Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 18, 2011 11:34:43 GMT -5
Mikado's face clouded in turn. Her relaxing joke didn't have the reception she thought, or so she thought.
Kakita sama need not worry. I won't tell anything to anyone. Your story may relax in my understanding's light caress.
She paused. She didn't want to say much. This man was strange indeed. Her face wore a serious mask as she looked beside the man, quickly resuming to her teacup.
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 18, 2011 13:41:17 GMT -5
"Good, then. And your indiscretion shall remain a secret as well. It is only right to have such trust between friends."
He twirled his tea cup on the table for a moment, stopping it with a single finger so it rested between tipping its contents out and stability.
"I am pleased that you were not offended by my directness just now. It was not my intention to unsettle."
He nudged the tea cup just slightly closer to tipping over
"It seems I am never truly able to turn off the duelist in me."
The tea cup returned to its sitting position.
"Enough of that. You say you have recently returned from Kyuden Otomo. I trust your visit there was pleasant. Have you traveled much in the past?"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 18, 2011 14:53:32 GMT -5
But sama, I'd never be or imply to be indiscreet. I see that you and I share some relaxing moments, brought together by a common cause. There is nothing to be ashamed of or even to hide. I understand what you wish to express. Being a duelist is to balance steadily, from blade to life
She never felt the need to apologize, but if this made him soften, she could suffice. Mikado excelled at making friends, not dislikes. Even if that made her to admire a statue of being still.
To be frank sama, my visit to Kyuden Otomo was part of my duty as a student. Studying lessons that my family felt appropriate. Sadly I have not traveled to many places. I have been at many of the Crane Clan's estates and to some of the Lion Clan. My happiest visit ever was to the Imperial Capital though.
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 18, 2011 18:25:18 GMT -5
He smiled, his eyebrow cocked. "Oh? And why should the capital be your happiest?"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 19, 2011 5:19:36 GMT -5
Because I was honored to pay respects to the imperial shrines and temples. Who could ever have such a magnificent chance for that?
Looking at the yojimbo, she throws a glance back to the Kakita.
Haven't you ever had the chance to visit the temples yourself sama?
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 19, 2011 8:19:46 GMT -5
He regards the yojimbo out of the corner of his eye as he speaks.
"I have. I particularly appreciate the temples of Saibankan and Fukurokujin. However, I have been known to prefer tranquility to ostentation in a religious space. I suppose that is why the Asahina temples are so dear to me."
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 20, 2011 5:01:28 GMT -5
I have never been in Shinden Asahina. It must be a truly harmonious place. The jade masterpieces, the serene atmosphere. I hope that one day I will be blessed to visit the temples.
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 20, 2011 10:22:02 GMT -5
"Perhaps, when we return from our duties to the Dragon and the Phoenix, I could accompany you there? I am told that I make for a pleasant travelling companion, though flatterers will say almost anything."
He paused.
"At the moment, I can think of no one else I would rather reveal the serenity of the Asahina to."
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 21, 2011 1:34:06 GMT -5
Mikado resumes her friendly smile.
Sama, I would be honored to. I think of no other fitting individual to make such a travel with. I believe that Shinden Asahina hasa certain proximity from here, thus it could take us some time. An issue that we can overcome with some fruitful discussion, music and poems.
After she sips a bit more of her tea, she tucks her kimono a little more.
So Kakita-sama. What do you think of the recent events unfolding in the Empire, the ones concerning the invasion and the Shogun. I am aware of the political situation, however I am interested to learn the point of view of a warrior soul.
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 21, 2011 9:39:47 GMT -5
Asamura paused, a distant sort of look coming over his face.
"I encountered the Shogun's army while on my way here. It is a rather large force, but that should not be surprising. When warriors look for leadership, it is often the man who is decisive that receives the most support."
The implications of that for the Emperor are fairly clear.
"And decisiveness is what is necessary. I am told that the passes north are completely lost to us, and that Mountain Watch Keep remains besieged despite the efforts of the Lion and Scorpion champions, not to mention my lord Kenshi-dono and Daidoji Fitsu-sama. If the Hands could not shake them, then it may require the Shogun, despite the political situation."
He sighed.
"But the defense is a heroic one, and the heroes there will be remembered in song and story. What more could a warrior want than to pass an honorable name made glorious in battle to his sons? I am somewhat disappointed that I will miss it, though if the Dragon march I might look for an excuse to go with them."
He looked her in the eye.
"and your thoughts, Mikado-san?"
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 21, 2011 13:47:10 GMT -5
Mikado continues in a polite yet firm tone
I am ill-suited to discuss about events and war tactics sama, but I am able to recognize a man's worth in battle. You're a worthy individual Kakita-sama, and I am confident that you shall honor our Clan and your family in battle. Regarding the political situation, I concur with the worthiness of an individual to flock virtuous men by his side. Our enlightened Emperor is truly a perfect example of that. With the passing Winter Court anyone could witness that.
Her reply was firm in meaning. She would not disclose facts or discuss her opinion. She might have liked this man's companionship but she felt on edge, quite the opposite of their morning meeting. Her eyes soft and her gaze polite. Mikado enjoyed the evening, in her own way. Carrying on...
I have heard some magnificent poems at Court, last Winter. Would sama honor our meeting with a magnificent poem.
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 21, 2011 13:58:43 GMT -5
"I am flattered that you would elevate my humble verses to the level of those recited in the Imperial Court. I hardly think they are worthy of such praise by so lovely a connoisseur."
[[Arg! My French-brain wants that to be "connoisseuse" so very badly!! Curse English and its non-inflection!]]
"Still, I find myself powerless to refuse.
Sighs of Winter Nights Tension settles like a Pall Anticipation"
His eyes bore into her own like a pair of stars fallen to earth. If he wasn't so well-bred, he might even have said something indecent. Being a Crane was both a blessing and a curse.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 22, 2011 3:46:42 GMT -5
Mikado closes her eyes, touching the tip of her cup with her thin fingers. An instant purse of her lips quickly transforms into a smile. Had she heard right? Bad connotations, she shouldn't over think it.
Kakita-sama, that was...
She was searching for the word...or so it seemed,but in true she was searching for a moment for her heartbeat to slow down, not to let any emotion ruin the moment.
...was magnificent. Vibrant and colorful as New Year's fireworks, yet cool and swift as a night's breeze. A fine keepsake for this evening.
She allows him to react, to speak, before she makes her final move...
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Feb 22, 2011 3:48:48 GMT -5
((OOC: Btw, it is one great of a scene. Hope that you don't trouble from my descriptions that depict her emotions. Wishing to build her character as we progress. And yup, connoisseuse would've just been perfect. ;-) ))
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Kakita Asamura
Crane Clan
Warrior-Poet * Duelist * Magistrate * Dragon Ambassador
Posts: 71
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Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 22, 2011 10:02:31 GMT -5
His expression doesn't change much from the intense gaze, though perhaps it does soften the slightest bit.
"I am pleased that you could find it worthy of your ears. As I say, I am but a humble bushi. True art is the province of my siblings."
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