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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 8, 2014 15:08:28 GMT
"We will speak again later. In the meantime I shall send representatives to the Shogun to find out his intentions and see whether they meet my Lord Kurohito's expectations."
Doji Tanitsu left Kousei's quarters with a friendly smile, leaving behind a small army of attendents to wait upon the Daidoji. They fussed around him, laying out new kimonos, writing letters, chattering and gossiping until he felt as though he was going to sink like a kobune in a storm. He sat down and penned a swift letter to the woman now known as Bayushi Satomi.
Satomi-sama,
We probably won't be seeing as much of each other in the coming days. Don't know where the Matsu ended up, but you still owe me a sparring match. Fancy it? If so I'll meet you in the lower dojo when the hour of the Horse begins.
Kousei
The hour of the Horse would allow the message to be delivered and Satomi to extract herself from whatever she was involved in at the moment, but still mean that he wouldn't have to spend too much longer surrounded by courtiers. One of them had taken it upon herself to start listing all the prominent women of court in an attempt to find out if he were interested in any of them, and Kousei suspected that he might be driven insane if he remained much longer.
After a few minutes, he announced that he was going to go and practice in the dojo and dismissed everyone with at least an attempt at good grace. He dressed in a comfortable practice kimono, picked up a bokken, and headed off. He was the first to arrive, and began limbering up with some basic stretches. There were a few other samurai around, but they were all engaged in their own pursuits. He launched into a basic kata, running movement into smooth movement, keeping everything slow and focussing on his technique. It felt good to have a weapon in his hands and to concetrate on nothing but evasion, strike and counterstrike while he waited for his friend to arrive.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 8, 2014 16:58:40 GMT
After the earlier events of the evening, Satomi finally returned to her quarters, thinking in very practical things like the new clothes and colors she should wear from now on. At least she would see her grandparents from the Scorpion side again, and depending on the plans Bayushi Sunetra had to her, she would know where she would live.
The letter of her friend Kousei reached Satomi's hands and after reading it, she smiled. Kousei was a loyal friend, and risked his life for a clan that wasn't his own… How is the Crane Clan receiving his actions? She wondered.
Satomi was given a simple black kimono and a bokken when she requested both items, and after that, just walked by the castle, crossing with people that were not sure how to behave towards her. Some bowed as low as usual, some even lower, and some else, only nodded at her passage. In the social position limbo were she was, it brought her a singular sadness that replaced the initial hurt pride.
However, she reached the dojo, and observed for a moment Kousei's kata, the beautiful yet simple movement of the bokken drawing patterns in the air.
Kousei-sama! You should be under arrest right now! She faked outrage, then smiled.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 8, 2014 17:15:48 GMT
Kousei brought his kata to a formal close before turning and acknowledging Satomi's arrival with a grin. There was mischief in his eyes as he bowed to her.
"Care to come and try and enforce that, Satomi-sama?" He adopted a ready stance and waited for her. There were many things he wanted to speak with her about before they parted, but for now he just wanted to exercise.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 8, 2014 20:00:52 GMT
I don't have idea where the rikungushokan of the Matsu is, but I'm sure it's not in Yasuki Yashiki. Maybe she had to attend something urgent elsewhere… she shrugged. Don't you think I'm a match for you, do you, Kousei-san? Maybe I shall throw a paper lantern on you, maybe that banner behind you… cause some distractions… That's can bring some balance to this sparring match, don't you think? She smiled and joined the center of the tatami, in a more centered and traditional stance.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 8, 2014 23:28:11 GMT
"I think you're trying to get me to underestimate you - but don't forget that I've seen you fight. Anyway, worrying that you've probably poisoned your bokken or something will keep me more than distracted enough!"
Kousei stepped forward in a series of basic attacks that Satomi deflected neatly before retaliating with some counterstrikes of her own, forcing him to go on the defensive. The two samurai went back and forth, wood clacking against wood, the tempo of the match passing from one to the other. Gradually it increased in speed and complexity, and some of the younger samurai in the dojo stopped to watch the two veteran fighters.
As Kousei sidestepped one of Satomi's attacks he launched himself at her, using his bokken to keep her own out of the way. It was a risky technique but they both fell to the floor, locked in a grapple. As his head came close to hers, he whispered "At some point we need to speak privately before one of us departs," before disengaging with a shove and allowing them both to roll to their feet and regain their distance.
Enjoying the competition, the Daidoji smiled at his opponent and launched another attack.
(OOC: I've written the above as I think we're fairly evenly matched. If one really outclasses the other I can edit it. For me Fire 4 + Daidoji bushi + kensai + Shireikan for 7 sounds about right - don't think there's much point one of us being an initiator!)
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 9, 2014 0:36:59 GMT
Poisoning the bokken? That's what happens in the plays written by Crane, fellow Daidoji-san. The obvious tease went accompanied by a wide dimpled smile, it as a joke and she knew Kousei wouldn't feel offended. When Kousei managed to get them both engaged in a grapple, she listened to him and pondered it should be related to the secrets both learned about the kolat. It wasn't finished and, while she knew the Emerald Champion would put agents to hunt down the organization once more, she and Kousei (and maybe, Chisato-san) intervened in the plans of the kolat… though Satomi wasn't so sure that they really prevented the secret organization's goals for the Crab to happen. She didn't make any efforts to increase the challenge of their exercise after his words.
So you accepted the Shogun's invitation to make part of his armies…? Or it's because your clan wish you back in Crane lands, so maybe you stop trying to be arrested by an Emerald magistrate.
Still reacting, but more on a defensive way.
Kousei couldn't know, but Satomi only used to show this relaxed self to people she truly trusted. However your response is, I need to take you to one ochaya I know, this side of the bay… It has superb fried cakes and excellent sake…
She muttered.
Only the fortunes know when I'll have the chance to eat there again… He could invite her to do this right now and be part of a new scandal, but it would happen no matter where they choose to talk privately.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 9, 2014 1:32:10 GMT
"I accepted the position in the Shogun's armies because it was an honour to be offered it. Although I can't deny that it has made certain of my clanmates very happy - I believe there are all sorts of negotiations going on. It's one of the reasons I wanted to escape down here."
When she mentioned the tea house his face lit up. "That sounds like an excellent way of making myself absent for a little while, and it would be a pleasure to spend the time in your company. Particularly if there are good fried cakes and sake." Kousei returned to a neutral stance and bowed to the Scorpion. "Thank you for the practice." He returned the bokken to a rack and extended a hand towards the exit. "Lead on."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 9, 2014 2:10:04 GMT
Soon the couple was leaving the castle in company of one another, and heading to The Archer and Purse Tea House, a strange name to a quite selective ochaya in the Yasuki Province. Whatever the original purposes of the elegant building was, adorned with an extravagant mahogany's porch where Cranes and Crysanthemun flowers entangled themselves reminding a not distant Yasuki's past, it's impact was diminished by the new elements of a very Crab influence, when one entered the half emptied place.
The glorious past of elegance could be seen in the interior as well, in the carefully crafted panels separating the rooms, depicting harmonious landscapes from the southern Rokugan and in the tired but polite smile of the hostess. A group of loud Crab were could be heard singing aloud in a private room, obviously drunk enough to not care. The sound of samisen was barely heard and from another room, feminine giggles ensued a sudden masculine exclamation. The delicious smells of tasty food, however, seemed to compensate the decadence of the current customers.
K…Satomi-sama! It's such an honor! Daidoji-sama, be welcome to our humble house! Can I offer you a place where you can relax and enjoy music and food? The hostess was clearly accustomed to her loyal customers, though not to the fact that some of them could change family names so suddenly.
Yes, Yakiko-san, a bottle of your good sake and fried cakes for two. We'll enjoy the music from the other room, though… Satomi smirked, and soon they're installed in a privative and small room, eating and drinking good food as Satomi promised.
Then, well, we did it. But it's not finished. I'm sure that an Emerald Magistrate will be entitled to investigate… and I wonder if she or he won't end up like the previous one… Dead.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 9, 2014 9:31:04 GMT
"It's definitely not finished. While I was waiting for the trial, someone from my own clan tried to recruit me. I don't know who to trust any more - Asahina Gonhiro-san is very well thought of and generally regarded as a man of peace, but he was talking about assassinating Kaneka-dono as if it were nothing! I think we got lucky."
Kousei paused and took a bite of cake. "I challenged him, but I have a nasty feeling that despite my clan finding it useful to keep me alive at the moment, he might come up with a good champion and I am an adequate duellist at best. I could always try testifying to whoever is assigned to look into the case, but as you say - I don't know how effective that investigation will be."
Washing the food down with a generous slug of sake, Kousei continued. "In other news, what can you tell me of Kuon-dono? His reaction was... unexpected, and it's possible that I'll be working closely with him in the future. What sort of man is he, and what sort of commander?"
The Daidoji leant back to listen to Satomi's reply and winced. He sat up again, and removed a small aiguchi from under his kimono near the small of his back and shrugging apolgetically as he put on the floor. "Sorry - bad experience last time I was somewhere like this."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 9, 2014 11:35:12 GMT
Satomi raised an eyebrow in surprise and interest when Kousei mentioned the attempt of recruitment by the kolat into his own clan.
I'm stunned! The nerve of this Gonhiro! Yes, he's backed by a strong organization, or he wouldn't dare to expose himself as he did.
The ex-Crab woman pondered over the veiled threat on Kousei's life. Marry me and join the Scorpion… ! She teased once again, the way only good friends can do. Oh, snap, I realize that would never work! You're the high-ranked now! Now, talking seriously, I wouldn't dare to advise you to tread carefully. You're the one who came with me in this crazy adventure of trying to impede Kaneka's death. But you can count on me… always.
Sipping her tea, she considered what to say about Kuon, when he was brought up to conversation as the main topic:
He can be a good Shogun, as he's a great leader among other qualities, but maybe he lacks the political savvy the previous one had. That's a good thing for one side, because he'll refuse to use questionable methods to keep in power. He knows how to instinctively read the soul of the people, and will associate with the good ones. I wonder if it's enough to be a Shogun.
However…
I think that he surprised many with his reactions to Reiha's death and the whole trial thing. I know what moved his decisions and his reactions, and how relieved he was that not everything else was lost. If not by that "twitter bird" Asako daimyo… everything in Crab would be in its right place right now. Maybe the last part of it sounded quite mysterious, but Satomi didn't developed further.
Kuon will recover from it, you'll see. He has an Empire to defend, and he'll do it, be sure.However, she committed a faux-pas, not using any suffixes when talking about him. Something only a very familiar person would do, maybe.
And...
Last experience, uhn? Tell me about your experiences in Crab ochaya, Kousei-san..~
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 9, 2014 23:18:51 GMT
Kousei raised an eyebrow when Satomi failed to give Kuon a suffix, but politeness won out over curiosity and he didn't mention it.
"The last time I was in a place like this, I was trying to guard an Otomo who was providing information on a group of merchants that were fixing the price of pepper for their own ends. It ended up with me being attacked by a lot of people. I finally made it to my katana, but it would have been a lot easier had I had a weapon on me from the beginning. I might have succeeded in keeping the Otomo from out of their hands for a start."
He grimaced. "I can't believe that was only a few days ago. It feels like a lifetime." Kousei paused again and swigged back more sake. "What do you mean not everything was lost? Kuon-dono has lost his wife, his child and his brother to dark influences. He has nothing left apart from his honour and his position."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 12, 2014 11:43:17 GMT
Satomi leaned forward to Kousei, and whispered. But he has an heir. It's an underage boy and is under Dragon's care. So Kisada-sama's lineage is still around. The Shogun still has someone to care about. I believe that's what moved his "weird behavior". His firstborn is still safe and sound… There's something to hope for.
She leaned back, dismissing the secretive tone:
However, who knows how the "run for the Crab championship" will end? I shouldn't care, Kousei-san, though I do. My ex-clanners were sometimes a bit narrow minded, and paranoid to an extreme. You know them very well. I see why the kolat choose the Crab to start with: they're too focused in fight against what's in their front and ignore the rest. Unfortunately, backstabs are not uncommon in Rokugan.
Also, my understanding of Crab politics is saying that, Yasuki Kaneka-sama will not forget. His next champion will have quite a problem to solve. The Brother of the Empress is married to a tainted woman and while it seems a simple thing to fix, I don't believe the other clans will lose the opportunity to try to grab such excellent general off from the Crab. And right now, the Crab does not only need a new champion, but two new general, as they lost two in a row_ The Champion and myself. If General Kaneka is appointed to a new position far from the Yasuki lands… And supposing he keeps his good will to the Crab... Well, you can imagine why the Brother of the Empress was placed as a buffer between your clan and the Crab, don't you?
But I digress… She gulped back her sake.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 12, 2014 13:40:40 GMT
At the news of Kuon's heir, Kousei's face blossomed into a smile. "That is good news. An Empire without Kisada-sama's blood in it would be a poorer one, in my opinion."
He listened to the rest of her musings, sipping his sake and finishing off the fried cakes. As she finished, he shrugged. "Politics. I leave that to the rest of my clan. I just try and work out the best way to kill the threat in front of me." Kousei broke out into a laugh. "And people sometimes wonder why I was loaned out to the Crab!"
He grew quiet again and emptied the last of the cup in front of him. "It is not wrong to care about the fate of the Crab though. They raised you, taught you, bled by your side... Your name and your allegiance may change, but the memories and feelings will always remain and they are a great deal of what makes you you.
"Ugh, speaking of politics, I suppose I had best get back, tempting though it is to stay and get riotously drunk. Tanitsu-sama has requested another meeting with me once he has had a chance to speak to the Shogun about my position." The Crane climbed to his feet and bowed deeply to Satomi.
"Bayushi Satomi-chan, it is always a pleasure. Until we meet again, may the Fortunes guide your steps." With that, Kousei quietly exited the room leaving Satomi to her thoughts.
He made his way back to the castle where he found a message from Chisato waiting for him. He sent a runner to notify Tanitsu that he had returned and was waiting upon his pleasure, making a mental note to go and visit the Asako daimyo once his meeting was finished.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on May 12, 2014 16:20:43 GMT
A servant delivered a message to Daidoji Kousei, it was sent from Doji Tanitsu himself. He was letting Kousei know that in 2 hours he would be arriving, alone. He also informed him that he'd already taken his night meal and that he could indulge into a simple jasmine tea. He also informed that should the Daidoji warrior needed some rest or had other prior arrangements, that he would be more than willing and happy to postpone their meeting.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 12, 2014 22:35:00 GMT
Two hours should be more than enough time to pay a visit to Chisato-sama...
Kousei tasked some of the servants with preparing the room for Tanitsu's presence and ensuring that the requisite tea would be on hand, then slipped out to visit the Phoenix. A short time later he returned, took a light meal, and then spent the time sorting out his appearance prior to the courtier's arrival. The attendants were delighted at his final acquiescence to their ministrations, and washed and dressed him in the latest court fashions. One of them, a young girl of about twenty, caught Kousei's eye and he made a mental note to find some pretext to speak to her later. Finally, he waited.
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