Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 26, 2012 17:59:06 GMT -5
Moshi Kimiko smiled - as if secretly afraid Mitsouko wouldn't have really remembered her - and bowed respectfully to the assorted guests as they were introduced. The gaze of the thunder shugenja, who had recently won her entrance into the ranks of the Storm Riders despite being exiled from the Moshi Family, lingered briefly on Kakita Battou before returning to Mitsouko. The bride could see a slightly perplexed look in Kimiko's violet eyes for a moment before she blinked as she remembered where she was and not ask the question in her mind aloud.
All in all, a major improvement from the young girl that would usually blurt her thoughts aloud without a second thought about context or propriety.
"I heard somewhere that it is customary to give gifts related to the code of Bushido to a newly married bushi couple. So when I recieved your invitation, Mitsouko-sama, I focused on which of the Virtues stood out as ones that our beautiful bride here embodies and tried to pick appropriately..."[/b] She smiled wanly at Kakita Battou. "I would have done the same for you, Battou-sama, but I'm afraid we've never met before, so I hope that they will work well for the both of you."[/b]
She turned back to Kakita Mitsouko. "When I think of how the Kakita Family's Daimyo embodies the code of Bushido, two things pop to my mind: Yu and Chugo."
"I met Mitsouko-sama shortly after she recieved word that she was to be the new Daimyo for the Kakita and right away I was the way she jumped right into her newly added duties and quickly inspired the loyalty of the soldiers that had gathered at Kostaten Shiro into following her before they'd had the chance to learn more than just her name, let alone her skill as a leader."[/b] Kimiko paused as if expecting something, but nothing happened. She then looked down at her companion. "Shugo-kun?"[/b] She said, slightly louder as if talking to a man that was half deaf.
"Shiba Shugo" blinked his good eye and opened the chest he'd carried into the hall. "Apologies, Kimiko-sama..."[/b] The disguised Agasha Shodai said in "Shugo's" deep, rough voice.
From within the case, he withdrew a pair of Crane Blue obi sashes that bore the kanji for the Seven Virtues of Bushido embroidered in golden thread on one side and, on the other, a scene of a lone samurai - female on one, male on the other - standing at the head of a small army. He handed the sashes up to the shugenja girl, stealing a glance at Mitsouko - barely more than a flicker of the eye - as he did so.
"There is a very poinant story behind these sashes. There was a man in the Mantis Clan - an ardent Toturist - who, despite the objections of his Hanteist wife, did his duty and came north to make war on the Crane Clan. The man's ship landed to take part of a battle, but they were quickly defeated by a unit of soldiers lead by Mitsouko-sama. During the brief skirmish, the man broke his leg and was left for dead by his shipmates. He was found, barely conscious, by Mitsouko-sama's men and captured."
"As they carried him to the Kakita's camp, he began to fear that they were going to torture him for information..."[/b] Kimiko smiled. "Instead, he was met by Mitsouko-sama, who displayed Rei and Jin - Courtesy and Compassion - to him, an enemy combantant, by arranging to have his injuries treated and sent home on the condition that, on his honor, he would, for the remainder of the war, bring no harm to the Crane. The man agreed to her terms and was sent on his way..."[/b]
Kimiko paused to take a breath. "I happened to be in the village the man and his wife live in on the day he returned home in a ship bearing Crane colors and waving a flag of peace. It was the same day, the Fortunes would have it, that I recieved word of Mitsouko-sama's marriage. I took it as a sign from the Heavens that I would acquire a suitable gift for Mitsouko-sama from whoever the man suggested I meet with. I was right as it turned out that the man's wife was a weaver..."[/b] She paused for effect. "And not just a weaver, but a former Kakita woman who'd married into the Mantis Clan shortly before the war began! And when she asked me who the gift was for, I could see in the wife's eyes that she wanted to do it, but was about to demure because she knew her husband's politics..."[/b]
She paused again. "That is, until the man himself insisted that she do them and told us both the story. This gift to wish our couple happiness exists solely because of how Kakita Mitsouko-sama embodies four of the seven Virtues of Bushido..."[/b] Kimiko said, hefting the two obi in her hands.
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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 Apr 26, 2012 20:39:48 GMT -5
Mitsouko listened to Komiko with a rather surprised look in her face. I did nothing a noble Mantis samurai wouldn’t do if in my place, in the same situation. Politics has nothing to do with cruelty. But it was probably at the begin of this war, we had a hard time trying to figure the difference between political views and bushido. I won’t allow my men to use such vile subterfuges. Though, I cannot accept this offering. It was only my duty, to say so. I found the same sympathy, if not a better one, when it was my turn to be held hostage. She smiled; it was not a shame for her to have been held captive by Mantis. In that occasion, they acted very differently from the image of thuggish pirates that part of Rokugan still believed they were. Mantis, in fact, had been the committed with the well being of war refugees and though did not break their word to Kaneka’s alliance, wasn’t engaged in battling in the way other rebels clans were. Which was good. Mantis, as Crane and Scorpion, knew what true enemy was lurking behind the fog this stupid civil war produced. She refused the gift for three times, before accepting it. I’ll take it as a token of your friendship, and nothing else. Your lively presence here was enough for me, Kimiko-san. Also, your kind words picture me as someone I don’t believe I am. I am far from ideal on what Bushido teachings leads a dedicated samurai. Mitsouko bowed, shortly after inspecting with carefully appreciation the silken surface of her gift. And this story is so lovely! The contrary happened to Crane as wel: our talented Daidoji Ryumon was born into Mantis and married to our Regents’ sister few months ago. And you, Kimiko-san? Are you ready for this great step? Mitsouko turned, keeping an impish smile. Oh, well, we have two more single Mantis which, depending on my matchmakers, don’t need to enter the next New Year in this condition! She grinned, this time, directing a meaningful glance to Daichi, teasing the mostly serious Kitsune daimyo with a playful threat. Anyway, Kimiko would be so fitting for him! Also, she kind of tried to introduce Yumi to Asahina Yuuto in Seawatch Castle, as they seems to be the perfect complement of yin and yang to one another, but… maybe she was just a bit carried away by the general mood of the celebration. Though… A quick glance from the Shiba behind Kimiko, was enough to disturb her composure…
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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 Apr 26, 2012 21:55:35 GMT -5
Yasuki Chad arrives with a small escort, two of whom are bearing a large and heavy looking chest. The Yasuki Daimyo himself wears a simple white kimono, accented with the Mon of the Crab and that of the Yasuki. It is of surpurb quality, if a bit... bland... considering the occasion. He carries a long bundle strapped to his back and another, far smaller one in his hands. His men wear fine dress armor.
After being announced he approaches the happy couple and bows low. He greets Kakita Battou first, as he does not know him as he knows Mitsouko. As he speaks he motions for his men carrying the chest to step forward.
"I am told you had hoped to speak with me during the Winter Court. This sparked my interest and I have been told a great many things since about you. One recurring thing I hear is your nearly unmatched skill at the forge, and I do hope my humble offering meets your discerning eye." The Two guards place the chest on the ground before Battou and Yasuki Chad opens it. Ingots of Iron, Kaiu Steel, Gold, Silver, Brass, and Copper Shine out of it. "The metal has been refined and Purified in the Legendary Forges of the Kaiu. Enjoy!"
Turning to Mitsouko he offers the smallest packege to her. As she unwrapes he whispers so only She and her husband can hear, "Let it not be said the Crab cannot make beautiful things." Inside is a Box, a perfect square 6 inches tall and wide. It seems to be entirely made of Silver with unique desings on each of the six faceings in Jade and gold. The image on the front incorperates a button that slightly potrudes. Pressing this button causes a slight whirring sound as the top splits into seven parts and unfolds into a small diarama of the 7 Kami. Each of the Kami seem to be made from a diffrent precious gem. Lady Doji sits gracefully in the center holding a Biwa. After a short moment, a lovely tune can be heard from beneath the Crane Kami.
"Congradulations Kakita Mitsouko-sama. I wish you and your husband Happiness, truly."
Almost unnoticed in this presentation one of the Yasuki Approaches Kakita Hitoshi's solitary corner. He bows befitting Hitoshi's Superiour rank before addressing him, "My lord would like to speak with you....at your convinence. He indicated it was rather important." He bows once more and returns to his post.
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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 27, 2012 18:08:07 GMT -5
Hitoshi glared at the Yasuki for a second, then nodded and rose to his feet. He stalked across to where the main wedding party was and bowed to the group as he arrived. As he favored his wife with a brief smile, he darted glances around the room. He was aware that certain figures had been close to him recently and he wanted to be aware of their presence at all times. Everyone in the group could see the dark bags under his eyes indicated that he had not slept well for many nights.
"My good wishes to the happy couple." His voice had a vaguely throaty quality as though he had not spoken for a little while. "I... My wife has made arrangements for the appropriate gifts." Everyone was expecting them to be presented and Kimanai did not disappoint, opening a beautiful cherry wood box and presenting the bride and groom with matching fans of inverted colours. Whilst most eyes were on the beautiful Kakita, Hitoshi drew closer to the Yasuki daimyo.
"Chad-sama. One of your men indicated you wished to see me. He said it was important."
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 27, 2012 19:28:22 GMT -5
"M-Married?"[/b] Moshi Kimiko sputtered and blushed at Mitsouko's suggestion of marriage, briefly looking at the Kitsune Daimyo. She began squirming uncomfortably, as if she wanted to explain what she was thinking and feeling, but keeping it contained to keep from getting away from her and making a scene. "I.. Ano... Excuse me a moment, Mitsouko-sama..."[/b] The young woman said, her face flush, as she hastily bowed and headed for a nearby door to get a moment of fresh air and steady her young nerves.
Shiba Shugo, the disguised Agasha Shodai, watched impassively as the young Mantis shugenja temporarily excused herself. Because she'd been all but kicked out of the Moshi Family for killing her Family Daimyo's only son with her previously unknown talent for thunder magic when the lout had attempted to rape her when she was 9. Since then, Kimiko had been forbidden to wear the Moshi family mon; she kept the name only because she believed - and Shodai felt it was rightly so - that she had done no wrong in defending herself. The Void Master knew that Kimiko had made it her personal goal to become a proper Storm Rider - good enough of one to erase the stain on her name as far as her Family was concerned - before she even considered putting herself on the omiai market.
"Apologizes, Daimyo-sama."[/b] "Shugo" said in his deep, rumbling voice with a bow as he slid out of the way to allow the newly arrived Yasuki Chad to approach Mitsouko.
The Yasuki Daimyo-in-exile - since the majority of his family and clan had sided with Toturi - presented his own gifts of top quality precious metal ingots and an orately detailed music box of the type that the engineering geniuses of the Kaiu were said to have developed recently. The gift to Mitsouko was probably one of the first ones ever built; a rare and beautiful gift for a rare and beautiful woman.
"Oh, that is amazing..!"[/b] Kimiko breathed softly, having gotten ahold of herself and returned to "Shugo's" side during Chad's presentation.
The disguised Void Master nodded; it was a gift fit for an Emperor, that was certain. "Are you okay, Kimiko-sama?"[/b] He asked her as he spared another glance at Mitsouko and fought back tears... She was so beautiful in her wedding kimono, but it ripped him to his core that she wasn't wearing it for him. He reached for the flask at his hip and took another sip of the alchemical potion that was distorting his voice from anything Mitsouko - or anyone at the party - would recognize.
Moshi Kimiko nodded. "Mitsouko-sama's question caught me unprepared is all, Phoenix-san."[/b] She chuckled once, looking at her slippered feet and rubbing them against each other in embarrassment. "When she brought it up, the first image that popped to my mind was Sh..."[/b] She stopped herself before saying the name "Shodai," which was taboo to be spoken at the wedding celebration of the Void Master's lover. "...Onii-sama's principal student. It's funny... I don't think I've ever considered him in that light before."[/b]
"Shugo" blinked a few times in surprise, but said nothing aloud; it was not his place - in his current disguise - to comment. Tetsuro and Kimiko..? On the face of it, it seemed ridiculous... But, then again, Shodai and Mitsouko did as well... And they would have worked if the damned politics hadn't gotten in the way.
Only, in this case, Shodai had the power to guarantee that match; as Isawa Tetsuro's master, he was honored to be the younger Ishiken's omiai envoy.
Kimiko and "Shugo" waited until both Yasuki Chad's and Kakita Hitoshi's gifts had been properly accepted by the couple and then the two of them moved back to where Mitsouko was standing. The Mantis girl bowed to the Kakita Daimyo once again. "My apologies for my youthful over-reaction earlier, Mitsouko-sama... I fear I still have much to learn about maintaining my composure in social situations. As you can imagine, I'm rarely invited to events for a provincial governor; let alone one of the Family Daimyo of the most influential of the Great Clans."[/b]
The young shugenja gestured to the precious metal ingots that had been part of Chad's gift. "I understand that your husband is one of your Family's master swordsmiths and artisans, so I have no doubt he will be able to craft something amazing with the Yasuki Daimyo's gift."[/b] She turned to the simply dressed Hanteist Crab, giving the man a smile and a bow before turning back to the bride. "And it seems great minds think alike..."
"Before I came here, my Onii-sama..."[/b] Moshi Kimiko says calmly, knowing that the others in the room would be assuming a biological brother and that only Kakita Mitsouko knew she was referring to Agasha Shodai. "...asked me to convey a gift from him as he was unable to come in person. Shugo-kun?"[/b]
Shiba Shugo reversed the bulky case he'd carried and opened it to reveal two large ingots of Kaiu steel that, unlike the smooth ones Chad had gifted Mitsouko, were stamped with the Crab and Yasuki mons and a year - three years earlier - indicating that they had been legally sold to another Clan and when.
"Onii-sama spoke of how you had a masterful sword, Mitsouko-sama, but that you - and your new husband - lacked armor of quality equal to your blade to protect you on the battlefield."[/b] Kimiko gestured to the ingots. "He, therefore, sends a gift of these ingots of pure Kaiu steel as well as another six that are in the wagon that conveyed me from the port at Kosaten Shiro; enough to forge two suits of armor. The services of this man..."[/b] The Moshi girl gestured to Shiba Shugo, who bowed even deeper than before. "...who has trained extensively with both the legenary Kaiu smiths and the equally legendary Agasha foundries to custom forge and assemble armor for our new couple is included as part of the gift; if you'll accept it, of course."[/b]
Kimiko held her breath, waiting to see Mitsouko's response, while Shugo's head remained bowed in respect.
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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 27, 2012 19:48:40 GMT -5
Battou just stood there for a moment, looking at all the fine metal before him, thinking on all the things he could do with it. As Chad brought him back into the conversation by reminding him about Winter Court, a weird smile crossed his face for a few moments. Mitsouko would recognize it. " Ah... yes, Yasuki Chad-sama. I would, but not right now. I will call on you later while you are staying around here for the ceremony. Unless you have pressing business elsewhere and then I shall come to you." Purposefully vague and not giving anything away yet, but definitely wanting to have something to pursue.
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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 Apr 27, 2012 19:55:56 GMT -5
Chad looks at Hitoshi with a piercing look that seems to absorb the changes in Hitoshi's health and manner since the last they spoke, all those months ago during the winter court. For a brief moment Hitoshi thinks he sees in the Yasuki Daimyo's eyes ... pity ... and something far, far harder. Then a pretty little Mantis women bows to him, and he returns it. When he straightens the look is gone.
"I have done as you asked. The man who killed your grandfather died several years ago and the blades were kept in Koten with several other such trophies he had amassed in his life," he slowly removes the long bundle straped to his back and unwraps it carefully.
(Up to you whether they are actually your grandfathers swords and what they look like. Yasuki Chad does Believe they are the correct blades.)
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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 Apr 28, 2012 0:19:31 GMT -5
Daichi smiled greatly at the comments and the fevered blushing that soon followed. "Why Mitsouko-sama the matchmakers have been trying for years and we all cannot marry into the Crane. Where would that leave us."
With that he noticed his sister being pointed out in which he promptly called out to. She turned at the sound of his voice changing her expression ever so slightly. "Nii-sama!" She practically yelled as she rushed over to embrace him. The petite Kitsune woman was dwarfed in his immense size but one could easily tell the two were siblings.
Once the two had stopped embracing, they seemed to recompose themselves and looked around. Yumi was the first to say something. "Ojii-san is here too? It is odd to see him outside of his forest."
It was then the elder man finally spoke for the first time in the entire day. His voice was deep and somber that seemed to resound at a more sub conscious level. "I come to honor promises, Daughter of the Ten-Tailed. Though I must wonder why the one who made such a promise hides. He is here now." As he spoke his gaze faltered off of 'Shugo' for moment to address Yumi.
Yumi cocked her at quizzically at Takeyabu just like the creature of her name sake. "But the bride and groom are right there, not hiding..." She said trailing off.
Through that Daichi had turned his attention back to the married couple. "Ah, I see the gifts are coming out now. If I may I shall present ours."
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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 Apr 28, 2012 6:57:03 GMT -5
Oh, for the Lady! This is so amazing! Maybe nobody there had seen before Mitsouko almost squee at something, like she did when Yasuki Chad presented the intricate gift of his house. At least, her painted face showed the girl behind the woman. She almost forgot to properly refuse it twice, and made it with obvious greedy eyes, without the customary composure. She was in awe. Though, things ran fast around her and Battou, and then Takeyabu spoke… And Mitsouko’s eyes stripped Shodai’s disguise almost immediately after the Panda entity point him to her. The joy was gone. After the Void Master and her ‘brother’ Sojiro left Kyuden Otomo to deliver the sword back to Shoju in exchange of the khadi’s hostage, Mitsouko never again heard of Sojiro. If Shodai was there, he obviously abandoned the Kakita duelist at some point of the events. If he was thinking he would be forgiven for it so he didn’t know Mitsouko that well. Say to your 'onii-chan', Kimiko-san, I cannot accept his gift, because he took me something else too precious to be replaced.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 29, 2012 3:06:03 GMT -5
"Shiba Shugo" saw the glint of recognition in Mitsouko's green-gold eyes when Takeyabu-sama's words - which had been lost on everyone else in the room - made her realize that Shodai was utilizing one of his alternate personalities, as he had when "Asako Jinjutsu" had first entered her life a little over a year earlier.
As Kakita Mitsouko refused the gift for the first time - in a fashion far colder and abrupt than decorum normally dictated - a hush fell over the room. Only four people in the room - the bride, the groom and the two guests facing them - were in-the-know enough to catch the subtext behind Mitsouko's words: she was referring to Kakita Sojiro.
Sojiro, Mitsouko's oldest friend and Hatamoto of the Kakita Family, had undertaken what Mitsouko had believed to be a fool's errand near the end of Winter Court; a mission that she had believed would only end in Sojiro's death or corruption. Kakita Sojiro had approached Void Master Agasha Shodai, the Phoenix shugenja had recognized the danger Sojiro was walking into and, knowing that HE might be able to mitigate many of those dangers, had volunteered to assist the man - for Mitsouko's sake if nothing else; to give her some peace of mind...
The Kakita Daimyo, however, had not seen it that way. And the painful, icy coldness in her eyes as she looked down at his gift with almost open contempt told him that her opinion hadn't changed in the past few months.
Shodai had suspected that would be the case; especially with the way events had played out after Sojiro and he had departed Kyuden Otomo.
Moshi Kimiko, however, was caught by surprise and her face betrayed those feelings; the girl was not one who spent any real time in the Courts, after all. She had had a great deal of hero worship for Kakita Mitsouko from the moment they'd first met; a respect that had grown as the Void Master and the Kakita Daimyo had grown closer...
But the look on Kimiko's face now was a mirror image of the one Mitsouko had thrown at Shodai the night he and Sojiro had left on their mission. It was a look that conveyed feelings horrible disappointment, bordering on betrayal, from someone that had been raised on a pedestal as a hero.
"When I heard it for the first time, I remember thinking to myself, 'No, that can't be true; Mitsouko-sama couldn't POSSIBLY be that unkind or unfair to Onii-sama...'"[/b] Moshi Kimiko said numbly, vacantly, as she looked at the bride. Outside, visible through the windows of the room, the clear sky suddenly turned as cloudy as the Mantis shugenja's face; her abnormally strong connection to the weather kami reacting to her feelings.
"Do you even know the Hell Onii-sama has been through? Do you even CARE, Mitsouko-sama?! Your 'too precious something' came to Onii-sama, in the dead of the night, his mind clearly made up to go on his journey, no matter what ANYONE said: not you, not Onii-sama; hell, I doubt Lady Doji HERSELF could have swayed his decision."[/b] The young shugenja girl's eyes turned frosty as the air pressure began to build, causing a breeze to begin to blow slightly. "Onii-sama VOLUNTEERED to travel with your 'too precious something,' though it was none of his business, to PROTECT him. And for his trouble, he gets castigated by the only person whose opinion matters - REALLY MATTERS - to him!"[/b]
Outside, the breeze picked up and the first rumbles of thunder began to ripple through the air. "But that is only the beginning! Onii-sama moved with deliberate caution to ensure the safety of your 'too precious something'; so cautiously that by the time they reach the first milestone of their journey, Onii-sama's companion has become impatient. Impatient enough to use the techniques Onii-sama was teaching your 'too precious something' to help protect him to allow him to LEAVE Onii-sama behind without any clues or means to trace him."[/b]
A bolt of lightning skitters across the sky, casting strange shadows into the room as Kimiko's ire grows. "But that doesn't deter Onii-sama - oh, no - because Onii-sama knows how important your 'too precious something' is to you! Onii-sama chooses to abandon his duty to his Clan in the middle of a War to concentrate on finding someone who doesn't want to be found by Onii-sama! He spends so much time, efforts, and resources looking that all but his staunchest of allies and friends that know him the best believe that he's taken leave of his senses. But still he searches for your 'too precious something'..."[/b]
The manor's guards begin scrambling to close up the house as the thunderstorm continues to build on itself. Kimiko had been repressing a lot of anger because she'd believed in Mitsouko, but now the kami were responding to her rapidly decompressing feelings. "And if that weren't bad enough, Mitsouko-sama, imagine Onii-sama's horror to learn, in the middle of his tireless search, that two of the most important people in Onii-sama's world..."[/b] The Moshi girl glances from Mitsouko to Battou, believing that Shodai had meant the couple, while "Shugo's" "good" eye - hidden from everyone in the room, save for the Kakita Daimyo, thanks to Kimiko hiding him from Battou and their position in front of everyone else - looks at Mitsouko alone long enough for the Kenshinzen to know that Shodai knew of Mitsouko's secret condition. "...Have traveled to one of the most dangerous places in the Empire and he is left helpless on the sidelines; torn between the need to look for someone who doesn't want to be found and the desire to protect those he cares about."[/b]
By this point, Moshi Kimiko's violet eyes are almost wild with outrage and the storm outside growing more unmanagable. "Onii-sama has done all these things, but you are still fixated on the fact that Onii-sama couldn't stop your 'too precious something' from going on his quest that you never even once considered what it has cost him! That a heartfelt gift, made in an effort to allow him to dismiss any further distractions from his search for your 'too precious something', gets all but spat upon because your pride has been wounded!"
"I... GAHH!"[/b] Moshi Kimiko collapses to her knees, gripping her head as if trying to keep it from splitting open; wimpering in pain. Mitsouko suddenly remembered Shodai telling her that Kimiko experienced migraine headaches whenever she accidentally whipped the atmospheric kami into a frenzy because Kimiko's heart was hurting too much. Outside, the storm becomes even more violent as lightning bolts split the heavens and begin to strike the ground beyond the walls of the Chrysanthemum Bride Manor.
"Shiba Shugo" knew that if the impetutus of the Mantis shugenja's "heartache" were removed, Kimiko's pain would end - and the storm with it. This meant either Mitsouko had to accept Shodai's gift (unlikely) or Mitsouko would have to apologize for wronging Shodai in Kimiko's eyes (even more unlikely.)
Fortunately, the steel was a gift to the couple and, though etiquette demanded the gifts be first presented to the higher ranked samurai in the marriage, that meant Battou could accept it if Mitsouko remained her usual unrelenting self.
"Shugo" turned to the man who had usurped Shodai's place. "Battou-sama,"[/b] He said with Shugo's rough-hewn voice. "I know it is not my place to speak, but I feel compelled to do so - one artisan of metal to another - on behalf of the one with no voice: the steel."[/b]
He gestured to the collapsed Mantis girl. "I do not pretend to understand the politics at work here any more than the steel does... I hope you'll follow my meaning when I say that steel is the perfect samurai. Think of it; once it is told its duty - either by a swordsmith like yourself or an armorsmith like myself - it carries out that duty until is becomes too old or broken to continue to serve. And then, if it has served well enough, it may return to the foundry's fires to be reborn to serve a new duty in a new incarnation."[/b]
Shiba Shugo bowed to Kakita Battou "I emplore you, Battou-sama, that if you feel you can teach the steel the duty for which it was intended without my aid because my presence troubles your wife so, accept the gift and send me on my way. All I ask is that you do not let this fine steel that has waited patiently for so long to be told its duty be disrespected - punished even - for something that it has no control over."[/b]
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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 29, 2012 7:04:15 GMT -5
The smile never left his face as his attention was shifted from Yasuki Chad to the armorsmith. " Tradition and Decorum are to be observed, san. How about, 'no, please, your gift is too great.' Then, you'll say, 'no, but I insist'; to which I'll accept it as your gift does not offend me, and in fact elates me, then you can be on your way to mingle with the other guests." It was obvious to everyone what Battou was doing. The refusal was small, meaningless, the outcome already certain, but he would follow the traditions as it had been set out for him that he should, especially in the company of so many influential and important people.
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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 30, 2012 5:17:44 GMT -5
Hitoshi looked up at Chad, almost as if he didn't belive what the Yasuki daimyo was telling him. With trembling hands he accepted the cloth covered bundle, stoking the material reverantly.
"Chad-sama, one thousand thanks. This means more to me than you may even imagine."
Under the watchful eye of Chad he set the bundle down on a table a little way away from the bride and groom and went to slowly unwrap the material. Fixed though he was upon the task in front of him, the shouting coming from the Mantis girl piereced his concentration and his attention wavered. As the storm grew and she fell to her knees, Hitoshi bared his teeth and padded closer to the group again.
The tension in the air was palpable and the rain lashed down outside. It didn't take a genius to link the sudden storm to the Mantis on the floor clutching her head in her hands. Hitoshi fell into the traditional Kakita stance and stared at Mitousko, waiting for an indication whether to strike or stand down. Anyone who had seen the Shireikan duelling at Winter Court would notice an absence of the relaxed concetration that marked his performances then - to the observer skilled in iaijutsu it looked like he was simply eager to draw and get this over with.
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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 Apr 30, 2012 19:35:21 GMT -5
At First, Mitsouko’s behavior remained as calm and cold as she usually did when she was uncomfortable on front of other people. Not the slightest sign of what she was thinking about, but those who knew her best could tell it was her usual reaction to stressful situations in front of people that not of her absolute trust. Neither the scene nor the thundering clouds made her take her eyes off Kimiko. But, when the young shugenja faltered to her feet, Mitsouko’s face changed. Though she was definitely angry, she was also concerned. She didn’t touch Kimiko, but leaned toward her and spoke in a low tone: “If you cannot help but express your feelings like this when you feel outraged, you should understand when I do mine, Kimiko-san. Though, you need some rest. My aide will take you to my quarters; there you can rest a while. I’ll come to you soon… And please, don’t embarrass your ‘onii-sama’ or yourself refusing my offer, Kimiko-san... She insisted, but she couldn’t do her tone to turn as softly as she intended to, for if the girl was suffering, it was because Agasha Shodai used her to attend the event uninvited. You just need to rest a little bit. Mitsouko had conscience of Hitoshi’s mute stance, and waved discreetly, to calm him down. It wasn’t something that serious and the Moshi girl wasn’t an enemy. As soon as possible, her focus turned to Yumi and Daichi again.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_red.png)
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on May 1, 2012 17:05:01 GMT -5
As Kakita Mitsouko's words sank into Moshi Kimiko's awareness the wildness of the storm began to subside. The frequency of the lightning strikes waned to mild rumbles and the rain regressed from monsoon to a light spring shower... And with it the worst of the young woman's headache.
The Mantis girl's left eye twitched slightly as one of the servants helped her to her feet; whether in pain or embarrassment for her childish and reactionary outburst only the Storm Rider herself knew for sure.
She smiled wanly at Mitsouko. "I suspect that I have caused more than sufficient embarrassment for myself already, despite my best hopes for the day, Mitsouko-neesama..."[/b] Kimiko said, accidentally using the honorific for elder sister without thinking of it. In the heart of the young woman, no matter what happened in the real world, Shodai would always be the brother she'd never had and Mitsouko her brother's wife and - therefore - the older sister Kimiko had always wanted.
The thunder shugenja blushed in embarrassment at the unconscious slip, and found a sudden interest in Mitsouko's footwear. As she looks to the floor, Moshi Kimiko takes a calming breath and bowed to the couple. "I will accept your generous offer, Mitsouko-sama. I humbly apologize to you and your gathered guests for my intemperate outburst... It seems that I still have need for further education in how to be a proper lady; something I fear the monks at the Thunder Temple never considered including as part of the training regimen. If you will pardon me..."[/b] She says as she accepts the aide's assistance in leaving the room.
While Moshi Kimiko was escorted out, "Shiba Shugo" finished presenting the gift from the "absent" Void Master to Kakita Battou, who accepted it. "On behalf of the steel, I thank you for accepting the gift of its service, Battou-sama, and look forward to working with you and your bride in teaching the metal it's duty."[/b] The weapon- and armorsmith said, bowing his head as the staff moved the gift out of the way.
At Battou's invitation to join the other guests, "Shugo's" good eye widened as if in shocked surprise. "That is an extremely generous offer Battou-sama, but I am but a humble smith and unfit to socialize with such an auspicious gathering..."[/b] He paused for a heartbeat. "I will, however, linger long enough to drink a toast of health and happiness to the Kakita Daimyo and yourself. Afterwards, I will talk with the household staff to get my bearings and inspect the forge that is undoubtedly on site to ensure that it can handle metal with the quality this steel possesses."[/b]
"Shiba Shugo" rose to his feet and, noticing that Takeyabu was watching him with some measure of curiousity, Shodai approached the disguised animal spirit. "I see a face that is familiar to me... Would you join me for a drink and a conversation, Venerable One?"[/b] The disguised Void Master asked the panda, looking to a corner where they could sit and talk without being easily overheard.
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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 May 1, 2012 20:17:20 GMT -5
OOC: Let me know if I need any edits on this on this.
The siblings eyed each other as the events unfolded in front of them. They recognized the unnatural appearance of the storm from the dealings with their own niece. It was Yumi who was the first to speak from the pair and she directed her comments at Kimiko. She tried getting the comments in before she had left. "My was that not such a lovely storm? Too bad we were in here when it passed to truly appreciate such natural beauty."
Daichi in his turn spoke to the bride when she turned her attention to him. "Such a lively event, this will surely talked about for years to come. Seems it has come to my turn at last?" He spoke trying to push things along trying to smooth the situation over. He then produced a gnarled stick about a meter and half in length. It looked well worn in several places including both ends. In no place did it look like any man made tool had touched it.
"This is my walking stick. It was guided me through many journeys and pilgrimages. It is through my hope it shall guide you through your new journey with your newlywed husband." As he spoke he spun it and placed atop his outstretched palms.
Takeyabu's gaze landed on the disguised Void Master again when the man finally spoke to him. "Of course, I do believe you owe some words to me as it seems things are not as they seem. As for one you do not strike me as one for what you present." With that he excused himself from company and moved towards the indicated corner.
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