Paying my Respects

[Tsi Kazekoto]

In the far of distance of Shiro Moto

A young boy… a lone rider, slow and methodical rides the breath of an empire during the Brothers War. His thoughts to pay respect to his unknown father's grave. This a man that his mother had told him that he was the leader of the White Guard, Moto Kazehito committed seppuku in protest. Tsi Kazekoto has come to this land to claim his true birth right his fathers Crystal sword, and serve the empire as my father did... Kazekoto stairs off into the panoramic large plains, just dusted with a fresh coat of snow, the looming mountains in the distance. Kazekoto inhales deeply the cold winter air, let out a deep sigh and begins whispering a short prayer…please guide my actions Father, please give me your wisdom and your fortitude to do what is right. I hope that I can learn as you did father, I wish to bring you honor.

Kazekoto readies his travel papers for the last few checks. This Katana was a gift from his Mother Brother a master smith for the Unicorn Family.

[Tsi Kazekoto]

With reaching the final check point before entering the great castle of the Moto, the beauty that Kazekoto’s took in, he felt excited to see this world of furs, leathers and glass and the unusual opulence from this place. With a slow breath out, this place and the great many smell and sites were new to Kazekoto, he sat quietly in the outside court waiting room. Kazekoto was not dressed too fashionably, but clean, in the station fitting that of a young samurai of the Tsi family. Kazekoto’s thoughts secretly wonder off to that of his father once great lord of the White Guard Unit. The young Kazekoto thoughts snapped to, reaching quickly into his satchel, hand rummaging through his bag in search of a small manuscript of Sun Tao. Now that that’s found whispered Kazekoto, beginning to flip thought the pages as to look for some sort of courage in reading this prized documentation. An older Ide Courtier approached to confirm the reasons for a Tsi’s visit to the Shiro Moto in the far off land of the Unicorn so far from his home in West Hub Village.

~Greetings Ide San
I’m Tsi Kazekoto unrecognized son of the former Unicorn General Moto Kazehito, bringing a Great gift to the Unicorn Clan, paying my respect to my father’s people. I hope to speak to a Unicorn Emissary about retrieving my father Katana.

[Shinjo Feng]

I brush my horses mane carefully working the knots from his mane. His breath comes out in great puffs of steam.

“There there my friend the cold won't last forever and soon enough it will be spring and you can eat the sweet grass again.”

He snorts and lets out low whinny sound drawing my attention to the scene near the entrance to the keep.

I watch the samurai present his papers to the honorable Ide representative. Overhearing the introduction by the the Tsi makes me wonder at his story. He would not be the first to claim linage in the Unicorn being as well travelled as they were there were many who could claim a the blood of the unicorn. Moto Kazehito did not share that same tendency of some samurai to leave a trail of broken hearts and children behind him.

Any leader of the white guard was a legend, to be sure, but Kazehito's story seemed particularly tragic and despite his sacrifice war had still come. It had been rumored that he had a fantastic blade a gift from his...was it bride? Hmm, if anyone had the skill in the empire to forge a legendary blade it would be the Tsi. This was enough to legitimize the claim of this young man.

As the Ide courtier bows admitting Kazekoto to the main palace, I quickly walk my horse back to the stables.

“Rest now my friend, I'll be back soon.” I sooth my horse as he settles into his stall. “That is if I can catch up to our new visitor.”

I hurry towards the main entrance to the palace.

[Tsi Kazekoto]

The Ide Courtier bows to the Tsi Samurai ever so slight, with a slight sneer across his face. The words dripping with the slightest hint of venom, “You …are the bastard of the Moto Kazehito the former General of the White Guard?”
Ide Courtier states that: "The court is slightly busy at this time with matters of war, but it may be some time before we can have you meet with an emissary. Until then please enjoy our hospitality at Black Sands (sake) House where we will send word for you when we will be prepared for your claim at court."
Kazekoto feeling slightly disheartened at the word of the Ide Yoriki , he gathered his items and his gift, with as much grit and determination of a young samurai (16years old fresh from gempuku) could. Not to lose face, Kazekoto Jade green eyes looked the Ide squire in the eye and nodded in understanding of the banishment. As Kazekoto was about to depart he took one final look inside the out chambers, let a short sigh, looked up at the Sun behind the mountains in the distance, he thought to himself it’s going to be a cold night. Just slightly aloof, better get to this Black Sands House soon, because these court clothes are not as warm as he’d like them to be and he heard tales of great Unicorn Drinks. Kazekoto was not going to waste any opportunity to learn about his father people and customs.

[Tsi Kazekoto]

What seem like forever waiting to be called to back to court by the Unicom leaders to hear his request. Banishment from the Unicorn Court was more like a blessing was the ability to learn from the common people unhindered, customs, stories of the great heroes, and deeds, it was a rush of a feeling to know that in some way connected to these people. Kazekoto took his time browsing the wares of the local merchants, very interested in weaponry, scolls of culture, lore and history of the People of the Unicorn. Master of the Black Sands House had shared many different food dishes and drink, many where more different than anything he had but the tasted in his life. Kazekoto was higly intriguing, did about anything that he thought could bring him closer to his dead father, as seeking to prove his worth… some how tring to state he is some unicorn. Kazekoto signed little and wondered if his father had know anything about him or his mother, why was he trying so hard to learn about a man who knew nothing of him or his mother. Then he thought back to his old sensei that told him to know the roots of the tree before planting… is the key to any great garden. Kazekoto knew very little of his father. Maybe be it is better this way, that he could never do anything wrong in his eyes.

Kazekoto’s perplexing daydream snapped back to reality, when messenger arrived from the Imperial Miya rider asking for him. Kazekoto thought what did the Miya want with him, what did he do now?

Miya raised his Voice again “TSI KAZEKOTO”
Kazekoto stood up dusted himself of, put the Unicorn history scroll down on the table, and waved over the Miya. The Miya with a very serious look broke the seal of a scroll
“you presence is requested at winter court Kyuden Otomoto, you are hear by to represent the Tsi Family in trade matters issues with the Imperial family”
Kazekoto … stuttered squeak … “meeeeee” with quick thought there are so many more qualified members of my family for this duty, did I do something to anger great lord? With as much composer he could muster, stated back at the Miya, “I will leave next day, I will conclude my affairs and leave for Winter Court.”
Miya looked at Kazekoto and nodded at the statement, retreated out the large house, sounds of horse gallops away. Kazekoto wondered how he not heard the horse earlier arriving, Lost in thoughts. At once stood up announced to the Master that he must leave, quickly pens a note to Ide Yoriki explaining the details of a situation.

___________________________
To: Ide Court Yoriki
Wishes to Give a Gift to the Lord of the Unicorn from a Tsi Smith, Hopes in the good faith to retrieve Moto Kazehito’s affects… most notable his sword.

[Tsi Kazekoto]

Arriving, bowing at the Moto House Guard, Stating his business
I’m Tsi Kazekoto, bringing a Sword from the Great SMITHs TSI as an offering of friendship and respect.
Moto House Guard received Kazekoto and quickly showed inside to the main waiting area.
Kazekoto kneeling as properly as he clutching the Katana gift wrapped in silk cover.
Kazekoto waits as patently as he could for, hands sweating…
but the contempt was mounting and Kazekoto was coming inpatient, then upset at the lack of respect Asking himself why the Unicorn where performing in such a cold fashion.

Almost the end of the day of Court, Kazekoto stood up and approached the Ide Courter,be gain to speak:
It’s with the deepest regards I come paying respect to my father’s family, I would like to present to the Moto Court a Tsi Blade.
Kazekoto placing the Gift down

It is now time for me to depart.
Returns to the Black Sand House, readies his items and set off to the East to Winter Court.

[Shinjo Feng]

I do not much care for the Sake house here. I always felt it had such a terrible taste to it. Something to do with the particular rice that they used. It was supposed to be trade from somewhere far to the west but I had not taste for it.

I entered slowly having just seen the imperial messenger leave. I had over heard him asking for Kazekoto outside and had waited to let the messenger preform his business.

Entering I looked around carefully making sure I had not missed the Tsi leaving from another exit.

Spotting my quarry preparing to leave I walked over cautiously.

Bowing deeply

"Master Kazekoto, I am Shinjo Feng, I have overheard that you have come to the Unicorn lands in search of your father's sword. Though I see you are leaving I would still offer you my assistance you you require it."