The Court of the Hantei (OPEN)

[Yasuki Chad]

Chad turns to face the two who directly responded to him. The anger in his eyes is evident.

"I cannot believe you two....You talk as though Kaneka simply made a little mistake, not set into motion events that have so far killed thousands! He must be held accountable for his actions. It does not matter if he is the Emperors brother. He....Is...a...Traitor!"

"I respect the Phoenix desire for mercy. It is unsurprising, as they have suffered little for the War. I understand the Dragon wishing for a return to what was, for they have just won what will no doubt become one of the legendary battles of our history. But ask a Crane how he would feel should the former Shogun be pardoned, and I wager you will hear a very diffrent response. How many promising young Samurai have senselessly been slain for that....Traitor's...ambition?" How many of the heimen have starved due to the Winter Warfare depleteing the food reserves? How many more must we lose? the Longer this goes on, the more injured OUR EMPIRE BECOMES!"

By the end of his rant he is shouting. Red-faced he seems to remember where he is. Visably he struggles to master himself, his face reddening.

"I have lost too many friends to that man to allow him to be forgiven. There will be vengence."

"I ... apoligize for my outbust. I...I...should go."

He turns to leave. Shame is evident in his face.

[Tamori Koichi]

Spring was already arriving, Koichi was sure of it. The blue and the red birds were chirping as audibly as they could. As relaxing as the metaphor sounded, the real situation was anything but that. Flamboyant speeches of peace and war, life and death, duty, mercy and honor were constantly being thrown at each other. Did any of them truly understand the meaning of such ideals? The Tamori daimyo sighed. Only then did he understood the lesson when his Sensei taught him that 'The most difficult act in the world is to sit still.'

"A person dishonored died long before their heart ceases to beat..."

The words escaped Koichi's mouth as he opened his eyes. They weren't addressed to anyone. Just one of the many instances where his mouth vocalized his thoughts.

Koichi turned to the one who had addressed him in his meditation. Though he was not familiar with the person, a quick scan of her features revealed all he needed to know. He gave the appropriate bow to the Kakita daimyo.

"I hope so too Kakita-san. For our sake..." his eyes lowered to Mitsuoko's abdomen before quickly returning to her gaze. "...and the future's as well." He paused to catch his breathe. "We must hope for the best but always prepare for the worst."

Koichi nodded again to Mitsuoko, choosing to keep his responses brief. Even talking strained him, and he wanted to keep most of his words and his strength in reserve for when the Emperor called him to report about their first win against Kaneka himself.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OCC: Though Mitsouko’s pregnancy is not visible under a court kimono, since it’s about 10 weeks or less, I suppose Koichi is very attuned to life patterns.


I do really sorry to interrupt you in your choice to meditate in a so disturbed place. Anyway, I wish to talk to you later, if you bestow to Crane a bit of your time. I assure you it's of all loyalists' interest. She nodded to him, in response, keeping it strict as he seems to prefer.

Anyway, as soon she said that, the Emperor asked for her presence, and she was about to left the main hall to attend Naseru and present him what he need to know by now from his bride-to-be murder attempt news, Crane plans and her clan’s suggestions for sending diplomats once again to the Toturists.

Before she was gone to the Emperor's Chamber where he used to receive the clan leaders, she raised a little her voice, directing to the dignitires gathered in the room:

Phoenix, Dragon, Yasuki, loyalists to the Son of Heaven, we must save our time since there's too much to be made this spring. One of them is to gather and discuss our next steps related to this bloody civil war. We need to have one single view of the matter. I hope we can gather not to just expose our perceptions of things, but to decide what to do next, united under the True Emperor's purpose to look upon the whole Empire's well being. You all are, of course, invited to join, representing the interests of your clans, and those who were not the representatives of their families, but feels that can add interesting sugestions to the matter, are also invited to come and join this meeting. As we are all here, there's no point in delaying that much this gathering. This evening will be good for it and Crane attendants will make you aware, later, of the place this meeting will take place. But... I just ask you, that tonight we must make up our minds towards a single objective, in common accordance. Thank you very much, dear allies, and may the Fortunes look upon a good ending to this unfortunate moment in Rokugan's history.

She made a bow to them all, before finally follow the Seppun who led her to Crane's meeting to Naseru.

Though Crane was expecting war to erupt once again from the rebels’ prideful hearts, and was ready for it, she truly believed that it had become to an unbearable point for the Empire. One year of warfare, even in the winter… it isn’t a thing a truly commited Protector of the Empire would permit. And it was too in Hantei’s hands to avoid more bloodshed and tragedies such the one in Castle of Swift Sword. Mitsouko, as Chad, was truly convict she couldn’t bear Kaneka being alive anymore. Though it wasn’t in loyalists’ hands to demand his death in order to wave with peace promises and grant amnesty to the disloyal clans, as well. After peace, his death was just a natural consequence, and making him a martyr wasn’t good in the long term.
Anyway, it was just only one of the things the loyalists must sit, discuss and decide, better than court-chatting endlessly about opinions without a true commitment to a consolidated point.

[Tamori Manji]

Despite the Crab's outburst, Sogetsu could also recognize the value in his words and the anger that Yasuki Chad felt now was something the whole Empire would have to face, sooner or later. Even though the law was clear, as was the Bushido and the actions of the rebels, there were no easy answers. After Chad retired himself, Sogetsu spoke once again, we would all do well to remember Yasuki-sama's words, for they express a problem we all will soon have to face. He has been to the front-lines of the war, he was present when Toshi Ranbo fell, so he knows the true face of this conflict.

A question we should all ask ourselves is, how far are we willing to go for Tenchu? to punish the traitors? And I do not speak solely about the former Shogun, but also about the Unicorn, the Lion, the Crab, the Mantis and the Monkey, he looked to Asahina daimyo, to the young Phoenix shugenja, to the present courtiers, then returned to his original position.

[Isawa Mitsuru]

I spoke up once again after the Dragon seated himself. Yasuki Sado’s outburst was very disquieting to the court in general and to myself in particular.

"I do not see how we can think to accept the words of a man who has lost his face. While I respect the passion of a warrior, we must have cooler heads prevail in such a delicate situation.

"We gain nothing from having Toturi-sama disembowel himself that we don’t also gain from his oath of peace. Furthermore, if while Toturi lives he may continually help us to ensure that there are no other uprisings. By this I mean that he may aid us in discouraging those who would try to use his name to start new rebellions.

"I see no reason not to forgive Totrui’s followers either. If we are trying to stop the further injury of the empire, then the very last thing that we need is a whole slough of seppuku victims."

[Tamori Manji]

Isawa-sama, I could give you thousands of reasons why we shouldn't carelessly grant a pardon to the former Shogun and his misguided followers, each one of them carries the name of a Dragon who've perished at the traitorous hands of the Lion and the Unicorn at the Castle of the Swift Sword. I have no doubt that the Crane and the Scorpion could do the same, mused the old Dragon with a contemplative expression and without leaving his place, still, that does not mean that we should exterminate the rebellious Clans, as that would, ultimately, do great harm to the Empire and to the Celestial Order.

If, however, we refrain from punishing them and creating the proper examples, what kind of precedent wouldn't that set? Wouldn't it be the same as saying that, henceforth, all who betray their allegiances and spit in the face of the Son of Heaven for personal gain will be granted a pardon? Please do remember that, for less, the whole Scorpion Clan was once exiled from our beloved Empire. While making these statements, Sogetsu was the very image of tranquility, even allowing himself time to take pauses and sip jasmine tea from his cup.

While I do not doubt your intentions, Isawa-sama, I do doubt that the methods you suggest will succeed in reestablishing the order once the war ends. That said, I do value Asahina Yukihime-sama's arguments. We should pursue not the life of our former Shogun or his followers, but, instead, an agreeable and just ending to this regretful conflict, so that we may both grant an opportunity for our lost brethren to be welcomed again in the light of our beloved Empire and honor all those who have sacrificed themselves. Even though the lives of the rebels might still be spared, their deeds must not go unpunished and an honorable death should be offered to all those willing to take it. The path and the decisions ahead of us are not easy but we must not shy from them when the proper time comes. Just remember that now, thanks to the blessings of the Heavens and the dedicated efforts of Dragon, Scorpion, Crane, Phoenix and the Emerald Champion, we have the upper hand. Sogetsu smiled as he raised himself from seiza and offered a final bow to all those present, speaking of time, I must, regretfully, excuse myself from such distinguished company for I still have other duties to attend. With that, the Kitsuki magistrate gracefully exited the court halls.

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime bows while the Yasuki daimyou leaves the court. And then, when given the opportunity she address to the issue approached by Kitsuki Sogetsu-sama.

"If my family was guilty of something, like guilt of following my lead, the responsability would lie solely on my shoulders, I would give my life for them to have a second chance, and my direct descendents would refrain from leadership until the fortunes finds our lineage worth again."

This was Yukihime brief answer to the estimated Kitsuki. Those who are in shame have the right to sepukku. Criminals usually faces a different destiny. Surelly some clans are missleaded , but it's still a little early to publicly say which ones.

"I agree treason can not be ignored, unpunishment is not a background that anyone would like to set. We didn't won the war yet, it may be a little premature to engage in this conversation right now.
Keneka-san's life, as any samurai's life, should belong to the Son of Heavens, the Hantei is the one who shall decided his half-brother's fate.

In a slimple view, we can now estimulate the peace effort, inviting a few representatives of the Lion, Unicorn, Crab and Mantis to this court. Or we can work on our war plans. A fast decision means a better outcome, as it gives us more time to work on our choosen option.

As an Asahina I must stress my preference for diplomacy and peace, even if I believe that we will hardly achieve true peace without achieving justice before, I strive for peace."

Yukihime may sound too practical for a shugenja, but she knew time is precious.

She bows respectfully to Kitsuki Sogetsu when he retreats from these court chambers as well.

[Tamori Manji]

OoC: Sogetsu would agree with Yukihime if he was still present, especially her first phrase, and I, as a player, endorse the idea of sending an official letter to the court of Toturi proposing either a meeting on neutral ground or opening the possibility, in case they decide to pursue peace, to receive their messengers in our courts. I think that, by doing this, we can prevent going round and round with our discussions by actually doing something meaningful.

[Shiba Gunichi]

A ragged-looking bushi took a seat with a remarkable lack of grace or polish in one of the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace.

Shiba Gunichi had changed from the armor and clothing he had worn during his ride from the Castle of the Swift Sword, but he swore he could still smell the stench of the incinerated dead, no matter what purification rituals he had engaged in. The fact that his best kimono was several years out of fashion and was clearly uncomfortable upon the man helped matters not one whit.

He hadn't even the faintest clue had to seek an audience with any of the high and mighty, but he felt compelled to try- despite the fact that he could almost hear the laughter of the polished courtiers.

While he sat, he tried to think of the words he would use to express what he had seen.

To his not inconsiderable surprise, he overhead what sounded like, of all things, shouting.

The ragged Phoenix shifted uncomfortably and tried to remember the breathing exercises his sensei had taught him so many years ago...

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OCc: Anyway, Crane will probably do nothing without a formal meeting of Hantei supporters to decide something, first. Or at least, we shouldn't. IMHO, it should be very useful to exchange from a "court type 2" kind where people is only throwing words at each other without any formal compromise, (some can listen, and some cannot; some can be engaged in a small group conversation, some can be excluded from it, and so on), to a "court type 1", using Mitsuru's definitions, where something can be really decided.
I offered a hook to it, anyway, I hope Hanteists are united enough under a common objective to consider the idea.

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi was a little disheartened to see the Yasuki daimyo go. He had known the Crab during his last stay at Toshi Ranbo. Chad was second to declare his loyalty to the Hantei, second only to himself. After being on the frontlines himself, he knew the anger that the Yasuki daimyo was feeling.

"Of course Kakita-san." Koichi nodded to the Crane before she stood, made her speech then left. Koichi made a motion to stand as well. Some matters had to be addressed.

"Isawa-san, if we can not accept Yasuki-sama's words over a lost of face, how do you expect us to accept Kaneka's especially after he has lost his in a way far, far graver than Yasuki-sama?"

Koichi left the question in the air. He could still feel the life seeping out of him. He needed to pace himself. He was glad that all honor was not lost as he listened to Sogetsu and then the Asahina daimyo. Koichi directed his warmest smile to her before giving a polite nod.

"I think we all long for peace, but we must never forgo our duties to attain a false version of it. The Lion, the Right Hand of the Emperor were all too quick to abandon their duty of enforcing peace. Must the Left Hand follow and allow the law and tradition to be abandoned as well?"

"Nobody is above the law. Not even his majesty the Emperor's brother. Bushido must be upheld.""

The Tamori daimyo said so with a straight face, adding firmness to his words.

"I know of compassion. And of courtesy. Allowing the Shogun to perform the three cuts is already the most generous punishment that we could give for his crimes."

(ooc: I agree that we need to choose as a whole on what to do. I still believe that Kaneka's seppuku is the proper and just start to any effort. I will not be tackling the punishment for the Crab, Lion, Mantis and Unicorn champions. In proper rokugani setting they should probably seppuku as well, but I don't want to step on other players' toes unless they agree with it as well.)

[Kakita Mitsouko]

The night fell and the Hantei supporters wishing to join the council were allowed to attend at one of the pavilions in Otomo’s Castle. The evening was quite chilling, in the Rokugan early spring. Though the proper status and etiquette were meant to be followed, as expected in any civilized court, everyone with something to add was allowed to join and discuss in this important and decisory gathering.
Two rows of pillows over the polished wooden floor surface permitted that the samurai could sit in front of each other, having their aides and those of lower rank in the row immediatly behind. Tea was served. The air was thick out of tension, but it was expected. This evening, some subtle disagreements among hantei supporters were supposed to be trimmed and polished until they turn into a consolidated mindset.

[Isawa Mitsuru]

The Order of the Court moved down the line and a multitude of official representatives each in turn stood before the visage of the Son of Heaven and gave their messages to the assembled court. I tried to listen to each dissertation and consider the implications of such but I was primarily concerned with what I had to say. I ran the missive over and over in my mind to ensure that I would make no mistakes in delivery. I had never before spoken before the official Imperial Court and I was nervous to say the least.

After an interminable series of courtiers were called forward by the Voice of the Emperor and were allowed to address the large crowd, and more specifically, the Emperor himself, I finally heard my cue to come forward.

"The Court recognizes the presence and message of the Clan of the Phoenix. The emissary from the Phoenix Clan will come forward and respectfully address the court."

I rose halfway from my position in the front row on the left side of the pavilion and began crawling in proper deference out into the open column where I would be the only person of focus before an entire army of Courtiers. I kowtowed to His Imperial Majesty, placing my forehead on the floor. After a few moments (I hope a long enough period to show my deep respect to the Emperor) I rose back into a kneeling position and spoke while casting my eyes down to the floor so as to not look directly into the face of the Descendant of Amaterasu.

"Oh glorious and gracious Lord and Master Hantei, we of the Phoenix Clan beg your most gracious indulgence in allowing us to humbly speak before your most exalted self and your blessed attendants. It is the most humble situation that we, the Phoenix Clan, find to be present before us. We are most humbly aware of the difficulties between your most exalted self and your most exalted brother, the Shogun of the Emerald Empire. In our ever continuing desire for peace we, the Phoenix Clan, do beg your indulgence in allowing us to send a simple and most unworthy group of diplomats into the honorable presence of your most exalted brother, the Shogun. We will humbly submit to your decision in this matter and we hope to be able to send our envoy within three days. We ask that you may bestow upon us your most honorable blessing in this humble endeavor.

"We, the Phoenix Clan, do wish upon the most exalted Emperor the most prodigious blessings of the High Celestial Heavens and we pray ever for the health and safety of the most exalted Son of Heaven."

And having blessedly been able to remember my message to the court I kowtowed once again and crawled backward to my position among the other courtiers present at the Imperial Court.

[Asahina Yukihime]

Yukihime joins the newly 're-formed' court behaving in no less than the expected protocol. Every dignity is properly greeted with a well trained bow.
She returns her sympathy towards the Tamori daimyo with mild manners, brief and discreet smile, quickly hidden by a respectful nod.

She listens to all that is addressed to the court silently. The pacifism is a well known tradition among (and about) the Asahina, and by now she probably made clear enough her unwillingness to walk outside this path. Yet, leaving unimpeded background for revolutions to come wasn't of her taste as well.

She nods in agreement when Koichi mentions the 3 cuts. Considering the consequences of Kaneka´s act this already sounded too generous. Seppuku is a right to those who regreat losing their honor. But does Kaneka regret what he had caused? How much would he care for those who fought for him?

As she could recall from Mountain Watch Keep, the Crane and the Dragon, along with the Unicorn, were the ones to grant Kaneka his victory. But once teh so called shogun aimed fot the throne, he seems to have forgotten Daidoji's tactics and Dragon's strengh.

Kharma was acting in Castle Of Swift Sword, and the Dragon did great in reminding Kaneka of their prowess. Too sad the Lion had to suffer for it to happen, but Lion's decisions have also a price. These is a pattern of laws above the mortal's laws.
Moveless, Yukihime shook away the "shugenja" thoughts, it was no time to comtemplate the moving engines of the universe.

At the end of Isawa's speech she bowed displaying respect for his words and wisdom, she needed no words to make her agreement clear. And couldn't but hope that the Hantei would endorse diplomacy as a possibility.
Even if we decide to keep fighting, an attempt of talking would do no harm.

(OOC: yay for cache, i didn't noticed this thread has been updated many times before today Isawa-can, I enjoyed your exalted writing ^^ )

[Togashi Homsar]

Seppukku for some, miniature Rokugani flags for others!