Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 23, 2011 15:57:24 GMT -5
Please, do not let my mere presence disturb him if he is ill. I could not rest if I had known that his visit to see me would injure him in any way. He said politely, fully knowing that a father would rise from the grave to hear for himself that his daughter would be married. Especially to another clan's champion, how could he not present himself to make sure the message was true?
He accepted his plate of food, and began to study all the different dishes laid out on it, not with disgust but with curiosity. After sampling a few while listening to the various elements of a Unicorn wedding he stopped cold at the requirement of riding in and out on horseback. I am afraid, my friend, that Senshi-san is not much of a rider. Frankly, if you think my ability to ride is appalling, he might as well walk beside the horse. I'm sure he will try his best, but your ride will need to be short in both time and distance to accommodate his abilities. He paused for a second to change the coversation away from a potentially hostile topic.
Would Utaku-sans care to hear about the Scorpion practices of marriage, or would you rather save that for closer to the date when actual planning must occur?
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 24, 2011 8:35:03 GMT -5
"We will not have to walk far, and I'm fairly sure he can sit on a horse and look good while doing so. That's all he needs to do." She smiled a bit, but her attention was gradually turned to the arena. Tomatsu wouldn't have to wait long to have his curiosity sated as one younger rider bearing a flag with the Unicorn mon on it came riding through, bowing to the Lion champion.
Up until now the lights had seemed rather dim. But as quickly as night to day, there were other fires at other tables lighting up. The traces of dozens and dozens of guests faces started to illuminate. The feast was indeed in full sway. There were some cheers as another four horses and horsewomen came walking up to his sides in formation in the arena. The party was in full sway, but it seemed the table that Haruka and Tomatsu occupied could still hold their words with relative ease.
"I would love to hear their traditions, as I'm afraid I know only so much about the Scorpion clan as a whole. Well, besides what rumors I hear and what I've seen while traveling in their lands."
The presentation would start on the side as many of the Unicorn had been invited to feast with them, celebrating the engagement with the Utaku's and most everyone was invited it seemed, but unless they were approached the faces would otherwise remain unrecognizable.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 24, 2011 21:56:37 GMT -5
Well he will have two honorary Yojimbo for the ceremony, more of an honorific position, I believe you have something similar. I will be one of them, and Hida Setsuro is likely to be the other. It is our job to protect him up to and during the ceremony. Like I said its purely and honorific position, its not likely he will be attacked during his ceremony. He paused as he accepted another plate of food. He ate for a bit before continuing. The wedding is a rather public affair for the Scorpion, so there will be a rather large crowd to witness it. Oh! I almost forgot. Are you aware of the Yogo Curse? No matter, the Yogo family are said to be cursed in the matter of love, and to see, talk, or interact in any way with one on your wedding day is to bring the curse upon yourself. So do be careful with who you talk to on the day of. All Yogo know of this and will likely not attend the wedding, but there have been many brides who did not know and made terrible mistakes. The wedding will be presided over by a Shosuro instead, like the Shosuro daimyo will be on hand to do the ceremony. We will have to get you an appropriate mask for you to wear, its not always required, but much like you wanting Senshi to ride with you, its a sign that you are willing to embrace his ways.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Feb 26, 2011 2:14:27 GMT -5
Haruka seemed quite intent on his words. "I would be happy to honor the Scorpion's tradition. But I wouldn't know where to begin searching for a mask." She seemed to trail off slightly, "Or one that would look decent, the masks I've seen are sometimes very... intense." She continued to dine as the riders would gradually show off their prowess. It was part proving grounds for them before their genpukku, and part display of entertainment for the lion champion.
Haruka would only look to the side as a frail looking man came over to them, he seemed to have many scars and his right eye was covered by a bandage that also wrapped around his head. She smiled and embraced the man as she brought him over to sit with Tomatsu. He bowed deeply.
"Tomatsu-sama, I'd like you to meet my father Utaku Ryota." He obviously sat beaming at the lion champion.
"I am so happy to have the honor of meeting you Tomatsu-sama, I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams they my darling daughter would be seen in the eyes of a champion. I trust you both to take care of her when she leaves our home?"
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Feb 27, 2011 14:37:35 GMT -5
He bowed to the man. I assure you, honorable Utaku-san, she will be in the best of hands. I hope you appriciate the gift that Senshi-san has sent. We spend hours combing his vast vaults of various things to find the gift that was just right. If you wish, Utaku-san, I have a fine medical staff, and I would gladly put them at your disposal. They are but a days ride away, with the Shogun's march. However I hear that our march my be called into question by the Emperor himself, so we shall see how long we do so.
He took another bite and turned towards his daughter. As for a mask, I believe, if you trust this humble Lion I can have something created for you.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 1, 2011 5:32:00 GMT -5
Both Haruka and her father gave a bow.
"Indeed I would be indebted to you if you assisted me in such a task Tomatsu-sama. I only hope that you choose one that reflects well on me. I understand that it reflects somewhat on the soul that wears it, and I have no desire to dishonor Senshi-sama, but I also do not wish to seal my heart too far away that I become cold or untouchable as a samurai."
Her father would bow as he went to sit with Chinatsu.
The show would continue for several hours between the various riders, as finally the evening would wind down into the last course. Most of the other people either having eaten their fill or relaxing by now. But Haruka proved that those who ate in small amounts could consume politely to the end. She smiled as she finished sipping her sake.
"So it will end soon enough. I suppose you'd best remain with us for the evening at the very least Tomatsu-sama. We've already had a fine room prepared if you so wish to rest. It is far too late in the night for travel and I'm sure the kami will bless your ride when you go to deliver the good news."
Her relaxed and sated nature was almost relieving. She seemed more authoritative, but still managed a gentleness that was hospitable. One could easily mistake her for a fair courtier if they never saw her in battle.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Mar 4, 2011 1:40:40 GMT -5
I thank you for your hospitality, I am in no condition to ride today and it is rather late. I also fear I am in too good spirits to travel. He placed his bowl and chopsticks back on the table respectfully, in a sign that he was finished eating. He leaned forward and spoke to Utaku Ryota. So ask me what you want to about Bayushi-san, I'm sure as a father you have plenty of questions about your future son-in-law. I happen to know the man rather well and would be happy to answer any of your questions. He smiled as he leaned back, taking a tea cup in his hand and slowly taking a drink of it, enjoying the warmth of it considering how long he had been out in the cold.
I also must thank you for hosting such a fabulous feast on such short notice. The food was delicious and I am glad to enjoy the hospitality of your clan. In the future you will have to allow me to return the favor, show you the hospitality of the Lion that doesn't involve getting cut by a sword. He chuckled a bit at his own joke.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 5, 2011 0:41:13 GMT -5
Utaku Ryota would smiled and bow every time he spoke. He seemed always humble whenever he spoke or gestured towards Tomatsu, fairly reverent and sincere.
"So long as he takes care of my little girl," A slight twinge in Haruka's eye at the mention of such an affectionate term.
"then I know the man she goes with deserves her. I do wonder though, as I heard this all from my bed, why he would desire to seek after my daughter. Not that I would ever doubt her ability to captivate the eye of any ally no matter where she presents her skills, but I simply wonder what the Scorpion would want of her. I know all too well that they do not commonly make such choices without due course and reason."
Haruka's mother, Chinatsu seemed fairly interested in the matter as well. Her steely gaze turning to Tomatsu for the first time in the evening. Far too strong headed for a woman it would seem. But Haruka spoke a bit to Tomatsu's defense.
"I heard of a rumor that might be clear as morning fog, but I do believe the master Senshi-sama has a curious enjoyment of gaijin things. Perhaps I am a path to securing such unique goods. Plus there is also his future line to consider."
The table growing slightly quiet at the mention of her future duty, but by the way Chinatsu had looked to Haruka, it was clear she had her silent complaint about the arrangement. Through only her tie to duty did she keep silent it seemed.
"A strong woman for a strong mother for strong children. Seems appropriate enough to me." Ryota chimed in with a smile.
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Akodo Tomatsu
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The Shining Lion
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Mar 14, 2011 14:40:08 GMT -5
I will admit I do not possess the necessary abilities with the kami to be able to read the man's thoughts. However I do know he does not make many decisions lightly, and would have given serious thought and consideration to the matter. Certainly he would not have sent me in this matter if he didn't think it was of the most importance.
He thought for a moment. Yes well certainly there is his line to consider. He isn't as concerned with that, at least never to me directly, but I'm sure he will consider it in the future when he is closer to the end of his life. However I will agree a strong mother does make strong children, that I can personally attest to.
It occurs to me that I have been remiss, do you wish to use your own marital servants to set up the details of the ceremony, or would you wish me to convey to Bayushi-san for him to find his own people to create it? As I have stated before, I know little in the ways of your marriage rituals and please, tell me if I am overstepping the bounds of polite conversation in this matter.
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Bayushi Haruka
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 14, 2011 16:21:29 GMT -5
Ryota shook his hands out, "Far from it most gracious Akodo Tomatsu-sama! Of course we have told you all we expect from the ceremony!"
Haruka seemed to nod, and in a way from the trade of glances she spoke on her mother's behalf. "The ways of the Unicorn and marriage are so much different to the scorpion, but not in tradition but more of context. Anyone in the Unicorn can go so far as to sway for the choice of their future spouse, but the largest priority will always to unite the two people in a union that will benefit and strengthen both.
Naturally Utaku Kasumi-sama and the champion have agreed to it."
Chinatsu nodded in affirmation of her words as she looked to the servants. "I wish to retire for now, please see that Tomatsu-sama is taken care of until he is ready to leave, Haruka-san."
Both her mother and father would leave on horse back as most of the other guests had cleared out, leaving Haruka and the Lion Champion along with the servants for now.
"We can go whenever you like Tomatsu-sama. I certainly hope you enjoyed your evening and your meal. I know it isn't probably anything you'd normally have eaten, but I suppose it is what makes the Unicorn unique." She bowed to him. "I thank you for forgiving my mother, as she means no harm by her frustration, but she can sometimes come off as a tense and unrelenting heart. But she only means well for her people."
The evening rather late indeed, she rode with Tomatsu towards her home as one of the side rooms had been methodically prepared for his stay. Extra cushions and the like given to make sure his stay was certainly the most pleasant as Haruka would tend to him like a servant as she brought him a nice evening tea to help him relax and digest on the chilly night. It would be up to him to return with the news of the acceptance of the marriage, and indeed now Utaku Haruka would be betrothed to Bayushi Senshi.
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