Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Jun 9, 2011 1:46:05 GMT -5
Ichiro sees Haruka's return and inwardly sighs. He then turns his gaze from her to his Bayushi bodyguard and then taps his index finger on his fan. The guard bows respectfully and leaves his company to join the Lady Haruka. As he approaches he falls to her side he bows his head and whispers into her ear.
"Ichiro-sama has sent me to assist you, and escort you as an extra precaution, Haruka-sama. He is worried for your well being and wishes to make sure that while in his company you be afforded all measures benefited by your station. I am your servant this gathering sama. My name is Torazo, and I will be your shadow and your justice."
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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 9, 2011 6:38:58 GMT -5
She nodded to the new companion of hers as Haruka's voice dipped delicately as well, her lips and the sound hidden by her own fan she unveiled.
"Thank you, I'm afraid that in my brief leave for a chance to take in the air, I attended it with a rather unpleasant result. But there is no need for anything for now. Hopefully they will have sense enough to stay away."
She seemed to restrain her words to a minimum, whether it was noted or not. Her free hand still gently rested on her obi, clinging to the cloth lightly, but her face did not reflect the pain as it did before..
While the pain was no ruse, it seemed Haruka had something more to focus on than it as her dark eyes looked to the others. The other Scorpion standing around her knowingly averted their gaze to each other as their glances met.
If she dares approach me again... By the kami I cannot stand by and let words attempt to undo me. I am no mere wife, and I will not hold back if the moment arrives. I will show her the woman that killed hundreds...[/color]
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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 9, 2011 11:57:41 GMT -5
Naetaru had been approached by another courtier, bearing the Phoenix mon. Smiling, he lowered his fan to his mouth. Moments later he strode over to the hinterchamber.
"Forgive me for interrupting samas, but it we have been honored by the visit of the Otomo, bearing the blessings of our Emperor. Now samas, if you would be kind, we're having a haiku presentation."
Glancing over to Haruka, he lets a slight nod of understanding.
"Haruka-sama, you're not obliged to show up of course. Everyone understands your sensitive condition." with a friendly smile, he motions to the servants present..."cushions for lady Haruka, quick."
In the next seconds, servants came holding heavy ground cushions, bearing much of the Unicorn artistry. On them, there were silver leaves embroidered with a teal lacing.
Moments later, Naetaru emerged to the main chamber, rising to the dais of the Otomo retinue, he began addressing the people present.
"Most honorable samas, forgive me for interrupting. We have been honored by the Emperor's dignitaries' visit, Otomo Ai-tono and her family. Before the festivities begin, it would be proper to welcome them among us with a haiku."
He closes his eyes, his mind races between twirling images. Naetaru has a couple of moments, slenderly walking in the winding paths of his artistic knowledge. He opens the eyes, looks at the Otomo and recites.
"Don't tell me how difficult the way The bird's path, winding far Is right before you."
Bowing slightly, over respect to the dignitaries, Naetaru motions over.
"Perhaps some more souls carry some artful words for our guests?"
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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 9, 2011 18:17:44 GMT -5
Haruka noticed the imperials now, her own frustrations had blinded her temporarily to their attendance but she was not so swelled with pride that she could not offer up a secret part of her heart to those gathered here. She could see the Scorpion muttering with their fans, and in her eyes, the actions of one did not represent the entire clan.
While it was certainly not required Haruka rose and placed herself in a more seen and neutral position, the servants having to hastily moving her comforts along silently with her so she could place herself in view of the imperial dais. Her gaze met with the various Scorpion in the room as she forced them to lower theirs and quiet down.
Even in her state she bowed deeply to the Otomo and remained standing while she spoke gently. She rested her open fan on her chest as she rested her other hand on the thick cloth of her obi. The woman stood forward away from them all as if to present herself alone before them. She did bow gently to Doji Naetaru before speaking respectfully.
"Lords under the stars Those of the heavens shine here Hidden by the sun.
Men like rice bow low As the eyes of men gather No sword like the word.
The assembly churns Winter armor as ice fails In spring rivers flow."
Her words delicately delivered, Haruka's soul of artistry did show as she felt her weakness returning and she had to resume sitting in her place. The light flutter of her fan gently would allow her to relax a moment.
Most of the Scorpion gathered there seemed astonished as they had never heard the lady Bayushi ever reciting poetry, though some would admit they had seen her paint from time to time. She had no desire to compete or anything, but the Scorpion woman did not wish to remain a mere figure to be talked over and around about.
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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 9, 2011 23:10:03 GMT -5
Agasha Shodai was savoring a cup of the citrusy tea that the Doji host had gathered, trying to dampen his awareness of things the Void was revealing to him unbidden...
The physical injuries he'd sustained in eliminating his student's Fallen twin had only been a part of the equation... When the thing that had once been Isawa Isshin had ripped a hole in reality, he'd had to push himself to his known magical limits - and beyond - to seal the rift. The rush of new power through his veins whispered to him that the power he'd known before was a mere lake compared the veritable ocean he now floated it.
It would likely take months of effort in Meditation to craft new internal barriers to limit his power. In the meantime, he was sensing thoughts and emotions that were normally beyond his personal ethics to pry into... It was if they were being shouted from the rooftops of Ryoko Owari and there was no way to avoid hearing them.
The Shosuro Daimyo's outwardly concealed wrath at Doji Naetaru; Hirotomo-kun's discomfort at being thrust into an battlefield where he could not simply cut down his foe and be done with it; the brief flare of outrage the Scorpion Clan Champion's wife was feeling towards Mitsouko for a percieved slight; the wheels-within-wheels thinking of the newly arrived Otomo Courtier.
All these things assaulted Shodai's senses, but by focusing his mind on the savory taste of the tea he was sipping, they began to fade away...
That is until a surge of compassion and worry from Kakita Mitsouko accompanied one of pain from Bayushi Haruka caused the Void Master to almost drop the porcelin cup. The shugenja turned and noticed Mitsouko attempting to catch his eye - likely hoping that he would be able to use his training as a Physician to treat the Champion's wife as he had her...
Once again Shodai regretted that the mempo of Asako Jinjutsu - the Void Master's alias when attempting to heal people without it worrying about his status - had been sucked into the Void rift. Not to mention that Doji Mikado, whom had seen him first as the Void Master during Mitsouko-san's Tea Ceremony, had seen him in Jinjutsu's armor after the battle. Agasha Shodai had lived, but Asako Jinjutsu had died in the effort to slay the Isshin-no-Oni.
By the time Shodai's racing mind had finished it's chain of thought, the Bayushi woman was back on her feet and sharing a delightful haiku.
The Void Master stepped up, a repectful bow to Haruka and a nod to the Ambassador, as he spoke; building off of the Scorpion woman's poetry with a bit of his own.
"And when rivers flow, The Sakura blooms anew Reviving the World.
A world green and pink, Banishes the heart's cold snow; New love greets the spring.
Love connects us all Without care for boundaries Of Clan, Caste or Time.
Such are mortal terms... Nature and Spirit care not; Life matters far more.
A Samurai's life Is one of service and war, Our reward is love."[/b]
His words finished, he slid aside to see if there were any others who would give it a shot.
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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 10, 2011 3:58:05 GMT -5
((OOC: Just to know guys, I am thrilled and honored by our efforts to create such a perfect roleplaying event! I am truly lucky to participate in this.))
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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 10, 2011 7:29:42 GMT -5
((OOC: This is what courtly matters are for! We like our events and our little meeting hasn't even started :3 Although I do hope it does soon..))
Haruka stood quietly impressed, as a small smile met her lips before the Otomo as she looked over Shodai.
Splendid, a phoenix with some courtesy and grace. I can only hope you are not of pride like your companion. Art is one of the few peaceable things I can enjoy with any clansmen, and you honor me silently by building on my haiku. I will remember this moment.
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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 10, 2011 11:38:51 GMT -5
Mikado winked to her brother, heading to the dais and bowing profoundly. I am so amazed, Otomo Ai-dono! Your presence is indeed the jewel that crowns our evening; I am a profound admirer of your poetry.
Previously she had made sure to get the finest tea set her family possessed to the case the Otomo lady to attend; and Naetaru got the best servants at the Otomo guests disposal. It was of Otomo heritage, of course, painted with delicacy in green. That would be useful remember that both Naetaru and herself had a formerly Otomo mother.
The lady carefully observed the cup, turning it in her hands as checking its authenticity.
Oh… I remember of having seen something SIMILAR before… I’d be very unimpressed if it wasn’t original, though. IT’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to have an original and complete tea set like this. It would be a complete lack of sense to IMPOSE ME to such embarrassing situation I think. Then? The old Otomo lady raised an eyebrow in a defiant gesture, making Mikado a bit nervous of facing not only the skills of ‘noblesse attack’ an Otomo noble possessed, but the ones that an Experienced Otomo possessed.
I think your aunt, the wise Otomo Shoken-dono present my grandmother, Otomo Komyo in the occasion of the birth of her first daughter, which is in fact my mother. If there’s a chance that m’lady already had tasted my grandmother’s tea one day, this tea set is sevenfold more valuable to my family. She used the best smile of her repertoire. Is the tea of your taste?
Fits well, though is a bit acrid, not matured like we have back home. I understand it’s the best you can get, though.
Ah, it’s on purpose, Ai-tono. This special blend is prepared by the tea master Otomo Genjuro-tono to keep our mind clear that this special valerian tea will never tastes the same if not in its natal home. As far from the coastal lands and from the Emperor the blend is, as acrider it is. It’s an eulogy of longing of the placid gardens of Toshi Ranbo and surroundings sceneries.
The lady nodded her acknowledge, sighing with the expected effect of longing. Mikado smiled inwardly, observing the lady’s almost statuesque expressions changing subtly while reflecting about and savoring the tea.
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Shosuro Ichiro
Scorpion Clan
Shosuro Family Daimyo*Courtier*Diplomat*Actor*Spy
Posts: 241
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Post by Shosuro Ichiro on Jun 10, 2011 12:06:22 GMT -5
(OOC: I am reserving this spot for a post. Ichiro has something to add. The luck for power outages last night. )
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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 10, 2011 12:14:07 GMT -5
Mitsouko watched in disbelief the grand finale Haruka got for her act. Seriously, so much drama, even for a Scorpion. Mitsouko noticed the woman was suffering, in pain, but preferred to spat over the help that herself asked minutes earlier. Crazy indeed. Mitsouko only expected that the woman wasn’t trying to capitalize her own pain to get prejudice for the Kakita daimyo. Mitsouko noticed, since she sent the letter to Bayushi Senshi, the Scorpion were not inclined to an agreement. They were inclined, though, in try to break Crane spines. But that was a great mistake from the champion chose his wife, stressed, hurt and pregnant, to show whatever he tried to show to Crane. Mitsouko can understand that pain numbs one’s judgment, but it was clear the woman who was in theory so hurt would need help and rest. Although, the woman preferred to grit teeth and expose the future son of a clan champion to an unnecessary peril. That woman would end getting a big problem to herself that night, if she continued to act like a battle maiden in court, letting the ire overcome in the most inappropriate moments possible. More obviously, the aggressiveness they were received in the Scorpion lands, displayed mainly for Ichiro, and then, for Haruka’s uncontrolled behavior, showed that the Scorpion clan was not there for a fair conversation, from the beginning. There’s little hope of that would be different. When the bayushi lady got her way far from her, she looked at Chyiuki, that was by Hirotomo's side.
Please, Chyiuki-san, can you come with me for a moment? She didn’t went further, though; just making sure she would not be heard by strange ears, then whispered to the Fuzake courtier behind her fan: Chyiuki-san, I am concerned about Bayushi Haruka-san health. She is not feeling well, showed deep pain moments ago, but since we hadn’t agreed in some etiquette points, she isn’t comfortable with my feelings of real concern. Since you are a neutral person between us, can you check if she is really recovered? I’d consider it an immense favor of yours, if you agree.
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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 10, 2011 12:49:48 GMT -5
OCC:Sorry for three post in sequel. Trying to be up at the timing of the events.
Mitsouko gathered attention with her melodious voice, her natural talent to poetry flourishing with ease, and showing why she was considered a renowed War Poet. But her poetry was not only about war, of course.
If I was a sakura, I'd keep love even in times of harm.
While the sakura floats, in a lotus reality is mirrored.
Every petal knows Her place in a lotus; If she forgets, she falls.
The perfume of lotus, though, is the closest of the Sun than any petal alone would dream to be.
A lotus only will be If petals are together: perfume will ascend.
And after her set of waka, she bowed with great respect to Otomo Ai-tono, that fanned herself in appreciation on the excellent quality of poetry in that evening, a subtle hint of amusement with the significance of the all the verses the guests declaimed by far.
We Crane Clan, really do appreciate your presence in our humble Embassy at Scorpion Lands. It really brings brilliancy to this night, and we consider a great favor of your family to us and our hosts on their lands, as it is to the honored guests this evening. Otomo Ai-tono, if you seem fit, please, permit us to hear one of your famed verses. I had already read hundreds of them, they are inspiring indeed. "Truth" is by far my favorite. After the poetry contest, Mitsouko was expecting that the plays would start, and the meeting, if they still had chance to have one, would take place in a inner chamber. Previously, in the letter she sent, the precise moment of the event as accorded with Senshi-sama,. So the representative was aware of where to be and in which time. It was pity that the Dragon representative, that had confirmed presence, wasn’t there already. She only hoped that nothing wrong had happened with the Dragon group in their trip to Ryoko Owari.
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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 10, 2011 14:56:59 GMT -5
Otomo Ai grins. That was a diabolical smile however, pretty unnerving, yet focused. The woman slapped her fan shut and recited a rather great haiku verse. It was short, tempered with an abrupt end. Somehow, Naetaru had the idea that behind the "short" haiku lied a powerful and rhetorical meaning.
The ambassador to the Scorpion resumed on greeting formally every Clan and representative among the guests. It seemed as if every Clan was present, though there was some lack concerning the Mantis "supporters". Naetaru kept sure to mention the "important" ones, daimyos, lords and ladies, delegates, ambassadors and himself... He then carried on...
"So noble guests, under the war's heavy eye has our Empire endured and strengthened itself by the Shogun's mighty army, our Emerald Champion's support and by lord Daidoji Fitsu's strategy. Let us offer a solemn yet meaningful "gift" concerning our armies' victory on the Unicorn borders. Shall we proceed to our kabuki contest?"
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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 10, 2011 15:38:54 GMT -5
OCC: I'll be off this weekend but I promise that, through the kabuki contest event, the 'meeting' will take place... Will be back on Monday. Great weekend to everybody! =D
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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 11, 2011 0:31:54 GMT -5
When the air became more quiet, Hirotomo turned to Chiyuki after she returned from speaking to Mitsouko "Shosuro-sama, please allow me to introduce Fuzake Chiyuki, the Minor Clan Alliance's Assistant Ambassador to the Scorpion. Chiyuki turned to the Daimyo and smiled. She was growing worried about the condition of Haruka-sama, but she seemed to be doing better. She agreed with helping Haruka-sama, for the benifit of Haruka-sama more so than helping the Crane. As she looked to the Shosuro Daimyo, her eyes grew bright and her smile became slightly more impish. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you Shosuro-sama. I'm pleased that you find my kimono suitable. I've always favored the Scorpion cut, and the silks are second to only the imperial court, perhaps. She said the last words slowly and quietly. There was some tension between the Scorpion and Crane here. Let the Alliance Ambassador in Kyuden Doji worry about the Crane. The Alliance needed the Scorpion.
Hirotomo thought about the Daimyo's words. It made him feel better. What he felt was best. Maybe he did not have to be his father. He just had to be himself. His father did have one trait he agreed with fully. He knew to accept the advice and help of others. There was a lot going on. Even he could see that. He had no idea what it could be though. He would have to ask Chiyuki later. This night was proving to him all the weaknesses that he had. Maybe he would ask to train with the Kitsuki after all.
Chiyuki formed a plan while speaking with the Shosuro Daimyo. She would check up on Haruka and then feign ignorance when asked. Not so neutral I'm afraid, Kakita-sama She thought primly as she smoothed out a slight wrinkle from her kimono.
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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 13, 2011 13:10:48 GMT -5
Bayushi Hisa, a young bushi, had been shyly keeping to himself. Overcome with the poetry and the treatment of his Lady Haruka-sama, he could not keep himself contained anymore. He meekly walked over to the Crane woman.
She saw that he must have had his gempuku within the last six months, at most. He was dressed in a white kimono over which was a white kataginu trimmed in red, the mon of the Bayushi family in red on his left breast. From his red obi hung a mempo. His face was without a mask. He bowed before her on his knees, his forehead to the floor, clearly displaying the red and gold Scorpion Clan mon on his back. Still on his knees he looked up and spoke.
"Kakita Mitsuoko-dono, I beg you to forgive me the impertinence of youth. My name is Bayushi Hisa of Rokogu. I was overcome by the care and concern you've showed to my Lady Haruka-sama in her current state. Your unique chōka was so beautiful and moving and your wonderful gift to our Imperial guests was just so... words cannot describe the emotions. Please, allow me to repay such kindness and generosity. If there is anything I can do for you for the remainder of this evening, Mitsuoko-dono, consider it done."
He put his forehead to the ground again, awaiting her response.
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