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 23, 2014 23:22:41 GMT
Surely was not blind otherwise this was the oddest waking dream ever heard of. Hopefully it would have a good ending. To his relief his missives had been received. He had damn well sent enough of the things tonight. everyone truly took their sweet time sending reinforcements. Though even he did not expect the Kaiu Daimyo to be immediately present.
He certainly didn't expect to be put on the spot to regale his detailed accounting of their findings throughout the investigation, which now that the culprit was made out made entirely more sense then when first written. He stopped as soon as the hand went up lest the wrath of the Kaiu Daimyo himself.
Then it was over as soon as it started and he shot a glance over at Satomi whom was simply stunned he would guess.
"He was not present at the building we investigated nor was he at home. I can only guess that he already took what he can and left Daimyo." which was mostly true.. though the latter he suspected happened at a certain time. One dead parent was enough for one day.
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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 Jul 24, 2014 23:58:36 GMT
Satomi thought in the practical things she ought to do regarding Reiko's body, and most sensible things like telling her grandfather about the family's shame. She gladly bowed to her superiors when she was given leave to take care of such things, just overhearing the information that Izo was assigned to find out Kaiu Keitaro. Of course, once the man was out of Crab provinces, technically it was out of the Clan magistracy jurisdiction, and would demand a lot of bureaucracy to put the Crab pincers on him, so it was a matter of time… and some luck.
Not entirely relieved, she proceeded with the formalities, reuniting with her family and seeing his grandfather, a son of daimyo, ashamed and silent.
She finally returned for his house within the wall of the Watchtower of the East, its interior more fitting to a scorpion decadent and luxurious estate than a functional Crab residence; her home, nevertheless (or until the daimyo decided otherwise) and wondered about what to do next.
The only thing she knew is that her grandparents decided to marry her as soon as possible into the clan, and in the next days she should receive the visit of a nakodo…
Perhaps…
She couldn't help but to have hope.
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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 25, 2014 14:43:20 GMT
Izo took the duty of tracking down Kaiu keitaro as outwardly enthusiastic as any other task he was given which was to say On firmly in place and a from nod. To eyes watching his progress he did everything in his power to catch the man. The truth was far more elusive. Rumors that Izo had let the man go pervaded quietly and others even mentioning that he helped the man escape. Whatever the circumstances Keitaro escaped the Crab provinces and vanished into obscurity. As with so many things in his life only Izo would know the full truth of his actions.
The news he had received about his next posting had been vague and hinted at being moved to somewhere even further from he wall. Of course with his perceived success his own parents were dashing around looking for potential candidates. The whole thought of marriage made him sigh inwardly even as he found his way to Satomi's humble abode.
He announced his presence to one of the servants whom in turn notified Satomi that Hida Izo was there to see her. As dour as ever he waited in one of the rooms dedicated to such a purpose. She had quite the place and he found himself admiring the quality of his surroundings.
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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 Jul 25, 2014 15:54:01 GMT
Not sure whether Izo's arrival at her home meant he still liked her as much as bringing her news about her father's death or it had another reasons, Satomi showed at the room where he waited. Considering his face a bit like the same as ever, she dismissed the first option, which relieved her greatly.
Now I realize you've never been here before.
She wasn't sure how thing were between them. The last night together involved unsheathed blades towards each other, and his protective embrace saving both from death… She should fell at his knees and ask for forgiveness, and so she did.
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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 25, 2014 19:19:50 GMT
Could tell she was relieved and that in itself made the trip worth it. best to just leave some mysteries a mystery then.
"Indeed not, but it doesn't really matter." he shrugged.
Then when she fell at his knees and asked forgiveness he blinked. Taken completely by surprise. He looked around and there was no one about.. he sighed softly and knelt down in front of her and wrapped his arms around her in a hug.
"I cannot give you my forgiveness for there is no reason to be asked. If anything I should be asking you Satomi." at least she had done this in private had it been more public he was not sure how he would have handled it.
"You know how I get.. I should have been born to a beserker family and saved you the trouble."
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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 Jul 25, 2014 19:45:54 GMT
Crab clan was the most "touching" samurai, due the nature of their duty. Training, fighting, carrying survivors, helping companions and even sometimes, cheering, was not considered "touch". Though such caring hug, and outside those aforementioned exceptions to the rule… it would have shocked the faint of heart. At 18, Satomi wasn't shy though wasn't expecting for that as well. A berserker? What a waste… Her voice was muffled by his chest (it was apropriate, and, let's face it, it was comfortable as well). And… Izo… You are touching me, do you know that?
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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 25, 2014 20:08:15 GMT
Chuckles a bit at her first comment.
He wasn't sure what to say to her second and instead just shrugged "You did not complain the last time and you looked as though you needed it. If that makes me a bad Samurai then so be it."
He let his arms slip from her and moved to a more proper sitting position "Are you doing well? Given the circumstances at least?" he decided to ask finally. He probably knew given her state and how vulnerable she seemed to be, but it never hurt to check before discussing things.
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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 Jul 25, 2014 20:28:03 GMT
So, she was truly apologizing and he took this as weakness… She felt her blood run faster, but controlled her reactions to his insult. However the spontaneity was lost; she called a servant and offered more tea, using the time to recollect from her shame.
I'm well, "given the circumstances". How about you? I've heard your work has been much praised since then.
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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 25, 2014 22:43:29 GMT
Damn what the hell did he say? His only indication he had dome something wrong was the tiniest bit of irritation that seeped through her voice causing him to raise an eyebrow as if to say 'what the hell did I do?' This trip was looking like a horrible idea. Perhaps was indeed like her mother in the fact nothing ever seemed to please the woman.
"Undeserved praise. Last I heard they were trying to figure out what to do with me. Mother has been acting more like a Matsu and trying to marry me off to anyone that will listen."
His tone at the last sentence indicating he was really not looking forward to whomever the type she was trying to arrange getting him married too.
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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 Jul 25, 2014 23:34:33 GMT
Izo, clueless? You are better than that, Izo… Always perceptive, unless when it's convenient not to be. You ol'big mouth just spat your thoughts… Amnot too muscular to take care of myself in a word of ogre-women and ogre-men? Or too blind? Or too fragile? I'll show you who is the weaker here! If that was not a severe case of PMS, she was on the verge of a serious emotional breakdown.
Satomi sipped her tea, thinking that was exactly how her mother would react... But her father was more like:
They're trying to find me a marriage within the clan too… Today I received a letter from my grandmother from the Scorpion side. Among other things, she manifests their desire in having me married within their clan as well… Well, it's not what my family here wants, but I think it'll involve more than my opinion in the matter.
And sincerely, I've heard that they're thinking in your name to assume a military ranking here in the Yasuki Provinces… You showed to be smart enough to be kept in the Eastern Front.
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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 25, 2014 23:56:37 GMT
Was truely perceptive man until it came to people he wasn't trying to break down into the sum of their parts not withstanding the fact Satomi had always been a bit of a blind spot on him.
His eyebrows raised at the mention of a military appointment. then narrowed ever so slightly.
"It will never happen. It would be a gift to me to be able to fight on the battlefield rarely does the Champion grant anyone favors." or the Kami, or the Fortunes, or the Wheel. Truely everyone and thing was out to get him all at once.
"I have not heard anything of your next appointment, but I have been rather busy as you know. How did your grandparents take the news?"
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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 Jul 26, 2014 1:23:58 GMT
My next appointment… It depends on my daimyo… or even on our Champion… I know nothing about a new appointment, right now I'm under special leave from my duties as magistrate. She sincerely said, as it was true.
Now… Will it never happen? Probably because you, born into the proud and ancient branch of Hida lineage, skilled warrior, top of the class, proven in the Wall and beyond, as well in the intricacies of law, has the only wish to have a death worth of pyre and a free shot of sake for everyone, and nothing more. That's waste, and I say: if you wish to be a chui, a taisa, a shireikan perhaps, or even a general, you should stop listening to the voice in your head saying you are being denied your destiny. However, you must show a bit of ambition!
Her voice was calm as ever, but she was serious. I don't know why you insist in thinking your muscles are your best feature. Crab leaders find muscles everywhere up and down the provinces. You came with a brain, so c'mon, just settle with the idea you do better things than throw yourself against an oni.
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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 26, 2014 2:55:57 GMT
Nodded when she spoke of not knowing her next assignment. Surely the daimyo and the champion had to be involved given the pervasive nature of the corruption instilled by her parents. Her words took a bit of a toll on him and he sat a moment contemplating them. She was probably right, she was far more intelligent then himself and far more insightful.
"Is it really such a crime to have simple needs and wants Satomi? To be a man without ambition and seeking only to serve his Clan in the way he thinks suits him best? I could spend the whole of my life on the wall as a hohei and I would not be disappointed." he paused a moment to take a sip of his tea and rub his throat.
"They will not send me back to the wall. I know this. If they send me east then what? Slaughter the other clans wholesale over some slight they perceived due to us thinking we have more important things to do but observe every annoying little nicety required of us by Courtesy in a court?"
He took a deep breath and looked at her sternly, he had never told exactly why he had been sent off the wall though she could have probably figured it out with a few inquiries here and there. It was a moment in his life that had both freed him and caged him all in the same moment.
"What is my best feature? To walk around and watch people? Break down their little ticks and eye movements until I can understand them without a word being spoken? To see each person even the people I know and love as a potential threat to the Clan? It is no gift I bear. It is a curse."
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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 Jul 26, 2014 3:33:31 GMT
Hida-no-kami wished to be his siblings' ruler, but he was beaten by Hantei-no-kami in the tournament. Eventually he found something better suited to his talents, his determination, his strong will and intelligence; that's what we do in his name since then. And that, my friend, was what was truly needed. Duty is not about your wants, about living content being hohei, but doing your best WHERE your talent will make the difference, no matter what. Not using one's talent, is like acting "starving Togashi".
She stared at him.
Think about that. You are not suited to be a berserker or a common hohei, no matter how much you dream of it, Izo… And let me tell why: if you were, you wouldn't be listening to me right now; you'd not even sat in front of me, discussing such things. We both know that they don't have the necessary discipline for such.
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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 26, 2014 16:38:48 GMT
"Then you suggest I trust in the judgment of those higher in station to provide that then use that station to my fullest potential? I have never been an ambitious person, even you know I am not selfish. I do want to give my all to my clan, but knowing the path we are meant to take is not always as easy as it sounds."
Damn, there she was again making him sound smart.
"I do not believe that.. even if i was a beserker I would sit and listen to a friend I trust and care for as greatly as you."
She did have a point though, not that he had to enjoy it. He sat quietly for the next moment sipping his tea as his eyes were lost in thought somewhat.
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