|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 18, 2011 13:10:46 GMT -5
This RP is meant for anyone who could find a reason to be in the presence of the Lord of the Spider, Daigotsu in light of the recent events. Obviously, Myself, Tenshi, Thrakhath, and Karteru will be there, others, please just give an introduction on why you would be there (it doesn't need to be some "amazing" reason)
The City of the Lost was alive with action. It hadn't been this alive in a long time. Shoju and Tenshi made their way through the streets, to the temple in the middle.
When they arrived on the steps, The guards bowed low to Shoju, but turned an eye at Tenshi.
"She is with me. She is my Yojimbo, and her presence is mandated by me." Shoju spoke clearly, indicating there would be no more arguments.
The Guards showed them into a private meeting chamber where the Dark Lord and Lady were waiting. Shoju knelt, and bowed deeply.
"Greetings my Lord. Your messenger brought me the news, and we have traveled at your behest as fast as possible." Shoju looked up. "Allow me to introduce my companion. This is Tenshi, my Yojimbo."
unless someone else wants to, I can RP as Daigotsu as well, I will give everyone some time to get in, get situated, and then move on.
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Jun 18, 2011 13:25:17 GMT -5
"The honor is all mine, master of the Lost."
Tenshi was naturally cautious, but she carried nothing more than her daisho. She took Shoju's lead and bowed even deeper if it was indeed possible to show her absolute submission and respect. Tenshi hoped that her displays would not be in vain, although she felt strange as she did not even know the lord's name.
Her quarrels were not with the lost, nor their master but she did at the same time care nothing for them. The battle maiden would remain silent unless commanded otherwise with Shoju, as she rose and stood a step back respectfully.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 19, 2011 12:44:16 GMT -5
Daigotsu and his wife stood stoically in front of the pair of kneeling guests. "Rise Chuda. Welcome back to the physical realm." Daigotsu's face was shielded by his mask. "Your Yojimbo.... A Unicorn? This must be the sister of the Mistress of Lies I heard you were seeking."
Daigotsu relaxed slightly. "Rise Shoju, and walk with me. Tenshi, please stay here and prepare for your departure. Hand Maidens will be along to help you ready." He turned and began walking.
Shoju stood and began walking next to his Lord. They left the meeting room, and ascending several flights of steps, and reached a balcony over looking the city. Daigotsu stared out across the city and spoke. "Kaneka makes a claim to the throne. He is bringing Civil War to the Empire. Already the Scorpion, Unicorn, and Crab have cast their lot with the Shogun." Daigotsu looked at Shoju, his eyes piercing from behind the porcelain mask. "You will stand with the Hantei Chuda Shoju. You will stand with the Hantei, and you will defend him the way you defend Saisei." Daigotsu reached into the folds of his robe and produced an ebon scroll case sealed with the seal of the spider. "Everything you need to know about you mission can be found within. Do not fail me."
Shoju bowed low, and could only manage to say "I will not fail you."
Back in the meeting rooms, several handmaidens arrived, and began fawning over the battle maiden. Taking measurements, poking at her hair, and speaking amongst themselves, all the while Shahai stood and watched. The handmaidens then produced several outfits for Tenshi and bowed.
Shahai stepped forward. "If you are to be his Yojimbo, not everything can be accomplished as a warrior. This selection of clothing will ensure that you have everything you need to fit in." As Shahai finished speaking a handmaiden stepped forward.
"Greetings Tenshi. I am Ki'La, and I will be traveling with you."
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Jun 19, 2011 12:57:13 GMT -5
Tenshi was bewildered by the need for such clothing as she tried to stand straight and unhindered, but the feeling of being examined was a very unusual one and she restrained her reflexive actions. The company and the feel of the living around her countered her anxiety and they would have little conflict.
Tenshi regarded Ki'La very carefully. She knew where she stood and even a word out of place could place Shoju at fault. The battle maiden refrained from saying anymore than needed.
"I will do my task, and if I am able to assist you with yours, please.. let me know."
She bowed deeply to Shahai, "You honor me with these provisions. I will do my best as his protector.." she paused a breath, "And whatever other tasks Shoju-sama requests of me."
Tenshi never actually had worn a proper kimono or any sort of beautiful clothing beyond battle armor. While she'd seen other women and how she carried themselves, she suspected she would have to learn swiftly how to handle herself in the new attire. Her thoughts then turned to Shoju, hoping he was safe away from her gaze.
|
|
Kikatsu
Spider Clan 
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
|
Post by Kikatsu on Jun 20, 2011 8:22:40 GMT -5
The monk Kikatsu spoke briefly with the Empire's "Ambassador to the Lost", giving him news of his former comrades and other news abroad before heading up the steps of Fu Leng's temple. He fingered the jade in his pocket as he nose caught another whiff of Jingoku's putrescence. The masses bothered him, the cities bothered him, but this city was the worst of them. The true reason he volunteered for almost every scouting expedition into the Empire.
He stopped before the doors of the Daigotsu's Court and nodded sharply to the tainted Samurai guarding them; they returned only malevolent glares. "Let me pass, my presence has been requested within." He almost cleaved them both in half with his Bisento, but restrained himself to simply cocking his head in disgust as one of the bush opened the door to reveal a waiting courtier. Kikatsu stepped up the dark-eyed man, sternly proclaiming: "I have been summoned."
|
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 20, 2011 10:03:20 GMT -5
Shoju
Shoju read the scroll as he returned to the meeting room. His Lord had stayed behind on the balcony. Shoju had never cared much for the Shogun, even before his first death. He was even more surprised by his Lord siding with the Hantei. But the scroll affirmed that there was more to this than would meet the eye. Shoju smiled as he finished reading his orders. This would be a glorious time, and the Spider would finally see their goals realized.
As Shoju reached the meeting room, his grin was replaced with laughter. Tenshi looked slightly bewildered by the attention, and the hand maiden was definitely a surprise. "I see you have made a friend Tenshi-san."
Ki'La was young, and Shoju instantly knew that she was the daughter of the woman who had given him this life. She looked at Tenshi in pure admiration, seemingly taking in as much of Tenshi's personality as she could.
"We are departing for Toshi Ranbo Tenshi-san. In that city we must honor the customs and traditions of the Empire. That means, Kimono's for all!" Shoju smiled as much as he dared without drawing Tenshi's ire. "Fear not, I believe that you will grow to enjoy your new position very much."
Kikatsu
The courtier bowed to Kikatsu. "Yes Kikatsu-sama. You were summoned by Our Lord to discuss our current situation, and the political happenings of the Empire. Please, Follow me." The courtier turned and led Kikatsu into a meeting room. The room was simple, but the company made it feel ornate. Seated, Daigotsu and Shahai were flanked by a pair of Elite Guards, and 3 more Guards lined each wall.
"Welcome Kikatsu. Please, join us. We have much to discuss." Daigotsu held an arm outstretched to a cushion. "Have your scouting missions giving you any insight to the current political discord in the Empire?"
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Jun 20, 2011 10:29:57 GMT -5
Tenshi was a bit baffled by Shoju's delight.
Right into the heart of the empire?
This was all actually confusing for her, the situation seemed to sweep her off balance with the sheer shift in tone and nature. Ki'La could see the slight flinch of nerves in Tenshi at Shoju's words, it would all be very interesting to her as the battle maiden was showing great reserve and restraining herself greatly. It wasn't entirely clear if she was perhaps afraid of doing something to offend or harm someone, or that she was completely unused to the situation, or perhaps a mix of it all.
Tenshi took a moment to recollect as her eyes searched over Shoju as if his robes somehow held the answers, "As.. you wish lord Shoju-sama. You know I will not question your reason." Her obedience and respect certainly weren't something Ki'La would have to question..
Shoju could finally see a bit of conflict within Tenshi, as she continued to restrain word and deed. The source was unclear but for now she would be measured and readied for their journey back into the empire. She did not know if this would require getting dressed up before they took their leave, though.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 20, 2011 10:42:06 GMT -5
"I understand your reservations Tenshi-san." Shoju walked towards her, and spoke calmly. "We go not as invaders, or agressors. Kaneka has proclaimed himself Emperor, and it looks as though he is staging a Coup." Shoju sat and motioned for Tenshi to sit next to him on a cushion. Ki'La looked excited to do something, so Shoju obliged the young woman. "Ki'la, would you be so kind as to bring us a serving of tea?"
Ki'la bowed low, and hurried off. "This will not be the same folly I made in Scorpion Lands. We march under the cover of night from here to the northeastern outskirts of Tsuma, and we will position our forces accordingly. We march with the full military might of the forces of Saisei, as well as a garrison of troops from the City of the Lost. We, will enter Toshi Ranbo and declare our support of the Hantei. Fighting the Celestial Order would be frivolous, and this offers us a chance to show we are not the monsters some in the Empire believe us to be.
"Please, Speak your mind Tenshi-san. " Shoju looked calmly into her eyes. "If you have fears or reservations, make them known to me. We haven't the force to rush headlong into the armies of Kaneka and his followers. But, we do have the force, and knowledge, to defend Toshi Ranbo."
|
|
Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
|
Post by Kikatsu on Jun 20, 2011 11:21:19 GMT -5
Entering the Dark Lord's presence sent Kikatsu into a mental frenzy as he attempted to access the others in the room.
He bowed deeply.
"Hai, Daigotsu-sama." Kikatsu swiftly seated himself on the offered cushion and crossed his legs, hands resting in his lap, his bisento on the floor beside him with its edge politely pointing away from the discussion. "The more pragmatic and military minded clans are rallying behind the Shogun, whereas the Emperor has garnered support from the more high minded factions. My assessment is that the Shogun is at the advantage. Recently I have spent some time among the Dragon, they have traded their peaceful meditations for the ways of the warmonger. It suits them, though I'm sure they would like to think otherwise."
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Jun 20, 2011 11:30:17 GMT -5
Tenshi listened to Shoju's words intently as he spoke so eloquently of battles to come. The more she heard, the more it all seemed to make sense to her and ease her nerves.
"When I was brought here and strung up like a fresh piece of game for all to see, and talk of kimonos and etiquette I was worried this would be a game of words and courtier games. I know there are those who are have voices as potent as a blade, but I am no such individual."
Even as Ki'La returned and Tenshi reached out to take up a cup, she still continued talking although her voice dipped lower for a moment.
"I have never actually worn a full sized kimono before... so this will be a new experience..."[/color]
She took a drink and gave a vibrant sigh of relief as the warmth of it went through her, "But I digress. Defensive posturing will be enough to break the rebellion on our fortitude, but such unrest never quells until the resistance is put to rest completely."
She seemed to rub her chin somewhat, "While I doubt the heavens hold much regard for you or I, I don't suspect a finer opportunity for the Spider could have arrived." She even smiled as she drank her tea.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 20, 2011 12:21:48 GMT -5
Kikatsu
Daigotsu listened to the report from Kikatsu, and nodded. "The dragon are a surprise. The Unicorn, Lion, and Scorpion are understandable. The Dragon casting their lot with the Shogun has assuredly made waves within the clan. While their warmongering does suit some facets of the Dragon, I find it interesting that the clan as a whole would be so moved." The dark lord turned to Shahai, and whispered something. She nodded, stood and left.
"Kikatsu, I would like to task you with reconnaissance. I have given the authorization for large military build up to be sent to Toshi Ranbo to reinforce the Hantei's position. This force is led by Chuda Shoju. He is going to need as much information as possible. Can you be his eyes and ears Kikatsu?"
Shoju and Tenshi
Shoju's face betrayed a smile as Tenshi compared herself to a piece of game. "I apologize for any discomfort you may have experienced Tenshi-san." Shoju composed himself. "You will look stunning when we enter Toshi Ranbo, I have been promised that Ki'La will help you with this. I promise, once the initial dalliances of the court are over, you may resume your current attire. Though, I do have a gift for you if you would accept it." Shoju stood, and walked to the side entrance, opening the door where a pair of servants brought in a brand new suit of armor. It looked to be an exact style match to Tenshi's current armor, though it was the color of a nightless sky. It held hues of midnight blue, deep purple, yet looked black.
"After our discussions of your allegiances, I thought this might best suit you Tenshi-san. It is crafted by the most skilled armorer in all the Shadowlands, and is sure to be a perfect fit. "
"Back to the task at hand though, Yes. The hope is that the defensive posture will weather the storm and break the boughs of their resistance, while others work to end the resistance. I'm sure they don't hold us in regard Tenshi, but they will soon enough. The Heavens, and all of Rokugan will see the Spider's honor."
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Jun 20, 2011 12:49:15 GMT -5
"If the rest of Rokugan knew how you treated your guests with such lavish gifts, I suspect the popularity of the Spider might swell...
I am.. touched Shoju-sama.
I truly do not deserve it, but I cannot deny the beauty of such craftsmanship.. It is not required for my service, but I am still grateful."
She took another long drink as the steam escaped her lips. "I cannot wait to see my sister's face when she sees us in the capital."
A sinister grin captured her expression as she visibly loosened.
|
|
Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
|
Post by Kikatsu on Jun 20, 2011 20:59:57 GMT -5
"Of course, Daigotsu-sama, I will use my expertise to assist Chuda Shoju as you desire. I have already placed a foothold in the city of Toshi Ranbo and the Imperial Court, these contacts will be at Chuda Shoju's disposal. May I attend to this duty now Daigotsu-sama?" He would have tapped his fingers on his shins, if he hadn't spent several weeks training himself away from the habit, but his nervousness strained hard against his will.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Jun 21, 2011 9:20:43 GMT -5
Shoju and Tenshi
"Think nothing of it Tenshi-san. You are of great importance. The Dark Lady would not have taken such measure had she not agreed with me on that fact. Your current armor is a canvas of your former life, and while I will never tell you to forget, I am merely offering you a new canvas to create with." Shoju grinned. "Your sister is going to be quite surprised I think." Shoju stood, and slid open the side door again. Servants came in and began preparing things for their journey.
"Come, We must prepare the Legion here in the City, and then rendezvous at Saisei with that Legion before we can leave. Ki'La, would you please take great care to make sure Tenshi-san's wardrobe is ready to go? "
Kikatsu
"It sounds like you are prepared Kikatsu. I trust that your work will be exceptional in this matter." Daigotsu said as he stood. "Make haste, we know not how much time we have before the Shogun makes his first strike."
|
|
Kikatsu
Spider Clan
Spider Clan * Monk * Kensei * Yellow Hunger
Posts: 41
|
Post by Kikatsu on Jun 21, 2011 10:41:22 GMT -5
He stood also, deftly grabbing his Bisento off the ground, having it come to rest in his downward angled hand, blade pointing toward his feet. And again he bowed. "As you wish Lord Daigotsu, I will attend to Chuda Shoju immediately." Kikatsu, stepped back three paces and then bowed again before turning and making his way past the indomitable guard of the Dark Lord. He stopped just short of the entryway and turned to the courtier from earlier. "Daigotsu-san, would you introduce me to Chuda Shoju on behalf of the Dark Lord?" Kikatsu hoped the dark-eyed man would make haste, the hair on the back of his neck was raised and he was ready to spring on the next man who gave him a sidelong glance.
|
|
