Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 14, 2012 6:53:33 GMT -5
Haiku #1 Blooming hope Winter is whispering: Wait and see[/i]
Mitsouko entered the main walls of the Winter court, her formal silver kimono dragging its tail by the splendid floor. Her obi was black with embroidered peacocks depicted in it and she was bearing a fan with the verses of her favorite Otomo poetress. Some Kakita attendants were following the Kakita daimyo, while her eyes scanned the place, keeping in her memory the present faces... The evening after her arrival had been convoluted but she managed to start this new day with her hopes renewed. She was glad for Fitsu-sama fatherly words and Sojiro's brotherly ones. New days, new missions... a new haiku, the first of them. Her attention was dragged by the indefectible symbol of a Jade magistrate and the presence of a young Lion near her... She smiled. The day was going to be promissing. With a whisper behind the fan Mitsouko asked her attendants to have these two people introduced to her.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Jan 14, 2012 7:05:33 GMT -5
Quarim approached Mitsouko as he saw her enter. Until now he'd been pressed by many to describe his strange culture. While he enjoyed the idea of furthering his goals and making the Burning Sands sound like a place of fantastical wonders, he bored with repeating himself over and over again. Finally someone he had met was here.
Greeting Daimyo, I have a gift for you please accept this small trinket as a sign of peace between our lands.
He held out a bracelet made of blue glass. it was large enough to slip over the hand easily and would slip off if one was not careful.
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Isawa Kaji
Phoenix Clan
Phoenix Clan Acolyte of Air ? Shugenja ? Magistrate ? Loyal
Posts: 25
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Post by Isawa Kaji on Jan 14, 2012 11:42:04 GMT -5
Kaji took a backseat during the conversation between Naetaru and Mitsuru which gave him a chance to browse the multitude of new faces in the main hall. A whole host of coutier smiles blended with rainbow fans amplified the political dangers. Regardless, there must be somewhere to have a little mischief.
A sea jade kimono, maybe he could compliment the Mantis on their skill when falling back to their ships. No, probably too recent a wound to scratch at. Perhaps the duo sporting burnt orange kimonos. Kaji shook his head. No, the hot headed Lion nature would be too easy to provoke. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught the dishelved form of a Kakita leaving the Phoenix quarters. Well... this could definitely be fun.
"How peculiar."
Kaji's accidental outburst disrupted Mitsuru's random ramblings about the Tao. It took a few seconds of silence before Kaji noticed Naetaru looking at him with a questioning look on his face. Kaji immediately coughed and continued,
"Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you can excuse me Doji-sama if I leave you in the company of Mitsuru-san. It seems a Kakita has had some form of encounter in the Phoenix quarters and I just want to ensure it wasn't anything unpleasant".
Kaji gave a devilish grin quickly followed by a lingering look towards Battou, allowing his current company the opportunity to follow his eyes. With a respectful bow Kaji turned on his heels and moved to intercept the Kakita. Waiting to get closer, but still loud enough for plenty around to hear, Kaji spoke with concern evident in his voice,
"Greetings Kakita-san. I've not had the honour of meeting you before, my name is Isawa Kaji. It would appear that you have had some form of altercation whilst in the Phoenix accomodation and I thought I would ensure that you have not suffered something distressing."
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Jan 14, 2012 12:44:01 GMT -5
"Of course Ryumon-sama" Hitoshi said. "I assume you have heard of his heroic feats at both Toshi Ranbo and Seawatch Castle? I was fortunate enough to fight alongside him at the latter engagement, and he is an inspiration."
The weaved their way through the crowded hall to where Yasuki Chad stood talking to Sojiro and waited for an appropriate break in their conversation. When the interval came, Hitoshi stepped forward. "Yasuki Chad-sama, it is good to see you again under more pleasant circumstances. Would you please allow me to introduce Daidoji Ryumon, hatamoto of the Daidoji family? He has been coordinating our forces at here Kyuden Otomo in repelling the Lion attacks."
He then turned and bowed to Sojiro with an absolutely straight face. "Hatamoto-sama, I hope you will allow me to return the gifts you lent me last time we saw each other at some point during our stay here. It was most generous of you and they were put to great use."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 14, 2012 13:34:50 GMT -5
Ryumon nods gravely. "I had only been in Kyuden Otomo for a few moments before I heard the name of Yasuki Chad spoken with great respect. I am sure there is a lot I have to learn of a warrior of such reknown. Thank you, Hitoshi-san, I am in your debt" Ryumon followed Hitoshi self-consciously, pausing to smooth his slick bun of hair away from his forehead, bowing deeply when presented to Chad who, as a Daimyo, outranked him.
"Konban-wa, Chada-sama. I am Daidoji Ryumon, hatamoto of the Daidoji. It is a great honour to meet you"
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jan 14, 2012 14:12:11 GMT -5
Chad bows the apprpriate depth to both Hitoshi and Ryumon
To Ryumon, "Your words are very Kind, Ryumon-san. Congradulations on your appointment, I am sure you and Fitsu-sama have the Defence of Kyuden Otomo well in hand. I look forward to working with you."
To Hitoshi, "I hear Misouko-sama promoted you as well. Judging by your actions at Seawatch I'd say it is a promotion well deserved. You are one Crane who would be an assest on the Wall."
He lowers his voice greatly, and in a dead serious whisper barely audible to Sojiro, Ryumon, Saiko, and Hitoshi. "You will let me know if any word of the Traitor surfaces."
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 14, 2012 14:20:40 GMT -5
Ryumon straightens himself. "Thank you Chad-sama. I admit I was quite surprised by this appointment but it is not for me to question the judgement of our Lord Regent"
"I actually feel that Kyuden Otomo is safe for the forseeable future. My advisors tell me that the Crane Clan's treaty with the Lion is likely to be ratified which means that the Lion will presumably turn their troops elsewhere. And even if they do not, the Lion are too cunning at strategy to attempt to launch a major winter assault against a well-defended position. But I do not intend to relax in my duties regardless although I expect, once things are prepared here, that the Lord Regent will find other duties for me before winter is concluded"
On hearing of Hitoshi's promotion he gives him a nod of congratulations. "And my congratulations to you also, Hitoshi-san, this war may be terrible but it does bring many opportunities for brave samurai like you to prove yourselves"
When Chad lowers his voice, however, he gets only confusion from Ryumon, who glances to his attendants as if hoping for guidance. "I'm sorry, Chad-sama... which traitor is this? I was not aware of any traitor who might be here..."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 14, 2012 14:44:42 GMT -5
Battou looked up from his momentary adjustments at the new comer. His eyes rested on him for a few seconds before he closed them entirely.
Ah, crap... A phoenix... Just what i need...
"Uh, nope, nothing wrong here Phoenix-san. Just had a run in with some one i had not seen in a while."
This of course, was both true and misleading. He had known the woman before, this was not their first time together, but he was playing it off.
And I would have thought she would have married by now... Sad...
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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 14, 2012 15:12:28 GMT -5
Saiko bowed deeply as he was introduced to Chad; he liked the man, right off the bat, and he rose with a mischievous grin on his face. "Chad-sama, it is a pleasure. I personally feel that every battle needs at least one suicidal maneuver, and I am more than happy to oblige. And Sojiro-san," his grin turning towards his former sensei, "if I have become more adept at dressing well, it is only from extended periods of time spent with you and yours, old friend. Besides, it was a gift from Naetaru-dono, and honestly I have nothing better to wear."
He bowed to Hitoshi and Ryumon as they arrived as well, smiling at the man who he had walked to this very castle from, all those weeks ago after the fall of the capitol.
Saiko's eyes flashed with cold steel for a moment at the mention of the traitor, and he glanced around quickly to make sure that nobody's ears had turned towards them. He hushed his voice as well, seeming to draw them all in closer to the circle. "Trust me, Chad-sama, if I had any idea that he was here, I would not be talking to you right now, and there would be the sounds of death from somewhere in these hallowed halls."
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jan 14, 2012 15:47:35 GMT -5
"I doubt he came here, but I'm sure Mitsouko-sama might due something....unwise....should any word come about him. She is a singular woman but, this situation, might be beyond her training. And unless I miss the signs he was heading South, past the wall." Hints of anger and frustration cross his face, though his voice is still hushed. "And I've no doubt she'll go after him.
"I'm sorry, Ryumon. It is not my place to speak of this dishounor. Hitoshi can fill you in"
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Kitsu Hiraku
Lion Clan
Sodan-senzo * Loyal to the Emperor
Posts: 197
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Post by Kitsu Hiraku on Jan 14, 2012 16:23:12 GMT -5
... and there you can find the most beautiful orchids I have seen in my entire life. It was a pleasure to speak with you Arata-san and I hope we can meet during Spring. Hiraku ended his talk with a Mantis courtier when a man in Crane colors approached him. He exchanged a few words with him and agreed with his proposition to meet an acquaintance of his. They stopped near her and talked about unimportant things, waiting for her to finish her conversation with the gaijin.
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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 Jan 14, 2012 16:45:45 GMT -5
Void Master Agasha Shodai entered the main hall of Kyuden Otomo along with his primary student, Isawa Tetsuro, in tow. Both men were dressed in appropriate finery. Shodai wore a kimono of red-gold silk with a gold obi with black stitchery that seemed to be arranged to tell a story with lines and shapes that carried some significance. It was not "beautiful" in the way the peacocks on Kakita Mitsouko's obi were, but there was an eye-catching quality to it that made it intriguing to many in the crowd.
What in particular it was or what it said started a great number of whispered conversations amongst the gathered courtiers from the Hanteist clans. A few people gathered the nerve to approach the shugenja to inquire about it, to which Shodai had given them one of his enigmatic philosopher smiles and said simply. "Which is more important: What is said... Or what is heard?"[/b]
The Ishiken in the room could read the sash, however: the lines and patterns were, in fact, the coded language of the Elemental School of the Void. His sash bore some of the basic lessons that each Ishi begins to learn from the day they begin to walk the path to Beru Saishome - mastery of the First Ring of instruction. Though they were "basic," they were every bit as important at the end of the path of instruction as they were at the beginning.
"The greatest harm can result from the best intentions" and "Actions reveal what words conceal." They were two lessons that Shodai had recently failed to apply in his life and so he wore them as an open reminder to himself whenever he looked at himself in a mirror.
Isawa Tetsuro's kimono was an inverted image of his master's: he wore a black silk kimono with gold stitching - though his were a more traditional set of images - and a simple red-gold obi. Tetsuro was making an attempt to not look utterly overwhelmed by the surroundings. This was the first time his Master had permitted him to attend Winter Court - or any court outside of the Phoenix lands, for that matter - and he was determined not to embarrass himself or his Master. Agasha Shodai wasn't too concerned about that - Tetsuro had proven himself spectacularly during the battle in the Crane lands with his Fallen brother, Isawa Isshin, and the oni that had been summoned in his name.
No, Shodai was more concerned about Kakita Mitsouko.
It had been a few weeks since the end of the situation at Seawatch Castle. He would have preferred to have made the journey to Winter Court with her, to ensure that the treatment regimen he'd given her was working, but he'd had to return to the battlefield at Crossroads Castle before his abrubt disappearance affect the Phoenix Clan troops serving with the Emerald Champion.
At the same time, however, it wouldn't do to be showing an unseemly amount of interest in the Kakita Daimyo, so he was making the rounds of the Court without making any effort to approach her directly. It was, perhaps, the toughest thing he'd had to do in quite some time. The question would be how many people he would end up talking to before he ran into Mitsouko-sa...
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Jan 14, 2012 20:45:25 GMT -5
Hitoshi smiled, but his eyes were far away. "I will of course relate to you the happenings at Seawatch, Ryumon-sama, but maybe that is a tale best told in more comfortable surroundings. As for rumours of my promotion... Well rumours fly fast! I myself have heard a similar thing, but nothing has been ratified just yet - I thank you for your well wishes though." His speech was smooth and sincere, but a skilled courtier would be able to detect a hint of embarrassment behind his words, and possibly the smallest tinge of defiance.
He looked at Yasuki Chad. "You do me too much honour, Chad-sama. Once this war is over, and should my clan agree to spare me, I would like to come and study with the Crab, and stand beside you at the Wall." He looked down at the floor briefly. "No, like is the wrong word. Not for the latter. Whilst I would like to study amongst your kinsmen, I would not like to stand upon the Wall. Rather it is something I feel that someday I ought to do, in order to appreciate the life I have here. After... recent events... it has made me think more about such things. Still, the future is far off and who knows what it holds apart from the prophets?"
Hitoshi shrugged his shoulders slightly, and snapped his fan shut. "Saiko-san, Sojiro-sama; have you been to the gardens yet? There are a few bushi testing their skills in duelling against each other there. Would either of you be interested in a match?"
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 15, 2012 0:21:22 GMT -5
A look of curiosity passes over Ryumon's features, and then concern and embarassment, as if wondering whether he has spoken out of turn. He nods a bit too hastily to Hitoshi's offer to fill him in. "Thank you, Hitoshi-san, I would appreciate if you could tell me. If there is treachery is at hand I want to be sure that I am able to detect it"
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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 Jan 15, 2012 1:21:48 GMT -5
Izutsu sat in his office, rummaging through piles of scrolls, a determined frown upon his face. As he gathered up the last of the documents he was looking for, his scroll bag bulging with various cases, his aide called to him; there seemed to be a Crane courtier asking for him. He sighed, and handed the bag of scrolls over to his aide.
"Tell me, Crane-san, what can I do for you this day?" His eyes widened a little more to find out who it was that was asking for him; very interesting indeed, if you believed the rumors floating around right now, and the man nodded to the courtier. "Very well, lead the way."
They reentered the great hall, weaving through the various crowds of people. Izutsu noticed the great figure of the Yasuki daimyo and a small crowd making a bit of a scene, and smiled at the effect their behavior was having on the courtiers they were near; always amusing to see them so upset, especially at such an illustrious event such as this.
They halted near to where the Kakita daimyo was speaking with a man, a gaijin it seemed. This brought a darker look to Izutsu's face, as such an occurrence was extremely rare, but Mitsouko seemed to know him, so that may explained it. He sat patiently listening to the chatter of the Crane retainer as they awaited Mitsouko's attention to fall on them, glancing casually around the hall.
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