Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 17, 2012 5:50:29 GMT -5
OCC: It's open, it has free food and beverage, so enjoy yourselves. It has no restrictions, but well, you know, if you set fire in the bride's dress, maybe you can suffer the consequences....
Also, it takes place after "On the Shores" thread and circa 2 weeks after CoSS Battle. Everyone wishing to come is welcome, except to the openly declared Spider characters or maho tsukai. Though, nobody said you can't come in disguise...
After the recent events in Rokugan, where only the seasons were immutable and the Smith's might could change hands with either epic battles or whispered plots, the spring morning showed some hope, and was as perfect as possible for the ceremony. The ceremony itself was performed in Michi ni Mayotta Musume Irie, which was highly auspicious. As usual, the ceremony had only with the presence of the closest family members, so it was expected that Battou's parents and siblings were present, as well as Mitsouko's beloved ones. Though, she had no close relatives alive, except for Daidoji Ryo, her cousin. Kakita Sojiro, who she considered a brother, was supposed to be there as well, but maybe he didn't make it in time. After that, the couple left in a small boat cortege to the continent, where the shores were crowded by their family members wishing a blessed marriage. Of course it was a very festive day, when the populace and low ranked samurai would also have their share of celebration; then the newly married couple was escorted to the castle were the main celebration was meant to take place. Dignitaries from every clan, including Toturists, were invited, as it could be an opening for fresh conversations about a possible and wide Peace between sides. The Celebration party was placed in The Crysanthemum Bride Manor*, the very home of Kakita Mitsouko, the wide and luxurious estate where she was born. It wasn't exactly a Castle, but easily could be turned into one. It was prepared with many rooms and pavilions decorated by the finest Artisans from the Clan, and the Gardens were open to the guests as well. There was plenty of entertainment. And, as was expected from the noble guests present, the required courtesy due their station. However, it was a such grandiose event that something could be missed by the strategically positioned guards. * a description here: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cranhq&thread=774&page=1#10941
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Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
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Post by Zeure on Apr 17, 2012 17:28:05 GMT -5
Kakita Battou was dressed in his finest attire, in truth, the only thing that could be recognized as something he had ever wore before was the cloak patterned after a starry night sky, worn over the traditional-style wedding kimono. He was happily cheering and reveling with the rest of the people in attendance, and truly had never looked happier.
Several people decided that this was an excellent opportunity to inquire after his former playboy lifestyle, but Battou made no other comment aside from an occasional reference to something that he had always been searching for and finally found.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Apr 18, 2012 9:42:31 GMT -5
The Kitsune Daimyo’s arrival was not as grandeur as some of the larger families. His party was compromised of two people as his sister was already there. Daichi was dressed in something simple yet complex. At first glance it would appear as a simple kimono that was redish brown with green trim. On closer inspection one would see the trim was compromised of intercut interweaving animal designs. He wore an eye patch over his discolored eye to try and avoid invoking people’s superstitions over his evil eye.
The other man who was with him was rather round to say the least about his girth. He was all but bald with a small patch of salt and paper hair. He wore simple black and white kimono. Dark circles covered his eyes as if from little sleep but they were to large to be from lack of sleep. He did not speak very much and when he did his sentences were long, drawn out and gruff. Daichi spoke for the man most of the time when he was questioned.
Yumi was already there. She was dressed not that dissimilarly from her brother. It seemed their tastes overlapped when it came to formal dress. Her kimono however was slightly more elaborate but at the current moment was in a bit of disarray. Someone had left the Kitsune woman unattended and her instincts kicked in. She was off where no one was watching setting up jokes.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2012 19:34:44 GMT -5
Mitsouko’s skin was painted in pure white and was wearing a heavy and elaborated wig, which was adorned with luxurious overly decorated hairpins. The first kimono to be used in the kekkon hiroen was, of course, red with embroidered cranes and peonies; the uchikake was meant to drag after her, over the other layered five kimono.
I heard your mother made sure the two young samurai-ko serving our sake in the ritual weren’t your friends… so it increased the chances that they were truly virgins... She whispered to her husband with a malicious and teasing tone. And hell, I hate being tied like a roll in this garment. Can’t move properly. And with this heavy thing in my head! Here, Batt.. husband, help me to get off of the dais and let’s light up the candles for the guests… I envy your kimono...
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Apr 18, 2012 23:39:48 GMT -5
Kakita Battou looked over and smiled at new bride. It was a smile of levity, but with a wry little twist to the corner of his mouth.
"Ah, yes, I would never envy a bride at a wedding, especially one as rich as you, able to afford these..." *he tugged lightly at one of her sleeves while bracing her against his arms* "... fine clothes."
He chuckled under his breath, enjoying watching his wife struggle all because of tradition and the way things are supposed to be. But he helped her down, just as she asked, and they moved out together into the room. Battou stopped for a moment to greet Kitsune Daichi formerly, as they had never met before now.
"Welcome to the party, Kitsune-san. We are pleased that even people of different bearings could make it to our celebration."
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Apr 19, 2012 9:04:50 GMT -5
“Thank you Kakita-sama…” Daichi replied while giving a bow, the man accompanying him not even giving the slightest motion. “If you must know, we Kitsune are not ones to miss a party, especially a wedding…” He added a grin to that last part referring to the Kitsune’s duty to recording lineages and maintaining accurate histories of the people.
“I have met your wife but I must say I have not met you. I am Kitsune Daichi, brother to Kitsune Yumi and Moshi Modori, son of Kitsune Shino and current daimyo of the Kitsune This is…” He motioned to the man who was with him. His movements showed great respect and reverence. “Takeyabu-sama, a promise was made and he is here to fulfill it but he tells me that only half is here.”
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 19, 2012 18:10:05 GMT -5
OCC:. Well played, Poxo. Thanks to bring it back to the play! By the way, I PMed Shodai to see if he can show up. Would be perfectly embarrassing! Mitsouko, helped by an aide, lighted up a lantern and gave it to both guests, in the traditional gesture to offer to the honored guests the couple’s warmth and friendship, bowing in respect for their presence in the celebration.. I’m very happy you attended our celebration, Daichi-san. Your family is very dear for me, you should know. Also, we finally meet in most auspicious times… may the spring blossoms bring what we both wish… peace and happiness. She smiled, giving the other guest the same bow Daichi gave to him. If Daichi was showing respect to the man, he was surely a holy man. Your are very welcome, Takeyabu-sama. Thank you for coming. He was intriguing, but she can’t recognize him. Though Daichi’s words puzzled her, so she turned to the Kitsune daimyo. A promise? Forgive me if I look confused, it's not my intention, I used to have an excellent memory, but… Only half of what?
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Apr 19, 2012 23:45:11 GMT -5
As Daichi made his formal introduction and asked for a return, and while Mitsouko was lighting the lanter, Battou bowed to him, with his one arm still bracing Mitsouko so that she could maintain.
"Your reputation is known to me through Kitsune Yumi-san. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Kakita Battou, Master smith and Duelist of the Kakita family."
Then Mitsouko handed off the lanterns, continuing to follow tradition, and Battou just watched her move, so elegant, so proper. Then she asked her questions and Battou just looked on to both Daichi and Takeyabu to see what answers came forth.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Apr 20, 2012 8:43:27 GMT -5
“Takeyabu-sama’s aid at the incident at Sea Watch Castle…” Daichi said rather quizzically, raising the eyebrow over his eye patch. “Have you forgotten or were you not informed? He was to be a guest at your wedding in return for his aid in sending Agasha-sama into his home. And speaking of my sister, where is she?” He added the last part looking around.
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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 24, 2012 2:27:04 GMT -5
Kakita Hitoshi sat in a corner, alone and brooding, whilst his wife did her best to ensure that their house came across well.
Kimanai came up to Mitsouko and Battou and bowed deeply. When there was a natural pause in their ocnversation with the Kitsune she came up with a radiant smile. "Many congratulations to you both! Hitoshi-chan and I wish you all peace and prosperity for the future together."
She looked at Daichi and continued "Daichi-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kakita Kimanai. May I say that your sister looks absolutely beautiful today? I must find out how she did her hair. If you see her do pass her my regards."
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Apr 24, 2012 5:05:46 GMT -5
Battou was quick to nod his head towards one of his clan-mates as they approached, and he just smiled when she offered her congratulations. Battou, for the most part, was pretty unaware what happened at sea-watch, since he was finishing off some of his training at the time, however he looked at Takeyabu with the thought that he MIGHT know what was going on.
As Kimanai was making her peace to Daichi, Battou also looked around for Yumi, but did not find her. Almost under his breath, he mumbled "I could have sworn I just saw her here...." Then his voice rose after Kimanai had finished: "I'm sorry, Kitsune-san, I must have lost track of her while I was attending to my lovely wife..."
But he continued to look around for her.
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Agasha Shodai
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 24, 2012 21:08:48 GMT -5
OOC: Long one, sorry!
A man with a thick eyepatch over his left eye with a long scar above and below the patch - suggesting he'd lost his eye to a katana cut in an honorable duel - and a wiry mustache and goatee that fell from his chin to the top of the Phoenix Clan mon painstakingly welded onto the front of his armor approached the Chrysanthemum Bride Manor. A fringe of white hair was visible under a thick fire-resistant cap many smiths wore to protect their head and hair from the fire of their forge. The man openly carried a rare, black steel Kaiu blade - a sign of supreme respect for a non-Crab samurai as the Kaiu only forged 300 of those katana every year - that bore his name: Shiba Shugo.
Anyone who'd ever encountered the wandering Phoenix sword- and armorsmith knew him as a hard man - as firm and unrelenting as the steel he forged - that was on a quest to forge the "perfect" katana and suit of armor. The smith had been known to spend weeks forging a single plate on a suit of armor to be certain that it met his exacting specifications... While this could be inconvenient for people in a hurry to get their item and go, it should be noted that an item made of "Shugo's steel," on average, lasted twice as long through normal wear-and-tear usage.
But the bride currently celebrating her wedding knew Shiba Shugo by another name - Void Master Agasha Shodai. The smith's appearance - the scar and eyepatch were a work of fiction created with actor-grade makeup and he'd allowed his normally clean-shaven face to go to seed - and attitude was so drastically different from that of her lover - and secret father of her as-yet unborn child - that Kakita Mitsouko would be unlikely to recognize him unless she looked into his "good" eye and saw the love and affection there.
It was a necessary fiction on Shodai's part... As the "wronged" party - since the Crane had aborted an agreed-upon omiai and were marrying the Kakita Daimyo off before the Phoenix could arrange for a re-negotiation - the Void Master would lose too much face to openly attend the wedding or the reception...
But on the other hand, having been unable to see or talk to his Mitsouko-sa since that terrible, wonderful night at Winter Court when she'd lambasted him and banished him from her sight. Since then Shodai had thrown himself into his work at ending the war as fast - and with the fewest number of needless deaths - as possible... Hoping - praying, really - that Mitsouko would finally relent in her prideful ire and allow him back into her life.
When word had generally circulated that Kakita Mitsouko was marrying Kakita Battou, those closest to the Void Master had expected him to take it hard... Which he did; outwardly, at least. Though Mitsouko-sa had been too angry to tell him, Shodai had learned that wonderful, terrible night at Kyuden Otomo that their love had resulted in a bit of a miracle... Mitsouko was pregnant with Shodai's child. A secret that Shodai had not breathed to anyone else - not even Isawa Tetsuro, his closest confidant.
Agasha had known, in his heart, that his love's ill-tempered words hadn't been her true feelings and that this "marriage" was a cover to hide the fact that Mitsouko had gotten pregnant without being married; a cultural taboo made worse given her status in the Kuge caste. Shodai *KNEW*, without a shred of doubt, that Mitsouko was getting married to protect the child born of their secret love; it would be ungrateful of him to not respect her actions...
No matter how much it hurt to witness them. It was the way of the samurai to embrace pain rather than run from it.
He'd made sure to be late, however... The sight of Mitsouko having to exchange the vows Shodai'd hoped to share with her with another man would have probably resulted in a rage-fueled inter-Clan incident involving at least one death and the kidnapping of a daimyo.
He was only human, after all...
"Shugo" was proceeded by a small, but heavily laden wagon - looking no more important than a mere yojimbo hired at random - carrying a young woman wearing an elegant blue-green kimono emblazoned with a Mantis crest, but lacking a family mon. Though the woman's mixed purple and white braids pinned up in an elegant coiffure it was a face Kakita Mitsouko would recognize instantly: Moshi Kimiko, the Mantis shugenja that thought of Agasha Shodai as an older brother.
The exiled Moshi girl had hit a bit of an emotional growth spurt as a result of the war. She was still a free spirit, but after having to pretend to be a Toturi loyalist in her role as a spy in the Mantis fleet - replacing a shugenja who'd died when a warship had broken up unexpectedly - she had finally come to truly understand the importance of being calm and knowing how to blend in.
As they reached the gates, Kimiko presented the invitation she'd recieved - Mitsouko had sent them to all of the members of the shugenja team that had assisted in the defeat of the Isshin-no-Oni - and the two of them were admitted instantly. The Phoenix members had been unable to attend - citing that they were needed on the battlefront - and Asahina Ino had retired to a monestary following the battle in hopes of finding emotional peace through Enlightenment at the loss of Asako Inugami - the member of the group who'd been killed during the battle.
As they reached the place to leave the wagon, "Shiba Shugo" set down a footstool to allow the Mantis shugenja to climb down without difficulty. "Gratitude, Phoenix-san."[/b] Kimiko said off-handedly, having gotten accustomed during the past week's travel to not fall of character where "Shugo" was concerned. "Bring the chest with my gifts for Kakita-sama and follow me."[/b]
Shodai/Shugo nodded. "Hai, Kimiko-sama."[/b] He agreed with a deep rasp - as if his throat had been damaged from breathing in too much smoke and heat from the forge - that came from a particularly vile-tasting concoction he had in a small hip flask.
The "Shiba" grabbed the heavy trunk that was on the edge of the wagon and followed behind the Moshi girl, walking slowly behind her and focusing on making his mystical footprint "small" and keep any shugenja in attendance from being able to recognize him as one of their own. Only someone whose senses transcended Ningendo - like a spirit or a Void shugenja - would realize what he was doing.
As they reached the main reception area and they waited their turn to greet the "happy" couple, Shodai glanced around the room with his "good" eye as best he could, recognizing the occasional face: Kakita Hitoshi and his new bride, the Kitsune family daimyo... and Takeyabu-sama, the panda spirit of the Mori Isawa, in his human guise.
The Void Master almost faltered in his step as he realized that the forest dweller wouldn't have realized the difference between the wedding of Shodai and Mitsouko and the one of Mitsouko and Battou... How do you explain the complexities of human deals to one whose concern begins and ends with the protection of the realm of Chikushudo? The Void Master could only hope that he'd be able to talk to the spirit before he gave away Shodai's presence at the celebration.
"By the 8 Kami and the Seven Fortunes, you look absolutely divine in that, Kakita-sama!"[/b] Kimiko said, her hero worship of the female Kakita Daimyo coming through despite the calm tone in her voice, as the duo reached the area where Kakita Mitsouko was lighting the traditional wedding lamps and handing them out. Kimiko gave a respectful bow to the white-faced Kakita Family Daimyo while "Shiba Shugo" set the heavy trunk down and dropping to one knee as part of his bow. "Shugo," while a samurai, was on the bottom-most rung of the Buke class - opting to be overly respectful...
It would also delay any chance of Mitsouko being able to identify him.
"It's hard to believe it's been nearly a year since we last saw each other, Mitsouko-sama..."[/b] She smiled her slightly impish smile. "I almost wonder if you recognize me..?"[/b]
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Apr 26, 2012 0:26:43 GMT -5
Daichi Bowed to Kimanai in greeting. He seemed to do this a lot for someone of his station. It seemed as habits he never got rid of. "Thank you, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. I must say you are of no small beauty yourself. I shall pass the message to my sister as soon as she turns up."
Daichi brought his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose as he added his train of thought on his sister. "If I know her I am going to have to apologize in advance. Though at least she is here. For awhile there I feared she had gone missing."
Takeyabu did not return the look. He seemed rather disinterested with everything or at least what was happening now. However, his eyes did turn when the latest entourage arrived. He ignored the one who spoke as the locked onto the who seemed to be trying to hide his face. At the moment nothing beyond his gaze gave anything away.
It was then that Yumi entered the area. She had on a big beaming grin on her face that anyone knew her personally would know that no good was to come. She bounced slightly with her steps as she tried to fix her kimono back into a proper alignment and attempted to avoid notice.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 26, 2012 4:59:12 GMT -5
Ahhhhhh... honto? It was hard to say if Mitsouko was blushing with all that make up, but was hard to her hide her embarrassment after the information. No, she wasn’t made aware of the fact, but now Daichi gave her a clue Takeyabu was someone from Chikushudo… and was expecting to find Agasha Shodai instead of Kakita Battou here. What of course, wouldn’t happen. It was a truly, truly, embarrassing situation. Anyway, Takeyabu-sama is MY guest due my respect granting me shelter in his home, neh? Thank you very much, again. She bowed again. Before anything else could be replied, Hitoshi’s spouse joined them. She was happy though Mitsouko took a quick glance to the somber figure of her shireikan in a corner. She wasn’t sure Hitoshi was truly recovered from both the refusal to marry Doji Mikado and, also, from their travel to Shadowlands… as he was acting very strangely lately. Out of concern, she surrounded her once dutiful shireikan from vigilant people to make sure Hitoshi wasn’t tainted beyond hope. But, it didn't escaped from her perception that the once Serene Maiden wasn’t that serene anymore, so it was probably an advantage of a fortunate matching marriage. At least, for one of them. Thank you very much, Kimanai-san. That’s what I wish for you and Hitoshi-san as well. And yes, isn’t she? Though in a corner of her mind, Mitsouko was still concerned in how to explain to Takeyabu all the nuances of this marriage. And…Would he be really interested in her half-truths and pathetic excuses anyway? But, again, before she could think in a better reply, Kimiko came, and though she was very happy the young Moshi shugenja was able to attend her marriage, her presence reminded Mitsouko of Shodai. Thank you Kimiko-san. You look absolutely gorgeous as well, and the time is only doing good for you! Please, let me introduce everyone. This is Takeyabu-sama, he came from far lands and is my guest of honor. Also, Kitsune Daichi, The Kitsune family daimyo and great shugenja and hero of Seawatch Castle Battle, when Crane and Mantis fought together against a common enemy. Kakita Kimanai, spouse of Shireikan Kakita Hitoshi, great hero of Seawatch Castle as well. And this is my husband, Kakita Battou, Guardian of Metal, Kakita Blade Artisan, and a long term personal friend. Then she presented the newcomer to the others. This is Moshi Kimiko, a skillful shugenja, fought along Crane and Phoenix against the same odd we faced in Seawatch Castle, and since then, we are friends. Maybe she was becoming a bit dizzy, but then Yumi showed up, trying not to bring attention to herself and getting the opposite effect.
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Zeure
Crane Clan
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Post by Zeure on Apr 26, 2012 6:21:36 GMT -5
Battou watched his new bride spin in the thoughts that were suddenly very present in her mind, and also from all the people; she moved very delicately for a moment, but quickly regained her posture, it was one of the many things he admired about her. Then he followed her gaze towards the newly (re)arrived Kitsune Yumi, and wasted no time in pointing her out to Daichi.
"Oh! There is Yumi-san, Kitsune Daichi-san." *He points to Yumi* "She is right over there!"
He noticed the grin on her face, but did not know her well enough to make anything of it.
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