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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Feb 17, 2011 3:17:25 GMT -5
After Setsuro smiled... Kasumi smirked at him for a second but after that her poker face returned. Bowed deeply to his words. I will gladly help to train Keigo, Hida-sama if that's your wish. red as blood hair touched the ground once again, when she was facing him. After raising her head she said And it makes me happy that my gifts are to your taste, Hida-sama. Forgive me but if you have a minute or two, I'd like to talk to you about the things we were discussing the other day. Of course it's nothing that has to be done now. she lowered her head a little. Keeping her poker face still... yet her eyes were challenging him and smiling.
At some point she has spotted Haruka, and waved to her secretly - greeting her here... well... if anything would be a secret here now. But it seems like Kasumi didn't care about the details. Probably she has reached the limit to her etiquette today.
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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 17, 2011 3:26:52 GMT -5
"Ah, I see. Thank you Haruka san. Kasumi's ascent through the ranks has been very expedient, but not unnoticed by the scorpion. I guess I just expected someone of her stature to be a bit... older, is all." He looked back out to the scene, noticing Kasumi's little wave. He smirked underneath his mask. Noticing the favor the glorious Kasumi gave the winner of the hunt.
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Post by Hida Setsuro on Feb 17, 2011 4:29:44 GMT -5
Setsuro glanced to the side at Haruka and Senshi as they spoke before his eyes turned back to Kasumi and he gave her a rather contemplative look. Part of his was trying to work out what would be said about it, but he shrugged and nodded.
"I'm sure that I can give you the time you request. I'm sure that they won't need me for a couple of minutes." Setsuro looked back at Senshi, "Senshi-san, can I trust you to indulge our hunting champion in some conversation and interest her in your many talents or stories?" The Crab Champion may not have been as smart as others, but he was clever and he picked up a few things here and there. It was obvious to him that Senshi was trying to find a way to escape with Haruka for a while, but perhaps his inebriation was flattening his social skills at the moment. Setsuro would do him this favor and give him what he needed while getting what he needed as well.
With this done, he motioned Kasumi off to a side room where they would be alone. There would always be prying ears, but at least they could relax a bit from the rigors of the party.
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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 17, 2011 5:05:15 GMT -5
Senshi nodded his appreciation to Setsuro, acknowledging his request, before turning back to speak with Haruka further.
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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 17, 2011 5:09:37 GMT -5
Haruka understood Setsuro's words as she guided Senshi off again to the side walking beside him. Indeed she could tell through the night that the crab champion's observation was quite true as far as his inebriation was clearly taking hold.
She took him to a sitting bench outside of one of the main halls where the silhouettes of the various guests played on the walls. "Senshi-sama, is there anything I can get you to drink or eat? I don't mind fetching anything you desire."
She stood as she allowed him to sit a moment, the crisp air of the afternoon being a refreshing breath from the fairly crowded rooms inside.
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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 17, 2011 5:30:46 GMT -5
Senshi seemed at first confused, then all at once realized what was happening, and became upset. "No, I'm fine thank you." He felt his head spin slightly then amended with a sigh of anger, "Wait, yes, I need water and some form of salty breaded snack."
He really wanted to be inside, and enjoy the atmosphere of the celebrations for a change, but knew that he had brought this upon himself, and was content to sit outside and relax for a bit.
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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 17, 2011 12:54:57 GMT -5
Kenchu had caught Tomatsu mid bite and it took him a few moments of concentrated chewing before he could respond. I thank you Hiruma-san for your kind words. We Lion have always had great respect for the Crab, your sacrifices in the name of Duty awe us mighty Lion. Hearing that you have been awed by the sacrifice in the name of Duty of some of my clan mates mean a great deal to them and me. Some day we will all have to make our sacrifice for duty, I only hope that I can do the same that you witnessed my brothers and sisters do on the field of battle. At which particular battle were you at? I know of several that recently occurred and I'm interested in hearing a first hand account, if you have the time Hiruma-san?
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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 17, 2011 15:20:34 GMT -5
He watched as the Champions entered. He watched the gift exchange. He watched Utaku Haruka and Bayushi Senshi leave. He watched all of this and he understood. He had admired the fine woman himself as she entered and then picked up the aura around the new Crab Champion who was a truly impressive and imposing figure. He was glad to see the Lion champion being more human, talking with others and eating cake. He was also pleased to feel the good atmosphere of the room. Perhaps he should be leaving before word that he was here spread and people started to worry that perhaps he was conducting an investigation while here - the truth was of course that he was not. His investigative team were north and he would rejoin them eventually. However, he would still do some personal investigation with his sight while he was here - to better know the leaders and rising stars of the Great Clans.
Tanemune's eyes disected the relationships and connections of those present in the room as he had been trained. It was nearly a subconscious thing to him now. It took no more effort than it took most men to consciously blink. One thing that was also nearly a subconscious thing to him now was the alignment of his lips; the small smile that formed whenever he understood a social environment.
"Ah, I see, I see. So that's what is going on..." He finished his fourth cup of shochu and then stretched his shoulders, turning his attention back to Shizuyo.
He pushed the Shochu bottle away from him, putting his plate in his hand. Soon he would grab a cake and get closer to Akodo Tomatsu so he could better judge the man. "We are in interesting company. I sense Hida Setsuro-dono will achieve even greater things than he has already. The esteem he is held in by the other great samurai shows this. What are your thoughts Shizu-chan?". After a pause he further asks "Would you like a cake?"
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Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
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Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Feb 17, 2011 16:10:29 GMT -5
Shizuyo had also been distracted by the entrance of Kasumi, as well as the return of the Champions. She was no gossip however, and she politely looked away back to her sake and sushi while Tanemune was busily sizing others up and determining what he could. She couldn't help but notice some of the relationships developing from the party of course, no one with a brain in their head could. She shook her head a little to clear the stray thoughts away however; it was none of her business.
Thus is startled her just a little when Tanemune spoke to her again. She did a good job hiding her surprise, but she gave a very slight jump before looking up quickly, chiding herself inside. "Cake? Oh, arigato, but no Tanemune-sama. I fear I could not have another bite." She paused to look around before continuing. "I... think that Setsuro-sama will bring great glory to the Hida as well as to the Crab. I think Senshi-sama and Tomatsu-sama will do the same. The leaders of our times are great men indeed."
She was silent a moment as she took a small sip of sake, even though she'd told herself to have no more before. She finally turned back to Tanemune and gave a soft smirk. "Still, none of them would be able to match the wise and pious Kitsuki Tanemune-sama. Perhaps you would like to go meet them better?"
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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 17, 2011 16:40:14 GMT -5
"Pious, where did you hear that?" He smiles before then frowning and taking on a mock serious voice "They can certainly not match me in quite a few things young lady. My age, my creaky bones or my lack of hair!" He says, oddly proudly before standing up and taking his plate with him "Do not try and goad me into a fight, I'm too old for that! I think you are right that they will all be great men and leaders though. I hope so anyway, we are doomed otherwise, ne?" He winked again, chuckling. He took two steps before turning around, leaning towards Shizu just a little and bringing his left hand to his mouth to meekly quieten his words "May I suggest some green tea? It rounds out an evening nicely...". With that he straightened himself, blinked a few times while looking up in a curious manner and then heading over to the cake table.
He arrives a few metres away from the Hiruma bushi and the Clan Champion, his head swaying left and right along with his eyes as he looks over the cakes and other snacks - making a showing of the difficulty of choosing one "ah, they all look so tempting. This is perplexing" he says, reasonably audibly.
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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 17, 2011 17:15:40 GMT -5
Off in the side area, Haruka had only vanished from Senshi's sight for a few moments before returning with some tea and food to help settle himself. A full stomach wasn't a cure for drunkenness but it would help him at least a bit. She served him like a servant while they were more or less alone, but she seemed to look to the night air often as if listening.
Her gaze turning back to the Scorpion Champion. "When you are good and ready we should return to the party. We wouldn't want you to catch an illness in this weather..." Haruka smiling as she seemed otherwise unaffected by the cold. "I'll make sure you don't have any more sake for now, frankly if you drink enough you could lose your head quite easily Senshi-sama, and we wouldn't want that."
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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 17, 2011 22:27:34 GMT -5
He says, rather dismissively, "Your help is much appreciated, Haruka san. Thank you for your kindness." Realizing in the moments between the throbs his brain sent against his skull that he wasn't being too polite, he amended, much more brightly,"Actually, I am looking forward to rejoining the festivities. The issue of course being that my head is too full of sake for my ears to enjoy the company of so many."
He looked to Haruka, his mind again wondering to the point Tomatsu made earlier about their shared lineage, and Tomatsu and Senshi's plan for a lasting friendship and alliance between the clans. It was an audacious idea, but exactly what the two champions needed. He would have to instruct Tomatsu to formalize the negotiations before they left Crab lands.
But not before Senshi had a chance to learn more about her first, "We were talking about your family earlier, tell me of your parents. It always pleases me to hear about the ways other clans treat their family. My years were devoid of such loving family." He realized after the fact that he might have said a bit much. But didn't care enough to say anything, he then began to wonder where his servants were, likely trying to give me space with a samurai-ko... all of them so concerned that I will never wed. He sighed, then shook his head and looked at Haruka.
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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 18, 2011 2:24:07 GMT -5
Haruka seemed to pick up on Senshi's undertone, her ears trained to his words as she slowly sat next to him.
"My family. The Utaku..." She smiled but betrayed a hidden sadness. "Truly they are the heart of Rokugan's beauty and strength in my eyes. But my voice is biased and my reason rather as known as the sunrise. We follow what traditions that have been laid on my family for generations, we give our lives willingly and openly for our emperor regardless of what any other clan thinks of us. And even if the eagle eyed Crane magistrate sees the Unicorn cavalry on the rise, you know he will smile because he knows that we do what we must and we are the best at what we do...
But I wonder more-so if you're asking about my own personal experience with my family. And perhaps more about me as a person, master Senshi-sama."
She took a deep but quiet breath as she looked at his broken arm.
"I will indulge your interests since we've nothing else to do for the mean time. But my family follows the Utaku tradition to quite the point, young maidens are expected to ride before they walk, and indeed I too professed that simple but able quality. My training was from the first moments I can remember, sparring with other girls. There was never real time for us to show gentleness when we were to rise to one day hopefully become the Utaku battle maidens. But I suppose I was always a little different, not wanting to be weak but I just sought stillness sometimes. I know my horses, I know my blade... but I suppose I long to understand the wind that gives us our breath and speed and the ground we ride upon. But I suppose that is more for an Utaku battle maiden to think about than is needed to drive a spear through the waves of our enemies."
She looked down a little as she adjusted the end of her kimono under her legs.
"But my parents are both still alive, and I have a stable of good horses to call on, and I ride with some of the finest in Rokugan and am grateful for it. Did you wish to hear of anything else while I'm rambling Senshi-sama?"
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Feb 19, 2011 9:21:03 GMT -5
Followed Setsuro to a side room. And after leaving the hall, she could breath finally.
I see that your party is a big succes, Setsuro-san. smiled to a man standing next to her. She used his name as they were alone. Even if someone was listening to them, she didn't care - she has reached her limit with etiquette and being formal with him. And... I have more gifts for you. Giving it to you there would be hmm, probably too much. I think they are already gossiping about my showing up here. giggles softly.
She has put her hand into a sleeve. A few seconds latet she was holding a little bag of something. Smiling still, opened it and gave to Setsuro. This is a jade dust. You can use it on your weapon or any other place you want. It doesn't last long as those studs on your new tetsubo, but always good to have it when needed. Because it would be a waste to let you get hurt... glanced at Setsuro with a cheeky smile.
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Hiruma Kenchu
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan *Scout *Hero *Magistrate
Posts: 36
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Post by Hiruma Kenchu on Feb 19, 2011 19:07:24 GMT -5
The Hiruma smiled easily at the champion and motioned towards the room and then to the food."I maybe summoned to report to my noble lord's side and then my duty will be clear but I think I have enough time for the tale and to eat some of this wonderful smelling food. To be polite I should introduce myself, I am Hiruma Kenchu, scout and warrior of Daylight Castle and it seems the Kami have decided that I should live a far travelling life and I am honoured to devote my existence to serving my lord and clan with my skills. I was so travelling, investigating a matter for a local magistrate in the Unicorn lands, reports of bandit activity attacking the region. I tracked the source to the edge of the Empire itself and the almost impossible, to the lands beyond the wild plains to the mountains of the gaijin Yobanjin. I found that these bandit attacks were infact skirmishes with these foreigners and that they were amassing a sizable force far larger than any have seen. This has been called the battle of the steppes and I saw the valour of a small group of Matsu leading from the front line, slaying many that would stand against the Empire and protecting the lands from invasion. They offered their very lives in any role to ensure our victory. So stalwartly they stood defending our lines whilst we rained down fire from the higher ground. We Hiruma are no strangers to the teachings of the tacticians. They held the line, fought furiously and made our victory possible." The scout pauses for a moment and sips his drink. "The second story is of the heroic actions of a band of Akodo at the battle of Mountain Keep. They made sure that the defenders were high in morale and inspired great deeds with their words and by their glorious deeds. They led battle charges into the enemy lines at the perfect time balancing the flow of the combat to act at the perfect time. With their shining blades and gleaming armour they helped push the enemy back. I haven't seen such coordinated swordsmanship as they worked as one. I will be honest though the battle was close run thing at times, most were blooded and those scimitar are deadly and sharp and many were injured myself included"
The bushi moved his cloak to one side showing his scout armour and the large gash on his side sliced through the material.
"A huge brute, heavily armoured slashed at me with a group of his men backing me up. He almost sliced me in two, I was able to injure him with my own blade but I was almost overcome and the mass of foes nearly dragged me down. It looked hopeless but I was ready to die defending the Empire. I fell there and thought it was my end until a split second later his head was missing and I saw the blur of the form of a mounted battle maiden and the damage she had caused. I repaid that debt later though, she was thrown from her steed and I fought through the lines and carried her to safety. I was there, my lord. I hope you have enjoyed my tale and I thank you for the actions of your clan."
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