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Post by tonbotaka on Jan 15, 2011 8:12:44 GMT -5
* Taka walks in the empty room with confidence. A servant closes the sliding door behind him. Taka stays where he is, alone, examining with attention every feature of the place. A few minutes later, a courtier comes in. *
I am Taka and I was told that our Lady/Lord would be here. I have to meet her/him.
* The courtier seems embarassed *
I am Hakezo. Our Lady/Lord and Champion is currently unavailable, Taka-sama, and more of our bethrens are expected before (s)he joins us. Until then, please sit. Could I offer you some refreshment?
* Taka sits down and nods in agreement *
Tea would be fine, arigatou, Hakezo-sama.
(OOC: waiting for my Dragonfly sisters and brothers to arrive)
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Mirumoto Machu
Dragon Clan
Advantage: Different school Shiba bushi. Dissadvantage: Missing limb
Posts: 299
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Post by Mirumoto Machu on Jan 16, 2011 16:47:14 GMT -5
If you are lonely you could come to the feast at Shiro Murimoto. Our Tonbo cousins are always welcom.
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Takezo
Dragon Clan
Shugyosha, Loyal retainer of Toturi, Dragon Champion-in-exile
Posts: 415
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Post by Takezo on Jan 18, 2011 19:50:56 GMT -5
*On the road to Kyuden Tonbo, a strange procession appears: a group of no less than thirty strongly-muscled men, warrior monks, clad in Dragon colors and accompanied by a single Kitsuki courtier. Each of the monks bears a heavy burden - a koku of rice, a bundle of bamboo, and an ingot of iron, yet they move quickly and with smiling ease.
When the monks arrive at the gates, they stop, standing patiently in formation, and the Kitsuki spurs his mount forward, calling out to the castle.*
"Dragonfly cousins, Mirumoto Takezo, Champion of the Dragon, in fulfillment of promises made in Kyuden Doji and Winter Court, delivers thirty koku of finest rice from the pure fields of Reihado Shinsei, thirty bundles of strongest bamboo from the Kitsune Mori, and thirty ingots of refined iron from Tetsu Kama Mura! May this rice protect you from hunger, the bamboo provide you shelter, and the iron slay your enemies!"
*The monks unshoulder their burdens, stacking them outside the gates in orderly piles, and head back to ascend their mountains.*
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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 Jan 19, 2011 17:08:14 GMT -5
Yushahime later inspects the gifts presented to the Dragonfly keep, in fulfillment of earlier promises. She has a beaming smile as she is once more reminded of the nobility of her own Clan.
"I hope this gift from our clan champion himself shows our generosity and sincerity in our continued good relations with the Dragonfly Clan. As you must know, when the Dragon clan makes a promise its subject can be considered as good as done. Dragonfly cousins, always remember our lands are open to you to roam and you will find our people most welcoming as well"
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Post by tonbotaka on Jan 20, 2011 21:09:32 GMT -5
*After many hours of the patient Taka waiting in his master audience chamber, Hakezo returns *
I'm infinitely sorry, Taka-sama. Our Champion seems to be held elsewhere and couldn't join us.
* Taka isn't surprised, gathering every ounce of willpower, he manages not to let his voice betray his true feelings about the day *
There are so many things to do in order to rebuild our city, I would be selfish to imagine our Champion would consider me as more important than the rest of our Clan. I will be back tomorrow.
* The courtier eases a bit *
I will make sure that you have your audience the next time you come here.
* Taka stands up, exits the room and leave the premises. Walking the streets of Kyuden Tonbo, looking for a decent place to spend the night, he passes near the gates of the city as a contigent of the Dragons arrives and hears the Kitsuki magistrate's speech. Looking around, he notices that no official are present. Taka walks toward the magistrate and replies *
I, Tonbo Taka, thank you for your generosity. These supplies are greatly appreciated, especially in these troubled times. I can not talk on behalf of our Champion who is currently unavailable, but I am certain that he would like you to rest and enjoy the little we still can offer to you. Our hospitality can not match your generous gifts but, in time, we will make sure than proper thanks be given. Please, accompany me to the Plum Garden tea house for refreshments and a meal that will replenish your strenght.
* Locating a young servant, Taka asks him to report immediately the news of visitors to Hakezo *
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Post by Shoju on Jan 21, 2011 12:42:46 GMT -5
From an alley, Oronkohiro sees the exchange of the Dragonfly and the dragon. Oronkohiro stands taller than most in Rokugan, and his hair lies in a loose pony tail down the middle of his back. His facial Features are obscured by a large Jingasa. His Kimono seems slightly ill fitting, as though it were crafted for someone of similar size, but not necessarily Oronkohiro. the sleeves seem just slightly too long.
He walks confidently out of the Alley, and speaks:
"Good even Dragonfly. Would you care to join me for tea? My lord has asked me to come and speak with the Dragonfly about how best we could help each other. "
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Post by tonbotaka on Jan 22, 2011 9:06:24 GMT -5
* Still waiting for an answer from the Dragon visitors, Taka looks at the newcomer with uncertainty *
Konichiwa, ... * realizing there's no visible mon on the tall man * ...visitor. You must be mistaking me for someone else as I am but a simple shugenja. If your lord wants to discuss to the Dragonfly, you should seek an audience with our Daimyo. If I could have a name, yours or your lord"s one, I could arrange such meeting for you, after I take good care of our guests who travelled far.
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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 Jan 22, 2011 10:12:58 GMT -5
Yushahime waits patiently to one side, observing the newcomer quizically. She wonders if he is a ronin or a monk. She nods to the other visitor before turning to Tonbo Taka as he once more highlights her presence.
"You are most kind Taka-sama. I would of course relish the opportunity to delight in your hospitality and have heard fine tales of the Plum Garden tea house in even my small years. Your actions and courtesy are thanks enough to the favour we are pleased to show our honourable cousins. Working together with the same shared goals is what makes the empire strong. I will gladly accompany you and perhaps we can discuss matters further in comfort"
She bows delicately, eyes ever so briefly darting to the newcomer as if to accuse him of disrupting that comfortm before once more releasing a shining smile as she raises herself. She gestures to the newcomer with one hand while still facing Tonbo Taka.
"Before Taka-sama arranges that meeting, perhaps it would be wise to have the newcomer introduce himself, as is the polite custom in these lands. The name of his Lord would also be pertinent"
She radiantly smiles at the other man as she gracefully takes a step back
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Post by Shoju on Jan 22, 2011 18:28:22 GMT -5
Oronkohiro's smile is evident from under his Jingasa.
"My name is Oronkohiro. I am here as a representative of a former minor clan whose lands has suffered similarly to your own. While I'm sure that your Daimyo would be needed for any formal requests, I would love to hear from you and how the destruction of your lands, and the rebuilding process has affected you Taka-san. If it would make you feel better, I will extend my offer to your cousin the fair dragon. Perhaps we could all retire to this Plum Garden Tea House where we can all discuss this. My Lord's requests will reach your Daimyo's ear for sure, but it is late, and such things can wait for the morning.
Oronkohiro's tone is very flat. Almost condescending, yet.... not. The lack of emotion and inflection in his voice could even be considered unsettling.
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Post by tonbotaka on Jan 22, 2011 19:31:36 GMT -5
"A former minor clan", as you say, Oronkohiro-san. Which one, might I ask. Since you're not wearing any mon, I would think of you as ronin, yet you just said that you serve a master, your Lord. I would like to understand this as, in my ignorance, seems to be a blatant contradiction. * Taka voice and tone indicate mefiance, yet curiosity *
As for accompanying us, I am already commited to these horourable and vaillant visitors and I would like to complete my duties before engaging to new ones. But the tea house is spacious and an additional guest would not be a problem.
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Post by Shoju on Jan 22, 2011 19:55:21 GMT -5
My Lord has taken upon a position not so dissimilar to that of the honorable Toturi during the Clan Wars. The name of my clan has been lost to the sands of time sadly, though the destruction of their lands is not so different than the story of your current plight Taka-san.
Oronkohiro lifts his hand as if inspecting his nails, clearly enjoying the round about nature of his answers.
I understand previous engagements Taka-san. I will allow you to tend to your affairs, maybe I will see you in the coming days.
Oronkohiro steps back into the alley, and seems to melt into the shadows
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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 Jan 22, 2011 20:42:19 GMT -5
Yushahime raises an eyebrow at the man calling himself Oronkohiro's departure. As odd and sudden as his entrance she thinks before more carefully scrutinising the situation. Furrowing her brow she swiflty narrows down the possibilities. He could have been lying about much or even all of what he just said. More likely his minor clan was dishonourably expunged from the records and/or very small and insignificant. The fact he didn't wear a mon while claiming to be a representative of a lord, even a minor one, spoke volumes. Hidden loyalties... that was not how bushido was meant to work. Hardly courageous or respectable. The man's clan were almost certainly criminals or worse. Maybe traitors to the throne or those who had significantly annoyed the imperial families or even the emperor. Still, Yushahime hadn't heard of any minor clans being punished recently. That could be explained if the man was lying or the clan was exceptionally minor. Still, the way he conducted things, spoke and then excused himself was leading Yushahime to be exceptionally wary of the man. Following her Kitsuki trainining, she felt inclined to go with her hunches but would hold back on forming a final viewpoint on the matter until she could gather more evidence. Evidence revealed the truth afterall, at least in her mind.
Yushahime pinned her thoughts where they were. All of these had taken only a moment. She would resume her analysis at a later time. Breathing out she forced herself to relax and her shoulders dropped a half inch as tension left her. Her left hand also eased its grip on the tanto she kept in her obi's decorative knot. Instead she pulled out a small cloth holding several small items, which she continued to hold onto, in case anyone questioned her movements. She turned her attention back to Taka-san as she did so.
"A man who claims to loyally serve his Lord but cannot reveal that Lord's name or Clan and does not openly show his allegiance... how unusual. I think most would view him as barely a samurai and a dishonourable one at that. You and your clan can of course conduct your own affairs and need no advise. Still, I cannot help but reveal my own feelings which are uncertainty and caution towards men such as him"
She jangled the cloth items to catch Taka's attention "To alter the mood more favourably, perhaps I can interest you in some wagashi (Japanese sweets often served with tea) from Shiro Kitsuki? They'd likely be an excellent accompaniment with the tea from the Plum Garden, not that the tea nor the company would be lovely without". Yushahime smiles earnestly to increase the appeal of the offer
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Post by Shoju on Jan 23, 2011 8:03:04 GMT -5
From the roof tops, Oronkohiro scowled at what he heard the Kitsuki said. The dishonourable comment struck a chord, and Oronkohiro made a mental note to show the Kitsuki the depths of the dishonor that lived in all men.
It was going to be a long night. A peasant would be needed if Oronkohiro was to be ready for a meeting with the Drgaonfly daimyo in the morning.
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Post by tonbotaka on Jan 23, 2011 14:13:43 GMT -5
* Taka looks in the direction were the mysterious man vanished. Sure, there are shadows and his eyes could heve tricked him, but he cannot convince himself that it could be humanly possible to disappear so kickly. As he's pondering the how and why of this exit, Yushahime's voice brings him back to more concrete matters.*
... but cannot reveal that Lord's name or Clan and does not openly show his allegiance... how unusual. I think most would view him as barely a samurai and a dishonourable one at that. You and your clan can of course conduct your own affairs and need no advise. Still, I cannot help but reveal my own feelings which are uncertainty and caution towards men such as him.
* Taka simply agrees by noding at this statement. In the shrine where he was raised, he had learned to mistrust strange ronins who came with the distinct purpose of being accepted in a clan, even a lesser one. Their real motivations weren't always as pure as they could have claimed and their loyalty could be questionable. *
To alter the mood more favourably, perhaps I can interest you in some wagashi from Shiro Kitsuki? They'd likely be an excellent accompaniment with the tea from the Plum Garden, not that the tea nor the company would be lovely without.
* Taka glimpses at the sweets and a large smile appears on his face. He forgets about that Oronkohiro, for now *
I did not had the chance to eat these since I became an apprentice, the shrine were I was trained was a poor one and we never could afford such frivolities. But I remember the ones my grandmother used to prepare for special occasions. It's been so long ago, that would be an honour for me. Please, follow me, the tea house is located by the orchard, near the pond, this way.
* Taka leads the group to a modest teahouse that hadn't been burned like the rest of the city when it was almost entirely destroyed. It had been properly maintained but showing its age. The owners, a couple in their forties, welcome the visitors and offer them to sit in the garden, the only place where such a large group could be together. Taka make sure everyone is seated before seating himself. He then asks the Kitsuki *
Are you coming back from from the Yobanjin battles in the West? We have heard so many rumors of conflicts but no real news on what is really happening. Or maybe you are returning from the Winter Court, or the Topaz Championship...
* Taka realizes that he is speaking too fast and does not let his guest answers in numerous questions. *
Oh, pardon me... I never left Kyuden Tonbo, yet. I'm curious of what is happening out there... everything. I should not bother you with all this...
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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 Jan 23, 2011 16:55:28 GMT -5
"They are still somewhat elusive even in Dragon lands my cousin. We rarely treat ourselves and do not have the wealth of some of the other clans. Still, I think it is sensible to have some things to look forward to in life"
Yushahime follows Taka and the mixed group, making small talk. Upon reaching the tea house she admires her surroundings, an untouched paradise amidst reconstruction works. Her honest smile hasn't left her face since Taka-sama showed interest in the wagashi. She places them infront of her after seating herself, gesturing to everyone that they may help themselves. She takes hers last out of politeness. Yushahime grins slightly at Taka's apology, before explaining herself and answering him
"Taka-sama, curiosity and inquisitiveness are key traits of the Kitsuki. How could I fault you for them? Please ask away. I have been to Unicorn lands but not recently, so I could only tell you of the information I have heard regarding the Yobanjin. I myself attended Winter Court these last few months. The discussions there have concerned many matters, one of which is the reconstruction as you may be aware?"
Yushahime waits for her tea, carefully listening to the conversation to see who knows who and to hear anything of interest. She continues to maintain a friendly air but her courtier training has become instinct.
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