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 14:02:28 GMT -5
For now she would let out the softest sigh and nod. "We accept this gift, but I will be the judge if such beauty and hope can be reflected in our exchanges this evening."
But it was rather clear her mood was unchanged, she suspected there would be others to attend this little meeting as she looked to the door expectantly.
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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 20, 2011 16:59:53 GMT -5
The courtier kept everything going on and on. There was haiku and after that a soft round of kemari... Guests blabbering their gums over and over as Naetaru kept smiling and small talking. He had already ensured that his guests were taken care of and that the most important ones had the privacy they needed. He had his eyes laid on his mother and his Daidoji bodyguard had his own on the eccentric guests... Sooner or later would the kabuki contest begin...he had sent word to the theater troupe...There would be bound to arrive shortly.
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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 20, 2011 19:22:18 GMT -5
Hirotomo tried his hand at kemari, but withdrew quickly when he kicked the hat off of a fussy looking Crane. Chiyuki sighed. She looked over at him, and inquired as to where some of the others were. Hirotomo shrugged. He'd been immersed in the game and did not see them leave. He tells her to relax. There was probably more entertainment on the way. He assumed the others went off to do courtier work. He was starting to ease up and tell jokes. Some of them missed thier mark. Hirotomo privately grumbled that people back home would have gotten them, but some sent a few people into raucous laughter, or what he assumed the courtier version of raucous. This was a party, they were supposed to be having fun. Besides there was little work for him here anyway.
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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 20, 2011 20:06:57 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai slipped into the meeting area with the skilled grace of a man who knows how to slip away unnoticed when needed. He considered raising a ward to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on the conversation, but decided against doing so.
"Are we awaiting anyone else?"[/b] He asked the two women politely, taking a seat on one of the cushions.
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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 21, 2011 10:28:25 GMT -5
Doji Mikado approached to her brother, whispering behind her fan: Where is the “Yamuso†man? The kabuki is about to start and we will not want that strident man just disappears in the embassy, not after the recommendations we received, dear brother. Talk with the guards and check around, while I check everything in the backstage. Doji Mikado knew how to be bold, when necessary. Saying that, she graciously walked to the backstage, where the actors were preparing themselves, about to start the play.
….
In fact, yes, we were, but unfortunately the Dragon clan, that replied us that were very interested in such matter, wasn’t able to make their way to be here in time. Anyway, the Ambassador is waiting for news about it. We can start; I don’t see reason to delay anymore. Please, my friend, take a seat. After Agasha Shodai made himself comfortable in the chamber, and she offered them sake and tea, Mitsouko took the word: The reason of our meeting this evening is already unveiled for each of us here: we must act to not let the empire frail in pieces while the main attention is on the battles at the north. There is plague; there is blood sorcery and Shadowlands taint on many frontiers. Alien person with obscure purposes walking through our roads, Imperial roads or not. We think we must act with discretion, but effectiveness, about the spreading, slippery evil leaking from south and heading Toshi Ranbo. There is the easiest way: ignore when it happens within other clans lands, until it knocks at our doors. But we know that it’s an illusory solution. We don’t need to wait until our vicinity is taken to start to react. There is also, the hard way: an alliance. We can help each other; we can protect the Emerald Throne and Rokugan from tainted activities and hidden enemies, together. But maybe one of you has words about it too.
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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 21, 2011 15:55:16 GMT -5
Down to business, much to Haruka's silent delight. "An alliance has a very large meaning I'm afraid. Much as the Maho Tsukai and the other tainted beings are the bane of our lives, the bloodspeakers are moving in many different directions.
I must then ask, what exactly do you propose within this alliance? An open exchange of information.. coordinated scouting and documenting efforts.."
She placed her hands on the table, laying her palms flat against the wood.
"While this is being considered, I must also inform Agasha Shodai-san as I have informed you Kakita Mitsuoko-san. The alien man who you have heard rumors and whisperings about is no longer a threat. My husband's blade saw to that."
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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 21, 2011 20:08:26 GMT -5
Mitsouko sipped the sake observing Haruka’s movements and words. Stared also at Shodai’s face, and his expression of listening and pondering, before starting to talk.
Yes, alliance is a word with immense possibilities, and that’s why we are here in first place. We Crane do believe that this effort and exchange can be beneficial. We think that, in benefit of discretion and, of course, to preserve the other interests our clans can be, relative to other matters, we can, first, discuss about the possibility of gathering a group, among the best of our clans, specially delegated to deal and exchange these information to our clans. Coordinated scouting, exchange of information about suspicious activities related with sorcery, exchange of capable samurai to help with plagues symptoms, etc. etc. Of course these agents would respond to their own clan and also, to the alliance heads. They would work together, in fact. If these ideas seem good enough to be discussed further, in details of how it can work and what the duties of these agents can be, we pass to the next step. If not, I am eager to hear new suggestions. Every possibility can be discussed here.
Mitsouko smiled:
And of course, the occasion of the death of such bizarre personality must be commemorated as well. He had allies that the Scorpion is aware of? What you can say about them, if they exists? You Scorpion defeated all of them? These are information the alliance would exchange.
At the same time, we Crane, do propose to siege the access of this bestial influence over The Core of our Empire: the imperial courts. We are closer, and with special information we can sweep the court and find traces of taint. But, of course, all we know that we need to act hastily. About the plague, our shugenja are more than willing to help any clan in need, starting of course by the ones most affected.
Also, we are ready to hear suggestions of how we can help in other fields. I think the Phoenix clan is here to share their visions about the subject as well…
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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 21, 2011 20:10:08 GMT -5
Shodai frowned slightly. "I fear that my temporary incapacitation following the Battle at the Three Sides River has left me a bit out of the loop if this person has recently appeared, Lady Bayushi. Which alien man do you refer to?"[/b]
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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 21, 2011 20:39:12 GMT -5
"Disappeared and reappeared, Phoenix san." In walked a man in drenched dark brown robes. He had clearly come from a far distance and from outside in the sopping rain. The man was Bayushi Senshi, the scorpion champion. His arrival went unnoticed to the party as he timed his entry and exit of the room to a moment when there was a scene transition in the performance, moving during the polite applause. He was sure some may have noticed him, but by his attire surely wouldn't have recognized him.
"Sorry for the unannounced arrival, but this is one of my holdings after all. I have news... and all of its bad. Crane, do me a favor and cancel the party. Yes, its that serious."
He then looked back to his wife and the Phoenix, "You are the new master of the void yes? Good. I will be needing your help in the days to come. If you will agree to assist." He looked back to Haruka, "Shoju is back. His soul lives on. It is clear that I am incapable of killing him. Not even Churetsu could silence his shattered mind. Shodai, however... you could be a great help. My clan's shugenja are not up to the task."
He dropped his head though, shaking it in frustration, "It doesn't matter though, Kaneka is officially pursuing his claim to the throne, and is restoring the Toturi dynasty. He has taken the name Hantei refused him, Toturi III. There will surely be war."
He paced back to the wall, speaking over his shoulder, "No one is safe until the battle lines are drawn, and these people need to find their own clansmen. Daimyos across the empire will be making a choice over which emperor to support, and then we will all be at each others throats. I already have alliances that I must uphold before accepting this one. And now with the times.... it would be unwise."
He turned back abruptly, "Know this, my clan does not believe the events to be a coincidence. I fully expect the spider's many hands at work within the imperial court at Toshi Ranbo, my men are in both camps, and we will find the truth of it. Haruka, as soon as you are ready I want you to leave for Kyuden Bayushi, take Alana."
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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 21, 2011 20:47:14 GMT -5
Haruka was shocked at all the information, her gaze lowered for a moment at the sight of Senshi and such an abrupt arrival. However she would not hesitate for long as she stood, Alana followed as well as she bowed deeply to them all and took heed of the dire news.
Without a word she would have avoided sight and taken to her Utaku steed before long and in spite of the rain, depart into the night. Alana rode dutifully and protectively at her side.
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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 21, 2011 22:58:54 GMT -5
OOC: Sorry this is a bit long-winded.
Agasha Shodai frowned to himself at the name Shoju. "Shoju... I recognize that name from the time I infiltrated the City of the Lost with a Hiruma scouting party... He's a khadi - an undead creature created by gaijin magics that as much in common with the undead created by Maho as an heimin does with a member of the Kuge.
"Even within the Phoenix, little is known of these monstrocities; no one, save a Maho-Tsukei, is so debased to even consider studying the texts for fear of the corruption they could induce."[/b]
Bayushi dropped his head though, shaking it in frustration, "It doesn't matter though, Kaneka is officially pursuing his claim to the throne, and is restoring the Toturi dynasty. He has taken the name Hantei refused him, Toturi III. There will surely be war."
Agasha Shodai winced reflexively, but resisted the urge to express his outrage at the Shogun's foolish actions. It was almost enough to make Shodai ashamed to be Phoenix like the oaths Kaneka had taken when Hantei XL had become, well, Hantei XL had made the Shogun.
Senshi paced back to the wall, speaking over his shoulder, "No one is safe until the battle lines are drawn, and these people need to find their own clansmen. Daimyos across the empire will be making a choice over which emperor to support, and then we will all be at each others throats. I already have alliances that I must uphold before accepting this one. And now with the times.... it would be unwise."
He turned back abruptly, "Know this, my clan does not believe the events to be a coincidence. I fully expect the spider's many hands at work within the imperial court at Toshi Ranbo, my men are in both camps, and we will find the truth of it. Haruka, as soon as you are ready I want you to leave for Kyuden Bayushi, take Alana."
After Bayushi Haruka's departure, Agasha Shodai nodded. "I agree, the timing is just too pat to be a completely random occurrance. I have suspected there is a power working behind the scenes, but I have been so busy - until recently, at least - putting out the brush fires that appear seemingly at random to really look for an underlying cause for the sparks."[/b]
The Void Master's hands drummed on his knee in thought. "I will not presume to speak for my entire Clan... I may be the Voice of the Elemental Council and the Void Master, but that makes be but one of fi... No, wait, the Water Master was killed along with his primary student; so I am only one of four votes."[/b]
He frowned to himself. "And Kaneka decided - long before I was the Void Master - that I was no friend of his when first I counciled patience in waiting for the Emperor's command before marching to Mountain Watch Keep and again when I stood by Mitsouko-san's predecessor out of respect for the long-standing alliance between the Phoenix and the Crane. I honestly doubt the man would accept my aid even if I were so inclined to offer it..."[/b]
Shodai looked to the Scorpion Clan Champion. "But the choice of this magnitude, which Emperor is the true Emperor, is not something to be decided in the heat of the moment."
"We are harried by the Yobanjin horde in the West and both the Wasting Disease and the re-raising of the Iron Citadel - creations from the unleashing of the vile magics contained within two of the twelve dread Black Scrolls - to the South. And if either of these situations are not bad enough, what concerns me the most will be the polarizing effect Kaneka's declaration will have on the Empire..."
"Like a magnetic lodestone where the two ends will not touch one another, this will put Clan against Clan - with each side convinced with complete certainty that they are in the right - as we have not been since the end of the Clan War at the worst possible moment, as you have pointed out, Bayushi-dono."[/b]
Shodai rose, looking at the full moon in the night sky for a moment. "Since forming a new alliance at this time would be problematic at best, I have a suggestion for your consideration, Bayushi-dono; one that I don't make lightly...
I propose that no matter which side our Clans end up on during this time of turmoil, that we strive to maintain open lines of communication between eachother.
Now, please bear in mind I'm not suggesting that we attempt to fence-sit or that we impune our honor when we make a choice by sharing intelligence with the 'enemy.' Far from it.
What I suggest is that we make an effort to ensure that new developments in the larger threats - the Yobanjin, the Shadowlands, and anything new that might pop up - are properly communicated so that they do not blind-side the Empire as a whole while we deal with this contest between brothers.
If you're right - and I have no reservations against revealing that I genuinely belive that you are, Bayushi-dono - whoever our mystery puppeteer is, I suspect that he is COUNTING on the one thing that ALL the clans have in common: the fact that when dealing with someone that is questioning the honor of our Clans or our Families, we become so narrowly focused on silencing the voice that a legion of Oni could march around us and we wouldn't even notice it."[/b]
Agasha Shodai gave Bayushi Senshi what he called his 'hunter's smile' - the grin that a hunter makes when he's outwitted a particularly cunning opponent. "And I for one not only intend to disappoint him, I intend to cram his foul schemes down his gullet and see if he chokes on them. Am I presuming too much in thinking you would like to do the same, Bayushi-dono?"[/b]
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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 22, 2011 0:40:30 GMT -5
"I would love to have that opportunity. Be forewarned, we know the threat is a Rokugani noble. He could be hiding in any court across the empire. I understand if you wish to return to the elemental council, but I'd rather you traveled with me for a time. We can face the monster together and crush it."
Senshi pondered, "On second thought, we don't want him to see us coming. Rumors say you can travel near instantly, yes? Would you be able to come to me at a moments notice? I can task myself to the duty of tracking this dog, and when I find him, we can take him together..."
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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 22, 2011 7:34:16 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai nodded. "Distance has a different meaning to those whom have mastered the magic of the Void, so I could start my day in Kyuden Isawa and then be in Kyuden Hida a few hours later if necessary, though depending on how long it takes to hunt down our mutual prey - be he a traitorous member of the Kuge or Buke, it matters not - I may not need to travel that far."[/b]
Shodai glanced to Mitsouko. "The Kakita Family Daimyo and I have business in Kyuden Miya, so we will be travelling there from here, then, undoubtedly, we will need to return to the east. In the meantime..."[/b]
The Void Master held out his hand, palm up, and whispered a spell. As he did so, a crystal the size of a proper teacup appeared in mid-air just above his hand. The crystal's edges were translucent, but the core held a panorama of the stars in the sky over Ryoko Owari.
"When you find the one behind this, simply crush this crystal and it will tell me where you are when you do so. It may take a few hours, but I will come to you... And don't worry - the crystal reacts to a desire for my presence; it cannot break accidentally.'[/b] Reaching up, Shodai took the enchanted gemstone in one hand and offered it to Senshi.
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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 22, 2011 8:46:34 GMT -5
The ambassador watches the festival events unfolding, unaware of what is being told on the back chambers. He had noticed some commotion, a certain fact. Still he had to keep everything organized, from the security of the guests to their welfare. If something was amiss, he would be informed by his sister..however against his common judgement, he decided to send a servant over to see if lady Mitsouko needed something.
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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 22, 2011 9:32:01 GMT -5
The news is too horrible to hide her surprise. And the disgust of a feud between the brothers. Mitsouko heard Senshi's words, connecting the thoughts and the consequences. There' was no reason for celebration anymore, of course. But being dismissed like that was absurd.
The Kakita Duelist preferred to hear Shodai’s ponderings than talk anything, ignoring for now The Scorpion champion hasty decisions and rude behavior. He said openly that he rather prefer any other alliance than to consider Crane allies. So, what in Jigoku made him accept to talk in first place? Just that crude rudeness could made an ally less to Kaneka. She was fond to the shogun. She argued with her champion to let her go and talk with the Shogun about the words of her predecessor. Her heart was inclined for him, but no (still) her reason or sense of loyalty.
If it was only because of her fondness, her instinct, she would choose Kaneka’s side. But there was much to consider with her clan. That was not only about which of the brothers have the right, however. Samurai were servants of the Empire, not voters. Like herself, many consider Kaneka a victorious and sagacious mind, and, as well, would remember the day Kaneka disclaimed the right for the throne. That was about doing what was right to do. But, having not the eyes of the future to guide her decisions, she would do what her clan conciliates to act like. Of course, her opinion would be heard, considered; clearly, the clan would also consider that Kaneka was being already and openly supported by the ones who despise Crane, that would not favor this decision towards him. Words are also swords and like a duelist, she prefered to use it in the right time. Again, there was the question about that maho, this sorcerer whatever his name was and that was important, no matter the sides they chose by the feud. She watched the fluency with how Shodai talked about it; it was really good that he agreed to be at Crane side to watch over this matter. Better than it, her clan was happy to not watch the events at distance, preferring to help Phoenix to deal with that as soon as possible. After Shodai offered the magic crystal… something to the Scorpion Champion, she turned to the Phoenix Elemental Master.
Please, can we go now?
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