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Post by Shoju on Apr 13, 2012 6:40:40 GMT -5
Yamuso shook his head no. "No, I never had the fortune of meeting Warai-sama before his death." He adjusted his obi and continued. "I was near Toshi Ranbo when the Spider arrived. I was meeting a samurai, to help ascertain who or what had been terrorizing a Lion Village to the west. After we finished, I stumbled upon the Camp of Spider who had come to Toshi Ranbo. They thought me a spy, and I was brought for questioning in front of a terrific being. In exchange for sparing my life, he asked me to watch the Crab.
Yamuso held his head a little high as if indignant at some whispered insult. "That terrific being may have beeen many things, including a blight upon the empire, but I don't believe that his intentions at that time were anything but what he had laid out to the court. I believe he whole heartedly wished to side with the Empire, and prove his worth. When I attempted to contact him, I learned that he had been destroyed by the Master of Secrets. "
Yamuso folded his arms, and stood stoic. "I have learned many things Kakita-sama, including what you say. I also learned that Proof and Blame are as estranged as myself and Warai-sama, unfortunately."
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 13, 2012 10:59:50 GMT -5
"Oh, how I wish he was, Yamuso." She gazed at his strange inexpressive face, finding she was becoming used to it too fast to her liking. Mitsouko wondered if the Empire could be used to "Spider's face", someday, as the thoughts of those past event mentioned by the former Dragon mixed in her mind with his figure. "But, I think I'd like to hear about this interesting meeting as well, if you feel like telling me, of course." She said, "though I think I may be stealing your time" and she smile to both monks.
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Post by Shoju on Apr 13, 2012 11:39:41 GMT -5
"As long as no bandits appear for me to cut down, I've got all the time in the world Kakita-sama." Yamuso quipped with a slight grin on his lips. "I had just finished with the investigation with the samurai. We had found the ogre deep in the woods, and the Samurai felled it from behind as I lured the beast through tangle of trees. After the beast was down, the townspeople quickly flooded the area, and praised him for destroying the beast. While he dealt with the populace, I worked my way deeper into the thicket, looking to make sure that there had been but one beast. As I pressed deeper, I came too close to the Spider encampment on the other side of the clearing. A Shugenja and 2 guards were upon me with lightning quick reflexes. They caught me, and took me in front of the men who led them." Yamuso closed his eyes, and thought for a moment.
"There was The Tsukai, his bride, and a another man, who had spent his time brooding in the back of the tent. He spoke little, but I can only assume it was a man of some import, what with lounging in the command tent of the Spider. Anyway, The Tsukai accused me of scouting them out, of being there to judge the size of their force, to assure that the other clans could wipe them out swiftly. He opened his eyes, a fearful expression on his face. "He never believed me that I was simply there dealing with a local town. But he promised, if I would keep an eye on the Crab for him, and keep him alive at all costs through the coming battle, my life would be spared. He told me that if I failed, I would wish for death. Yamuso's eyes were playful. "I had thought of telling him I wished for death for twenty years, and never felt its embrace, but that wouldn't have allowed me to live. I agreed, and I followed the Crab until we were captured, I stayed as close as I could while the Lion detained him. But then I was released. Given my weapons, told I was free to go.
"I had heard stories of the Tsukai's failings, and his attempt to broker peace with the Phoenix and Ox, only to be ambushed, and destroyed by the Master of Secrets based on some blood fued between the two. " Yamuso paused, thinking about the Tsukai, and his machinations. What a poor misguided soul Yamuso thought. " When I tried to contact him through the crystal he had given me, I found no response." Yamuso shrugged. and thought for a moment.
"You say you wish he was destroyed, as if you thought I meant dead." Yamuso smirked " That man had a weakness. Death was not one of them. I assure you, he was destroyed. Anything left in the ashes is not the man who led the Spider at Toshi Ranbo, nor the man who sought an ancient birthright. That man is gone. Destroyed, most assuredly as his bride was incinerated." Yamuso looked up thoughtfully. " His tale was one of tragedy, and loss. If my tale was one of will, and the ability to succeed, his is a tale of woe. My will saved me and led me to perfection. His will.... Well, he never could control it."
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 15, 2012 20:27:24 GMT -5
I wished to be sad for his destiny, but I think I can't. Mitsouko spoke, pondering over the words Yamuso just spoke. Also, I wished your reasons to be at the Western Gate were not a debt to this man. Anyway, Yamuso, I thank you for what you made. But, as we are talking about when the “Spider clan” was presented to both sons of Toturi as both were two different and legitimate emperors, and their loyalty was offered in exchange of recognition… That was intriguing... I wonder if the Spider will try something in that style in the future... Sometimes i wonder what would have happened if they chose to present their oath to just one of them...
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Post by Shoju on Apr 16, 2012 6:09:56 GMT -5
"Kakita-sama, we were all at the Western Gate out of a debt to a man. " Yamuso could see her distaste for the Tsukai. " My debt just happened to be to a madman."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 16, 2012 11:15:53 GMT -5
Taking advantage of an opening in the conversation, Omigawa finally spoke. "Honor is a wonderful concept, Kakita-sama," Omigawa said, "but too often I've seen samurai who claim to be honorable act in a questionable manner." He shrugged. "To answer your question; certainly there is room for honor in any quest for enlightenment, but it is not something I will force my brothers to adhere to." He smirked. "If there is one thing I have learned, it's that honor is more often a hindrance to victory in battle than not. The enemies we face certainly will not fight with honor, why should we?"
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 16, 2012 17:02:24 GMT -5
Mitsouko showed her dimples to Yamuso’s statement. Maybe he wasn’t too attached to his new path, after all. Indeed, Yamuso. All of us were, in some fashion. And of course, she said turning to Omigawa, battles have their own honor code. It doesn’t seem related to the daily basis honor expected from a rokugani… But then, again, I have to agree… though I like to know if I can count on other person’s given word, to begin with. Isn’t honor the principle of an oath? Isn’t it the principle of loyalty?
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Apr 17, 2012 8:06:28 GMT -5
Hitoshi couldn't help himself from being drawn into the conversation. "Forgive me for intruding, but I believe that honour is more than just a concept; it is like the air we breathe and the water we drink - an elemental part of our very make up. And simply because some samurai do not live up to the standards expected of us does not invalidate it, or make it any less worth striving to achieve.
"As for honour in combat, whilst I know that the Crab and the Scorpion favour a more... pragmatic fighting style, they are still honourable combatants. I would expect quite a reaction from them if you challenged them on it! If we fight without honour, we become lesser for it."
There was a fire in the young Kakita's eyes, talking about a subject that he was passionate about, and for the moment his other worries were forgotten.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 17, 2012 9:54:30 GMT -5
"Yamuso-san has told me of the incident with the Spider lobbying for great clan status," Omigawa said. "A foolish move, but it is not my place to judge. I'm sure in time, their place in the celestial order will be established, whether that place be among the clans as equals, or oblivion."
Omigawa faced the newcomer to the conversation, noted the fire in his eyes. "Of course, Kakita-sama," he said to Hitoshi, with a nod of deference. "To live a life of honor is indeed a noble goal." Omigawa's eyes narrowed slightly. "I simply choose not to expect it from anyone."
"As for loyalty, Kakita-sama," he said, addressing Mitsouko, "I've found that one can be loyal without being entirely honorable. Just ask the Scorpion." Omigawa cocked his head to the side, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "You seem a rather pragmatic sort yourself, Kakita-sama," he said. "What are your thoughts on honor, if I may ask?"
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Post by Shoju on Apr 17, 2012 10:08:16 GMT -5
Yamuso eyed the Kakita who spoke while Omigawa replied, and then responded. "Honor is like the air you breathe?" his question carrying a sarcastic tone. "If you needed honor the way that you need air, then my dear Kakita, The Empire would be lost." Yamuso held his head high, his eyes looking darker than they had.
"There are horrors in this world outside of your caste. Not every foe will hold your tenants of Bushido close to their heart." His eyes never left the Kakita, a weak man would shudder under the gaze. "The question you have to ask yourself is simple. Is your death at the hands of your foe, while clinging to your honor, acceptable?" Yamuso looked at Omigawa. "I have yet to face such a foe."
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2012 16:27:26 GMT -5
Maybe I am pragmatic... for a Kakita. But… My father was a pragmatic man, I was meant from childhood to marry a Hida, and my early years after gempukku were on a Daidoji unit, so I hope it explains a bit my life approach. And about honor… it’s a guiding line, and I can’t deny it seems to oscillate like a candle exposed to the cold air, when exposed to basic needs and deep passions. Then her focus changed a little to Hitoshi and his passionate speech.
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Kakita Hitoshi
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Apr 17, 2012 18:07:28 GMT -5
Hitoshi had opened his mouth to reply to Yamuso, but hearing Mitsouko's words it snapped shut again. He stared at her for a moment, then very softly repeated what she said.
"A guiding line that oscillates like a candle in the wind when exposed to basic needs and deep passions? I'm not sure I understand my daimyo."
He was very still, and the tension in the air was palpable.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2012 18:39:28 GMT -5
What I meant, Hitoshi-san, is that for some it is clear and illuminates the path ahead; for others, depending on what life shows them, a dim light that can help little, but is still there to guide, if you wish to trust it enough. But… I think it’s time to go. It was indeed a very very entertaining conversation, gentlemen. She said while leaving the chair. I am going to Benten Seido and soon wish to reach The Kakita Castle, where, I guess, you can find me if you wish to have another nice conversation with a pragmatic Kakita like myself. I think both have much to think about our casual meeting, neh? At least I do.
Mitsouko thought it was time to leave, before Hitoshi, who was acting weird since they came from Shadowlands, let his deep passions command his actions. A Kakita's flaw, for sure. And thought how the sohei intrigued her. Spies? Assassins? True monks? She wasn't sure of anything, but she would soon. But not now.
And as I proposed, for this fine conversation you have my word that this sohei group will have the supplies needed while in Kakita soil. From her netsuke she took a signet ring. As soon as you provide me paper and ink, I guess.
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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 Apr 18, 2012 6:19:22 GMT -5
He considered her reply, briefly wondering which he was, before smiling tautly. "You are wise as always my daimyo." He then turned to the sohei.
"Unfortunately, speaking as someone much further from enlightenment than your goodselves, we will have to agree to disagree."
Bowing to Mitsouko he moved towards the exit of the tent. "With your permission Lady Kakita" - it suddenly struck her that he was always using her formal titles nowadays - "I think I need some fresh air." Waiting to hear any last comments he left. Hitoshi was gripped with an overpowering need to kill something, and wasn't sure where the urge was coming from.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Apr 18, 2012 7:46:01 GMT -5
Omigawa pushed off of the table. "Of course, Kakita-sama, I am sure you are a busy woman." He bowed. "There is one other thing, if I may," he said. "One of my brothers returned to the camp with an interesting story," he said. "A sailor he spoke to swore that he had just recently taken a party of samurai to the shores of the Shadowlands and back." He shrugged. "By all accounts the man was quite drunk, but my brother swore that his insistence proved his sincerity."
"I'm sure you can imagine how much more complicated our task would become if a party of samurai managed to bring some sort of spawn of Jigoku from beyond the Wall into this province," he said gravely. "Would you happen to know if there is any truth to this rumor, Kakita-sama?"
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