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 24, 2014 3:01:03 GMT
OOC: Closed thread for Bayushi Satomi and Yasuki Odai
The rainy weather, the smell of warm sake mingled with newly lacquered wooden panels, made the First Wave Inn, a bit melancholic this afternoon. Bayushi Satomi and her two Scorpion travel companions arrived by the morning at the prosperous and busy Friendly Travellers Village. She still had business in the Yasuki provinces, and one of them was a final visit to her friend the governor of the city.
She sent a messenger to Yasuki Odai's manor, hoping that he could receive her before she died of depression. The reality of not being a very high ranked samurai anymore was showing in the little details of the day-to-day. But it was necessary. With a ironic word of consolation, she was remembered by Shosuro Saiki, the petite and sarcastic woman travelling with her and the other Scorpion, even Toturi had to go low to rise even higher.
If it was a sort of "Scorpion riddle", Satomi didn't get it.
Now, the game of waiting was boring, the fine rain blurring the landscape outside, the excess of Cranes and Mantis in the Inn quite irritating. Crane was able to whisper about her behind their fans and sleeves in a polite manner, at least, but not the Crab.
The verandah had a most breathable air and provided a better place to think alone, and the mixed sound of the sea and the rain… She could see the customers of the Laughing Mujina, people ignoring the rain and coming and going on the streets, and permeating everything, the characteristic smell coming from the breweries. A never ending work. While a man in the world wished to either cry or laugh, or just wished to pass out and forget, there would be sake.
She knew, she would miss this province so much.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 24, 2014 15:49:03 GMT
"Thank you, honorable Yasuki-sama, you are both wise and fair." It seemed to be the thousandth time that day that those exact words had been spoken in his presence, and as Yasuki Odai called a recess to his daily court upon finishing dealing with a group of disputing farmers, he found himself longing ever so slightly for the excitement of the wider world. It was not new to him; the monotony of his day to day responsibilities often drove him mad with wanderlust, but he had business to attend to now, questions that needed answering, and every day he spent here grinding through the mountain of bureaucracy was a day his enemies were getting further and further ahead of him.
Sighing wistfully, he finished his cup of tea while the final courtiers filed out of his small yet lavish audience chamber, gazing longingly out a nearby balcony across the ocean, the Sun's final rays casting swords of amber flame through the storm clouds over his town. While it was indeed good to be home, he found himself unable to enjoy it with the nagging thoughts of responsibility scratching constantly at the back of his mind, which was a shame. It was a beautiful place to be as Summer approached, after all...
Odai slowly composed himself, giving the pile of scrolls he still had to review a dark glance before carefully gathering them into his bag. His karo was droning on about the events of the day, giving a recap as though it had been an epic battle, while the governor was debating on what best to have for dinner, when Mattori appeared at the back of the hall. Odai considered making him wait, but the ronin rarely ever came into his home proper unless he knew the news was worth interrupting his master for, and Odai knew this well.
Giving the scrolls to his karo with instructions to return them to his study, he wandered over to his hovering advisor, curious indeed; Mattori wore a look on his face that Odai only ever saw when he was truly worried about something, which left only a few options as to whatever brought the man here, and none that gave the Yasuki any peace of mind. When Mattori leaned in and whispered his news into his boss' ear, however, a smile split Odai's face, and he actually laughed for a moment...
***** A short time later, a man returned to the Laughing Mujina. Wearing simple black matching hakama and kimono, with no identification but for the Yasuki house Mon, the ronin Mattori still managed to stand out slightly amongst the regular clientele of such an inn. Built like a berserker, yet with the grace of a dancer, he moved amongst the crowd, eyes scanning the room until he found the small Scorpion delegation.
He bowed low as he approached, allowing the gesture to linger for an extra moment before flicking his eyes over all present, landing on Satomi with a slight flicker of recognition. "Honorable Bayushi-sama," he started, his words courteous enough, but with a deep mistrust behind his steely grey eyes. "My master, Yasuki Odai-sama, wishes to extend an invitation to join him tonight at his personal estates for dinner, and of course to offer lodgings for you and your companions before you begin your travels again?"
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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 24, 2014 16:56:16 GMT
Shosuro Eiji and his wife Saiki exchanged glances that could mean anything, behind their masks. Bayushi Satomi analyzed the ronin and what it should mean, before answering, after a nod of acknowledging. Please, say to the Governor that I and my friends are honored to be objects of his proverbial hospitality. Assure him that his invitation was warmly welcomed, and we'll be there for dinner, yes, thank you.
She wasn't surprised by the lavishness of Odai's states, but maybe, by its good taste, not so common among the Yasuki. The right amount of practicality and luxury, in such a balanced fashion that a Crane would envy the elegance of the house. She was using a plain black formal kimono with the symbol of her clan embroidered in the back, in red. The garment was a present of her champion Sunetra to her, the glossy silky fabric embracing her body as liquid night, a bit daring and different from her usual fashion. Shosuro Saiki gave her a white camellia to adorn her loose long hair. She wore no mask besides her black eyepatch, and her Kaiu daisho was still with her afterall. It was a present from Umasu-sama for her services to the Kaiu House and the Crab clan during all this time. Touching its tsuba from time to time, during the travel, provided a quite comforting feeling. She had to lay her treasured daisho in the rack at the entrance of the house, such a friend as Odai shouldn't be disonored by her presence carrying a sword into his house. As the Scorpion trio was introduced to Yasuki Odai, she and her clanners bowed as appropriate. She had recently being made one of the Scorpion Champion's yojimbo, another way to say she was a trusted advisor of Bayushi Sunetra, and part of her personal staff. It didn't put Satomi, however, in equality to a governor,as her position was one perceived only "not officially". She smiled sincerely. Yasuki Odai-sama, it's such a pleasure and an honor to see you again.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 24, 2014 18:28:36 GMT
Upon their arrival, Odai presented himself in a most magnanimous manner. He had taken enough time to prepare himself that he did not seem rude, while still maintaining his natural charm and charisma, without giving the impression that he had spent hours primping and preening. As such, he was adorned in a fine dark blue silk kimono, cut in one of the less conservative styles of the Capital that took care to show off his toned form, but was other than that very simply dressed. His long dark hair was loose, perhaps intentionally or perhaps not, dark silk flowing down over his shoulders and framing his twinkling, cold blue eyes.
"Bayushi Satomi-San," he said warmly, a smile splitting his face as he bowed low to his former Clanmate, though his eyes certainly lingered, perhaps for a moment too long, on the cut of her kimono as he greeted her and her two companions. "I must say, of all the guests I have had of late, you are by far the least expected, though perhaps the most welcome."
He gestured to the small table in the middle of his private audience chamber which even then had servants bustling around it like bees to a hive, before motioning something to one of his aides and indicating for his guests to sit. "Have you had rice today, Satomi-san? Honorable Shosuro-samas?"
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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 24, 2014 20:24:02 GMT
Satomi noticed Odai's glances to her outfit, and would blush if she hadn't forgotten what was to blush when she was sixteen. He was, as always, quite charming, somehow as excessively handsome for a Yasuki as Hachi was. Was the gossips about him and Shiba Kaigen true? It was kind of funny, because Odai used to be seen in company of beautiful women prior that. Uhn, sometimes a man just really don't differentiate his lovers…
The day has been nice to us, Odai-sama, as Inari does. Satomi smiled, before introducing her companions. The couple conducted themselves with the usual charm and wit of the Shosuro family, and the conversation progressed as politely and interesting as it should. Of course her companions avoided any embarrassing comment about Kaneka's wedding, focusing their colloquy in a safe topic, such as prospective names for Imperial Consort.
Then, Yasuki-sama, your family is quickly gathering influence in the Imperial affairs, would be a historic feat to have a Imperial consort from the Crab Clan. Unless you're inclined to support your new political allies, the Crane... Shosuro Saiki smiled, as Satomi only sipped her drink, between the dishes.
I haven't any doubt that our clan wouldn't mind to support either candidates, and more than it, would be honored to have a chance to help to find the perfect match for our glorious Empress... Is never too early to start to guarantee heirs for the Toturi dinasty, don't you think? The Shosuro lady fanned herself, languidly. Her husband was far silent than her, during all the dinner.
Satomi was not sure whether the political treatises she was helping to establish between Crane and Crab would be broken, now she was out of the Clan and her intentions could be put in doubt.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 24, 2014 22:07:21 GMT
Odai played the gracious host, snacking on light sushi and sipping on fine sake, though how much he had drank and his level of sobriety was never actually clear, all the while smiling and nodding, interjecting a side note here and cracking a joke there. Every now and again he would sneak in a flirtatious remark to Satomi that would border on scandalous, but all the while he maintained his air of almost casual dismissal of anything serious.
Behind the facade, though, his mind raced, tracing connections, pondering possibilities, and as he scanned Satomi's Shosuro companions, he wondered not for the first time in recent days what the Scorpion's next play would be.
He brought himself back to the present upon hearing the Shosuro woman's question, and gave a warm laugh, his smile disarming to say the least. "As you say, Shosuro-san, the most important thing is securing an heir for our Glorious Empress, and if she decides that such a child would be best born from a union with the Crab then we shall be more than honored to accept such a responsibility." Odai took a long sip from his sake cup, letting the moment sit before progressing.
"In regards to the Crane, well, we have been working very hard to reforge broken friendships, especially in these interesting times. After all, the Empire is strongest united, and we could all use more friends, eh Shosuro-san?" A charming, toothy smile accompanied his words, though the cold fire behind his eyes might betray another emotion, though what it might be is unclear.
Turning his attention once more to Satomi, he slipped right back into his role as the arrogant, charismatic governor, giving her the slyest of winks that would be almost imperceptible to one who was not watching for it. "Tell me, Satomi-san, what brings you to Aiso ni Ryokosha Mura? It is not exactly on the way to Kyuden Bayushi, after all."
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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 24, 2014 22:33:40 GMT
I'm here just to see you before heading home, my dear Governor. She responded as arrogantly as him, and laughed. At this moment, the Shosuro couple, as previously arranged, presented their excuses of a particularly tiresome day of travel and retired for the night. After they left, Satomi said, teasingly keeping eye contact.
What a better souvenir from the Yasuki lands than a final glance at you, or a cup of your exquisite sake? Maybe we have unfinished business, and perhaps, new deals… isn't that promising?
Why don't you show me the view from your balcony, Odai-sama?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 24, 2014 23:33:15 GMT
Odai laughed again, seemingly slightly more at ease in the absence of the Shosuro, though the difference was extremely subtle. "Well if it is my sake you desire, I will be more than happy to send a case with you when you depart, to perhaps remind you of our camaraderie." He finished his sake, pouring himself another cup and offering Satomi the bottle before standing.
"If a final look at me is what you wished, well, I can't say I blame you," he retorted cheekily, the smile on his face of a slightly more devious nature now that they were more or less alone, and he gestured for her to follow out onto his balcony, a gorgeous veranda that looked out across the bay, bastions of storm clouds gathering in the distance.
He remained silent for a moment, breathing in the fresh salt air as he absorbed the view of his home, before looking back to his former comrade. "As for unfinished business, well, there is always more business to be discussed," Odai continued, making eye contact here and there, though never quite lingering, as he sipped more of his sake.
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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 25, 2014 0:45:39 GMT
Ha, very well, I love your sake! She said, wrapping her fingers around the neck of the exquisite bottle and following him to the balcony. That's something I can openly admit!
After enjoying the common silence and admire the sky for a moment, she returned to him. You know, we have much to gain from having common business…Besides, our friendship endured in spite of the turbulent shifts of power… Let me tell you. The Yasuki Provinces are the land I was raised in, defended, fought for. I, as you, don't wish this little piece of land to slip from their rightful owners as easily. It's an important topic for a further conversation that may come to interesting conclusions, though...
Satomi turned her back to the scenery, and faced him, so the sound of her voice wouldn't disperse as easily. It's not my business anymore. However, I'm still a woman with friends and some more urgent facts that may interest you, dear Governor, came to my knowledge…
One of them is that you should be careful… She leaned forward and whispered near his ear. A juzimai wishes you dead, my friend. That's a rumor I've heard from an old friend of mine, a man who understands lots of trading and profit. There's also a man high in the Yasuki hierarchy that wishes you dead.
Then she shifted back to her position, sipping directly from the bottle, a bit thoughtful.
Is it a coincidence?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 26, 2014 4:55:52 GMT
"My dear Satomi-san, I learned long ago that there is very rarely such a thing as coincidence."
While his smile and flirtatious demeanor remained intact, it seemed to be the first truly sincere comment he had yet made that evening.
"I am well used to men wishing me dead; it comes with the territory of the business in which I deal. This rumor of my own kinsman, however, is troubling indeed, though I suppose not too much of a surprise given both my family's recent history and recent events."
Odai looked out over the bay yet again, sails of ships filing into port as the sun disappeared behind the approaching storm clouds, absorbing the vista before him. He looked contemplative for a moment, almost letting his roguish charm slip, but quickly recovered by returning Satomi's eye contact before continuing.
"And if I were to come into some confrontation between this man, through whatever agents he may employ, tell me, my friend; could I count on you for assistance, if it were so required?"
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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 26, 2014 14:22:55 GMT
I'd wish to say so, though you're a so savvy man that seems to not need any help on this. Do you? She arched an eyebrow, as Odai seemed so confident he could deal with any threats alone. She also noticed that he was very reticent to her… color changes, of course.
However, my friend, I keep loyal to those which are my friends. You and I surely stepped over on the deals of someone very interested in having profit of the current situation your family is right now.
We apparently invaded the territory one thought it was "his" alone, when we proposed new business to the Crane in name of the Crab. She put the bottle of sake aside, noticing she was again behaving like a Crab General on the Wall, no matter how finely dressed. So, whoever is going after you, probably will try to go after me. She completed.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 26, 2014 19:21:22 GMT
Odai picked up the sake, pulling deep and sighing in contentment as he took another moment of silent contemplation. He looked at her again, his expression strange for a moment. "I never forget my friends, Satomi-san. And if your suspicions are correct and we face a common enemy, well, then our friendship will need to grow even stronger."
He put the bottle down, his tone slightly changed as well, less now the charming governor and more the calculating businessman. "I know of a man, the one behind the recent tragedy at Kaneka's wedding. Not his true name, I fear, but he goes by 'Saikan'. He may be connected some way to these whispers of which you speak. As to our works with the Crane, the men behind these recent attacks on my family also have deep roots there, so I believe I will indeed need your help if everything we have worked so hard to achieve will collapse."
Breaking the rules of polite society, he faced her full on, cold blue eyes looking straight at hers as he reached out and took her hand. "We may no longer be family, but you know that all I have done is to preserve the Empire; you have fought alongside me to do so. As such, know that if you ever need anything, anything at all, I will do everything in my power to assist you." He released her hands, seemingly surprised at his own actions for a moment, before the mask of charm returned.
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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 26, 2014 22:34:56 GMT
She looked up to him, as he spoke so sincerely, and mentioned nothing about his hands holding hers, though her first thought was "Awn, Odai-sama!!!! Pretty eyes!"
A small smile spurted on her lips. I hope you won't regret this promise anytime soon, my friend!
Now… Saikan…?! This is not a name I've heard before… Probably, as you said, it's not his real name, but I'm sure…. He has total interest in controlling what goes on in the Yasuki lands, and it makes me wonder… Why right now? Why Lady Reiha was activated right now? Who wishes to have Kaneka far away from the Yasuki lands, the Crab leadership weakened, so the birds of prey can delight themselves in the spoils of this so blessed piece of land?
She sighed.
I've heard of a real name, though. Someone who tried to recruit the honorable Kousei-sama to "their elite of free-thinkers", you know? Refusing had put the Iron Crane in a delicate position and he did what whatever honorable samurai would do in his situation: challenged his recruiter again she leaned over and whispered Asahina Gonhiro for a duel.
Case is… Kousei-sama has a good informant, a ronin named "Kanjiro", who know names, who know faces… I'm sure this man knows who the man within the ranks of the Yasuki is, this "Saikan". Kousei-sama knows Kanjiro's face, and probably can find him again.
Satomi put a strand of silky raven hair behind the ear.
Gonhiro can have the best duelists at his disposal… And I'm not sure if we can afford losing someone as Daidoji Kousei by our side. Can we do something... without offending the Crane?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on May 27, 2014 5:11:22 GMT
Odai leaned back, crossing his arms in thought as he looked out over the water again. "How very interesting. I knew that Daidoji-san had requested to challenge somebody, though not the reason behind said events, but this is..." He seemed to be lost in his thoughts for a moment, eyes narrowed as one could almost see the thoughts clicking and turning behind his eyes.
"How very lucky we are that Daidoji Kousei proved to be a trustworthy man," he said finally, after a moment of thoughtful silence. "I leave for Crane lands in several days, as it happens, so perhaps I may have to seek him out and further discuss this meeting with him. As to his opponent, well, I do not know how best to go about assisting Daidoji-san, but I know one thing for sure." His tone became deadly cold as true anger flared behind his eyes, a rare occurrence.
"Under no circumstances can I allow that man to live."
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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 27, 2014 13:45:49 GMT
Satomi silently observed the handosme Governor, analyzing his reactions. Well my friend, I'm glad you and I think so alike…Not everyone in the Crane is unworthy of our trust… In fact, it got me quite surprised that I received some support from Crane in a moment I wasn't expecting.
She turned to the landscape once again, leaning on the balustrade. However… This is an excellent moment to turn the table to either sides in a place that can make yet greater damage if in the wrong hands… And soon the Crab will need a new champion… but also, a new hatamoto… A pawn of theirs in any of the positions would be a disaster. She stated, showing another of her preoccupations. Ahhh... Once again, the old Satomi is showing. She realized her faux pas. Bayushi Satomi looked back to him over her shoulder, Forgive me, it's hard to get rid of old habits... I must keep my mouth shut, it seems, until I manage to tame "the Crab within"...
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