Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Jan 12, 2012 18:03:24 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso
He was late already, the Kitsu had told him that the small retinue of Cranes that included Mitsouko had already reached Tsuma. Now he had been riding for what had seemed like hours and the village was now in sight.
Kyuso unfulfilled his banner of truce and slowed his horse down to a steady trot. There was no need to rush in to the village he could slow down now and present a more acceptable image. The only question now was where were they staying?
Edited because I always glance over the one detail that changes the scene.
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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 12, 2012 18:13:04 GMT -5
(OOC: Keisuke-san, the current scene is taking place in the village of Tsuma at the moment, in and outside an inn. You could have seen us just before we went in if that would be convenient for you?)
Hitoshi grinned at Mitsouko in an open display of emotion, and then bowed low. "Thank you Mitsouko-sama. I shall leave things with you." He walked back into the inn where the others were sitting and ordered sake for all.
"Naetaru-sama, I am happy to see you under more auspicious circumstances than when last we met. I understand that things have not been easy for you recently though, and you have my condolences for your recent loss. If there is ever anything I can do, you need but ask."
A servant came over and set down the sake bowls. Hitoshi picked up one of them. "If I may propose a toast? To happier times on the horizon." He knocked back the sake in one gulp, remembering many times spent with Sojiro repeating the same gesture.
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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
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 12, 2012 18:30:27 GMT -5
Her eyes narrowed scanning the horizon at the same time the scouts alerted about a Lion coming to the inn. A messenger of the Lion... Seeing for the first time a banner with words of truce and peace made Mitsouko suddenly hopeful, where once was just a dark future. She cannot refrained a smile: Masabu-san, please keep an eye on our precious Doji companions inside the inn. I surely want to know what this Lion wants.... She nodded to one of her yojimbo to speak with the Lion messenger, and not long after the Ikoma messenger was granted to come closer enough to the group: Mitsouko scanned the man, and finally smiled: Ohayou Lion-san! I like your banner...
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Jan 12, 2012 18:38:26 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso
Kyuso bowed very deeply and very formally. Greetings Lady Kakita-sama, I am Ikoma Kyuso and I have been sent here bearing a gift and a message from Lord Akodo Keisuke that were to be given to you Lady Kakita.
He bowed once then stodd tall and straight letting his hands fall to his sides.
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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 12, 2012 19:01:30 GMT -5
Me? Kakita Mitsouko not without reason was suprised. Akodo Keisuke was a name to be respected, and she knew of his honor and deeds, though they never had met. And that was the intriguing part, in fact: After a slight nod she smiled warmly: This is indeed a good surprise. Say your Lord Keisuke-sama I am terribly impressed by his kindness, Kyuso-san. I am all ears.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Jan 13, 2012 0:57:59 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso
With a deep breath, Kyuso calmed his nerves First Keisuke-sama regrets not be able to attend Winter court this year. And while he will not be attending he wishes you to know that he shall still be championing the truce talks amongst members of the Lion Clan. He had been looking forward to meeting especially you and other members of your Crane in a time of peace not war.
Slowly Kyuso raised his hands and loosened the curious oblong bundle tied to his back. As Kyuso pulled back the wrappings it revealed a daisho enclosed in blue and silver silks. A note was nestled inside bearing the seal of the Akodo Daimyo. My lord, intended to return this to you personally as sign and commitment to the truce talks.
Kyuso stepped forward to take on knee and present the daisho to Mitsouko. No one I have spoken to knows who this set belonged to. Keisuke himself spent a week taking down the katana and wakizashi. My lord wanted to make sure they were not lost to the fog of war. He had them cleaned, repaired and set them to rest in the imperial armory.
Lifting them up, Pray Lady Kakita do you know who they belonged to?
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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
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Jan 13, 2012 4:36:22 GMT -5
Oh his presence will be missed, but his reasons are understandable. Tell him I am sure we will meet soon, in more auspicious circunstances.
She felt a pang on her heart noticing she indeed knew from who it had pertained and had saw that sword on skilled and loyal hands more than once... Her eyes got reddened, when she offered her hands to the daisho be put in. Yes, Kyuso-san. I know to whom it once belonged. A dedicated, loyal, generous and brave man... Kakita Shinji-san. Excellent taisa, formidable duelist. And above all, a great soul. She bowed to Keisuke's messenger in appreciation for his work. He was the recipient of the honors and words Kakita Mitsouko would like to ensure Keisuke would receive. Kakita Shinji's memory will live. He accomplished his duty paying with his life. BUt... isn't what a good samurai do? She sighed, caressing the fine silken strap in its tsuba. Your Lord is a good man to deliver it back to Kakita House. It will be not forgotten. And, we too, will reinforce our committment with this truce, and tightening the friendship between our clans. Take my word to Keisuke-sama I am personally devoted to its cause, as well.
Mitsouko picked the note form the silk wrapping, reading its content.
edited: so curious about the note, hehe
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 13, 2012 4:38:27 GMT -5
Naetaru felt the soft warmth of resting and getting sheltered from the cold and snow. Sooner or later did he notice that Kakita Hitoshi enter and approached him. When the topic of his wife was "put to the table" he retained his seriousness and motioned for him to sit beside him. Raising his hand he motioned over to the innkeeper.
"Sake please" As he looked over to Hitoshi he said with a smile. "Something that even a Doji can't live without"
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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 13, 2012 12:08:36 GMT -5
Hitoshi sat and smiled back at the daimyo. "I remember from my days at the Duelling Academy quite a few Doji who acted as the living truth to your words. There was more than one occasion when we would sneak out into this very village to sample their finest sakes, much to the chagrin of our sensei."
He too was enjoying the warmth and food. It felt like he had been fighting on one battlefield or another for an eternity now, and he had become used to taking pleasure in simple things where he could find them.
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Akodo Keisuke
Lion Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Lion Clan Regent ?Samurai ?Daimyo ?First Among Generals ?Tactician ?Commander ?Loyal
Posts: 704
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Post by Akodo Keisuke on Jan 16, 2012 18:58:06 GMT -5
Ikoma Kyuso
Dou itashimasite, lady Kakita-sama. My task complete I must now I must return to Toshi Ranbo for I have other duties there. Kyuso, stood and took three steps backward and with each step he bowed to the Cranes assembled more deeply than the last. Take the banner of truce once more Kyuso mounted his horse.
From the Note: Lady Kakita-sama,
With heart felt regret that I will not be able to join those traveling to Winter Court this year. I feel as though we have already met from afar through the truce talks between our clans and it had been a hope of mine to share a banquet with you and the others of your clan at Kyuden Otomo.
But it seems that the winds of fate have other ideas.
Please accept the returning of Shinji-san's daisho a token of friendship and commitment to peace.
Akodo Keisuke Daimyo of the most noble and accent Akodo Family First Among Generals of the Lion armies
Contained with in the note is a single flawless cherry blossom bloom. Though I will not reveal where Keisuke found this with winter beginning soon.
Thank you to the Crane players for allowing me to high-jack this thread for a bit, the returning of the daisho was something that had stuck out in my that I had wanted to take care of before it was to late.
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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 17, 2012 17:13:19 GMT -5
Kakita Mitsouko's eyes were full of tears while she wrapped again Kakita Shinji's daisho with extreme care. She was betrayed by an ally; her family. An then a Lion, a supposed enemy, made this gracious offer, displaying such honorable behavior towards a enemy's side war hero... There was hope, somehow.
OCC: We also enjoyed this moment, so you are very welcome. Looking forward for more!
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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 17:57:24 GMT -5
In the inn both sake and conversation were flowing, and eventually Hitoshi decided to broach the subject of Mikado.
"Naetaru-sama... Your sister, Doji Mikado-sama... You are aware that we have been corresponding for some time? She is an amazing woman, Naetaru-sama! Beautiful, intelligent, compassionate... Mitsouko-sama has promised to come and speak to you over a certain matter. I am very much hopeful that you will say yes?"
Hitoshi hiccuped, and he had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed. Somewhere in the back of his brain he was aware that talking so familiarly to the Doji daimyo may not be a good idea, but he was happy to be alive, in love, and well on his way to being drunk.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jan 19, 2012 3:54:19 GMT -5
Naetaru's smile faded from his face. As he seemed sceptical for a moment, he laid back on his chair.
"Hitoshi-san, I appreciate the fact that you have found some fondness in my sister's quality of character. Your directness mostly flatters me up to the point where I would marvel to take your feelings in consideration." he toyed with his sake cup as he seemed quite nervous.
"However, this fondness that you both share..." assuring him that she had some reciprocal feelings over this
"Is based in personal affections." he remained silent as he gulped. How would he utter those words to a friend? The Crane's interest were more important however.
"And as I must disclose to you, our hurried journey concerns more matters of diplomacy in Kyuden Otomo." he said reaching for his fan.
"I will let you contemplate over this my friend Hitoshi. But in 14 days of time you're about to meet with Otomo Takajima. His daughter Otomo Kimanai, as many people call "the Serene Maiden" has come of proper age to marry, and her august father deemed it proper to marry her off into our Clan."
"And thus I thought over this and reached a decision. Mikado-san had to stay back in Kyuden Doji. You Hitoshi-san, have been among the considerate choices. Please pass this along over to your daimyo, for I am willing to vouch in your position."
He remained silent. And even the sound of the flickering candles was deadly.
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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 14:08:25 GMT -5
For a moment Hitoshi was silent. It felt like Naetaru had just snapped off an icicle hanging from one of the trees outside and plunged it straight into his heart. For a second he wanted to scream in defiance of the celestial order, of bushido, of all the things that he held sacred, but after a moment control reasserted itself.
He stared coldly at the Doji daimyo across the table. Hitoshi was mindful of the speech he had given to Mitsouko a short while earlier, although it tasted like ashes in his mouth now. He bowed his head, forcing the words to come. "My lord Doji-sama, I am honoured by your proposal and I will of course serve the clan in whatever capacity you see fit. If you will excuse me one moment I will go and pass on this happy news to Mitsouko-sama."
He forced his fists to unclench under the table and stood, trying not to sway. He stalked across to the door and stepped outside, where he found Mitsouko wrapping a daisho in cloth and standing next to a Lion. He was seized by an overwhelming desire to draw his blade and strike the man down in order to vent his frustration on someone that might legitimately be called an enemy, but of course as he was standing talking peacefully to the Kakita daimyo he couldn't be an enemy at all. Not to mention the fact that he didn't want to be single-handedly responsible for destroying the peace negotiations. Instead he took some petty pleasure in simply ignoring the man and faced his daimyo, smiling stiffly.
"Lady Kakita-sama, I am pleased to announce that if you still wish to consider me, I would be delighted to accept the command you offered. I also have happy news - Lord Doji-sama is in the process of arranging my betrothal to the Serene Maiden Otomo Kimanai. I am greatly honoured to serve the clan." He looked Mitsouko in the eyes, awaiting her response; for an instant his façade dropped and the hardened warrior looked like a young man who had just turned twenty and was in danger of having his heart broken.
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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 25, 2012 2:08:36 GMT -5
What..?! What? How it happened? Mitsouko rubbed her forehead sensing a headache coming. Though, it was clearly the sake. Her nose was very keen and though the other visible signs of sake excess was masked by the signs of his unconcealable sorrow. Yes, the offer is still up but... she delivered the silk wrapping and its precious content to Hitoshi. Let me discover what happened... Ahhh Benten it's too bad! Mitsouko hurried her pace to find the Doji daimyo inside the inn. The mood was gloomly, something she wasn't expecting and which, of course, gave her hint of an unmistakable and well famed cut strike of Naetaru's tongue towards poor Hitoshi's heart. She approached from Naetaru's table, with a soft smile. She longed her friend. Seeing Naetaru and how he bore with dandi style Doji's tradition just made her feel at home again, and it brought a smile to her lips: Lord Doji... why so lonely in your table?
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