Post by Tamori Manji on May 9, 2012 0:38:22 GMT -5
OoC: this happens at the Imperial Courts of Kyuden Otomo. It could be considered a spin-off of Mitsuru's thread The Court of the Hantei. Although both happen in the same place, instead of mixing my arguments to an already ongoing discussion about something else, I preferred to create another thread.
Hayai Province – vicinities of the ruins of Shiro sano Ken Hayai, two weeks after the end of the siege
After the grueling fight at the Castle of the Swift Sword, Tamori Manji decided to spend most of his time leading a team of capable shugenja to scour the charred battlefields and the ruins of the castle hunting for supernatural predators, like the Shikko-gaki who fed on the flesh of the dead, or conducting purification rituals to restore the elemental balance of the region and pacify the souls of the dead, guiding them to Meido. Early one morning, before their usual expeditions through the fields of the dead, Tamori Chie came to his tent bearing news from the Courts of the Son of Heaven at Kyuden Otomo. She offered a slight bow to the Dragon guards at the entrance of the Tamori hatamoto's tent and proceeded to find Manji alone, fine tuning his old shamisen. She bowed low but, as per his request, refrained from further formalities, Manji-san, news have arrived from Kyuden Otomo. Our Kitsuki have concluded their investigation concerning the foolish attempt against Doji Domotai-sama's life and it was discovered that members of the Scorpion Clan were responsible for it. Unfortunately, the Court is abuzz with rumors of betrayal and some seem fit to claim for a severe punishment, despite our difficult circumstances.
Manji continued tuning his shamisen while thinking about Chie's words. After managing to produce the sounds he was looking for he stopped, sighed and spoke in a pensive tone, this foolishness again? Can't they understand, even after Toshi Ranbo fell, that we are at war and that we need as many allies as we can muster? Manji put the shamisen aside and raised himself, it seems that our idle courtiers need to be reminded of the real value of our Scorpion allies. It is true that some among them still cling to their love for the Lion and Toturi or nurture other misguided notions, something which I've never understood, but heroes like Bayushi Hiromitsu-san and Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama should never be forgotten. Chie-san, please instruct our servants to prepare my courtly changshan, I'll depart alone during the hour of the serpent. At once Manji-san, Chie said with a puzzled voice, but we are in the middle of the Lion territories, how do you intend to arrive safely at Kyuden Otomo? The fox offered Chie a sly and warm smile, do not concern yourself Chie-san. Like Koichi-sama, I too have my ways and, if I travel alone, there should be no trouble. I'll leave the command of our shugenja duties to you while I'm away. I shall be back by next week, please take care of yourself. Yes my Lord, I wish you safe travels. With your license, she bowed low and retired herself from Manji's tent to carry away his orders.
Kyuden Otomo - Halls of the Imperial Court, three days later
Traveling with the aid of magic was always a tiresome business and the Tamori hatamoto had spent the first part of the previous day resting from his hastened time on the road. The other part of his day was filled with official visits, protocol greetings and introductions. It has been too long since he was last in the Courts and all the pampering that came along with his station among the Dragon left Manji a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately, after attending a dinner party at the house of a local governor, he was able to rest well and prepare himself for his official appearance in the Court.
The young Tamori reserved the morning to meet and greet some of his friends and acquaintances among the other Clans who were also at Kyuden Otomo. Afterwards, he paid a quiet visit to the temples, to pray and make offerings to all those who have sacrificed themselves for the Empire during this war. At the afternoon, near dusk, he finally arrived at the Court dressing a fine changshan of deep dark green, embroidered with an exquisite golden dragon that covered most of its right side. After observing the customary traditions and introductions, he addressed his peers:
My most esteemed friends and loyal defenders of the Son of Heaven, I return briefly to you, after fighting in the front lines of the war alongside my brethren, to humbly tell you about the sacrifices made by our Empire's finest heroes, so that their deeds may inspire you in these dark times. Manji's tale was a heartfelt one and it spoke of the demise of many worthy Dragon samurai, of the fall of Shiro sano Ken Hayai, of the tragic death of Akodo Jin and of the difficult times to come. After honoring the fallen, the Tamori hatamoto said with confidence, but the heroes of the battlefield and the ones that we can clearly see are not the only ones in this war. Please allow me to tell you about a personal friend of mine, one that, like myself, was once a common samurai, let me tell you the tale of a man called Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama.
Before the fall of Toshi Ranbo, while our Crane allies were still heroically protecting the city against the treacherous servants of the former Shogun, I was on a mission to protect the common people from the worst parts of the war. It was then that, outside the walls of Toshi Ranbo, I met a brave young man, wounded beyond measure and kept alive only by his own strength of purpose, carrying an unconscious pregnant woman on his arms. Both wore the colors of the Scorpion and I, as a shugenja, hurried to their help. While treating their wounds I learned of their circumstances. The man was Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama, a young samurai who, on behalf of his Clan, had decided to extend a helping hand to the Crane in their hour of need. The woman was Bayushi Haruka-sama, the wife of the Scorpion Clan Champion, Bayushi Senshi-sama, who, back then, was still misguided by the deeds of our former hero against the yobanjin and had decided to fight alongside the Lion. Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama fought his Champion's wife in a duel and, valiantly, almost sacrificed himself to defeat her without endangering her life or that of her baby. Because of his selfless act they all survived that day. He gladly took the hardest path to protect both his Clan and his Empire, doing what others could not or would not do.
Loyalty, during these trying times, is not an easy thing to prove though and the Scorpion was soon tested when a vile attempt against the life of the Imperial ambassador, Asako Izuko-sama, was orchestrated during her visit to Kyuden Bayushi. But, again, the efforts of a few showed to us the value of the Clan when Shosuro Aroru-sama and Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama protected the life of the Imperial ambassador. Afterwards, to wave all doubt about their loyalty, Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama commited the ultimate act of sacrifice, humbling himself before the Son of Heaven and offering his life in the name of his Clan.
It is known that many of our Clans were split during this terrible attempt against the Steel Throne, with many of our brothers and sisters being led astray by the former Shogun's past glory and empty promises. The Dragon itself suffered many bitter blows, among them the loss of Mirumoto Takezo-sama, our beloved former Clan Champion. All I ask you, my most esteemed friends and loyal guardians of our Empire, is for you to not judge a Clan who can produce samurai as fine as Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama and Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama based solely on the despicable actions of a few foolish traitors. Give the Scorpion the chance they deserve to purge all the weakness from their own ranks and reveal who among them dared to raise a hand against the beloved princess of the Hantei, our Empress to be. Let their leaders and daimyo take responsibility for their followers actions and prove their loyalty to our Empire once more by extinguishing all traces of treason and dissension from their midst. And if there is to be a punishment, let it be paid with the blood of their own on the battlefield, for it is soldiers and friends we need, not more enemies. As always, I am sure that our Kitsuki would be more than honored to help a fellow Clan in their time of need and aid the Scorpion in bringing falsehood to light, if such is required. The Tamori hatamoto looked around the Court hall, to all the samurai listening attentively to his stories, and bowed low in gratitude and recognition of their patience. Then he took a few steps back, passing the right to speak to his peers.
EDIT: a couple of typos.
Hayai Province – vicinities of the ruins of Shiro sano Ken Hayai, two weeks after the end of the siege
After the grueling fight at the Castle of the Swift Sword, Tamori Manji decided to spend most of his time leading a team of capable shugenja to scour the charred battlefields and the ruins of the castle hunting for supernatural predators, like the Shikko-gaki who fed on the flesh of the dead, or conducting purification rituals to restore the elemental balance of the region and pacify the souls of the dead, guiding them to Meido. Early one morning, before their usual expeditions through the fields of the dead, Tamori Chie came to his tent bearing news from the Courts of the Son of Heaven at Kyuden Otomo. She offered a slight bow to the Dragon guards at the entrance of the Tamori hatamoto's tent and proceeded to find Manji alone, fine tuning his old shamisen. She bowed low but, as per his request, refrained from further formalities, Manji-san, news have arrived from Kyuden Otomo. Our Kitsuki have concluded their investigation concerning the foolish attempt against Doji Domotai-sama's life and it was discovered that members of the Scorpion Clan were responsible for it. Unfortunately, the Court is abuzz with rumors of betrayal and some seem fit to claim for a severe punishment, despite our difficult circumstances.
Manji continued tuning his shamisen while thinking about Chie's words. After managing to produce the sounds he was looking for he stopped, sighed and spoke in a pensive tone, this foolishness again? Can't they understand, even after Toshi Ranbo fell, that we are at war and that we need as many allies as we can muster? Manji put the shamisen aside and raised himself, it seems that our idle courtiers need to be reminded of the real value of our Scorpion allies. It is true that some among them still cling to their love for the Lion and Toturi or nurture other misguided notions, something which I've never understood, but heroes like Bayushi Hiromitsu-san and Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama should never be forgotten. Chie-san, please instruct our servants to prepare my courtly changshan, I'll depart alone during the hour of the serpent. At once Manji-san, Chie said with a puzzled voice, but we are in the middle of the Lion territories, how do you intend to arrive safely at Kyuden Otomo? The fox offered Chie a sly and warm smile, do not concern yourself Chie-san. Like Koichi-sama, I too have my ways and, if I travel alone, there should be no trouble. I'll leave the command of our shugenja duties to you while I'm away. I shall be back by next week, please take care of yourself. Yes my Lord, I wish you safe travels. With your license, she bowed low and retired herself from Manji's tent to carry away his orders.
Kyuden Otomo - Halls of the Imperial Court, three days later
Traveling with the aid of magic was always a tiresome business and the Tamori hatamoto had spent the first part of the previous day resting from his hastened time on the road. The other part of his day was filled with official visits, protocol greetings and introductions. It has been too long since he was last in the Courts and all the pampering that came along with his station among the Dragon left Manji a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately, after attending a dinner party at the house of a local governor, he was able to rest well and prepare himself for his official appearance in the Court.
The young Tamori reserved the morning to meet and greet some of his friends and acquaintances among the other Clans who were also at Kyuden Otomo. Afterwards, he paid a quiet visit to the temples, to pray and make offerings to all those who have sacrificed themselves for the Empire during this war. At the afternoon, near dusk, he finally arrived at the Court dressing a fine changshan of deep dark green, embroidered with an exquisite golden dragon that covered most of its right side. After observing the customary traditions and introductions, he addressed his peers:
My most esteemed friends and loyal defenders of the Son of Heaven, I return briefly to you, after fighting in the front lines of the war alongside my brethren, to humbly tell you about the sacrifices made by our Empire's finest heroes, so that their deeds may inspire you in these dark times. Manji's tale was a heartfelt one and it spoke of the demise of many worthy Dragon samurai, of the fall of Shiro sano Ken Hayai, of the tragic death of Akodo Jin and of the difficult times to come. After honoring the fallen, the Tamori hatamoto said with confidence, but the heroes of the battlefield and the ones that we can clearly see are not the only ones in this war. Please allow me to tell you about a personal friend of mine, one that, like myself, was once a common samurai, let me tell you the tale of a man called Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama.
Before the fall of Toshi Ranbo, while our Crane allies were still heroically protecting the city against the treacherous servants of the former Shogun, I was on a mission to protect the common people from the worst parts of the war. It was then that, outside the walls of Toshi Ranbo, I met a brave young man, wounded beyond measure and kept alive only by his own strength of purpose, carrying an unconscious pregnant woman on his arms. Both wore the colors of the Scorpion and I, as a shugenja, hurried to their help. While treating their wounds I learned of their circumstances. The man was Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama, a young samurai who, on behalf of his Clan, had decided to extend a helping hand to the Crane in their hour of need. The woman was Bayushi Haruka-sama, the wife of the Scorpion Clan Champion, Bayushi Senshi-sama, who, back then, was still misguided by the deeds of our former hero against the yobanjin and had decided to fight alongside the Lion. Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama fought his Champion's wife in a duel and, valiantly, almost sacrificed himself to defeat her without endangering her life or that of her baby. Because of his selfless act they all survived that day. He gladly took the hardest path to protect both his Clan and his Empire, doing what others could not or would not do.
Loyalty, during these trying times, is not an easy thing to prove though and the Scorpion was soon tested when a vile attempt against the life of the Imperial ambassador, Asako Izuko-sama, was orchestrated during her visit to Kyuden Bayushi. But, again, the efforts of a few showed to us the value of the Clan when Shosuro Aroru-sama and Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama protected the life of the Imperial ambassador. Afterwards, to wave all doubt about their loyalty, Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama commited the ultimate act of sacrifice, humbling himself before the Son of Heaven and offering his life in the name of his Clan.
It is known that many of our Clans were split during this terrible attempt against the Steel Throne, with many of our brothers and sisters being led astray by the former Shogun's past glory and empty promises. The Dragon itself suffered many bitter blows, among them the loss of Mirumoto Takezo-sama, our beloved former Clan Champion. All I ask you, my most esteemed friends and loyal guardians of our Empire, is for you to not judge a Clan who can produce samurai as fine as Bayushi Hiromitsu-sama and Bayushi Moyotoshi-sama based solely on the despicable actions of a few foolish traitors. Give the Scorpion the chance they deserve to purge all the weakness from their own ranks and reveal who among them dared to raise a hand against the beloved princess of the Hantei, our Empress to be. Let their leaders and daimyo take responsibility for their followers actions and prove their loyalty to our Empire once more by extinguishing all traces of treason and dissension from their midst. And if there is to be a punishment, let it be paid with the blood of their own on the battlefield, for it is soldiers and friends we need, not more enemies. As always, I am sure that our Kitsuki would be more than honored to help a fellow Clan in their time of need and aid the Scorpion in bringing falsehood to light, if such is required. The Tamori hatamoto looked around the Court hall, to all the samurai listening attentively to his stories, and bowed low in gratitude and recognition of their patience. Then he took a few steps back, passing the right to speak to his peers.
EDIT: a couple of typos.
