Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 3, 2012 6:54:12 GMT -5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the winds grow in strength -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battou stared at Saiko hard, he thought that this man's demeanor was changing. Was he for real, was Saiko about to strike? The very edge beyond the tsuba was released in the same style that all Kakita did right before they drew. He was ready for it either way. Battou's hair was whipping around wildly, but his eyes never left their stare at Saiko; never left the lock on his eyes that had sprung up between them. His eyes were as cold as the scenery that they were standing in.
And that is when the heavy downpour of snow landed on him, bringing him to the ground. And for the briefest of moments, he wondered after the possibility that this was unnatural and that some Asahina had been upset that two duelists were looking at each other in their perfect snow field.
His head popped out of the embankment as he heard Sojiro call out to them about cooling off and he suddenly knew what had happened. Sojiro had done that 'thing' that he could do from time to time when he focused enough. He had used his magic. From what Battou understood, his magic was not like normal shugenja magic, but one could not argue with the results.
"Ahahaha, Oh, Sojiro-sempai, you got me again. You can't blame me for trying to measure stance with another duelist, it is what we do."
He was smiling and laughing and it was all genuine. He was completely unaware of what Saiko had been doing only moments ago, before Sojiro had put an end to it. Battou stood and dusted himself off and walked over to the pile that was Saiko and offered his hand to help him out of the snow he was in.
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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?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 3, 2012 7:10:33 GMT -5
Sojiro bowed to Tomoko. "While we have never met, I have certainly heard your reputation for exquisite work, Tomoko-san. It is an honor to meet you." He waited for the snowbound duo to extricate themselves before continuing, mainly because he wasn't sure how Mai wanted to be introduced - was she Utaku Mai? Just Mai now? He decided to go with the fact that she was wearing Utaku colors and, if she felt like clarifying, then she could do so at her leisure.
"And it is my pleasure to introduce you all to Utaku Mai-san, a friend and my guest for winter court. Without Mai-san's help, I would not have been able to complete the task Mitsouko-sama gave to me."
A brief shadow crossed Sojiro's face as he mentioned Mitsouko, and for a second he caught Naetaru's eye. However, as worried about her as he was, questions would have their place in due time.
"Mai-san, I would like to introduce Doji Naetaru-sama, daimyo of the Doji family and the most skilled diplomat I have ever seen, my former student and one of the few creators of the kakita blades, Kakita Battou, and my cousin, friend, rival, and the only other master of Ha no Arashi, Mirumoto Saiko."
(OOC I have forgotten, is it rude for me to introduce people?)
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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 Jan 3, 2012 14:05:53 GMT -5
Mai could feel the muscles in Sojiro's arm tighten with tension and see his reaction to something that she could not see. Was he worried his students would harm one another in a simple dueling stance? Then, to her astonishment, his cryptic warning preceded a rather unusual coincidence of some wind shaking snow from a tree branch right on top of the two samurai. What's more, Battou in particular even seemed to draw some kind of visual link between the branch and his sensei. It was curious that Sojiro never mentioned his connection with the kami -- though she found it odd that no words had been spoken in invocation.
She spoke to him quietly, so only Sojiro could hear: "We certainly wouldn't want anyone showing off, now, would we?" Her smirk was as obvious as ever, and her eyes bright with understanding, though the remaining mystery still burned at her inner curiosity.
As they moved toward the company, Mai acknowledges each of Sojiro's acquaintances, paying particular respect to Doji Naetaru and Daidoji Fitsu. If they were inside in a proper court room she may have attempted to kneel, but it seemed unnecessary in the casual circumstances of the outer gardens.
"Thank you for allowing a lowly shiotome to intrude on your hospitality, Doji-sama. The accommodations are lovely." Mai slid over the small lie as she bowed low from her waist, knowing that her attack could hardly be blamed on the room itself.
She mind suddenly recalled the words spoken by the odd gaijin merchant at their dinner -- What is a cell but a room? She seemed to keep coming back to a different lesson -- that all rooms were nothing but potential cells. She found herself feeling much more comfortable in the gardens, where at least the sky could be visible.
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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 Jan 3, 2012 15:31:40 GMT -5
His focus dissolved in a shower of frozen ivory powder, the environment around them settling back into its normal state now the concentration was gone. A rush of anger coursed through him; his eyes flashed their emerald fire; he was a split-second away from swords being drawn, and then he remembered where he was and who he was with. He shook his head free from the snow, the lone cherry blossom falling casually from his hair; he put a grin back on his face and accepted Battou's outstretched hand, nodding in thanks to the Kakita.
Saiko turned to Sojiro, a grin on his face, though his old sensei would be able to see something... different, behind the eyes of his old student, if he only looked close enough. "Sojiro-san, it is good to see you back from your errand, and with a new friend I see." He gave a nod towards Mai; there must be an interesting story there. "I was simply comparing stances with another student of yours, old friend, and I must say, he's not bad."
He turned toward Battou at this point, a smile still on his face, and surprisingly, he gave a small bow. "Battou-san, thank you for the... honor of comparing stances with you. I look forward to sharing that bottle of sake Sojiro offered to buy," he said with a wink to Sojiro, though there seemed to be another emotion there that he was holding down very tightly. And then he turned to Mai...
She was a difficult one to read, for sure. A warrior, that much was obvious, though she was by no means as uncomfortable as many from her clan would be in such a situation; raised with another clan? More than likely, though such assumptions could be dangerous. This was going to be an interesting few days, for sure, and Saiko was grinning inside now as well.
Finished with his quick assessment, he now turned his full attention to her, and gave another slight bow. "Greetings, Utaku Mai-san, as Sojiro said I am Mirumoto Saiko. I must say, I am more than a little surprised to see a supporter of Kaneka here; though I know that Sojiro-san would not have brought you if he did not think you were trustworthy." His eyes grew pale and steely once again, and though he was still smiling, it colder than it had been.
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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 Jan 3, 2012 16:23:42 GMT -5
Now it was Sojiro who could feel Mai's tension at his side. Her eyes flashed, and she had to bite back the comment at the tip of her tongue that would have put him, and anyone else who questioned her honor, in their place. Saiko seemed to be goading her deliberately, and it was having the desired effect. But surrounded as she was by supporters of Naseru, even for someone who stood up to her own clan champion, she recognized what a bad idea such a comment would be. She bore the insult in silence, not trusting herself to speak, but spending considerable effort in maintaining a calm demeanor.
She was, after all, here to pursue peace at the side of her former enemy, and if she could not hold her own against a hotheaded dragon, she had no hope of succeeding at Kyuden Otomo.
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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?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 3, 2012 16:35:58 GMT -5
"You're absolutely correct, Saiko-san. I would never have invited someone to winter court as my personal guest unless they had proven to be of exceptional quality and honor. That applies to the Hantei side of the war just as much as the Toturi side. Besides, there are things afoot that very few have noticed because of the distraction of the war, that could prove to be far more important."
Mai's self control was admirable, but that did not mean that Sojiro was just going to let things slide between her and Saiko without defending her. What was the dragon's problem, anyway?
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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 Jan 3, 2012 19:06:53 GMT -5
Battou helped the dragon up out of the snow and then moved back as the embankment collapsed around him. He then resettled the extra katana he was carrying on his left hip back into the proper position, rather than the one he had adopted to move it out of his way. It would be obvious to Saiko that Battou had never intended to use it, and though he was a student of Sojiro, he had clearly not been instructed in Ha no Arashi.
He looked at Sojiro and Mai as she was introduced and took no particular note of it. He had heard that Sojiro was campaigning after a Unicorn bride. Was this the one then? Battou should welcome her with open arms, then. Then Saiko made his comment and Battou almost nodded; until Sojiro was clearly offended by it. And the unicorn too....
Saiko hadn't said anything that sounded offensive to Battou. He quirked an eyebrow at the jump to defense and just passively watched as everyone stared at each other.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 3, 2012 20:01:51 GMT -5
After bowing and greeting the new arrived guests with discreet words, Tomoko just observed the following events: For a moment everything started to go wrong in that garden. First she was unable to talk properly with Naetaru-tono in front of his guests. The once innocent duel had a strange tension in the air with the arrival of Sojiro-san and his companion and a strange incident with the snow indicates a kami was displeased...or such. Even if at first the discomfort brought by the seemingly innocent words of Saiko wasn' entirely true, at least for Tomoko that was in a position she could see his eyes and cold expression towards the Unicorn Maiden. What disaster if both guests of Crane started a fight about honor here! Her breath was suspended by the anticipation. But then Tomoko realized she could at least try to soothe this discomfort. Utaku-san how lovely of you in accept our hospitality! Chosing sides doesn't make us blind for the value of a samurai, one must say, neh? Let me tell you, I love the lavender tone of your kimono! It makes her hair shine in a special way, don't you agree gentlemen? Without really waiting a reply, she stepped next to Saiko and offered him her arm, a thing he shouldn't be able to refuse without making a ugly figure. Let's stroll a little more while we all talk. We were discussing a point in the garden that maybe experienced travellers and conoisseurs of gaijin culture can give us an insightful opinion... Mai-san and Saiko-san could not come in better timing...
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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?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 3, 2012 22:36:14 GMT -5
Although he wasn't as skilled a courtier as either Tomoko or Naetaru, Sojiro could still see a diplomatic peace offering from a long way off. His gaze softened a bit as he caught Tomoko's eye.
"You have a point, Tomoko-san. It would be a good opportunity for everyone to tell their stories as to what happened to them since we last met, and how we came back here."
He sighed.
"For me, it would seem that the most surprising part of my story happened after I got here. Mitsouko-sama saw fit to elevate me to the positions of Hatamoto and Karo of the Kakita family while I was gone."
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 4, 2012 2:10:43 GMT -5
Naetaru regarded the whole commotion and remained silent allowing Tomoko to gracefully soothe the high-spirited discussion. Later on he decided to join in and replied to Mai
"Lady Utaku Mai-san, I only pray if Shiotome such as you would grace our halls more often." he said with an innocent smile.
"The daughter of Daidoji Kuzon is most especially invited to grace us with her presence even moreso." he motioned after the proposal of Tomoko
"We have been enjoying the last Promenade, as the weather permits. Would you sans wish to join us?"
He turned over to Battou.
"Battou-san, if you wish you could regard the sectors of the gardens more closely. I would oblidge." he nodded to the artisan.
He then began strolling forward.
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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 Jan 4, 2012 2:44:07 GMT -5
Battou was still stunned from the information that Sojiro had been named Karo and Hatamoto to Mitsouko. Which, he really shouldn't have been, given the relationship between Sojiro and Mitsouko; but it certainly came out of nowhere, and while she wasn't here even.
So he really hadn't been able to hear everything that Tomoko and Naetaru had said. But he caught the end. Given his history, Battou was getting pretty adept at coming out of staring at something and joining in with both feet already running.
"Uh, yes, Naetaru-sama. I would be most gracious for the particular tips that such an activity might provide."
Battou thought about the sword on his left hip. He had made it for Sojiro anyways, and with this sudden shift in position, it seemed as an amazing form of providence. So, at Winter Court, when he would have presented it to him, it will now be even more dramatic.
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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 Jan 4, 2012 15:56:40 GMT -5
Mai took the chance to recompose herself as the polite changes of subject took place around her. She was grateful to be the beneficiary of such maneuverings, at least this once. Of course Naeteru would know about her father...the man probably made it his business to know everything about his guests. She offered a quiet murmur of thanks for his magnanimity, hoping the party could turn their attention away from her as they made their way around the garden. Mai could not help shooting Saiko a last parting look as Tamoko offered him her arm. Something about him just seemed to set her teeth on edge...but perhaps she simply was unused to dealing with the enigmatic figures of the Dragon clan.
As they made their promenade around the garden, she takes small steps so as to fall to the back of the miniature parade along with her escort. She takes a moment to whisper with Sojiro from behind her fan, being very careful that he would be the only one able to hear her.
"A whole winter of this...I don't know how long I'll last, Sojiro."
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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 Jan 4, 2012 22:13:15 GMT -5
A sly grin crossed his face at the response his comments elicited, but he composed himself almost instantly. Very well, it seemed he would have to play little nicer. His face in a cold but somber stare again, and bowed to Mai. "My apologies, Mai-san, this war has turned us against our fellow Rokugani, and I must confess I have developed some bitterness against the other side. I did not mean for my comments to cause such offense."
He took Tomoko's outstretched arm with a small smile; he would enjoy this, if for no other reason than to see the reaction of the young Crane duelist he had just been squaring off against. "Ahhh, Naetaru-dono, as always you are the voice of gentle reason. A walk through the gardens seems a much more pleasant reunion than my initial demeanor has presented."
As they began to walk, he kept to himself, nodding politely and adding small snippets to the conversations, but keeping quiet and never offering more than a sentence or two.
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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?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 5, 2012 0:50:34 GMT -5
replying just as quietly to Mai as she had spoken, Sojiro whispered, "I have no idea what's wrong with him. I'll say more later."
To his fellow cranes, however, he was a bit more descriptive. A subtle gesture here, a nod of his head there.... Cadence was a wonderful thing. It didn't occur to him to wonder if Mai knew of it, given her father, until after he had used it.
dragon is not ok
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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 Jan 5, 2012 2:22:41 GMT -5
As Sojiro began to speak in the courtly language, Battou's face became a little paler and he swallowed hard.
Dragon is not ok
So, Saiko had been serious. He was about to strike back there when I sensed it. Good to know my senses are accurate, but why? Duelists check stances all the time. Why would he decide to strike at me? Did I really provoke him, somehow... Hmm.....
"Hmm....."
Battou kept moving with the group as the surveyed the terrain of the garden. But he was much more focused on Saiko. What would he do next?
"Don't forget that you have to point these things out to me with Naetaru-sama, Tomoko-san. I'm still learning about what needs effort here."
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