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 17, 2014 10:19:20 GMT
POSTED AS DOJI TANITSU, VOICE OF THE CRANETwo hours later, not a moment has passed and the servant announces the arrival of Doji Tanitsu, advisor to the Crane Champion and diplomat to the Imperial court. After being allowed to enter, the Doji diplomat offered a courteous bow to the Daidoji. He was man, with a slender physique, wearing a magnificent teal kimono with a silvery white embroidery. His dark hair were caught in a fine ponytail. His face was clean and gave the impression of freshness. He was wearing a fine perfume of cedarwood. In his hand rested a finely lacquered fan depicting both the Doji mon and the Chrysanthemum. The man stepped in with a beautiful relaxing smile, that of happiness. "Good afternoon esteemed Daidoji Kousei-san, I trust that I find you in a fine time." he let the words fall as he casually would resume to an idle chat. After that however he would get to the point.. "I have learned of what has transpired at Hida Reiha-san's trial. A sad happenstance indeed, but one of glory for you. My commendations." he said with heartfelt gratitude. And this would be only the beginning.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 20, 2014 0:09:34 GMT
Kousei bowed deeply to Tanitsu and signaled to the servants to bring that he had requested. The courtier's friendly manner put the Daidoji at his ease, despite the high rank of his guest.
"A fine time indeed, Tanitsu-sama. I confess that I would rather have been wrong about Reiha-sama and that the Empress would still have an excellent general at her disposal to help in the coming war, but better the outcome we saw than someone in such a position be unable to control her own actions. And as always, if I can bring glory to the Crane then that is both my duty and my pleasure.
Kousei had exhausted his courtly manners and reverted to his more familiarly blunt speech.
"In this case, however, I must confess that I do not know what Kuon-sama's intentions are, nor what use he seeks to make of my skills. Have you spoken with him my lord? "
The servants had finished making the tea and Kousei reached out and took his, sipping. He smiled. It was simple but elegant, and moreover it reminded him of home.
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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 20, 2014 17:23:46 GMT
POSTING AS DOJI TANITSU, VOICE OF THE CRANE
Tanitsu nodded, "It was really sad, to discover that Hida Reiha had been manipulated by the Kolat. No matter a man's deeds or history, no noble soul deserves such a stain from such a threatening influence."
As Tanitsu hears Kousei carrying on he says, "That I have. The Shogun was inconsolable for he has lost both wife and son in a couple of days. This is a tough burden to bear, however he was relieved by the fact that his house's honor had been saved..." he took a small breath..
"..by the Crane." he said with a smile.
"He is a man of deeds, akin to Yoritomo himself. The Shogun truly accepts those that distinguish themselves with deeds rather than words. And he was surprised that his Clan's 'foes', the Crane, had openly supported and assisted him in such a dire time of need." he fanned himself once as his free dark locks moved into the air.
Kousei would feel it immensely...the strength of the Crane. He was a Daidoji and he was protector of what his Clan held dearest. Courtesy! His actions showed that the Crane would be the first to offer the Crab a hand of friendship and a fine 'mask' to protect them from losing face. And this justified to him the reason of Tanitsu's immediate presence at the Yasuki court. He was here to carry on the work of the Clan. To offer friendship and alliances, assistance and help. A courtier's move.
"Thus I couldn't deny him your presence into his august retinue of force. It is admirable to witness that he handpicked you among the 'chaff' since as I have heard you've displayed perfectly what your sensei has taught you. You have the commendations of the Crane to proceed as you see fit Daidoji Kousei-san." he allowed the man some moment to collect his thoughts...
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 21, 2014 0:48:43 GMT
A fierce pride welled up within Kousei's soul at Tanitsu's words. He had spent a lot of time amongst the Crab, and offering the courtiers in his clan a chance to star to heal the rift that had split open as a result of the Yasuki War meant a lot to him.
"Everything I do, I do for the honour of the Crane my lord. I would be privileged to accept a position in his forces, particularly with the coming war against Shahai's forces. I will do my best to bring glory to the Crane and my family."
He hesitated, wondering if it were a good time to broach the subject. "Tanitsu-sama, I recently returned from a meeting with the daimyo of the Asako family. He expressed a desire for me to wed into his family. My life is of course at the disposal of my Lord Kurohito as my Lady Rekai, but I can't help thinking that this is all part of a plan that he is pursuing. I know that the Phoenix are not renowned for their political acumen, but I suspect he might have destabilised the Crab deliberately. There is more to him then meets the eye. May I land the matter in your hands, my lord?"
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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 21, 2014 10:20:01 GMT
POSTING AS DOJI TANITSU, VOICE OF THE CRANE
Tanitsu nods as Kousei mentions the incident with the Asako daimyo.
"Oh, you did? Magnificent! Asako Chisato-san is renowned for his 'directness', thus it is understandable to have asked as such." he paused for a bit.
"While I cannot proclaim or fathom his intentions, I understand that he only partially expresses what the Phoenix Clan truly wishes." he fanned himself as the room was warm enough.
"However I put the matter into your own hands, my friend." he locked his hazel eyes with the Daidoji.
"While I can completely understand matters of love, I pray that both Lord Doji Kurohito-tono and Daidoji Rekai-san share the same viewpoint. However, it is to be stated quite clear that in the face of the glory that your recent actions and elevation of standing have brought, it would be a clear indicator of Asako-san's acceptance to replace his karo as his former one will be allowed to join the Daidoji family." he said with a serious look.
Tanitsu leaned in closer to Kousei
"Except if it is your wish to join the Phoenix instead." looking Kousei once more, awaiting his reply.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 21, 2014 23:38:29 GMT
Kousei hesitated, not wishing to speak ill of one who was of superror status, but Tanitsu's warm nature and his own desire to be true to the virtue of honesty won through.
"Love does not come into it, Tanitsu-sama; I have hardly ever spoken to the woman. Chisato-sama said quite clearly that I would make a useful servant for him, and suggested his karo as a match believing that she would outrank me and this make me subject to his orders. She is the sister of the former daimyo and apparently the ssecond most highly ranked Asako after Chisato-sama himself.
I must confess I find the idea of being under the command of Chisato-sama a little distasteful. He is either a very simple man who would require all my time to keep out of trouble, or a politician ruthless enough to shame a Scorpion. I am not sure which. Either way, unless my Lord Kurohito and Lady Rekai's honours elevate me above Megumi-sama and they decide she would make a good addition to the family, it is a fate I would rather avoid."
Kousei paused again, hoping that he hadn't overstepped the mark.
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Post by Asako Chisato on May 22, 2014 0:43:42 GMT
(ooc note: master of water is a doji, I was incorrect)
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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 22, 2014 6:37:42 GMT
POSTED AS DOJI TANITSU, VOICE OF THE CRANE
Tanitsu threw his glance over Kousei once more, and this time warmer than ever.
"Avoid it then." he said as he kept fanning himself amidst the candlelight. "Lord Hida Kuon-tono has graced the Crane Clan by selecting you among others, a joy for both our Lord Doji Kurohito-tono and your lady Daidoji Rekai-sama." his tone betrayed a bit of an enthusiasm.
"It will be so sad that our very moment of joy and enthusiasm be stripped from our Clan, our proud smiles smeared off our faces, and also a sad moment for all of us to witness a prodigious son abandoning us in the face of a daimyo's manipulation." his words were sincere.
"But once more I'd say...it's your choice Daidoji Kousei-san."
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 22, 2014 7:24:31 GMT
"I think I saw Kakita Kanehitsu around the palace. I might ask him for his help in drafting a suitable response regretfully declining Chisato-sama's offer. He is much more skilled with words than I am, and the Asako daimyo has somewhat of a talent for unsettling me."
Kousei turned the conversation to more inconsequential matters for a short while. Eventually things came to a close.
"Is there anything else I can do for you Tanitsu-sama?"
(OOC: Thanks Chisato! I've amended my post earlier in this thread.)
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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 May 22, 2014 11:06:23 GMT
Tanitsu smiles as Kousei promptly finishes the audience that himself had asked. It was in the Doji courtier's nature to allow slight "faux pas" from a cousin, given the situation more so.
"I am afraid that I have taken quite much of your time Daidoji Kousei-san and it would be rather rude of me to occupy much of your free time. I regret that you had too much tension on your shoulders all these days. I shall leave at once." and with that he rose, eager to leave..
After the polite dismissals, Tanitsu was out, his soft jasmine cologne lingering in the air.
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 23, 2014 12:50:23 GMT
It was early evening when Kanehitsu heard a knock at his chamber door. Seconds later one of his attendants appeared, announcing the arrival of Daidoji Kousei. The battle-scarred warrior strode into the room, looking a little incongruous in the latest court finery, and bowed to the artisan.
"Kanehitsu-san, may I have a moment of your time and a little privacy?"
The servants were dismissed, and Kousei continued, outlining his problem like a battlefield analysis. "I come seeking your aid in a rather delicate matter. Asako Chisato-sama has decided he wants me to marry his karo, which would mean me joining his family and becoming subject to his orders. It would also mean that all the honours the Shogun has just bestowed on me would be transferred to the Phoenix.
"I would rather avoid the whole situation, but I'm not exactly sure how to tell the daimyo of a major family to go and shove his offer up... I mean... um... decline gracefully. You are a master of words, which is why I am seeking your help. If there is anything I could do to help you in the future you would only have to call on me."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 24, 2014 17:05:45 GMT
Kanehitsu was wearing only a kimono as he had not been expecting proper visitors for the evening. He was a little embarassed that he wasn't fully dressed to meet such a high ranking soldier. But Kousei seemed to take no notice of his own impropriety.
Kanehitsu took a little time to roll the sentiments around in his head before responding. He fiddled about in his robes looking for his fan and eventually drew it out and fanned himself as a method of thinking. When he was ready to speak he snapped it closed.
"So, as I understand it you find the proposition a bit distasteful. What about this bothers you? Is the woman not fit to your...ideals for a marriage? Or is there something else? I shall need a good bit of information before being able to bargain with the daimyo on your behalf. Or at least, I presume that is what you are wanting me to do."
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 24, 2014 22:42:22 GMT
"I find Chisato-sama's offer both flattering and disturbing. He was very blunt. He said that it would be useful for him if I were under his command rather than somebody else's, and then came up with the idea of my marrying into his family by becoming wed to his karo, Asako Megumi.
"I appreciate his regard for my abilities, but my loyalty is to the Crane. I have a suspicion that Chisato-sama knew exactly what he was doing when he mentioned Satomi-chan's lineage, leaving the Crab in a highly weakened position. I could be wrong, but I no longer trust him. Plus I have never spoken more than a few words to Megumi-sama and if my wedding is not to be of benefit to the clan then I do not see what would be wrong with a love match, which this clearly isn't."
Kousei spoke quietly and firmly, his On back in place.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 27, 2014 0:15:48 GMT
Kanehitsu chuckled to himself and jabbed the air toward Kousei with his fan.
"You're looking for a love match? Well if that's the case, we will never get you married. You've been hanging around with too many of the young poets, no?"
"But to proper business. An offer of marriage from that high up in the clan is a serious proposal indeed. The Asako daimyo himself is trying to get you under his thumb. I think it would be best if we could find a way to make you unfit for the post yourself and then graciously remove your name for another able bodied warrior who might meet the needs of his karo. Hmmm."
"I don't mean to offend, but I would guess that Daidoji-san is not much of a romantic gentleman, correct? Let's find someone to woo the Asako maid in your place and have her fall in love with him instead. Then when we reveal the true nature of the suitor we can present that name for marriage instead. Do any of your fellow legionnaires know much of poetry?"
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Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 27, 2014 23:35:25 GMT
Kousei shrugged with a wry smile. "There are worse things to do then listen to poets, particularly amongst the Crane. I would not mind marrying for duty, but to sacrifice love for nothing? That seems a shame. It wouldn't be so bad if I could actually spend some time with the woman and I didn't think he was doing it excitedly to weaken our clan.
"But to answer your question cousin, no I am not much one for poetry. Music, now music would be a different matter, but my poetry is basic at best. I haven't spent much time amongst my new colleagues in the Legion, but I could always ask around. I must return to Crane lands first, but once I am done there I shall try to find an eloquent and ambitious Kakita or something similar under my command."
The Daidoji considered for a moment. "Your advice is wise Kanehitsu-san. I thank you."
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