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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 27, 2014 17:26:52 GMT
Excellent. Everyone was so busy with the Hida I can claim to have finished my tale without any real worries about it being the center of attention.
Leaving me free to wait out the storm in relative peace.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 27, 2014 17:58:31 GMT
Kasumi made a mental note to check Hida Izo's history with the magistrates to see what cases he had been assigned to. As a matter of fact, she had to do the same thing with her investigations into the Kolat, so maybe she could have him in her group if he had gotten some experience in that kind of investigation. And having a Hida would also be useful if they had to bust open a Kolat den. But for now she had to wait until the rain had ended, although she liked the storytelling. Maybe they could switch to poetry later, although there she would probably lose the others. She knew Kaigen and most Hida and Matsu weren't known for their poetry, although they could surprise her there.
"This calls for something extra," she said, snapping her finger to the innkeeper. "Do you have Friendly Traveler sake," she asked him. "Yes I have, Tsuruchi-sama," the innkeeper said. "Bring us a round of that then," she said. He bowed and left, quickly returning with another bottle of sake. "To the code of Bushido," Kasumi said when all the cups had been filled.
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
Water: 4
Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 27, 2014 18:06:30 GMT
Friendly Traveller was not a gift to be passed up, nor could one remain silent on such a toast with any honour. Somewhat timidly Torako picked up her glass and answered the toast with a small bow of her head.
"Taro-san. It would seem that we have all shared a story of sorts, on one of the tenants of Bushido. It seems only fair that you regale us with one of your own. What will you find in that bag for yourself I wonder?"
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 27, 2014 18:27:44 GMT
He had truely outdone himself in this company for sure. Friendly Traveller sake! It almost made him feel bad about... ah nevermind. He answered the toast with typical Hida fanfare and drank his cup down. So much Sake and so little time. As Torako posed the question to Taro he found himself intrigue on what he would say to everything so far.
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Post by The Storyteller on Jul 27, 2014 20:51:06 GMT
Taro just listened and observed the events developing around him, then graciously accepted the sake when offered, and replied to the young woman at his side:
Matsu-san, long time ago, during the ever celebrated reign of Hantei Yugozohime, the Imperial Palace opened a dojo where only the most accomplished samurai of the Empire could apply, and only after being nominated by their clan's champions. Being so, every student of this dojo was representing his own clan in the very palace of the Empress.
"Their sensei was a man of great wisdom, in all excellent. In fact, his role was even superior to what they call today Ruby Champion, and the respect due to him totally deserved. However, all men are mortal, and this wise sensei one day was meant to die as everyone. Knowing his remaining days were short, the sensei asked to his selected students a single thing:
Before I die, if what I taught to you was worth of my humble request, I ask you to find in the type of person you despise the most, something good enough to be learned from them. When you find the answer, return to this dojo and write on this wall what you've found.
Not long after, the sensei died and his former students decided to follow his last wish, knowing it was indeed the ultimate lesson their sensei left to them. They didn't say, however, to where they were going, so to not embarrass their dojo companions by telling them the type of person they despised the most. Because, as you may imagine, they're from different clans, and had different point of views about each other.
The Scorpion of this tale, for example, had deep despise for persons who, according him, used Honor as excuse for feeling superior, and doing nothing. And the Phoenix samurai, secretly hated when perceived as weak by the ones using Duty as excuse for Condescendence. The Crab, however, was always losing his temper when faced with people who used to use Sincerity as words only, and not deeds. Lion student abhorred when how Loyalty was misperceived by some, namely cause of twisted deeds. And so on… As told by the storyteller before me. Living some time along other clans did nothing, in fact, to change their former opinions. Probably it reinforced their perceptions about the problem. Faithful to their promises to the late sensei, though, they travelled back to their former dojo and wrote on the wall their findings, and after that, disappointed as their sensei probably had an unrealistic vision of the world, they returned to their homes and lives. The last to return, found the wall scribbled all over:
"I learned nothing."
And this one, at least, learned something."
After finishing his tale, the pilgrim took the last sip from this cup, and apologized for his lack of refinement as storyteller. Standing, he said:
It was a very entertaining night, heroes. There are more in the darkness than weird storytellers and predictable monsters, if you know where to look... Days ahead are dire, you probably will need to learn to appreciate one another's companies and qualities more than you do today... For now, I bid you farewell.
The lanterns lights flickered again, and in a glimpse of eye, the pilgrim's form showed his true appearance, for the briefest of the moments. A legendary tengu, or Kenku, his jet black feathers glistening with raindrops when he reached the door, and disappeared into the stormy dark night.
OCC: this is the last Storyteller intervention, however the story goes as you see fit. Please send PM telling which traits (from the ones marked as "emphase" you wish as reward for this mandate.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 28, 2014 5:07:03 GMT
Kaigen set his sake down, his calm expression never flickering.
"I appear to have had enough for one evening."
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 28, 2014 11:17:23 GMT
Izo matched the gesture.
"Well said."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 28, 2014 12:02:39 GMT
"That was a surprise," Kasumi said, "a Kenku is not a common sight in the empire." She looked outside, seeing it was still raining. "How about we do something else," she suggested, "somehow I don't think you're in for a poetry contest, but maybe a game of shogi or go?"
She knew that Kaigen wasn't a poet, except maybe with the blade, but neither the innkeeper nor the city guards would appreciate that kind of poetry. She didn't know the others and people had a way to surprise you, but both Hida and Matsu were also not known for their poets. Actually neither were the Tsuruchi, but she was and while the others here might not know, her parents had already published some of her stuff, mostly things written when she was recovering from the bandit attack she had just told about.
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Matsu Torako
Lion Clan
Posts: 17| Likes: 10
Rings: Air: 3
Earth: 3
Fire: 5
Water: 4
Void: 1
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Post by Matsu Torako on Jul 28, 2014 19:53:31 GMT
Torako eyes the glass of sake warily, she had only had a sip or two, so she was sure that she was not drunk. Surely only a handful of people could claim to see what she had done. Hopefully it was an auspicious start to her career. The Matsu could not help be a little put out that he had not stuck around to teach her a few sword tricks though. It was unlikely she would ever meet one again, and their skills were said to be legendary.
"I would be honoured to play one of you in go, if you would wish it"
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 29, 2014 0:56:12 GMT
He was unsure of the company he was in suddenly.. poetry? Games? At least when he spent time among the eta the games were simple.. kick the ball through the hoop and the farthest kick wins such utter beautiful simplicity. Of course when your biggest challenge is a 4' tall child winning was rather easy..
Hmm what was he thinking again? Ah yes.. the refined company he was in.. despite his earlier protest he took another sip of his sake. If something WAS in the sake it surely wouldn't kill a crab.
"I would be more inclined to a drinking contest." surely he could not lose such a contest.. two women and a Imperial Legionnaire.. a Phoenix one at that. It almost seemed like child's play. That and the group might be inclined to forget their gifts from the Tengu and he could take them off their hands for safe keeping.. and an inspection by a Jade Magistrate..
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 29, 2014 6:36:48 GMT
"I have little talent for games."
He pointedly avoided looking directly at any of the three, so as not to claim any particular game as the reason for his lack of interest.
And let's not forget, Kasumi has seen what you do have a talent for. Some people ferret out secrets. Some people are fun to be around. I turn men into corpses.
"But if you wish to play, do not let my lack of skill interfere."
I still need to process what that Kenku said.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 29, 2014 6:47:02 GMT
"A game of go it is then," Kasumi said, requesting a board from the innkeeper. Almost all innkeepers had one or two go boards and they quickly received it. "Sorry, Hida-san," she said to Izo, "but I have a lot of things to do tomorrow and I'd rather not have a splitting headache. Maybe another time."
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Bayushi Izo
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 245| Likes: 75
Rings: Earth:5 Water:4 Fire:3 Air:3 Void:1
Scorpion Hatamoto
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Post by Bayushi Izo on Jul 29, 2014 18:49:36 GMT
Swept up his bead of Courtesy and dispensed it away and out of sight upon his person. So much for that plan. He made a dismissive sound as the two woman magistrates set about engaging in a game of Go. Perhaps he should engage in going out of the inn.. rain didn't bother him all that much and he carried nothing perishable.. there was alot of sake to drink yet however.. so he contented himself to enjoying that particular bounty instead. "What are you all going to do with your Kenku gifts?"
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jul 29, 2014 21:05:37 GMT
"I have no idea."
Kaigen eyed his Sincerity bead with mild distrust.
If it turns out to be some kind of Kenku prank... eh, if that's the case, then it's too late to do anything about it.
"But as I will be in the presence of one of the Elemental Masters at the end of my journey, I may seek advice there."
"Sorry your letter's an illegible mess, but here, have this bead a Kenku gave me while I sat in an inn telling stories! Say, that's a mighty big rock you have there-"
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 30, 2014 7:28:13 GMT
"I'll keep it," Kasumi said, "according to the stories, Kenku are associated with Shinsei and while they do pranks from time to time, they are not malevolent. At least not from the stories I've heard." In the meantime the go board had been brought and Kasumi indicated to Torako that she could start.
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