Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 11, 2011 18:06:59 GMT -5
Senshi looked to Tomatsu, glad to have someone break the tension for the moment. By reflex he realized he was about to take another sip. Rather then look the fool by putting the cup back down, he took a sip, then put the cup down further from him the necessary and on his left side nearer to Haruka, where his wounded arm would have trouble reaching.
"Did you have something in mind Tomatsu-san? Something ritualistic perhaps?"
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 11, 2011 18:25:12 GMT -5
Kiso took the pipe in his hands, and without hesitation, took a small drag to get a feel for the tobacco, not wanting to be overwhelmed and begin coughing. It was strong, but not unbearable. After taking a deeper drag, he passed the pipe back to Baramo.
No, I have not had any lunch yet. What is being served this fine day?
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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 11, 2011 19:16:22 GMT -5
He takes the pipe and drags deep. Seafood I believe. He rubs the bridge of his nose, then takes another drag. A question before I announce the start of the wrestling competition if you do not mind.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 11, 2011 19:41:02 GMT -5
Kiso's left eyebrow raises, he had heard no mention of a wrestling competition.
Fish sounds delightful. What is it you would you ask of me?
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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 11, 2011 19:53:01 GMT -5
Simply; what does the word samurai mean to you? Not what you read out of a book or what you were instructed as a child. What does it mean to you personally, in your soul.
(Also it was supposed to be Noon pst but instead its probably going to be 3 or 4 am pst, I overslept and no ones contacted me yet.)
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 11, 2011 23:15:41 GMT -5
Kiso was surprised by the question, but never let it slip past his steeled expression. A philosophical question on the very nature of the samurai wasn't something he expected when he sat down.
I would have to say the ability, or chance to be a force to continue the legacy of my ancestors. To rise to the occasion when duty calls, is a burden and an honor I hold greatly. Whether my name is recorded in the history books is immaterial, but to contribute to the chance that these traditions we hold so dearly, carry on to the next generation is something to take pride in.
Gi, Yu, Jin, Rei, Meyo, Makoto, and Chugo are merely words, and cannot truly reflect what it means to be a samurai for anyone, they are a code and standard. But without them, I could not be a samurai.
In the end, being a samurai means more then flowery words could ever hope to capture. It is a life of duty, while trying to find the beauty of the world in between; And I feel honored I was born with the ability to have that duty, wherever I am needed.
He glanced up, noticing the servants bringing out the dishes for the midday feast.
How do you feel, about your role in the celestial order?
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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 12, 2011 5:20:34 GMT -5
He accepts his food with a slight pause. To be a samurai means in a literal translation means; to serve. Obviously this means an execution of duty, often this means you are called on to kill. So neither merely a servant or a soldier you hold a precarious position, if you become too absorbed in any facet of your obligation you fail to stride the tight rope of your position of the celestial order. So this means you must contemplate yet not fail to act any given moment without hesitation. You must always serve your lord to the best of your abilities and you may only die if he says you are allowed to die in its execution. He smiles and takes a bite. Sorry I spent some time in my earlier years in the company of a Togashi, it makes me a little winded at times. He taps his chopsticks on the rim of his bowl. I fear I must apologize to you I did not play you false but I did as I did to see your response. You handled it well though I must say I am not too comfortable with such formal situations, and though Bayushi Senshi-sama no inflection this time is of a high station in Rokugan it strained me a little, but in no way more then usual. However something to bear in mind, the question was to lead to a point. If you serve; whom do you serve and how, you have my word this is the last question for the duration of this conversation, unless you ask me to continue.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 12, 2011 14:17:11 GMT -5
I have no idea personally, but it is something we need to discuss. Perhaps a declaration of friendship between our clans? He took another snack cake, and offered it to Haruka, smiling warmly. Do you have any advice for us Utaku-san?
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 12, 2011 14:50:04 GMT -5
If I serve? The very act of being a samurai is to serve. leading a question is such a manner implies the one your speaking to is not. Kiso takes a small bit of rice. I can see why you do not feel comfortable in courtly settings, slips of the tongue like earlier, and now have caused greater damage then you might know in the past. I will be gracious to our host, and answer your question.
Foremost, the two questions you have asked are almost two sides of the same coin. I would say I serve the Emperor, my Daimyo, the fellow clansmen, my family, and every person in Rokugan. I do so by every action that I take, whether it be on the battlefield, in court, in my countless days of training to act in any given situation to beget the best result, enforcing law, and any number of countless actions I take as long as I am blessed to draw air.
I do not mean to upset you with my first response, but as I just said, my life is to serve. Even you. Should you see yourself in the court in the future, I am sure there is much I can teach you, just as I know there is much you could teach me in battling, and courage to face overwhelming odds of the hordes of creatures you deal with on a regular basis. In that way, we could serve each other. Kiso smiles and takes a small bit of fish.
I have a splendid bottle of sake I was given by friends sharing stories while on the front lines in the Unicorn lands. When your not performing your current duty, perhaps that could be the bottle we share this evening? Given the nature of how it came in my possession, I ask only that tonight be a sharing of stories and experiences, not as formal representatives.
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Post by Hida Baramo on Feb 12, 2011 16:26:49 GMT -5
Sure, most of the point of the evening is everyone is likely to end up drunk. Who knows I might have a friend of mine whos a magistrate as well to make his appearance I heard he might've taken ill. He can be a little annoying at times but his companies usually pleasant, that and he may be tiny but I have rarely seen his passions equal in battle. Having seemingly mastered the art of eating while conversing, he places his chopsticks in the bowl. But again the question leads to the point yes it could be argued we serve all of Rokugan by serving the Son of Heaven. I was mostly referring to the fact I can say I only have three lords, my friend and champion Setsuro-sama, the Emerald Champion, and the Emperor. However while the term sama refers to ones better one is not required to use it in a conversation when ever referring to a samurai of a different clan, technically. Though it is often considered a slight even though I am in no way accountable to Bayushi Senshi-sama, he is Scorpion clan and I am Crab. Most of that tradition merely serves segregate the samurai caste, breaking down camaraderie. Given the approaching task of having to kill Gaijin and punting them off a different wall my life may reside in the hands of any of the samurai in this room. Segregation is something that could prove fatal, or have I grown a little eccentric in my later years Kiso-san?
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 12, 2011 17:25:26 GMT -5
Haruka seemed to look up a bit, looking between them and over Setsuro briefly as she thought.
"Well, in our tradition to recognize a friend's achievement or conquest we always... "
She sort of hesitated recalling all sorts of various celebrations and songs and the like, but realizing most wouldn't be suitable for three companions... and then an idea came to her.
"I'm not sure what kind of artists you might be, but perhaps the three of you could create some calligraphy or an artwork to commemorate it, that way you can keep it and look back on it to remember this day so long as you have it."
She sipped on some warm tea a bit, hoping that it wouldn't be too odd for the three. She expected they might have at least a little experience with a brush.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Feb 13, 2011 10:34:38 GMT -5
A small amount of eccentricity is allowed to us all, I believe. While I understand your position on terms of segregation by using honorific suffixes, I don't think it does so as much as you might believe. In my own experience, I use these terms to show respect to those I feel have earned it, whether or not they are in my direct chain of command, such as Hida Setsuro-sama, or yourself, Baramo-san. But I have never felt that by doing so, I have elevated them beyond a position that we can no longer relate.
Kiso finishes his delicate piece of fish, and what remains of his bowl of rice.
I have enjoyed our repartee and look forward to this evening. Although you will have to excuse me at the moment.... He lifts his eyes, seeing his messenger looking eager by the entryway. As I must attend to some other business.
He stands, giving a slight bow before he turns and makes his way to the messenger...
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 13, 2011 19:19:49 GMT -5
Kaymar wanders back through the hall, his servant having disturbed his research. Probably a good thing, thought the Kuni as he wandered past several tables of samurai, he was tired. A lot had happened in the last 20 or so hours. Feeling slightly light-headed, and cursing his stuborness for not acknowledging his need for sleep earlier, the witch hunter sat down at a table at random. Keeping away from the alcohol, he took a little tea. It was only after the caffeine started to kick in that he noticed the veritable rainbow of colours provided by the robes of various different clans. Such was the power of a great clan, mused the Kuni, that even the arguably least sociably known clan had such power to pull so many into their lands.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 13, 2011 21:01:34 GMT -5
"Art." Setsuro quietly said it, his head tilted to the side as he thought about it. The thought occurred to him that it was entirely possible that not a single one of them were actually very good at art. He exchanged glances with both Tomatsu and Senshi for a moment before he looked back at Haruka, trying to figure out the best solution.
"Art is something that I have never bothered with. I can't speak for either Tomatsu-san or Senshi-san, but in the very least I would probably make a terrible painting. Calligraphy is also not something that my clan is very distinguished in." Setsuro mumbled just a bit, "But if my fellow champions believe in it and desire to do such a thing, I see no reason not to." He glanced to the side at Haruka once more before he put his hand to his chin, scratching at the stubble on his chin. Part of him was hoping and praying that either Senshi or Tomatsu would step in and suggest something else. If they did not happen to intervene, this might end up as a ridiculous show of unity.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Feb 13, 2011 21:47:05 GMT -5
Thinking quickly Senshi decided to add, "I think that is a very good idea Haruka san, but perhaps it would be best if we the champions commissioned a work of art, rather then do it ourselves? I for one cannot quite perform very adequately without the use of my good arm." Senshi, needing a means to cover his excuse, reached back across for the sake cup, and took another sip. Swearing that it would be his last. Thats when he realized there was no fluid left, he made a show of gulping anyway, then put the cup down, realizing that his hand to eye coordination was beginning to slow down if he didn't focus.
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