Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Dec 30, 2011 16:41:48 GMT -5
Yukihime arrived at Kyuden Tonbo accompanied by just a few other samurai. Her arrival should not surprise the Dragonfly as the Tamori daimyo was the one to suggest her "a visit" to the beautiful landscapes and to the newly rebuilded shrine of Kyuden Tonbo. Considering the close relation between the Dragon and Dragonfly, it wasn't a surprise that the Tonbo family was well aware of such plans.
The Asahina shugenja have a serene looks, she move in a constant pace not letting the stairs make her tired. The cold of the mountain seems to fit her well, the wind's kami surrounds her waving hair and greets the chilly winds of the mountain.
Kyuden Otomo was left behind just a few days ago, but Yuhime have to head back as soon as possible even if she is concerned her semblance shows none of it, her icy eyes are more like mirrors, it's not easy to tell what lies behind.
Finally the Asahina greets her hosts, bowing with the polite courtesy the Crane is expected to display.
"Greetings to the honored DragonFly clan. I'm Asahina Yukihime, former student of Asahina Heitaro-sama and current Daimyo of the Asahina family. I'm here in an attemp to grant our allies in Badger lands a safe and fast path into Kyuden Tonbo. It's a long ritual that must be sustained until the Badger arrival. Would the Dragonfly gently allow us to perform such spell here?"
The other Asahina behind her rose from their bow as well. They remain in a methodically posture waiting while one of them proceeds to some calculations.
Yukihime was aware what they were wiling to accoplish was no easy task. Even marching the Badger would take several hours to arrive.
Also, they should carefully prepare the ritual, it would also take a long time, but would be the safest way to allow so many people to travel. She could not bring many shogenja but she made sure to bring those more apt to focus and meditate for a longer time.
"Asahina-sama, we are not many, and I'm also unsure on how many bushi Ichiro-sama is willing to bring. But we can sure work on this spell for at least a day, may be even more"
"Thank you, Asahina-san. We shall make our preparations as soon as our host allow us so"
Once she have heard from the Tonbo the shugenjas are put to work. The few Dragonflies who volunteer to help are welcomed into the Asahina group and given a role to perform in their casting.
Yukihime searchs for the proper scroll into her satchel. Bringing more bushi into a conflict wasn't on the top of her "favorite things to do" list. She rather see a peaceful and united Empire, but abstain from action would not help towards peace. Besides, what trust deserves one that deny aid to an ally? Peace can only be tied among worth sides.
"The path should be open by the sun rise" - She clearly requested to all the involved shugenja.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Dec 31, 2011 1:57:55 GMT -5
The Crane delegation were guided by the Tonbo towards the main courtyard of Kyuden Tonbo. The path to the where the ritual was to be held was laden with torii, one after the other, separated by only a couple of paces in between. As the group passed the last torii, they would immediately feel the magic emanating from the place. Both Dragon and Dragonfly shugenja have been already been working hard on the preparations. A man, with half of his kimono draped down and revealing a scarlet red Dragon tattoo twining from his arm to his back, excuses himself from the busy group to personally welcome the Asahina daimyo's arrival.
"Welcome to Kyuden Tonbo, Asahina-sama." Koichi bowed low and rose up back to his full height. "It is a pleasure to have a great ally of your status come here."
The two daimyo walked side by side, Koichi leading Yukihime to a nearby table. He unrolled one of the scrolls.
"I have followed all of your instructions on how to prepare for the ritual. We have moved the earth itself to create the most stable environment for the spell." He pointed to the circles in the courtyard. "I've also added levels of inscriptions to provide support for all of us who will be doing the ritual. I think we're ready."
Koichi smiled. "Give us word and we can proceed. The sooner the better."
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Dec 31, 2011 8:38:20 GMT -5
Once again, Hiromitsu wasn't fully aware of the implications of his actions. As he followed Asahina Yukihime-sama to the dragonfly lands, he could foretold that those actions would help the Hantei's side in the war.
And that was more than enough for him.
He tried to walk more or less next to Yukihime. And make sure is position as a bushi could be as well be used in necessity.
It was somewhat a position that an Yojimbo would take.
He bowed in respect.
-Hi. I am grateful to have the honor to meet Tamori Koichi-sama. I am Bayushi Hiromitsu... A humble bushi who is willing to help in any way needed.
What else could he say? It is better to be silent and let people think you're an idiot that to talk and end the doubt. Again, he felt the preasure of being not only the lone scorpion again. But to act by his own account, taking responsabilty for his clan, in one way or another.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Dec 31, 2011 9:28:49 GMT -5
Koichi was surprised by the appearance of the Scorpion. How could he not have noticed him? It was another mystery that Koichi would have to pass for the meantime.
He returned the bow to acknowledge the Scorpion's greeting.
"It is nice to meet you as well, Bayushi-san. I am quite thankful for the support that some of your clansmen have given to the Dragon. We are in your debt."
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Dec 31, 2011 10:30:35 GMT -5
Yukihime return the bow to the Tamori Daimyo.
"Tamori-sama, hope our next meeting may take place in more pleasent circumstances. Yet, is a great honor to be in your presence."
The Asahina walks besides the Tamori Daimyo until they reach the area prepared to the ritual.
"I appreciate the attention that was given to my words and sugestions, Tamori-sama. The place is perfectly fitting for our ritual."
"I have studied the situations presented to me in your letters, I'm very confident we can sustain the path long enough. We shall start the procedures right now. We could open the way tonight, but I believe expending some extra time in building it will grant the Badger the safety they deserve. And also, day light will make easier to maneuver inside the way."
Yukihime addressed to the Tamori, without looking directly to him. She have not asked about the battle yet, and didn't wanted to appear indiferent about it.
"Please, don't think I'm not interested in Dragon situation over the current battle at Castle of SwiftSword. I have being asking the kami to watch over it. But I believe Ichiro-sama will also need to be informed about the current situation, so I can wait for the news a little longer."
Over the Scorpion introduction Yukihime adds: "Bayushi-san was holding Toshi Ranbo untill the very last minute. His bravery allowed him to face even his Daimyo's wife in battle. The safety of the Emperor is a main concern and so I decided not to take Crane bushis out of Kyuden Otomo right now. But Bayushi-san insisted we should have some escort, at least"
She bows briefly to the Bayushi "Once more, Bayushi-san devotion to this mission is much appreciated as well"
Finally the crane shugenja stared at the place around her once more and took her place sitting in lotus besides Tamori Koichi. They were ready to start.
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Dec 31, 2011 11:37:22 GMT -5
Could it be? Could Hiromitsu be a glorious bushi after all?
The guy could not be more happy.
He could NOT contain such satisfaction, a smile was made. But as soon as he noticed it, he made a respectull bow that prevented him from losing face.
-Tamori-sama, I believe that the scorpion has much to learn with the dragon. And I hope that we all could stand united as one force to defend the empire. All the faithfull clans had their share in the war, and I wish that mine was... bigger.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Dec 31, 2011 13:04:16 GMT -5
The Dragon Lord looked away as well upon hearing the Asahina's words. Koichi looked to the sky, searching within the stars for a genuine reason to smile.
"Of course." Koichi nodded. He closed his eyes, his face still directed to the sky. "We all do our part. The Dragon have chosen this path. We dare not burden others, especially our allies, with the duty that is ours to bear."
Koichi spoke the truth. It was the painful truth. But Koichi kept the pain to himself, not allowing the others to see a sign of weakness.
"We can talk more about it when Ichiro-sama arrives."
Koichi took the opening when Yukihime praised Hiromitsu for his achievements. Finally a reason to smile.
"It seems I owe you more gratitude than I had initially thought. If you are in need of anything the Dragon can provide, please do not hesitate to inform me directly." Koichi bowed again to the scorpion, lower than he had previously given the samurai. He prevented himself from grinning. The scorpion mistress had been a pain in the Hantei's side. Koichi was thankful to anyone who could keep the woman at bay even for a short time.
"Learning is a continuous process. One is both a teacher and a student at the same time. We all play our parts in the grand scheme of things. No part is big.. or small. Each one of us is important in defending the empire and the Emperor."
The Tamori daimyo bowed one last time to the Scorpion. "You must excuse me. We now have to do another of our duties. That united force you speak of... we will be bringing a part of that which has been separated from us here."
Koichi mirrored the Asahina daimyo and sat in the lotus position within the ritual inscriptions.
"Let us begin."
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Jan 1, 2012 20:54:48 GMT -5
It took just a few minutes to the silence to take over the place. Only the sounds of the forest, crickets and owls, could be heard at distance.
The wind shaking the trees, making bamboo whistle. Even those who are not shugenja could now sense the wind's spirits and kamis gathering at the center of the circle, in responce to the prays.
It would be a long night. The servants of the Tonbo, as much as the Tamori Daimyo servants, walks silently and carefully out side the ritual area. They keep the braziers burning close to the shugenjas, in an attempt to protect them from cold and make their work easier.
It's a dark night. There is no sight of the moon and once in a while a star fall, disapearing from the sky near the horizon.
Ancient prays and chants fill the night, whispered by these shugenja. Their training is proof worthy as they remain focused hour after hour. They despise the cold, ignore the dark and avoid their own needs in order to achieve the desired result.
Concentration and meditation...
It's nearly dawn when Yukihime's voice discreetly stands out the others. Right in the midle of the circle the portal is getting shape. What first look like a bright sphere of energy soon assumes the form of a foggy gate. The air swirls drawing fancy patters on the steam-like smoke.
And after a long night the process is completed. Through the gate a silvered path leads to Shiro Ichiro. The Asahina remains focused, sustaining the passage, providing all the time they can.
Now it's time for the Tamori to guide the Badger army through this mysterious "airway".
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Post by Bayushi Hiromitsu on Jan 2, 2012 18:57:20 GMT -5
OOC: inside the quotation marks are just his thoughts, he does not speak in this post.
A distant look, admiration was there in his eyes. And as he walked among the two of them, his mind took him into distant places. To be a shugenja is to understand how and why things happen in a way no mortal man ever will. But they are mortal man and women too... but they are much, much more.
"they guide us, they show the way, they undestand our Dharma. They have a heavy burden becouse they have large shoulders... in a spiritual way." he thought.
Less than one in every twenty samurai has that special spark, that something extra that makes them hear, understand and commune the with elementals.
"They pray when we born, when we marry, and when we die... They are there, guiding us to the right path."
Every shugenja was somehow unique and special, but some of them take an extra step. Not only being a good and responsable shugenja and priest, but that person who makes an effort to bring peace and light to everyone.
And Hiromitsu was close to them right now.
He look at Asahina Yukihime
"She looks dangerous and cute at the same time. She is pretty as a blizzard is, she has a delicate body and a soft skin that could make you think about a snowflake... But she has this 'i'm very, very, VERY honored' thing going on that scares me. She's wise and I should not have this kind of thoughts next to her"
And then, he looked to Tamori Koichi
"And then, look at this guy, I know very few things about him, very misterious... I know that he pretty much just chills at Castle of the Swift Sword and is winning the shugenja tourny"
"They are amazing..."
It was then, that the magic portal made of air and silver started to open.
"I'm going to need a new hakama.." [/color]
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 3, 2012 6:18:21 GMT -5
Slowly but surely the gate began to materialize. The shining energy looking more and more of a gate as time passed. Wisps and tendrils of air pushed and pulled on the foundations of the courtyard itself. Through it all the Tamori daimyo remained calm and focused, unaffected by the commencing ritual. Stabilize the spell. The order echoed in the minds of the Tamori shugenja who formed an outer circle around the Asahina performing the ritual. As one, the shugenja poured the contents of the vials in their hands. The liquid glowed as it flowed, tracing lines that were previously etched on the ground. An aerial view would reveal that the lines connected to form kanji. The earth hardened, became firmer and more resistant to the pull of the air. Stone pillars rose from the earth on each side of the portal, and the earth continued to form a torii, containing the energy of the gate in place. It was done. Koichi whispered orders to his men. (See Fealty) His spirit traversed through the gate until it reached the other end. He communicated with the Badger champion telling him that all that was needed was for them to pass through. (ooc: Guess we just need to wait for Kojuri to post ![:P](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/tongue.png) )
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Ichiro Kojuri
Badger Clan
Badger Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * General of the Minor Clan Alliance
Posts: 71
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Post by Ichiro Kojuri on Jan 4, 2012 23:50:02 GMT -5
Through the shimmering light of the gateway, wisp and smoke. A Silhouette appears to be moving at a fast pace from the other side. Soon the image as if slowly solidifying came into view. The Badger champion has arrive and the Badger army followed behind him.
'Greetings Brethren!', Ichiro Kojuri gave a short bow. 'How may I serve the righteous emperor, the Hantei?'
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Jan 5, 2012 7:38:32 GMT -5
Yukihime and the other shugenja were still holding the spell so the last few man of the Badger army could finish their crossing. They remained silent and focused waiting word from the Tamori Daimyo, to be sure if it's safe to conclude the ritual and close the path.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jan 5, 2012 10:10:52 GMT -5
Koichi remained inside the portal until he was sure that every Badger samurai had crossed the gate already. Only when the last one passed did Koichi himself leave and returned to his body.
"It is done. Close the portal." The Tamori daimyo ordered to nobody in particular, gasping for air in between deep breaths.
Koichi looked to the new army that was now present. It was not much but any help that was offered, Koichi took. It was afterall, For the Empire.
The Tamori daimyo staggered to stand up, clearly exhausted with the spell. Two of his guard rushed to his side but he waved them away, choosing to stand on his own using his katana to help himself up. He straigthened himself then faced the Badger champion and the Asahina daimyo.
In one fluid motion, the unmovable mountain that was Lord of the Tamori bowed very low to the two.
Without rising he spoke, "I am eternally grateful for the assistance that you have given my clan today. But I am afraid I must ask the both of you to do more. Toturi himself comes. We must stop him."
All of Koichi's vassals present, shadowed the Tamori daimyo and bowed as well.
"We must not falter. For honor. For the Emperor."
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Asahina Yukihime
Crane Clan
Crane Clan Ikazuchi
* Air * Water * Shugenja * Artisan * Asahina Family Daimyo *
Posts: 750
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Post by Asahina Yukihime on Jan 5, 2012 11:46:42 GMT -5
As everyone else Yukihime could hear they were done. The portal quickly faded out. Like all the other Asahina she would take a while to thank and dismiss the air kami gathered there. After a deep breath and some moments to "reconnect" with the ningendo the Asahina daimyo stands up, followed by the other few Asahina.
Some quiet steps takes her beside, yet in a respectable distance, the Tamori Daimyo. Where she also could see the badger army.
She promptly bowed back to Koichi as soon as he did it, returning the reverence in the same style and same respect. All she could reply to his request was a mid tone "Hai", before raising up while he did. Their duty was clear, Yukihime was willing to find the less turbulent way to fulfill that duty, but not to forget their promise to the Emperor.
After that Yukihime greeted the Badger champion with another long bow. She have a serene emotionless looks. Her long white hair is calm now, devoided of the breeze that usually surounds her.
"Greetings, Ichiro-sama. I'm Asahina Yukihime, 7th daimyo of the Asahina family. We appreciate your aid in these times of need."
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Ichiro Kojuri
Badger Clan
Badger Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * General of the Minor Clan Alliance
Posts: 71
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Post by Ichiro Kojuri on Jan 5, 2012 17:01:43 GMT -5
Ichiro Kojuri returned the bow.
'I am Ichiro Kojuri. Champion of the Badger clan. General of the minor clan alliance. I wish the combined forces of the minor clan army are still under my disposal but I have to dismiss them after the yobanjin war at mountain watch keep.', he looked at his army arranged in perfect order behind him, waiting for orders.
'A finger may not cause much harm but combined with several can form a fist. A fist can hold a weapon or a pen. Thus can change the world.'
'I wish to consult your generals for our next plan of action as soon as possible. And the Badger clan truly appreciate what all of you did for us. Domo arigatou gozaimasu!', Kojuri bowed.
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