Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 1, 2011 23:01:20 GMT -5
A rider bearing Hare colors rode hard upon Toshi Ranbo, passing through the checkpoints of the Lion with some ease; even in a time of war, not many would question the seal of a Jade Magistrate, if not that of a Minor Clan regent. He entered the city around midday, and after finding a stable for his horse and donning his best kimono, he made all haste to the offices of the Minor Clan Alliance, where Toku Hirotomo had been rumored to have taken up his command.
The courier approached the gates of the building, and as the sentries questioned him, the sealed scroll in his hand answering any questions any might have. He handed the letter to Hirotomo's aide, and patiently sat meditating in the adjoining room.
If opened, the scroll would read,
Toku Hirotomo-sama,
I write to you in hopes of gaining an audience with you soon in Toshi Ranbo, to discuss the fate of our noble Clans in this, a most turbulent time for Rokugan and all it's people. I apologize for the uncouthness of my behavior, but the urgency of these matters to me have led to me already having been well on my way to Toshi Ranbo by the time you recieve this, in the hopes that my request will be granted. I will contact you again when I arrive in the Capitol, and look forward to hopefully speaking with you.
Usagi Izutsu Hare Clan Regent
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 2, 2011 17:25:51 GMT -5
Toku Hirotomo sat amid a sea of paperwork. That seemed to be more his lot as of late. He desired to be on the march again, but the new tidings of the Lion/Crane treaty made the destination uncertain.
He recived a letter from of all people the Hare regent. Pleased, he sent for the courier.
"Please inform your Lord, that I'm honored to have him as my guest."
Hirotomo began making preparations for the arrival of the Hare Lord. He never met the man in person, and this seemed the perfect time to remedy that.
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 2, 2011 20:09:55 GMT -5
The courtier smiled and bowed graciously to Hirotomo. "Thank you Hirotomo-dono, Izutsu-sama will be very pleased." He bowed once more and left the room. Three Days Later The delegation of the Hare clan, numbering no more than a dozen bushi and courtiers, not including the regent himself, and foolish indeed was the sentry who questioned the deeds of a Jade Magistrate. They arrived in Toshi Ranbo riding hard, dressed in the finest red and white silks for the courtiers, and polished ivory tinted armor for the guards. Usagi Izutsu was himself in his finest riding armor, a splendid suit of blood red armor forged by the Tsi, as a gift to celebrate his appointment as a Jade Magistrate, and the daisho of his family on his side. A more knowledgeable man might notice the absence of Reichin's blade at the side of the man who spoke with the authority of the Hare. They entered the city, and rode to a nearby inn that seemed to have been mostly untouched by the siege,where the courier had commissioned rooms for the entire party. After getting established, and a small midday meal, the regent left the inn, accompanied by only two guards. Arriving at the gates of the Minor Clan Alliance, a presentation of authority from Izutsu prompted the guards to let them enter. The guards waited in the main lobby as Usagi Izutsu entered the office of Toku Hirotomo, and bowed deeply. "Hirotomo-dono, I thank you agreeing to see me today,", he said with a war weary smile upon his face. "I am Usagi Izutsu, Regent of the Hare Clan, third child of Usagi Mokuma, the Hare Clan Champion. I hope to find you well?"
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 2, 2011 20:42:47 GMT -5
Hirotomo stood pacing in his study. The Hare regent should be here today. He idly looked over to the growing stack of papers on his table. Perhaps he should do more work before the regent arrives. Word of his arrival quickly circulated, and Hirotomo was regretfully about to start more paperwork when he was notified. He quickly dropped his chop and went to greet his guest.
The Hare dispatch was small. Then again, they were a small clan. Hirotomo bowed to his guest.
"Yes, I am well. Thank you for asking. I'm pleased that you have arrived safely. Tell me, Izutsu-san, what matter brings the esteemed Hare to the Capitol?"
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 2, 2011 22:01:51 GMT -5
Izutsu nodded, and bowed once more. "I apologize, Hirotmo-dono, but due to the situation we find ourselves in, I am unable to present you with a gift this day, but I can offer you a personal favor of me. Anything you should ask of me, if it is within my power, I will aid you in."
He made a move to sit down,hoping the Monkey Champion wouldn't mind and follow suit. "In answer to your question, I am here to discuss with you several matters. First of all, I come to declare that, regardless of any personal beliefs of mine, the Hare Clan will remain neutral throughout the course of this war, according to my father's wishes. This will remain so even if he dies and I become Champion." A shadow of pain crossed his face at these words, as though they left an unpleasant taste in his mouth, but he quickly regained his composure.
"I also come to discuss the meeting of the Minor Clan Alliance, which I was led to believe would be taking place soon, as winter is approaching." He adjusted himself, and continued. "My father had several ideas he wanted to bring before the Alliance, while he was still on his feet and I was... occupied, with my duty to the Emperor." He remained emotionless, but another shadow passed his face, this one closer to anger, his dark eyes burning with a seeming hatred. His face, however, betrayed no such emotion.
He reached into his bag, pulled out a bottle of sake and two glasses, and sat them on the table. He looked to Hirotomo, and said, "Will You join me in a drink? It's from my private stock".
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 4, 2011 0:30:05 GMT -5
Hirtomo sat across from the Hare regent. He preferred dealing with Minor Clan samurai, they had little need for ceremony.
Hirotomo nodded at the man's words. The Hare would remain neutral. To be expected, if s little bit sad. Not everyone had a young upstart to lead the Clan, as the Monkey did. Then again, the Hare was at least guaranteed to have a future, only the alliance with the Lion could save the Monkey if things went poorly.
"I fully understand the Hare's position. When the great clans war, the ground itself trembles. As for the meeting, I was hoping that the Sparrow Daimyo could give us a place to attended to our business. I would host it myself, but issues have risen up in my lands, and I do not want outside politics to interfere with Alliance matters."
Hirotomo smiled at the offered drink. "I would be happy to drink with you, Izutsu-san. To the Alliance, kampai."
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 4, 2011 5:41:37 GMT -5
"To the Alliance." Izutsu smiled, ever so slightly, and drank a measure of the sake in his cup. "Your understanding in this matter is appreciated. My father feels that this war is a test of both brothers' faith in the Celestial Heavens, and that whoever emerges victorious is their chosen. As such, he feels it is a matter best left to the Great Clans." He gave a slight sigh, almost wistfully, and resumed speaking.
"Your decision to aid in the matter, Hirotomo-sama, is commendable, though risky. As you say, I must think of the survival of my Clan. If we had not recently had a bloodspeaker uprising, perhaps..." Again, pain crossed his eyes, and he drank from his cup once more. "Bah, forgive me. I am afraid I find little humor anymore; I am jaded beyond my years."
He refilled his cup, and handed the bottle to Hirotomo. "As far as the meeting goes, I am also unable to offer Shiro Usagi as a hosting place, we are still dealing with internal matters ourselves. I agree that Kyuden Sezume would be an excellent place to hold it, but I wonder; what of our other allies? What of the Ox, the Tortoise, the Bat, and the Oriole? What of the Badger? Last I heard they were on the march, to join the war for Nesaru." A deeply pondering look crossed his face. "What of the Dragonfly? Kyuden Tonbo would be a beautiful place for a meeting."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 4, 2011 15:43:07 GMT -5
Hirotomo mused at the man's words. [/color=olive]"True, the Tonbo would give us a beautiful place, and my clan has good relations with the Dragon. The Badger look to support the Hantei, and they are so far out of the way to limit their appeal. The Ox are still dealing with the Shapeshifter matter, and no one has really stepped forward as a clear champion. The Kasuga hold promise, but so many people disdain them for the company they keep. I'm afraid the Bat have also lost a Champion. It's why I suggested the Suzume, though I've been unable to contact their Damiyo."[/color]
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 5, 2011 4:17:39 GMT -5
Izutsu shook his head at these words. "War affects all of us, Hirotomo-sama, not just the Great Clans. These are dark times we live in indeed, when even those of us who have chosen to remain neutral are torn apart by the conflicts of others." His gaze wandered to the window, and he gazed longingly into the cold blue sky.
The young regent looked tired beyond his years in that moment, but he shook the weariness from his eyes, and they burned with a cold fire once again. "So I must ask, this incident in your lands recently. It was maho related, was it not?" He arched an eyebrow at Hirotomo. "Your clan is well known for its magistrates; I'm sure the problem was thoroughly eradicated."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 7, 2011 16:30:06 GMT -5
Hirotomo sighed at the mention of the troubles. "Yes it was maho-related. My father, once a Jade Magistrate was able to contain the situation, but the taint still reeks in parts of my land. From what I gather, you yourself are a Jade Magistrate. Something you and my father have in common. I'm sure he would love to meet you."
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 7, 2011 18:31:48 GMT -5
An amused smile crossed Izutsu's face, and he nodded in appreciation. "Of course, Hirotomo-sama. I'm sure when the Empire settles down I will of course make a journey to your home. Also, as you said, I am a Jade Magistrate myself, so if you ever need any assistance in such matters, please, let me know. I may not be able to be as active as I once was, but that does not mean I am without resources."
He finished his cup of sake once more, and sighed contentedly. "Tell me, what know you of the Lion leadership here in the Capital? They have long been friend of the Hare, and I do greatly wish to speak to them as well."
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 8, 2011 16:59:29 GMT -5
"The Lion are a valued ally to us as well. I know a few of the officers personally, and I know most of the others at least by reputation. As a matter of fact, I think I heard mention of a Lion wanting to speak with you, your arrival was hardly a secret, perhaps they will show up here."
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Daigotsu Daisuke
Spider Clan
Former Lion Bushi - Newly Initiated Maho Tsukai
Posts: 330
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Post by Daigotsu Daisuke on Dec 9, 2011 2:33:23 GMT -5
(OOC: o man my ears are burning An young messenger came sprinting up towards the offices of the Minor Clans within Toshi Ranbo. Huffing and puffing the young man was out of breath. He held in front of him a message which he passed onto one of the monkey. The message was marked urgent for Toku Hirotomo. The letter contains the following: "Honored Toku-sama, I recently heard that it was you who had returned the ancestral sword of my family back to us during these uncertain times. If you have any time this afternoon, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit with you and give my thanks for the service you have done my family and clan. In these trying times it good to know that valued friends will always have your best interests at heart. I also wished to express my condolences to your people who were recently attacked. I would also like to ask your permission to send aid to those villages and to your clan from my personal estate. I look forward to hearing your reply.
-Akodo Jin"The young monkey servant stood outside of the hare shugenjas view but waiting to be acknowledged by his champion note clutched in hand
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Dec 9, 2011 13:47:20 GMT -5
"A moment please, Izutsu-san. Apparently, I'm popular today." Hirotomo said motioning for the servant to come closer. He quickly read the note, then smiled. "Fortune smiles upon us, Izutsu-san. One of the Lion officers I've mentioned requests to see me. Perhaps this is a fine time for a meeting. Hajimi, please invite the Lion for the afternoon."
Hirotomo had never met Akodo Jin in person, but his reputation was worthy of the Lion. Perhaps he could assist the Hare in their matter as well. Status in the war was one thing, but a samurai never forgets his past allies.
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Usagi Izutsu
Ronin
Hare Clane Samurai
* Hare Clan Regent * Samurai * Jade Magistrate * Master Tracker * Heir *
Posts: 54
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Post by Usagi Izutsu on Dec 9, 2011 15:23:28 GMT -5
"Well, the Fortunes are obviously smiling upon us today, then. Such timing is excellent." Izutsu smiled and nodded his head to the courier. "Well, Hirotomo-sama, shall we have lunch and tea while we await the arrival of the Lion? I find myself with somewhat of an appetite."
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