Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Jan 18, 2012 10:05:09 GMT -5
As she ran off, Battou called after her. "Of course, I'll be at your chamber door at the hour of Shinjo."
To himself he thought In your chambers soon to follow that, if I have anything to say about it.
He was left staring at the hare, who seemed far too serious for his tastes. He bowed suddenly and walked back towards the court room, though he held the screen door open for a moment, should the hare wish to follow.
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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 18, 2012 18:11:07 GMT -5
Hitoshi knocked back his own sake with the rest of them, trying not to wince slightly as it burned the back of his throat. He made some small talk with the void master once he could speak again, before approaching Saiko whilst he was watching one of the iaijutsu competitions.
"What do you think of their technique, Saiko-san? There appear to be a particularly talented generation of duellists from the Iron Mountain Dojo at the moment." In the match they were watching, a highly experienced Mirumoto bushi moved with unbelievable speed and left his Kakita opponent with wide eyes as he found his opponent's bokken resting over his stomach.
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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 18, 2012 18:12:34 GMT -5
"Listen, Shodai-san, I am Honored that you think me worth your time. But my heart is just not in the Court or the games they choose to play this time. I have a Buisness arraingment I intend to Broach with the Hare Representative, But the Man has been attempting to Talk to Mitsouko-sama for some time. I would be in your debt if you....errm....seperated the two for me." Chad's face bore a serious, though half distracted, look. Unless I miss my guess, he's not thrilled to be in court either. If I hadn't seen his emotions run rampant at Seawatch I might not notice how anxious...no...nervous the Master of Void is right now. If His guess was correct, his worth in the eyes of the Pheonix would rise a few points and he would be able to get this meeting over with. A win all around.
He averted his eyes from Shodai after his statement, instead taking in the magnificent sunset. Something tugged in his brain on seeing it, such sunsets were not altogether uncommen in Yasuki Lands....
....But only after a major attack has hit the wall further down. The "Bloody Sunset" Was never welcomed happily and was an omen to be on guard, for in the wake of such an attack there was always a chance that some Oni or a goblin warband had sliped past the Carpenter Wall to cause some Mischief.
He stood up and leaned over the Rail toward the Sunset, pointing. "Crossroads Castle is somewhat south of that, isn't it? And Swift Sword is much farther North." He said to nobody in particular.
"I wonder whats burning...."
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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 18, 2012 18:20:34 GMT -5
After Kakita Mitsuoko left the chamber with the Jade magistrate Hiraku was once again alone. After the conversation he just had he decided that the court isn't as dangerous as he thought and decided to participate in it without the aid of other Lions. A few conversations later he arrives at the hall of games and begins looking for a person that he could play a game of go with
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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 22:48:43 GMT -5
Saiko nodded to Hitoshi, a small grin on his face, and swept his gaze back to the duel, seeing a Kakita misjudging his Mirumoto opponent and taking a sharp blow across the stomach as a result. "Indeed, Hitoshi-san. I see more than a few samurai that I trained with, from both schools; though I admit, I would be lying if I said that I am not a little joyous over the success of my native techniques," he said with a wink and a grin.
His eyes drifted to the sky as the next two duelists took their place, another Kakita and a Bayushi by looks of it, though Saiko's gaze was drawn to the sky of fire, and his eyes narrowed. His face was impassive as the crimson glow washed over him, layered with a wash of purple and gold. He shook his head from his reverie, and filled his cup again from the bottle, offering it to Hitoshi once again, the grin having reappeared.
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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 18, 2012 23:07:23 GMT -5
Izutsu nodded, his face seeming slightly sad, though it brightened as she outlined her fears and concerns with him. "Oh, Mitsouko-sama, you need not fear..." Before he could continue, however, Battou strolled up and broke the Kakita daimyo's concentration, and moments later she stormed off, without another word. He seemed stunned, in shock, and for a moment he just started after her. His gaze turned to Battou as they walked back towards the competition grounds in silence. "Thank you, Battou-san, but I think I'm going to get some more fresh air before I return to the halls."He began to walk through the gardens, observing the various competitions, engaging in various conversations. His movements seemed random, though occasionally after he would whisper in someone's ear, they would disappear into the castle after graciously excusing themselves from conversation. His walking stopped near the private booths adjacent to the iajutsu grounds, and he stood, watching with a dark, steely gaze. Elsewhere at Court Two guards dressed in the livery of the Imperial Legion appear sometime later outside of the quarters of Kakita Mitsouko, bearing scroll cases containing orders from the highest authorities. Meanwhile, a rumor begins to circulate among the various courtiers, moving excitedly from group to group. It is being whispered that someone threatened the Kakita daimyo, and she has been provided extra protection from the Otomo for the remainder of her stay at court...
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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 18, 2012 23:21:56 GMT -5
Mitsuru began the pre-duel preparations, a routine Kaji saw back at the Isawa academy on a daily basis. Perhaps some, such as a modern minded Crane, would treat such things with a blasé attitude. Regardless, to the Phoenix it was these traditions which defined the history and people of Rokugan.
Mitsuru assumed his position. It was an unusual stance, one not seen so often in the duelling arenas at Kyuden Isawa. Without allowing emotion to show, Kaji tried to recollect the knowledge and spells he'd seen used by other Ishi. Hopefully his opponent was strong enough to control the inherent dangers void magic could bring. Shaking his head allowed dissipation of such fears, replacing it with complete confidence in his competitors abilities.
An ice cold breeze slid over the white snow blanket lay strewn across the gardens. Such a picturesque setting gave the air shugenja an idea. He waited until Mitsuru had finished the polite invitation of forfeiture.
"Thank you Isawa Mitsuru, may Fukurokujin continue to bless you in all of your choices. However I must politely decline your most gracious offer".
After a short bow Kaji assumed his stance, legs closed tight together with both arms stretched out wide on either side. The first spell was already firmly placed at the fore of his mind, learnt to impress a young Otomo maiden who had attended Court this year
Winter winds tugged softly on the white edges of his kimono. Kaji whispered to the air kami moulding them around fallen snow, whisking it up off the ground in the shape of large butterflies. Within seconds there were ten snow creations dancing playfully around his moon lit form. A swift flick of the wrist was all it took to send the butterflies charging forward. After crossing just over half the distance they smashed together releasing a blinding bright flash. The result was a lingering snowy screen between the two shugenja.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Jan 19, 2012 0:00:56 GMT -5
A chill wind heralded a late arrival to the hall that held the main activities for the winter court. A petite silver haired woman dressed in the traditional colors of the fox entered and looked around nervously. She was smooth with youth yet her dark eyes spoke age and wisdom. Her reddish brown and silver kimono was quite plain yet held a natural earthy pleasantry to it.
Next to her appeared a grim faced dark haired man that was at least a head above. However, He was slight in frame as well. His armor held the traditional colors as well and made it quite obvious he was her yojimbo.
The woman waved him off before dispersing into the crowd. She tried to insert herself into quiet pleasantries to avoid the subject of her tardiness as well as avoid too much attention to herself.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Jan 19, 2012 0:49:46 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai's eyebrows rose at Yasuki Chad's words, but an easy smile crossed his lips. The Void Master was considered by many to be a master of the court and with his photographic memory he could bury a competitor in complex double-speak or remind them of long forgotten conversations they'd had in the past. But despite all that, the Phoenix shugenja rather loved the Crab Clan's tendency to cut straight to the chase. It made negotiating so much more pleasurable since they were unlikely to ramble on for five minutes to get a single point across.
Still, it was rather interesting to learn that Mitsouko had been talking with the Hare Clan delagate: Usagi Izutsu was a well-known member of the Jade Magistrates. A slight chill ran down Shodai's spine as he suddenly feared that he'd somehow missed something when he'd treated Mitsouko for Taint exposure after the incident at Seawatch Castle.
Agasha Shodai nodded to Yasuki Chad. "I will be more than glad to take up some of the Kakita Daimyo's time to help a samurai who fought so bravely at the Battle of Seawatch Castle."[/b] With a silent order, Isawa Tetsuro rose from his place at the other table and left the observation booth in search of the Hare samurai for his master.
He glanced in the direction of the burning sunset that the Crab samurai had pointed out. His eyes glazed over momentarily as he opened himself to the Void. After a few moments he nodded to himself and turned back to the table. "My Family cousin, Agasha Miga - the Master of Fire - brought a unit of the Firestorm Legion, the Elemental Guard unit that reports directly to him, as his personal guards. They were on a routine patrol and stumbled across a unit of Lion samurai that were probing the defenses of Kyuden Otomo..."[/b] A wan smile crossed his features. "They eliminated the spies, but, well, they're called the Firestorm Legion for a reason. A couple of trees caught fire, but they're working on getting it back under control."[/b]
Shodai began to reduce his connection to the power that binds reality together when he felt a resonance in extremely close proximity to him. He silently traced it back... To Kakita Sojiro?
How very interesting...
The Void Master soaked in what his supernatural senses were telling him: it was something more than the typical connection that all people have to the power of the Void, but it was not strong enough to have given him the potential to become an Ishi.
Agasha looked at the Kakita samurai. "So, Sojiro-san; I feel almost as if I've known you for years. Mitsouko-sa...n"[/b] He caught himself before leaving the honorific at the more intimate -sa. "She spoke of you rather fondly during our trip to Kyuden Miya a few months ago. Since you've known her for a long time, can you tell me how she's holding up after everything that happened at Seawatch, the better part of a month ago? The combined Emerald Champion / Phoenix Clan army couldn't spare me more than the day and a half I was there and with communications lines being partially cut between Seawatch and Crossroads Castles we haven't been able to talk very much..."[/b]
Well, that wasn't ENTIRELY accurate: Shodai had replaced the crystal necklace that allowed Mitsouko to talk to him from anywhere in the Empire before he'd left Seawatch Castle, but that method of communications was reserved for emergencies... And certain other conversations, as well...
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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 19, 2012 2:23:05 GMT -5
He stood alone in the gardens, eyes lost gazing into the intense sunset, his thoughts far away. The patterns and the colors, the way they shifted, it seemed to have captured the full attention of the Hare samurai, and in that moment all the world-weariness and pain seemed to drain from his face, revealing his true youth. His face hardened as he was shaken by his reverie, and he looked to see a young Isawa standing there addressing him, awaiting politely for his response.
He looked over at the young shugenja, his face emotionless except for a slight widening eyes as he heard that the Void master himself wished to speak with him. He was popular this evening, it seemed... "Of course, Isawa-san, I would be honored to speak with Shodai-sama. Please, lead the way." He followed the man into the private box of the Phoenix masters, only a short way away.
Upon entering the chambers, he swept his eyes around, taking note of every person he saw and the colors they wore, and he found himself surprised. A Dragon, several Crane, the Daimyo of the Yasuki, and Shodai himself; all well-known war heroes or prominent figures no less, for one who kept up with such things, and all Hantei supporters as well. An interesting gathering indeed, Izutsu pondered for a moment.
After he was announced, he bowed deeply to Shodai, a small smile on his face. "Greetings, Shodai-sama, I am humbled by your invitation. I am Usagi Izutsu, regent of the Hare and Jade Magistrate. How do you fare on this wondrous evening here at court?" He politely exchanged formalities, a genuine tone to his voice, though one could tell that he was slightly on his guard, though it is understandable given his position.
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan Global Mod
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 19, 2012 5:58:28 GMT -5
Sojiro looked around before answering Shodai's question. Seeing that he was surrounded by those he trusted, he lowered his voice so that only those around him could hear.
"Physically she seems fine, aside from some lingering exhaustion. But I feel that may be a side effect of her lack of sleep, because mentally..." he sighed. "She is under a tremendous amount of stress, and she doesn't trust herself right now, to be honest. On top of that, suffering an attack... like that... leaves scars on the mind. She has been dealing with nightmares since then. I've been doing my best to help her in that regard, as I am no stranger to such things myself, but it will take time. A lot of time. I still have nightmares from my brush with an oni from time to time, and it was years ago. Seemingly unconciously, he fiddled with the white streak through his hair as he spoke of this. "She takes the tea without issue, and she tries to carry on a normal life for her, but she is coming to grips with the fact that life may never return to her expectations of normal again. And understandably, she is somewhat obsessed with finding that bastard Alesha and removing him from this existence."
He dropped his voice even further before continuing, speaking so that only Shodai could hear him.
"Shodai-sama.... I mean you no disrespect, and I have no doubt that you have her best intentions in mind. But right now, I think the best thing you may be able to give her is space and time to heal. I realize that may not be a pleasant thing to hear, but... it's the truth, and I respect both you and her too much to feed you a pleasant lie."
He met the man's gaze, knowing that those words probably cut like a knife, and offered his unspoken sympathy. It was at that moment that a Jade Magistrate approached the group. Sojiro was intrigued by the man, but waited to be introduced as was proper before addressing him.
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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 19, 2012 9:43:06 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad shook his head to what Sojiro was saying. He waited until introductions with Izutsu were finished before continuing the previous conversation. Izutsu Was a Jade Magistrate, after all, and it would be foolish to try and Mislead such a man. "Sojiro-san, what you suggest would be the most considerate and proper thing to do for someone who has suffered a great personal harm, and in any normal circumstances I would agree with you. But these are not normal circumstances. She needs to be watched, closely, for the time being and it would be best if it is not by a complete stranger. Please, trust my judgement in this, for Kakita Mitsouko-sama is a friend to me in a time when I can count on only a few."
Turning to Izutsu he bows one more time and gives the Hare his full attention. "You are the Highest ranked Jade Magistrate for nearly 200 miles in any direction, and I have some information I need you to see. But first, what is your assessment of the Lady," he knew he was stepping boldly on the toes of propriety here, but by long habit he trusted no one where taint was concerned save himself....or other trained profesionalls.
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Isawa Mitsuru
Phoenix Clan
Shugenja ? Void ? Experienced
Posts: 113
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Post by Isawa Mitsuru on Jan 19, 2012 11:27:25 GMT -5
Air is the medium through which all ki flows. While Earth and Fire produce and store spiritual energy, Air facilitates what we may consider a spiritual economy of trade between elements.
Therefore, it would stand to reason that lacking control of this medium would cause a large amount of unpredictability in spellcraft.
I stepped forward and twisted my hands from a reayd position into a Void Mudra. I ran through a few seals, gathering together subtle void energies from around the garden and focusing in on Kaji’s chakras. Once I had formulated the spell together I released it and sent it flying toward Kaji.
“Kuuton Shugen, Senmekai!”
A shot of energizing void wrapped itself around Kaji’s Air Chakra and tore open its spiritual pathways. To Kaji’s view there would be a sudden rush of insight concerning the principles of the Element of Air followed by a flood of sensation. The air would seem clearer and the temperature would seem colder. The miniscule eddies of airflow across his skin would become readily apparent. A single breath would seem to fill his lungs with all the air it would ever need as the veins were soaked with oxygen. The results would be euphoric to say the least.
At the same time the air kami would swirl about, anxious to fulfill his every beck and call. Perhaps they would be a bit too anxious. While Kaji capability for power would be greatly increased, his ability to control these fickle spirits and energies would be greatly diminished. A light touch on the flow of Air would cause unforeseeable effects and overt changes to the environment.
At the very least, this wouldn’t be boring.
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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 19, 2012 13:45:20 GMT -5
Hitoshi smiled at Saiko and accepted the sake bottle, carefully pouring a measure into his cup and then handing it back. He sipped at the fiery liquid, making a mental note to himself to watch how much he drunk in this illustrious company. Sojiro had shared many tales of Saiko's legendary drinking capacity and Hitoshi was well aware that he would be unable to match him.
They sat in silence for a short while, appreciating the sunset side by side. Hitoshi wondered idly if any of the Kakita artisans would try and capture it's beauty in one form or another. Eventually he spoke again. "I am of a mind to try my skill later, but judging from the stances of some of the competitors out there, I suspect I might find myself somewhat outmatched." He laughed shortly, and thought briefly that that statement applied to a number of things in his life.
Snapping back to the present moment, he looked around the room and saw a woman in a red brown kimono enter the hall. He nodded in her direction. "Do you recognise that person Saiko-san? Given that the great and the good appear to be occupied, shall we go and make our acquaintance?" He stood and wandered over to the new arrival, bowing when he reached her. "Greetings Kitsune-san, I don't believe that I have had the pleasure? I am Kakita Hitoshi."
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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 19, 2012 14:08:27 GMT -5
"Ah, Hitoshi-san, you don't give yourself enough credit." He looked out over the grounds, sipping casually from his cup. As he was shaken from his reverie, he looked to the young Kakita as he asked about the new arrival. "I would love to accompany you, Hitsoshi-san, but I have things to discuss with the Void Master when he is less busy. I look forward to talking more with you later this evening." After giving his respects to the Hare, he returned to his solitude, finishing his cup and filling it once again, his eyes showing that his thoughts were far from this place.
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