Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 6, 2011 15:05:52 GMT -5
Thrakhath listened intently to the conversation, though he continued to quietly strum his shamisen, providing a strange air of comfort to the forbidding atmosphere of the blatantly tainted tent. He nodded once in greeting to the Bayushi when he was introduced, but with nothing to add to the exchange, he kept his silence and was content to wait.
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Tamori Koichi
Dragon Clan
Dragon Clan * Shugenja * Earth * Void * Yamabushi * Duelist
Posts: 228
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Post by Tamori Koichi on Jul 6, 2011 20:03:56 GMT -5
"Koichi-sama isn't here," answered the young lady who had been acting as the Tamori daimyo's assistant during his stay at court, "but I can guide you to where he is if that message is important as you say it is."
The messenger nodded and allowed himself to be led to one of the storehouses of the Dragon. Upon passing through the door, the Crab messenger is awed by piles of crates upon crates that are inside the storehouse, along with some large structures covered with cloth.
"What is it now, Mashiro?" boomed the Tamori daimyo's voice inside the storehouse.
"You have a letter, Koichi-sama." said the assistant while holding the letter and making a gesture as of blowing a kiss. How the Tamori daimyo tolerated his assistant is beyond the understanding of anybody.
Koichi begrudgingly trudges towards the two, and snatches the letter from Mashiro, opens it and then reads it. He asks for some ink and paper and quickly makes a reply which says "My family stands ready to protect the Righteous Emperor. We will move even Tamori's Furnace to crush all those that oppose him. I will see you at noon."
The reply message is rolled and given to the messenger who bows and takes his leave.
"Tamori's Furnace? Isn't that a bit too much even for you my Lord?" asked Mashiro as they walked back towards the crates.
They stopped over one of the open crates. "Hai, I guess so." said the Tamori daimyo.
Inside the crate, a large glass ball, filled with liquid, shimmered when the dim lights of the storehouse chanced upon it.
Koichi grinned as he drew closer and inspected the ball. "Maybe not the Furnace itself, but we will surely bring it's Flame upon those who dare defy the Emperor."
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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 Jul 7, 2011 9:44:22 GMT -5
Hisa nodded and thought a moment before answering, "What you say of the Master's disposition towards me may well be true, Chuda-san, should he learn I am here, but I cannot abandon my studies. Senshi-sama knows that I will do what is right in my service to the Empire, and has given me free reign for the time to do as I see fit.
"I lack the knowledge and insight into many things, which is why I have come to learn what it means to be a Spider - as you put it - and the tenants of Shourido. But I fear I have taken too much of your time. Thrakhath seeks an audience and I should be heading back to my rooms in Toshi Ranbo. Should you have need of me, for conversation or studies, send a message to the House of the Poised Pincer."
Hisa rose and bowed to the assembled Spider members then turned to leave.
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 7, 2011 10:08:49 GMT -5
"No need to leave on account of me, Bayushi-san," Thrakhath said, perhaps a bit coldly. "Though while you are here, I must say, your talent for gathering information about your enemies without revealing your true purpose is truly astounding, even for a Scorpion." The glare Thrakhath centered on the Scorpion could not be misinterpreted. "I hope your master learns something useful from your visit with us today."
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Post by Shoju on Jul 7, 2011 10:54:45 GMT -5
Shoju sighed. Thrakhath was always the more direct one. Shoju thought it must have been his Unicorn heritage that brought it out. Shoju searched for the words for a moment. "Lets not be too hasty Thrakhath-sama. I share your same reservations of Hisa-sans actions, but I'm sure that we can find a meaningful solution to proving he is here of his own accord." Shoju grinned a little. "They say Loyalty is the most important Tenant of Bushido to a Scorpion. Let us see if Bayushi-san can exemplify my personal choice for most important tenant of Shourido. Will. Without will, a samurai and his loyalty are nothing. Do you have the will to see your training through to the end Bayushi-san?"
Shoju turned first to Tenshi, and then to Thrakhath. "If Hisa-san accepts my challenge, he is to be placed with Yamuso. He will begin teaching him the true meaning of Will." Shoju looked back at Hisa. If you refuse, I will need to request you to depart from camp.
Shoju turned back to the Crab messenger who stood frightened at the door. "Tell your Lord I will meet him." Looking back at Hisa, Shoju smiled. What say you Bayushi-san?"
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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 Jul 7, 2011 12:16:22 GMT -5
Hisa was holding the flap open with his right hand as Thrakath addressed him. He gave a sad chuckle and shook his head. He glanced over his left shoulder as he spoke, "If it pleases you to believe that is my intention, Daigotsu-san, do so. It is not Senshi-sama, but my Tamori wife's bed I wish to return to."
He smiled at Shoju as he turned back into the tent. "My jade is fresh, and I have no desire to become tainted. I seek to learn of Shourido and the Spider, not become one. So I accept this challenge and will stay for 6 days with this Yamuso, especially since I too consider Will the most important tenant of shourido, but on a condition of my own." He removed the mempo that hung from the left of his obi, "I need to write a message to my wife that one of your untainted will deliver to her that will be delivered with this mempo. If one arrives without the other she will assume the worst. I will even allow you to read it to show my sincerity, for loyalty may be the highest tenet of bushido, but how many scorpion are insincere?"
He grabbed a pen and quickly scrawled a note.
Beloved,
I thank you for the finger of Jade you gave me this morning. I have been given an opportunity to study beside a Spider named Yamuso, a master of Will. I have chosen to seize this chance of my own accord and to prove my Loyalty to my desire to reconcile Shourido and Bushido. I will be gone for nearly one week.
~All my love
He rolled it up, placed it in his mempo, and put the bundle on the desk in front of Shoju with another smile.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 7, 2011 13:48:49 GMT -5
in the command tent
Shoju smiled. "Fantastic! I knew that we would see eye to eye. I am happy to see you have found time to marry. I was so close once. Yet, that was a lifetime ago." Shoju palmed the crystal at his neck, and a Bushi not much older than Hisa walked in the front of the tent. and knelt. "This is to be taken to the wife of Bayushi-san. Escort him to Yamuso, and then deliver this letter personally. failure is not an option." Shoju looked at Hisa and grinned. "Good luck in your training Bayushi-san." Shoju stood and showed Hisa, and the Messenger out.
After they had left, Shoju turned back and looked at the pair in the tent. "Yamuso will make sure he is never heard from again if there is betrayal. Now, to the task at hand. The Crab wish to speak with me tomorrow outside the western gate in preparation for the defense of the gate. Tenshi will join me." Shoju looked at Thrakhath, and smiled. "I was hoping to have you join me Thrakhath-sama, but first, tell me what weighs on your mind."
with Yamuso
The messenger led the Scorpion Samurai to a tent It was alone, on the outskirts of the camp near a wooded area, and stopped outside the tent. It was as if the entire tent absorbed light from around it. The messenger walked to the flap of the tent and pulled it back. "Ya... Ya.... Yamuso-sama, Shoju-sama has sent a visitor to you....." the inside of the tent was pitch black. There was no light. no sunlight, no candles, nothing.
"I can smell the Bayushi" Came a voice from the tent. "I believe we have met before... Yes... I'm most sure we have, In The City of Lies, at the celebration cut short by the announcement of this war... I always meant to speak with you afterwards, you Haiku was truly remarkable."
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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 Jul 7, 2011 14:54:04 GMT -5
Hisa understood the Spider samurai's apprehension and fear as they approached the tent; he felt the same way. He turned to the cowed samurai, "Thank you, samurai, for your escort. You may find my wife, Bayushi Kaoin, at the House of the Poised Pincer in Toshi Ranbo."
Despite his obvious fear, Hisa bowed low outside the tent as he tried to peer into the absolute darkness. "Hai, Yamuso-sensei, I was at the celebration in Ryoko Owari Toshi, and many were reciting haiku, but I was not counted amongst them. I was mocking - and lending my services to - an arrogant and oblivious Kakita woman and her Phoenix companion that evening."
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Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
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Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Jul 7, 2011 15:11:31 GMT -5
"This whole business weighs on my mind, truth be told," Thrakhath said, setting his instrument aside. "I do not fear the samurai of Rokugan, but I can't help but dwell on how exposed we are in the heart of their empire like this." He frowned. "I've gone through death once, I have no desire to go through it again. I suppose I can only trust in the wisdom of our lord."
He shook his head, as if to clear the dour thoughts from his mind, and faced Shoju. "I'll accompany you to meet with this Crab, if it pleases you," he said. "Who knows, maybe they'll try something stupid." He sounded almost hopeful.
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Post by Shoju on Jul 7, 2011 15:20:48 GMT -5
Yamuso and Hisa
The messenger bowed low to the Scorpion and ran off, almost falling over himself to get away from the tent.
Yamuso chuckled lightly. "Good..... I'm glad that we both remember the evening, and the details. A welcome change from those who normally come. They are so enthralled by what they see, that their mind loses focus." Something stirred in the middle of the darkness, and then Hisa could see someone walking towards the entrance of the tent.
Yamuso walked out of the tent and stood in the cool air. He wore loose pants, and no shirt. His body looked... Wrong. He was a thin athletic man, and from the neck down, he looked to be the picture of health. Lean muscles, long thing fingers. His face though.....
There were no lips. His nose was muted, and shallow against his face. His eyes looked far to thin, and his eyelids almost non existent. He lacked any hair on his head and face.
"Tell me Scorpion, You have traveled far, and risked much, what is it that you seek? Surely The Tsukai saw something in you if he sent you to me, but what is it you truly seek?"
Shoju and Thrak
Shoju nodded, and studied the map pinned to the wall of the tent. "I understand your trepidation Thrakhath-sama. Death is no better the second time, I promise." Shoju chuckled at his last comment. "I would be delighted for you to join me with the Crab. After the meeting with the Crab, I suggest we plan to move our forces to the west of the City. I know we haven't heard official confirmation from the Hantei, but I can't see letting the Crab take our position guarding the West Gate, and deny us the opportunity afforded to us."
Shoju paced, and thought aloud. A Crab, a Scorpion, and a small Crane Cavalry force. I'm curious why only the Scorpion chose to meet us here.
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Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
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Post by Tenshi on Jul 7, 2011 17:46:20 GMT -5
Tenshi had maintained a silent presence while she had the note from the Crab in her hand. She had yet to open it up, and really she wasn't certain that she wished to know what the Crab might have written to Shoju after court.
In her near obsidian purple kimono she simply had been watching the affairs go by, but threw in her own few words. Tight lipped as usual around anyone besides Shoju.
"He certainly was a bold one, I suspect he does not stand here with his clan though. He seems to have his own agenda as Scorpion always do."
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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 Jul 7, 2011 18:59:36 GMT -5
Hisa couldn't help but take a half step back as Yamuso approached and spoke before he thought, "You!"
He knew that was a mistake and felt his chance slipping so he quickly went to his knees as he answered, "I seek a path to enlightenment. One that isn't found in Bushido or Shourido, but the combination of both. I believe they can coexist and that both are needed to be truly enlightened. That the two supposedly opposing philosophies feed on and enhance each other and are merely different sides of the same coin."
He looked up and met Yamuso's eyes. "Chuda-san sent me to you, Yamuso-sensei, to learn to master the tenant of Will and I believe I now understand why. You overcame your own death, didn't you Sensei?"
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Post by Shoju on Jul 7, 2011 19:52:52 GMT -5
Yamuso smiled, "You are going to be a great student Hisa-san. You have passed the first test." Yamuso knelt down and picked up a blade of grass and held it in front of his face. "But it wasn't just my death that I overcame. I, overcame the seduction of the Lying Darkness at the height of its power over me. I had succumb completely to its kiss, and as it was taking me, I realized the cost in giving ones self completely over to it was too great, and willed myself away from it. I willed myself from a faceless existence. I willed myself to turn away. I willed myself to come back."
Yamuso looked to the sky and let the blade of grass go in a breeze. "Now, You wish to speak of Bushido and Shourido. Tell me, how strong do you believe will to be? Do you believe that you could will yourself to remain pure of the taint without that finger of Jade?" Yamuso looked down at the Scorpion. "Do you have the Courage of Bushido to take the steps of Shourido?" Yamuso smiled.
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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 Jul 7, 2011 20:23:29 GMT -5
Hisa rose and looked down at the finger of Jade around his neck. He spun it between his thumb and forefinger for a long moment while he thought of how to answer. "It is not a lack of Courage that keeps this piece of Jade around my neck, but rather Honor, Loyalty, and Honesty. It was a gift from my wife this very morning. I wear it because I honor her loyalty to me - she knew what I planned to do today and did not attempt to discourage me. I wear it because of my loyalty to her that I do not bring taint to her purity."
He put his hand down and let the Jade fall against his chest and looked at the corpse of the man he still hoped would train him. "I believe Will is the most important tenant of Shourido for it is from Will that all others rely and and grow from... and is therefore the hardest to master. Without Will, my strength will fail me. Without Will, I won't gain the knowledge and insight I seek. Without Will, I will never learn control over myself. Even Courage comes from Will.
"They are the same reasons I believe Loyalty is the most important tenant of Bushido. Loyalty to one's duty will bring glory and honor. Loyalty to those one trusts or relies on - be they clan, wife, or sensei - teaches one how to be honest, compassionate, courteous and sincere. Loyalty to oneself and one's superiors will bring honor to all.
"I do have Courage, Sensei. I possessed the Will to come here, to the heart of this camp, of my own accord to seek Knowledge and come closer to Enlightenment, when all others sent letters or scouted from a distance. My Loyalty to my cause is why I admit to including Honesty in my reason for wearing my Jade. I do not know myself, or the extent of my own Will, enough to know if my will alone is capable of staving off the mark of the Shadowlands."
(OOC: I'm going to add a small bit with my wife and the spider samurai tomorrow. Too tired to type more today.)
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Jul 7, 2011 23:02:01 GMT -5
(OOC: Any other crabs who support Hantai the 40th may show up here, in addition to the Spider with Shoju and The Tamori's retinue. In particular I would Value Hiruma Shagi's experience in dealing with the Spider.)
Well before noon the labor crews began their work; digging wide and shallow trenches on either side of the road. Several Large tents have been set up under which table, books, maps and paper were piled. The largest tent was dominated by a great table that had a rough model of the city and surrounding land: Showing Mainly the west of the city and the West Gate. Other papers were maps of the area some of which dated back to the Clan war.
Yasuki Chad is readily found under this tent. His fatigue is obvious as he looks over the table.
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