Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 21, 2011 1:28:28 GMT -5
Kakita Tomoko gracefully lifted the drapes, looking at the Kakita craftsman, she spoke.
"Esteemed Kakita Battou-sama, I am Kakita Tomoko, Doji Naetaru-sama's aide and this is Doji Mikado-sama, his fine sister. We're honored to meet you." her voice was ringing with a fine tune. Clearly if one was allowed by him to speak that would be the Kakita singer.
"We were asked by his grace to deliver you the message of invitation to Kyuden Doji. Doji Naetaru-sama expressed the intent clearly to meet with you in person. That is should you wish to move in Kyuden Doji for at least a week."
She was smiling with elation.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 21, 2011 1:52:50 GMT -5
His eyes widened a little bit in shock.
"Wha... What would the Doji family daimyo want with me?"
He shook his head for a second, to get a grip, and he smiled again.
"I guess I will find out when I arrive. But, there is a condition to my travel... I can only bear the burden of this journey if you fine ladies will accompany me along the way. And I'll need time to gather my things."
He stood there waiting on a response and he swished the hair that had fallen into his face out of it. And he continued to smile.
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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 21, 2011 2:31:51 GMT -5
Kakita Tomoko looked over inside the palanquin apparently waiting for Doji Mikado's nod, which ensued shortly.
"We'd most certainly be honored if sama would accompany us on the way back. You can have as much time as you wish to prepare sama, we would be on the outpost of Shizuka Toshi, waiting for you. Please don't feel rushed or hurried." she said courteously as the palanquin began to depart, her mission accomplished.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 21, 2011 3:03:54 GMT -5
He stared after the palanquin watching it depart down the curvy mountain road. He thought to himself If you want to see me again, look my way... And, as does sometimes happen, the flap on the side of the palanquin fluttered open in a breeze, and Battou was certain that he had seen one of them staring at him.
Smirking, he went back to the inside of the building. He took the time to wash up a bit, as he had been forging today and then he went to his room. There he put on a fine set of clothes, but packed his finest for the visit. He wrapped his cloak around him and looked around the room for anything else he thought he would need.
The sword that he had so recently forged caught his gaze, laying upon the simple desk that as he had come into the room. Mmm Hmm, I'll have to take that...soon I will be able to give it to its recipient. I was elated when I was asked to forge that sword for that man. Surely he will find my work worthy to wield...
He picked up the pack he had assembled, adjusted his own daisho on his left hip and placed the newly forged blade onto his right hip. Kakita blades were so thin and light, he was continually amazed at how much strength they had given the way they looked.
He went out to the stables where his horse was being made ready for the trip. He hopped up on him and trotted out of the stables. "Kanken, are you ready for another journey?" The horse shook it's mane as if in acceptance and they rode off to the outpost where he could meet up with those fine ladies.
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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 23, 2011 9:51:30 GMT -5
Many hours have passed when the retinue had finally arrived and got prepared to settle down in Kyuden Doji. The ladies excused themselves as they resumed to their current positions, as a pair of servants rushed in to look into the Kakita Battou's needs. The atmosphere was pretty calm and serene, the evening breeze taking away any of the exhaustive moments of the day. Naetaru was relaxing over his desk after a couple of menial courtly tasks. He had been informed of the Kakita artisan's arrival and he had taken good liberties into inviting him for a fine moment of tea, casual yet necessary.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 24, 2011 8:27:47 GMT -5
The servant girls showed Battou to a private room where he could change, which he did. Putting on some of his finer robes but keeping his cloak. He was overly fond of that blue and white cloak, it added a sense of mystery to him, he thought. Additionally it was big enough and long enough, wrapping entirely around him that if he needed something to throw down as a makeshift bed cloth... He put on some fresh tabi and black sandals and made his way out.
A short conversation with a servant put him in front of the door to Naetaru's sitting chamber. The servant would slid open the door just enough to announce his presence, and recieving the assent, would open it up fully so that he could enter.
Kakita Battou saw the Doji lord and he bowed to him.
"Doji-sama, I was told that you wanted my presence."
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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 24, 2011 8:52:19 GMT -5
Naetaru rose as the artisan entered the room, he smiled in elation and welcomed Kakita Battou.
"Good morning Kakita Battou-san, I bid you a fine welcome in Kyuden Doji." nodding he carried on as he listened to Battou's words.
"Indeed I have Kakita-san, however I am optimistic that we can share a fine moment of tea and discuss this on the way." he motioned over for Battou to sit.
Naetaru took a moment to scan the man. He made him feel at ease and a bit comfortable, associating with the Kakita had made Naetaru a bit "soft" when socializing with them. As the servants began pouring tea, Naetaru carried on
"Due to the recent war, Kakita-san, there have been some serious outbreaks regarding the maintenance of the Crane holdings, you know Mura Shabishii Toshi has fallen and now conflict had ensued on the shores of the Seawatch Castle. Everywhere in the Crane domain seems to be some kind of "disrepair"." he retained a serious visage.
"The day before I had noticed that the Fantastic Gardens had shown the same kind of "disrepair" I was talking about and namely the statue of Doji Nio erected in the Plum Grove.
Naetaru referred to the magnificent statue erected by Doji Kaori, the past champion's wife in honor to the old Doji ancestor, or possibly to her own son bearing the very same name?
"I need it replaced with another one with perhaps that of Doji Yasurugi? It would assist greatly in the beautification of the grove as well as it can offer a fine memory in honor to one fine great ancestor of our Clan." he took a sip.
"Would you Kakita-san wish to undertake such a project? I can ensure you that you'll acquire everything you would so require." he took a sip and let Kakita Battou share his thoughts, he would drop the bomb later during the talk.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 24, 2011 9:08:20 GMT -5
Kakita Battou did sit there next to Naetaru, though he never lost his stiff composure. He was not used to dealing with Daimyo. Aside from Kakita Mitsouko whom he had past dealings with, being his own family daimyo, but, she was different, she understood being a Kakita. He listened to everything the Daimyo said and then nodded at the end. As he replied, he kept his tone even, and unbroken, continuing the stiff attitude that he had displayed up to this point.
Unfortunately Doji-sama, I am not a statue crafter. As you may or may not know, Doji-sama, when a Kakita takes on a craft, they choose one to be their primary focus and eschew all others until they have perfected it. And for me, I chose a craft that is very hard to perfect."
He pulled the single lonely sheathed katana off of his hip, the one that was obviously not a part of his daisho and offered it, enclosed in the sheathe to Naetaru to investigate if he so chose. Open handed, obviously not menacing to him.
"This is one of my products, don't worry about looking it over, it has not reached it's intended recipient so it may be seen by others. I am a smith. I am strongest in swords, but I am also able to make armor and some tools. In fact, most things made of metal. And I am not sure the medium is suitable to a statue, especially one that is made to look like a specific person. Not that I am unwilling to try, but I want to warn you up front of my trepidations."
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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 24, 2011 9:28:56 GMT -5
Naetaru examined the work perfectly. He had never seen such a magnificent work of art, Battou was indeed excellent in crafting metal. He weighed the blade in his eye, a fine piece of art.
"Truly Battou-san, who would be more fitting a craftsman to handle metal with such care other than a Kakita one, such as yourself? I admit that I had never seen such a magnificent work of art on the metal and I can personally attest to it that a Kakita's delicate craftsmanship may make even the most talented Tsi-smiths green with envy." he smiled feeling proud of his clansmate's honoring talent.
"However I did not seek that you crafted the statue personally! I had the thought that you could be responsible for assigning the artisan that you deem worthy for the task. It is my duty to our Clan to ensure that the statue gets done by a man who can in turn attest to the assigned artisan's talent. Thus I would like you to take care of the issue. Besides, you might be pre-occupied with other issues Kakita-san. An Imperial decree arrived today, the Crane Clan has been summoned by the Emperor in Kyuden Otomo, to attend to his very own Winter Court." he paused giving the man time to contemplate on what he's heard.
"We are expected to depart shortly." Naetaru said with a quick tone, trying not to sound forceful or commanding.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 24, 2011 10:06:04 GMT -5
His look changed slightly, was that relief that Naetaru saw?
"Ah, yes. I understand, Doji-sama, and would be happy to name the smith for this endeavor. I will, of course, have to take some time to consider my options. I do not want to rush into my decisions regarding the restoration of such an important location."
He picked up the tea cup that he had almost forgotten about and sipped at it. Then sipped a bit bigger.
"I often forget that some of the best tea in the empire is served at Kyuden Doji. I have not been here in quite some time."
He finished the glass and asked the servant to pour him more.
"Excuse me if I am being presumptious, but are you inviting me along as part of your retinue to Hantei-sama's winter court, or are you just making me aware of it? I had already intended to go, as I believe that this blade's recipient will be there."
He patted the sword that he had already placed back upon his hip.
"And you must tell me, will those two ladies whom accompanied me on my journey here be joining us? They were marvelous conversationalists, and the Kakita woman's voice was astonishingly well trained."
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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 24, 2011 10:56:50 GMT -5
Naetaru smiled, he was expecting that sort of question..
"Hai, it would be of a great happenstance to attend to the Winter Court in Kyuden Doji among the Crane delegates. The Emperor's invitation summons the Clans in attendance as they deem fit and proper and you Kakita-san would make just an excellent impression." accompanying those words by extending his hand over to Battou's work, openly connoting his talent in smithing.
As the dialogue shifted over to Tomoko and Mikado, Naetaru said.
"Ah! You must mean of Kakita Tomoko my aide, and Doji Mikado my loyal advisor and sister. I assure you that they would be accompanying me as it is their duty. However, it can be ensured that Kakita Tomoko spends considerable time with you regarding your artistic endeavors. Surely, there must be an excessive amount of time for art to be looked into and taken care of. What do you say?" he noticed that Battou was tense, however it was understandable, for it was the first time the two men met.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 24, 2011 11:13:35 GMT -5
"Well, I was going to petition to be part of the Kakita delegation, I assumed that Mitsouko-sama would be going as well as Sojiro-sempai. I hope to meet them there, but it would be far easier if I already had an invitation. I can most assuredly join your delegation, Doji-sama. And in fact, I am more than happy to have someone who can appreciate art as finely as any Kakita heading the group I am going in."
He drank some more tea in between his speaking, he clearly enjoyed it as much as he said.
"And, as to the ladies, indeed those are the names that they gave me on the ride over. I am a man who appreciate fine beauty in more than just artwork, if you understand my meaning, sama."
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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 24, 2011 11:49:05 GMT -5
Doji Naetaru seemed serene, yet his visage betrayed some concern.
"To be honest to you Kakita-san, I have not had recent news as of to the negotiations between the Mantis and Crane as well as that of Kakita daimyo's whereabouts. Only whispers and rumours which I don't prefer over to facts and statements." he seemed to be thoughtful of it. When was the last time that he had a status update on the Seawatch Castle incident?
"However, I will not wish to distract you from your will to join the Kakita delegation, you're free to choose as you will." he looked over the ungrateful man, was it that much needed for him to fling a barb in a daimyo's invitation.
As he heard of the women topic he offered one more smile.
"I perfectly understand what you mean Kakita-san. And it would be magnificent indeed to witness two artistic souls offering solace to one another and in the end, soothing the violent feelings of this very entire world. One would presume that the grace of art trascends over mortality transforming it majestically over something more intimate and less arrogant..." he closed his eyes and he put his cup down slowly. He then opened his eyes looking at Battou.
"However samurai souls, as ours must tread lightly and feel the weight of the world's responsibilities. Other than that Battou-san, I could arrange of Kakita Tomoko to be perfectly accompanied by a noble man such as you."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Dec 24, 2011 15:53:25 GMT -5
For the first time, Naetaru gets a genuine reaction out of him. His eyes squint slightly as if considering the point and then he speaks again:
"I....think I understand what you are saying, Doji-sama. I'm sure that as we are journeying together that Kakita-san and I will become plentifully acquainted. I do not want to put you to any trouble on my behalf."
He closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly, respectfully from a sitting position.
"How soon must we depart, sama? I have only just arrived and would like to assess the gardens if we have time. Perhaps with yourself if you have the time to spare on this matter. I feel that, as you were the one troubled by it, you would be most adequate to show me the areas suffering from lack of attention. Or, perhaps if you do not have the time, Kakita Tomoko-san could perhaps show me in your stead."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Dec 24, 2011 17:11:48 GMT -5
A lone rider approaches the last guard post before the gates of Kyuden Doji proper, atop a sleek, muscular black steed, though nothing compared to the glorious horses of the Utaku. The man seemed slightly uncomfortable, as though he would much rather be on foot, but time had been of the essence as of late. The guards noted the dark green of his kimono, and the Dragon and Mirumoto mons he wore upon it, and became less hostile, though they still lowered their yari as he approached.
"Halt, traveler. Who among the Dragon rides alone through Crane lands?", they asked, though their tone was more one of curiosity than anything else. The man smiled his feral smile, reached in his bag, producing travel papers signed by Doji Naetaru himself, and he replied, "Greetings, Crane-sans, I am Mirumoto Saiko. I am returning from time with the monks, and I am here to see your Daimyo."
The guards took a glance at the documents, and instantly recognized the seal of the Doji daimyo, as well as the young "Dragon's" name, and bowed deeply. "Of course, Mirumoto-sama, please proceed, we apologize for delaying you." Saiko nodded his head slightly, and after taking his travel documents back, rode through to the Crane palace rising above the skyline just ahead of him. A true test of his skills approached, it seemed.
He arrived at the gates, where the guards mirrored the behavior of the last set, and the set before, and the set before them. It brought a slight smirk to his face, being back amongst the endless bureaucracy of the Empire, but there was a reason he had been chosen for the task he had. After the guards let him through, he followed their directions, and entered the gardens of the palace, eyes open in search of Naetaru-dono, and the guest that it was said he was entertaining...
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