Crossing at a Ford (Closed RP)

[Akodo Keisuke]

This thread picks up from the thread "To Protect What is Precious" to allow Akawa to continue her story line.

"Crossing at a ford" means, for example, crossing the sea at a strait, or crossing over a hundred miles of broad sea at a crossing place. I believe this "crossing at a ford" occurs often in a one's lifetime. It means setting sail even though your friends stay in harbour, knowing the route, knowing the soundness of your ship and the favour of the day. When all the conditions are met, and there is perhaps a favourable wind, or a tailwind, then set sail. If the wind changes within a few miles of your destination, you must row across the remaining distance without sail.
If you attain this spirit, it applies to everyday life. You must always think of crossing at a ford.

-- Miyamoto Musashi

---

Keisuke, sat in one of the rooms of the imperial palace with a view that over looked the eastern gate. Though his day had started hours ago, but he could find no strength leave this room with it's view of that gate. Clearly impossible now, but he could swear that he could still see the banners of the retreating Crane army. Perhaps he would always see them there not matter how much time would pass.

The stream of advisers and lieutenants had been constant almost all morning. But there was only one face he wished to see this day, but as the day wore on, and midday approached, he wondered if he would ever see that young ronin again.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

There were still some time before midday when typical for the main commandment place ruckus changed. In the beginning the change was slight, only few people noticed it and started to look for the cause. Soon the change was getting more and more noticeable. The talks in the room were getting quieter as people wanted to determine the source. In the silence that fell it wasn’t difficult to notice, that the noise was coming from the outside though no exact words were heard. One of the lieutenants that stood near that door moved to check what is happening and silence the commotion.

Outside, surrounded by bunch of lower rank bushi and magistrates that weren’t invited inside stood young girl. Loud talks stopped when the lieutenant walked out of the room and moved in the group direction. He walked closer and address the nearest bushi.
'Your behavior spoils the meeting inside. Calm down or leave.'
'Forgive me sama, but she' bushi pointed at the girl 'said she wants to meet with daimyo.'
Officer glance at the girl noting daisho at her obi, used but rather well kept clothes without any mon.
'Daimyo-sama is busy. If you want, come some other day, though I doubt he will lose time to talk with you.'
'He told me to come today.'
Bushi watched her again trying to determine if what she said was true.
'Fine, tell me your name and I will ask lord about you.'
She hesitated for a moment.
'Akawa'
'Wasn’t that name of traitor’s daughter?' The voice came from Akawa’s back, probably from one of the magistrates that stood there.
Lieutenant looked at her again judging her reaction.
'What was your father name?'
'Iwada'
Those around them started shouting. About traitors, bad blood, honor, death.
Akawa looked lieutenant in the eyes.
'Akodo Keisuke-sama told me to meet with him today before midday.'
'I told you all to be quiet!' His eyes didn’t left girl’s face. 'I will ask Keisuke-sama.' He left the room not saying anything else.

[Akodo Keisuke]

The door to the office slide open as Keisuke quietly emerged from the room. Rising his right hand,
Enough, in a commanding voice of a parade ground officer.

Takenao-san, the next person who raise their voice above a whisper shall be removed from the building and they can return here tomorrow.

Keisuke turned to Akawa,
Thank you for coming to see me Akawa, let us talk inside.
He motioned for the two of them to enter the office and quietly shut the door. Keisuke took his seat at the writing desk. Lookin at Akawa,
So, you have reached a decision then?

[Akodo Tsanuri]

While coming into the room Akawa looked around discretely semi-consciously checking for danger. She stood near the door they came in with. She looked at Keisuke and after a moment she nodded slowly.

‘ I want to join the clan. I want to be Akodo.’
She stopped abruptly, as if wanted to add something more but changed her mind. She seemed calm, but it wasn’t difficult to notice her stiffness and tension. And bursting emotions.

Akawa looked down trying to hide her emotions and regain composure. She took a deep breath and again looked at Keisuke.
‘You said that will be possible. Sama.’

[Akodo Keisuke]

He smiled,
Yes that authority has been granted to me. You fought with honor and courage along side a Samurai I held in high respect. And when the moment counted you stood your ground when I let the emotion of the battle take over me. That took great courage on your part.

Keisuke lifted to sheets of paper from the desk Showing them to Akawa. In of right to left, he showed them to her,
These are writs of lineage, basically the legal document that gives you the ability to carry the name Akodo again and be welcomed back in to the family. The first one here states your name as Akodo Akawa, the second the name is left blank. You may choose a new first name and start your life completely anew.
Pausing he wanted to see what her reaction might be.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

Akawa’s eyes widened when Keisuke presented documents. She moved a step closer and watched the sheets with hunger in her eyes. She forced herself to look at the daimyo and then lowered her eyes.
‘The name I have was given by my father. It’s a traitor’s daughter name. New one won’t change who I am.’ She paused for a moment.
‘No matter how much I want to start anew, it’s not possible.’ she bowed slightly addressing Keisuke. ‘Sama, I know Lions love for tradition and history. My background will be clear no matter the name I wore.’ Pain and regret was hidden carefully, visible only in her eyes.
She bowed deeper and remained in that position. ‘Whatever you decide, sama.’

[Akodo Keisuke]

He considered her for a moment,
True a chrysanthemum by any other name is still a chrysanthemum, however judging from the actions of those in tha hall outside the shouting did not start till you mentioned you name correct.
Keisuke smiled and pulled the blank writ closer and began to write,
Hence forth you shall be known as Akodo Tsanuri.
Does this name suit you?

[Akodo Tsanuri]

Hearing her new name Akawa abruptly rose her head. Shock, joy, uncertainty and hope were now clearly visible on her face. She looked at Keisuke unsure if he was serious or just playing with her. She noticed his smile, but it was a good, gentle smile, not mocking or laughing one.
She fell on her knees touching floor with her forehead.
Akodo-dono is too kind. I am not worthy of carrying such a splendid name.’
She remained bent waiting for Keisuke’s answer.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke stood,
Akodo Tsanuri-san, he spoke with his commanders voice, raise yourself up. I did not accept you into the family to grovel at my feet. Accept your new destiny that has been laid out before you. After she rose to her feet. He smiled down at Tsanuri, Remember Tsanuri-san we down our names we merely borrow them from our ancestors, and preserve them for the next generation.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

‘Hai, Akodo-dono!’ She bowed her head. ‘I am grateful for your trust. I will live up to this name.’ She raised her head looking directly at him with determination, faithfulness and joy on her face.

Traces of hesitancy appeared on her face when she tried to compose herself. She looked at Keisuke unsure and bowed. Her first moves indicated she wanted to fall on the ground again but she only bowed low.
‘Forgive my boldness Akodo-dono’ she paused for a moment looking for appropriate words. ‘Please let me stay by your side.’ She bowed even lower. ‘I know I am in no position to ask for another favor, but maybe that way I will be able to at least slightly repay your kindness. And…’ she finished with notes of laugh in her voice, ’Tsanuri-dono stood by Akodo daimyo side.’

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke turned an walked back over to his writing desk,
Actually Tsanuri-san, I already had something in mind, I am in need of a Karo. With you serving as my Karo, I can keep an eye on as you start your life over as a member of the Akodo family once again. He began searching for amongst the stacks of papers there. But first, we must see to you appearance, you must look the part of my Karo. Damn where had he placed that other writ. Here, first go to one of the shops in the city and acquire a new Kimono and traveling clothes, both should be of good quality but also practical, as you will be working in them. Once you have finished there report to my armorer. As my Karo you will now be apart of my command squad when we take the field, my squad and I are the example for the rest of the troops, and we are always present at the vanguard of each engagement so it will not do to have you outfitted with anything less the the best equipment. Crossing back to the middle of the room to about three paces from Tsanuri, Each day an hour before sunset, the command staff and I meet to report on the days events dicuss strategy and to practice Kenjutsu, both as individuals and as a team. Be sure you show up ready for a heavy work out, as we practice both indoors in a dojo and outside regardless of the weather.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

Tsanuri stood motionless looking at Keisuke with widen eyes.
”I can come to your staff training?” Tsanuri whispered half to herself, half to her new daimyo. She bowed her head hiding face and stood like that for a moment. Then she abruptly pulled her katana (in saya) from behind the obi, kneeled down placing sword before her and touched floor with her forehead. Just like when he told her to stop grovel.
”My lord, I am honored and greatful you find me worthy of such position. But please reconsider. Karo is an important position, too important for someone like me. I am a bushi, the only thing I know is how to fight, and even there I did not receive proper training. Somebody like that in such position will make the family a laughing stock. I-“ she stammered “please, don’t make me the cause of it.” Few false notes spoiled spurious calm. Tsanuri hid her face, but couldn’t hide trembling of her body.

[Akodo Keisuke]

In a much more gentle voice Keisuke said,
I have already consider it, and made my decision, I want you as my Karo. You fought in a battle that you did not have to fight in and made it closer to the objective most of than most of the other full samurai who fought yesterday. I think that says a great deal about you ability and the strength with in your soul.

He crossed his arms then pointed at Tsanuri,
You stood up to me when most of my troops would have stood aside. There are no yes men on my command staff, everyone is encouraged to question the ideas put forth. That is not to say they do not support a decision fully once it is made. I am looking for one who walks the warriors path with me not one who follows from behind.

[Akodo Tsanuri]

Hearing his words she started to tremble heavier. She wanted to say something, answer him, but she couldn’t. She tried and her voice failed her. So she was just kneeling before him sniffing and trying unsuccessfully to calm herself.

[Akodo Keisuke]

Keisuke stepped up to Tsanuri,
Give me your hand Tsanuri, taking her hand he pulled her to her feet. Stepping back, Now you let me worry about what other members of our clan will think, you need to concentrate on serving the Lion to the best of your ability. He grinned, if I see the potential in your soul then given time outhers will see it as well.