Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on May 4, 2011 0:19:35 GMT -5
This is a companion thread to "Where the Threads of Destiny Meets". At this point in the story Toku Sanjuro, Toku Kawada, and Daidoji Jun are heading to meet with Kakita Mitsouko. Toku Sanjuro has retrieved rare herbs from the gardens of the Shosuro for her illness. He has also fought in the Minor Clan Alliance in aiding the Shoguns push. It has been a long journey and he has traveled far to come back. He has left Toku Kenpachi to act as his Omai in creating a marriage between Sanjuro and Mitsouko. Agasha Shodai has also done the same. This is taking place near the Three Sides River an hour or so after nightfall on the road. If you wish to join in on this thread please just pm me. It will kick off tomorrow night.
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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 May 5, 2011 0:34:10 GMT -5
Scene Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTYt4iyYg04Scene Setting: A full moon hangs in the night sky. Bold and bright its light is cascading through the tree branches leaving beams of light along the forested road that runs right next to the Three Sides River. The forest is silent and the smell of the night blooming flowers line the night breeze. Its a cool night and when the breeze picks up it can cause illusions of the colder months of the year. It had been a long road, so much had happened in the last month. Its funny how things can change so fast in such a short amount of time. Upon arrival of Toku Kenpachi back from the front he found his wife and child slain in his home. during the investigation I met Kakita Mitsouko, a relative of Kenpachi's. We fell in love, and my time with her changed my life. I was traveling with her back to her familys keep, my intent on having Kenpachi travel there also acting as my Omai to ask her to marry me. On the way there she fell due to an illness brought on by a poison. I met Daidoji Ryo a relative of hers and he aided us. The plan was simple I would go to the gardens of the Shosuro to find a cure and find any information about how she was poisoned. Ryo would make sure Mitsouko would be safely taken back to the estate. Ryo gave me aid by the company of Daidoji Jun. Myself with the company of Jun and my Yojimbo Toku Kawada made our way to the Scorpion lands. Making a deal with the Shosuro family Daimyo I got the herbs I required. I then recieved a letter from Mitsouko stating that her mother had brought a mysterous healer and they cured her using the kami. I also recieved a letter from my aunt in Kudo requesting I travel to a war council in the Badger Lands. Apparently the Minor Clan Alliance was going for battle aid in a outflank, for my aunts political reasons, and my own duty to my clan I went to this. The battle was a massacre, we were routed and had to retreat back to the Badger Lands. Before the battle I had communication from Kenpachi in the Crane Lands. Apparently Mitsouko's mother had her heart set on marrying Mitsouko to a Agasha, was this the man that saved her life? I knew very little. We left the Badger Lands and are now less than a days ride to the estate. The three of us were on horses riding down the moonlit road, weary from our travels. we rode the horses over to a small clearing to let the horses drink from the river. We all dismounted our horses and led them to the water. It was a quiet night and there was no sounds stirring in the forest. I stood there staring into the sky looking at the moon, wondering if Mitsouko was looking at the same moon. Jun stood there scanning the forest line, a sentry through and through. Kawada was complaining about his travel soreness while drinking some water himself. All I could do is smile thinking of being near her soon. "ahh yes I know why you have a smile that wide lord. Soon he will see his precious lady!" Kawada moved over next to jun and in a playful manner and in a voice deeper than his own mimic Sanjuro voice "Mitsouko I have traveled far and wide for you..." Kawada was talking to Jun as though he was the target of the comment, which of course made Jun uneasy but not completely enraged by Kawada. The two had begun a friendship during our travels. I stretched a smile on my face, had this been a court room or in not so friendly company Kawadas actions would seem disrespectful. However we were in friendly companionship and I knew the man. He was trying to lighten Jun and myselfs somber moods from the war and traveling. "where you get all this energy from kawada, I have no idea but I wish to know!" I said with a hint of excitement and weariness to my voice. I heard it, a sloshing noise and then the horses being spooked, and the sounds of one horse screaming if nothing else. The three of us turned to see two of the horses running down the road kicking up dust in their wake. We saw the third horse, MY horse dead laying on the bank of the river its throat torn out. In the water I saw eyes burning from the depths looking at us. I now understood why the forest was quiet this time of year at night. The animals knew not to come to this place becasue of this thing looking at us like we were next on the menu.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 5, 2011 15:51:53 GMT -5
Daidoji Jun liked the comraderie he found with Monkey clan. Toku Sanjuro, although a leader, was talkative and easygoing, and Kawada...well, Kawada was irrevent enough to be a good friend in times of war, but sometimes too comfortable to himself than recomended to a yojimbo. Anyway, Kawada was trustworthy and a good company in this travel. In fact, after being smashed, bitten (a thing they always promised not to do) and ground_well, not that bad thing, he must admit to himself_by the ladies Shosuro in that pavillion, and after it, getting his way out from Yobanjin flanks, Jun was anxious to reach his homeland for a change. Kawada was enacting a lousy play about Kakita Mitsouko and Sanjuro-sama future reunion, Jun reluctantly in the role of lady Kakita. Then his attention was caught by horrendous voice of a horse being attacked. But he knew it was not wolves. Jun had some time in Three Sides River patrol to had a hint of a much more hideous menace to the travelers. A thing he almost had forgot. He reached for a arrow, from his quiver, aiming to nothing until see the gleaming eyes in the dark. That was the scariest thing he had seen in all his life. The supernatural feeling that chilled the air of the night, and also his blood. Jun fired, and the other men with him reacted as well, even before the creature reveal itself from the mantle of darkness.
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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 May 5, 2011 18:50:33 GMT -5
Scene Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9XkxiG86wAI saw Jun let loose a arrow at the thing as it crouched almost fully submerged in the river as it started to pull my horse into the water. I saw as the arrow struck just to the right of one of its horrible eyes. It let go of the horse and completely submerged into the dark waters. There was the a explosion of noise as it jumped out of the river sending droplets everywhere. There was a hard thump as it landed about ten feet of Jun. It was a woman in rags at first glance. It had a malformed look to it though, one that was meant to inspire fear. Its skin was a pale yellow, and its mouth was as wide as its face. A huge mouth with sharp and long fangs in many concentric lines that reminded Sanjuro of some of the more deadly fish. It smelled of blood and a sickly salty smell that made me almost want to wretch right there on the spot. It surveyed us and pulled the arrow from its cheek blood like oil pooling out until its cheek closed the wound. Its tongue came out of its mouth long like a snake wraping around the arrow head licking up its own blood. It raised its arm longer than any womans arm should be. It surged forward at Jun swiping at his head. I saw Jun duck the attack and roll underneath and past the creature swiping its right hamstring with his blade as he passed. The creature turned as to charge back at Jun. I did what any good samurai would have in that situation. I threw a rock at it. Now I know what you may think, a rock? really? First of all one of the things a young Toku does is work in the fields to honor Toku and gain a humble outlook to the workers of Rokugan. Due to this I have a field workers body and with it the strength that comes with it. The rock struck as the creature (we'll call it fish face) started to shift its weight to surge forward at Jun. Fish faces head rocked hard to the side with a sickly crack. It almost lost its balance. If it had been a man I struck with that rock he would be walking with his ancestors right now, instead fish face turned its head to glare at me giving me a toothy grin. I had struck it in its maw. I saw the right side of its teeth were all cracked and shattered. That oily blood flowed freely in its mouth. Fish face leaned its head back as to better drink its own blood. I saw its remaining teeth fall out replaced with new pointy teeth. I swear I could hear it snickering at me. It turned to me as to move towards me instead when two arrows struck it from the left and right. Kawada and Jun both had Yumi's bared readying another arrow each. It loks like to fight this thing we would have to mimic a pack of wolves. Fish face reared back and let loose a roar that the guardsmen in Kyuden Doji could hear. So I reacted once again like any other would I hit fish face with another rock, yes im serious. It struck fish face in the left eye putting it out. "HEY FISH FACE IM RIGHT HERE UGLY, COME AND MEET YOUR END!" I roared back at it! Fish face leaned forward and charged at me.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 5, 2011 20:21:28 GMT -5
When Jun and Kawada realized what Sanjuro would plan to do, any of then thought, in each one's particular way, that the Toku Champion had too much courage...or was crazy.
Jun shouted, What the f...! Sanjuro-sama! even before he thought that, whatever the situation it was, a Daidoji would not speak that for a clan Champion. Shouted and ran to the oni (or what he imagined to be one, as Jun never meet one before), brandishing his sword. Oh well, I need to prevent him to get the head ripped by the monster. Mitsouko will not appreciate a headless groom , for sure.
Kawada, by other hand, like Sanjuro's yojimbo and best friend, ran to the monster also wielding his sword, but laughing at Jun's worry about the Toku Champion daredevil behaviour.
HAIIIIIIII Look little Jun-san! THIS IS TOKU WAY!
Obviusly the Monkey samurai were somewhat enjoying confront with the horrendous oni.
But Kawada's bravado's shout was interrupted when the fishy woman monster caught Kawada in the air, ignoring his strikes, and throwing him on the floor. Kawada was able to get a true slice from the oni, before falling unconscious, but a oily bloody bubbled spurted from the oni, like regenerating itself. The oni bowed in the clear intention to grind Kawada's head.
So Jun landed between Sanjuro and the oni, realizing the eye the monster had lost was not really making difference in its perception. He managed to get his katana buried in the neck of the fishy hag, but with a swap it grabbed the Daidoji by his legs and began to crush him against a rock. The sound of his breaking bones were perfecly audible. Jun were about to die, Kawada was unconscious.
Sanjuro was the only hope of his travel companions.
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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 May 6, 2011 22:03:19 GMT -5
I saw the scene unfold around me. Time seemed to slow. A technique taught to me by Sensei Fuju. I can hear his voice echoing still in my head. "All you need to know can be viewed in just one breath, you just need to open your eyes!". those words were true enough.
Fish face stood there posed to kill Jun and Kawada. It was intoxicating for fish face, euphoric even. Its attention was on its kill. Also it seemed like the type of being to count on its terrifying presence to keep its victims stunned. Funny thing fear, the Toku are notorious for great courage or great stupidit, I'll let you decide. Also beings like this are arrogant because they think they cant be hurt. I have seen fish face regenerate its wounds. 8 seconds for the wound to its face, and just a little over 13 seconds for its teeth. The more drastic the wound the longer it needed.
I had my plan.
I waited for fish face to out stretch its tongue to lick Kawada I guessed. I saw this abomination before me, and it pissed me off. I let the anger boil over me to fuel my next move. I felt the muscles in my leg tense as I began my charge. I was on fish face in mere seconds.
I started with twin hammer blows to its joints in its arms where its horrible elongated arms met at the elbows. I felt them both shatter under my strength. Fish faces grip loosened on both Jun and Kawada. I saw them both slump to the ground. I then uppercut ed fish face pinching its jaws down on its own tongue. I heard a sickly slump as I saw the tongue hit the ground at our feet. Fish face reared back a high pitched wine coming from its mouth, as the oily blood shot into the air. Ohhh no fish face the pain just is begging I thought to myself. I body checked fish face a standing tackle low. I heard many ribs shatter in fish face. I lifted fish face up and charge towards the river and slammed us both into the water.
I reached into my belt and grabbed my jade knife, the one I tried to slip Mitsouko when we encountered the bakeneko when we first met. I felt its arms frantically moving in the water, we were twisting I thought. I grasped the knife hard and stab at its guts over and over and over. I felt the water go warm around me, and even then the water seemed wrong. I of course didn't stop there I must have stabbed the beast 3 dozen times into its hide. During this time fish face battered me multiple times as we twisted. The techniques however that the Monkey teach above all else it endurance. I think its the sheer stubbornness. I felt a sharp blow to my head and I couldn't tell which way was up or down. With one last defiant gesture I stabbed the jade knife into one of fish faces eyes and twisted the knife. I felt the blade break into the head of fish face. I could hear the squealing underwater and I felt a sharp kick to my abdomen as fish face swam away.
I tried to swim I really did, but I think somewhere in the fight I must have inhaled water. At least fish face wouldn't be going for Kawada or Jun. I had done my duty. I wondered if I could see Mitsouko one more time as the dark came for me. I was cold but the thoughts of our night together somehow warmed me. The world went black except for the luminescent happy memory of her.
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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 May 7, 2011 17:10:36 GMT -5
Jun felt the more excruciating pain he ever felt in his entire life. His lungs were heavy and he knew he had several broken bones in his torax and arms. The heavy nightly rain barely brought some relief, when Kawada pulled him to lean against a tree. The older samurai was battered and sore as well, but in better situation than Jun. And the somber expression almost made the Toku unrecognizable to the young Crane.
Kawada-san what in Jigoku... Then the Daidoji scout figured that the Toku champion wasn't there. And his head ached only to remember the last scene he saw before pass out from pain.
Where are Sanjuro-sama? He faced the monster with bare hands...they fell on the river together...
Kawada's face didn't get any improve after listening this terrible news. But the yojimbo said with resolve, eyes reddened of pain, sore and bitterness. He had failed, and failed because the the Toku men underestimated the enemy. But the greatest fail was his, Toku Kawada was there to protect the Monkey Champion, not to have fun.
I will find him, Jun... and then ask him to permit put an end on my dishonor.
Help me to put on my feet, Kawada. I need to reach the Daidoji encampment or other place where I can send message... You will find him...It's better hurry up, friend.
But Jun knew that they were miles north of the encampment, as they had opted to return following the river to south. The tasks of both were almost impossible, with the severe wounds they got, without horses...
But Jun would not delay Kawada a second more. If there was a slightest chance of Sanjuro have survived that confront, Kawada should find him faster, or the heroic deed would be useless. And not only would The Toku champion be a waste, but his yojimbo as well... ....
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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 May 8, 2011 14:33:36 GMT -5
Scene Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nh_q1_qSNwPain.... We all feel it. Some less than others. There is the blinding sharp hot pain of being cut by a mans katana. Then there is the dull aching pain of losing someone dear to you. Then there is the empty pain of not knowing, what is or could have been. That pain has a unique twist to it all in its own. My eyes opened, and there was agonizing pain. Everything was bright and out of focus. I instinctively shut my eyes hard I felt tears stream down my cheek. I was on my back somewhere in the wilderness. I felt the dirt with my hands as I clenched my fists when awakening. I smelled the rich earth around me. The distinctive smells of the trees around me. I heard the sounds of a river nearby probably about half a mile away. There was also a bird whistling somewhere nearby. Every joint in my body screamed at me. My lungs burned with every breath. I coughed violently, and slowly began to open my eyes letting them adjust to the light. My left eyes stung as I kept my eyes open and as I slowly lifted myself up leaning against a tree. I took five regulated breaths. I take it back, my head was the worst pain. I brought my hand up to touch my left temple. A flash of pain followed. I saw a out of focus figure move into my vision. I heard a light foot moving across the forested floor. I stared to go for my weapon and as i looked down i saw my clothes were in shredded rags and strained with odd colors. I then saw my sword 20ft away leaning against a tree. I didn't know why i was so panicked, and for that matter i didn't know why i knew that was my sword. I watched the form coming into focus, and waited.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 9, 2011 14:40:58 GMT -5
The man felt a twinge of pain when somebody poked his side with a bamboo stick.
"This one...is alive."
He heard more sloshing steps in the mud, then, a blurred face with black eyes taking form near his sore and sunburnt own face. The proximity only made his body shiver and shrink in espontaneous reaction. At this point, even the light seemed to threaten him. Another human shaped shadow approached.
Uhn...it's true... Seems to be a samurai, look at this sword... He is far from the shipwreck, though. And well, look at these wounds! Somebody here had a meeting with the yamanba!
The black eyed face had a voice, a female commanding voice.
You, put him in the wagon with the things. Hurry, I don't want to be next the river when the night falls. And besides, it'll rain soon. Maybe Oda can fix him...
The castaway was soon carried by a man wearing an ajirogasa, and put in an ox wagon. Minutes later they left the bank river. The man's body aching with every movement of the heavy vehicle.
Everything in the wagon was smelling to mud, blood and river debris. The female voice came to him again, by the side of the moving wagon.
Can you hear me, stranger?
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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 May 9, 2011 22:07:58 GMT -5
SCENE MUSIC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ5_HY0G2CoDAYS LATERI awoke dazed in a dark room. There was a musk to the room, wait was that me? A itchy blanket lay across my bare chest. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness I could see faint light creeping through the cracks in the wall. I could hear crickets chirping outside, and many peoples voices. Sounds of worry, sounds of merry, a melting pot of sounds echoed through the room. I looked over to see my sword or what I knew to be my sword leaning against a wall. Two strings worth of jade beads around the scabbard. The top row had grayed and dulled. Cracked in places they were a mere shadow of what hey should have been. (Taint?) I thought to myself. What happened? How did it happen? and most importantly who was I? When I thought to myself on the question of my identity I found nothing. I knew that the jade in the state it was ment recently I must have been around something tainted. I knew I must be a low ranking samurai due to the condition of my Katana, how simple and worn it looked. Perhaps I was a bandit who stole the sword from the corpse of a dead samurai. I didn't know, and I quickly started to grow more frustrated by the minute. (think, think) ok the last thing I remember was a lot of pain near a river, someone asked me if I could hear them. How hurt was I? I threw the blanket off of me to reveal no clothes on myself at all. I swung of the bed and stood to get a better look at myself. I almost tripped barely having the strength to hold myself up. I braced myself against the wall near my sword. I then noticed that I have a clean bandage across my left side of my chest and bicep. (what the h.....). I caught the smell of whatever was cooking outside and my stomach roared! I gently sat back down into the bed as to prevent falling to the floor. I picked the itchy blanket up off the floor and began to wrap myself i it below the waist. (well whoever I was this at least feels right, modesty check!). The door slowly crept open and the sounds directly outside dyed down to feint whispers. The smell of the cooking food outside sent my stomach into a ravenous frenzy!! A silhouetted figure stood in the doorway. A hand on their sword hilt as to strike out if threatened. I held my hand up, it shook lightly as I held it up. "Don't worry friend I am not a tainted ravenous beast, I am just a starving ravenous beast. No taint I promise!" I gave whoever this person was a half hearten toothy grin, and waited to see if I had the strength to dive and roll to my sword and defend myself if need be.
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Kakita Mitsouko
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on May 11, 2011 16:28:33 GMT -5
Good to see you on your feet, stranger.
A woman stepped forward, entering the room. She scanned the ambient, then, the man wrapped by the blanket. Well, barely wrapped. Her short stature doesn’t seem to bother or intimidate her in the front of the giant man. When she came closer, looked upwards to face her guest, or prisoner, the man had no condition to know what exactly right now. Her face was half hidden by a cloth that covered her nose and mouth, but her eyes were black and fierce.
We found you near the river. Bad bad wounds... But you will be fine. I think you are the only survivor of your ship. Do you have a name?
Before the man could think in a answer, a little figure shyly appeared by the door. Glancing inside, a child with odd golden hair. The woman gave the boy a ill humored glance, but the boy sneaked inside the room, hidding behind the woman 's legs. Looking curious and excited to the man. The woman gave the little boy a noogie in the head. All right, Ken, you already saw the stranger. Now, bring me a bowl of food. Seems our visitor needs to put some rice in, to fill his stomach after his long fever... The boy ran to accomplish the order, seeming very happy to have an important task to do. She turned to the giant: So, after a bath we can find a kimono for you. But I expect some courtesy in exchange for saving your life... To begin, who are you? The behavior of the woman, her confident gaze and also the katana in her obi, clearly indicated that she wasn't a peasant. But also, she didn't bear a mon nor introduced herself promptly like a samurai from any clan, even resembling to a Scorpion woman. Then, maybe, she was a ronin.
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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 May 12, 2011 0:15:30 GMT -5
I stood holding the itchy blanket close to me. The woman showed concern for me by saying that it was good I was on my feet. I looked at her intently. For all she knew I was trying to intimidate her. I was actually reading her face, her body language. Her face was half hidden, perhaps was I in a Scorpion encampment? Where the hell was I? Why couldn't I recall anything? I pushed down my frustration letting it form into a ball in my mind then it dissipated. I took a deep breath. The smell of fried vegetables and tofu hit my nose and I swear I almost barreled through her to get outside, but I restrained myself. This women and her four, no five friends must have saved me from my fate. I listened to the movement outside and heard most of the people lightly stirring except for one set of feet moving towards the tent. The woman showed no fear as she walked up to me starring up at me. She was trying to show dominance over me I thought. In her last few steps I let the blanket slip in my.....unrest just a little to distract her. I saw the slightest movement of her eyes downward. As I thought she had court training. If someone hadn't been looking for the movement of her eyes no one would have noticed. Only courtiers had such training.
"Trust me im glad I am as well." I rubbed the back of my neck. How long was I out I thought? Just then a blond headed boy came into the room and hid behind her legs. I couldn't help myself my eyes were drawn down to her legs where the boy was and I couldn't help but notice the shapeliness of her legs. I hadn't had court training. Somehow the look felt wrong to me, moreso on a personal level, like I was breaking a promise by doing so, but what promise? I could feel the frustration coming back.
After hearing the promise of food my stomach Roared in approval. I watched the boy leave, then looked at the woman. She was young so it could be possible the boy was her younger brother, or perhaps her son. She looked at me and wished to know my name. That question was sharp, sharp like a slice from a blade. I thought about it for awhile. Im sure she thought I was trying to come up with a lie.
"I don't know, unfortunately" The sincerity of my frustration bled through my words. Her face changed, at first it was the look someone gives if they caught you in a lie, but now it showed concern. "I vaguely remember being near a river than waking here. That is all I remember." I once again calmed myself. "Im sorry where are my manners. Thank you for your aid. My life is indebted to you. Any favor I can aid with just let me know. May I ask your name?"
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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 May 12, 2011 15:31:21 GMT -5
When the man's blanket almost fell, the woman's eyes showed amusement for a moment.
I am Eisho, and you are now in the mountains of Scorpion side of Three Sides River. I mean, we are a bit far from the new Crane Province, but not that far from the river. ..vertically. Well, man, you can tell you are loved by the Fortunes. I don't know why you don't remember your name, but you scaped from a horrendous death. Your ship was attacked by a monster. It was a Mantis ship, returning from the far northern Dragon lands. She pointed to the scabbard by the wall.
The jaded beads in the sword were tainted, or part of it, and I don't know how you managed to avoid, but you aren't touched by it. I don't know as well why you carry with you so much jade, and why you have it, unless you are a Wall's veteran or witch hunter… She shrugged.
The man that took care of you… He said you talked a lot, in fever… Poems of devious taste, and names also…Maybe he can tell you.
When the boy returned carefully bringing a steamy bowl of food, the woman made sure to deliver it in his hands, using the moment to scan his exposed dorso.
Better do eat, stranger. It should give you strength to properly hold a piece of cloth.
Saying so, she directed to the door, holding the hand of the little and curious blond boy.
Later, one of the men can take you to the onsen. I’d say that you must enjoy your second life. It’s a gift rarely given by the Fortunes.
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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 May 17, 2011 18:38:37 GMT -5
I graciously took the bowl of food into my hands, letting the warmth heat the palms of my hands. I spoke almost possessed in my actions bowing my head and slightly raising the bowl upward."Rice gruel is effective in five ways to aid the traveler on the Way. There is no limit to its good results, resulting in peace forever." After going through the prayer I nodded respectfully to Eisho "Thank you for the food, I will be sure to pay for it in anyway possible." At that moment the food was the most flavorful food I had ever had. I felt like I hadn't eaten in weeks and the meal teased my stomach of what could be more. The rice and tempura meats were then devoured in less than a minute.
Eisho and the boy watched in awe. The scene wasn't messy at all, they just watched a ravenous man eat with pure efficiency. I savored the last bite and then wiped the bowl clean and held it out to the boy. I had a toothy smile on my face. "Young man be sure to thank the cook for me!". The weariness of relief set in with great haste.
"Eisho I hate to ask but what became of my clothes? It would probably be more polite of me to have something more than this blanket with the boy here." I raised my eyebrows slowly in a hint of understanding of these words. There was nothing wrong with flirting with the woman whom saved my life right? If so why did these words seem so sour coming out of my mouth?
Eisho handed me some old battered looking clothes of earthen tones, tans, browns, and some black. A wolf embroidered into the left chest seem. I was told that they once belonged to a companion of hers. The gesture was touching everything considered. I walked to a private alcove of the room, and slid into the clothes. To my surprise they were loose on me. This companion must have been at least 6'4'. I came out into the open of the room and bowed to Eishio. "Seems I owe you even more than before my lovely hostess." She looked at me for a second or two too long, I deduced I resembled the companion she spoke of before so much so I seemed ghostly to her.
She smiled at me, I could tell through her mask because of her cheeks rising near her eyes. We walked outside together. The cool night air hit me like a wall. I closed my eyes and raised my head to the sky. I felt at that moment I was somewhere else with someone else. That thought made me both experience joy and sorrow all at once in a merger of strong emotion. I then exhaled frustrated because of my lack of knowledge, dammit who was I?
I opened my eyes and viewed the camp. First I saw a older man, greying hair and a longer beard. Dressed in greys and whites. He took great pride in how he carried himself. Someone who obviously knew alot and carried himself well. He had a sad smile one that spoke of tradgety to me, yet it seemed he was trying to make the best of the situation. He had a scroll unraveled in front of him and it seemed I walked out in the middle of him writing. Eisho introduced him as Oda.
Next I saw the man closest to Oda, looking like he was talking to the old man while he was writing. A son maybe? I could see a distinctive resemblance in the bridge line of the nose and the eyes were the same. He had long dark hair tied off at the base of his neck and shoulders. He stood to face me. Alpha male he was looking sternly at me and pushed his shoulders back. A show of dominance. He didn't want any trouble from me and wanted me to know it. He was introduced as Rinzo, Oda's son. Damn im good. I cracked a sly grin.
Then I saw a man around Rinzo's age. Thinner and more wiry looking. He stood farther away from everyone else. He was evaluating me. Seeing if I was a threat the others wouldn't know of. mmmm. This man was a man a secrets. He only acknowledged me a few seconds after he determined I wasn't whomever he was afraid of. He had green eyes and short greasy hair. A scar ran down his left cheek and twisted into a hook shape at the base of his chin. He was introduce as Hachirobi.
The little blond boy was introduced to me as Ken. He stood next to his sister or mother Eisho. No longer afraid of me he must have determined that i was a nice man, was I a nice man? Hell I didn't even know that.
I turned to face the group, and I bowed with great respect. "You have saved my life and for that I am in your debt. My sword is yours for a time. Until i figure out who I am and whom is my lord. Until this time please name me. I think it only fitting since you all saved my life."
I waited patiently in the night with only the sounds of the wind and crickets to keep me company.
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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 May 18, 2011 18:42:21 GMT -5
Masamoto. Masamoto-saaaan! said Ken loud and abruptly, with a grin that made him appear a little more rokugani than before. Eisho shook him by the shoulder, in a reprimand; after a brief silence period, Hachirobi started a laugh that most resembled a dying dog bark; anyway, it ended in a grim cough.
Masamoto is good, Ken. he said to the confused little boy. HIs expression was a mix between amusement about the innocence of the boy, and irony as well.
Sorry, my son is just kidding. the woman tried to keep face in this uncommon situation.
Ha, what ill it will do to the man, Eisho? Masamoto is a name like any. Oda countered. Then turned to the amnesic man. Masamoto will be. If Ken wishes to give you the name of the invisible spirit or kami with whom he talks alone, very well. Treat the name like if was the name your father give to you. Or, well, a bit better.
This time, both Rinzo and Hachirobi burst out laughing as well. Ken, even not understanding well, joined them, only the ronin woman wasn't enjoying the joke.
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