Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Dec 5, 2011 16:43:38 GMT -5
Tenshi seemed to grow slightly restless as she felt sympathy pains physically for her sister, but her own form was not yet ready to yield life. She suspected it might be because she wasn't nearly as lively. As strange as it all seemed she did not truly care if the child lived or died so long as she could survive and remain at Shoju's side.
But for the time being she needed to stretch her legs, so as twilight fell she emerged from her tent with her guard at her side, so that she could take in the crisp night air. A smell she had missed out on since her death. It was enough to even make her smile.
"Perhaps a night like this holds great fortune for our clan." She thought aloud to her guards. Her wandering remained inside the confines of the camp so she wouldn't leave the hidden barrier that was placed on their group. In her heavy state she couldn't really wander far anyway.
Her tainted steed Yuki seemed to note an approaching group off in the distance, but only noted them for a moment before going back to grazing, his hunger insatiable.
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Dec 5, 2011 18:00:24 GMT -5
Back at Shoju's tent
The Snake guard opened the tent flap and a rather ragged, yet fit looking young woman entered. Her dark hair was cut short, and she bore her weathered face with a stern seriousness, and stood like a warrior. Oddly, Shoju could just make out the edges of Strange tattoos, unusual yet starngely familiar, poking from the edges of her well worn garments. When she spoke, it was with a solid, almost mechanical, surety.
"I am sister Kourako. Khamul-sama has sent me to find you. He says that you should come and witness the shrine that he has created. He says that I am to bring you there now and that there is to be no magic, as the Phoenix are near and may sense it. The shrine is hidden and I am to take you alone by the secret ways, until the shrine meets with your approval."
She stood expectantly, as though she did not understand that Shoju had any choice in the matter, or anything beyond her master's commands if her nearly complete lack of etiquette and abrupt manner was any indication.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 5, 2011 19:32:56 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai grinned at Senshi's words; knowing that the man said them with likely no knowledge of the Void Master's true nature. When an Ishiken reaches the point of development that they are considered a master of Void magic - the Beru Yonbanme or Fourth Circle - their existence as a human begins to blur with their connection to the Void. Indeed, it takes a conscious force of will to keep from delving into the infinite nature of the Void and being lost from Ningen-do.
"Following unobserved will not be a problem. I will follow and keep an eye on things, but since this is your quest, Senshi, I will intervene only if you ask."[/b] He paused. "You should probably pick a phrase you are unlikely to utter by accident to use as a code for me to join in and make a preemptive strike as opposed to just keeping an eye out of all Jigoku breaking loose."[/b]
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Dec 5, 2011 21:32:28 GMT -5
Senshi smiled wider, "How does, 'Shodai, kill them all!' sound to you? Would that be obvious enough?" Senshi laughed, enjoying himself for the first in a long time. He hadn't been on the offensive in a fight since before the Yobanjin war. This felt good.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Dec 5, 2011 21:59:10 GMT -5
A soft chuckling snort of amusement escaped the Void Master. Shodai normally tried to avoid a true slaughter, but in this case, none of the so-called Snake were likely to have a shred of purity or innocence between the lot of them. "Yeah, I guess that will do..."[/b]
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Post by Shoju on Dec 6, 2011 9:56:06 GMT -5
[edit]Moved Bonfei leading them to Camp here,since it makes more sense[/edit]
With the Scorpion
Bonfei placed his hand on the hilt of his Katana. The Kashira held a beautiful Crystal at the end, which Bonfei placed his hand over. The crystal warmed to his touch, and he closed his eyes for just a moment. Prepare for the arrival of the Scorpion Courtier and guards
Bonfei bowed low, and smiled. Tamihei-sama will be most pleased that you are arriving this evening. Bonfei smiled slightly, and began walking towards his own horse. Follow me, we aren't far from our own camp.
Tamihei Bonfei began walking slowly, moving north. If there was nothing impeding them, it would only take a short time to reach Shoju's encampment.
Inside Shoju's Tent
As Kourako entered the tent, the crystal around Shoju's neck began to warm, and Bonfei's words filled his mind.
As Tenshi exited the tent, Shoju turned back to Kourako. I appreciate the efforts of hospitality that you and your master, Khamul-san wish to offer me, and I promise that the Shrine is one of the most important aspects of my journey. Shoju leaned sideways and looked out the entrance of the tent as Tenshi walked, and then back to Kourako. But, as you can see we are expecting any moment, and I cannot leave her side at this point. Shoju looked Kourako in the eyes. I also, am expecting a detachment of courtier to help in the negotiations with the Ox Clan very soon, and I must be here to greet them. I apologize, Kourako-san, but at this point, it is just not something that I feel I am able to do right now.
Shoju walked back and sat on a cushion, and offered one opposite him to the Sohei. Perhaps, once our Visitors have arrived, and I have properly greeted them, I could steal away for a short time to pay my respects to Khamul-san and the Order who has most graciously dedicated a Shrine to my ancestor. Shoju attempted to smile. I hope you understand, and understand that you are welcome to stay, and observe the meeting with the Courtiers. It would be nice to have the opinions of a Sohei. And at the first moment we have, You can take me to the Shrine, and I can properly pay my respects to your order, and to Khamul-san.
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Dec 6, 2011 21:10:18 GMT -5
In Shoju's Tent
Kourako stood still for a long moment, her expression unchanging, but standing almost as though listening to something Shoju could not hear, before finally speaking.
Khamul-sama suspected you may wish to delay. In such a circumstance, I am to impart Iam to say this. "For all your cunning and might Tamihei Shoju, you yet lack true insight. Look more closely, as your ancestor once did." I am to remain with you until Khamul-sama summons me. I must thank you for your hospitality, but I will stand.
Her odd, almost disjointed, way of speaking began to tug at something, a memory long forgotten perhaps, in the back of Shoju's mind, but try as he might, he simply couldn't place it.
I am also to give you this. She removed a square item wrapped in simple white cloth from somewhere in her ragged clothing near her stomach. A gift from Khamul-sama, as a reminder of whence your true strength derives and of your greatest and truest ally.
Within the wrapping was a simple, if highly polished mirror, relvealing to Shoju nothing more than his himself.
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Post by Shoju on Dec 7, 2011 9:49:38 GMT -5
Shoju sat for a moment and puzzled over the mirror, and the comment of lacking true insight. He looked at the mirror, seeing the reflection of a face that was both Shoju, and not Shoju. The longer he had lived in this body, the features had shifted to be more reminiscent of the man he was before Senshi ruined that body. The Eye color, the hair color, the Skin tone, had all taken on a slow transformation towards the man that Shoju had been. But the shape of the body was far more Crab than Scorpion for sure.
Khamul-san is wise Kourako-san. His words are not lost on me. Shoju looked her over for a moment. Tell me Kourako-san, how did you come to be a pupil of Khamul?
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Dec 7, 2011 22:05:46 GMT -5
Kourako looked almost puzzled for a moment then with a look that, while still hardened, seemed far more "normal" than she had seemed thus far, lowered her head.
I was a mere heimin, Shoju-sama, and served under a cruel governor in the Akodo lands; Akodo Tan. At the name her fists clentched. Then one day a monk came travelling through our village while I was being publicly... chastised. It was Khamul-sama, and he slew Akodo Tan with a single blow. Most of us were afraid and fled but to those of us who did not he offered a choice; to remain in servitude where we were, or follow him and learn his teachings. I chose to follow.
Finishing her simple tale, her hands unclentched, she lifted her head, and the same detached expression resumed its place in her features.
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Post by Shoju on Dec 12, 2011 11:41:45 GMT -5
Shoju listened to the Sohei's story. She was impressive. To come from so little and progress to be an ambassador for Khamul was a testament to the impression she must have made. Khamul-san, and I are very different in our approaches to things. I believe that our lives are a testament to that. One thing we both have a knack for is finding the value in those around us. Shoju smiled at the Sohei. One thing I appreciate about you, is that you stand before me, and you do not judge me. Either because you don't know me, or because you know me, and are learning what you can before you pass judgement. Shoju's smile fell from his mouth, leaving a more somber expression. It is something that few within the empire are capable of.
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Post by Shoju on Dec 14, 2011 12:01:02 GMT -5
[ooc]I edited a pair of posts to reflect conversation that took place after one, and before another so that the flow of things work right. I think at this point, it looks good for the Scorpion to arrive in the Snake Camp. A quick recap, - Shoju is in the tent with the female Sohei
- Tenshi is walking about in the camp, with a pair of companions. We'll say a pair of handmaidens, and a guard.
- Another guard is probably keeping watch.
- A guard outside Shoju's tent
- Probably safe to assume another guard milling about the camp, and the last one at the fire.
[/ooc]
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Dec 18, 2011 12:06:59 GMT -5
The company of Scorpion could be seen being led to the camp by Bonfei, they were making good time in getting there. It would seem they were eager even to meet the Snake and their ruler. They would close the distance in a very short time.
Those who were on horseback and wearing traveling kimonos would dismount and approach bowing low as Bonfei introduced the Scorpion courtiers to the members of the Snake clan. Their bushi guards waited with the horses, Shoju would recognize them as Utaku steeds provided by Haruka, awaiting permission to enter the camp. Such a display was clearly one of peace and trust. That the bushi would wait outside the perimeter of the camp while their charges were talking to the Snake, it was very trusting. A pair awaited on horseback themselves, probably the leader of the unit of bushi. Though at this distance and at night, it would be hard to tell that the oranges and golds of Shodai's armor were any color other then red.
Senshi, astride Riku, looked at Shodai and whispered. "I hope you enjoy the privilege my wife provided you Shodai san. You are riding one of her personal Utaku steeds. Keep your eyes on the Snake they sent to us, my agents have instructed him to lead them to Shoju as soon as possible. I will find my sister-in-law."
Bonfei, led the courtier to Shoju's tent and asked for permission to enter stating the arrival of the scorpion delegates, as the other courtiers mingled throughout the crowd of Snake clan members.
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Khamul
Spider Clan
Monk - Kensei - Sensei of the Venomous Shrine
Posts: 70
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Post by Khamul on Dec 18, 2011 16:35:59 GMT -5
Inside Shoju's Tent
Before she could answer the Snake Champion's question, Kourako suddenly looked towards the flaps of the tent and glided silently into a position just ahead of Shoju and a little to the left.
Your "guests" are here, Tamihei Shoju.
Again, that odd almost familiar manner of speech. There was no time to delve further in any case, as the guard was announcing the arrival of the Scorpion clan's courtier.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Dec 18, 2011 17:59:34 GMT -5
(ooc: "the arrival of the scorpion clan's courtier")
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Post by Shoju on Dec 19, 2011 9:57:50 GMT -5
At Shoju's Tent
Shoju turned, as they announced the arrival of the Scorpion Clan retinue. He smiled, and looked at the Sohei And now, we can start making progress! Shoju's smile was indeed genuine, his excitement at the situation overshadowing his fears. He reached out with his mind, searching for Tenshi. Surely she would know have seen the Scorpion arrive, and while Shoju was pleased they were here, his uneasiness from earlier remained. He wanted to remain vigilant. Please, enter. Welcome, Scorpion-sans. It is an honor to have such distinguished guests so far from home.
Outside
Three of the guards formed up, and led the Armored Guards of the Scorpion Clan into Camp. They led the horses to where the Snake Clan horses were, the guard who had been tending the fire spoke up. You can keep your steeds here. Koji and Irosu here will help you with what you need for the horses. When you are finished, come to the center of the camp, And I will aid you in whatever else you need. The guard bowed slightly, turned and walked back towards the fire.
With Tenshi
The guard saw the Scorpion retinue and turned towards Tenshi. My Lady, the Scorpion have arrived. How would you wish to proceed?
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