Saiko
Spider Clan
Here we stand, at the end of all things...
Posts: 355
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Post by Saiko on Jan 15, 2012 2:08:33 GMT -5
Saiko grew grim for a moment as Chad mentioned Alesha traveling south across the wall, his eyes growing dark and his face setting, but in a moment he was back to his mischievous self, and he cracked a smile. "Indeed, Chad-sama, but I trust in Fitsu-sama to make sure that she does not do so without all the necessary precautions being taken."
His grin only grew as Hitoshi mentioned the dueling gardens, and he winked evilly at Sojiro. "What do you think, old friend, shall we go and show some of these young upstarts how to properly duel? And of course, Chad-sama and Ryumon-san, we would be honored if you would care to join us? We promise not to make it too boring a spectacle." He gazed around the group, grinning slyly, his sword hand twitching ever so slightly at the thought...
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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 15, 2012 2:25:18 GMT -5
"Ha! I am not so deep in my cups to think I could win against a Kenshinzen and his prodigy of a student, but maybe I could show you a few tricks I know." He smiles... Possibly the first true smile you've ever seen him wear. "I admit taking inordinate pleasure in physical compitition. It's a weakness my postition does not afford me much opportunity to indugle."
"Tell you what, you can demonstrate your Famed Ha no Arashi style and I will oblige with a Jujitsu match."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 15, 2012 4:51:12 GMT -5
Sojiro returned Hitoshi's bow with his own, just as deep and solemn.
"Of course, Shirekan-san. From the little bit that I have heard, your performance at Seawatch was nothing short of heroic." He straightened up, his facial expression one of admiration for the man in front of him. "It's unfortunate that such things were needed, but I am honored that they were wielded by a man of such caliber."
He turned his head to Ryumon at the mention of the traitor, something positively murderous barely concealed in his eyes as the topic was mentioned. "Ryumon-san, I would be happy to update you on what I know when there are fewer ears around. It is something that you should definitely be made aware of. But for now, let's see if we can find more pleasant diversions for the time being. Although I have heard much about you, I barely know you, and I feel that I am missing out because of this." His gaze softened as he spoke, and he hoped that Ryumon didn't think the evil look was directed at him.
As they made their way towards the gardens, his mouth twisted up into a half-smile as Chad issued his challenge.
"Jiu-jitsu, eh? Well, why not? I haven't gotten any new bruises recently. Besides, perhaps you can improve my somewhat rudimentary technique, Chad-sama."
As the group made their way towards the gardens, Sojiro noticed a man wearing Phoenix colors, and stopped in his tracks. It was as if the fortunes had somehow made an inverted copy of Sojiro. The man's hair was mostly white, with a lock of solid black in front breaking up the uniformity. His eyes were mismatched like Sojiro's, but were green and grey instead of green and blue.
As his companions turned to notice his sudden stop, he asked to no one in particular, "Who is that man?"
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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 15, 2012 5:57:45 GMT -5
"I am but a humble taisa, Sojiro-sama. The post of shireikan is as yet unfulfilled." Hitoshi's voice held the promise of a story, but one that would be revealed after the formal court had closed and enough sake had been consumed.
"As for that man - I do not think I have ever seen him before. Is everything all right Sojiro-sama?"
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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 15, 2012 8:15:22 GMT -5
![](http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2192/tek4f12ceeb423818990338.png) Asahina Shen was worried. He last heard of the Asahina Daimyo when she came back from Kyuden Tonbo in the early days of the year. Since then she had been reclusive. But there were issues going on in court halls that shouldn't be forgotten. And there were many disturbances on the way of those seeking for a solution to this war. Shen had notice of the Scorpion reaching Kitsune lands, sad thing that the Kitsune family had been absorpted into a clan like Mantis, they would fit so much better somewhere else, or even by them own. Before entering the Court Halls, while crossing the palace walk ways and out door areas, Shen is pulled apart from his thoughts after spoting a uncommon, but well known, scene. The old Asahina stops, hands searching for a scroll.
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Post by The Blue Ronin on Jan 15, 2012 8:27:16 GMT -5
Ryumon bows to Sojiro as well. "Anything you can tell me would be most appreciated. As for entertainment, well, like Chad-sama I did not have the fortune to train in the Kakita iaijutsu school but perhaps I would be able to learn something by watching your contest. And failing that I understand there will be some fine sake served later tonight. Although I have left my old Clan behind I retain a certain fondness for some of their crafts. Have you ever tasted Blood of the Sea Dragon sake? It has quite an unusual flavour but I think you would enjoy it"
Having said that Ryumon, feeling a bit more at ease, dismisses his attendants and follows the other Crane and Chad into the gardens, trying not to instinctively lag behind. He has to keep reminding himself that these are not betters, but equals.
When the other stop his heart leapt into his mouth - had he made some faux pas, some breach of etiquette that they were about to rebuke him for? But their eyes are not on him, but instead on a Phoenix. He looks to Sojiro and Hitoshi for a lead, hand reaching instinctively to his wakizashi.
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Post by Shosuro Suzume on Jan 15, 2012 11:29:29 GMT -5
Shosuro Suzume is a promising student of the Shosuro Butei School. Even if she didn't went through her gempukku yet her presente at the Winter Court, as an attendent to her older sister, wouldn't pass unoticed among the present artisans.
The girl is walking by, following the other butei, eyes on the stage. Her turn to bring glory to the Scorpion can't be that far away.
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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 15, 2012 13:31:25 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai is watching the competitions in the Garden with some interest. He knew his own skills were insufficient to take any of the top 10 spots, but he was sorely tempted to participate: if only to show that he was a good sport about it and dispel the belief that all Phoenix prefer to work their minds over their muscles.
"Master, you're being watched."[/b] Isawa Tetsuro whispered softly; uncomfortably.
The Void Master grinned. "It's Winter Court, my friend. EVERYONE is being watched; whether they realize it or not. The Emperor is here, after all."[/b]
Shodai's apprentice shook his head slightly. "I'm not talking about the Miharu or the Hidden Guard, sensei. There are three men to your 10 o'clock: Crane clan from the look of them and what I feel through the Void..."[/b]
Agasha's bi-color gaze flits in the direction Isawa indicated. Sure enough there were three men, frozen in place amongst the milling crowd of samurai and looking at him as if trying to identify him. One was a large man with short black hair that looked as if he felt slightly out of place off the battlefield. Number two the white haired, brown eyed man Mitsouko had called to on the shores of Seawatch Castle - her personal yojimbo, Kakita Hitoshi, she'd told him later. There was no look of recognition in Hitoshi's eyes, though Mitsouko had introduced them...
But that was understandable: it had only been for a few moments at the end of a long day of fighting.
The final man was a man with black hair and a single lock of white over the right of his mis-matched green and blue eyes. It was an interesting inversion of the image Shodai saw in the mirror: most of the Phoenix shugenja's hair was white from a - literal - touch by Emma-O, the Fortune of Death; save for a lock of black over his LEFT, gray eye. And though he had never met the samurai personally, the Void Master knew who he was thanks to the months - both on the road in the real world and in a place between worlds - he'd spent with the Kakita family Daimyo: he was Kakita Sojiro, Mitsouko-sa's oldest and closest friend.
'Excellent. If anyone will know how Mitsouko is doing and can get me close to her without it seeming deliberate, it will be those two.' Shodai thought to himself.
He turned his gaze back to Tetsuro. "Two are friends of Kakita Mitsouko, Tetsuro-san, but I don't recognize the large one. Go to them; invite all three of them to join me for some tea and conversation as we watch the games from the Council's private box."[/b]
Like the various Clan Champions, the Phoenix Champion and the Elemental Council had a preferred space reserved for them. Kazuma-san had wisely chosen to not attend Winter Court: there was a great deal of murmuring against the Phoenix Champion for his initial siding with the traitor Kaneka, so he was remaining on the battlefield where he sought to atone through reversing the traitor's fortunes. Agashas Shodai and Miga were in attendance to represent the Phoenix, but the Fire Master had been approached by a matchmaker for the Seppun Family shortly after their arrival and had been in negotiations ever since.
"As you will, Master."[/b] Isawa said as he melted into the crowd. Shodai's apprentice was rather non-descript, even in his elegant finery, and tended to blend into crowds quite easily. If not for his connection to his apprentice through the Void, even the master shugenja's seemingly all-seeing eyes would have lost track of him. It was a trait that Shodai had capitalized upon to his advantage on many an occasion.
A few minutes later, Tetsuro appeared by Sojiro, Hitoshi and Ryumon. He bowed respectfully to the three Crane. "Good day, Crane-samas. My sensei, the esteemed Void Master Agasha Shodai, noticed you observing him and wishes to invite you to join him for libations as the Games begin from the Champion's booth; if you are interested, of course."[/b]
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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 15, 2012 16:22:47 GMT -5
Quarin-san, this is very kind of you, I never saw something like this before! In fact Mitsouko examined the trinket with curiosity, not able to understand if she should refuse for 2 more times or just not make the gaijin embarassed accepting the beautiful and exotic object. His situation was already delicate as many rokugani weren't comfortable with his presence... thought if he had granted an invitation it was due his excellent relations with Imperials, or so she thought. Though Mitsouko sighed, expecting the gaijin merchant was already well versed in their etiquette customs: Though it's evidently something of a exquisite and fragile beauty I am a very clumsy woman. I cannot accept your offering, I can feel I do not possess the necessary finesse to bear such ornament with grace. And the young Lion approached of where the Kakita daimyo stood. An attendant informed her the young Lion's name, with a whisper. If her first impression was that the Kitsu was very young, she discovered he was a bit older than she expected, but this impression had been caused by his quite androgynous appearance. Kitsu-san, I am happy your family had sent also new faces to this winter court...Let me introduce you Quarin-san, he comes from western lands after Unicorn provinces, and proved to be a very interesting person. She turned to Quarim. Quarin-san, this is Kitsu Hiraku-san... My clan and his are negotiating right now the terms for a truce, we both believe understanding can be achieved through words... Also, I must say Kitsu family is well known for its sensibility for spiritual demands. You would be impressed with the Hiraku-san's family's skills and their knowledge about ancestors...
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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 15, 2012 18:37:59 GMT -5
Hitoshi watched the man he was looking at approach and speak with them all, and then noticed that Sojiro was still watching the Phoenix standing in the background.
"I would be very grateful to join the esteemed Master of the Void. If my fellow samurai would not mind delaying our match until later?" He then whispered to Sojiro "I am sorry my friend, I thought you meant the man standing in front of us now. I thought you would have recognised Agasha Shodai - he is betrothed to Mitsouko-sama. Please allow me to make introductions."
Hitoshi followed Tetsuro over to Shodai, leaving the others to make their own decisions, and bowed low. "Shodai-sama, it is good to see you again, and in such pleasant surroundings."
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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 15, 2012 19:00:44 GMT -5
A flash of something beyond his eyes at the mention of Shodai's name... not anger, but something more. Surprise, perhaps recognition? It is gone before anyone could notice. He nodded his head in appreciation to the young Isawa, and his grin remained. "Well in that case, it would seem that our little walk together shall be delayed; I've heard that refusing an invitation from the Master of the Void can be... deadly."
Saiko winked to Hitoshi and Sojiro, and nodded his head to Ryumon as well. "By all means, honorable samas, come and find me when your meeting is over, I suspect that I shall not be venturing too far from here." His attentions returned to the Yasuki daimyo, and a twinkle appeared in his eyes. "In the meantime, Chad-sama, I'm sure I have a bottle of fine sake around here somewhere. Care to join me in partaking while we wait for our Crane friends to return?"
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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 15, 2012 19:45:38 GMT -5
Isawa Tetsuro looked at Saiko and Yasuki Chad. "I am certain my Master would be more than willing to have the two of you join us as well. He sensed eyes on him and recognized the two Kakita samurai. Shodai-dono would never think of dividing up a party because he did not notice everyone with them."[/b]
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png) ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
When you die, will you be remembered, or will you be just another strand in the tapestry?
Posts: 900
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Jan 15, 2012 20:03:42 GMT -5
"I would be happy to join Shodai-sama. I have heard much about him, but we have never had the opportunity to meet."
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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 15, 2012 20:04:28 GMT -5
The Kakita concealed his 'walk of shame' forcing Kaji to fight off a growing desire to smirk. Not wishing to impose or antagonise the situation too much, the Isawa shugenja backed off a little.
"That is good news indeed, it would be concerning if you'd suffered any misfortune."
After a moments thought he added,
"Winter Court is truely delightful... bringing together old friends and at the same time allowing an opportunity to meet new ones."
In his head Kaji began mentally listing all the female members of the Phoenix delegation at the Court.
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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 15, 2012 21:10:51 GMT -5
Battou has finished adjusting to the point that his outfit would not fall, and he tucked his daisho back into place where it should be. His hair was still a mess, but he could take time to fix that once he had made it back to the Crane quarters.
"Oh, indeed, Phoenix-san. Couldn't agree more with you there. You'll forgive me that I have not been forthright with introducing myself. I am Kakita Battou.
He bows, following courtesy, but it was a swift bow.
"I was very glad to see my friend again. She is so... vigorous! I had forgotten just how much so in the time between our last visits and this most recent one. I too, love winter court."
Battou offered a hand forward to the Phoenix gentleman, directing him towards the nearest entrance that would lead them on the most direct path to the crane chambers.
"I'm afraid that I must finish getting ready, my introductions can not wait too much longer, I'm sure the rest of my family is already in there. But if you'd like to continue our philosophical discussion on the merits of winter court, I would be most happy to have you visit the Crane's chambers, here at Kyuden Otomo."
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