Those under the same sky

[Asahina Yukihime]

Back to Kyuden Otomo, after the meeting with the Lion at Kyuden Seppun, Yukihime was able to grant the Doji daimyo a fast and safe travel back to Kyuden Doji.
She requests some tasks to the few servants following her, letting them go just after.

"I was informed that all the shugenjas were able to leave Toshi Ranbo in safety. Please, check on that and bring me Asahina Yuuto-san if possible, I would like to talk to him."

With this words the last companion is gone, and Yukihime found herself alone once more.

The winter is approaching and much of the politics had waited long enough during the battle at Toshi Ranbo.
There were urgencies to the new Doji daimyo to take care of, at his home lands, including the news about Doji Yoshi-sama health condiction, Timaru-sama's research on the plague and also the birthday of Yoshi-sama's son, besides many other issues.

But these were questions for the Doji to handle, Asahina concerns are... different in nature.

Walking silently by the gardens under the moon light, Yukihime is thoughtful.

She could see the lights of the castle and imagine the "flames" of the court. Kyuden Otomo is the home of a imperial family, but it still lies within Crane lands.
The truce with the Lion would, if as expected, prevent the Lion from attacking Crane lands, like Kyuden Otomo. But, she wonders if... Does it means the Hantei is really safe here?

She knew that a large portion of Kakita armies were heading back to south, willing to fight for Seawatch Castle. She was also hoping to go back home, with the Crab at Lone Shore City Asahina's lands were almost isolated from the rest of the Crane lands, it is something she would have to deal with soon. But for now, after so much efforts and so many deaths, leaving the Hantei behind just doesn't seem right.

"Protection" is a strong word to the Asahina family, there is a growing tradiction of defensive spells. More than anyone else she knew it was hard to defend one without hurting another. But also knew it was possible. Wouldn't be easy to remain true to so many discrepant wishes...


((OOC: This happens at Kyuden Otomo, after the meeting between Crane and Lion at Kyuden Seppun. Barbs are likely still going on but this thread is supposed to have a different nature. Anyway, not sure if I can offer much RP with this thread but the gardens are public join if you like))

[Asahina Yuuto]

Duty rosters. Supply contracts. Incident reports. Damn bushi and their wars. Personal correspondence. Promotion papers. Scouting Reports. Its all glory and codes of honor until the paperwork comes due.

Yuuto’s eyes, his head solemnly slumped upon his palm, disrupt his attention towards a whimper of wax, the melting bead's seduction flowing a sultry dance from wick top to pooling tray. The glow of candlelight scolds his gaze; the illumination of papers strewn across table and floor – bueracracy becoming too much to bear. A few scribbles, “A Lion’s Pride a Siege of Crane,” stand out among the records, but sometimes the past must humble itself as it waits for the present. A brief sigh is let out, before the dipping of ink begins anew.

With the cold weather, the ritual of song was no longer to be found among the choir of crickets in the distance. Their chorus had been replaced by creatures of a more verdant hue. With the defeat, and the retreat, recruitment followed, and vacancies of “honor” now needed to be filled. What had once been a job taken to avoid the politics of court, now itself had become besieged by office seekers and opportunists, any old distant relative of the Otomo looking to ingratiate their young among the newly formed ranks of Hantei’s corroded coalition.

A rap on the door – would it be praise, or gift, or intimidation for favor this time? “Go away,” the shugenja exclaims. Again, the rapping continues, before more harsh words are aimed. Yuuto strokes his disheveled and unkempt hair in frustration, as his door slides open, and his hard stance is countered with soft response, “Yuuto-sama,” the servant girl lowering her gaze, “my Lady Asahina desires your audience in the gardens.”

Yukihime? Did an irate Otomo finally make good on their threats? Perhaps she is simply displeased with my avoidance of the peace talks? A twinge of urgency finds itself upon his face; his hands beginning a shuffled search of paperwork as he looks for his mirror now displaced from his desk. “Tattered clothing and tangled hair, and now the Daimyo wishes my time?” He shakes his head in agony, the moment made worse by the servant girls’ now guarded giggles.

As the theatrics of the moment unfold, she quickly springs into action, mirror and comb on corner dresser found, she eases his concerns, “Perhaps I could help you with your hair?”


OOC: I will get to the garden in the next day or two Yukihime; I was preoccupied with cleaning the paperwork off my desk today.

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime steps leads her to the wooden bridge over a calm pond. Colorful carp are floating by the water, the surface now ripples as she, and the cold wind swirling around her, approaches.

The view of the carp would promptly make her hand go for a small piece of silk paper on her sleeve. She was getting ready to fold... an urge that she have to learn to control.

The origami paper went back to where she found it. She need some air. She could fold a miniature of the whole garden if she had time, or if she let the anxiety drives her.
Of course one or two origamis wouldn't take her long. But perfection would. And she wouldn't be satisfyed until she could fold that very same carp, in a way it could display, scale by scale, as much beauty as the true carp could.

Looking down at the pond she found the Asahina daimyo, hard to believe it was just it, the sky behind her.

She had now an ever growing amount of letters, and the weight of loosing Toshi Ranbo is being presented to her now. Several are the letters of shamed bushis, and even shugenjas, requesting sepukku. Something that she wasn't willing to approve. But, could she deny the will of those who fought bravely?

Once more Yukihime had a hard time trying to put herself on others shoes. Protecting her family, doing what is right, suddenly these things were, for the first time, a little blurred to her.

One more look at the pond, the sky had changed. The moon and the stars moved around her. Astrology... she could perfectly tell she had being away from her duties, and wandering by the gardens, for too long now.

Once more she resisted the stars, the origami, the night breeze outdoors. All the things she admired and loved, and went back to work.

It was time to replay to every archer that wrote her, one by one, and what would she tell them? That there was no failure? That it is not over yet? I wouldn't want to let them go even if it was over... My family must hear they are needed, not only for war, but beyond it, they must know their efforts are grandest. But how to say that? May be it was her lack of experience with conflict but she also wasn't proud.

One last breath... and her life had no more room to doubs or questions. Her priorities are now defined, and it won't change.

At the office, the brush found ink, ink found paper.
By her side, an old magistrate was at service. Late at night. He would hand her the letter, one by one, and tell her what he could about the sender. A precious service.

We shall live... to greet the peace we were taught about, we shall live to keep it once we have it. Or we shall live to seek it.

((OOC: Take your time, I'm not in a hurry ^^ ))

[Asahina Yuuto]

Yuuto’s fingers play and tug at the worn and ink stained fabric of his cuffed sleeve; his stomach churning with the twist and turns of the halls of Kyuden Otomo. The servant girl had managed – with what she had to work with – but the prospects of a poor presentation in front of someone the shugenja had grown to greatly respect in the last several months peppered his thoughts with dissatisfaction and dread. The irony being, that Yuuto’s first encounter with Yukihime had been one of overflowing confidence and a hint of condescension; the war, truly, had changed his outlook on many things.

The two near the entrance to the garden; with subtle form, the servant girl slides open the door, bowing in respect to her senior – the cool breeze released soon inviting apprehension in Yuuto’s step. Sluggishly, he treads onto the terrace, his heart palpitating relentlessly; the bubbling of the brook beating back amicably. In the night sky, two crane call to one another, hoping to bring conformity amid the discord of their migration.

A night like tonight gives strong reason to go home, the shugenja thought, as he walks, through the gardens; the serenity within, a pale facimile of Asahina Shinden. The Daimyo’s apparent absence does not deter him, his attention drawn to the carp playing just below the lake; the air kami whisper their giggles to one another as Yuuto wanders amid their shrouded conversations towards the crest of arching bridge.

Slumping upon the intricately chiseled railing, he finds his reflection in the flowing stream, the carp’s movements rippling an acknowledgement in his distorted image. With pulsed breath, and suspended eyelids he relents; shoulders relaxing upon arms resting on cold stone – heart calming, stress receding – he responds serenely, “little fish, do you live knowing of your prison in this pond, or do you swim through life without such understanding?” The orange and white of the koi shimmers in the moonlight, “are the self-imposed prisons we make for ourselves any different than the one that binds you?”

The breeze fades momentarily, leaving the chilling cold to bite at crimson ears and rosy cheeks, the passage of time flowing rhythmically with the gestures of coral-hued tail and fin. As the night passes in silence and seclusion, the cold finally inspire some wisdom; Yuuto sympathetically lets out a despairing sigh,“perhaps my mother was right; it is never wise to make a woman wait.”

[Bayushi Hiromitsu]

Among the Yukihime's letters...

"Letter to Asahina Yukihime, by Bayushi Hiromitsu"

I am Bayushi Hiromitsu, we met at Toshi Rambo, some months ago. I would like to say that I am very proud. I asked permition to Daidoji-Daymio to Marry Daidoji Yuuka.

But I now learned that the Daimyo resides with deeper worries than marriage, and that is another, Yoritomo Ryumon-san that is also trying to marry Daidoji Yuuka-san.

Could Asahina-sama help this lowly bushi? For I am far from home and without any scorpion shugenja to advice and help me.

Thank you.

[Asahina Yukihime]

"Asahina-sama..."

The old family magistrate was looking through the opened door of the office, he could see Yuuto at distance.

"Asahina Yuuto-san..."

The magistrate warned her. Yukihime rose her head letting her eyes away from Hiromitsu's letter and from what she was writing in replay.

"Please, excuse me Asahina Shen-sama."

She got a letter that she had previously written and then bowed before leaving. Shen bowed back to her, low, while the young Asahina went to the balcony, in the other hand she got a paper lantern, and steped into the garden once more.

A brief look over her shoulder would show a quiet Kyuden Otomo, so late at night there was no court, and most of the light was coming from her own office. The castle seems so calm...

She walked through the gardens, the full moon makes the lantern almost useless, the shugenja walks on the pathway drawn amoung flowers, topiary, and streams.

Her steps are careful and silent but the light emanating from the blue paper lantern soon tinge the water and Yuuto's surroundings.

Yukihime remains at a respectable distance, a few steps away.

"Asahina Yuuto-san?"

As usual a lesser air kami was surrounding her like a cold breeze, the companion was easy to spot through a shugenja's eyes. And Yukihime have a serene looks, even with a impecable posture she is unable to seem threatening like many other samurai often seem.

[Asahina Yuuto]

With startled look, Yuuto quickly whips his posture into shape, facial expressions and mannerisms conforming to more formal stance, in response to Yukihime’s most comfortable voice. Pivoting around to face the Daimyo, hands locking behind back and eyelids dipping as he bows in respect, Yuuto moves to better present himself before his leader, “Lady Asahina,” he replies, confinements of etiquette binding him to the ritual.

As his view floats upward to survey the chilling complexion and stoic demeanor of the Lady, easiness replacing anxiety. “what could trouble her at this hour to find me,” his mind still on such misgivings. Yuuto’s hazel eyes finally find Yukihime’s artic blue, the arch of his brow giving away his struggle in how to respond, “forgive me such casual inquiry, but your request for audience tortures my thoughts; what concerns does a Daimyo have to find one such as me at this hour?"

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime bowed politely once Yuuto had turned towards her.

"I appreciate that Asahina-san had come in a time like this, it is late, but here in Kyuden Otomo, and after the outcomes of Toshi Ranbo, day light comes to me followed by many demanding samurais. I hope my lack of a better time doesn't bothers Asahina-san much."

Yukihime laid the paper lantern on the bridge's barrier.

"I heard a few satisfactory things about how everything happened after I left Toshi Ranbo. I thank Asahina-san for your efforts. I have notice and letters from some samurais who are now truly thankful to the Asahina family efforts in Toshi Ranbo. I wanted to share this humble news, for I'm sure, as the leader of our units there, Asahina Yuuto-san deserves to know it."

She made a brief pause, finding words...

"But that is not all. I know we are now going through turbulent times. War brought many changes, bended many reeds. And I would like Asahina-san to accept more tasks, or actualy, a few more duties."

Yukihime waited to hear his thoughts before proceeding. She was still zealous of her family, like she was with her unit months ago. And she found no need to turn everything into orders. She had barely noticed Yuuto seems not to display the same "energy" as he had when they first met, but discretion would prevent her from personal questions.

[Asahina Yuuto]

Startled, perhaps shocked, at the positive nature of her statements, Yuuto pauses to find words to respond, his mind beginning to gnaw at the praise she presented of Toshi Ranbo, “the siege was a learning process, challenging many ideas I had taken for granted; there are days that I still dwell on the failures of that fight – but I am certainly of more sound mind than some who left those city gates,” Yuuto’s gaze finding the cobbled ground as his thoughts dart to the night of the retreat, and the troubles that have and will unfold from the event.

A small glint in his eyes twinkles, as he returns to more appropriate etiquette, “I remember asserting in earlier days that I would not ask those you entrusted me to lead with tasks they were not capable of completing; and they all fulfilled their duty – I cannot take credit for their success, but I will humble myself to your wisdom that you believe me capable of what you ask.”

The paper lantern flickers, momentarily, as a breeze flows through the two, the flame finding new energy as Yuuto finally finds his, “My dear Daimyo, what troubles must we mend? What samurai must we offend, and what courtiers must we placate as we tie together this war’s loose ends?” He finally grins, “what demands, do you need done?”

[Asahina Yukihime]

"The siege... Retreating from Toshi Ranbo was a stab into many's pride" - she finally spoke it clearly, including herself on the brief statement, the result didn't pleased her, of course, but she knew it could have been worst."But, the Lion is the most renowned army of the Empire, yet... the Hantei-sama is safe for now, much of our forces are intact, and... war is not over... unfortunately. Considering it all, we probably achieved more than was ever expected in a Crane-Lion military conflict"

Yukihime turned to the pond, leaving her hands on the bridge's barrier, with the lantern between her and Yuuto. The reflections of the sky had her attention for a while, and she quickly resumed her speech.

"Somehow, with this battle the Crane seem to have got some respect from the Lion after all. And I just arrived from a meeting with the Lion Champion and Daimyos where a truce was speculated and desired."

"We all seem to want peace, Lion daimyos were rational, wise and civil. Akodo-sama seems to strive to make this a better and peaceful Empire, and our family efforts are historically and traditionally directed to peace too. We could make good allies.
But both, Crane and Lion, expend months fighting each other, families were ruined, friends were lost. There are much regret and anger and furious persons don't find comfort in peace, but in revenge."

"The Doji daimyo travelled back to Kyuden Doji with the aid of the kamis. Also, I noticed some of our amires, mostly Kakita, have departured to south as well. I wasn't officially informed of it, and I'm quite unsure on what is going on about it."

"Once we could not beat the Lion with all our forces I see no reason to leave the Hantei with less than all we have. But, battle is not my specialty, may be that is the reason for not requesting my opinion on that matter."

"I disapprove this split but now I have no option but doing the same, I can not let any of our armies unassisted. We are responsible for guiding the souls of those who want to be guided."

"With all this happening, our family may be needed on south. Wherever the armies are going, or even at the winter court, as Doji-sama surely would like to host one."

Yukihime search her sleeves for the letter

"Well, but this summary of my views is not the main reason to keep Asahina Yuuto-san wake in a time like this.

Yukihime turns to Yuuto with a scroll in hands and offers it to him.

"This document makes Asahina Yuuto-san Hatamoto of the Asahina Family.
And the summary of my views are meant to allow that Asahina Yuuto-san can consider assisting me in taking care of this family."

[Asahina Yuuto]

“Our wistful little star may be too high,” he thought as Yukihime mulled over her views of the current conflict. The machinations of the Lion’s prowl and the political turmoil befalling the Kakita family from honor bruised, as winter court approached, would heat the scorn of many courtier’s insensitive tongue. We would do better to remember what spring may bring, than fall into despair with what winter would show.

The scene is beautiful, if the tragedy that plays around despicable, the lantern light dancing within his sight. ”Serene and calm,” like the sounds of brook and late night breeze; Yuuto prepared his thoughts on the politics of the day, not prepared for what Yukihime would say next as she presented formal papers.

His fingers tingle with circulation, trembling with her request, his heart thumping a new beat, as he tucks the missive in his pocket,”when she told me so sincerely, with stare of icy silence, what was I to say?”

Yuuto’s face soured; his thoughts on the war and power struggle forming within the Kakita family suddenly seemed immaterial to the discussion. To be named Hatamoto meant many things – status, land, perhaps even a legacy – yet, he only entertained two ideas in his head, “Family or Freedom?”

Searching for the shadow of a smile on Yukihime’s lips, yet fruitless, he finally speaks, “My Lady, I never imagined when I walked apprehensively through the gate of Toshi Ranbo, that I would one day be standing before my Daimyo with a request to become her favored servant; for many years I have traveled freely, doing what good I can on my terms – ignorant of and absent from the horrors civilization sometimes brings.”

“I have often wished to walk away from our troubles and return to a life of wanderlust; only my obligations to you and this clan, our families' honor, have kept me to current duty.”

The illumination of the lantern waves a reflection in his eyes, burning, twirling, pushing him forward to face his Daimyo’s icy stare. With eerie focus he faces her as equal; abdicating a desire for rest, with chains untorn, and new courage born.

"I have one condition if I am to bury my desire for freedom, pledging my life and loyalty to assist you solely in guiding our families’ soul to continued salvation,” a look of sincerity showing in his pause, emotion tinging his final words, “we must be honest with one another in all things; good or bad, in disagreement or not – I cannot play the role of courtier with you – my family”

Leaving himself exposed, he averts his gaze, returning to the role of vassal to his lord. The koi fish bubbling their presence in the silence.




OOC: Gushiness, yuck.

[Asahina Yukihime]

"I understand, Asahina-san. I, myself, came from remote lands, the Empire where I used to live before the death of my sensei is surely not the same one I live now.
The Rokugan I knew was the one I read about, poetry, novels... art seems to bring the best of everything. The samurais that I found once I left my homelands weren't barely like the perfect and noble ones I read about.

Ningen-do is a realm of change. Where we can seek perfection, but not where the ideal perfection resides after all."

Yukihime was taught not to stare, but she didn't lowered her eyes on Yuuto's gaze, she didn't find problems in seeing Yuuto as an equal. Yet, into this situation, she took a while to answer...

"Asahina-san, I don't believe suffering is our path to ascension on the Celestial Order. But kharma follow us, and even war... - suddenly her thoughts got lost, she wanted to believe war had a meaning and a purpose... but not the stars and nor the kamis had revealed that to her yet. She wouldn't risk words that she was unsure about. After some silence, she just moved on, about the papers and the position she offered...


"I'm making an offering, and I know what I'm offering is not a gift. This position probably comes with more costs than pleasures, but Asahina-san have the option to take it or not.

Sure her words could match with a smile, but it was not there to be found.

"I'll do my best not to take anything away from Asahina-san. And whatever your choice is, Asahina-san can be sure my words are always going to be honest and sincere."

In another situation the request would make her kinda offended, like an insinuation she was not being sincere. But not this time... this time such thoughts didn't even occurred to her. She was kinda glad to have it set clear. And satisfied to know he would make the requests he had. It is a good thing...

"Well... it's late. I believe both of us could use a good rest... and some time to consider and meditate over these possible changes.

Do Asahina-san mind if we resume this conversation tomorrow?"

Clearly Yukihime was trying to give him some time. She also could use some rest. After his words she could understand the situation had more meaning to him than she could imagine.
As always she managed not to seem uncomfortable, even if dealing close with people was still not among her strengths.

[Asahina Yuuto]

A coldness encroaches upon Yuuto as Yukihime calmly responds, her performance parsed to the shadowed glow of faint candlelight illuminating upon her face. Threading her words as a seamstress would a fine silken gown, she weaves a methodical spell, the prick of needle momentarily spilling her warmth and interrupting her work, before proper etiquette cools and conceals the wound.

Yuuto’s expression softens as he listens, but such poetry quickly leaves him wanting more from a lord who remains reserved in form; dispassionately he chides, “Yukihime-sama, It is a beautiful thing to write of dying for duty and daimyo; to wax endlessly of glory and battles and deeds to be done, but art is still, ultimately, a distortion of our own flawed perceptions on life,” his lips crinkling in apprehension, “few samurai ever feel the need, nor would find audience, if they wrote of more mundane and ugly things.”

He permits his eyes to see Yukihime once again, giving consideration to her concerns, “if you are willing to find time to entertain another demanding samurai, I promise you my answer tomorrow.”

Nodding her recognition, she quickly departs, her stroll returning her to her quarters for the night, cloistered window light soon extinguishing for the night. Pacing upon the cobbled stone for warmth and to weather worrisome thought, Yuuto braces himself upon the railing where Yukihime once stood, his attention turned to the carp circling in frigid water below.

“I do not wish to live in a freezing pond such as yours – a prison where ambitions prompt deceit and friendships are valued by their interests and not their worth. A world where egos are concealed and conflated in silly codes and dressed in perfumes and fine silks to shadow their ugly stink.”

Clinching his fist in one hand, and rubbing the sleep from his eyes with the other, brow furled in disgust, Yuuto continues his monologue in the presence of civilized wilderness, “Yet, for all my fight, even I cannot avert my heart from the terrible seduction of title and privilege; nor what my family now asks of me,” his awake eyes seeking the dark demeanor to be found in Yukihime’s once illuminating window, his words mustering barely a whisper, “you will have my freedom Lady Asahina, please do not let my decision find disappointment in you.”

Returning to his room, hands in pockets, coat swaying in step his mind burns in submission to society, mental state clear, he mocks himself in thought, “Hatamoto Yuuto – Voice of the Asahina – once free, but who will now hold his tongue from scribbling scorn upon sentimental fools who plunge civilization into civil war over familial squabble; have I grown up, or have I succumb to the alluring seduction of such covetous corruption?”