Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 5, 2012 3:38:08 GMT -5
Naetaru was watching the commotion between the people present. Now, it only requires a handful of them in order to ruin the magnificent serenity of the gardens.He looked at the young Shiotome and the bold Dragon talking their ways around and he felt amused. The wind got chilly as if the premature snow was closing in and as relaxed as he was he noticed Sojiro's stance. Naetaru's eyes got alarmed...
Sojiro's eyes resting over the northern side, his hand on his left hip, his body standing as straight as it would get, the way he smiled and the words he used in the last sentence...
Alarming presence direct and intimate, north...hmm Dragon possibly?
He put the pieces together and made a mental note. The only Dragon around was Saiko. He suppressed a grin and spoke to the company.
"Sans, from this way one can visit the Iris grove, the very first place that Doji Konishiko is rumored to have planted the first seed of Iris in the Empire. Quite often would many a maiden in the castle claim to have heard the summons of Lady Doji herself just to caress the sprouting blossoms of the grove. It would be a pity if one had the chance to visit the gardens and miss that place."
As the people were looking over the vast floral patch, Naetaru once more displayed the Crane cadence. His fan was reversely turned, the mon pointing towards the Kyuden, his body leaned gracefully as if showing something whereas he expressed imminence.
The message was clear for the trained Crane's only.
"In two hour's time from now, we meet in the Daimyo's private quarters."
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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 5, 2012 16:37:10 GMT -5
Interesting enough, Tomoko enjoyed much more Mirumoto Saiko's company than she though possible in her first thought. He has something strange and exciting, and even his short contributions to the conversation had the well famous hint of mystery that was attributed to Dragon. Unfortunately she hadn't known many Dragons to compare, but she always had thought they were too spiritual and vague... But Saiko-san wasn't. And though she had noticed an overall reproval of some to his remark, something in her romantic heart said her he wasn't wrong at all. Though, the promenade was a bit shorter than she remembered it was. And Naetaru-dono commanded the Crane to a private conversation... OCC:
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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 5, 2012 22:45:59 GMT -5
There was a change in the mood as they walked; it was subtle, and before Saiko's more recent training he probably would never have noticed anything at all. A hint of it was all he had, however, and he counted it off as some lingering disapproval of his earlier comments. He continued to walk for some time, until Naetaru brought them all to a halt, and the mood changed once again.
He sighed to himself; he sensed some Crane courtier shenanigans, but it was beyond his own abilities to detect why and how. Perhaps he was intruding on something? No matter, he had business of his own to take care of. He separated himself from Tomoko, bowing deeply as he did so.
"The hospitality of the Crane is unmatched as always, but I must say, I had a long journey and I have not yet had a chance to rest. If you would excuse me honorable samas, but I must excuse myself from our walk. May we perchance meet for dinner and tea later?" He looked to Naetaru and Sojiro as he said this, a weary, forlorn look upon his face, as best he could tell at least.
[OOC]Fine, have your secret meeting, I'll just go and have my own ;D[/OOC]
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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 6, 2012 3:14:41 GMT -5
Sojiro bowed in return. "I will see you later, cousin. Get some rest."
Sojiro finished the walk around the garden with Mai, making small talk with Naetaru and the others. When the promenade ended, he looked to his companions.
"It is exceptionally good to be in the company of my friends again, but for now, Mai-san and I have something we need to attend to. However, I would very much like to speak with you all later." His comment included everyone present, but his gaze fell heavy on Battou as he spoke, before bowing to all those assembled. "I would very much like to see all of you over dinner."
After allowing everyone their parting pleasantries, Sojiro and Mai disappeared towards the stables.
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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 11, 2012 1:44:41 GMT -5
Several hours had passed since the group in the gardens had dispersed, to make preparations to leave for Kyuden Otomo. The grounds were busy with servants making preparations for the various honorable samurai that were at Kyuden Doji, from the bushi to the courtiers to the shugenja, and as the chill of the winter evening fell it began to snow lightly.
As the last of the suns ray's fell below the horizon, the gardens were washed in a pale blue and purple light from the magnificent winter sunset. Saiko walked out into the gardens, reveling in the brisk night air, and he looked towards the sky as he felt snowflakes melting in his hair.
He had changed since he was last outside, and he now wore a simple dark green kimono and hakama, beneath a black winter kataginu trimmed in gold; a gold Dragon embroidered upon his back. His daisho as always was tucked into his obi, and beneath his left arm was an unknown boxlike object wrapped in green and gold silk.
With an hour or so left before dinner, he walked the gardens slowly, admiring the way the darkening sky fell cast a beautiful shadow over the exquisite gardens. They seemed almost more gorgeous to him now than they did this morning, though that could be for several reasons. Ahead of him, he saw another, the only other person he had seen in the gardens since his recent arrival, and smiled to himself, for he recognized the man instantly.
He approached the Kakita that stood inspecting a faded statue of a famous duelist from many years ago, and smiled before calling out. "Battou-san, what a pleasant surprise. I must say that I did not expect to find anyone else out here in this weather." He stopped about 11 steps away from the man, though held himself in as relaxed a posture as he could as he awaited the man's response.
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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 11, 2012 2:20:37 GMT -5
Battou was roused from his concentration by the steps through the snow long before Saiko called out to him. He noticed it was 'that' man. The dragon that Sojiro had warned them all was "not right". As he spoke, Battou decided to play it cool and hope that his speed would overcome if it came to that.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just finishing up some notes about this place for my suggestions. I don't want to disappoint Naetaru-sama. What finds you walking the gardens at this hour?"
He was, not quite tense, but definitely not relaxed. He was ready to move if he had to.
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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 11, 2012 3:48:58 GMT -5
Saiko noticed Battou's slightly defensive posture and reserved demeanor; it was understandable given their last encounter with one another, but that was what Saiko was here to mend. He remained silent for a moment, becoming more relaxed and passive, trying to seem as friendly as he could, before answering.
"Well, I arose from my meditation sooner than I had expected to, and I did not wish to simply do nothing while waiting for dinner, so I thought that I would enjoy one last walk through these gardens." A somber look crossed his face, his eyes slightly distant, and he took a few steps closer to he young Crane, the box he held tucked under his left arm.
"I must say, Battou-san, that I hoped to run into you again before our meal tonight. I wished to congratulate you on your excellent performance in our little display earlier; you have truly been well trained in the Kakita arts. More importantly, though, I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I became lost in my focusing, going farther than I ever should have in what was simply a friendly comparison of stances. I admit, I have spent too much time on battlefields lately, and the idea of friendly competition is something that I need to relearn, apparently."
He took the box he held from under his arm, gently removing the silk covering, revealing a beautiful hand-carved cherry box, emblazoned with the Dragon mon upon it, and held it before him. "I wish to try and lessen any tension between us that may have resulted from that slight. We are allies, and should act as such. I offer you this as a gift," he said as he gently opened the box, revealing a silver and gold gilded ceremonial tanto of extraordinary quality and craftsmanship inside.
"This tanto I acquired by defeating a Lion officer in a duel during my time at the Castle of the Swift Sword, before my injuries required me to aid the war effort in other ways. It was a great victory for me, one of my better achievements in this war, and that duel allowed our army to gain valuable ground; I wish for you to have it." He bowed his head solemnly, awaiting what he knew was coming, but never enjoyed...
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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 11, 2012 5:16:16 GMT -5
Sojiro was wondering the gardens quietly, trying to get his heart and mind back together after the tumultous day with Mai. The last thing he had expected to happen on his trip to speak to Kaneka was to fall for a woman that may well have tried to kill him a month earlier - or during their first meeting - because of the war.
But that is exactly what had happened.
While not the playboy that Battou was, he hadn't taken a woman seriously since Reina's death two years ago. He'd had plenty of "distractions", but nothing serious. It was just something he hadn't been interested in.
And now, that woman was racing home to go to war with what had to be a bloodspeaker of at least some level of talent. The same thing that had killed Reina.
His thoughts turned to Mitsouko and Hitoshi, battling Alesha's monstrocities at Seawatch. It seemed the shadows were creeping in everywhere, and there was no respite to be found. Something had to give. Something had to break. But this time, that something wasn't going to be Sojiro.
Remembering his cousin's words the last time they were together in Kyuden Doji had proven to be a surprising source of strength for the Crane. The words had stung at the time they were delivered, but Sojiro was incredibly thankful for his cousin's brutal honesty now. The truth in those words were part of what was holding him together, and had also led him to remember another Dragon's words to him long ago - his mother's.
Remember Soji-kun, the darkest part of the night comes before dawn breaks.
And so, with these mixed feelings in mind, Sojiro wandered the gardens seeking clarity, only to find Saiko and Battou speaking privately to each other, with Saiko bearing a gift.
Intrigued, he crept closer to them, keeping his steps quiet so as not to interrupt or disturb them.
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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 11, 2012 6:07:39 GMT -5
Battou looked down at the tanto within the box, and a smile crossed his face. If he didn't feel that it would be impolite, he would have rolled his eyes at the expression upon the Dragon's face. That expression, borne of the knowledge that they had a social nicety to work through, even though the conclusion was probably foregone. And, Battou thought, it was refreshing to see someone realize they had made a mistake and then were trying to make amends for it. Perhaps there was still hope for the great clans and that fool Toturi.
In an overly exaggeratted manner, Battou brought his sleeve up to cover his mouth for a moment, and he forced his eyes to widen. "Oh, Saiko-san, while this is truly a masterful piece of work, I can not accept something that has such a meaning to you. It is your pride and joy from your war efforts, efforts which, by your own word, you will not be able to repeat. I could not bear to take such a thing away from you, and must refuse."
He dropped the arm down and let the mirthful expression play across his face for another several moments, in his mind, he said One.
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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 12, 2012 2:34:40 GMT -5
Saiko had expected the natural first refusal of the gift, and he had been prepared for it. He had not, however, prepared for the overly extravagent manner in which it happened; his eye actually twitched, and he forced a slight smile onto his face once again.
He was preparing to answer when he heard the crunch of steps on snow, a sound that would be practically invisible to a normal ear at this distance, but not to his heightened senses. He pretended not to notice, however, and continued with the process.
"Ah, Battou-san, you misunderstood me; I will be returning to this war soon enough; my injuries were temporary. And It seems only fitting, from one duelist to another, considering the circumstances by which it came to me. I beg of you, please accept it, as my gift to you." This reply seemed a little forced, though Saiko kept his composure better than would be expected.
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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 12, 2012 2:47:10 GMT -5
His expression altered in slight ways that spoke nothing about how he genuinely felt. His eyes closed and the smile continued though. One could almost feel that there was a sigh there, hidden behind all the etiquette.
"Oh, but, Saiko-san; the extravagance of the gift coupled with the circumstances that surround your obtaining of it are simply too much for me to accept it. Surely there are others that would be more deserving of something so opulent and meaningful. Or, alternatively, you could keep it for yourself as one of your, no doubt, many other trophies from this war that you have put so much effort in to."
He moved his arms in wide circles as he spoke about Saiko's 'prowess' in the war. He was on the verge of laughing thinking about how much the dragon seemed to be not enjoying this. For his part, Battou did not think too much of the gift giving traditions either; but he was crane and they would never slouch in matters of etiquette.
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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 12, 2012 3:12:53 GMT -5
Another twitch, and a sign of annoyance, but he was controlling himself. He bowed, ever so slightly, pushing the box towards Battou, and smiled wider, before rising up again. His air was of one warrior bowing in gracious defeat to another at this point, no longer were the forced portents of courtly etiquette surrounded him, but the smile he bore was the most genuine yet.
"Battou-san, you are as courteous and well-versed in the ways of such social niceties as I have always known of the rest of your clan, and truly, you honor me with such words. But as one warrior to another, I tell you this; today, you have earned this blade." He took the box in one hand and held it towards the Kakita one last time. And he winked.
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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 12, 2012 3:22:11 GMT -5
His eyes opened and he continued to smile.
"Surely with so much persistance in attempting to give me this most noble of gifts, I can do nothing but accept. Thank you, Saiko-san; I will accept this gift."
He sighed, slightly, giving Saiko a peek inside his mind when it came to such things. If he noticed the wink, he did not show any sign of it. He reached out a hand and took the box from the Dragon. He took a few steps towards him and held out his hand motioning towards the house.
"Come, let us go in, the dinner should almost be ready and we'll need some warm sake to shake off this cold weather."
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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 12, 2012 3:28:14 GMT -5
Sojiro came up behind the two, chuckling at their display. A plan had formed in his mind, a plan to vent his emotional maelstrom... and have some fun at the same time.
"I have to admit, watching the two of you deal with social niceties you both find tedious is highly entertaining. It makes me wonder if I look like that when I'm forced to do so, as well. But regardless, I am happy to see the two of you making amends."
He came up to both men, putting a hand on the shoulder of each as is approving of what he had seen.... and before either could reply or turn around completely, Sojiro dropped a handful of very cold, very wet snow down the backs of their kimonos.
And then he ran like Jigoku itself was at his heels, laughing the whole time.
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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 12, 2012 3:37:44 GMT -5
With speed that few could match, Battou was in front of Sojiro. Somewhere along the way he had managed to pick up several handfuls of snow and began chucking it at Sojiro with reckless abandon.
"Twice in one day you drop snow on me is twice too many!!"
Perhaps he was trying to direct Sojiro back to Saiko, perhaps he was just trying to take the most direct approach, who knew, and it didn't really matter. Several projectiles of snow were aimed at Sojiro's midsection.
In a loud voice, Battou shouted "SNOW BALL FIGHT!!"
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