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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 19, 2014 6:42:12 GMT
Kasumi had made an agreement with Kaigen that she would take him to shop for a new kimono, which he needed to participate in the ceremonies with the bells of purity. She knew he probably didn't want to participate, but maybe he could get some better manners by being put in situation he had to behave. As she arrived at the barracks where he was staying, she saw him already waiting. "Have you eaten rice today, Shiba-san," she said by way of greeting.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 19, 2014 10:24:25 GMT
"Yep."
He put away his tanto and whetstone, stashing them in his (either stained or simply poorly-dyed) obi
"And has Inari been generous to you, Tsuruchi-san?"
Such a silly little ritual. It's like that idiotic game of refusals- everybody knows damn well you're going to take the stupid thing, just as you'll always say yes about rice, even if the last rice you saw was a week out and moldy in the bargain.
...
Perhaps this was a bad idea.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 19, 2014 12:59:54 GMT
"So she has," Ksaumi said, before leading Kaigen into the city towards a tailor shop she knew. It was not the largest shop in the city, but it delivered quality, according to the emerald magistrate who had told Kasumi about it. And from what she had seen, he had been right. They were greeted by a merchant who oversaw the tailors working in the back of the shop. "Greetings, samas," he said as he bowed deep, "what can I do for you today?" "My friend here is in search for a new kimono," Kasumi said, "as he has to attend the ceremony with the bells of purity in a couple of days." "Of course, Tsuruchi-sama," the merchant said, before turning to Kaigen, "and had you any colour or cut in mind, Shiba-sama?"
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 19, 2014 20:01:19 GMT
Kaigen's expression betrayed nothing. No reaction at all.
"No."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 20, 2014 11:00:27 GMT
Kaigen was so like her husband at times. He also disliked shopping. Well, she had known that up front. "Just get him that military looking cut from the time of Hantei XX," she said to the shopkeeper, "in Phoenix colours, but with the imperial legion mon embroided on the back. That way you still look like a soldier, but in a nicer way, don't you think."
She had seen that in a book when she was looking through some stuff for the Dawn Tower, and she had thought at the time it would look good on her husband. But now she could check with Kaigen to see if it was what it looked like in the book before she had her husband wear the same thing.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 20, 2014 18:58:46 GMT
Kaigen remained almost terminally still as the shopkeeper (who, it must said, had encountered this reaction before, although generally from younger samurai) set about sizing him up.
People actually spend time on this?!
It's a damned kimono. If it covers you decently and doesn't prevent you from moving, that should be the end of it.
... What in the name of Doji's sacred backside do my mother and sisters see in this drivel?
Whatever.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 21, 2014 10:21:38 GMT
"Kasumi-san," Kasumi suddenly heard behind her, as she was watching Kaigen's uncomfort. She recognised that voice from everywhere. "Rokuro-san," she said, turning around and bowing, "a long time since I saw you. What brings you here?" "This place has some of the best kimono's in the capital," he said. As always he was perfectly dressed in what looked like a very expensive kimono. "And you're an Emerald magistrate now," he added when he saw her amulet. "Indeed," she replied, "I heard you were stationed here?" "Assistant to the ambassador," he replied, "and is this your husband?" "No, Rokuro-san," she said, "this is Shiba Kaigen, a gunso in the imperial legions. I traveled with him from Yasuki Yachiki back to here and now I'm helping him pick a new kimono and collecting one I had ordered. Shiba-san, this is Yoritomo Rokuro, assistant to the Mantis ambassador at court. I used to be his yojimbo for a couple of years." Rokuro bowed to Kaigen. "A pleasure to meet you, Shiba-san," he said, "a friend of Kasumi-san is a friend of me."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 22, 2014 0:05:12 GMT
"The pleasure is mine, Yoritomo-sama."
Kaigen managed a polite bow as the merchant continued orbiting him like sort of unfortunate moon.
How much more does this man need? Just find something that works and hand it over!
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 22, 2014 7:10:45 GMT
A bit later the merchant had finished taking his measurements. "I would consider it a favour if you would put this at the top of your to-do list," Rokuro said to the merchant, "and after that prepare for me a kimono in a Hantei XXVII cut, but from the earliest part of his reign, in a soft green with yellow finishing and a matching yellow obi." "Your wish, Yoritomo-sama," the merchant replied, "the kimono for Shiba-sama will be ready tomorrow in the afternoon." "There you have it, Shiba-san," Rokuro said, "you will just have to collect your new kimono tomorrow."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 22, 2014 20:04:03 GMT
I quiver with anticipation. Or perhaps it's that rather dodgy fish I had for lunch.
"Many thanks, Yoritomo-sama."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 23, 2014 8:58:26 GMT
"Don't worry about it, Shiba-san," Rokuro said, "it's no problem for a friend of Kasumi."
Just then a servant of the emerald magistrates came up with a message for Kasumi. She read it and turned to the others. "I have to go," she said, "something came up." "Don't worry, Kasumi-san," Rokuro said, "I'll sent you an invite for us to have dinner some day. And I'll take Shiba-san here for a sake so he can tell me all about your travels together."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 23, 2014 10:38:34 GMT
The poor woman. How fortunate that she can at last escape, if only for a while.
"Carry the Fortunes, Tsuruchi-san."
Far, far from me. Perhaps back to your family.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 23, 2014 13:00:36 GMT
Kasumi just waved, as she thought she probably did carry the fortunes, or at least one fortune. When she was gone, Rokuro looked at Kaigen. "So, what do you think about a sake... or two, Shiba-san," he said, "I'm sure a man like you knows a couple of places we can go and if you don't, I certainly do."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Sept 23, 2014 20:18:25 GMT
"Sake and I have a somewhat uneven relationship, Yoritomo-sama."
The last thing I need is to be found singing a song about goblins as I dismantle some poor heimin's place of business by swinging some poor fool through the walls.
"But I think it's a relationship with some potential. Lead on."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 24, 2014 6:28:05 GMT
They went to a small but cozy sake house Rokuro had discovered during his time in the capital. The sake there was good and while they didn't have the top brands like Friendly Traveler Village, they had a couple of nice ones. As Rokuro had been there before, he was immediately recognised. "Greetings, Yoritomo-sama, Shiba-sama," the owner said with a deep bow, before leading them to a seat. Sake immediately appeared and was poured. "One of the advantages of coming to a location often is that they know what you want," Rokuro said, lifting his cup, "to your health, Shiba-san."
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