Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 22, 2011 3:26:44 GMT -5
In response to the ronin Chiyuki shrugged. "My Lord just said 'He's alive' and dropped the matter. The way he acts though, I doubt it confessed guilt. He's still searching."
Chiyuki smiled when the Unicorn expressed a desire to travel together. A battle maiden on her horse. That would be a great sight indeed. Chiyuki silently prayed that her mission would be done with as soon as possible so she could travel with the Unicorn. "I hope my mission is done with quickly then, both for the speedy result for my Lord and the chance to travel. I would very much like to see your steed, Utaku Haruka-sama, I'm sure the paintings do them little justice."
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Mar 22, 2011 8:19:18 GMT -5
Tinishi looked around as the two samurai-ko were speaking. Finally. The Crane had arrived. "If you would excuse me, My appointment has arrived ahead of schedule." Tinishi stood and bowed low. he started walking towards the Crane, and could be seen being speaking with the crane as if they were long lost friends.
They seated themselves a short distance away from where he had sat with Haruka, and a servant was dispatched towards Tinishi's room. As Tinishi sat down, an observant person would notice that there was an oddity to his skin. As he shifted his kimono, his skin looked different.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 22, 2011 20:16:53 GMT -5
Up until this point, Haruka had either feigned not noticing or didn't honestly realize it until now. She now however seemed to realize as her keen eyes quietly had followed Tinshi out of the corner of her gaze.
"Certainly Chiyuki-san. I will be here for a while, the day is still very young. Just ask the inn attendants, I'll be in my room for now."
She bowed to the Monkey, as she'd offered all she could to assist. And waiting for her to depart for now she seemed to write out a small note, barely legible and rather quickly written on the side as she put her things away and whispered something to Emi and handed the note to be passed off.
The Unicorn servant went and passed the note off discreetly to Tinshi so as not to interrupt his conversation as both Haruka and Emi seemed to retreat up to the top room that they had reserved from earlier. There was a paging system so that if they were needed anyone could ask the front of house to contact her in her room.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Mar 23, 2011 8:44:08 GMT -5
Tinsihi waded through the conversation with the Crane. The conversation had not gone as well as Tinishi had hoped. The Crane were unwilling to sponsor him as a speaker in the court tomorrow, which meant that speaking in the court tomorrow just became more difficult. Officially, as a Ronin, it was nigh impossible to speak in Imperial Court.... UNLESS a Clan were to sponsor your position. Tinishi should have known that trying to do things the easy way wouldn't work. Now, he was going to have to allow the Chuda to "coerce" someone into sponsoring their position. This sat heavy on him. The use of Maho in the Shadowlands, or in the battlefield was one thing, but to use it openly in the capital... Who knows what could befall them.
As the conversation finished he opened the note. So, she had recognized him. It was truly unfortunate, but not that surprising in the end. Shiro Saisei hadn't been that long ago, and while he hadn't been as involved in it as Minturo, Kijiro, or the Archer, he should have assumed that she would remember him.
Tinishi stood and walked to the front of the inn. He politely asked to speak with Utaku Haruka.
As he did, he eyed the young money Samurai-ko. Maybe. Just maybe she could be of use to this plan after all.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 23, 2011 9:04:41 GMT -5
Upon hearing the request, the innkeeper turned and nodded to someone standing on the side. The person bowed as the second servant Haruka had come with came forward. "I am Rei, please if you'll come with me."
The house servant lead him all the way to the room she had taken to. It seemed a little extreme for even an Utaku to spend this much money on a single room for a single night. But the reason seemed less relevant as Tinshi was guided to the room, the door left slightly open and Rei bowed and left him be. It would be a private conversation as might be most appropriate.
Haruka sat inside, she had some more to drink as there was a cushion to sit on if Tinshi wished it. But naturally as she had indicated silently before, she wore a wakizashi around her waist.
The door seemed to shut behind him as one of the two servants would assumably have taken care of it. "So how fares your master Oronkohiro. I assume he sent you here to try and wager in favor of your up and assembling clan. I'm certain he would be very interested to know you had met me..."
She took the small gaijin trinket from her as she gazed briefly into it. Her gaze was intense but the stored weapon seemed to show she had no indication of having hostilities toward Tinshi, but merely as a self defense. "You realize that which you bring with you will be detected by the shugenja of the capital soon enough. You stand here on borrowed time, carrying taint into the courts unannounced is very dangerous to say the least."
She poured a glass of tea, she was never seen speaking without something to drink it seemed.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Mar 23, 2011 9:56:33 GMT -5
Tinishi bowed to Rei at the door and entered. He took the cushion and adjusted himself. He eyed the Wakizashi she wore, smiling. Tinishi wore no weapon on his side, and judging from his well fitted Kimono, carried none discreetly either.
"His name is no longer Oronkohiro, Haruka-sama. It appears that our Lord saw fit to bless him with a name more befitting with his position. Sadly, I think it will serve only to stoke a burning hatred between ourselves and the clan with which you will be married to.
His name is now Shoju, and he carries the title of Defender of the Empire as given to him by our lord. He no longer carries the burden of commanding a Legion. He only seeks to defend the Empire now.
But alas, I know all of this only from letters, and from knowledge I learned from my new master. You see, I am no longer Oath bound as a scout to him. I have been given a position as a Courtier and Diplomat. It would appear that you have seen him in person more recently than I."
Tinishi looked around the room. "I am indeed here in hopes of securing an armistice between the Great Clans and our people. The great Clans have much to worry about in these troubling times with the Yobanjin War still waged, and then of course, there is rebuilding Kyuden Tonbo, securing trade routes with the Gaijin, and that little matter between the Lion and the Crane. I bear a scroll that details our terms of such an armistice."
Tinsihi eyed the crystal, and almost asked about it, but moved on. "Yes. I know that even with my companion's subterfuge, we will not be able to maintain our anonymity for long. That is why I hope to find someone who will Support us in our bid to speak openly in Court tomorrow. I know as well, that this diplomatic journey could be my only one. My Lord believes that some will listen though, and that my life will be spared. Truly Oron... pardon me, Shoju explained our position to you. Do you believe it? Does my presence here persuade you anymore?"
Tinishi eyed Haruka as he asked the question. Such a peculiar choice for the Defender of the Empire to attempt to ally with.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 23, 2011 10:33:23 GMT -5
Haruka was rather put upon by the question. She seemed to take a long drink in thought. Her silent fear of him and the land he came from seemed to maintain a silent aura about her. As a Unicorn the very notion of the corruption those lands provided and having affected the Moto in the past, gave much of an excuse to more easily avoid the thought of even consorting with these ronin.
And yet here she was, as if by some insane curiosity she seemed almost gripped by, actually listening intently to Tinshi's words.
"I have considered what Shoju said to me when I met him after the fall of Shiro Saisei, long and hard in my heart." She seemed to look down, stowing the trinket in her robes again as she took a fairly deep breath. "Your mission is quite certainly quite suicidal, you seek to gain the affirmation of a clan to ally with you when all your lands have provided are misery, misfortune, downfall, and corruption. No clan is exempt from this truth."
She took another deep breath as if the weight of her thoughts actually carried on her shoulders. "I cannot certainly speak for my clan, I cannot speak for my future clan. I can only speak for myself this day, and I fear my interaction and any support I would offer forth would dishonor my entire clan. I cannot..." She seemed to bite her lip, "I cannot therefore support you as a Unicorn, only as an individual. Your presence here proves Shoju's notion and desire to aid and defend the empire, however your past will not embolden any clan to speak for you.
It would take far greater proof and a great favor to be owed from an entire clan to have you speak in such a revered court. I wish I could... but I cannot assist you in this matter because of it."
Her tension and actual pain could be sensed, as it seemed Haruka could see something in the rising clan that no one else understood. Sadly her voice was but one, and she knew her place for now was not to assist Tinshi, at least not yet. He could see this was a struggle and there was indeed a desire to assist him, but her words were true. None of the great clans would be able to assist him in this cause. It was more likely that he'd have to look to the minor clans for any support at all, or pull of quite the miracle to get one of the great clans to ally to his cause.
But for the moment. "You may drink as you need to, I can accompany you through the city quietly. But your companions must remain hidden, if they so much as approach the court, you all will be revealed. And likely killed there and then." She took another drink as she sat back, seeming more relaxed than any samurai would be, considering who she was drinking with. She was certainly one of a kind. "I'd recommend you go alone, if you go at all Tinshi-san. I could justify your presence, but not theirs."
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Mar 23, 2011 11:20:22 GMT -5
Tinsihi nodded. He knew that The Utaku would risk far too much by being associated with them by supporting their bid to speak. "Our lands have indeed brought much strife, misery, and corruption to the great clans. It has been the downfall of entire families, such as the Moto. It has brought immense power and corruption to be in the hands of people like Junzo, and Yori." Tinishi looked down saddened.
"I first spoke with a Crab. Hoping that if we could get the crab to agree to an armistice, it would embolden the empire to understand that we are sincere. Sadly, the Crab courtier openly mocked us, and had his guards assault us. Before I knew what had happened, The Archer had felled both guards, and the Chuda had dealt with the Courtier. It was a disaster. Completely and thoroughly from beginning to end." Tinishi looked back up at Haruka.
"I understand the position that you find yourself in. Shoju spoke fondly of you in a letter to me. He says that your honor is above reproach. He hopes that the death of the Scorpion, and your return from the temple didn't impede your plans to marry." Tinishi thought for a moment.
"I assure you that my Yojimbo will not be attending the court proceedings with me. At least, not in a manner that would allow him to be noticed quickly. My companions are by now in full preparations for the excursion to court. Even I will not be able to recognize them. Their taint completely concealed, their appearance altered. I dare say a Witch hunter, inquisitor, or member of the Kuroiban will be hard pressed to pick them out as tainted."
Tinishi looked at Haruka. Saddened that the plan he had to resort to would be his end. "As for myself, It appears that I will be attending court tomorrow as a Yasuki courtier. My father didn't even recognize me when I met with him earlier. I wonder if he will recognize me tonight.... I thank you for your offer to support me as an individual, but the chance that this could come back to you is too great. By meeting with you, I may have already involved you too much."
Tinishi stood and bowed low to Haruka. "If you can, please stay for court tomorrow. It should be a most interesting time indeed."
Tinishi exited the room, and made his way to the street. He began moving towards the inn where his father was staying. he wondered to himself, would murdering a courtier hinder his actions in court tomorrow? Could he cover it up? Thankfully his father had traveled alone to Toshi Ranbo, leaving his mother behind.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 23, 2011 12:34:06 GMT -5
Haruka seemed oddly still for the time being as she sat in her room drinking. Tinshi freshly departed as her thoughts weighed heavy on her.
Involved way too much indeed, I had hoped to spare you the pain of being slain in public but you're far too adamant for me to spare you. Had you come with the tainted one I would have had no choice. I've no desire to quarrel but, my honor moves me. I must attend tomorrow to expose you for what you are. I do this not in spite but in necessity, I hope you understand that. I will give you a swift death, I cannot be sure of anything more than that. I have already risked too much for my own curiosity, it will be my life or yours soon enough.
She unsheathed her katana as she began to sharpen it against a whetstone, quietly meditating on the events ahead. She'd had no intension of remaining past tomorrow, but it seemed this had to be done. Her face unrelenting she harbored no regret for what needed to be done.
A shame things couldn't be different, but it was without question, what she had to do.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 17:55:19 GMT -5
Thanks to the Unicorn's map, Chiyuki had found the Emerald Magistrate's office and delivered the letter. The man who took it, read it, and thanked her, was by far the largest man she'd ever seen. He wore Crab colors, and the Hida mon. Were all Hida this huge? She was informed that a magistrate would be dispatched as soon as one became avalible. Satisfied with her task's completion she hurried back to the inn, perhaps the Unicorn was still there preparing for court. Chiyuki asked the inn keeper if she was in her room, she wanted to thank Utaku Harkua in person.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 23, 2011 20:18:18 GMT -5
Naturally Rei appeared again, bowed to Chiyuki with a smile and the attendant brought her to the top room as before. Chiyuki could then see just exactly how much koku Haruka had dropped for one room, the view being quite exceptional of the capital. But it was also the largest and most lavish, completely out of the needs of an Utaku but it seemed Haruka was intent on it.
The doors were open as Haruka seemed to be meditating while sharpening her blade, lightly hunched over. The servants made sure to dutifully replace the tea to make sure it was nice and hot for Haruka as she would wait until they left before looking up.
As her eyes fell on Chiyuki, her own senses reminded her that it was for people like her she did what she did. She felt great comfort in it as she smiled gently to the Monkey.
Sheathing her blade she would quietly glide back over to her tea, "Ah, Chiyuki-san. Back so soon?"
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 23:21:19 GMT -5
Chiyuki smiled at the Unicorn. "The message was delivered promptly, thanks to your assistance, Utaku Haruka-sama. My Lord will be happy. Thank you for the map, it was most helpful. I apologize if I disturbed you." Chiyuki did not seem that regretfull, instead smiling brightly.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 24, 2011 1:14:11 GMT -5
Haruka just kept smiling, "Hardly a bother dear Chiyuki-san. I'm glad I could be assistance, truly I am. I wonder though if you'll need anything else from me. I will still have to journey to court and I wondered if you would wish to accompany me. My family servants must remain here to see things prepared, so it would be nice to have some company on my way. Unless of course you don't need to go to court and must return to your home, I understand completely."
She seemed otherwise happy enough as she sipped her tea, wondering what her plans might be.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 24, 2011 2:31:24 GMT -5
Chiyuki pondered that for a moment then smiled again. "My Lord gave me leave to see the city, and I would love to acompany you to court. I've only seen court in my homeland and I've heard that Imperial Court is a wonderful sight." Chiyuki straighted her kimono a little. "Now that my mission is complete, my needs are well met. Thank you for the offer of further assistance."
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 24, 2011 3:11:58 GMT -5
"I understand, I hope your future brings more blessings through this trying time."
Haruka nodded as she set things aside. Her two accompanying servants coming in to straighten things as she stood and gathered her things. She didn't bring very much but she did equip herself with both katana and wakizashi swords. While the katana certainly wouldn't be allowed in court for some unsaid reason she still equipped it as she left the room with Chiyuki, it was well within her freedom to follow if she wanted.
Heading down she would walk into the stables and lead out her black stallion Riku, not holding the reigns as he seemed to hover just over her shoulder obediently as she made sure he was in excellent condition. "Do not worry my friend, it is only a short walk."
She gently mounted up and headed off towards the court at no particular haste, the day was still long and the people would still be talking well up into the setting sun. Riku lazily walked along the path as Haruka seemed to just relax a bit for the moment.
|
|