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 4, 2011 2:17:03 GMT -5
The small boat thudded softly against the kobune. Daichi pulled himself up over on to the deck. Staring shortly back at the land, he managed to get glimpses at the scene amongst the fog that was slowly dispersing. It sickened him. It was not natural and he was certain there was going to be a price that his other allies will call for. What worried him most at the moment was news of an oni and worse yet was it's unknown location. The thought plagued the back of his mind that his family's ritual might have aided in the resulting blood shed that lead to it's summoning. But such additional worries needed to wait.
Daichi turned and made sure his footfalls were heavy on the deck to herald his return to the ship. "Raiden-san! Please do tell me at least one of our objectives were completed." He more or less yelled with a hint of anger in his voice. His brashness finally rearing it's ugly head.
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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 4, 2011 7:31:48 GMT -5
Doji HikaruThe rainy night had caught Doji Hikaru quite unaware. His steed was reeled to press forward to Seawatch Castle, for he had to deliver the missive in the most urgent of businesses. He kept the stride in the night on the rainy road and thus when he arrived he was exhausted.
"Now that's a trial!" he thought to himself. Later at the day of Hikaru's gempukku ceremony , as Doji Naetaru had learned of the ongoing events, he'd entrusted the boy with a lavish mission for the Crane. He had to deliver the message to the Mantis. The words in the letter belonged to the diplomat of the Crane, and the hand that delivered it was a young magistrate prodigy.
Doji Hikaru arrived at the shore, had a quick conversation with the Daidoji wharfmaster and he was quickly given a rowboat with an oarsman. Moments later Hikaru was on shore, while a day and half before he was in the warm Doji palace, the smell of brine invading his nostrils giving away to the prestigious yet dulling fragrances of the pompous court. Hikaru was starting to getting fond of the sea and the destiny of the magistrate. Moments had passed as the boat closed in to the Mantis vessel. Hikaru took the banner he was given ashore, it bore the mon of the Crane Clan along with the Doji emblem, before raising it Hikaru pin on it the insignia of the messenger and rose it proudly. And at the time he remembered the 4th lesson that he had been given during the second year of magistrate training. "Once the emblem of the Crane is raised in truce, never hesitate and hold it tight. It is the privilege of the messenger to be given solace from hostilities. But sons, always expect an arrow and should it pierce you and grant you death, let it be known that a Clan disrespected the ancient tradition of welcoming a soul bearing news."And such he did, he didn't hesitate and held it proudly to the sky. Now all he had to do was to wait for the acknowledging signal for his boat to close in and be allowed to transfer his message.
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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 4, 2011 11:12:45 GMT -5
OOC: Just including a little bit of the planned, but as yet unwritten Threads of Destiny storyline.With an fiery crackle and faintly explosive *BOOM*, Void Master Agasha Shodai - still wreathed in the Phoenix-looking aura of fire - burst from the Voidwalk Path into the skies above Seawatch Castle. The master shugenja cast his piercing gaze around the battlefield, but there was too much confused movement on the ground to spot Mitsouko. When he then tried to reach out with his other senses to find her, the interferance from the Oni that someone was trying to create using Mitsouko's name made Shodai snarl in frustration. Before Shodai let his temper - something that he still struggled with on occasion despite his enlightened mindset - get the best of him, he decided to try a different approach... Mitsouko's sword, Nushi Gashinshoutan, was a nemuranai - an awakened object - that Shodai had a connection to. He'd been there, in the ruins of Otosan Uchi, when Mitsouko had located a sword that Shodai's prior incarnation - Miya Shokujin - had given his beloved in HER previous life as Seppun Saimei. When Saimei had been targeted by a trick that resulted in her death, Shokujin had taken the sword to avenge her by killing the woman responsible, Otomo Kaoruko. That sword, Koimizu Hinata, had been secreted away by the Otomo family out of shame for their scion's actions and had been largely forgotten in the two hundred years since that little debacle. When Mitsouko and Shodai braved the depths of the ruined capital to find Koimizu Hinata, that sword resonated with Tsukinai - another blade that Seppun Saimei had wielded, but one that had remained with her family line until coming to Mitsouko - and the two merged into a single blade: Nushi Gashinshoutan. Since Mitsouko never let that weapon out of her sight, if he went to the sword, he should find her... Despite the chaos of the battlefield, Agasha Shodai could feel the mystical aura of his wife-to-be's sword as clearly as a ship on the ocean could see a lighthouse. Wheeling about in mid-air, the Void Master felt the mystical pulse of Nushi Gashinshoutan's presence within the walls of Seawatch Castle. The fiery aura around the Phoenix shugenja made a vaguely firebird-like cry as he flew towards the castle. As he neared the castle, one of the exhausted archers on the wall, startled by the man-sized flaming bird that seemed to be inbound to the castle, shot an arrow at Shodai and raised an alarm with the other defenders. As the arrow struck the flaming energy that was wrapped around Shodai, the metal tip liquified, harmlessly splattering on Shodai's armor, and the shaft was incinerated. The Void Master landed with a graceful ease in a courtyard between the outer walls of the castle and the inner palace. The flaming aura rose its wings in a real life duplicate of the Phoenix Clan's mon - a silent declaration that he was friend, not foe - as he spoke from the depths of the aura in his most official tone of voice. "Agasha Shodai - Void Master of the Phoenix Clan and fellow servant of the true Emperor, Hantei XL - seeks an audience with Daimyo Kakita Mitsouko."[/b] Then - with a loud, authoritative *CLUNK* the butt of the legendary Isawa Naginata's shaft on the cobblestone courtyard - the flaming aura thinned enough to reveal the armored Void Master standing in the yard as he waited for someone to find Mitsouko and tell her he'd arrived. OOC: Yuuto, Hatsune is presumed to have Mitsouko's sword on him since he was carrying her when she was captured.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 4, 2011 11:35:02 GMT -5
Quarim raced to the Mantis ship that Raiden was on. His merchant caravan was on it's way to Kudo after leaving Tutori's camp. Saede, his sahir had sensed the summoning of a oni. When Quarim learned of it's location he rode off alone. I will not allow things to fall apart now, he thought. He pasted through the spirits without incident or fear. One of the jewels on his tunic was enchanted to make him invisible to spirits; a result of his paranoia of being part of the kolat. He neared the ship he knew Raiden was on and saw Agasha Shodai announce himself. Fear gripped Quarim for the first time since entering Rokugan. This was a man to be feared. He knew of Shodai's great power from his interactions with Sprinkles. And having power over Void he could possibly see that he was invisible to spirits. Hopefully that would not raise too many questions. Quarim took a breath and calmed his nerves, then rode up to the Mantis ship. "I am Quarim a merchant from the Burning Sands. I am neutral in all conflicts. I have come in an attempt to help find peace and make a profit. I wish to speak to Yoritomo Raiden."
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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 4, 2011 15:03:45 GMT -5
Mantis Fleet
Raiden almost was knocked over by an overwhelming presence in his head. It instantly reminded him of his childhood when he would listen to the ocean and talk back to it. It had been awhile since the last conversation and he had thought perhaps he would never talk to it again, or maybe it was all in his head.
Unnatural...near the water...by the woods...we don't like it...watching you...
Raiden braced himself on the railing, and with all his strength he kept his balance. He could see veins pulsing in his arm with all the strength he used. Raiden slumped his head down with exhaustion. He could feel sweat dripping off his nose, and he lost time for a bit. Remembering every attack he had every had.
Its been awhile, almost 5 years. Not since before the Ivory Kingdom. Get it together, you CANNOT show weakness with your enemy aboard. Everyone is watching...
Raiden reared back his head feeling the sea salt mist clash against his face. He looked down suddenly and saw a huge set of burning sapphire blue eyes under the waves looking up at him. Daichi's voice cut through the sound of the ocean and it brought him back suddenly. Raiden snapped his head to the right instinctively to face Daichi then back to the eyes......they were gone, had he just imagined it happening?
Raiden faced Daichi and showed all proper customs to another Damiyo in service to the Mantis. However Raiden looked pale and worried for a split second before referring to his neutral demeanor. Daichi saw this and was not fooled.
Lord Kitsune how does the battle fare you? What of this beast?
The Docks
The Kobune left the fleet to pick up the Cranes diplomats at the docks. As they approached cautiously since all the Mantis troops had been pulled back to the fleet. The Crane now controlled the beach head, and this made some of the men nervous.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Dec 4, 2011 15:05:53 GMT -5
Fortunes...one maho-fueled betrayal and everyone petitions the crab for assistance. Yasuki Chad knew he was being unfair to his allies, but he didn't have time for their panic. The losses on the beach were regretable, and he was pretty sure Yagyu and the men he had taken were dead by now but no one could be spared to rescue them. Mitsouko no Oni must be found and destroyed quickly or the Crane Daimyo would be lost to the enemy of all.
He was on his way to Hitoshi to see who would join him for a search and destroy attempt when the master of void arrived in his flaming spectacle.... and a better idea came to him.
Striding toward the Pheonix he gave the breifest of bows, "Shodai-san, Mitsouko's name has been linked to an oni by Kakita Alesha. The Oni must be found and destroyed without delay, but it is hidden itself. If you can lead us to the oni, or destroy it yourself, you will be helping Mitsouko-sama far more then by being at her side."
He knew he was dropping a heavy bit of information all at once on the Master, but he needed action NOW, not after pleasentries had been acknowledged.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Dec 4, 2011 15:54:20 GMT -5
Hitoshi saw the Phoenix master descend and began to make his way towards the spectacle, arriving just in time to hear Yasuki Chad's entreaty.
He bowed respectfully to both men. "Assistance from both of you would be gratefully received in this matter. Shodai-sama, I have often heard Mitsouko-sama speak of you. Forgive me for keeping things brief; I am sure you can understand the need for urgency. I am Kakita Hitoshi, and I have brought a number of Daidoji veterans who have served beside Chad-sama's kindred on the Wall to help bring this oni down. In addition, I have been entrusted with this, which I understand may prove helpful."
With this he drew the crystal katana that had been given to him by his brother Sojiro. "I have never fought an oni before, and I do not know the current location of this one. However, one thing that the Daidoji have assured me is that if it moves, it can die. So firstly, can you help find it for us?"
He re-sheathed the thin crystal blade, and waited for the Elemental Master's reply.
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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 4, 2011 16:14:35 GMT -5
OOC: Assuming that Hatsune brought Mitsouko's sword back with him rather than leaving it behind when he found her missing.
Agasha Shodai looked slightly confused at Asahina Yuuto's declaration that Mitsouko was unavailable. The Void Master was strongly tempted to simply enter the castle and find his beloved so he could make everything all right, to see her again for the first time in months, but through sheer force of will he remained still. Mitsouko-sa had written him, telling him that the Phoenix Clan's slow-moving war engine had caused some bad blood to creep into the Crane Clan.
Since it would be best to be as politically correct as possible, Shodai gave the other shugenja a respectful nod. "Forgive my rather dramatic entrance, Yuuto-san; I felt something very disturbing through the Void that made me come with all possible haste. Kakita Mitsouko is not only a close friend, but she had accepted my Omiai envoy's deal and we were in the middle of the customary one month waiting period when the rebels began their insurrection."
"I failed her in that it took my Clan too long to muster our forces to aid in defending Toshi Ranbo and the burden to defend the capital fell entirely upon your Clan. I will NOT fail her a second time... I am here to assist her and you in whatever capacity you need..."[/b]
When Yasuki Chad, the one Crab Daimyo whom had sided with Emperor Hantei XL, approached and dropped the informational bomb; Shodai gave a curt nod in the Crab style. After the Crane and the Scorpion, the Crab were the Clan that Shodai felt a decent kinship with. "I sensed that an Oni was involved, though it helps to have those specifics. Thank you, Yasuki Chad-san."[/b]
The Void Master turned his piercing two-colored gaze - one eye, the one under the single lock of black hair, was steely gray and the other was a vibrant emerald green - back to Asahina Yuuto. "I would normally be more than glad to relish the legendary Crane hospitality, Yuuto-san - indeed I find the Crane make some of the finest tea in the Empire - but for the moment it seems we have a job to do..."[/b]
Shodai glanced back at the castle to the general area where Hatsune was located. Then remembering that the thousand-meter stares were one of the things that unnerved the Crane the most about the Phoenix he shook his head and turned to Kakita Hitoshi. "It is difficult to track an Oni when it is deliberately hiding itself, Hitoshi-san. When an Oni wishes to hide, you must set a bait that the monster finds utterly irresistable and wait for it to fall for it. But without studying it, finding such bait will take too long and pointlessly risk the lives of the Crane samurai here..." "However... I sense Mitsouko-san's sword, Nushi Gashinshoutan, nearby. If Mitsouko is here, there is a way to deal with the Oni this 'Kakita Alesha' has attempted to bind to my future wife without needing to find the beast... If I can get to her soon enough, before the Oni is able to indelibly leave its taint upon her, that is..."[/b] Shodai's gaze flitted between the three samurai. "Where is Mitsouko?"[/b]
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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 4, 2011 18:40:07 GMT -5
"You can spare the full on pleasantries between just you and me." Daichi said first. He had also easily caught the change of face, though choose not to mention it as of yet. The anger was still there as an undertone in his voice, but would did not aid is some supernatural aura that seemed to accompany it. While normally Daichi kept it suppressed it seemed he had no will to hold back the countenance currently.
"This battle does not bode well for the morale of my family. While we were not directly there our allies were not so lucky, and they can spoil so quickly if not careful. Put simply I am sure I am going to get more petitions to return home and stay till this blows over. Bad enough the predominate stance is still to remain apart even if we are now the same clan. So I'll ask again, please can you tell me there is some good news amongst all this?"
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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 4, 2011 19:37:45 GMT -5
Raiden heard the tone and words of the Kitsune Daimyo. A wave of anger crashed against his being. The last thing Raiden needed was to be accused and verbally attacked by the man he called ally. Raiden let his neutral demeanor drop and a snarl like curl of his left side of his face showed his anger. He reined in his aggression before it did lasting damage to his relationship with the Kitsune Damiyo.
Speaking in fast paced hushed words as to keep the crews ears absent to their discussion Raiden addressed Daichi
"Yes Dachi-san we currently have the Kakita Damiyo beneath deck watched and weaponless. We have a huge bargaining chip in this conflict. The saboteurs were successful but paid a hard price in their mission. The fleet in general have taken a lot of damage from the siege weapons from the castle, but the Moshi priestess' with the aid of our Storm Shugenja have kept casualties at a low."
Raiden was using his hands to illustrate himself.
"I do not understand where this hostility comes from you. What happened down there on the ground? We heard there was an oni, but the Crane have not shared much information with us. There is a lot of speculation. Currently all of our remaining troops have relocated to the fleet, and we are out of range of their catapults. We need to stick together, the men need to see our confidence. Not us bickering. We BOTH are here on Korin-sama's orders."
The frustration showed on Raidens face like he was trying to let his emotions and sincerity flow to Dachi.
"I have just returned from a war in the Ivory Kingdoms and come home to find myself and people in another war. I have not been home yet to my people. I have not seen my wife. I live to serve so here I am. Fighting along side my brethren once again. You are a honorable man Daichi-san and I regret this was to be our first meeting. I am on your side. I will not idly stand by while your family suffers. I am your ally!"
Raiden held his hand out to Dachi as a gesture of friendship.
"Let us stand together whatever is to come. For the Mantis!"
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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 4, 2011 20:38:21 GMT -5
Daichi let the hand hang for a moment before His manage to pull some of his aura under control. However, it seemed to hold to a feral anger even has his face became more to where a man of his station should be at a time like this. He reached out and grasped Raiden's hand. "I understand you are my ally, and I stand a better position then most in my family for that. I am already in an odd position by showing the force I have called for here. There is something that is pulling the emotions of mine and I fear in part it has something to do with the same out there."
Releasing his hand he continued on. "Something drove the spirits into an uncontrolled frenzy. The maho and bloodshed must have also corrupted a few of the spirits. That fog was causing more issues then just visuals it seemed to cause madness. It also seemed to pulse into anyone who might have had a trace of spirits in their blood." At that last statement his discolored eyes seemed to flash hinting at a point of his own heritage.
"Atonement might not come shortly. I do not know how long it will take the spirits to talk to us outside our forest home. While for those directly in the combat let us just say it does not bode well for the numbers of the clan who was the smallest do begin with. Butchered doesn't even begin to fully describe it."
Turning to face the shore shortly, noticing the crane banner that was on approach, "I do not like this war. Nothing about it sits right. I have made a call for a cease fire at this point. Have you received any such messages as well?" He asked the last part mostly knowing the answer. He closed his eyes, trying to pull on his will to tame the wild beast in his blood to maybe hold his aura. He then turned back to face Raiden.
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Dec 4, 2011 23:26:34 GMT -5
Yuuto’s eyes shift, startled, annoyance and embarrassment quickly showing upon his face with Yasuki Chad’s statement. He did not want the current events becoming any more public, and had hoped he could gauge the Void Master’s intention before deciding whether to persuade his assistance. The Lady Kakita did not need any more slanders levied her direction; she already had suffered enough following the fall of Toshi Ranbo.
Letting out a slight sigh, Yuuto relents, “we believe the Lady Kakita is in the hands of the Mantis fleet currently; we do have a delegation of Crane dispatched to parlay her freedom if true, but—” the shugenja lowering his eyelids in shame, “it is true Mitsouko has been the target of a bloodseeker ritual.”
Motioning Agasha Shodai’s vision towards the Asahina ritual site below the castle gates, he continues, “acting upon premonitions suggesting the worst, I ordered my shugenja to take a proactive approach when they arrived; by all accounts, the ritual has been successful and the oni is in a lethargic slumber, but the link will not be severed until we can guide Mitsouko to safety in Yugen-do.”
A momentary silence followed, Yuuto clearly not happy with the public display.
“I did not want to rush things, as the dangers of luring the oni with Mitsouko in slumber to the ritual site may turn out to be a costly thing,” turning his attention back to Shodai, “though, I am willing to listen to a better alternative,” waving to Hatsune, “where did you place the Daimyo's belongings when Hitoshi-san returned that night from the field?"
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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 5, 2011 0:57:10 GMT -5
Raiden looked at the Kitsune Daimyo with admiration, even with a malicious presence influencing his emotions he still acted like a paragon of honor his intent was pure a good. Raiden looked at Daichi and saw himself in the opposite reflection. Raiden had dirtied himself on many occasions because he knew that somebody had to act. If Dachi was the bright shining image in the mirror, Raiden was the cracked stained reflection.
Raiden looked concerned and spoke lightly as if Daichi was the only one intended to hear. "A cease fire has been declared until this business with the oni is done. The Crane are sending a diplomat here now to discuss the release of our honored guest. Korin-sama wishes us to take Crane land so I hope to get a small outpost north of the river for Mitsouko's release, as well as sovereignty over that river. That way the Crane wont have to devout troops to watch it and they will also cut a cut of the profit from the outpost. This way Korin's promise to the Shogun is fulfilled, our honor for showing duty is further fulfilled, and I will get to see my wife with my head still in tact."
Raidens face showed concern, and he licked his lips "Something doesn't sit right with me here Daichi-san. Where are the Lion reinforcements? Why are Crab troops fighting with the Crane instead of with us? The Crab troops occupying Lonely Shore could have easily flanked the Crane. I fear we are a grand distraction Daichi, destined to fail just to take the eyes of the Crane away from the real threat. Now we are posed with killing an oni that the Crane likely summoned in the first place. I tell you this entire situation was designed for this! I just hope if we do die here today at least we die with are souls clean."
Raiden ran his hand over his head knocking his fisherman's hat backwards to rest on his back. Raiden looked at the Seawatch Castle and the Tower he with the help of other Thunder Shugenja destroyed hours ago.
"Daichi-san this place is damned."
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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 5, 2011 1:37:14 GMT -5
Hikaru's boat had been given the signal and was closing in, his heart pounding hard as he swallowed dryly. This was his first real task performed for his Clan, he had his dignity and soul clean. He steeled his courage and motioned the rower to row a bit more before speaking. He raised his hand and moments later he uttered:
"Esteemed Mantis Clan, I have been sent by the Clan of the Crane as a gesture of goodwill and peace. I wish to speak with the commander of the vessel and of the Mantis forces in the Battle of Seawatch Castle!"
His face serene and serious, the words spoken, the deed performed, he had now to carry on with the parting of the message.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Dec 5, 2011 9:05:55 GMT -5
"Yuuto-san, understand that I mean no vitriol or disrespect when I say this, time is short for Mitsouko's soul. We do not have time to engage pleasentries with any who could aid her. Asleep or not, the oni will contest with her will, eroding it over time. Mitsouko-sama seems a strong willed one but the longer our delay the more likely she will be tainted or corrupted." Unbelievable, this focus on civility and concern for perceived shame. Cast recriminations after the battle, when time permits it. Chad greatly respected the Crane, but at that moment was aware of the massive cultural gulf that seperated their clans. He Doubted he would ever fully understand them.
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