Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 16, 2011 20:18:18 GMT -5
Haruka quietly closed the room off as she went behind Tomatstu. "If I may..."
She gently grabbed his left shoulder and applied pressure with the side of her hand, immediately rewarding his spine with a sharp crack through his kimono, allowing his circulation to return to normal and his muscles to adjust.
"My apologies, but it is likely that your riding style is a bit, short winded. Perhaps sometime I might train you how to live on the horse's back as we do. I myself have spent days without dismounting when it is needed."
She bowed to him deeply again as she sat adjacent to him. "I wouldn't mind relaxing, since winter court I haven't been able to sit still and just enjoy some company for too long. I would love to know about things, I'm afraid I haven't been able to keep up with the news very much with as much traveling I've been doing."
She took a sip of some warming tea as she glanced out the window at the fading frost.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 17, 2011 13:41:54 GMT -5
He bows to her, rather deeply given the stature difference between the two. I thank you Utaku-san for fixing my back. I fear I do not have my mother's ability at riding, to be honest, I was always scared of horses as a child.
He took his seat again, this time, instead of sitting formally on his knees, he plopped down on his butt, stretching his legs out in front of him in a relaxed manner. I fear the Empire is in a rather bleak state, my friend, the Yobanjin are knocking at our door, the Emperor receives no one, the Shogun marches without his authority binding me to march with him by my honor, and I am forced to ride quite a bit these days. I shall take up your offer to teach me the Unicorn method of riding, I have a feeling that in the future there will be more riding for me.
He sighed, and rubbed his forehead. Seeing as your about to become a rather prominent member of one of the two most political clans, what topic would you care to discuss first? Or I guess I should say which topic would you care to discuss that requires me to ride the length and breath of the Empire?
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 17, 2011 17:28:35 GMT -5
Haruka also took up a slightly more lax position as she let her legs rest to the side, but her eyes seemed to turn downward in some concern.
"The shogun marches mightily with the Lion, both in power and in excellence, but it reflects badly on the Unicorn's sense of purpose when we cannot hold back the Yobanjin alone. I would never say this among anyone other than friends, but I do wonder if he doubts us, or just thinks less of us as most clans tend to."
She took a sip of tea to clear her throat as it seemed the matter was somewhat more heavy on her mind that what was first perceived.
"I am willing to accept that we may not be bound quite as thickly to this land as the other clans, I am willing to accept that the Lion is indeed more than enough force to deal with the threat. But it does not please me to have to be looked down upon as though fodder for the war machine. We were the front line of defense, we've held out for this long and we've accepted the assistance of any samurai who wished to lend aid in the thick of battle. But with the shogun's march..." She paused for a heavy breath. "I feel as though this could be the final strike against an already cracked morale. I do fear for the future, for men under sway of their perceived duty can cause much trouble. And every clan, regardless, always has those few people to be watchful of. If I knew who they were I'd handle them myself, but alas it is hard to distinguish brothers and sisters from rebellious hearts."
She portrayed her distaste simply, not trying to avoid any sort of quarrel with the Lion champion, but fully fleshing out her side of thinking. Mercifully she was a simpler soul who didn't mix words.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 17, 2011 18:36:44 GMT -5
I did not realize how misunderstood the Shogun's march is. Do not think we march because we believe that the Unicorn can not handle the defenses themselves. We march because the Shogun, and by proxy the Emperor, is the only one who can unite the clans together so that we can make a united defense against a threat that looms over us all. I just wish the Emperor would give his blessing. Six times I tried to see him while I was at Toshi Ranbo, and six times I was denied, no one can see him. What is he up to?
He shook his head. I digress, friend, we march to aid your clan, not to give the impression that the Unicorn can not handle this problem. He sighed heavily. If only the Emperor would give a statement. Know that the Lion will always stand behind the those that work for the best interests of the Empire, and those that are pure of duty and heart will our support if there is to be an internal problem in the Unicorn.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 17, 2011 19:08:23 GMT -5
Haruka nodded as he spoke. "Forgive me if I have been rude. I know your meaning, and am honored to fight alongside you and your clan truly. The shogun does his duty for this land, and my simple mind is but a trifling thought in the long run. I have marched in assistance to the shogun as I will continue to do so unhindered."
She felt she had extended herself, perhaps speaking too boldly to Tomatsu as she couldn't even raise her eyes to look at his feet let alone him.
"I am fairly passionate about my clan, and while I know we aren't of the most pure and ancient bloodlines in Rokugan I still feel that by the grace of the kami we shouldn't be too much of any one thing. Most are so happy to follow where directed but I suppose I've had just too much time to think and not enough time for battle, but then again with this... now I must reconsider my future now with the Scorpion."
She seemed to sulk slightly as her shoulders rose and her head sank a bit. "I will do my best for them as I did for my family and clan, that's all I can hope to do, I can only pray that it is enough."
Tomatsu could tell just by looking at her that it seemed a quiet fear had taken hold, simply talking to her in a casual manner revealed more than a strong woman, but one with quite the conscience laying on her mind.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 18, 2011 11:20:56 GMT -5
He sensed her unease. Relax, you are amongst a friend now. Nothing you say will leave these four walls. Something I feel that in the future will be a premium service. We shall have to get you a fitting mask, perhaps you and I should get some to honor Senshi-san at your wedding. He smiled.
Relax, my dear, you will be fine. Rokugan is filled with nervous brides to be, and you have an advantage over them, you've met your future husband. Think if you'd never met him before, having to rely on my representations of him. I think that sort of arranged marriage is horrible.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 18, 2011 16:13:09 GMT -5
She couldn't seem to help from laughing a bit, although to see her smile was almost uplifting to the soul. She took herself far too seriously at times and it seemed as though she was finally at ease with Tomatsu.
"A mask indeed, I only hope it doesn't get in my way as I have no intention of stopping my fighting unless I'm heavy with a champion's heir!"
Haruka seemed entertained at the idea, but as the day drew on it seemed the sun was going down on the plains around them, drawing long shadows along the grasses.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 19, 2011 20:21:37 GMT -5
He took a sip of tea and swallowed it in a hurry to make a comment. Should you ever find yourself lacking in opportunities for battle amongst your new clan, you are always welcome to fight by my side. While Senshi-san and I do get into our fair share of adventures and dangerous scrapes, his clan does not provide as many opportunities for battle as does my clan. I can also assure you that there will be plenty of Matsu, Akodo, Kitsu, and Ikoma ladies who persist on doing battle well into their pregnancies. There have been several occasions of a child born on the field of battle. Mind you we don't allow them to do personal combat, they do often persist on strapping on their armor and parading around the general's camp, hoping the enemy will break through so they can fight. My father always says he was lucky the Lion faced peace during the time my mother was heavy with me, he wasn't sure he could convince her to stay at home.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 21, 2011 4:37:54 GMT -5
Haruka smiled and laughed as she listened to him go on. "Well we shall certainly see. I would not mind learning more aspects of Rokugani lifestyles, but if the itch of battle does strike me, and you just so happen to be in need of a battle maiden, I most certainly will consider taking up your offer good Tomatsu-sama."
She stopped laughing to take a much longer drink as she finished her cup. She took a stand as she gave a long whistle out the side window as a bay horse with saddle and bridle came up to the window in attention. Haruka gently fed it one of the treats from the table as she stroked his nose.
"Perhaps you wouldn't mind a short seat on Minori here, he won't move a muscle while I see how you sit in the saddle to better help you in your future travels Tomatsu-sama." As she pressed the wall panel aside, it seemed as if were a cleverly hidden opening all along. The sight of a fine Utaku saddle atop the bay stallion greeting Tomatsu's eyes.
"And while I have inquired about you obtaining a steed like Minori here, it seems you'd need to do something special for the clan and you might be gifted one in turn. Or so I've heard..."
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 21, 2011 9:07:12 GMT -5
He groaned as he stood. But Mother, he playfully protested I don't want to ride today. He continued to mumble to himself about why we need to ride, when we could just walk instead. He took a few attempts to haul himself into the saddle, his muscles worn out from the journey. He slouched on the saddle for a few moments, letting his muscles adjust to being mounted again before sucking in a breath of air and straightening up, assuming the normal position most samurai know with regards to how to ride.
So what can the esteemed Utaku teach this old Lion? You do know there are many samurai all over the Empire who are jealous of my current position, that is on top of a fabled Unicorn steed. Also I'd like to point out, many in your own clan would wish me dead for this as well. Nothing I'm not use to, mind you.
He bent forward and began to stroke the mane and neck of the steed. Speaking softly to it, he hoped it would not make a fool of him. You know, no matter where I go in the Empire, no one has managed to actually perfect a comfortable saddle, I wonder why that is? Perhaps I should dispatch the Lion smiths to work on it, revolutionize how we ride. He wondered aloud.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 21, 2011 10:37:28 GMT -5
Haruka gave a wry smile. "Perhaps none have been commissioned to sculpt a saddle for your particularly measurable form Tomatsu-sama." She couldn't help but laugh. "You needn't worry about prying eyes, as long as you don't ride off with Minori you shouldn't hear much more about it. Though you do look quite fitting on his back."
She seemed to hop down from the side wall as she looked around, shifting his legs slightly and grumbling about something. "Tomatsu-sama, honestly do you ride the horse or does it ride you!" She pushed on the part of his back he was suffering from, making it pop again. "To really be able to ride for any length of time you're going to have to ride with the beast rather than atop it, but I won't make you ride and suffer to learn for now I just needed to see."
She graciously helped him off as she then took the saddle, her movements light as a feather as she started Minori around the enclosed path where the walls were high. This side area was most likely for lunging and training the youngest riders. The ground was still cold and though the ground was well worn from hoof beats it wouldn't kick up any dust for now as she showed him how she lifted herself, and even at a gallop Tomatsu could see clearly how she angled herself along the beast, able to keep her head and balance in line with its movements. She even went to pick up a training stick meant to be the weight and size of a spear as she showed him in her demonstration how it was able to be carried and wielded. She speared a haystack nearby as she brought the stallion into a rear and gently dismounted.
Very few times had there been such a straightforward showing of the riding technique, but admittedly it didn't look completely traditional or what he might've seen with other Unicorn riders. She dusted her hands off effortlessly as she allowed the stallion to go back to nibbling on his feed. Haruka walked back inside to close the wall back up and shoo the cold as she sat back down and poured herself another warm cup of tea.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 22, 2011 8:24:40 GMT -5
I suspect that its not a matter of who rides who, but I am more of a kabuto for the horse. Pleasant to keep the sun off your brow but after a while it becomes a nuisance.
He moved back inside and took up his seat, trying to recover some of his warmth. No matter how much time he spent up north, he never grew accustomed to the cold. His servant, who had been quietly reading various papers stood up and placed the lion pelt cloak around Tomatsu's legs, before returning back to her seat and papers.
I guess its rather plainly clear that I did not inherit my mother's ability to resist the cold. Now I understand why you wear so many furs, the cold up here is so cruel. I hope you don't mind the heat, Kyuden Bayushi get rather hot during the summer. If only they had some oceans, so there would be a place to cool off. But then again it would be likely to some enterprising young Scorpion would poison the water, and after that no one would swim again. Also do you think they'd swim with their masks on or off? I find that to be the real question.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 22, 2011 9:21:01 GMT -5
"I suspect I'll have to learn to dress a bit differently, but a change of clothes is hardly a matter. A hot season is hardly a reason to worry, besides, my horse will enjoy the change as they adore the warmer days."
She took a deep breath, her hands reaching to the ribbon in her hair as she untied it and let it flow long. Running her fingers through her long dark hair.
"I think I will still return from time to time, although a home is where the heart is, in a way it seems like no matter where I lay my head down I find a sense of home in this world. But I guess the familiar mountains painting the landscape around the Utaku plains can never be seen quite the same through the mind's eye."
One of the household attendants came over to her and whispered as she smiled and nodded.
"Tomatsu-sama, we'll have plenty of furs for you at the dinner, as it is ready. We leave if you are ready to, only a short walk away mercifully."
She stood up gently as she waited for his company. After he got to his feet they only walked a few minutes down the road with their horses being led by their servants as the day grew later. The twilight painting a wonderful spectrum of colors on the horizon of mountains as they walked inside the manor. The center was lowered into a stadium of sorts leading out through long curtains onto the plains. Tomatsu was invited to sit alongside Haruka as the representative of the evening and her envoy for the oncoming marriage. There were lots of plush furs to surround them as a roaring fire was near each table to keep the onlookers warm. Her mother, Chinatsu took a seat in the center for now as food was being brought by the plate fulls.
"Hope you're hungry my esteemed lion friend, this feast doesn't ever seem to end."
She only seemed slightly disappointed as she looked at all the movement around them continued. "I only wish he could've been here tonight."
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 22, 2011 9:48:22 GMT -5
I have deduced that your husband isn't well, if you don't mind me asking, Utaku-san, what ails him? I have some of the best doctors in all of Rokugan, whom I gladly put at your disposal if there is any way they can help. It is the least I can do for offering such lovely hospitality on such a short notice. He bowed slightly, and took his seat.
What treats are we in for tonight? I know they must be better than the last function I went to. The Crab may be some of the best warriors in all of Rokugan, but competent cooks, they are not. The journey has made me rather hungry, so I am rather looking forward to this meal. He smiled.
After a brief pause, he perked up with a question. Tell me Utaku-sans, what is traditional at a Unicorn wedding celebration? I am rather versed at Scorpion traditions and the groom to be will likely barrage me with questions as to better make his new bride feel at home. I assume your steeds have some part in the ceremony, I will have to lend Lioness to Senshi-san as he has no horses of his own which could compete with any fine Unicorn steed.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 22, 2011 11:19:18 GMT -5
Chinatsu looked over to the champion quietly, not looking upon him but in his vague direction as she seemed to have her eyes hawking over the attendants that were servicing them. "My husband will be in attendance at some point in the evening. I'm sure he wouldn't mind speaking to you Tomatsu-sama." Haruka's eyes seemed to light up as she learned this along with the lion champion. She looked immensely pleased so it would certainly be a sensational moment for him to make a public appearance again outside of his quarters.
But Haruka then turned to Tomatsu again as all manner of treats from their gaijin knowledge started to be served. "The ceremony will likely have many compromises, the least of which being that due to his high standing as Champion, we'll have to wed in the capital, but so long as he and I may ride in and depart from the ceremony by horse then the most fundamental tradition will be upheld. Your loan of your horse will certainly not be forgotten, but I do hope she is gentle for Senshi-sama as I do fear his arm will not be mended by the time we wed."
The sake was poured already as the first of many courses started its way around the tables.
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