The Wedding Afterparty

[Bayushi Haruka]

((OOC: This takes place immediately after the conclusion of The Wedding (of Senshi and Haruka of course), no pm necessary. Enjoy!))


The feeling of spring was ripe in the air as the blossoms began to shed their iconic petals in a most appropriate of displays on this day in Rokugan. In Shiro Moto a quiet ceremony had been held, it seemed strangely quietly unannounced considering the company that were seen.

The Lion, Scorpion, Crab, and Unicorn champions all along with Utaku Haruka had gone into the temple with a few other very soft spoken guests, including Haruka's parents as well as another Scorpion woman and Soshi Kiso.
While they were quietly sealed away for now inside the sacred reaches, rumor became realization as the wedding of Utaku Haruka and Bayushi Senshi concluded. Word quickly spread through the Unicorn lands and beyond of this occasion.

After which a great party was certainly soon to follow. With all the various samurai of Rokugan gathered after the battle of Mountain Watch Keep it was certainly bound to attract guests of all sorts. And Scorpion parties alone were famed for being events on their own level of greatness.

The party stood to open invitation as the halls were guarded by Unicorn clan, the Champion and his new wife were already being greeted and congratulated by the various courtiers of the hall. All that had attended the wedding were dressed finely, Haruka garbed in an elegant red silken kimono and with her hair done and ornamented. A bit more than she was used to. The only thing that seemed to be truly changed now though about her, was a new headscarf that she adorned, colored in a beautiful purple tone.

The feasts would be laid out as some meat was provided for the Unicorn as well as other foods appropriate to the tastes of the other clans there.

[Shoju2]

A ronin arrived at the party early. He rode no horse, and arrived alone. He was a little taller than most Rokugani men, with a slim and athletic build. He was dressed impeccably in a Black Kimono that looked to be tailored by a Scorpion judging by the cut and color of the accents. He wore a mask over the lower portion of his face, reminiscent of the one worn by the Scorpion Clan Champion. His Black hair was tied back fashionably and worn in a single braid that hung down the middle of his back. There was no mon to be seen on his Kimono. He wore a full daisho at his hip.

As he approached the party, he removed his daisho, and held it in a passive manner. He found a servant running to and fro, and asked Pardon me. I have traveled long to reach this gala, and did not have time to secure my Daisho before arriving. Could you direct me to where I can check this discreetly. I would hate to lose face on such a fantastic day."

[Bayushi Haruka]

The servant would pause as she was addressed, bowing to the one holding the daisho, presuming him to be samurai.

"Certainly sama." She had been too busy and wanted to deal with this scorpion looking fellow rather swiftly so as to return to her duties. She seemed anxious to impress the bride and groom as she guided him to one of the male Utaku guards. He didn't seem to study the new arrival more than to simply see if he was hiding any other weapons.

Satisfied that search didn't reveal anything else he was permitted to enter without much further question. But he would arrive as things were finished being assembled. The wedding party would then arrive, causing a fuss among the couriers as the bride and groom entered together, Haruka remaining at Senshi's side as she seemed to appreciate the attention, even if she seemed to be somewhat nervous to be at the center of it.

[Bayushi Senshi]

As they entered Senshi turned and gingerly removed Haruka's mask before taking off his own. Seemingly taking the cue, the other scorpion in attendance withdrew their face coverings and were all smiles. Everyone genuinely enjoying the opportunity to let their guard down and just enjoy the occasion.

Senshi admitted to himself that it was one of his favorite scorpion wedding traditions. "We don't wear these at wedding celebrations, dear! It shows that we all can lower our guard and enjoy the night."

He turned out toward the gathered people, rose a glass in his hand and called out, "To our new Bayushi, and many more!" Many cheered and laughed at his implied vulgarity, everyone was in for quite the night.

[Shoju2]

The Ronin was watching the party from the periphery of the event. When the Scorpion in attendance removed their masks, the ronin folded his down so that it looked like a high collar.

For now, he stayed to the edges, enjoying the celebration.

[Kitsu Hiraku]

One of the many servants approached Senshi and presented him with a scroll and a rather big, ornamented box. Within the first was a letter to him and Haruka.

May the kami bless you and your marriage, Sensi-sama and Haruka-sama.

It saddens me greatly that I'm unable to take part in such an important and joyful feast but alas the wound I have received during the skirmish with the wyrms made it necessary for me to return home for an intense healing.

In the box you will find my gift. It was really difficult to create so I hope it will work.

As I am unable to give you my wishes personally I hope you will accept ones that are written. I wish you patience, as even the strongest love has its hardships. I wish you luck, so you will be able to find times for yourself. I wish you love eternal, so you may be together even in the afterlife. I wish you the acceptance of your ancestors, so that all their spirits will be by your side. I wish you health and safety, so one of you wont worry about the other. And finally I wish you a successful bed life, because someone has to make sure that there is always enough samurai in the Empire.

Kitsu Daisuke.

P.S.The small vial will help you with the last wish if you'd ever want that.

If the box was opened inside a beautiful figurine made of gold, silver, jade and crystal could be seen. It showed Senshi and Haruka on horses, on a big stand made of gold, with their faces covered as the Scorpion tradition deems it. They were riding by each other side. Once the figurine was touched by one of the newlyweds it came to life. Haruka rode forward, leaving Senshi behind. After a moment he chased her, caught her hand, took both of their masks, and kissed her, while using them to cover the sight from anyone else. Then both of the figurines returned to the places they were before and the whole thing was still again.

There was also a small vial in the box, with a purple liquid in it.

[Shoju2]

After watching the party unfold for a while, The Ronin circled around the room, and began making his way towards Haruka. As he got closer to her, a small trinket was visible in his left hand. It looked like a crystal, and he lightly rubbed his thumb against it.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka would notice the man working his way closer to them, her gaze distracted as she gazed away from the people speaking to them. A slight worry in her eye, as he came near enough she stiffened slightly.

"Sir, is there something.. you wished to ask.. about.. " She shifted into a defensive stance between him and Senshi. He would recognize who stood before them but it might take a moment. Haruka however instantly knew. She thought it might be, but she couldn't be certain until she saw who it was for herself.

She dare not utter the name, but his very presence sent her into a perturbed state.

[Shoju]

"Why, hello Haruka-san. You have indeed been very busy." Shoju bowed low, smiling as he stood straight. "I was traveling, and news of your marriage reached my ears. Congratulations are in order to both you and the Master of Secrets to be sure. " Shoju began backing away slightly. "Keep the crystal near you. There will soon come a time where you would regret not having it. "

Shoju's arm shifted slightly, and the next few actions were a blur. He flew towards her, placed another crystal around her neck and whispered in her ear "this is the matched pair to yours. It would be best for your husband to carry it." In what seemed a mere second he was standing back where he had started, the movements too fast for most to pick up.

With that, he bowed low, and turned around. He began walking towards the exit, stopping only to ask for his daisho.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Mika met him at the exit, handing him a fan so he would have something to do with his hands, and fell in behind him as he began to search the room for his date for the wedding. He would return to the bride and groom to present his gift once he was ready, he was certainly in no hurry to present his gift, let others have time to show what they have chosen, my gift can wait. Now I need to attend to personal matters of my own.

He smiled at that thought, personal matters he chuckled to himself as he made his way through the crowd, looking for the honorable Kitsuki-san, Mika hot on his heels, looking not completely thrilled at something that was transpiring between the two.

[Soshi Kiso]

As Kiso arrived, he saw his clansman had already removed their masks. One of the rituals he loved about weddings. He didn't have to be the odd Scorpion out, making a note he should really get home more often to engage in wedding parties. He was not sure where he should take a seat, but stood aside on the wall a moment, taking in the scene before him, the emotions and joy that filled the room.

It was good for everyone's souls to take some pleasure in this time of war, hoping everyone would take full advantage of the occasion.

[Bayushi Senshi]

Senshi was distracted away from the altercation between Haruka and the ronin guest, and was in the process of trying to determine what manner of medicine had been gifted to him. Giving up, his eyes traveled the perimeter of the room untill they landed on Kiso. Senshi gave a wide grin, and with an arm around Haruka he waved for the Soshi daimyo to join him.

[Bayushi Haruka]

As if the ronin were a ghost and seemed to pass by unnoticed, the guard from earlier nodded and handed him his equipment back. Haruka's eyes simply following him out as she seemed to be in a state of shock.

But no one even noticed, no one budged as she just took a breath. Her mind was a whir with thought, but he'd not gone out of his way to ruin the occasion.. even providing a gift, although she knew Senshi would never accept it. For now she smiled again, taking up some tea to soothe her nerves and relax back into the party atmosphere, and oddly placed with Senshi's arm around her. It wasn't typical etiquette for samurai to show such visible contact but it certainly seemed this was the exception.

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

Kitsuki Yuushahime spotted Tomatsu and his retainer in the growing crowd and did her best to make her way over to them. It wasn't easy, as keeping her formal but downplayed crisp green kimono in a presentable state meant the going was slow. Too many of the guests were bumping into others in their excitement, at least for her liking. Still, she did her best to look happy and had her usual smile across her face - although this one was slightly more sincere to the very observant who knew her well. She recognised a few other faces in the crowd, as well as the odd Dragon mon, but she was alone. A few servants had accompanied her into the city but she had left them at where she was staying. It was much easier to move around without company, even if some of the male samurai sometimes frowned on a lone samurai-ko. She didn't need permission anymore though, not that any of them knew it. She didn't enjoy broadcasting her position or anything else about herself really. It was difficult enough moving about even on her own though, thanks to the crowds and the restrictive kimono.

It had longer sleeves than she thought practical and multiple different shades of green as layers. It was otherwise surprisingly plain though. Certainly elegant and traditional but not the usual garment that caught the eye she'd wear to court. Her hair was also in a neat ponytail and her wakizashi was nearly vertical. To anyone who looked, she probably appeared to be fresh out of her gempukku. In actuality she was doing her best to merely blend in. She missed showing her hair clip, though it was only tucked in her kimono. However, she was glad to see Tomatsu. He looked very energetic in fact.

Finally meeting up with her, she noted that he'd been able to cross the distance much easier, she bowed respectfully to both him and Mika. "Good day Akodo Tomatsu-sama, Mika-san. It is good to see you both. Everyone here seems very happy don't they?" she asked harmfully. She was here to enjoy herself and relax a little she reminded herself as she dropped her shoulders a tad. She tried to consciously stop observing those around her too. It was like second nature and difficult to turn off, though not impossible.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He smiled from ear to ear when he first saw her, and bowed, more deeply than his position would require, showing the deep respect he had for Yushahime. Over his shoulder, Mika stared at Yushahime for a second too long, as if she was shooting daggers at her, before making her bow towards her, deeper than her lord's. Tomatsu returned up right, continuing to smile.

Kitsuki-san, I am so glad you could make it. This is a rather beautiful ceremony and it makes me happy, as one of the event organizers, that everyone seems to enjoying themselves.

I must admit it is my fault that we have not spent more time together during the past campaign season. I plan to rectify that now that I have done my duty for the Emperor, if you'll allow me, that is.

He turned to be parallel with her, Mika falling in behind both of them, greeting those who presented themselves before him, and making small talk with them, talking to Yushahime in between guests.

Forgive me Kitsuki-san, but I did not know if you wished me to bring a gift for the both of us, or if you intended to bring your own, so I prepared a rather massive gift, to be given from the both of us, if I am not over stepping my place. I, humbly, have prepared a small gift for you, I hope you will enjoy it. He turned to see her face again, smiling, obviously pleased to be with such a beautiful and honorable woman.