Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 27, 2014 19:27:03 GMT
Third day of the month of the Hare
Two days before the Wedding:
Rumor spread like the wind, saying that Kaneka had the opportunity to choose his bride. Some appointed the fiery Yasuki Nozomi as the chosen one; others were not so fast into pointing out a name, since Crab kept it a secret_ to guarantee the bride's security, they said. This insult, of course, was smoothed by the attempts to link this measure to the shocking incidents in the Winter Court, and let's say the truth, the Crab simply can't shut their mouth about gross things.
It was not even the most tasteful of the gossips; stating that the bride's name was not known sounded like a prompted joke for the most sarcastic: of course Kaneka was very undecided such the amount of Crab beauties available. Not a safe joke to say aloud near Crabs, of course, but guests from other clans were having the fun time they hadn't in the Winter Court.
Go figure.
Whatever was Yasuki Kaneka disposition about the matter, he was acting like a man about to marry: boisterous, loud and party hard.
Yasuki Yashiki was receiving the delegations from the rest of the Empire with the extravagant reception expected from the Yasuki family. Since the Oshogatsu guests crowded the Palace waiting for the main event.
Yasuki courtiers were determined to make this moment memorable and to obfuscate whatever else coming after Kaneka's wedding as poor copies of the glorious moment when the First Son of the Emperor Toturi I married into Crab.
|
|
|
Post by Matsu Ayaka on Feb 27, 2014 19:47:42 GMT
With the rolling thunder of Taiko, punctuated by the deeper voices of Shoko vibrating through it and the clarion call of Horagai, the Matsu contingent arrives inside Yasuki lands. There are approximately one hundred warriors, all bearing a two-handed banner fluttering with the mon of the lion. They all also wear the back-banners of the Matsu family and the proud crests of the Lion's Pride.
At their head rides Matsu Ayaka, attended by three heimin in peasant armor who ride mules. They are known as her three virtues, and each one is absurdly muscled, especially for women. As she draws close, Ayaka calls out:
Yasuki Yashiki, I am Matsu Ayaka, presenting myself and my cohort to witness the wedding of Kaneka-sama. Who shall address me?
Her tone rings with clarity and strength of purpose, and her troop comes to a stop in perfect sync, driving their banners into the dirt before them in a parade rest position, each warrior with her hands almost free from the banners. Clearly, they have been well trained and well disciplined.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 27, 2014 21:55:05 GMT
Asako Chisato fanned himself as he watched the festivities roll on all around. A bit of dirt blew past his idle fanning, and it compelled him to sneeze.
Groggily he says under his breath, "I hate travel."
But with a small smile he reminds himself aloud, "But I do love weddings!"
His Karo, a female of his family leaned in to her daimyo adding, "Is that so, Asako sama? When can we expect a party like this for your own?"
He frowned at her, by now she should know enough about him to know he'd rather watch family lines merge then to actually be merging, he sighed, "By the fortunes, I vastly prefer watching history unfold, not be a part of it."
He hoped that would be the end of her talk for now, but he knew damn well that a daimyo is no good without a succeeding line. A hope for the future of the genealogy. With the roar of drums Chisato turned in his seat, "What is that blasted noise? Is there an earthquake? I HATE earthquakes."
His karo whispered to him.
"Lion?!" He looks back straight ahead, and resumes fanning himself again. "Leave it to the Matsu to find the least peaceful way to arrive at a wedding."
As Chisato is a guest, and not a host, he does not greet the Lion's call.
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on Feb 27, 2014 23:41:29 GMT
The Crane had sent a large delegation to witness the wedding and as the commander of the Crane operating in Crab lands Kousei's attendance had been requested by Doji Kurohito. When a summons like that came there was no alternative but to accept, and thus he found himself in Yasuki lands dressed in a newly crafted kimono of blue silk with beautiful patterns shot through in white.
Kousei felt uncomfortable, accutely aware of his own tendency to say the wrong thing and the fact he was amongst some of the most important people in the Empire, not to mention the fact that he had become so used to wearing his armour that the lack of it left him feeling distinctly under dressed.
As the Lion made their entrance, he looked up with interest. He had been keeping much to himself amidst the crowd, making polite conversation when he had to and keeping quiet when he could, but the arrival of the Lion's Pride was a sight to behold.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 28, 2014 1:27:10 GMT
Yasuki Tashiro elegantly addressed the Matsu Rikugunshokan and the Lion Delegation, while several servants surrounded the group to help them as necessary. Of course the Lion General and her retinue would be hosted in spacious and convenient quarters, as everything was prepared for their arrival.
While the Yasuki diplomat was receiving the Lion delegation, Kaiu Satomi was arriving to the Castle with a small guard. She eyed both Kousei and Chisato, and acknowledged them with a slight bow. She never met the Matsu General, but she directed to her equal with a tone of camaraderie, also bowing slightly.
Konnichiwa-wa, Matsu-sama. How was your travel to Yasuki provinces?
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 28, 2014 4:39:07 GMT
Chisato decided he had to find a way to pass the time, and so he made a game of picking out random members of the Lion contingent and attempting to identify them.
He cracked his knuckles and leaned forward so he could get a better look at them all standing in smart formation. His karo leaned forward as well, although she did so to inquire from her lord what he was thinking. He answered before she asked by starting his little game, speaking to his karo.
"In the second row there... the one with the giant axe, yes? That is, if I am not mistaken, Matsu Bishuko, 2nd daughter of Matsu Reikohime and Matsu Jin. Her parents are the lords of the southern Matsu lands near Beiden Pass.
"And behind her and to the left, that would be Matsu... Kanna? Daughter of Matsu Shunano? Or was it Shunano daughter of Kanna... Yes thats it, I'm sure of it. Her father, Tenshinburo, died in battle a decade ago."
His karo nodded impressed, "You know all of this from memory?"
"My dear friend, I only know the really interesting ones by memory, and these women are nearly all interesting... you have to be in order to become a member of the Lion's Pride."
She seemed surprised, "The Lion's Pride? Here? Are you sure?"
He looked at her scornfully, "Of course I'm sure! Its my job to know these things after all." He calmed himself quickly, now getting used to the idiotic questions from his karo, "Go ahead, pick one, I'll tell you about them."
She looked out at them, "Tell me about the one who announced them, she should be very important, no?"
Chisato scoffed, "Oh thats too easy! Matsu Ayaka san, governess of Gakka, and Rikugunshokan of the Lion's Pride. Her mother was the former governess of the same, and member of the same. Her father, well now... thats a blank space in my book I would love to fill. I listed her father as a 'casualty of war'." He sips his tea as his karo gasps.
"You don't mean..."
"I only mean that her father is a question mark, Asako san."
She bows her head, reflecting upon how different Chisato seemed when he was in his element, and simply enjoying talking about all the great families, "How difficult would it be to find out?"
He chuckles, "I'll put it like this... the Matsu are the largest family in rokugan. And they don't like to answer any questions unless they are ordered too."
|
|
|
Post by Matsu Ayaka on Feb 28, 2014 8:12:09 GMT
Ayaka bows to the Crab that welcomed him.
Konnichi-wa...Kaiu-sama, unless I miss my guess. Travel through the Yasuki lands was quite uneventful. It was pleasant to see the many heimin at their work in piece. The travel between Gakka and the edge of the province was more adventurous than I expected. Although it was nothing we were not prepared for.
Of course, since the land between Gakka and Yasuki lands was Scorpion controlled, the thinly veiled insult regarding control of the Yogo provinces could be felt by anyone, although it was quite innocently delivered.
With a flick of her war fan, the Lion's Pride raise their banners in salute and march towards the indicated residences.
Ayaka dismounts with casual grace, though not the grace of the Unicorn, and kneels briefly, acknowledging the superiority of the Crab in this place. Her eyes flick back and forth to the assembled Samurai and she speaks again.
Would you do me the honor of introducing me to my fellow delegates to this fine wedding?
Her Virtues fix eyes on each member here, with one staring directly at the Asako. Her fingers work as she watches his mouth move subtly. Perhaps she can read lips? Of course, the cleverly placed fan the Asako doubtless has would render her abilities near useless.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 28, 2014 12:33:46 GMT
Quickly eyeing the Virtues, Satomi Satomi decided that was easy to be virtuous, sexually talking, with those manly appearances of theirs. Also, was a bit hard to control her tongue when the Matsu mentioned Crab Heimin. Of course they are, Lioness. They aren't explored to the brim as yours.
Our heimin are content and know their duties, Matsu-san. I'm happy you had an agreeable travel through our lands. She dropped the honorific with a broad and welcoming smile, since they're of equal rank and now, acknowledged of each other. Please, it'd be my honor, let me introduce... she eyed Chisato, whispering to his karo... better to prevent an accident with the Virtues... I'll introduce you to a friend of mine, Daidoji Kousei-san... I'm sure you'll like to make his acquaintance, as he as well, but first... This is the venerable daimyo of the Asako family, famous loremaster, who wrote "The Genealogy of the Rokugani Families"... Asako Chisato-san.
She smiled to the couple of Phoenix, bowing a bit more formally. She'd like to know if he was able to identify the Lioness by his own. Satomi asked her aide to bring Kousei to the group. OOC: I'm considering Chisato is closer than Kousei, and knowing Kousei's up to post a bit later, we can add him a bit later in the conversation as well. Btw, if Ayaka-sama wish to know the source of Satomi's thoughts, can check the link. Edited to permit Kousei to join us anytime he wishes, since people weren't able to post before he could be available again.
|
|
Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
|
Post by Moto Arandaru on Feb 28, 2014 18:05:17 GMT
Since Arandaru's duties kept him away from the Yasuki lands he couldn't manage to attend the wedding of the Wind of War. However, the Khan had ordered that a proper contingent of Unicorn diplomats arrived to properly attend and offer their blessings of goodwill to the couple to be married.
Thus a big retinue from the Children of the Wind arrived, and on its spearhead was an Ide diplomat accompanied by representatives of all the Unicorn families. In the retinue was Ide Sogetsu, one of the wabukan practitioners acting as a scribe to the Ide diplomat and as a political attache.
And thus Ide Sogetsu entered the hall! Scanning the area around he looked for familiar faces. Arandaru had already filled him in regarding his friends and allies. Satomi...check! Kousei...check!
The rest of them were Lions, Phoenixes and the rest of the Clans. "Time to mingle" he thought..
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 28, 2014 21:06:06 GMT
Chisato smiled and bowed to the Lion and Crab, his karo bowed lower.
"Kaiu Satomi san and Matsu Ayaka san, it is good to see you and to meet you." He smiled, fanning himself, more to keep his hands occupied then due to being warm, it was early spring after all.
"It is good to see so may fascinating individuals with even more fascinating families all here in one place to witness the merger of two more fascinating families."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 28, 2014 22:13:24 GMT
We are, indeed, very proud that Kaneka-sama considered our clan so worthy and have decided to return to his origins here in Yasuki Lands. And I, twice as proud, because I'm delivering him the command of the Armies of the East... Nothing more suited to Yasuki Kaneka-sama, don't you think?
What was not part of Crab speech was the veiled intention behind this decision, putting the Wind of War between the Crab and the rest of the Empire_ Crane included. Would the Empress be so lenient to Crane whining and claims in the court, with her brother on the other side of the quarrel?
Knowing that marriages were one of the favorite topics of conversation of the court, she mentioned candidly:
Now... With the Winds married within Dragon, Crab and Scorpion, I believe Lion and Phoenix are proposing suitors to the hand of Our Grace... I believe Toturi-heika tend to choose between the houses of her parents, don't you think?While they're talking, an attent Yasuki courtier receptioned Ide Sogetsu, and being acknowledged of his proximity to Moto Arandaru, decided to introduce the diplomat to the group. So, when Kousei and Sogetsu were about to join the group, they could hear the last comment Satomi did.
|
|
|
Post by Matsu Ayaka on Mar 1, 2014 3:34:24 GMT
With a small grin, Ayaka reaches forward to seize Satomi's forearm in a warrior's greeting. As the Crab introduces people, she turns to each and bows in turn, lowest to the Daimyo of course.
Daimyo-sama, it is good to meet you. Though you are not known for your skill with weapons, you are still mentioned in my family and my unit with much interest. I dare say that a Daimyo without a wife is even more interesting than a Rikugunshokan with no husband. Perhaps we should give them something to talk about, neh?
She flicks her mane in a suggestive and at the same time dismissive gesture, attempting something akin to sarcasm. Poorly. When she hears discussion turning to the marriage of the Empress, she grimaces. Clearly the topic is not overly interesting to her, though she has opinions. She attempts to divert the conversation with battlefield cleverness. Whether this would work on courtiers, she would soon find out.
For myself, I wonder if the Empress will return to her roots as all warrior Lion will do and train with the Matsu. It is similar, I believe to the customs among the Crab of serving on the Wall.
Without missing a breath, she launches into the newly broached topic.
Speaking of the Wall, are any of the commanders attending the wedding? I would be most interested in discussing various matters with them.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Mar 1, 2014 4:16:25 GMT
Satomi wonders WHY Chisato is remembered with interest by the Lioness friends. If by his heraldry verborrea in his normal self, or by his alter ego on the full moon nights. She keeps her smile until the moment the Matsu general asks for another rikugunshokan.
Do I seem too delicate for a command position in the Wall, Ayaka-san? A blank expression, a flat tone. Nor Chisato or Kousei had seen this reaction before.
|
|
|
Post by Kurimuzon Te on Mar 1, 2014 4:26:21 GMT
Trying to hide himself among the peasants watching the Lions Pride entrance, followed shortly by the Crane delegation, Kurimuzon Te felt a little disappointed, even disgusted, at the unnecessary show of power. Even though he was officially invited as one of the Togashi clan, Te never felt comfortable around this many people in a position of authority. A governor, daimyo, rikugunshokan, and who knows how may samurai. Te shakes his head sadly and mumbles to himself 'with a gathering of great people there is the chance for great corruption'. Turning away he begins looking for an inn with an available room.
|
|
|
Post by Matsu Ayaka on Mar 1, 2014 4:36:28 GMT
Without missing a beat, Ayaka turns on her best courtly charm. Her best is far from Crane, or the smoothness of the Scorpion, but it has the benefit of sincerity going for it.
Of course not, Satomi-san! I apologize for having given offense. You are clearly well-built enough for service upon the wall, and then some. I merely wished to discuss the possibility of a small detachment of Lion's Pride attending to the lessons learned by the servants on the Wall. Perhaps I shall discuss with an Akodo I know that is as famed for his construction techniques as I could ever hope to be for my skill with the sword! He could learn much from even a short conversation with one such as yourself.
|
|