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 18, 2011 0:32:15 GMT -5
Kenpachi strode the last few steps to the Kitsuki estate. He had only been here once before, in his youth. A Dragon friend of his invited him to a contest of magistrate skills. He'd placed a decent third behind an older Kitsuki and a very wily Kitsune. His ring brought him here. An old item of power that proved useful now and then. He hoped now would be one of those times. His son was the Champion now. His actions would ensure the Monkey continued.
The guards seemed surprised at his sudden arival. He opened his arms as a guesture of peace and respect. "Please tell your Daimyo that Kenpachi, the father of the Monkey Champion, respectfully requests an audience at their convenience.
This would be his first stop. He still needed to speak with the others. The burden of leadership was no longer his. Once his final gift to his son was over. Perhaps these mountains could become a home for him.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 18, 2011 17:38:28 GMT -5
The guards were indeed surprised - they had heard he may arrive at this estate on the outskirts of Kitsuki lands but they had not expected him to come alone. Nor to be able to make the usually difficult journey so quickly. Most became lost without a guide. It was not unheard of, of course, for someone to find the path so easily. However, it usually meant that their arrival was important and they had been drawn here.
The gates immediately opened and guards ran over to Kenpachi, forming a rearwall around him and wearily looking out at the mountains. Some were on edge, their hands on their katana hilts and one was gripping a yari far too tighly. Another bushi came jogging over with a horse which he respectfully offered to the Toku "please, you must be tired. Our Lady Yuushahime is expecting you. We will escort you to the main city and protect you en root. The mountains are not as safe as they used to be at the moment. We have found an alarming number of bloodspeaker cells active throughout the northern mountains. There have even been kidnappings from Kitsuki lands, though primarily peasants have been taken from the Tetsu Kama mines". From there on the man did his best to answer any questions the Toku had while the dozen or so other bushi marched alongside.
The journey to Shiro Kitsuki had not taken too long, though the mountains even in Summer were cold and fog had obscured parts of the journey. The warmth of the insides of the Kitsuki palace must have been well received. Kitsuki Yuushahime had come to the courtyard to meet with Kenpachi, a servant on one side with tea and the other with a warm towel. She looked as immaculate as always, her hair tied back, her kimono new and colourful, her obi perfectly tied. The tea and towel were offered to Kenpachi while Yuushahime bowed once and gestured for them to go inside the main palace "Kenpachi-sama, I apologise for the rushed journey. It is good to see you again, face to face, though the circumstances that bring us together are pressing. Perhaps we can at least celebrate the good fortune of your son and his impending marriage?". She bowed again, motioning for the guards to leave and also rest for the evening.
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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 18, 2011 21:24:41 GMT -5
Kenpachi walked beside the Kitsuki Daimyo. His son's fortune. He would need all the luck he could be given. "Hirotomo is blessed." He agreed thinking about his son's future. "His future is bright and he has a beautiful bride. He rarely speaks of anything else. This marriage benefits everyone. They get a happy life, and we get another layer of steel to add to our friendship. He took a look at the Daimyo. Perfection as always, but she did seem tired. Everyone seemed tired lately. The threat of war was looming ever closer. The mountains should protect the Dragon. He shuddered to think what the fires of war could do to these people.
Kenpachi looked around "My son will prove to be a better champion than I. He admitted."Youth may not have the experience, but neither do they have the past to burden them. Perhaps the youngest champion will have insight that few posses. I am proud of him. Kenpachi looked younger as he said that. The weight that had burdened him was gone. He would serve far better on a pilgrimage than on the champion's throne.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 19, 2011 10:14:02 GMT -5
Yuushahime smiled and nodded at Kenpachi's words regarding the marriage. However, she couldn't help but frown a bit as Kenpachi was critical of himself. "Youth is a great boon. Some were worried about my taking on this position due to my age. I was one of them. It is one of the reasons that we Dragon have not yet widely or officially announced who leads the Kitsuki. However, I have found that surrounding myself with experienced advisors has made up for any lack of experience I have. I am sure that Hirotomo-sama will find the same. I am sure he will continue to make you proud. Still, you should know that you have also led your Clan soundly in tough times. I take it there is still no word about Sanjuro-sama?"
She waved her hand dismissively straight after. "No, it can wait. Rest first and eat, perhaps take a relaxing bath or savour some of the drink we have. I apologise that this city is quite bare compared to many of the fine towns and cities throughout the Empire but we will do our best to make you comfortable. It is an honour to have you here". She could sense that Kenpachi was glad to be here and perhaps relieved that things were looking positive again.
Exiting the courtyard the servants departed as Yuushahime showed Kenpachi around the guest wing of the palace. "... we have assigned you a room on the fourth floor, overlooking the city and the mountains. Of course you are welcome to take another room if it pleases you". She dipped her head respectfully, continuing to smile "naturally we will be pleased as long as you are". Three samurai-ko and a bushi waited by the stairs. One was a stern looking older woman with short brown hair, around Kenpachi's age, whose gaze continued to remain looked ahead as they approached. She wore a matched but simple daisho. The other two were younger. One looked a little older than Yuushahime, with long black hair down to her waist that she kept braided. Her wakizashi was quite elaborate as was her kimono. She smiled at her daimyo and guest. The last looked only around Hirotomo's age, probably only recently out of her gempukku. Her medium length hair was tied back, a single unusual streak of white on the left side marring her otherwise lovely appearance. She too only had a wakizashi but her long robes and scrolls showed that she was, on close inspection, probably a shugenja. The man, older than Kenpachi, was completely bald with Dragon and Mantis tattoos visible on his neck and left arm. He also wore a daisho and his eyes looked half closed.
The four bowed as Yuushahime arrived, she nodding to them in turn. "These four are your personal guards, advisors and assistants while you are here. You can of course dismiss them but they will never be too far. Our guests are to be looked after of course". She turned to them, her ponytail flicking with the sudden motion. She quickly got them to rise and introduce themselves.
The older woman was known as Mayumi and was a Kitsuki bushi trained in the Mirumoto school. She was to be the Toku's bodyguard. The one with the braided hair was a Kitsuki courtier who introduced herself as Toshyoka - an odd name. She seemed to be on good terms with her daimyo and would be acting as the Toku's advisor on the Dragon and guide, if he needed it. The third woman was Shume. It was all she said. Yuushahime hastily added that a festival was approaching and that this shugenja was particuarly knowledgeable on it. The final man smiled, his eyes still half closed. He explained that he preferred to be called Kannon though his full name was Kannonjiro. He was a Kitsuki monk and an escort for both Shume and Kenpachi.
"Of course you can just call them Kitsuki-san" Yuushahime joked
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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 19, 2011 15:06:10 GMT -5
"Then how would I tell them apart?" Kenpachi said with a mischievous grin. He bowed to each of them in turn. "I myself would prefer to be called simply Kenpachi. Add san or samma if you feel you have to. Kenpachi thought on Yuushahime's words. He had indeed led the clan well enough. The fiasco at Kyuden Gotei aside, he had made allies there. He'd replaced everyone who would give Hirotomo trouble. Not that there were many. He chose a warrior's pilgrimage in lew of joining the Brotherhood for the moment. The quiet monk life did not suit him just yet.
He was surprised he was given a rather large retinue. The assistance he was given was far greater than he ever expected. Perhaps he could help here better than he could in Toku Torid-e. Yuushahime mentioned bloodspeakers. It's been awhile since he tracked them as a Jade Magistrate. He wanted to use his blade against something that did not have the weight of civil war. He would ask later. For the moment, there would be peace and simple joy in the company of friends.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 19, 2011 17:41:53 GMT -5
Yuushahime said her farewells for the evening, explaining that she had a few other matters to attend to. Kenpachi was left with his new retinue who waited respectfully to hear his wishes.
After he was settled, the group held a small celebration to welcome the man and congratulate him on a safe and swift journey. Apparantly it was quite rare. Shume spent the evening tagging along while Kannon did his best to prod her into a conversation. It was difficult work. She drunk shochu like a Crab in stark contrast to her small body. Luckily Toshyoka was far more talkative and keen to offer Kenpachi refills on sake. Mayumi drunk quietly too. However, she was the first to mention the bloodspeakers in an offhand comment, correcting Kannon when he started to extol the peacefulness of the mountains. It somewhat quietened the mood. Kannon downplayed the problem "well, they will be rooted out in full in time, yes? It was the distraction of the yobanjin war that allowed them to ever even begin to probe us. It is not a serious matter". Unfortunatel he ended up scolded again by Shume when she spoke up "Half right. They will die but they infiltrate the whole Empire". Mayumi nodded.
"ahaha, please, Kenpachi-sama, tell us a little more about how you came to know Lady Yuushahime-sama" Toshyoka chimed in, trying to change the conversation to something less gloomy
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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 19, 2011 20:28:12 GMT -5
Kenpachi took his recently full cup of sake and drained it. "I first had the pleasure of meeting Yuushahime-sama at last winter court. I was serving as Hatamoto and captain of the magistrates, but our lead courtier caught a bad case of fugu poisoning. He survived, but he was bedridden. I was sent as a replacement. Your Lady was judging a sadane contest. Something I have become quite good at. I won the contest, and even greater than the prize, I was gifted with her friendship."
Kenpachi turned to Miyumi. "I've been reading reports on the bloodspeaker matter. I was a Jade Magistrate when I was younger. My son and I have had luck keeping them out of the Monkey lands, but I would be happy to assist in any way possible." Kenpachi let the matter drop for a moment and started telling the tale of his last visit to the Kitsuki.
"I was young then. Only a few years older than my son is now. It was a year before I became a Jade Magistrate and I was sent to compete in a tournament for magistrates. There were eight of us in total. A Hida, a Kitsune, Kitsuki Togi, a Shiba, Usagi Hidiko, a friend of mine, a Doji, Bayushi Kanade and I were all young. Most of us were more used to chasing chicken thieves than doing anything else. During the second challenge, we had to decipher a riddle to open a door. Kitsune-san and Kitsuki Togi-san made it through their doors very quickly. Poor Hida-san placed last. He finally got fed up and broke the lock with his bare hands. He won the interrogation challenge though. He walked in through the door and the young man we were interrogating started screaming everything he knew. He even confessed a strange admiration for oxen. Kenpachi started to laugh. Those were good memories. He even meet his closet allies during that time. Bayushi Kanade died on their last mission together and Usagi Hidiko went missing the year after that. He still remembered them though. He described his old friends to the Dragons, Kanade and her unique style of seducing the interrogated, the time the Hare had to crossdress to sneak into a Forest Killer's camp. Laughter was coming easier. Shume could definitely drink. Perhaps someday he'd let her drink him under a table. New friends were coming less and less frequent. It was good to laugh again.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 20, 2011 16:10:11 GMT -5
Toshyoka listened attentatively, quite enjoying hearing about her Lady. She was quite keen to get on good terms with Kenpachi and her beaming smile was almost as full as Kenpachi's sake cup, thanks to the refills from the young woman. "Ah, that's lovely" She exclaimed when he finished, momentarily lost in the man's words.
Mayumi nodded twice at Kenpachi's words "understood. We will bear it in mind" she stated, softly sipping at her sake. Kenpachi likely sensed that she was paying attention to the conversation and his words but she was focussing her mind on the vicinity around them. While it was almost certainly safe, this woman likely took her job life or death seriously. Toshyoka picked up on this and tried to catch the older woman's attention with a smile but the effort was wasted. She sighed as Kannon went silent too, thinking about bloodspeakers in Dragon lands. It would have been unheard of in the times of Togashi. He wished he had been born then. His mind slightly drifting, Shume took the opportunity to shuffle a foot away from him to another pillow, filling yet another cup of shochu as if it was tea.
When Kenpachi told his story about his youth, Shume listened quietly, her eyes closed while Mayumi and Toshyoka were slightly more animated while they took in Kenpachi's memories. Kannon had become quite gloomy and was now looking at a painting on the far wall.
Shume chipped in unexpectedly "did the man confess after seeing the Crab break the lock? My, my, that would be a good intimidation technique. I imagine most seeing that would be quite terrified. Fu fu fu"
Kannon woke from his reverie and shuffled closer to Shume, whispering to her to be more refined. An exasperated sigh later and she was back to her shochu. An odd one she was. Toshyoka and even Mayumi laughed though, enjoying the stories about the Scorpion's interrogation technique and the Usagi's crossdressing.
"Ahaha I can't picture that. I'm sorry. It sounds quite amusing though" Toshyoka explained in between giggles. She had had a few cups of sake herself now and was starting to chuckle quite often. Even Mayumi seemed a little buzzed.
Kannon shot one more look at Shume, frowning, then rose "thank you for the stories. I will be calling this an evening. I apologise but I must be wide awake early tomorrow for a strategy meeting. I will rejoin you afterwards Toku Kenpachi-sama". He bowed slightly too casually and then left the room
Shume looked up, a very slight smile on her face "I think you remind him of a Suzume. He always complained about their stories too. It's because he cannot tell a story to" - "yes, yes, enough disparaging Kannon-san" Toshyoka cut Shume off, quickly reigning in her comments.
Mayumi raised her head and with a straight face and a serious voice disagreed with Toshyoka "She is right Toshyoka-san. He is prone to mood swings - why, I remember his aunt even complaining long ago that she could never send get him to bed after a good night's story unlike all the other children. He'd just bawl all night after one". Toshyoka's more stern expression cracked a little and she let out a small laugh before regaining her compuse "come, we have a guest, be polite".
"We are being polite" Shume replied, not missing a second. At this, even Mayumi let out quite a laugh as did Toshyoka before the two quickly tried to settle down again. Mayumi tried to go back to silence but her attempt at a contemplative and mysterious personality projection had been eroded. Toshyoka, for her part, bowed deeply to Kenpachi, apologising many times. Shume continued to deplete the Dragon shochu stocks
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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 18:53:38 GMT -5
Kenpachi waved off the apologies."The Monkey have always had a strange sense of humor. It's good to see the Dragon also know a few jokes. Shume, might I ask where are you putting that shochu? I've seen a Matsu twice your size crumble under half of what you drink." Kenpachi thought of his wife when the Sparrow was mentioned. He stifled a sigh. "My late wife was a Sparrow. Perhaps spending time with her rubbed off on me." Kenpachi had a slight pained look on his face for a brief moment, but it was quickly replaced with his sly smile.
"Tell me, do any of you know Kitsuki Rinko-san? I'm not sure if your heard, but she is to wed my son. I owe her a great deal for giving up such a valuable retainer. My son is quite smitten with her. Talking about his son's impending marriage kept away thoughts of his own. He did not want to start crying in his cup. Sake always made his moods more intense.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 21, 2011 15:13:21 GMT -5
Shume smiled mischeviously, her usually blank expression now showing a degree of interest, as she lowered the shochu cup. Her eyes still looked sober but she had drunk at least a half dozen shochu bottles and innumerable cups. The servants had brought more in without any sign of surprise. She raised an eyebrow at Kenpachi's words "a whole half? That's quite a feat". Her words were clear and not at all slurred, though her breath was now laced with enough alcohol that if she drew close to a small child she would likely make them faint.
"Since you have dared to just call my by my name I take it you would like to be familiar with me?" She pointed out, in reference to being called Shume rather than Shume-san. She didn't actually sound angry, only amused. "I'll allow you that priviledge if you sample this" She pushed one of the lined up shochu bottles by her left towards Kenpachi, nodding for him to try some.
Mayumi delicately lowered her sake "As your bodyguard I must advise you not to fall into her trap. That is barely a drink. It is more like poison. I think even a massive Crab Bushi would find the stuff vile and unfit for human consumption.". Her words were understandable but her pitch control was wavering. With that said she finished her sake and slid over to a servant, whispering something into his ear before explaining "I believe I have had enough. Any more and I will not be able to perform my duty". She bowed her head and waited. Eventually she was brought some piping hot green tea.
Shume shrugged and went back to her drinking, her gaze on the ceiling to say that she didn't care. Toshyoka only managed a weak laugh "I like stories myself. I think Shume-sama would turn this evening into one of hers". Toshyoka was grateful as Kenpachi started to talk about another matter, though she picked up on the momentary seriousness in his voice.
Shume shook her head while Mayumi sipped her tea. Luckily Toshyoka smiled happily and nodded her head a few times. She seemed quite surprised at Kenpachi's comments but tried to describe Rinko as well as she could. "Rinko-san is hard working and forthright. She has travelled a lot in her role as a magistrate, always setting an excellent if rigid example when performing her duties - and she was assisting Lady Yuushahime-sama a great deal in the past with some important matters. I do not know the specifics". Toshyoka paused. Her tone suggested that she her words were genuine and she did admire Rinko to a degree but that she was not as close to her as she could be. "I did not know of a coming marriage, no. I never thought she would... and to the new... " her words trailed off and she caught herself. She instead filled the cups of those present, though notably leaving Shume to pour her own. It seemed to be her preference.
Mayumi spoke up "I also know her a little. She will bear you strong grand children and they will be well disciplined and likely trained in many skills. Most martial, which I might add I approve. Even courtiers must be able to defend themselves. I am happy for you and your son". Toshyoka sipped her sake, she was only on her third cup and looked to be flagging a little already, before agreeing "I hope the wedding is lovely. I imagine your son must be very strong in many ways. Of course, I mean, he must be now that he is leading your Clan. Toku Hirotomo-sama was it? I have heard of him. You must be very proud of him?"
"How old is Toku Hirotomo-dono now?" Shume asked, innocently enough. She seemed to be less well informed than her Kitsuki sisters. After a long sip of shochu she very sincerely suggested "You are still a young one yourself Kenpachi-sama"
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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 21, 2011 20:40:39 GMT -5
Kenpachi cursed his flippant tongue. He was going back to his old ways. Getting too close for the comfort of most. Still, the Dragon seemed less than offended, even mildly amused. Taking his bodyguard's words into though, he still drank a cup of the offered beverage and almost instantly regretted it. Thankfully his people were study and he did not mew like a lost kitten. It was like drinking fire. It briefly reminded him of a gaijin drink a Mantis of his acquaintance favored.
"I applaud your stamina," Kenpachi said, after a couple of breaths, to Shume. "Perhaps if you could find a way to make a dead man drink this, they would return to life. Kenpachi poured one more, but it lay idle next to his tea cup. He would need to work up to that.
My son is now sixteen. He will see his seventeenth year at the end of the summer. The wedding will be splendid. My late wife, unusual for a Sparrow, wanted our son to have a wedding fit for a Champion. Ironic that he would in fact become the Champion. She laid out notes years ago, when he first went to the Crane. I am still nine years away from retirement. I still have plenty left in me. I've had a good life so far, blessed by Kami and Fortunes alike. I still have many miles to go before I spend the remainder of my life contemplating the universe.
Kenpachi had taken several cups of tea and looked grimly at the drink. After a breath for courage, he swallowed it and fought the urge to hit the table. He grinned boyishly at Shume, but did not readily fill the cup again.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 22, 2011 11:37:06 GMT -5
Shume was grinning as Kenpachi raised the drink to his lips, her attention on him again. Her own hand went to cover her lips as she was about to laugh quite loudly and wanted to prevent herself. Instead her eyes widened as Kenpachi downed the cup in one go and then managed to tolerate it. She hadn't expected that. Most wretched or went straight for something cool for the sake of their throats.
"And I applaud yours" Shume responded, raising her cup. "I forgive you. Call me Shume if you like. You've earnt my respect in one night Kenpachi-sama. A rare feat". She downed the cup and poured another. "That's rude to say Shume-sama" Toshyoka gently scolded. Turning to address Kenpachi she tried to cover "Please, she means well" before bowing in apology for the other woman.
"I think it would kill them a second time and destroy their soul. I'd use it against our enemies but it would be a dishonourable weapon and far too dangerous". Mayumi sipped her tea, looking at Shume sternly. The smaller woman ignored her protests and went back to inspecting the ceiling. "Well, anyway, I too am impressed. Please don't overdo it though Toku Kenpachi-sama"
Toshyoka beamed "that is splendid. It sounds like it will be quite a charming spectacle. I am sure your wife will look upon it from on high with a smile"
Shume interrupted her "I should hope you do have those miles to go. You're too young to deny the Empire your service. Far too young. My grand father stayed on his feet serving his Lord well into his 60s"
"Shume-sama! Please!" Toshyoka exclaimed, starting to lose her patience. Shume shrugged again, ignoring the chastising look Toshyoka was giving her.
Shume actually put aside her cup and dipped her head to Kenpachi when he had his second cup. Toshyoka sighed while Mayumi just looked on. Shume was grinning now. She shifted over a little closer to Kenpachi. Speaking in a deliberately lower voice, as if conspiring, she said "Perhaps I should tell you my secret. You could likely use it yourself if you keep that up. Fu fu fu"
Toshyoka stood up angrily, giving Shume a withering look "Fine, I will be calling it a night here. You would only cause mischief and damage the Kitsuki name this evening Shume-sama". She stormed out of the room.
"She'll forgive me in the morning. I'm sure. She loses her sense of humour after a few drinks. Still, it is getting quite late". Mayumi nodded "indeed"
Shume grinned at Kenpachi "It has been a pleasure. Do call if you need anything. I will be happy to assist". She started to collect her shochu bottles, leaving the one by Kenpachi alone
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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 22, 2011 22:27:42 GMT -5
Kenpachi smiled as the assorted members began to file out. The samurai were not so different, even taking into account clan. He refilled his cup, determined to finish at least one bottle. He surveyed the area. A calm moment. He closed his eyes and the laughter of his old friends filled his mind. He remembered their faces. It was better times, even taking into account the constant danger, and that one incident with pekkle no oni. Good memories. His friends deserved better ends than they received. Not dead for clan and empire, dead and alone at the bottom of some forsaken pit. He would have to make sure these new friends did not meet similar ends.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jun 23, 2011 13:48:28 GMT -5
ooc: New thread for the next day?
Shume picked up the empty bottle and winked at Kenpachi. She dipped her head slightly to Mayumi before leaving, covering her mouth to stifle a yawn. Mayumi finished her tea and then waited for Kenpachi to be ready. Sge was much more sober sounding now. She escorted him from the pleasent meeting room to his chambers, informing him about the two ji-samurai that would be tasked to guard his room and the name of the servant assigned to him. With that done, she waited outside a little longer to make sure he was settled and the air was calm before leaving for the night.
Kenpachi found his chambers to be quite spacious. A reception room and bedroom were accompanied by a sturdy balcony with a great view. The bed wasn't quite soft or hard but certainly not unpleasant. A medium sized painting of the past season of Spring, showing cherry blossoms in a garden, adorned one wall. The bright pink of the painting was, at first glance, slightly at odds with the browns, greens and golds around the room but they were all natural colours and the true contrast was with the view outside - white and grey mountains with blue skies. However, it would be the next morning before Kenpachi noticed this - the view now was mostly of a dark night's sky with only candles and lit lamps providing any visibility. The city below the castle was mostly black bar the roads at this time, with all the peasants asleep.
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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 23, 2011 17:02:16 GMT -5
Kenpachi awoke rather early considering the night before. His duty as Champion led him to many long nights and his work as a magistrate had given him the stamina for it. He dressed in his court kimono, only a shade more ornate than his one for travel, and went to search for the others. Kannon-san said he would be in a meeting, so it was unlikely he would see him soon, but the others should be around somewhere. Yuushahime-sama would likely have been up even earlier than he was. Already doing the paperwork that her position demanded. He would seek her out when she became available.
Kenpachi wandered to one of the libraries that dotted the entire castle. He took a book off the shelf. A journal by a Dragon Magistrate hunting Bloodspeakers across the mountains. He sat down and began to read. Perhaps more insight into the character of the mountains and where Bloodspeakers could even hide would prove useful. A servant found him and brought him tea. He placed milk and honey, mixed with a bit of rice. He never seemed to have time for any other breakfast, and this simple meal always sufficed in the past. Leafing through the book proved to be quite lucrative, there were even maps of hideouts. Though they differed, there was a surprising amount of uniformity between them. A few carefully placed fires, and their caves would become tombs. Good to know.
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