Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Mar 30, 2011 3:13:22 GMT -5
Keshi kneels next to Tadaka, settling her clothing softly about her. "That sounds like normal schedule for a ship. Though your ship must not have a resident shugenja. Most those ships will leave before the sun rises to get more distance. "
"Any Mantis shugenja has at least a basic knowledge of wind and water magic. So we can be useful on a ship." Keshi shrugs a bit, turning her head towards the ship that Tadaka would soon be embarking on. The sailors were curious, but kept about their work with only glances from the corner of their eyes at the strange pair on the dock.
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Post by tadakasan on Mar 30, 2011 11:08:57 GMT -5
Tadaka chuckles lightly and nods, "Mmm, you're right of course; I think I'm the only shugenja on the ship. Probably has to do with the vast need for priests to tend to the injured and combat the gaijin magic up in the Unicorn lands. Only so many navigators for so many ships, I suppose they really have to prioritize things now."
Inwardly Tadaka grumbled; talking about Mantis sailing practices was hardly what he wanted to be talking about right now. It made sense from the standpoint of proper conversation etiquette as a somewhat inoffensive and situation appropriate subject, but despite the fact he knew how to act didn't mean he always enjoyed the dance of Rokugani etiquette. Suddenly though, it dawned on him that he didn't actually know what to talk about otherwise; what DID he want? Surely he was being truthful when he had said he had nothing of interest to talk about; Food, family, politics, news, the weather... it was all neutrally acceptable but it all just seemed more appropriate for a court somewhere, which this was surely not.
The period of thoughtfulness created a period of silence, the only sound the lap of the waves against the docks and the early sea birds waking up to get the early catch; Tadaka gazes at the sea, but turned to look at Keshi as he thought, not wanting to stare or be impolite... but he found it easier to figure out what to talk about if he could see there was someone to talk to. After a moment, Tadaka leaned over and took his small notebook out of his bag. Creasing the rice paper on one of the pages, he neatly and quietly removed it from the notebook. Taking out his ink and brush, he started scribbling neatly on the back of the page, though Keshi could not see what it was he was making. Tadaka spoke again, "I think I should do one more thing here before I go at least. I have my notebook, it is fair that you be given some of the credit for what has gone into it tonight at the least."
He kept jotting as he continued, the light breeze ruffling the paper as he refilled the tip of his brush with ink, "I wish I could give more to a new found friend, but it will have to do. That said, from the sounds of things, you won't be able to return to the Kitsune Mori for some time then Keshi-san? Hopefully I am wrong, since it is never good to be gone too long from where one feels comfortable. In your case it seems like you would be more comfortable there if you do not mind me saying. Which, ironically, is the opposite of me with being more comfortable away from home rather than being there."
Tadaka finished what he was making, blowing on the ink before folding it up so that the flower he sketched was on the outside and top of it. He talked about Keshi's timeline for testing and being able to go home as he took out his chop, putting it on the opposite side of the outside from the picture of the flower.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Mar 30, 2011 11:44:11 GMT -5
Keshi watches Tadaka curiously, smiling a bit as she says, "You are correct there. I don't expect to be able to return home anytime soon. Which I guess would be a little strange to you. You do seem to prefer the outside world to any place of familiarity."
A sudden gust of sea air ruffles the sails of the nearby ships, making the Mantis shugenja pull her sleeves together. The warm breeze brought the images of far off places to her mind, places she'd only seen in books and in sketchbooks treasured by the sailors that could afford them to sketch in. Places she would love to go see, but had a healthy dose of fear of. So much of traveling was mystery and chance.
"One day, Tadaka-san, I hope to be bold enough to travel on my own such as you do. Though I do like company on occasion, it's being alone that allows us to define ourselves. What makes us who we are and not into another person. Maybe if everyone learned to be alone, there would be less prejudice because of Clan. People would be judged on their own merit and not on what colors we wear for the pride of our clan." Keshi closes her eyes as she takes a moment to imagine that.
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Post by tadakasan on Mar 30, 2011 16:01:16 GMT -5
Tadaka blinks and looks at Keshi, his eyes widening ever so slightly. With her eyes closed he simply smiles and reaches forward, taking her hands in his gently, "That... was a very wise thing you just said. It is something I have known, but never been able to put into words like that. I think, Keshi-san, that you will most certainly feel more bold some day since you understand this, not to mention that you seem to have some secret strength in you that I cannot define. Something I have seen in others in your Family."
Self consciously, Tadaka lets go of Keshi's hand and clears his throat. Taking the folded up drawing, he holds it out in both hands, bowing slightly, "Anyways, this was for you Keshi-san, since you have been such a help to me and a comfort for the night. It is the least I can do for you since I cannot change your duty or your situation. You... are right as well; it seems they are already putting up the sails and getting ready to leave."
He stands up, looking out at the sun which is just barely peeking over the horizon. He turns back to Keshi and smiles, "I hope to see you some time again soon Keshi-san. That would make me most happy."[/color] Tadaka looks down at Keshi as she holds the paper.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Mar 30, 2011 17:06:55 GMT -5
Keshi smiles as she looks down at the paper for just a moment before looking up at Tadaka, "Thank you, Tadaka-san." Though she had recently become familiar with good byes, this one was different. It felt more sad and more hopeful at the same time. "I hope to see you as well. Preferably with you in good health. The world is dangerous." Keshi offers a shy smile. Careful not to fold the paper in her hands, holding it as if it were a priceless treasure.
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Post by tadakasan on Mar 30, 2011 17:21:00 GMT -5
Tadaka bows and walks up the dock towards the ship, calling up to one of the Mantis deckhands as he walks up the plank, disappearing onto the boat to get comfortable for the voyage. ==================================
The ship pulls out of the docks and sails away. When Keshi decides to open up the folded up sketch, there is a poem on the inside:
The flowers of spring Are blooming on the islands Full of bright color
Even in the night They burst with life and color Petals and Blossoms
But even spring gardens Are nothing compared to the Fox's true beauty.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Mar 30, 2011 17:37:03 GMT -5
Keshi watches the preparations for leaving for a long while. Finally leaving the docks to go to her quarters. The short poem both lightened her heart and made her blush. Tucking the treasure away safely, looking over her shoulder back at the ship that would take Tadaka away.
"May the winds and Forests keep you safe, Tadaka-san. Till we meet again." She whispers softly, trusting the air kami to deliver her message as she leaves the docks.
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Post by tadakasan on Mar 30, 2011 21:20:19 GMT -5
(( OCC; well, I didn't expect The Docks to go on 6 pages here, but all stories must come to an end. Thanks for the wonderful RP Keshi-sama. And, despite the fact he was banned and using multiple accounts, it was nice to have Sueno / Hyuu here to help start things off. ^_^ ))
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Mar 30, 2011 21:31:37 GMT -5
OOC That they do. Guess it's time Lock this thing up and think of it fondly. *Locks up and tosses the key away.*
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