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Post by Shoju on Mar 24, 2011 8:42:32 GMT -5
Tinishi
As Tinishi reached the room in this inn, images came flooding back to him. Surely, he didn't truly mean to enter this room, and lay to rest his own father? The man had bent over backwards for him as a child. He sent him to train with the Toritaka, to allow him to grow. He cherished news of his son doing well. He had always been a proud father.
Until Tinishi was ambushed in the Shadowlands. He had seen horrors in the shadowlands, but while scouting, the ogre had ambushed him, and left him for dead. Tinishi crawled out of the Shadowlands, and headed for Yasuki lands, fearing that the taint he knew he now carried would be a death sentence. He wanted to see his parents one last time.
That night, his father was appalled. His father held no love in his eyes as he screamed for the guards. He held no pride in his heart as they chased him through Yasuki lands. This, up until today, was the last memory he had of his father.
When he approached him today with his taint well concealed about supporting the cause of a group of ronin who were trying to negotiate an armistice with an enemy, he had been refused. The pain had flooded back, and as his Lord had predicted, all had refused help.
Tinishi shook the images from his head, and slid the screen open. He could hear nothing, and moved through the room quietly. He found his father napping in an adjacent room. Quickly, quietly, he removed his father's wakizashi from it's Daisho, and moved to the side of the bed.
Silently, a son killed a father.
A short time later, Tinishi had exited the room, he was dressed in a fine Yasuki Kimono. Inside the room, the man who lay on the bed was now dressed in Tinishi's clothing. He hoped the subterfuge would work long enough for him to address the court.
As he hastened his exit from the Inn, he had one last thing to do. He pulled the small Elixir from his Obi, and drank it all. The draught tasted bitter, and the aftertaste was liquid fire. But, it was necessary.
He reached the court with no trouble, and began moving inside. He double checked. He had the scroll. He had his tanto. He had a ripped and tattered Toritaka mon stuffed in his obi. It had been the only thing that kept him going at times.
Ensuki and the Archer
The ritual to conceal there taint was horrific and bloody. At times, Ensuki wondered if the archer were a lost cause. It took so much blood to make someone appear to be living, and taint free.
After they both looked presentable, Ensuki helped garb the Archer in standard Moto Samurai armor. She herself, selected a stunning Black and Crimson Kimono. It fit her form well, and no one would even notice that there was no mon. She looked every bit of a scorpion, and even chose thin silk veil to complete the look.
As they left the inn, and headed for the court, Ensuki was lost in thought.
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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 Mar 24, 2011 18:02:14 GMT -5
The courts were busy that day, as they were on most. Imperial guards patrolled the grounds, oblivious to the quiet meetings of courtiers from all over the Empire and from its greatest Clans. They spoke of gardening, of history, of letters and philosophy. In actuality they gossiped about who had done what or arranged trade matters or secured small favours. It was a delicate environment with its own languages, rules and customs. The Spider would likely find themselves woefully unprepared, though their preparations were still ingenius.
Two Kitsuki courtiers, part of a delegation sent by their Lord, stood outside the primary entrance to the Imperial Court area. They had spent most of the morning talking about food from around the Empire and sharing the odd greeting with others they recognised. In actuality they had been assigned there to monitor if any of the movers and shakers of the courts were in attendance or leaving that day and then to report back to the courtiers who were within the court. They were effectively runners. Their keen eyes darted over each courtier or Lord who entered and their retinue, making careful observations that they mentally filed. All of this would become data that the Kitsuki would process and then later sift through in hindsight to see who had caused what to occur. If a strong rumour started one day in court or a new motion was passed seemingly from nowhere, then knowledge of who was in attendance was useful in pinpointing the instigators.
Kitsuki Taneda and Kitsuki Kemeji both gave the impression of a long conversation on places to eat. One that wouldn't end anytime soon...
(ooc: Are your characters arriving as one group or separately? A Moto bushi and Scorpion together is a little odd for instance but not unheard of. Do let me know ^^ )
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Post by Shoju on Mar 24, 2011 18:26:27 GMT -5
(OOC) They will be arriving at the same time, but not necessarily looking as if they are "together". Tinishi will be arriving separately from them.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 24, 2011 18:31:27 GMT -5
Haruka followed the simple custom as she allowed her Katana to be taken for holding at the entrance. She would enter alone a quiet and otherwise hardly noticeable feature as she went to place her mark on the matter of trade routes and such things. She did not speak to anyone but there were those that knew of her.
Utaku Haruka, battle maiden in a kimono. Granted such widespread considerations for trade routes brought in all sorts, but it seemed she was a bit later than most to be making her mark, however the bid for the route was still up for discussion so her input was fair enough.
Quietly she seemed to drift through the crowds as she sank into the mix. She had no one to act on her behalf but she hardly saw the need for it. Only Emi, her family servant joined along with her as she seemed to be more observing than mingling, as if searching for something for the time being.
A few crane could be heard muttering behind their fans, "Is that not what she wore for the Crab Champion's party. I suppose the Unicorn don't invest anything into what they wear even to an imperial court." In truth it was hardly anything new to Haruka's ears and though she'd heard it all, she certainly would not flinch or feed any desire of theirs to draw her out of her otherwise calm state.
It wasn't much but this was her family's only kimono, that was true enough. But she did take a little pride in it as she just gently conversed with Emi every now and again. Her presence in court was hardly anything spectacular, but she hadn't come forward to create a spectacle. Certainly not.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 24, 2011 20:36:20 GMT -5
"What is that Monkey wearing?" was the first thing that Chiyuki heard, upon entering the court. Her mother, a former Bayushi had given her a kimono in case she had the chance to go to court. It was very Scorpion in cut, In gold and red, with the edges in a creamy brown. She resisted the urge to hide behind Utaku Haruka. She took comfort in how the Unicorn ignored the Crane, and tried very hard to mimic her expression.
Chiyuki stayed close to Utaku Haruka, but not so close as to crowd her completely. She felt out of place here, in this kimono, and a Crab was giving her strange looks. She desperatly tried to remember her mother's words. "Remember the etiquette you were taught and try to smile even if you want to cry." Chiyuki sighed to herself. The Bayushi courtier school had not truely prepared her for this. She was not going to hide behind someone though, she would not dishonor her sensei or her family.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 24, 2011 21:19:31 GMT -5
(OOC: The person she is 'hiding' from is not the Spider. I dawwwwwed so hard it hurt. XD)
Haruka seemed to have her eyes widen slightly when she recognized Chiyuki before her, and as she approached she maintained her sturdy demeanor hearing the jeers quietly floating about. But she had no idea whether to comfort her or anything really.
But instead, and also to break a bit of the tension she stopped worrying about everyone else and looked and bowed to Chiyuki respectfully and indeed smiled. "You look very beautiful today Chiyuki-san. It is a very good day to see you."
The other clans that were trying to poke fun at them seemed slightly gob smacked at the fact that they were otherwise unsuccessful in their attempts to stir up the two and otherwise quietly turned to their own conversational partners with fans a flutter.
"So I see you did make it, safe and sound as well. Did you come to give the imperial court a run for its money, maybe show a courtier or two how it is done?" There was visible relief on her face as she allowed herself that little bit of relaxation in pleasant company. Haruka had always hardened herself, hardly ever bothered with court appearances, but for a lovely chance Chiyuki had given her a reason to at least smile.
Her eyes still seemed to go over the people a bit until she seemed to catch a gaze of one, a slight shuffle and it seemed she lost sight of the individual, but from the fact that it was her doing the shuffling it seemed she was the one who was being obscure from them. It was impossible to tell exactly but she just remained with her newfound companion for the time being. Her gaze for now passed between Chiyuki and those moving around nearby as she gently fanned herself but not obscuring her gaze or motions to the Monkey.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 24, 2011 23:32:50 GMT -5
Utaku Haruka had engaged her. Thank the kami. Chiyuki carefully avoided the Crab with the strange gaze and bowed to Haruka. "Thank you, Utaku Haruka-sama, you look lovely as well."
Some of the other courtiers seemed preoccupied with her kimono. A Mantis stared at her a bit longer then was needed and Chiyuki took a deep breath to avoid the blush reaching her face. Her sensei laughed at what they called Chiyuki's Bashfullness. She was not very good at trying to use her body to her advantage, it made her blush too much.
"I was trained for court, but I must confess I feel small here. I'm not without a trick or two, though." Chiyuki laughed and put of a brave facade. She was very uneasy and a little frightened. Normally, she would have to be more trained to see the Imperal Court, but Toku Kenpachi-sama had given her leave to do so as long as "You don't make an ass of yourself Chi-chan."
"My sensei, Bayushi Mizono-sensei, spoke of the Imperial Court, she discribed it perfectly, aside from the feelings of coming here for the first time."
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Post by Shoju on Mar 25, 2011 8:20:03 GMT -5
Tinishi
Tinishi reached the court, and entered through the main doors. He noticed a pair of Dragon "inspecting" people as they came in. As he reached the inner chambers, he smiled at the arms keepers. Thank the Kami that at least the Katana's were accounted for.
The draught had taken hold of Tinishi. His skin had an even and pale tone to it, his eyes looked fierce, and he looked impeccable. He looked every bit the part of a Yasuki trade courtier. He started milling about the court, nodding and smiling, exchanging small greetings with those who thought they knew him, and looked for a place where he could be close enough to the front that he could present his case quickly, once given the opportunity.
As he made his way, he saw Haruka. She was engaged in conversation with the young Monkey Samurai. Thankfully he was able to move past them, without drawing her attention. He took up a position in the middle of the court, and waited.
Ensuki and the Archer
Ensuki was half a dozen steps ahead of the Archer, as to make it appear as they were just arriving at the same time, and not "together". She milled about the outside, trying best to stay inconspicuous. Sadly, a woman of Ensuki's beauty would find this hard no matter where they were.
The Archer looked stoic, and marched forward. His eyes more alive than they had been in months, a mask still covering the lower portions of his face. If asked to speak, he was instructed to only make references to his throat as if he were mute. Sadly, the truth was, he understood rokugani very well, and could probably speak it, but his Yobanjin accent would give him away immediately. Nothing was worth that risk. He stayed to the right of Ensuki as they reached the main entrance to court. he had his eye on her. It would take a mighty problem for him to enter very far into the court. That would mean surrendering his Yumi, and his Katana. Two things that he hadn't been without since his resurrection.
As Ensuki prepared to enter, she shot a look towards the archer, and nodded.
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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 Mar 28, 2011 14:52:32 GMT -5
The Kitsuki noted an unfamiliar face. A new scorpion veil to be more exact. They did change masks and veils though. Was it a known person who had just changed their appearance slightly? Kemeji turned his head to observe the woman. It was not difficult to observe her. Not at all. He would note her name if he could, so that it could be tracked with other information. If she achieved anything in court and was an up and coming hopeful then the Dragon may try to learn more about her and begin to favour her too. If she was only here to observe then she would be left alone.
At least, that was usually how it went. The Dragon didn't normally approach new courtiers as the Crane often did, trying to gauge potential rivals or allies and be seemingly friendly with everyone. Sometimes that meant they got in close to a talented new courtier. At other times it just meant that one of their number was affiliated with someone who had breached etiquette. The Dragon liked to play the longer game; developing a bit of information on each courtier that achieved anything of note and then moving in if it was favourable to the Clan or otherwise advantageous. That was normally how it went. However, there was something very alluring about the woman and... she then nodded towards a figure that both Kitsuki had almost not noticed before.
A Moto samurai. Obviously unaccustomed to court. He still had a yomi on him as well as his katana. More importantly, he wore armour. Did he not respect etiquette and custom? How did she know him? Was he pressuring her perhaps? Taneda and Kemeji were both caught a little offguard by their temporary lapse in attention. Kemeji tapped his thigh once, a silent signal to say he would break off and move closer. Taneda, from a distance, looked as if he had spotted something on the ground - in actuality a deliberately slow nod as he signalled his consent to the action. Kemeji made his way over while Taneda, now alone, found somewhere to sit and appear to be reading. To just stand alone somewhere would be too obvious. Anyone who knew court knew they were being watched but it was rude to observe in an overly public way.
As Kemeji made his way over, trying to focus on the Moto samurai rather than the Scorpion woman, he noted a few oddities about the man. Small things, such as in his perculiar movements and general awkwardness. The Moto was handing in his yomi and katana reluctantly, only keeping his wakizashi. However, the imperial guards and aides who seemed content to let the Scorpion through, were more hesitant about the Moto. Wearing armour in anywhere outside of or near battle was considered to be rude - it insulted the ability of those around you to keep you protected. That applied especially in the capital, where only the imperial guard could wear armour. Sometimes ceremonial armour was permitted but it was a small exception.
Kemeji moved closer. The guards were trying to politely inform the Moto of this fact and get him to move elsewhere to change and then return. One was even trying to pass him back his weapons. They had decided his armour was standard and not ceremonial. However, he was tapping his neck to show he could not reply. What did he even think to achieve Kemeji had to ask. Was he trying to insult the court or was he mentally unhinged?
Kemeji strode over, spotting a few other courtiers turn their attention to the scene. He would resolve this matter and then question the Scorpion about it. He suspected she was being watched by the near-barbarian outsider. Standing to the side, watching an aide and two imperial guard trying their best to have patience he loudly exclaimed "Have you no understanding of custom? The noble Imperial guard, responsible for this city, have asked you to remove your armour. Don't say you cannot reply! How do you expect to discuss things in court when you cannot even speak!?"
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Post by Shoju on Mar 28, 2011 15:14:43 GMT -5
The archer
The Archer was becoming Frustrated. Ensuki had moved in to court and was making her way around. He was supposed to be just milling about outside the court. Ensuring that nothing happened, and if something did happen... Well, he would be there to act then.
Why hadn't Ensuki thought about this? Why would she have dressed him so if there hadn't been some reason to it? The archer slumped his shoulders, and made a motion to write something, with eyes that seemed to reflect it as a request. He motioned again to his throat, in a slicing motion, and then made a request for something to write with.
The archer reluctantly took his weapons back, and stood stoic. He wasn't leaving. He made no menacing gesture, He kept his eyes calm. he knew that if they inspected his throat area, the heavy scarring he exhibited would make it believable that he was mute. As long as they didn't delve too deep into his scarring, his death could remain a secret.
Ensuki
Ensuki breezed through the courtroom. People turning at the sight of her. She enjoyed the attention. She enjoyed that for once people looked upon her and saw her beauty, not her taint. Maybe trips like this could become more customary. Maybe, if all went well today, she could find a way to be a diplomat for her Lord to this very court. The hushed tones didn't hide the whispers of her beauty from her ears, and she relished every second of it. She saw the Battle maiden and the Monkey from the previous day, and moved behind them unnoticed.
She saw Tinishi, and eyed him. So, he had the courage to kill his father after all. she thought to herself. Maybe Shoju had been right. Maybe she could find a way to love this man. She slid her hands inside the opposite sleeves of her kimono and found 2 vials of blood. Just enough if something went wrong.
Tinishi
This had better work. The single thought raced over and over through Tinishi's brain. His mind was racing. He had the scroll. He had the tanto. He looked around, and saw plenty of unfamiliar faces throughout the courts. He even saw Haruka. He doubted she would be able to recognize him, but turned away hoping that he wouldn't have to find out.
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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 Mar 28, 2011 15:31:21 GMT -5
The aide passed the samurai writing implements as he took back his weapons. Kemeji stood nearby, angered by the delay in replying. He felt an urge to hurry the man.
The Moto was led to a small table he could write on. One of the imperial guards warily looked at Kemeji, to warn him that he was making this awkward too. Kemeji snorted and shrugged, gesturing back at the Moto and frowning. He was trying to be genuinely concerned. He looked around and noticed the Scorpion lady was now absent. A shame. He'd have to hear about her later.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Mar 28, 2011 15:31:48 GMT -5
For the moment through all of this, while Haruka noticed many different motions, her attention seemed to fix on the Moto, or what was clearly not a Moto entirely in her eyes.
While the Unicorn had the shortcomings of a clan in their knowledge of customs, to outright insult the court was enough to draw her ire. Quietly she clutched the hilt of her wakizashi with her limp left hand, a mere flick of her wrist would have it ready if this insult continued much longer.
Her eyes narrowed as she forced herself to break off from Chiyuki's side and take a step forward assertively. She knew Tinshi already was in the presence of taint, but she could not pick out which of them bore it in this court. However, regardless unless a reasonable excuse came forward, Haruka would have little choice.
She began walking forward toward the commotion, separating herself and drawing the attention of the rest of the court. Her hand delved into her sleeve as she carefully drew out a small bit of paper and a bit of graphite. She however looked very displeased to see the Moto as she drew closer, holding her hand outstretched.
"Here. But do not delay much longer." Her gaze intense as it was clear she was visibly displeased by the commotion. It was clear she only did this as an obligation as a fellow Unicorn, but she was silently curious as to what was running through his mind as well.
For the moment she paused and waited to see what he'd write, her hand absentmindedly resting on the hilt of her wakizashi.
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 28, 2011 16:23:16 GMT -5
Curious. Chiyuki looked over to where Utaku Haruka-sama had walked to. A moto in armor. Not particularly attractive armor either. She stiffled a small laugh. At least there were people less educated than her here. Haruka-sama seemed irritated too. The Moto was guesturing. Was this an act? She had heard that the games of the court could be confusing, but nothing like this.
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Post by Shoju on Mar 28, 2011 16:46:20 GMT -5
The Archer
As Haruka handed over the parchment, The Archer used it over the parchment brought by the Dragon. great... Am I supposed to be a distraction?! Are they trying to rid themselves of me? Surely this isn't what his former Lord had in mind when he was assigned this position. Surely he wasn't meant to be struck down in Toshi Ranbo was he?
The Archer took Haruka's parchment and scribbled. Moto, Burning Sands, Court for first time. Mute from injuries.
He hoped that it would be enough.
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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 Mar 28, 2011 17:41:58 GMT -5
The aide made a very large frown, looking at the paper and back to the Moto a few times. He asked for the reason of his visit.
Kemeji stayed silent but copied the battle maiden as he put his hand on his weapon. There was something slightly off about the man. Nobody could be so thoughtless, surely? And why was he not just apologising and going elsewhere to remove his armour? He had too much pride.
A few other guards also made their way over, to make sure there wasn't a problem with the Kitsuki and Utaku a little on edge. It was at this point that Kemeji studied the mon on the woman and openly gasped as he realised who she was. Utaku H-Haruka? Here? How unusual for such a well known bushi to be here. He took a step back to allow her to best handle her comrade.
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