Kitsu Natsuki
Lion Clan
Lion Clan * Daimyo * Shugenja * Sodan-senzo * Loyal * Ambassador to the Dragon
Posts: 162
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Post by Kitsu Natsuki on Apr 4, 2011 1:40:03 GMT -5
"I agree, Tamori-sama. Such wild tales are usually a tissue of lies, meant to distract and occupy gullible people. However, even the most outlandish rumour may contain some grain of truth in it."
Natsuki placed down her empty tea cup, and nodded her thanks as Koichi refilled it. That encounter in Tsuma had left her wondering what exactly was happening in the lands of the Morito. Something was happening there, something that had caused a man to attack a clanmate for no reason and spew blasphemies in doing so. Her sudden appointment as daimyo upon her return to Lion lands had driven it from her mind, but her trip to Kyuden Isawa had taken her past Tsuma and stirred up memories.
"The Kitsuki daimyo, you say? Indeed, the Kitsuki are justly renowned for their skills. Yes, I think I will speak to her later. My thanks for the suggestion."
Natsuki took a sip of the tea. The Phoenix had certainly not been stingy with their guests. This tea was of excellent quality, Shiba's Sunrise if she guessed correctly. The choice was an excellent political statement as well. She cordially despised the hidden meanings and subtle hints of politics, as did most Lion, but the court was a battlefield, and one did what one had to in order to survive. If her interests occasionally coincided with her duty, then she was heartily grateful to the ancestors for the opportunity.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Apr 4, 2011 3:10:06 GMT -5
Keshi had been all but forcefully dragged by her courtier out of the Phoenix Clan libraries to the feast. Dressed up in a beautiful kimono of the Kitsune red brown with silver accents with the mantis mon upon her hair ornaments, she felt supremely awkward and misplaced.
Lurking near the walls of the room with the Mantis gift for the New Phoenix champion. Watching people mill about the room as she schooled her face into not showing her nervousness. Though she was not a mighty champion of her clan, she was proud to be chosen to represent it. Even if it made her feel smaller than a mouse and half as brave.
She easily spotted the champion, he wasn't exactly hard to miss. As he was the one most greeted and congratulated by the many clans. She wondered idly about how he liked the new attention. As she waited silently, she did want much of an audience to her delivering her gift. She was already afraid of her own awkwardness, an audience would make her more so.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 4, 2011 9:15:17 GMT -5
Kazuma bowed as Tomatsu excused himself. He looked around and noticed that the party was starting to die down. He motioned for a servent who quickly came over.
Begin taking my gifts back to my room and please bring me some more tea.
He stood back up and walked back to the head of the table. Several other servents were starting to help carry some of the items away and the one that Kazuma had talked to brought him some tea. kazuma nodded and dismissed him. He sat there looking over the crowd seeing a few eyes cast upon him as he sipped his tea.
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Apr 4, 2011 11:22:56 GMT -5
Keshi hesitates only for a moment before walking to the head of the table. Though she didn't *look* nervous, she felt extremely awkward as she did so.
"Honored Shiba-sama, I am Kitsune Keshi. I come as representative of the Mantis Clan to congratulate you on becoming the Phoenix champion. I present to you this gift on behalf of my clan. May it serve you well in your endeavors."
Keshi held out the gift to the Phoenix clan champion, the box itself was very much a work of art. Made of a foreign hardwood, the sides were carved with images of things to be found across the sea, flowers trees and wildlife that even in the solid color of the wood managed to look exotic and strange. Inside was two items, the first of which was the true gift. The spyglass was made practically, the glass thick, the metal true and the wood well seasoned. It was a device made to last a very long time even against the normal wear and tear of travel. The second was a book, full of full color illustrations of the beasts and plants that adorned the box. Brief calligraphy in book described each being, whether it was dangerous and what the natives of any given land called the creature.
Keshi was quiet, she half believed that the gift the Mantis had chosen was meant to be an insult. It was she who picked out the box and book to present it in and with.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Apr 4, 2011 14:35:54 GMT -5
Kuni Kaymar let out a silent sigh and stood up, brushing down his overly stuffy robes. Making a mental note to try to avoid as many large official events as possible - unless his duty determined otherwise of course - if only just to avoid wearing this custume again he made his intention to speak to the new Champion clear. Once the honourable deligate from the Mantis had finished presenting her gift of course.
Kaymar couldn't see the other Crab representatives about. He knew others had been here earlier, so as he had no proper gift to present, he knew he would have to improvise and hope that his offering would be enough.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 4, 2011 16:38:41 GMT -5
Kazuma took the box from Keshi. He looked over the intricate designs. He enjoyed the fact that he did not know any of the creatures displayed on the box. Inside he looked at the book and all of the intricate drawings and descriptions. A smile crossed his face when he realized that there was something that he could learn from this gift. He made a mental note to confirm the libraries contained this information. He then looked at the second item in the box. He noticed that it was not as intricate as the box nor as the book. This fact was not lost on him as he picked up the spyglass to look at it. He noted that it was not meant for show as much as it was meant for a purpose. He examined it for a bit before placing it back into the box.
He turned to Keshi.
I accept these fine gifts. The book and the box tell me of things that I do not know and I love to learn. The spyglass is very functional and something that I will carry with me on my journeys around Rokugan. I hope you have enjoyed yourself at this ceremony and hope to travel to your lands one day to thank you for such a gift.
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Post by Isawa Gareburōdo on Apr 4, 2011 17:30:23 GMT -5
His bath complete, servants brought finest robes and kimono. The box was brought forth and Gareburōdo checked that the fragile container was still whole.
Sugoi! Your services will not be required for the rest of the evening. Enjoy the cherry blossoms whilst you can.
He bowed to his departing follower, grabbed another long wrapped package and headed down to the Castle. It was all quiet outside, but he could hear the din of a very full hall.
°Kazuma-san has many new friends tonight°, he thought.
A joke with the guards and he was through to the main hall. He could see that many gifts had already been presented to the new champion.
He strode forth and bowed deeply at Shiba Kazuma, Champion of the Phoenix clan's table.
I must apologise for my late arrival. It would appear I have missed the ceremony. I do hope it is not too late to bring you gifts to celebrate your appointment, though.
At that, he set the longer package down and carefully unwrapped the jar.
This is Hotei's Spice, a rare blend from a small order of monks high in the mountains above us. The passage is long and perilous, so I hope this saves you a journey.
He unwrapped the second package; a sword, though it was ancient and dingy, except for a small prayer parcel, which almost glowed, attached to the scabbard by a fine cord.
I have saved this for the champion to be for some time. I believe it to be a weapon wielded by one of the order of Chikai, an important figure in your family's history. The blade is not keen, but I sense the scabbard has some property I cannot ascertain. I believe it is only right that it should pass to you
Gareburōdo bowed once again, and backed away.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 4, 2011 17:49:23 GMT -5
Kazuma looked over the gifts presented by his fellows clansman. He knew of the Hotei spice and would have thought that enough of a gift, but when his eyes fell on the sword and in particular the hilt of the weapon something inside him welled up with cheer and excitement. He looked at Gareburodo.
I thank you for these gifts and accept your apology. You honor me greatly by passing this sword onto me. You are right to think that the scabbard does have significance over the blade though I will have to meditate on it to remember just what it is. I will send you a messenger when I find out more information and am able to truly appreciate the gift that you have given me.
Kazuma bowed to Gareburodo.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Apr 4, 2011 18:54:06 GMT -5
Kaymar stepped forward and bowed, showing all due respect a Champion deserved.
"Honourable Lord Shiba, I am Kuni Kaymar, Crab ambassador to your Clan. From the stories I have heard about you during my stay in your lands, my I say that it is both an honour and a pleasure to congratulate Shiba on an excellent choice to represent not just his family, but the wishes of his Clan."
"My gift today is not physical in nature, but perhaps something that you may yet come to cherish in a different way." The Crab looked serious and continued, still showing respect in his posture.
"The Kami Shiba was, it is said, the first of the sons of heaven to come to heed the wisdom and insight of Shinsei. Thus an understanding was formed between the two that was unique. With this unique relationship in mind I come to offer you an invitation." Kaymar took a breath before continuing, rather glad he could not see the majority of guests at the event.
"There is a story that says; on the first Day of Thunder in the valley where the fallen Kami was defeated and killed, a lone Crab scout discovered Shinsei, Shosuro and Shiba as they set out to return to Rokugan. Upon noticing the scout, Shinsei prophesized that while the Crab Clan protected the valley, it would remain pure of Taint, and then charged the scout to hold the valley alone. Within a week others found him, and there they built a village. This village is called Shinsei's Last Hope - and it still stands today, as pure as Shinsei prophesized." Kaymar closed his eyes and continued.
"The Crab offer you the chance to visit this village, Lord Shiba. Not as an idle visit, but in memory of the special relationship between Shiba himself and the little teacher - and his wisdom. A chance, I hope, to provide further understanding between the families of the Crab and the family of the Shiba."
Kaymar stepped back, and awaited the reaction. It was a gamble, but he had to admit there was a bit of a thrill in wondering quite how the other Clans would react. As to the man infront of him - well, the ambassador and the witch hunter would be sizing up his reactions in different ways. But such was the burdon of those who wore many hats in service to their clan.
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Shiba Kazuma
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan Champion?Samurai?Shiba's Soul?Unique?Enlightened
Posts: 369
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Post by Shiba Kazuma on Apr 4, 2011 19:48:12 GMT -5
Kazuma listened closely to the crab ambassador. He had more then just heard the story. As the crab member told the story it was as if he was remembering it like he was there. Kazuma showed no outward emotion as he listened to the story and was serious when he responded. He was so serious it almost seemed like a different person may have been answering the question.
A journey to such a place would be an honor to both of our clans. I would be greatly honored to once again walk in the village that Shiba himself walked in.
Kazuma's voice and tone changed again and he seemed to be himself again.
Thank you for this most honorable gift and for attending my ceremony.
Kazuma bowed towards Kaymar.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Apr 4, 2011 19:58:25 GMT -5
Kaymar bowed low and stepped back, allowing any others wishing to present themselves the path to do so. With his head low, nobody saw his eyes wide. 'once again' the phrase echo'd in the Crabs mind. 'once again' Then the stories were perhaps true regarding Shiba and the Champions he chose. Rokugan did indeed work in myserious ways.
The witch hunter sat back down, mostly lost in thought.
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Post by tadakasan on Apr 4, 2011 21:24:49 GMT -5
Near the doorway that led to the lower halls of the main floor, Tadaka stood with his back to the wall, standing up straight with his hands folded behind him. He looked over at Agasha Shodai as the Ishiken walked in behind him. Hopefully Shodai would be able to manage a meeting between Kazuma and himself; it would be a shame to come all this way and not be able to talk to his old friend. Tadaka turned to look at Kazuma sitting at the head table, talking with a Crab shugenja he immediately recognized as Kuni Kaymar, a Witch Hunter he had helped eliminate a Maho-Tsukai cell back in the middle of the long winter.
Tadaka smiled to see the now Crab Ambassador bow and go to sit back down his seat thoughtfully. Out of the corner of his eye though, something caught his attention; he blinked a little in surprise as he saw Kitsune Keshi standing near by the head table, looking lost in thought and (from Tadaka's experience) probably feeling a little awkward. He half smiled, holding back a chuckle to be at the utmost of etiquette here; She was the last person he expected to see here, but it seems the Mantis had more in mind for her than simply coming here to learn and mingle. Very interesting, not to mention some sort of odd quasi-fate that would bring her to the hall when he would be here of course, something he wasn't even sure he expected of himself.
Turning back he looked for Shodai to see what his friend was up to...
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Kitsune Keshi
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan * Shugenja * Daimyo * Experienced * Unique * Loyal
Posts: 126
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Post by Kitsune Keshi on Apr 4, 2011 23:47:37 GMT -5
Keshi bows respectfully to Shiba Kazuma before retreating away. She sighs softly as soon as she's out of earshot, resisting the urge to shake her head.
She glances about the room silently. She felt even more out of place as the only Mantis who had chosen to come, or in her case been sent to represent. She wished for a moment that Jinu had Deigned to come to the feast. She knew he had gone to explore the Phoenix gardens in his normal form, a feat she could not do bound in one form as she was.
At least he had helped with picking out suitable clothing. Though she felt like a pigeon draped in peacock feathers, she was at least as suitable as could be accomplished.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 6, 2011 1:18:34 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai smiled as a man - one of the Tensai's Isawa family shugenja allies - bowed respectfully and handed over a boxy shape shrouded in layers of red and gold silk. Shodai nodded. "Impeccable timing, Tetsuro-kun."
"Took me a few minutes to get the package you left the last time you were here, Sensei." Isawa Tetsuro replied. "I sensed your arrival at the start of the ceremony and was nearly floored by the disruption in the Void. How far..?"
"Shiro Hiruma." The Ishiken replied simply. "And in a single casting."
The younger man's jaw dropped slightly. "By the Gods, Sensei..!"
The Tensai nodded with a slight grimace. "Yeah... I'm not doing it that way again: a few times I nearly lost the path. THAT wouldn't have gone well." He glanced at Tadaka, who was eyeing a member of the Kuni delegation - Kaymar if memory served, before looking back to the younger man. "We will talk of this more later. I must see Kazuma-dono before the banquet ends." Tetsuro bowed and departed.
Shodai stepped over to Tadaka, hefting the concealed box. "I believe my choice of gifts will do very nicely to create an opening where I can arrange a more private meeting where the three of us old comrades can catch up without worrying about the 'Hunters, Inquisitors or Kuroibani making life more difficult than normal around here..."
OOC: The next part's pretty long, apologies in advance.
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Agasha Shodai
Phoenix Clan Mod
Phoenix Clan * The Void Master * Tensai * Taisa * Enlightened * Paragon of Compassion * Unique
Posts: 783
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Post by Agasha Shodai on Apr 6, 2011 1:27:10 GMT -5
The Agasha shugenja worked his way over to the head of the main table where the host/guest of honor sat with the other champions and dignitaries that had made their way to Kyuden Isawa. He bowed formally to the man that became Tadaka-san's yojimbo for a time when the three of them first met after their gempukku; Kazuma had been the oldest of them - fourteen at the time - but both Tadaka and Shodai had been Ishi prodigies - both about ten or so.
Nearly twenty years had passed and now THEY would the ones helping to lead the Phoenix clan during the most difficult time since the Days of Thunder.
A slight grin creased his face as he bowed respectfully to the Clan Champion. "Congratulations on being chosen by the Soul of Shiba, Kazuma-dono." Shodai said, stressing the higher-ranked honorific that his friend now deserved. "I apologize for my tardiness to the evening's festivities, but I just received some news about our friend Tadaka as I was departing the ceremony. It seems something of an irony that you now hold Ofushikai given the countless times the bond of friendship and respect between you and Tadaka were compared to that of Shiba and Isawa, eh, my friend?"
Shodai set his package on the table. "But catching up is something we must do in a... less public venue. So on to the gifts of respect from my sibling Tensai in the City of Tears and my fellow students of Shinsei's Tao in Reihado Shinsei that I have been asked to present."
The Tensai removed the silk wrap of the package: hidden within was an ornate box of nephrite - a stone that was the close cousin to jade but lacked the effect jade had on things of the Shadowlands. It was an honorable way of utilizing something with the same luster and color as jade but without expending a precious resource frivolously.
The lid of the box was carved with major scenes from the life of the Kami Shiba with obsidian dust rubbed in to make the details stand out. In the four corners were images depicting the fall of the 9 Kami to earth, the tournament to decide which of the 8 would be the first Emperor, kneeling before Isawa, and meeting Shinsei. Forming the core image in the middle of the lid was the sight of Kami Shiba lying in state after succumbing to the wounds received in slaying the First Oni. Rising from the body, an inlay of deep red garnet depicted the Eternal Phoenix; its majestic wings spread and clutching Ofushikai in its gold-leaf talons.
The four sides of the box were also decorated, showing depictions of some of the most famous and honorable Phoenix Champions of the past... One could pick out Tsuzaki, Toriiko, Ujimitsu, Tsukune, Aikune, and, last in the chain but still with room for additional faces, that of Kazuma himself! Including Kazuma's image had been a risky venture... Despite the signs in the Divine Wheel, there had still been a chance that Soul of Shiba had chosen another, but - this time, at least - Shodai's divinations achieved through meditation had proven accurate.
After giving Shiba Kazuma and those close enough to see the gift time enough to few the box that had been carved in Reihado Shinsei by artisans that had attempted to pursue the path of Shinsei, Agasha Shodai lifted the lid to reveal the "official" gift. Within the box rested two bracers of katana-quality steel that had been overlaid with silver and gold - making them both artistic and functional at the same time.
Both bracers had five highly polished gemstones, each representing one of the five Elements - an emerald for Earth, a diamond for Air, a deep blue sapphire for Water, a ruby for Fire, and onyx for the Void - but this is where the similarities ended...
The right bracer had an etching of the Kami Shiba standing alone against the First Oni and its horde of monstrosities, Ofushikai drawn and ready, to rescue Shinsei and Shosuro. On this bracer, the five gemstones were cut flat and circular, affixed to the bracer with the layered metals. The left bracer's gems were oblong teardrops as long as a man's pinky and appeared to be removable - if one knew the trick to doing so - and carried the image of Kami Shiba and the human monk Shinsei during the gathering of the Seven Thunders.
"'One must learn to see what is to be seen and to see though what others wish you to see' and 'A sagacious general, armed with the knowledge of his enemy, will be able to act as if he knows his enemy's every thought.'" Shodai said, quoting two passages from both the Tao of Shinsei. "And so it is now with you, my friend, Shiba Kazuma-dono, as you set out on this new path Destiny has laid before you. You will no doubt be guided by the spirits of your predecessors and Shiba himself thanks to Ofushikai as you learn to master it, but we of the Tensai hope to aid you as well..."
Shodai gestured to the bracers. "The ten gems have been permanently enchanted by the mystic craftsmen in the City of Tears. Those on the right bracer, which carries the image of the final battle that began the cycle of the Eternal Phoenix, and can detect the presence of Taint-bearing creatures and dark magic effects within shortbow range and point you in the direction of them. Those on the left, embossed with the image of Shinsei and Shiba, will allow any who carry Ofushikai - regardless of whether they have skill in the magical arts - to commune, for short periods of time, with not only the local kami spirits but also to communicate with any of the five Elemental Masters here in Kyuden Isawa."
The Tensai's lips pursed in a contemplative moue. "This gift will obviously take some time to learn how to utilize, Kazuma-dono. Perhaps we can meet later to discuss it and old friends, hmm?"
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