Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 17, 2011 15:26:03 GMT -5
This is a split thread coinciding with Where the Threads of Destiny Meets. Toku Sanjuro is traveling to the Shosuro family keep looking for a cure to his beloved Kakita Mitsouko's poisoning. He has sent a message ahead to his friend Shosuro Ichiro, announcing his and his traveling companions arrival.
If you would like to join in just please sent a pm =)
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 17, 2011 15:26:36 GMT -5
"This is crazy" I looked up into the sky, into the storm clouds rolling above us all. There must be a war going on in the celestial realms I thought. It had been raining for a good two days now, and we hadn't stopped except to let the horses rest. The men were exhausted I knew this. Maybe I was being to hard. Kawada had mentioned that I seemed possessed with a purpose.
"I agree lord, it has only seemed to get worse. Perhaps the heavens are trying to test your resolve?" Toku Kawada had a smug smile on his face, and after seeing him I couldn't help but let one slip as well. He was my right hand man and had a unique sense of humor that seemed to be standard with the followers of Toku. "Let them test me, they will be dissapointed when they are beat, but I will make sure not to rub it in!". I laughed a little. I had the inro that Mitsouko had given me in my hands. A constant reminder of my love for her, and my purpose. I could still smell the jasmine and peach blossom even through the storm.
"Are you sure they will welcome us lord, I mean we got through the checkpoints using our writs but a family stronghold is another story?" Kawada always liked to point out the most negative outcome possible. "Don't worry your head off Kawada-san I told you I sent ahead to my friend Shosuro Ichiro the daimyo of the Shosur. I'm sure will will be ok." I hope we would be ok I thought to myself. Kawada had met me on the road heading into the Scorpion lands, he always knows when I need aid. I looked back to see the traveling companion from the three sides river encampment. Ryo-san had been most generous with giving us aid from the Crane in this journey. "How are you faring in this storm my friend?" I asked our companion
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Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Apr 17, 2011 19:45:54 GMT -5
As the group of visitors traveled they find themselves at yet another checkpoint. This one was a bit more heavily guarded and yet filled with not just bushi, but also many courtiers. It is like someone called court out in this ghastly weather.
A samurai halts the procession and demands their papers. Her mood is sour, though one is not sure if it is the storm raging or just her general disposition. As she looks over the proffered papers. She then calls for an aid and whispers in his ear. A look of understanding passes between them and the aid runs past the check point into the throng of people gathered.
The samurai hands back the papers and speaks.
"Honorable Champion-sama you are expected. Your companions and yourself are to tether your horses and join the party behind me. Your host is just beyond in a pavilion waiting for you all. Enjoy his hospitality."
With that she lets the riders pass into the party beyond... into the clutches of the Shosuro.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 9:46:16 GMT -5
When Daidoji Ryo was choosing somebody to follow to Scorpion Lands with the Monkey Champion, he thought twice at the names he had in mind. But, when he saw Daidoji Jun coming resolutely to him, he smiled just guessing what the boy would ask. Jun was far from an experienced warrior, even being at the scouting missions for the shogun at Northern Mountains when the war was not so intense, and luckily making his way out. But name him unexperienced would be weird as well. Jun had his Gempukku just before the winter, and already was engaged in his personal mission: to be a great samurai. It was kind of funny, actually, because he always reminded to Daidoji Ryo a young courtier in bushi clothes. When Ryo had to choose the ones he would bring back to Crane Lands, after he received the orders to settle and patrol at Three Sides River, Jun was one of them. He was an excellent archer and knew how to follow orders, and has a clever mind, but in fact he hasn't the constitution of a warrior. His thin frame and almost girlish face was surely a problem. He strove to achieve the respect of the other bushi, and he helped many times with assertive hints, but was not yet the experienced man one day he would be, if could keep himself alive and out of trouble. But, when Mitsouko had to save his life in the northern mountains, once, it was a fact Jun never forgot. Of course he was coming to ask to follow with Toku Sanjuro. Ryo knew that Jun was one of the best friends of Hirotomo, Toku Aiko's first son, as they attended at the Daidoji War School together for a time. Jun had the elements to be the chosen to follow in this mission, and Ryo knew him enough to know he could be of great help. So, now Daidoji Jun ride with the Monkey clan, under the storm, leading to Shosuro lands. He had acustomed himself to every weather Rokugan could offer, and of course was tired from the long journey, but both Sanjuro and Kawada were good travelling companions. Sanjuro had to repeat the question in a louder voice, so Jun could hear: "Sanjuro-sama, all this rainwater is washing off the wax from my ears. This cannot be bad." He shouted in response. After a curve of the road, they saw another checkpoint. "Oh well, let's go again." But they could notice from, the point the group was, the uncommon activity at the checkpoint. "Seems we will meet with some court celebrity, Sanjuro-sama!"
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 18, 2011 10:09:17 GMT -5
"I guess they got my letter!" I had to shout over the rain. I beamed a toothy smile at both Kawada and Jun that got my point across. "It appears so lord, but are you sure this is a good idea something strikes me as a bad idea being hosted by the Shosuro in their own family keep. Shinsei himself would be sweating by now!". There is that optimism I expect from Kawada. Thats why I think I kept him around, he could make a Togashi monk smile. "Well if you are that worried we could leave you to tend the horses my old friend." His expression on his face was answer enough. I turned back to see how Daidoji Jun was faring. The kid had a drive, i should know he reminded me of myself when I was his age. Alot can happen in a few years. I could tell he was a little nervous, but he tried to hide it well. "How are you doing Jun?" I could have added don't worry they wont bite you but I didn't want to joke with him too much. I had to keep up champion demeanors and such. As I walked towards the checkpoint I made sure to have my body posed in the Scorpion courtly fashion of non aggression. Having your grandmother being a ex scorpion had its value trust me. "Thank you and your host for receiving me and my companions. Many blessings to your family." I held out the writ for inspection enclosed in a oak box to protect it from the weather.
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Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Apr 18, 2011 10:52:39 GMT -5
As soon all was cleared they party went and tethered their mounts. The companions were given looks from all the courtiers and bushi present, as if the were to blame. As the walked in the direction the Bayushi Samurai gave them they finally saw hidden in the trees a large, dark and ominous pavilion. One that would not be readily seen in this terrible weather.
From within came soothing music and the smell of warm tea. Many courtiers came and went fro the tent, as if each was being summoned for business. As the group made there way to the entrance a Scorpion woman of seductive beauty bowed. Showing much of her ample wares. Her voice was husky, melodic and seductive all at once.
"Champion-sama, my Master bids you and your companions to enter as his honored guest. He has been expecting you and wishes to gift to all of you his Hospitality. So please enter and enjoy all the wonders he has to offer."
She raises from her bow and eyes the young Daidoji and smiles a wicked little grin of mischief. She then walks over to him and traces a small circle around his chest. When she speaks she purrs to Jun.
"I am certain you would let me honor you young Daidoji with all that I have to offer. I am sure we can find a private place withing the pavilion to hash out old grievances and come to a mutual understand of one another, both mentally and physically. I am sure it would be exhilarating, even exhausting if you would just give me the chance, young Lord. Besides I do not bite... much."
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 18, 2011 13:37:51 GMT -5
Jun was not worried about her bites, but about the Stings. Anyway, being at Ryo-san troops, travelling and spending some time at Ryoko Owari before settling at Three Sides River, it happened not just once in his young samurai life. It was due the damn innocent babyface look. Scorpion ladies used to like him as he was a rat to a cat. That was a recurring incident to him, and Jun learned a little since. But, if the Shosuro daimyo would not be interested to have a Crane between the guests... He smiled at her, blushing as usual, and of course enjoying the catlike movements and all the "juicy" view the Scorpion woman offered to him. "Ahnnn... Even exhausting? Kawada-san here is the man who likes exhausting activities. I am a more... spiritual fella. Thank you very much for the offer, Scorpion-san, I think we can meet again another day to a less... Exhilarating conversation."
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Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Apr 18, 2011 23:54:56 GMT -5
The Scorpion courtier pouts at Jun's gentle rebuke. She then swiftly recovers and opens the tent flap for all to enter. Her finally parting words for Jun still has the lustful edge to it.
"Another time then, Daidoji Jun-san. Who knows the evening is young the air is cold, and my tea service is warm and comforting. Please do find me if you need a respite fro your journey. As I can massage away your weariness and find many ways to ease your troubles. Even if it is only for this evening."
As the travelers past their greeter they enter the pavilion, and see the ground is carpeted to help stop the ground from leeching a person's body warmth. There are many men and women moving about with guards standing near the post and the entrances to the pavilion. Many silken tapestries section off parts of the pavilion. With shadows, behind them, dancing in various motions from elegant to the obscene.
Yet what brings all the new comers attention is a man seated at a tea setting, being served by four geisha. The an Sanjuro has come to see. Shosuro Ichiro, Daimyo of of the Shosuro family. When he looks up and see his road weary friend, and his companions, he stands and bows respectfully to his guest.
"Sanjuro-sama, glad to see you have finally made it. I decided to meet you here and offer you and your fellow travelers a place to dry off and rest for the night. And well if I decided to come then my entire court decided they wanted to go as well.
"They are all willing to entertain conversation and help any of you if you should need to "relax". So please join me, or anyone who may catch your eye, and converse in good company. Tomorrow we travel to Shiro no Shosuro, to hunt your troubles. Please enjoy."
With that Shosuro Ichiro offers a seat at his table for tea and gentle companionship. His eyes watching the reaction of Sanjuro's companions.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Apr 19, 2011 6:46:31 GMT -5
For this Court, a great picnic with hint of adventure, in this ghastly night. Oh They should have this 'jamboree' right in the woods of Three Sides River, Jun thought with malice. But...nice. Geisha and tea and warmth.The Shosuro daimyo is in mood to collaborate...seems to be. Anyway, Jun had never been so near from a Scorpion court, and it was an experience he would never forget, he knew. So ominous and tempting at the same time. A man could easily lose his soul in such places. He would not measure the way and how Sanjuro-sama was screwed now, but Jun knew the Toku Champion would do his best to save the life of his bride...well, not yet a bride, but it was only matter of time, right? He, Jun, was here to help. And he would do anything to save the life if his savior. That was on, gratitude and honor.
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Apr 19, 2011 9:27:46 GMT -5
The warmth was nice, especially after riding two days through some of the worst rains I have seen in my life. I could feel my clothes also starting to cling to my body, without the constant wind blowing around us to fan out my clothes. What my body wanted at the moment was to lay down on one of the futon's and pass out right there. My body was had to learn to deal with disappointment.
I had been taught a thing or two about how the Scorpion operate. The Toku living so close to the Scorpion have had many opportunities in the past to deal with them, and to an extent we understand them. The Scorpion in turn had a certin respect for the Toku's virtue. Its why on many occasion we have found Scorpion aid when we thought we would have no ones aid. It was a terrible thing to have such an adherence to duty that one would sacrifice everything for the Empire. The Scorpion have always had my respect. That means one of two things here. I sent the letter to Ichiro requesting aid for the woman I loved. He has welcomed me and my companions with promise of wine, women, and hearth. This is obviously a distraction, but to what end? Two things came to mind. One Ichiro was envolved with the posioning, and this was a trick to kill us. If that was the case then my two companions were more than likely dead, Kawada has a love for sake' and Jun was to young to resist any food or wine after the ride we just made. The kid does have a drive to prove himself though. Two Ichiro wanted to test my resolve, my virtue with all this decadence to see if I am true to my cause for Mitsouko. I met the Daimyo's eyes. Master Fuju had taught you can tell alot by a persons eyes. How they look at you, The intent, and their emotional state. What I saw in Ichiro's eyes was knowledge. I understood. (OOC: massive Investagation at work there whew! I have mine now at 250)
I bowed respectfully to our host, as is proper of course. "Thank you Ichiro-san for helping in this great time of need. My companions and I are grateful to your aid." I made sure to not look at anything going on around me, just the Shosuro Daimyo. Had to get my point across dammit, I was here for one thing and then the trip back. "WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SAKE'!" I knew Kawadas voice anywhere, he undoubtedly had a scorpion woman under each arm and they were feeding him and holding sake' for him.
"If I may, I would appreciate a private place for us to speak?" I made sure not to have my voice sound demanding, more acquisitive. Best not to demand things of your host, A scorpion one more so.
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Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Jun 2, 2011 8:05:13 GMT -5
Ichiro watched as his primary guest mentally went though his logic exercises to figure what plans he had laid forth. Base seduction and poisoning are always what come up first, which is why he chose it. In reality he was setting up a buffer so that the the gardeners had more time to hide precious Shosuro secrets in the garden. As there still a few tricks the family was saving.
Ichiro then takes a seat and pours two cups of tea. Once he finishes he points at the seat next to him for Sanjuro to sit.
"'Sanjuro-sama, please take a seat. My privacy is most assured in this place and, as my guest, so is yours. I am sure your companions will find many things that will entertain them within my gathering so let them enjoy."
With that Ichiro waves away his attendants and the they offer to escort Sanjuro's companions out with them, before they close the the Daimyo and champion from prying eyes.
Once concealed Ichiro speaks softly and with conspiratorial purpose
"I have received your missive and have investigated you claims. I do have a few ideas on what may have done this dastardly deed. I just need to know more about the symptoms so as to properly point you in the correct direction."
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