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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 8:58:38 GMT -5
As Hisa was on bended knee, the sound of clapping could be heard. It wasn't the applause of many, it was a slow a pointed action of one person, and it grew louder as he approached. The figure approached, and could be seen wearing a dark black kimono trimmed in scorpion red. On the left breast of his kimono there was an embroidery, but it was done in a shimmering black silk, leaving it to appear as more of a shadow upon his breast than a mon.
His head was covered in a large flat Jingasa. The shadow across his face left his features visible, but undefined.
"Your Haiku have been magnificent!" He cheered lightly, with an almost sarcastic tone. "Pardon my incredibly late arrival. I strive to be as punctual as possible, though.... without a formal invitation sent, My lord was only able to dispatch me when we were made aware from a passerby." The man stood in the middle of the room, the expression on his face seeming to blur between a sarcastic grin, and an agitated frown.
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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 Jun 14, 2011 11:56:03 GMT -5
Haruka seemed somewhat unsettled to all these things as she took notice of the late arrival, bowing with respect to the Otomo before turning to face him. She tapped her closed fan in the palm of her hand as she returned to Alana and the other attendant that the Ichiro had given to watch over her. She did not sit just yet but simply stood with them for now.
Such a rather coarse individual.. This wasn't meant to be an event for more than those invited.
Her curiosity was potent as she noted the colors he wore. Her gaze tried to uncover the nature of the symbol on his chest more specifically. Haruka looked to Torazo, as hid her lips behind her fan again as she lowered her voice amidst the commotion. "Torazo-san, find out who this one is. And please, be wary."[/color]
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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 12:21:49 GMT -5
The figure took note of each person in the room, and then turned back to face Mitsouko. "Please forgive my abrupt intrusion Lovely Crane-sama. It appears that your clans invitation to the celebration was unable to find its way to my lords hand." The figure said while eyeing his fingernails. "I'm afraid that I had little time to prepare for such an ostentatious ceremony." The figure looked up from his hand.
So much about this figure seemed to be almost... out of focus. The mon on his Kimono was there, yet it seemed like it wasn't. The shadow over his face held his features clearly out of focus. It was as if his very being was obscured.
"Where are my manners!?" The figure spoke loudly. "Let me introduce myself. I am Yamuso." The figured bowed incredibly low to the Crane.
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Jun 14, 2011 12:42:45 GMT -5
Naetaru scanned the individual from head to toe, and raised his eyebrow. He seems to have whispered something over to a Crane servant. It was not a gossip, neither a slanderous tirade, moreso a word of caution.
"Yamuso-san, tis a fine moment that you step into. We're on the process of greeting our Otomo guests, each samurai of the Clans offering a haiku. Today we're celebrating our Empire's victory over the yobanjin in the western frontiers. Thus, we have decided to commemorate this event in an honorable yet dignified way. I trust that your lord knows of this well enough. So please step in front and offer the Imperials a word of your Clan's wisdom..."
Naetaru somewhat shivered, as he was feeling the temperature falling steadily. Yet he wondered if it was the uneasiness that his guest emitted, or the proximity of the protective wards that were spread around the embassy. Now, if there was a problem, he was certain that the shugenjas would've found out.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 14, 2011 12:59:19 GMT -5
Yamuso bowed to the Crane speaking now. "Sadly, as I said, my Lord was not made aware by invitation. We are so dreadfully out of the way that from time to time, information does end up falling by the wayside." As he rose he brought a mempo in front of his face, fastened it, and removed his jingasa, revealing a completely smooth head, devoid of any hair or stubble. The mempo was a tasteful, yet fearsome dragons face, and all that could be see of Yamuso's face were his iris'.
"serenity and peace blowing through like winters wind false hope blooms anew"
Yamuso looked at the assembled party for a reaction.
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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 Jun 14, 2011 13:21:34 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai, who'd moved closer to Mitsouko during the swordswoman's haiku - stunned by the sheer beauty of the Kakita Daimyo's voice, whispered to her as the Scorpion youth acted in a rather un-Scorpion fashion. "It would appear your 'fan club' is growing, Mitsouko-san... Not that that's a bad thing, of course."[/b] He said with a playful wink as he let her choose how best to deal with the young man.
Not so neutral, I'm afraid, Kakita-sama. Fuzake Chiyuki's voice whispered in the Agasha's mind as his heightened connection to the Void picked up her thoughts.
The Void Master hid a contemplative frown with the skill of one whom had spent far more hours in court than he'd ever desired. Shodai had been suspicious of the "sudden" arrival of the Scorpion-trained Monkey Clan woman from the moment they'd "run into" each other in Beiden.
Hirotomo - bless his honorable heart - had tried to act surprised, but the boy's skills at acting would never get him the lead in a dramatic kabuki. He'd KNOWN Chiyuki would be in Beiden.
The shugenja recognized a "bribe" when he saw one... Toku Kenpachi had undoubtedly made the arrangements the night he'd met Asako Jinjutsu in an effort to eliminate the competition to Toku Sanjuro's omiai. The Void Master would be the first to admit that Chiyuki was certainly a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but there was no reason - personally or politically - to change his mind where the omiai was concerned.
A slight smile pulled at the corner of Shodai's lips when he imagined Kenpachi's reaction when he found out that the other suitor for Kakita Mitsouko was the head of the Phoenix Clan's Elemental Council and his nakodo was Phoenix Clan Champion himself.
It was hard to believe that was only a little over a month ago...
The mocking clap of the Spider Clan shugenja - as well as the psychic stench of Maho that clung to him through the Void - that had managed to slip into the party snapped Agasha Shodai's attention from his reverie. Since having to eliminate his student's Lost twin brother, Shodai had wanted to find and eliminate another Maho-Tsukai to salve the guilt he felt for doing his Duty...
But since he was not about to risk a full-on Five Element vs. Maho magic battle with so many people around, the Void Master's eyes merely narrowed slightly in distaste, but he made no overt actions towards the party crasher. As long as the Spider remained civil, so would the Phoenix. But if the man felt like making trouble...
Well, if it came to that, Shodai would be more than willing to summon the Fire kami for the man's funeral pyre.
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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 Jun 14, 2011 15:15:34 GMT -5
((Ooc: to clarify Shodai, the new arrival is not a shugenja. Also, I caution everyone to the idea that they would recognize him as a spider immediately. All indicators point to a Scorpion by his arrival and odd nature of manipulating shadows, if thats even what you think you see. Omniscience is just another form of god modding, be careful. Follow Haruka's example, she has fought spider multiple times, but does not recognize the foe, so she sends some one to find out. Or Naetaru's example, speaking to the new arrival cautiously but with all the respect of any samurai.
Also consider: if you know hes a spider, then you know there will be fighting and bloodshed as a result, that is not the intent behind the authors of this thread.
Moderator hat off. Please continue.
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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 Jun 14, 2011 15:33:18 GMT -5
((OOC: To clarify, Shodai cannot hear everyone's thoughts: there is are two Void spells (and I forgot the name of the spell and don't have my book with me) one that normally allows a Void shugenja to hear thoughts of individuals and the other is to sense the general mood of people. Because Shodai's powers are still out of balance as a result of a harrowing battle, these effects are activating at random (in the case of Chiyuki.) I will forgo RPing this for the remainder of the thread to prevent further misunderstandings. As for assuming the newcomer is a shugenja, it's more that if Shodai senses the mystical stench of Maho on a foe, he's going to assume a worse-case scenario - i.e. a Bloodspeaker - and work down from there. Since he smells Maho and the man is dressed in normal clothing and pretending to be a genuine samurai, Shodai automatically assumes that the other is Spider, though he has no clue as to the man's identity. Shodai has also learned better than to act rashly: he'll keep an eye on the guy and see if there are more of them (ones better at hiding themselves) to deal with.))
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Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
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Post by Toku Hirotomo on Jun 14, 2011 20:44:47 GMT -5
The mountain's crisp air The unexpected beauty The Touch of Benten
Hirotomo was not much for poetry, but he felt something was better than nothing. He kept his voice clear and sturdy, as visions of Rinko danced around his head. He bowed to the Otomo, and gave a sly grin to Chiyuki. Her face looked serene, but her eyes said, Where did you learn to do something that did not involve a sword?
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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 Jun 16, 2011 16:27:03 GMT -5
With all that had been happening inside the view of the Otomo, the attendants of the Crane were working silently out of sight to prepare a private side room for one additional meeting to assemble. While the attention fell on this newcomer one of them bowed deeply as they approached Haruka from the corner of her eye. Alana tensed slightly but a simple motion with her hand settled the attendant. She would be handed a note as she nodded knowingly without a word. The servant courteously bowing and taking his leave while Haruka lifted her chin slightly as the Scorpion courtiers would filter in naturally. She used this cover and the fact that she hadn't engaged the newcomer in verbal communication to take her leave at that point as she would disappear into the side meeting room.
Another would approach near to the sight of Agasha Shodai and Kakita Mitsuoko with another note in hand to alert them that the meeting was quite ready. While the others would be entertained by the kabuki display, they would be undisturbed.
The meeting room was simple but discreet as the low lying table had cushions around it for each participant. Haruka placed herself in no particular place but allowed for some space for Alana to kneel near her. She had stowed her fan for now and simply waited for the others to arrive as she took a moment to calm herself and bring her senses to center.
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Post by Shoju on Jun 17, 2011 8:22:51 GMT -5
Yamuso made note of those leaving the main chamber. He waited for a moment for the rest of the guests to be entertained by the Kabuki display, and began to make his way towards the meeting room, as he moved through the shadows, he became harder and harder distinguish from the shadows themselves.
He worked his way to outside the meeting room undetected, and waited.
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Bayushi Hisa
Scorpion Clan
Samurai * Courtier * Dark Paragon of Will * Loyal
Posts: 479
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Post by Bayushi Hisa on Jun 17, 2011 10:05:56 GMT -5
Hisa rose when Mitsouko did and escorted her to the entrance of the meeting room when he saw a flicker out of the corner of his eye.
"Remember Mitsuoko-dono, I will be glad to provide any services you need this evening, but if you'll excuse me for just one moment."
Hisa gave a brief bow and took his leave to investigate the shadows where he saw the flicker, but he couldn't find anything. He saw that the Crane woman had entered the room safely so he went to present himself to the Imperials and enjoy the Kabuki play. The flicker he saw still pulling at his conscience.
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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 Jun 20, 2011 11:53:05 GMT -5
On the contrary of what Chiyuki would think, didn't escape from Mitsouko eyes the flagrant admiration the Fuzake young woman displaied for Haruka-san, when Mitsouko and Shodai met her and Hirotomo talking with the Scorpion Lady. But it was not a real problem, if the Monkey woman was capable to check it. Well, depending on the Fuzake's attitude, of course Kenpachi would have to forgive Mitsouko if Chiyuki wasn't invited to go with her to Myia lands as expected. The Kakita was concerned with Bayushi Haruka's health, of course, but hoped that her own kin was able to take care of her, now that she was in public. When the young Bayushi courtier offered her the loveliest words she heard that evening (not counting Shodai's sakura verses, of course), she nodded with a smile:
It's sweet of you, young Bayushi. The freshness of your words reflects what is said about the Bayushi family's hospitality. I can't refuse the gentleness of your sincere offering. Thank you!
Then the unexpected guest approached, and Mitsouko tried to not show her confusion about not being able to identify either his mon or facial features. She nodded to the eccentric guest, wondering from where such theatrical character really came.
I am not aware of what happened with the messenger, but if you tell me the name of your lord I personally will write begging apologies for not making sure all the invitations reached the guests of this celebration. But, in homage to the customs of this land, where every comer to a party is always welcome, please accept the Crane word of joy about your presence. I hope you enjoy the plays, Yamuso.
She glanced at Naetaru that spoke shortly after her, welcoming the mysterious man.
.....
She winked at Shodai's remark, and again, with a glance, showed him that was time to start the meeting. She had words about his verses too, but it would had to wait a little: Then, the young Bayushi man excused himself to leave. That was a good time to take a breath from the main hall; when the paper lamps were being changed by the proper ones to enhance the scenarios and effects. Most of the guest got their seats waiting the start of the first kabuki of the night, with a bit of fizz and excitement. Mitsouko left first, heading to the inner chamber. She was sure Naetaru and Mikado would keep everything perfect outside. Lady Bayushi was there; Mitsouko would prefer to ignore the rude words in her waka, mainly because of she’d take it seriously, it would raise a duel. Nobody there needed a duel. She bowed to the woman in red. Casually walking to a shoji screen picturing The Sleeping Lake in summertime, touching the silky surface so artfully painted. Mitsouko asked, looking at Haruka's face:
Before anyone else come to the chamber, may I ask you if you really feeling well, Lady Haruka-san? I am truly concerned. If you feel you aren't, of course I am sure all of us can talk about such important matters in another opportunity. But, before your answer, please, I asked to a proeminent artist of my land to paint the beautiful view of Kyuden Bayushi and the Sleeping Lake to honor this day and meeting. He readily use all his spirit and inspiration to create the scenery in this biobu. I hope you, in behalf of your clan, do accept this gift that our clan offer to your clan, just for the opportunity of sharing a vision with your kin.
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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 Jun 20, 2011 12:40:10 GMT -5
Haruka noted her gaze, as they looked to one another. The Kakita was unwavering and fearless, and Haruka continually noted it.
"It will be suitable for display here, a fine addition of art. It will also be splendid to know that if you should ever get lost in Scorpion lands, you might be able to find Kyuden Bayushi at least." Her mouth curled, a slight bit of humor in Bayushi Haruka? This was certainly a first.
It seemed her demeanor had settled for the moment, but she was not warm to the Kakita in the least as she maintained eye contact. Where the Crane might be afraid to cause a scene, Haruka was willing to show she was indeed unafraid of anything. She still would continue on, to try and refuse the gift twice before formally accepting it, if Mitsuoko would oblige her. She hoped this display of courtesy and etiquette would make her realize she was still intent on the meeting at hand and not as closed off as perhaps she might suspect.
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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 Jun 20, 2011 13:00:07 GMT -5
Please, lady Haruka-san, that's our heart in it. Our heart in recognize that every land in Rokugan is blessed by the treasures of beauty, and different they are all. The Sleeping Lake is magnificent, I was in front of it once when I was a child, travelling with my father. I can remember the glimmering of the dusk above the surface of waters. It impressed me so much, and the shine of that day continues to inspire me, recalling me of days where a Kakita and a Bayushi could let their children play together. This is of course a vision of a Crane over the landscape your family know so well, but it's also a token of what we plan for this meeting, Please do accept, I humble ask you. Mitsouko spoke with passion, recalling the vision of that long past day in her mind. Haruka-san lived now in Kyuden Bayushi, but maybe the glimmering waters remained the same. She wasn't aware of how much that Battle Maiden can see the beauty of the Sleeping Lake; or the intention of a new point of view, but she showed some grace for poetry.
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