Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
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Post by Zeure on Mar 12, 2012 23:54:02 GMT -5
"Indeed, Akodo-san, we would like a moment, and, if we might ask for it, the help of some of your medics or shugenja to look at Kakita-san. She was hurt pretty badly and could use some more attention from skilled medical practitioners."
Again, he made no mention of his own wounds, he did not want to take the attention off of Tomoko for any longer than he had too, and indeed wanted her to get attention ahead of him, if that were the case. His face was all grim determination, but he spoke calmly, politely to the Lion chui.
He dismounted from the horse, being careful to slide off on the side opposite Tomoko's broken leg. He looked at her for a moment, and was trying to determine the best way to get her down without hurting her further.
"Please avert your eyes, Lion-sans, for her sake." But without waiting for any of them to say or do anything, he lifted her off the saddle by the waist and sat her down, very carefully, on the ground, though he left his arm around her for support until they could be conducted to a tent that they could use and/or could be healed in.
"Lead on, Akodo-san."
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Akodo Sosa
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Samurai * Akodo Bushi * Tactician * Paragon * Chui
Posts: 56
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Post by Akodo Sosa on Mar 16, 2012 16:48:15 GMT -5
Both Sosa and Mina averted their eyes respectfully, then bowed and led the two Crane towards a group of buildings. Sosa smiled at teh brave yojombo.
I shall have my personal shugenja assist you both. It would be an honour to aid two brave samurai of the Crane. I shall also send a runner to announce your arrival to Daimyo Akodo-sama.
Sosa entered a building and called over to a young shungenja.
Kitsu Ryo-san. These two noble Crane have had an encounter. Please see to their needs.
Sosa bowed to Tomoko and Kamo. Ryo-san is a very capable shugenja. Consider him at your service. If you will excuse me a moment, I will see to it my Daimyo is available to see you.
He bowed once again and with Matsi Mina went to find Akodo Keisuke.
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Post by Kakita Tomoko on Mar 17, 2012 6:13:36 GMT -5
Tomoko made the possible to return their bow after Kamo made her sit down in a bench, glad for Lion’s politeness and readiness.
Of course she was feeling dislocated in that whole new universe of war, tents, and armies, but something in the events of this travel had made her look at life with new eyes. Right now, all she needed was to make sure she would be well to accomplish her task, and had concerns about Kamo's health as well. Tomoko wished he allowed the Lion shugenja to help him in full extent. Though she was pretty aware how a Daidoji used to be tough and determined, she prayed that he didn’t allow pride to prevent him to have the proper treatment. He was a good man, a brave yojimbo.
After the warriors left, she smiled shyly to the Kitsu shugenja, who showed a respectful care to her and promptly identified the broken leg and took care in tending her wounds. Servants took care of them in the best way possible, as well. After that, they were given rest time, and she unwillingly dove into oblivion for some hours, giving time to her body to recover a little of its energy.
She woke up in a sudden, holding tight her waist and looking for the obi with its treasured content tucked in. She realized it was now serving as pillow under her head, as she had changed clothes soon before fall asleep.
Tomoko's eyes darted in the dim light looking for her yojimbo, not finding him in a first glance into the penumbra of the tent interior.
Night had fell over the Castle and the chilling air broke into the tent, clashing with the warm comfort the braziers provided, when a sentinel, who noticed sound inside it, pulled the flap of the tent to peek in, soon realizing it was only the guests waking up. He muttered an excuse and pulled the tent's flap shut again.
She sighed heavily. Her heart filled with fear again. Though Akodo Keisuke's fame was of a man of honor and compassion, she wasn't sure how well someone would receive the message she had to deliver. It was so incredible and monstrous that she couldn't even think in a way to say it properly. Tomoko knew she might rely on fortune's favor to not fail and cause the wrath of an outraged Lion, because that words, either told by misguided lips or listened by biased ears, might sound like the most slanderous blasphemy ever.
How long now? she whispered to herself, suddenly afraid again.
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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 Mar 26, 2012 18:02:45 GMT -5
Keisuke made his way in to the hospital area of Torturi’s camp. Empty for a strange quiet hung in the air, it was unnatural for a military camp, yet the fighting and cold was not leaving many of his men injured. Either they returned from their mission or not at all. But this was the way of the Lion and of samurai, generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.
But, what news this day had filled a the Crane with such dread that a few samurai had braved the long journey for them what is behind enemy lines to deliver a message to him. What singular set of facts carried that much importance. Bad news is an ill guest and, Keisuke wished Lord Tomatsu was here, for he is better at the battle field of politics.
Nodding to the guards outside the tent Keisuke entered making sure to close the tent flap quickly as to not let the precious heat escape in to the winter’s hungry jaws. He after bowing once the Crane samurai Keisuke a stance a strong stance a, and not being one to enjoy small words, So tell me Kakita Tomoko-san, what news do you bring that was worth risking your life to deliver.
I can not begin to apologize enough for the long delays in posting.
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Post by Kakita Tomoko on Mar 26, 2012 21:51:41 GMT -5
Tomoko’s eyes widened in surprise, and she forced herself to bow as low as possible, managing to use the dim light to hide her pain expression. She was impressed by the directness approach of the Lion general, and felt quite uncomfortable to be alone with him... Even though the message which brought her in first place were only for his ears, she rather wished Kamo to return soon from wherever he was right now. Keisuke’s words demanding directness from her sounded gentle, though. With a deep breath she forced herself to be as direct as possible. My Lady commanded me to say that although she would like to meet you and transmit that bad news herself, I talk in her behalf and whatever is said here is to be considered spoke by Lady Kakita, for what I'm saying, she told me in person. Keisuke-sama, unfortunately what Lady Kakita-sama wishes to tell you is explicitly related to a greatly respected Rokugan's personality. This Person has influence and has many friends, many friends amongst the Lion. My Lady doubts the Lion leaders can be influenced by this person though she is afraid of the very plans this person might have for this convenient closeness. This person is now greatly involved with maho practicioners and is known by now that she experienced or performed maho sorcery. I will detail the disgusting events my lady told me to inform you, Akodo-dono. My lady is shocked and saddened that a glorious personality was fallen so low in so little time. Tomoko raised her eyes a little, now taking notice of the Akodo daimyo's hands (as she couldn't know he was the Lion regent by now) instead of his winter shoes. Lady Mitsouko was made aware by the Phoenix Void Master that Bayushi Senshi-sama, close friend of Tomatsu-sama, needed Shodai-sama's assistance in order to deal with a powerful sorcerer. This sorcerer was said to be not only a maho practicioner, but a khadi. Seems this khadi, named Shoju, was once a Scorpion and both swore revenge against one another. Though, this time, Shodai-sama was called because Senshi asked him to deal with the khadi combating his spells while the Scorpion Champion find and kill the one responsible for killing his spouse's family back in Unicorn lands. This person was nothing less than the very Mistress of Secrets's twin sister, once a battle maiden whom was considered dead after battling the yobanjin. As confirmed by Shodai-sama, this woman was an undead; Tenshi was her corrupted name. Well, Shodai-sama accomplished his part of the accord, and Senshi-sama revenged the death of his spouse's relatives, though this khadi, seeing that his lover had been destroyed revealed that he had his own accord to the Mistress of Secrets... Using his corrupted magic she agreed in transfer one of the twin babies she was bearing to the womb of her undead sister.Tomoko panted heavily at the horror of the story.Senshi-sama's child, milord. As the monster-sorcerer said to both men, some magic mimicked life in the dead body. How it was possible defied even the Void Master's knowledge. The reasons for it... unimaginable for honored souls, milord. The Mistress of Secrets's whereabouts were unknown by the time I left the Kakita provinces,milord. It was said that her husband is searching for her. Though, my lady's main concern is not to know for how long lady Haruka has been conspiring along maho practicioners, and if she is tainted beyond redemption. Her traitorous acts were thrown in the face of her husband, in the presence of the Phoenix Void Master by her mad ally, the khadi. Which ideas this sorcerer instilled to her friends and allies, through her mouth, we can't possibly know. Though, her closeness to Tomatsu-sama is a concern of my lady. Mitsouko-sama grew fond of his honor and straightforward personality, even if we were in opposite sides in politics. My lady is afraid of the great damage this woman, led by this maho sorcerer, could have done whispering 'advices' and trying to instigate decisions... If my lady chose to tell the Lion what happened is not to spread dishonor or slandering words against the Mistress of Secrets, but to forge bonds between the honorable and good samurai against the corruption. She thinks you need to be aware of those facts, Keisuke-sama. If Tomatsu sama isn't aware by now, she can't possibly know, but it's a matter of time until something bigger can grow from this. So... My Lady humbly asks to Keisuke-sama his aid. To make what is possible from Lion's front, to avoid more disgraces like these and also, to help destroy this threat to the Empire this sorcerer and his web of corruption are becoming. Tomoko waited at his reaction, now looking at his face from below.
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Akodo Sosa
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Samurai * Akodo Bushi * Tactician * Paragon * Chui
Posts: 56
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Post by Akodo Sosa on Mar 28, 2012 4:47:42 GMT -5
After delivering the news to Daimyo Akodo of the Crane's arrival, Sosa and Mina quietly accompanied him back to the hospital area. They stopped by the door, flanking it and allowing no-one to enter, as the Daimyo received whatever private news was meant for him.
(Apologies for delay in reply)
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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 Mar 28, 2012 18:32:20 GMT -5
Kamo stays with his lady during her waking hours at all times. Though he sleeps outside her door when she sleeps because it would be improper to sleep in the same room alone with her.
During her confrontation and summary explanation of the situation to Keisuke, he is silent, and wary. He positions himself behind her, but with her easily within arms reach.
He has been taken care of, though he made damn sure that Tomoko was taken care of first. There are bandages that cover parts of his chest, barely visible under his kimono.
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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 Apr 5, 2012 18:17:52 GMT -5
As he was listening to Tomoko speak Keisuke noticed a sweet singing quality to her voice, and why by the ancestors should he have evened noticed such a thing. But as suddenly as the thought appeared it fled his mind, as what she was describing began to take a dark turn. Now he had heard rumors of the conflict between Bayushi Senshi and this man named Shoju, but that was all Keisuke had ever heard was rumors, nor he had never given a second thought to Senshi’s personal conflicts as they did not relate to the Lion clan or the current war. In fact he had come to admire what Senshi had accomplished in supporting the Hantei but then marching his armies South at a critical moment of the war.
Keisuke sucked in a breath, he could not help it, an unborn child torn from it's mother and placed in the body of an undead creature. It defied all logic, and the laws of nature herself, and Haruka had agreed to this. No that could not be possible; could it, he had fought beside Haruka at Toshi Ranbo before the Scorpion declared for the Hantei. Was there darkness in actions or deeds back then, but Keisuke resisted the urge to second guess because he knew when looking back through the mists of recent memory one could easily be distort things in to what ever shape one wanted to create. But now no one seemed to know where Haruka had disappeared to. How much had this Shoju character influenced her, what of her actions were her willing own and which where the fell controlling hand of Shoju. Worse yet had Shoju’s corruption spread through Haruka to Lord Tomatsu. He was close to her but to what end. Is this why Lord Tomatsu had appointed him regent was there something Lord Tomatsu had feared, was coming on the horizon. But surely that could not be the case because Lord Tomatsu had lead the talks if truce between the Lion and the Crane and surely that would be burn brightly in defiance of any plans that Shoju may have had.
A look of calm resolution crossed Keisuke’s face. Lady Kakita Tomoko-san, whilst this news is dire you can be assured that it has arrived in time. One thing must know is that I have been made regent of the Lion Clan in Lord Tomatsu’s stead, whilst I do not I think there is a reason to doubt Lord Tomatsu, and I personally have not been witness to any corruption. A rye smile crossed his lips Surely we live in interesting times, but for once I think time may be on our side it sounds as though Shoju has been temporally defeated and even with the power of maho at his command, he can not recover quickly. Keisuke looked into Tomoko's eyes and for a moment he lost focus, yet recovering, If you could please tell what assistance Lady Mitsouko-sama would require.
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Post by Kakita Tomoko on Apr 9, 2012 17:44:48 GMT -5
Ohhh... The realization that she had spoken directly to the Lion regent reached Tomoko's mind in a sudden. For an instant she also realized she felt absolute trust in his character; she knew he was a judicious man, and for that she admired him.
Keisuke-dono... My lady just ask you to keep wary about those facts, for where she cannot reach, you can, and where she cannot help, you can. Maybe, if you feel convenient and your...affairs (it was of course a delicate matter, to mention a battling where their clans have opposite interests) permit, she waits you in the celebration of her wedding to Battou-sama. There you can meet her after the event, in a discreet manner, to discuss strategies to combat the spreading disease that is maho tsukai and what our clans can do about Shoju. Alternatively you can send to her a Lion representative, of course. But for now, she thought it was important enough bringing you this sad news and asking you to do what deems fit to check it by yourself, and act like you think is correct in this matter... Due the loose relations Crane clan keeps now with Scorpion, Lady Mitsouko-sama believes her hands are tied in this matter, despite her desire in helping... But true close friends like Lion can go further and help preserving the dignity of a great clan, if possible...
Their eyes meet again, Kakita Tomoko blushed because it wasn't her intention, and it wasn't proper neither in such situation nor was what was expected from a skilled courtier as her.
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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 Apr 12, 2012 5:27:59 GMT -5
Kamo for his part, knew what his role in the situation was. He kept quiet, he stayed behind Tomoko, and he was ready to kill anything that tried to harm her, or die trying.
He looked at Tomoko for several minutes at a time while she spoke, watching the news unfold, and then she turned it over to Keisuke and he watched the Lion regent. Kamo was a hard man, but easy to read, his attention to duty was absolute; anyone could see this. And as Keisuke had no questions or remarks for him, he kept his own council.
Then Tomoko started to flounder a bit, and he thought he should intervene, but she caught herself again. So he kept his neutral stance.
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Akodo Sosa
Lion Clan
Lion Clan Samurai * Akodo Bushi * Tactician * Paragon * Chui
Posts: 56
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Post by Akodo Sosa on Apr 13, 2012 11:55:52 GMT -5
Watching her commander from outside of the tent, Matsu Mina narrowed her eyes at the Lion samurai approaching him. Something was not right about them at all, and when one of them drew his blade on Akodo Sosa, it was merely a confirmation of her suspicions.
It took all of her willpower not to draw her own katana and rush with all her Berserker fury to Sosa's defense, but she knew she had a greater priority and duty. Though the words the Crane spoke to the Regent were not for her ears, she would apologise later for disturbing them.
Mina burst into the tent.
"Daimyo-sama. There are enemies in the camp. We are attacked."
With that duty done, she swept outside and let out her Matsu warcry.
(Apologies if this thread and Swift Sword one aren't supposed to be in sync. In my mind they are and it's what Mina would do. If it's a mistake, let me know, and I'll delete this post and have Mina help Sosa).
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Post by Kakita Tomoko on Apr 15, 2012 20:35:44 GMT -5
OCC: That's ok for me, and if Keisuke is ok with that, he can feel free to move the posts from this thread in order to make it absorbed by the other thread). Anyway, I think it's not my turn to post... ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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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 Apr 18, 2012 17:21:57 GMT -5
OOC going to advance towards the withdraw, I think it might be easier on everyone involved.
As Keisuke began to rise to his feet, there was a hissing sound on the then suddenly a thunderous boom went racing through the night. Keisuke mind raced, and he bit his lip as gained control over his thoughts.
Lady Kakita Tomoko and Kamo-san, it appears our time together maybe cut short. he paused wanting, for as much as he wanted to protect the Cranes their next move was their own. I want to see you to safety, but if the Dragon are attacking the camp then Lord Toturi maybe retreating his forces to the River, so you may join us or take your chances with the Dragon given that your clan is still loyal to the Hantei line the Dragon may see no harm come to you. He looked from Kamo back to Tomoko, not sure what coarse they would take.
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Post by Kakita Tomoko on Apr 18, 2012 19:41:46 GMT -5
The intense heat and the sounds coming from outside were the clear announce of tonight’s outcome. Tomoko, though, was taken by panic. She just didn’t know what to do. The Kakita courtier turned to her faithful yojimbo, pleading with her eyes for an advice from an experienced Daidoji warrior. She was sure he should know what to do.
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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 Apr 24, 2012 4:56:40 GMT -5
Kamo was stirred quickly from his onui that had taken him while the two were speaking by the sounds coming from outside the tent. Without a thought crossing his mind, his arm went for his katana, and he stepped up to Tomoko so that he could move her as necessary. Keisuke spoke, and all Kamo thought was 'either way, we have to move', and then Tomoko looked up at him, her near glowing eyes searching his face for something. Inside, all he could think to do was shrug, but he had to maintain his cool in front of everyone else.
"My lady, I was not chosen to lead this mission, so I can not direct us, but if you are looking for my advice, I would say that we are not well enough to travel on our own reliably. Whatever your choice is, I shall protect you with my very life, no matter what."
There was something calm and reassuring in his voice. Something about the absolute truth that he was sure that he would die before she did. So as long as he was alive, she would be too. But he left the choice in her hands, perhaps for more than one reason.
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