Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 18, 2012 10:26:24 GMT -5
"I planned to subtly posess her myself actually Thrakhath-sama, Oni was indeed just to cause random mayhem and draw attention away from her... . And quite certainly, why don't we taint the august ones? Seems like a challenging goal indeed. I'd have to consult with other bloodspeakers on the way we can do it..."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 18, 2012 10:26:51 GMT -5
Thrakhath grinned at the Nezumi. "I didn't say it would be impossible, merely difficult," he said. He listened to what Alesha had to say. "At the very least, we should make sure we have an agent in Winter Court to observe what occurs there. Tainting Hantei could be a secondary objective, to be done only if an opportunity presents itself." He smirked. "Toturi, by all accounts, is just the sort of man that would make an excellent Lost; we may as well try to get to him as well."
"Make use of your agent, Alesha-san," he said, after Alesha had made his case. "I trust your judgment for now, but use caution and focus on information gathering. The more we know now, the better off we'll be in the future." He took his seat again. "As for my plan," he said, "I'm sure that, with all the chaos and strife in the Empire, bandits are causing more trouble than usual. I'm also fairly certain that, with the recent attack on the Wall, a good number of Shadowlands creatures have found their way into the Empire and are wreaking havoc."
"I intend to spend some time in the City of the Lost, and then I will ride to the Keep of the Dead, where a ship lies in anchor." A glint of something appeared in his eyes as he spoke. "I want to take the three of you with me, along with a contingent of Nezumi and mounted samurai with no markings to identify them, across the sea and into the Empire, where we will show the people of Rokugan a side of us they've never seen before." He leaned forward to put emphasis on his words. "We're going to make the peasants love us, by rescuing them from the horrors of this war." He leaned back in his chair and waited to hear what they thought of his plan, having said his piece.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 18, 2012 10:30:10 GMT -5
"Lets taint the bride for Hantei, and then it works out naturally... And Toturi is out in the open without Seppun guards surrounded by Unicorns and Lions, both aren't particularly known for being experts on taint, so it might be easier then it seems..."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 18, 2012 12:27:23 GMT -5
Yoshizuto's eyes narrowed slightly, more in surprise than anything else. He had not expected to return to the empire so soon... "Of course, Thrakhath-sama, I will follow your lead." He eyed the Crane and the Nezumi as well. Would it be wise to travel so openly with a known traitor and a ratling? He supposed the Obsidian Champion knew what he was doing, and it was not the man's place to object so. He would be keeping an eye on them, however...
The next few seconds seemed to fly by. The back of the command tent ripped open to reveal two black-clad men wielding short ugly blades, and the side nearest Yoshizuto ripped open to reveal another. In one smooth motion, he stood and whipped his naginata around taking the head off the first assassin. The other two charged towards Thrakhath, moving with unnatural speed, but before they could reach their target the towering man was intercepting them.
The first fell to the floor, hands grasping as his intestines fell to the floor from the huge gash in his stomach. The strike that had done so carried through, cleaving the second man at his knees, and before he could fall Yoshizuto had swept the haft around and smacked the man in the head, knocking him unconscious but not killing him.
Within a moment, he had reattached his polearm to his back, drawn a vicious tanto, closer to the size of a wakizashi, and was kneeling on the man's chest, blade pressed to his neck. He looked to Thrakhath, his eyes burning with bloodlust. "Do you want his head, Thrakhath-sama, or may I have the pleasure of taking it?"
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 19, 2012 4:02:30 GMT -5
Alesha merely yawns at the show.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 19, 2012 15:19:48 GMT -5
"If you aren't comfortable with the idea Yoshizuto-san, speak up..."
At the sound of tearing fabric behind him, Thrakhath threw himself to the side and rolled, snatching up his scimitar mid-move. He came out of his roll into a combat stance, but was surprised to find the situation well in hand. He sheathed his blade and leveled a glare at Alesha. "I don't doubt your strength, Alesha-san," he said, "but don't overestimate your abilities. It's a weakness I won't tolerate."
"As for this wretch," he said, stepping forward and kicking the would-be assassin savagely across the face. "Put an end to his miserable existence, but do not remove his head." He sneered. "He will never function as a zombie without it."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 20, 2012 6:36:29 GMT -5
In one smooth motion, Yoshizuto stabbed the men in his chest, just under the ribcage, making sure that his blade punctured a lung, wiped the blade on the would-be assassin's cloths, and resheathed it somewhere in the folds of his robes, leaving him to die slowly, drowning unconsciously in his own blood. He stood, and bowed his head to Thrakhath. "As you command, my lord. My only reservations would be that someone would get recognized, and our efforts would be for naught, but I am sure you have contingencies in place for such things." He shot a look at Alesha as he said this, an amount of contempt in his eyes, but he maintained his silence on the issue.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 23, 2012 3:13:47 GMT -5
"Overestimate? I am still one of quickest swords on both sides of the wall, Lord Trakhath. In fact faster then before, albeit, that can be extremely discomfortable experience to those around me. As for weakness - worry not. I need to make preparation for the Winter Court, if we are departing. New face, been a while since I looked twenty and I have a charming young Crab lady captive just waiting to share her youth with me. " - He chuckles taking a tanto out sliding a finger on its blade... - "Are we dismissed?" He ignored the former Matsu at first. It is well known that he is a Lion butcher and never took a single prisoner during his command of Kakita First Leion in the Lion-Crane war, but it wasn't the time and place for old habits. Once Lion - always Lion, and good Lion is dead Lion.
But when you are tainted as Alesha was right now, simply ignoring can be hard... He felt the hate move from murderous contempt to almost rage...
"Who are you to doubt me? May the kansen curse you and those dear to you, slow your blade and chill your blood, and may you serve tea as zombie to goblins, son of a lion!" - As he said that, you note that he cut his wrist and blood was dropping on the floor... - *But what he was saying under his breath was far more arcane and cryptic as he channeled the hate through his blood sending a wave of chill across the room... Clearly he was mad as nuts and driven by Fu Leng's passions, but it should not be dismissed that he used to be prime Kakita strategist and cold hearted general back in his days - one of the most renowned ones. The entire generation of Kakita leadership grew up under his tutelage, and he never let slights pass even when he was capable of controling himself. Now angering the unholy shell of a hero, wasn't wise at all... Especially as it was direct provocation.*
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 23, 2012 11:37:13 GMT -5
Thrakhath sheathed his weapon, taking a silent step back to make room for the imminent hostilities. He folded his arms and smirked. "By all means, defend your honor Alesha-san," he said. "Assuming you have any left."
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 24, 2012 2:59:24 GMT -5
Yoshizuto almost fell to a knee as a wave of darkness overtook him, his head clouding with thoughts of panic and despair, almost causing him to lose control and composure. The maho took his mind to places that he had never wanted to go again, thoughts he had long since banished to the recesses of his mind being released, but only for a moment. A white-hot flash of rage cut through the gloom like a knife, and in a moment of cold clarity all he saw was Alesha, and he prepared to focus all that rage into a blistering attack.
You are NOT a Matsu...
A cold voice resounded in the back of his mind, banishing all other thoughts, and for a moment he was ready to tear his own head to get to it.
Control your rage, your hatred. Focus it. Master it. Only then can you repay your debt...
Yoshizuto thought back to the moment when he had sworn fealty to the man who saved his life, and the sacrifice he had made that day. He collected himself, breathing heavily and forcing the anger back down inside, and while it still boiled within him, his eyes were not full of the wrath they were.
He bowed his head to Alesha, taking his hand off the naginata slung across his back, and when he spoke it was cold and calculating. "Alesha-san, you have a reputation. You have killed many Lion, just as I have killed many Crane. However, I am no Lion, and while I may maintain some of the temperament of that Clan, my loyalty is to a new lord. Any collective anger we have should not be directed at those that we should consider... allies."
This was all said through slightly gritted teeth, and was slightly awkward; it was clear the man was not used to trying and calm down a violent situation, but he was giving it his best attempt.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 24, 2012 3:15:44 GMT -5
"Very well, that is sufficient. But I respect only two things - strengh and knowledge. As long as you help me stay strong - you are ally." He looks at Thak "Don't question my honour, I sold it for knowledge and strenght."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 24, 2012 14:27:13 GMT -5
Thrakhath unfolded his arms and clapped slowly, that same smirk remaining on his face. "Well done, Yoshizuto-san," he said. "Tests of strength have their place, but I would much rather we all leave this tent more or less intact."
He regarded Alesha with a curious look. "Interesting choice of words, Alesha-san," he said, "considering the impossibility of questioning something one no longer has." He waved a hand dismissively. "Your honor was holding you back anyway, you have no more need of it. True freedom is yours for the taking."
"If there's nothing else, gentlemen and Nezumi," he said, nodding respectfully to the ratling shaman, "I believe it's time we all retired for the night. I suggest that those of you who require sleep get as much as you can, there will undoubtedly be long days ahead." He waited before formally dismissing them, in case any of them had something to add.
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Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 25, 2012 3:59:43 GMT -5
"No, Thrakhath-sama. I will be meditating near your tent if you need me." He bowed to the Obsidian Champion, and gave as respectful nod as he could to Alesha, before leaving the command tent and preparing to rest up in anticipation of his morning training regimen.
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Alesha
Spider Clan
Fallen Crane * Duelist * Bloodspeaker * Tactician * Maho-Bujin
Posts: 418
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Post by Alesha on Jan 25, 2012 4:02:03 GMT -5
He merely bows and heads out, evil ideas come in sleep...
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jan 31, 2012 9:21:24 GMT -5
The next morning, or what passed for morning in the Shadowlands, the army made ready for its final march to the City of the Lost. Thrakhath rode at the head of the column, as always, heedless of any danger to him it might pose. Whether by divine intervention or luck, no arrows sailed out of the murky forest as the army trudged through, finally coming to the gates of the City toward the end of the day.
Thrakhath rode through the gates straight in his saddle, an imperious look on his face, as if he'd just returned from a successful campaign rather than a defeat. There was no fanfare as the army marched through the streets, no cheering citizenry. The citizens of the City of the Lost were nearly all slaves or already dead, and no effort was made to hide that fact.
Partway through the City, the army continued toward the barracks while Thrakhath and his honor guard break off toward the palace. They pass through the gate silently and without incident. They dismount and their horses are lead away, and the group enters the palace proper and the Court of Daigotsu. Thrakhath's face remains impassive, betraying none of the fear he must be feeling.
(OOC: Just felt the need to post, to be continued later. If the others in this thread want to be part of Thrak's honor guard that's fine, but I ask that any discussions with Daigotsu happen "off-camera." I'll try to move things along later today, or worst comes to worst, tomorrow some time.)
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