsible for protecting both of our Clans' armies for the honor of the Empire. The lieutenants and generals of the armies that is. And as of the master that has arrived to join our forces...I am afraid I am not informed of the current event sama."
He looked Raiden once more, he seemed tense however what would Hikaru perceive was the nature of a nice guy, an easy-going and jovial fellow. And that was all the estimation he could afford. After that Hikaru bowed once more, eager to depart.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 8, 2011 10:09:29 GMT -5
"Threats while out of place from a crane is not unexpected." Daichi said returning the attention with Quarim. "Most do not put the Mantis above pirates in their thoughts, so it is no surprise when they treat us like them. Though I suppose our own courtiers bring it on us."
He scratched the stubble his chin as if to contemplate his own words. "Oni are immensely powerful monsters to say the least. Bringing our honored guest, which is its current target, closer to it seems like a bad enough idea to me. I think we should take their own advice and think on it. I mean giving up our biggest bargaining chip is a tough call. I think I should check in on her."
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 8, 2011 11:21:48 GMT -5
I would like to join you if you don't mind. I have yet to meet your guest and would appreciate a chance to do so. Perhaps an agreement can be reached before meeting with the courtiers.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 8, 2011 12:09:37 GMT -5
Daichi's measured Quarim for a moment. Who is this gaijin? What is his angle? What is he getting out of this? Thoughts crossed Daichi's mind, more worries to heap on. Something was pushing his instincts to be territorial. Thankfully, the same something had let the anger subside. But it was about ready to start tossing people over board.
Daichi's grin grew. While it is a permenant fixture on his face, it was to pull its meaning. "You may but first, what assurance do I have you are truely neutral in this mater? It is odd to find one such as yourself alone with in the empire."
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Dec 8, 2011 12:48:11 GMT -5
Raiden stared at Hikaru studying the man. He was irritated dealing with courtiers. The ivory kingdoms diplomacy was completely different than Rokugani diplomacy. In a way he missed the simplicity of it. Raiden kept his neutral bored demenor when addressing Hikaru.
"I'm sorry Hikaru-san I thought we asked for a diplomat to come to us not a messenger for the diplomats. Well this is unfortunate. If you would please take this scroll it outlines the treaty."
Raiden then turned around and began to walk away
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 8, 2011 13:04:59 GMT -5
Hikaru grabbed the scroll and left to the rowboats. He had much to think and he has learned much more from this short deal with the Mantis. And for now he didn't matter. They had lost the war and all the more they were expected to be bitter. But tomorrow was a new day... He reached for the rowboat, signaling to the oarsman. They were not returning empty-handed though. The rowboat was headed towards the shore, near the Crane contingent.
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