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 Apr 20, 2011 21:26:23 GMT -5
((This is a closed rp, the only members allowed to take part are: - Moto Yoee - Bayushi Senshi - Soshi Kiso - Utaku Haruka - Akodo Tomatsu - Hida Setsuro - Utaku Kasumi And possibly another, I just forget.. Takes place after warring hearts))
Haruka had returned home after the Shogun had arrived to bolster the defenses of Mountain Watch Keep. Nothing would ever stop a Unicorn slaying the forces that intruded on her land, a proud Utaku left the battlefield for one reason and one alone. Atop her steed, a grey mare named Rin alongside the Lion Champion as she was to prepare to wed.
Akodo Tomatsu had been lightly injured but recovered now as he kept pace with the Utaku on his horse Lioness. It was a soft spring day as they passed into the realm of the Utaku, the rolling plains dotted with the various stables and homes of the people that called this beautiful place home. Many of the horses were foaling as it was another good year for the Utaku steeds. Haruka had been quiet for most of the journey, almost meditating on the hours ahead.
After getting dressed at her home, Haruka was escorted by her parents as well as Tomatsu, however they all walked while Rin, her grey mare, gently walked and carried the bride to the temple. Lioness had been lead to Senshi so that he might honor the Unicorn by riding in as a proud groom. Haruka would wait with her procession before the temple to meet and ride to the temple alongside him. The flower petals cascaded around them in a beautiful fashion, Haruka wearing a strangely simple but lovely white cloth over her form, and a purple headscarf that Tomatsu had given her for this day to honor her joining into the Scorpion clan. It seemed a bit bland but signified her passing from one clan to another, a death as it were.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 21, 2011 1:07:10 GMT -5
Senshi wore a militant cut robe, revealing his desire to seem handsome and intimidating. A fitting look for a man that just days before led men to battle, and thrust a blade into a wyrm's side. He honored the Unicorn greatly by having the wedding in their lands, though he knew their leaders weren't too happy about the timing of the wedding. Senshi could wait no longer however. He was after all in love and impatient as ever.
He also looked forward to his celebration afterword, it promised to be quite the show, and would be just the thing the troops would need as morale had stagnated as of late. With the shogun's arrival and the wedding though, Senshi hoped to fix that. Many a courtier had traveled too be here for the celebration, his aging mother included, Bayushi Rei and her sisters and their families.
Senshi sat atop his horse, giddy with anticipation, he hadn't been this excited since he became the champion. He looked to those gathered and nodded his readiness for the ceremony to begin.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Apr 22, 2011 6:30:07 GMT -5
Kiso had been busy on the battlefield, most of his clothes were blood-soaked, his armor in dire need of cleaning from the days spent on the battlefield. But word had come in that his Champion was prepared to wed. The timing seemed good, the battle seemed to be going in their favor, even with the endless Yobajin that kept appearing. Though their generals seemed to start falling left and right.
He went about removing his armor and clothing, informing his servants to cleanse the former and burn the latter. Took a long bath in his tent, easing his muscles and ensuring to remove as much filth from the field as possible. It would not do to preside over a wedding with his current appearance.
After he felt he was suitable clean, he took a humble kimono from his chest to don and sat in meditation, cleansing his mind as he had done his body. After hours he broke from his reverie and went about dressing for the occasion. Donned one of his better kimonos, taking great care in his decision to ensure his outfit would not overshadow that of his Champion's. It was his day, after-all.
Leaving behind his his daisho and scroll case, He exited the tent, feeling the cool breeze of spring upon his face. A small smile on his facing, thinking of how few Scorpion ever really get to enjoy that simple pleasure. Making his way to the grounds of the ceremony, he went over his knowledge of weddings, realizing it had been quite some time since he had presided over one, which had been the only one.
He felt many eyes upon him as he reached the steps of the temple, uttering a small prayer before climbing the stairs. Once he reached the top, he nodded to Senshi-sama, indicating he was prepared from them to enter, then did so himself, taking position on the opposite end of the temple from the entrance.
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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 Apr 22, 2011 9:57:13 GMT -5
Everyone having gathered, the champion of the crab clan came to escort Senshi on his way inside. It looked like quite the procession as the Khan and the Utaku daimyo followed along in attendance as they all made their way inside after Kiso had entered.
The bride and groom dismounted towards each other, standing together as the horses were lead aside by Setsuro and Tomatsu. After they were tied temporarily they all entered together into the dark halls of the temple. The darkness inside was contrasted by the light of the candles within, meant to focus those that came to pray on their soft glow and to thoughts inside instead of worldly things. The heavy wooden supports seemed to be shutting out the world as a place of refuge and sanctuary, it was slightly untraditional in design, but the presence inside was wholesome and genuine.
The entire procession remained a few steps back as Senshi and Haruka stepped forward before the altar of the kami. Kneeling they showed their reverence to the kami, as they faced each other, looking into the eyes of the one they were choosing for this sacred joining of two people. Haruka looking past her silken wrap to Senshi as he could see the reflection of the firelight, he could imagine the smile under her covering as they prepared to hear Kiso read out what needed to be said before the kami and before all those that were gathered here to make the marriage so.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Apr 23, 2011 23:58:00 GMT -5
While everyone entered the temple, Kiso whispered a few words to the kami, pulling upon his teachings to cast False Tongue.
Once all were gathered inside, and all in place, he looked around to see and note who had chosen to come to this occasion. It was not any day a Champion gained their betrothed.
It is with great honor I welcome you all to this joyous occasion. Today, Haruka-san joins the warm embrace of Senshi-sama, and the entirety of the Scorpion Clan. As it is a great day for these two, so it is to be for all of us.
*Under the False Tongue, and to the ears of Haruka alone* It is my great honor to perform this ceremony for you, Haruka-san. Should you ever need assistance in your new duties, I will humbly offer my serves to you, as I would your soon to be husband.
To the ears of all: I call forth the kami to take witness, and bring the greatest of blessings to this union. That they might hear our words, and see the desire in these two's hearts to truly become as one. It is at this time, Senshi-sama, the kami wish to hear the oath you have prepared....
(ooc: sorry this is a day late, rl....)
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 24, 2011 1:31:43 GMT -5
Senshi bows his head and speaks, humbly, "O blessed kami and the great Bayushi, I bring to you my love and my charge: My love, Haruka, is a fine woman. A skilled huntress, like my mother, a cunning mind, like my father. She has wisdom beyond her years, and strength and skill to survive many more. My charge, to let her flourish like a gentle flower, and to let her be free like the soaring hawk. I pledge myself to the task of seeing to her needs, that she is well cared for, and may never have another want for as long as she lives. I give her my house and my fortune, and the loyalty of my clan. For she is now Bayushi, and we will have it no other way."
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Apr 24, 2011 9:42:00 GMT -5
Kiso smiled, producing a red ribbon from seemingly nowhere. He gentle placed Haruka's right hand atop Senshi's left, when he began binding their hands together with it.
Let the binding of this ribbon reflect the oath the kami have heard and blessed this day. To show the delicate nature of it's meaning, and the binding strength that it shares between these two.
*to the ears of Haruka alone with False Tongue* Loyalty is paramount to a Scorpion, which you will learn quickly. We do so by action, and not by words. Think of this ribbon making a transferance from your sword arm being replaced by your new duties of being the underhand for the Emperor.
Kiso took a step back, and turned to his side to pick up a tray with three sake cups on it, each it's own work of art. two depicting beautiful temples of the Scorpion lands. The last depicting Kyuden Bayushi. Along with it, a deep blue sake jar, as beautiful as the deep blue of the ocean. He proceeded to fill each cup to the brim, steam rising from the cups. Though no heating surface could be seen to have kept the sake warm.
He held the tray of cups before the couple, nodding to Senshi. May the ceremony of San San Kudo show the kami that the duties of one, are the duties you now both share. The good times and times of grief or pain, are just as equally shared. That all things you will have throughout your lives, are equally one anothers.
*to Haruka alone with False Tongue* The last sake cup is my gift to you, the last one you'll ever drink from. The kami bound to it has sworn to nullify any poison that dares to reach your lips by it's hands. It is generally customary of our clan to never drink from a sake cup that is not your own.
Senshi reached for the first cup, a smile on his lips as he drank the first half. He wondered how Kiso had found his favorite vintage, and kept it at the perfect temperature. He handed the cup to Haruka, who finished it, placing it back on the tray. And proceeding to do the same, with the second and third cup.
As the third cup, depicting Kyuden Bayushi was brought to Haruka's lips, Kiso placed the tray to the side.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Apr 24, 2011 13:01:18 GMT -5
He stood silently behind the bride, across from Setsuro. He remembered all the times that Senshi and he had spend, since that fateful day in Beiden pass. How young we were back then, doing single combat against each other. Now a days we are old men, and now he is getting married. At least his bride is a good honorable woman, she will be of great service to him.
He wore his traditional black kimono, his hair neatly pulled up into a top knot. He had recovered well from his injuries, having spent the interim time a guest of the Scorpion. He had recovered well, resting and recovering, his wounds now gone, only scars remain, a small arrow prick over his chest and a few bruises that were finishing healing from the Wyrms.
He did not smile during the ceremony, this is a time of gravity amongst those in Rokugan, and to be invited to be here by not only the groom but the bride was a great honor to Tomatsu. He was truly blessed to count them as friends. He just hoped his gift would truly show how thankful he was to have them amongst the people he trusted.
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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 Apr 25, 2011 13:45:56 GMT -5
Haruka nodded in understanding, but set the cup aside for now into Tomatsu's hands for holding. She gently looked now to seven marked branches, as an incense lighter was gently handed to them. With their joined hands they took the incense lighter and reached out to burn seven twigs of Sakari to honor the seven fortunes. Their smoke raising with the hopes and prayers of those gathered there today.
With that they bowed together, rising as a united pair. A smile on all of their faces as the ceremony was complete. She would reveal her crimson kimono at the after party when the time came but for now the others would receive a cup of sake to drink to the couple as they departed. Haruka would silently take her cup back in passing as they went on out, cups raising as smiles would spread like wildfire and as they emerged together they would call out to the kami with a fine, "Kan-pai!"
Gently Senshi would be able to undo the bonds that were now permanent as he stood with Bayushi Haruka, ready to be shown off to the entire empire. His new wife.
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Bayushi Senshi
Scorpion Clan
Scorpion Clan * Clan Champion * Samurai * Kensai * Experienced * Loyal * Unique
Posts: 1,891
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Post by Bayushi Senshi on Apr 25, 2011 13:59:54 GMT -5
Senshi grinned, then reaching out with both arms pulled away at Haruka's white kimono. She stood there hidden in her crimson robes, crafted by the finest tailors from the crimson palace, more revealing then her Unicorn kimono of course, but it was still missing one thing. Senshi attached in front of those gathered a pendant from her right shoulder, the mon of the scorpion clan.
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Post by Soshi Kiso on Apr 25, 2011 20:23:45 GMT -5
A smile crossed Kiso's lips once again, an action that he could count on one hand since his gempukku. Scorpion weddings were a time to let guards down and he was taking full advantage of it. As the new man and wife left the burning twigs behind at the altar, and everyone had drunken from their cups, Kiso waited.
Once everyone had left the temple, he carefully put out the remains of the twigs. Then went about placing his two remaining cups, his father's nemuranai sake jar, and the ornamental tray into his ever dusty bag. It was ever within the walls of any temple he could feel the presence of his father, so he took his time in setting about the duties since he spent so much time on the outside of such facilities. Once his own possessions had been taken care of, he helped the priests and monks of the temple in cleaning up spilled sake, and brushing away the dirt some had brought in with them.
Everything back in it's proper place, he spoke a prayer to the kami to thank them for the blessings they had bestowed, and left a donation in the hands of the temple's caretaker that could keep it running for decades. Feeling relaxed that all was how it should be, he made his way to the reception. He may be late in his arrival, but he was sure the absence would be excused, if even noticed.
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