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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 8, 2014 16:50:23 GMT
Kanehitsu bowed before the high ranking attendant to the Scorpion delegation. Around him lanterns burned low in the traditional shadow casting style of the Scorpion quarters while the wind blew hard outside of the well secured windows. He was here on business of a kind but there were no official paperwork to prove this so it might have been seen as impertinent to be asking to talk to the Champion so late at night.
"To explain my true purpose here, Bayushi-san, I am not here to disturb your champion, I would actually like to talk with your newest clan mate. I presume she might be busy but if it were at all possible, I think that Bayushi Satomi might need a little bit of comfort and guidance at this time. I know that the Scorpion are well prepared to provide both, but I would like to offer my humble services on that front."
The attendant seemed annoyed at the request but hid it well behind a thin cloth mask as Scorpion are likely to do. He bowed curtly and then looked down his nose at Kanehitsu.
"I will ask her ladyship if there is any possibility of your intrusion at this time, master Crane."
And with that the man silently disappeared into the quarters he was guarding.
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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 17:17:42 GMT
Sunetra said to Satomi that they'll have plenty of time to talk in the way back home, the last part sounding a bit dissonant and alien to the ex-Crab ears but soon she nodded in accordance. The Scorpion Champion asked Satomi to attend the request of a meeting with the Crane clan, as "they stood by her side publicy" and she should show her appreciation for that. Once again, Satomi nodded, because it was true.
It was a surprise, however, that it wasn't someone she personally knew (she had hopes it was Doji Hatosenshi). He was, however, an artisan of repute in whole Rokugan and Satomi in fact was curious about his plays. She bowed to the Doji, amicably and as respectful as a person of uncertain position can do.
Sorry for my delay, Doji Kanehitsu-sama. I believe we didn't even meet in person before.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 8, 2014 18:35:42 GMT
Kanehitsu bowed back politely, perhaps even a bit low, as if he knew exactly where Satomi stood in the celestial order and he was willing to offer her some deference.
"I don't believe we have been properly introduced, no. I am Kakita Kanehitsu, playwright of the Kakita artisans. It is nice to make your acquaintance. Although I wonder..." Kanehitsu began coming up from his bow, "who are you, Satomi-san? You have done something very brave tonight. Very few people have the opportunity to shange their entire destiny as you have. It seems like it is a good opportunity to...reinvent yourself. I wanted to talk to you about that actually."
Kanehitsu looked around the room as if scanning for extra people. However, realizing he could almost never root out Scorpion spies in their own den he looked back at Satomi.
"Who, and what, do you want to be now, Satomi-san?"
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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 20:03:47 GMT
OOC: I was writing in a hurry then I changed Kanehitsu's family name, but since he's a famous Crane artisan, Satomi should know his name. Anyway, sorry for the mistake. I'll let it as it is, though, maybe it shows how Satomi is "not in her normal self".
Oh! I truly apologize for mistaking your family's name. Your fame reached my ears and there's nothing to explain the lack of politesse this one displays to a renowned Crane playwright. She profusely said, apologetically. Please, make yourself comfortable. It seems that years spent in the… "army" doesn't make me a qualified hostess… But I shall learn.
She pondered over his questioning, and the reasons behind the questioning.
I've learn that reinventing is the key for the success, Kanehitsu-sama. Reinventing and creating tactics is what I do. It's not the first time I face problems that "disintegrate" the ground under my feet. Nor the first time I face harsh challenges, or that I need to make choices that are hard and maybe, quite polemic. I do aim, however, to keep my spirit elevated and follow what a bushi prizes the most. I aim to guide myself by the tenets of bushido… But I may be sounding "cliche-esque"… I guess. She waved dismissively.
I'd like to thank you for your wise intervention in the issue, Kanehitsu-sama.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 9, 2014 2:21:52 GMT
Noticing that a servant had brought tea, Kanehitsu seated himself and poured a cup which he offered to Satomi.
"Ever the stalwart warrior I see. Bushido would seem to me to be a good focus for your new face. What does that imply for you now? Will you become a general of the Scorpion or do you have another position to look forward to? Do you have a mask picked out or will your current one suffice?"
Kanehitsu leaned forward at the table and looked about a little conspiratorially.
"Of greatest interest to me, Bayushi-san, is how you want the Crab to be treated now."
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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 11:10:59 GMT
Satomi couldn't help but to laugh, before the so "Crane-ish" and quite intimate questioning. I'm not a character of a play, I don't have to have those things prepared beforehand nor to have a "Scorpion face", but merely to be and do what my champion wishes me to. Or in a worst case scenary, I'll have to improvise.
I'm sure I'll be like a fish out of water the same way I always had been. I lack the Scorpion finesse, lack subtlety, and many more attributes we're accustomed to be in the court-like types of my clan. But somehow, I might be of use.
She ostensively pondered over the last question of the Kakita playwright, however. And questioned him back, before her own response: How do you think one like me should wish the Crab to be trated from now on? In a play's character's perspective, maybe?
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 9, 2014 16:10:14 GMT
"Well, Satomi-san, now that you're a Scorpion you should know that not everything is how it seems at first look and that beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder. You have another important choice to make."
Kanehitsu considered for a moment before giving a full answer.
"If I were writing a play I would think that there are two ways you could think of the Crab right now. On the one hand, the Crab were a vehicle for you to come into great glory and honor. Even though you are a Scorpion now you may always fondly remember the honorable companions that you had there. Of course, this would make it seem like you were sad to join the Scorpion and now your life is a little bit more miserable."
"On the other hand, perhaps you had always been a Scorpion at heart and you are now liberated from the stifling military discipline of the Crab. In this case the Crab would be harsh and unappreciative of the loyalty that you gave them."
"Now as you have said, you lack a little bit of the skills expected of the Scorpion. I can help you there. Whatever you want to do now, doors can be opened to you with something as simple as a little scene conveniently slipped into a larger story on the stage. What I'm really saying here, Satomi-san-"
Kanehitsu leaned back from the table and opened up his fan to show his prestige as an artist.
"-Is that i want to help you."
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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 11:59:48 GMT
Your clan honors me with this offer. Your advices sound so wise, Kanehitsu-sama, that I wouldn't dare to disagree. You're a master of the art of telling a story, and I don't think my champion would think a bad idea to have a improved Satomi around. She sipped her tea before speaking again: I do remember that when I last met Hatosenshi-sama, the Sensei of the Broken Wing Dojo; he was assigned by your clan to be my "etiquette" sensei. It was part of a diplomatic agreement between Crab and Crane... and sounds like ages ago, I admit. However, I believe he got a sudden ill from travelling in the Winter, so I hope he's fully recovered by now.she said sincerely. I'm sure some of his lessons would made things quite different in the last events you witnessed. She said simply. Now, the Crane clan thinks it's important to help me once again... but now I'm in a different clan. Nothing comes for free from Crane, but Satomi was sure the Scorpion didn't care to discover what Kanehitsu was up to. What can I say for now is that I believe it can be quite useful. How it would work, Kanehitsu-sama?
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 12, 2014 20:46:36 GMT
Kanehitsu leaned back a little more relaxed.
"Well, Bayushi-san, it is my intent to produce a little piece based on what transpired earlier tonight. All I need is your view of the Crab to help me with a little...inspiration. Thereafter, I will be more than capable of communicating your message across the Empire; perhaps even to the Imperial Court. You needn't do anything else...unless...well, I would love your help looking into fanciful mask designs for a Scorpion heroine."
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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 15, 2014 19:07:34 GMT
The whole proposition was quite..."exotique", but Satomi was a woman with a weird sense of humor. Why not, Kanehitsu-sama? A Scorpion mask designed by the Crane for a Scorpion designed by the Kaiu. That's indeed fitting to my "singular" story. I believe you are planning a comic play, to have such a heroine, so yes, why not depict this "Satomi" as one who thinks their former clan acted as she knew they would, as she knows how they think. It doesn't make the whole thing less hurtful for her. It's not with a merry heart that she abandon everything she planned and loved, but she couldn't stay where they say she's not trusted.
The former Kaiu general played with her jade beads, and smiled after a thoughtful moment. Add to the story that she had, indeed the support of an unexpected ally… The Crane. Also add to this story that she knows one thing or other about this ally that can help them… In the right time, she will pay the support in kind, because she likes to think she's loyal…
An in realization, she completed, with a different kind of smile:
As they say the Scorpion truly are.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 18, 2014 19:23:43 GMT
Kanehitu bowed a little from his sitting position.
"I shall be happy to help you however I can, Bayushi-san. Together we will see to it that the Crab are properly paid in full the price of losing such a general. In the end, I wish you all the best with your new clan. Perhaps I can bring a message to Hatosenshi-san for you? But it shall need to be quicker than not. I still have a lot to do this evening, I think."
Kanehitsu finished his tea and then rose and bowed again.
"Is there anything else you would like before we part this evening?"
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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 18, 2014 19:53:24 GMT
I can't remember of anything right now, Kanehitsu-sam, but thanks for the offering. I wish you a good travel… And yes, I'm sure this humble new servant of the Scorpion clan will keep contact with the Crane… Art and politics always fascinated me. She bowed to the Kakita artisan, as he departed for his other meetings.
Interesting…
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