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 Aug 17, 2014 18:50:16 GMT
"I am sure you can be quite persuasive.. besides it might be a bit of a curiosity for her to meet with a Crab who actually wants to talk to a Scorpion." he couldn't recall at that exact moment what she meant but he shrugged all the same.
"My Clan can be short sighted when it comes to such things and it might prove an opportunity to pave the way for future diplomacy." if he didn't set fire to the bridge first... "Besides if I started a conversation with it to my advantage i might not know what to do with my good fortune." he joked.
"Little surprises me these days. My training as both an Emerald and my time spent amongst the Dragon serve me well in that regard."
"Shall we call it an evening here then? You can send a message to *room location*"
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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 Aug 17, 2014 20:01:13 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg It might be so... Satomi shrugged as well. But she already refused a personal request from your Champion and Shogun, so just be careful, ok?
She raised, waiting him to follow her: No, I not going to lose the opportunity of scare them as hell and put them working the way I like, finally.
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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 Aug 18, 2014 0:18:11 GMT
Smiled when she told him to be careful. He could say that he would be, but lying to to the person closest to him would accomplish little but cheapen their friendship. As she raised he re donned his kabuto and the mempo that left only his eyes visible before standing and giving her a curt nod.
"It would be my great honor to put them in their place." he made ready to follow her back to her quarters which under different circumstances would be quite the thrill. Tonight however he got to have some fun followed by some dreary investigative work to find a spook perpetrated by her new Clan.
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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 Aug 18, 2014 0:54:31 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg While the heavy rain didn't show signs of relenting so soon, only an occasional lightning would provide a bit more of luminosity while they crossed the corridors of the Scorpion's quarters in Kyuden Seppun. The corridors were silent, dimly lit, and empty, but for the attentive guards in their shifts. The door was slid open as soon as she reached it. The two servants sleeping by it hid very well the surprise of Satomi bringing a guest to her room. One of them rushed to light up a new lantern, under Satomi's frown while the other rolled their mats shut without doing a single noise. From the view of the undone futon still with the contour of her body, some personal objects out of place and the indefectible scent of cinnamon and jasmine lingering in the air, it was obvious Satomi didn't lie about the quality of her borrowed servants. In a glimpse, both women were nowhere to be seen. Satomi shrugged. See? They are very fast in becoming invisible and fleeing. Too fast for me, I guess.
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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 Aug 25, 2014 22:16:23 GMT
He could not help but keep his eyes on the walls and his surroundings as he walked. He did not trust most Scorpion, but he could say he had friends if not acquaintances throughout the whole of the Empire due to his help in dealing with 'problems' efficiently and accurately. Contacts he would have to draw in to full effect before the year was out he figured. In his musing he glanced over at Satomi, pondering what to tell her if anything at all. Would she approve? Would she despise him? Hell he knew little enough about how she felt without reading into her and as always he refrained. Sure it made her a blind spot, but one had to trust someone otherwise he may as well just walk into the shadowlands and kill as many of the bastards until the taint claimed him.
Her servants did not lack in efficacy in attempting to placate her guest if nothing else by lighting up a lantern and running.
"No doubt to run to their true masters and inform them of your guest." meeting as they did before could be easily explained away. Now at her room he almost had second thoughts until he remembered he cared little for the pandering and games of others unless it benefited him to become embroiled.
"Some might guess you are just trying to rouse the rabble with your stunt." letting out a soft grumble of a sound meant to be a half chuckle half hmph, but distorted due to his scarring.
"The jasmine and cinnamon yours?" peculiar and familiar somehow.. and he wasn't afraid to let it show on what little was visible of his features.
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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 Aug 25, 2014 22:53:51 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg That's ok. Your mother is not around and that's the only opinion that could matter...
She teased, Yes, that's expensive perfume, I can use it now I'm far fromt eh Wall... someone once said it was highly inappropriate even in the Court back at Kyuden Hida... But I like it anyway. Now, social fanciness aside, let me show you the hidden door... saying so, she passed by him and slid partially the rich paneling on a wall, revealing the entrance of a dark and narrow passage.
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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 Aug 25, 2014 23:17:31 GMT
He gave an indignant hmph at her tease.
"My siblings are still fond of me, but were it not for my position they would no doubt have tried to disown me." his slight annoyance had grown into full blown despise in recent years and he was happily awaiting her death or until she stopped being so stubborn about what she felt her son should be doing and accepted him for being Dutiful to the whole Empire and not just what the Crab considered of importance.
"Not even a grand tour. Your manners have not dulled with the passage of the years." it was a hard to read tone, but one she could probably gather was joking. Humor came hard to a man that had issue without changing his voice.
"At least your appreciation for others opinions hasn't changed.." watching as she slid the panel.. shoddy work.. was everything outside Crab lands built like an eta farmer shack? Some prejudices were hard to shake..
"Any guess where it goes or should I just go surprise whomever might be hiding within? Or did you build this little passageway to get me into your room?" knowing his luck it lead to the Empress private bathing chambers.. and she would be there perhaps he would get invited though.. hmm.. decisions decisions..
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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 Aug 26, 2014 0:06:20 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg Was surprised about his revelation on his family's matters… She wasn't aware of the fact, but truth be told, why should she? Satomi abstained of commenting it, frowning at the thought of a family she always thought to be an example of Crab honor, being so mean like that. Uhn, I must admit that building a passageway to get you in my room really occurred me, though I dismissed it thinking it was a bit cliché and you know, I like to think myself a creative person. I absolutely will review my concepts of good tricks from now on. She commented casually, while lighting up another lantern. Now, about a grand tour… That's my daisho rack, and up there behind that pile of things, my ceremonial armor… My formal kimono on the other dummy, and my toiletries over the vanity… And that's my undone bed… Aside my daisho rack, you can try everything else… Shamelessly joking, she continued: Well, about this black pit of a closet, no, like I said I was attacked when I entered it, and I tell you, it's impossible to make any wide movement inside this corridor… Since then, I've been postponing and postponing… probably because I'm scared as hell.
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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 Aug 26, 2014 1:08:19 GMT
He had meant just his parents after reviewing what he said and shrugged he could correct it later. No doubt his parents were afaid of the fact his younger siblings might follow their older brothers footsteps and start a long line of Crab Emerald Magistrates to destabilize the political order of things.. that thought in itself almost made him schedule a trip back home that instant..
He grinned behind his mempo.
"Ah so you admit you were trying to get me here." he said accusingly. "Well I like to think that certain things are cliche because they are so effective." he looked around as she gave the grand tour..for a yojimbo they seemed rather.. petite, but he had little room to talk to that effect for a Chief Emerald Magistrate his quarters were akin to a fancy closet..
"Well my bed is cold and uncomfortable so perhaps I can try it out when we explore this mysterious tunnel of yours." after he said it he realized that last bit sounded dreadful. He returned to more serious matters then that debacle.. Though she admitted to being afraid.. a cardinal sin to Samurai and she admitted it to him of all people. In a way it gave him hope that the distance of years hadn't damaged them, granted it certainly added many years of unknown history that he would like to catch up on if he had the chance..
"Then I will proceed with utmost caution as I would not further the effect by getting injured. Let us banish the demons from this place. Watch my back Satomi?" her name didn't needed to be added in that way, but it was in his own way a gesture of mutual comfort, silent feelings, and desire to do right by her.
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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 Aug 26, 2014 11:45:04 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg Your bed… cold? That's something I've never imagined! She exaggerated a supposed shock. Now, the last part of his speech sounded naughty enough to get a chuckle from her. What could her do but laugh? Now, as she made sure to sound fragile and get her old Izo once again where she likes him… She made sure to get a tanto, a very useful thing in a narrow place like that, and followed him in the black pitch passageway. Well, she whispered at his back, maybe this lovely tunnel can take us to the upper floor, where the Imperial Family resides and boy, knowing one of the Toturi brothers had the opportunity of spying me in my most exposed moments, is quite thrilling!
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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 Aug 29, 2014 20:56:15 GMT
"Ahh so you have imagined me in bed? That is no surprise."
He lead the way into the mysterious tunnel lantern low so he didn't completely lose his vision in the darkness. As she spoke he raised an eyebrow she couldn't see.
"Those.. would not be the words I would use.." a murder where the body wasn't found would be more interesting.. or better to get a rival framed then take the blame oneself.
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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 Aug 29, 2014 23:43:49 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg Rumors on the wall, baby... But it was more than ten years ago, things may have changed, uhn?As they advanced in a slight ascend, Satomi understood it was probably a route of escape as old as the Empire itself. Well maintained, in fact, the tunnel probably wasn't the only one; now, when Kyuden Seppun once again hosted in a semi permanent fashion an Emperor and its entourage, the castle was overcrowded… They had to provide quarters to everyone and that's how Satomi ended with a secret door as bonus. The air was damp, stale and stifling, the ceiling was too low for Izo or even her to walk straight. Walking cautiously behind the Hida, she counted the steps and knew they indeed reached the floor immediately above; one of the walls of the narrow passageway was now just a wooden panel, thick enough to muffle the sounds a bit or to prevent a blade or spear from easily piercing through it, but surely not as thick as the other wall, made of stone. They were now on the floor reserved for the Imperial Family. As far as she knew, this tunnel could indeed be leading them to the Toturi II Private Quarters. Satomi touched Izo's shoulder, in a silent request to return. If their presence were spotted from now on, they're indeed in a big problem. That's when they heard a door sliding close to them, the ruffle of fabrics, furniture being arranged, and rush of feet. Tensing her muscles, Satomi remained static, not knowing how much the people on the other side could hear. After a while, new steps, some coming and other going, and the door slid shut again. Satomi never thought she'd be in this situation, but maybe for someone like Izo, it wasn't exactly a novelty. After a moment, the almost instantly recognizable voice (for Satomi, at least) of Bayushi Sunetra was heard: Naseru-san, your words were strong enough to make the Empress soften in her position. Your wit never ceases to impress me.
Naseru laughed, delighted. Satomi held her breath. They absolutely shouldn't be listening whatever was up to be said from now on.
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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 Aug 30, 2014 4:50:24 GMT
He didn't respond to her question as it was rhetorical.. or was it? Damned woman always confused him whenever she was around which was probably part of her charm and allure.. A mental sigh given as the passage cramped low, he half expected it as a the world of small people rarely accommodated themselves to those of the larger variety. Thankfully tunnels were crab business or at the very least the crab claimed sole ownership weather or not it was the case.
As the walls thinned he took greater care to move slower and quieter, perhaps a little too familiar with being stealthy then a Samurai had any right to be. Just one of many skills that made him wonder how Satomi ended up a Scorpion and him staying a Crab. Though if he could read minds he would have o doubt put up a fight about how it wasn't a novelty true or not. One had to maintain appearances at times and being a huge sneaky Crab did not put the populace at ease.
At the touch to return he was about to nod and froze when he heard sound.. of course in a uncomfortable position, partially turned. At least if someone came through the wall he could return them the same direction..
As he heard words he strained his ears to listen intently. It wasn't often one got good information first hand. Personally he preffered half-people or even lower to keep watch for him for the simple fact noone paid attention to peasants.
Naseru? he mentally intoned to himself, why was that name familiar?
They had little choice but to remain silent and overhear the conversation.
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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 Aug 30, 2014 12:49:40 GMT
rokuganee2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/sat-scorpion.jpg Satomi heard rumors about how Sunetra and Naseru were close while he lived in Ryoko Owari, but she was busy fighting and living her own life to give importance to this political/personal fact of the Scorpion Champion and The Anvil lives. When it was announced Sezaru would marry not the Scorpion, and not Naseru, she's got a bit surprised, but once again, she was dealing with the other crazy events at Winter Court to give it further thought. The next words of the couple showed that more people also haven't been paying attention to it as they should have. I'm glad you support my poor attempts to help the Empire, Sunetra. The Empress has great insights in managing her brothers' marriages, though she forgets the example is always the best way to govern. I merely remembered her that the rulers of Rokugan have more duties than just defeating the enemies of the Empire.
I know she wasn’t exactly pleased with me or my brothers pushing this subject on her Imperial Personage, but I'm glad she did listen to me, afterall. Hai. The Glorious Empress shall marry soon, securing an heir is important.
A long silence followed Sunetra's words, and Satomi could only infer more was being said through eyes than anything else. By the way, Sunetra my dear friend, something in his stressing of these words made it look more like a business relationship than a real friendship, but maybe Satomi was just imagining things, I've met my fiancée, she's young and intelligent, I can't help but being fond of her already. I'm sorry my two brothers didn't have my luck… That wasn't the plan, you know… Two little ladies with so much potential… I'm must say I'm more than irritated, I'm disappointed.While the conversation was thrilling enough, Satomi noticed that her side was tingling. Unconsciously she'd been pressing her side on the stone wall out of tension, as she, too, was caught in an uncomfortable position when they first heard the voices. She shifted her height slightly, and it only made her notice her right leg was now tingling too. Meanwhile, Naseru laughed once again. Sorry if I look skeptical, I just wish to make sure our friendship remain the same. Yes it does, Naseru-san, you should know I do not fail my word. She laughed, though Satomi already knew a bit of her Mistress to identify it wasn't a spontaneous reaction. Dear Sunetra, you are a Scorpion, that's what I must expect from you… Yes, you're right, Naseru-san… but my sting will be sweet, I promise.
Again they laughed, this time spontaneously. Naseru then said: Now, to secure my noble brothers remain in their places… The Wolf is my problem alone. Now, your bastard brother is gathering new supporters… the sort I've never expected him to get… What are you talking about, Lady Scorpion?
New silence, and then, in a sudden, Sunetra's voice was next to them, by the other side of the wall. Satomi even heard when the Mistress of Secrets put her hand on the wooden panel, by the height of the lantern Izo was holding. However she said: We should send guards to the Imperial Chambers, Naseru-san. I am under impression the Empress may be in danger.
Heavy steps left the room, and silence fell once again… But Satomi doubted all of them left the chamber. We definitely are in trouble now.
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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 Aug 30, 2014 22:06:20 GMT
He sighed inwardly.. why was it whenever Satomi was around he got embroiled into some conspiracy- Rokugani politics. Izo received more then his fare share of that and dealt in it when it suited him, more in recent days. Now these two people were talking about the Empress' brothers and he dd not envy the men of high position as he would have to unveil his own game to play.
The jig appeared to be up to some degree and his hand tightened on the hammer in his other hand. He turned his head to look at Satomi and nodded his head back the way they came, urging her to quietly return the way they had come if at all possible.. if it wasn't well he would just have to make sure there was no witnesses..
He started to scoot back the way the came so slowly it was almost as if he wasn't moving, made slightly more difficult by the cramped conditions and the annoyance of the circumstances they were in. At least their outing was being mistaken for an assassination attempt, though he hardly imagined a person that could kill the Empress unless she was in a drugged sleep.. even then.
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