Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Feb 9, 2011 14:09:41 GMT -5
Oh, You honor me Kasuga san with your presence. You must know that the second favourite hobby of us, Lions after war is telling stories. And there's no reason of telling a story, if there's no audience for it - says the Lion samurai with a wide smile on his face. This night can be one of the last ones we can spend under the shinig smile of Amatersu. So let's chat about the experiences of our lives, tell the stories of ourselves. At the moment Lady Otomo arrives to their tables, Kaito sands up and bows as the etiquette requires. That little sake that was in him flies in a second, and he's again one of the generals of the Matsu, and a proud bushi from Lion lands. He also shows his rescpect to the Seppun. Kaito is half-Ikoma eventually, so he is familiar with the noble families of Rokugan. It would be an honor acompany You this night. These three warriors of us may talk too much of war. Your presence will control at least my battle-worn soul, and turn it to more cheerful topics.
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kasuga
Tortoise Clan
*Tortoise Clan Champion*
Posts: 102
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Post by kasuga on Feb 9, 2011 16:50:36 GMT -5
Kaito-san...
What a great pleasure it is to join you. And there is no story as fine as that of a Lion Storyteller at a teahouse. Kakita-sama, I thank you for the invitation.
The humble Tortoise hatamoto takes a seat, grace belying his uneven frame. Surrounded by so many handsome and beautiful samurai, his looks are well overmatched, and appear to be as if cut from wood, while all else is chiseled from stone.
"Perhaps, if you do not mind, I can tell you of the Yobajin, and the Kasuga who escaped them...?" He waits for objection, and upon hearing none, quietly takes a sip of tea, turns the cup 1/4 and starts his tale.
"Not so long ago, there was a young Tortoise Samurai. He was clever and strong, but also impetuous. He was sent with a great deal of money to trade with the Yobanjin. One day, while walking the market near Yobanjin Harbor... he realized his purse had been stolen. Through weaving huts, trees, and hills, he pursued the thief, but could not gain ground. Finally, after many days, he approached the thief, who had arrived at a strange Yobanjin Village.
It was strange because the Yobanjin here kept giant birds. They were a part of the "Sons of the Air." These birds were so large they could swallow a man whole, or be ridden into war.
The Kasuga was dismayed, because he knew that he was outnumbered by both barbarian and beast. He would have to return home in disgrace, having lost all the funds that had been entrusted to him for the trading mission. Slowly, he withdrew from the camp and began to think on what to do. He opened up his bag of blessed and purified sea salt, which all Kasuga keep, and prayed to the Kami for assistance. But though he prayed mightily, there was no answer, and a gust of wind blew his bag of salt over.
However, on the next morning, remembering an accident at Court where he had accidentally poisoned a songbird.. he came up with a daring plan. He walked unnoticed into their camp, pouring his blessed sea salt onto the food of great birds. They ate heartily, having rarely had opportunity to taste such refined salt. Once he had fed the birds, he quickly found the tent that stored his funds, as well as those of others they had stolen from. He took his Haori, and lined the back of it with straw and twigs from the birds nests, and the bags of coins he had retrieved. He did not look dignified.
With that, he left the Yobanjin camp.
Soon he heard shouting behind him, as the Yobanjin discovered his theft. As he ran towards the harbor, he heard the Yobanjin warriors, with their ring swords and wooden sheilds banging loudly, give chase. Their giant warbirds took to wing to chase him down.
But the Tortoise was not afraid.
Soon the birds, whose bellies were full of salt, had their mighty thews fail them... and they dropped from the sky, sick and dying, just as the songbird did back in Kyuden Kasuga. For you see, salt in great quantities is a poison to birds, though they know it not.
Many of the Yobajin warriors gave up pursuit as they tried to save their giant allies. Others shot arrows or threw spears at him, but the thatch of sticks, coins and straw on his back saved the young samurai from harm. Yet the Tortoise continued his steady run to the harbor, to the ships of the Kasuga.
After several days, the number who pursued him dropped from thirty, to twenty, to ten, to just five tired warriors.
At last, he reached the trail on the cliffs that would lead to shore. But he also saw now that the Gaijin pursuers would catch him. So he turned, dropped his haori... and drew his wakizashi and tanto.
I will not go into the specifics of the battle, but it is said that either his skill with kenjitsu was greater than one might expect of a Tortoise samurai, or the men who had pursued were so tired and fatigued that they stood little chance against one prepared for them. He slew them all, picked up the coins and the haori, and boarded his ship in the harbor, no worse for wear than a few small scars on his wrists, where one of the birds pecked at him when he fed them salt..."
The Kasuga stopped and waited for a moment... "When I was younger, I applauded the cleverness of using something simple and unexpected, like salt, to defeat a more powerful foe. But now, I think that it is the perserverence and timing of the humble samurai, rather than any trick, that ultimately allowed him to succeed....
What do you think, noble Samurai?"
And with that, he adjust his sitting position... and for one moment, a clever and observant Samurai might have seen a flash of a scar, possibly caused by a great beast, showing upon a portion of his wrist..
And then sips his tea.
"The tea is quite good... isn't it?"
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Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Feb 10, 2011 14:46:54 GMT -5
Wow, Kasga san this story was really amazing. Even an Ikoma bard would envy it. It is also mentioned in Leadership that never make harder effors than it is necesarry, becouse with that maybe you weaken your forces. So what impresses me in the actions of this certain Kasuga, how he distracted the forces of the Yobanjin. Even with a little cunning, one man can win over hundreds.
There are many tales of the Ikoma, which teach this moral to Lion samurais. I know my people may act rapid, so adapt the virtue of cunning is important in the beginning of our training.
I'd like to praise your storytelling style too. Maybe you have also spent a few days in Kyuden Ikoma. Oh, this racalls a short report of one of my soldier Take san. I mentioned You to him when I arrived to Shiro Matsu, and he remembered a crane who looked like You. Is it possible that You cam across Matsu lands? I feel so unfortunate that we haven't met there.
(ooc: Takeo san! I saw You finished training with the Matsu, that's why I mentioned this line in the thread ;D)
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Kakita Takeo
Crane Clan
Crane Clan? Hatamoto of Crane clan ? Kenshinzen ? Hero ?
Posts: 132
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Post by Kakita Takeo on Feb 10, 2011 15:14:14 GMT -5
I listened carefully to the history of Kasuga. when finished, a grin on my face read.
"Very nice story you have told us. Victory in battle may take different face. But we must always remember that the trick is random. While knowledge of his enemy is the best weapon. Remember, it's your enemy is your best teacher because it requires you to achieve perfection to beat him. "
Drink some tea, I answered Kaito san
"Yes, I received education teacher Matsu to understand and learn your fighting techniques. I had the immense honor to teach your young Bushi on your land. The Lions are great warriors and fighters nothing beats their courage! "
Finally, I return to the Lady Otomo:
"And you Otomo sama, what do you think the story has to tell us Kasuga san? Do you like this kind of legend loveth the bushi to tell when they are near a good fire to give the courage for the battles to come?
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 10, 2011 16:50:43 GMT -5
The Lady Otomo smiled at the Crane samurai, overdramatically moving her fingers to her cheek in a gesture of thought
"Perhaps some bushi need that courage but one believes some samurai, such as this... whoever this humble Tortoise was, would do well without it. One is sure you would all do well in fact. Please, one finds such stories most enlightening"
She motions for the assembled group to continue before bringing her tea cup back to her lips. The Seppun commander taps his fingers on his arm as she does so. Perhaps a slight sign of jealously of the Lady's attention being directed elsewhere? He is still closing his eyes and listening to the conversation flow back and forth. You cannot tell what he is thinking, only that he is concentrating.
The time is getting later and some of the guests have left. However, the noise from the street outside suggests that the capital remains busy
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Kakita Takeo
Crane Clan
Crane Clan? Hatamoto of Crane clan ? Kenshinzen ? Hero ?
Posts: 132
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Post by Kakita Takeo on Feb 11, 2011 13:55:22 GMT -5
Sorry to ask this question, but I think you know Lady Otomo sama? Can you tell us what a lady of court and Seppun Guard company in a tea house?
Looking Kaito and Kasuga san san, I was looking in their eyes for answers to my questions about the lady Otomo ...
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kasuga
Tortoise Clan
*Tortoise Clan Champion*
Posts: 102
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Post by kasuga on Feb 11, 2011 13:59:40 GMT -5
the Kasuga waits for a moment, and then responds to the Crane's question..
" I too, often wonder at the sight of seeing a beautiful flower among the desert, or a moment's rain on a hot day. Yet rather than question it, I merely rejoice and enjoy the sight of such a thing.
I am certain, Crane-sama, that when they wish us to know more, it shall reveal itself..."
And with that, the Kasuga goes back to sipping tea.
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Kakita Takeo
Crane Clan
Crane Clan? Hatamoto of Crane clan ? Kenshinzen ? Hero ?
Posts: 132
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Post by Kakita Takeo on Feb 11, 2011 14:33:40 GMT -5
Looking hatamoto the turtle clan, I smiled:
"Your remarks are advised Kasuga san and your poetry is sublime ... so let this sweet flower opening up to us."
I took my tea in my hands, I remained silent. I like to know which way the wind ...
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Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Feb 11, 2011 17:26:13 GMT -5
Kaito was siping his tea during this conversation sometimes looking at the Seppun noble. His face was like marble, he must have deepen in his thoughts.
One more thought to the story: All a samurai needs is to embrace death inside himself, and then he'll be unbeatable by any opponent. And a bushi must practise this spirit everyday.
After these sentences Kaito cheers up and smiles.
Every morning Lion bushi practise together in our barracks. I would be pleased to have You there one day. Maybe Takeo san You've met Matsu Miwako sensei. She was one of my senseis before Seijuro sama. Her way of teaching is quite different from the usual style of the Matsu, but it work very well of course.
I haven't told you, but in Crane lands i visited the Kakita Academy, and studied calligraphy beside iaijutsu. It was so suprising to me how my fencing improved after a few lessons, and I had to admit that different arts are in connection with each other. Calligraphy calmed my soul in a way that impacted my mind and techniques during practising with the sword.
I'm sure lady Otomo visited the lands of the Crane a few times, but I wonder if Kasuga san has ever been to there for a longer time, and not just like a traveller. If not, You should spend there a few weeks at least, becouse it is marvellous.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 12, 2011 13:14:23 GMT -5
By this time, most of the tea house was now empty. The group of samurai was the largest group remaining.
"A flower opens up in the morning sun. One is afraid she has other matters to attend to this evening. Thank you all for your time and stories. Perhaps we shall meet again?"
The Lady Otomo rises from her seat and bows moderately. She turns to the Seppun commander and bows more formally. He stands to return the bow before sitting again, looking somewhat disappointed. Lady Otomo then claps her hands to summon some servants to collect her things as she addresses the commander
"One looks forward to our next meeting"
She offers a brief smile before departing. The commander signals half of his men to accompany her and then turns back towards the group with a sigh as she falls out of eyesight. He speaks up, his voice suddenly much less formal and refined.
"Well, there goes one evening. Some of it at least. Thank you for talking of the yobanjin and other normal matters. I still do not quite know what information she seeks and it is difficult to please her... haha" He laughs loudly "well, it is difficult to please them all. Surely you agree? Pleasing men is much easier"
He finishes his tea and leans back, stretching. You notice his remaining men also appear much more relaxed now.
"I must repay you for our blunt demands in regards to your time. I have a room booked for later this evening at a fine establishment where we can be entertained. I would consider it most glorious if you joined me?"
He leans forward with a charismatic smile, suddenly dominating the air now the Lady Otomo has parted
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Kakita Takeo
Crane Clan
Crane Clan? Hatamoto of Crane clan ? Kenshinzen ? Hero ?
Posts: 132
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Post by Kakita Takeo on Feb 13, 2011 3:26:14 GMT -5
Yes Kaito san, I had the opportunity to meet your sensei Land Matsu, a remarcable teacher and I promised to come back to see when the situation is calmer. Maybe we can exchange ideas and train together? Anyway, I am pleased to hear that your trip to the land of the crane you liked and brought you a blessing. "
I look at the guard commander with a small ironic smile:
"I guess the ladies in the course of love stories that happen on a battlefield ... But you know, Seppun sama, that war is rarely a pleasure! Thank you for your invitation, but of which institution are you talking about?
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Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Feb 13, 2011 5:41:02 GMT -5
Not just the stories, but the hard word of men and soldiers are not for the ears of a woman.
I'm happy You met Miwako sensei, and have a good impression of her. Exchanging experienced would be more than welcome in one day, but I think it'll come faster than we expect. On the battlefield we can collect experiences of each others technique while battling aganst the Yobajin. Oh, how I wait that moment when the order of the first charge is shouted, and we crush into the enemies of the Empire. Defending our land is a noble mission for honorable warrior.
But before realising it Seppun sama, I would be honored to join you tonight, and relax my soul for the challanges of tomorrow.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Feb 13, 2011 15:04:27 GMT -5
Jinto nodded "You are right Crane-san, war is rarely a pleasure but it is all I know. I find it difficult to communicate that with some of the more refined members of the Imperial Courts". He sighed audibly before standing up.
"We can be early. It is the second best... place of diversion in Toshi Ranbo, right after the House of the Fallen Blossom. At least in my experience. There is a small reservation there for myself and any guests I wish. We should be well entertained and fed. It'll raise our spirits for the battles ahead I'm sure. I could use the company of some sensible buke rather than the other kuge who have their heads up in the clouds at the moment"
He pats Kaito on the arm "We can share techniques and sake. Perhaps in the coming weeks we'll charge together and gloriously slay our enemies. I'm glad you'll be honoured to join me. Come samurai-sans. The night is young, no?"
He jovially strode to the entrance of the tea house, his guards hurriedly joining him. Some servants collected his teacup and settled the bill for the table.
"Let this all be my treat. It's the duty of those above to take care of those below. I will hear no objections"
He grinned at the samurai, likely surprising them with his continued change of personality
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Matsu Kaito
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Samurai * Kensai * Duelist * Paragon
Posts: 231
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Post by Matsu Kaito on Feb 13, 2011 15:43:13 GMT -5
The spirit of Ikoma would come down from the Heavens and punish me if I said no to this offer - Kaito smiles.
Only those can enjoy the fruits of life, who are prepared to death, and believe me under the hands of Seijuro sensei in my young days, I saw the end of my life during each practise. Now I would deny my studies if I behave like one, who's not ready to lose his life in battle - and the Lion laughs loudly and friendly.
I haven't heard about that house You mentioned Seppun san, but based on my experiences of the entertaining fascilities of the capital, it must be rich in pleasure.
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Kakita Takeo
Crane Clan
Crane Clan? Hatamoto of Crane clan ? Kenshinzen ? Hero ?
Posts: 132
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Post by Kakita Takeo on Feb 14, 2011 13:53:55 GMT -5
Resting my cup of tea and stretching my limbs, I got up after the commander Seppun Kaito and Matsu. Looking Kasuga: You come with us Kasuga san?
Then, seeing the warmth between the lion and the Imperial Guard, I smiled slightly:
"If you take me, I'm willing to entertain me tonight too. Tomorrow is another day and we only have one life. "
Readjusting my kimono and my daisho I followed Jinto sama.
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