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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 13, 2014 19:00:30 GMT
Despite the awkward days previous, Kyuden Meiyo was polished and lovely against the crisp autumn sky as the Imperial Palanquin finally arrived at the end of its long journey from Kyuden Seppun. If the peasants of the Lion clan were dissatisfied with such an honored arrival, they were at least wise enough not to show it as they made obeisance to the Empress and Her retinue. Within the hour word was sent to the whole city that court was to be convened immediately, at the hour of the Hantei the next morning. *** The Hall which had not existed merely a week before was – Banners of all the great clans hung in the adjoining halls, though the gold and Brown of the Lion was purposely displayed with the most prominence. The door to the inner chamber was set with Seppun guards, their armor gleaming in the sunlight from unshuttered windows. Samurai would not be permitted to enter with katanas, though well-dressed servants were on-hand, politely offering to polish swords for the time that they would be engaged in the inner chamber. Toturii II was resplendent, with the emblem of Amaterasu’s reincarnated spirit, the Golden Obi of the Sun Goddess, displayed prominently over layers of fine silks. She also wore a jinbaori war coat, giving the entire look a distinctly military feel. What was particularly surprising to the assembled samurai, however, was that she carried Gamanto, the sword that had killed Daigotsu. The Saya was black with gold fittings, bearing the Wolf emblem of her father as well as the mon of the Imperial family. She sat upon the Steel throne, set on a high dais in the center of the spacious room. On a lower platform, well beneath the Empress herself but still in a place of high honor, sat her three brothers; Toturi Naseru, Toturi Sezaru, and Kaneka the bastard. They were also dressed impeccably well for the occasion, though noticeably, they did not bear any emblems of the Toturi family. The Imperial Chancellor, the canny old courtier Bayushi Kaukatsu, stood at the edge of the dais, waiting for the Empress to announce the start of the hour.
Presently, as the assembled samurai took their places, the silk clad figure on the throne stood and cracked her saya heavily on the floor, creating a noise that signaled to all in the room that she was ready to begin.
“My subjects,” she started in. Her voice was clear and practiced. It was a result of years of training on the battlefield that allowed her to project well even in these circumstances. The resonance of the hall gave a booming, commanding effect to her speech. “I welcome you and your parties to my first official Winter Court. I pray that we may have a most productive stay at this beautiful palace. But I will not mince many words and there is already business to be handled in this court.”
“Firstly,” and here the Empress motioned towards the lower parts of the dais, “in discussion with my brothers, we have all decided that they should spread their efforts far and wide across the empire. Therefore, the Imperial matchmaker will hereafter be accepting proposals of betrothal from those who would be willing to bring one of the Four Winds into the protection of their respective Clan. There is but a short time to determine where these men may serve the empire and we will be announcing their plans for marriage in one week.”
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 13, 2014 19:19:17 GMT
“Second!” she stated before anyone could react too much to her previous announcement, “This is a new time for a new Empire. We are going to rebuild our beloved homeland into a bastion of peace and prosperity. In order to do so, we need fresh minds and views as to what steps we must take and I am willing to take advice from all corners of the empire. Therefore, I hereby dismiss my entire court and open these positions to be filled by the best qualified individuals. I am going to entertain the advice of many clans on this matter and make my decisions three weeks hence."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 13, 2014 19:40:52 GMT
“Now, generally speaking there is much to attend to this season. As usual I expect my subjects to perform their duties admirably. I suspect many of you have heard the call of the Emerald Champion and have done good deeds for the empire. Be aware that there will be more calls to action in the future. Also, be aware that I am mindful of all my subjects, not merely the samurai. We must make sure that our heimin are treated well, especially during this difficult time of reconstruction. I expect that there shall be no complaints from the lower classes during my stay at Kyuden Meiyo."
She took a moment to give a stern look to the Lion delegates,
“Finally, I am pleased to see so many samurai here. I wish upon you the blessings of the fortunes and the grace of the kami. Be well, my subjects and look always toward your duty.”
With that, she sat back upon the Steel Throne and waved her hand, signalling that the court was now open for discussion among the samurai and any presentations or requests to be made.
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Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
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Post by Moto Arandaru on Jan 13, 2014 20:51:51 GMT
The words of Toturi Tsudao whacked Arandaru on the face. Did she just dismantle her entire court? That woman surely had the gut. She somehow reminded him of his friend Satomi... And then she presented her brothers as dogs, ready to be picked and "mastered" by the Clans. What would she do then? Institute the Moshi matriarchy? Make an Utaku a champion of the Unicorn. This woman had some "radical" thoughts, but who was Arandaru to judge anyone especially the Empress? They said that she was chosen by the Heavens, as light descended during her coronation. He admired a portion of her though. She was noble at heart, honorable and compassionate even to the heimin. Compassionate...
Arandaru didn't look around him as he made a step forward. And said.. "Honorable Empress Toturi Tsudao-dono" he bowed deeply as he was trained. A bow fit to honor an Empress.
And now? What did he do? He hadn't received any directive from his Champion or even from the Ide ambassador. They were prompt to arrive sooner or later, but Arandaru couldn't suppress his thoughts...even if expressing admiration. He let the announcer give the additional details of Arandaru's identity, as proper and then he spoke.
"On behalf of Moto Chagatai-dono, champion of the Unicorn Clan and Khan of the Moto, Shinjo, Utaku, Ide and Horiuchi families, I express our gratitude." he let the words fall into the ears. Would he flatter? No! Heavens! Not for him, not for Arandaru..
"Our gratitude for hosting this Winter Court here in Kyuden Meiyo. We hope that we'll live up to your expectations Empress Toturi-dono" and with that he concluded. All he needed to say was a "thank you". This woman had given him a chance to avoid the northern winter and for that he was grateful to her.
As the tradition demanded, Arandaru had offered a gift to the Empress. It was a small statuette of a fine horse on its hing legs. It had diamond hooves and it was made of fine ivory. Encased in a fine silken box, it was given to the "gift-holder" of the Empress. The hatamoto of the Unicorn wasn't a champion of it's own and thus he needn't trouble the Empress with her "opening" the gift right in front of anyone. After the procedure had been followed, Arandaru bowed one last time and resumed his place into the room.
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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 Jan 13, 2014 21:08:40 GMT
Satomi was the only commander from her clan attending the Winter Court, and joined the daimyo himself along his trusted advisors, while other Crab were a bit behind, according their statuses. Therefore, the general was comfortably seated in a good position to watch the entire ceremony. The only thing she could think about the whole thing was that "it could be worse". What if someone else, with very eccentric artistic tastes and inclinations, turned to be Toturi II? Her clan and herself would be, right now, induced into a forced and torturing court session, with monotone eulogies, obscure quotes and excessive ostentation. Oh, wait! It will happen regardless who is the one in the Steel Throne, I'm sure.
While all eyes were focused on the Glorious Empress , the general let her gaze wander, observing the presents and their reactions. She continued to listen, however, very aware of the very word of the Empress. Knowing that she was planning to (re)move the remaining Toturi to other families rather than marry them into the imperial family, she thought it must have been quite a shock for the Otomo.
And the idea that she was willing to listen to opinions ( and perhaps the advice ) of the great clans , was interesting and confusing at the same time. The Empress didn't need to dismiss her court to do so. But Satomi (and everyone else) knew what she was implying in her short speech.
Now , many would be shocked like waves against the rocks (or as goblins against the wall), trying to get to her, trying to get those positions ... Satomi was sure, however, the Empress could be a lot of things... everything but fool. She proved to be attentive and threw in the Lion's faces their failure in dealing their own heimin.
Her gaze found one or two glances at her proud group. The Yasuki exchanged discrete signals to each other, as well as other courtiers in other clans. While the speech took place, and besides the firm an eloquent voice of the Glorious Empress Toturi II, only the wafting of the courtiers fans could be heard in the majestic hall.
The game just begun .
At least, it began very well, with the words of Moto Arandaru. Elegantly simple, as things should be all the time. Like a good haiku. If only others could follow his example...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2014 22:26:08 GMT
A new court-the opening act in the play of the new Toturi. The Scorpion artisan, dressed in a beautiful (and figure-hugging) crimson kimono with flowers along the sleeves and across the kimono-daffodils (new beginnings) white poppies (rejoice) and Zinnia (loyality) being the most prominent, to symbolise this joyous event, was front and centre, prostrated as the Empress arrived and made her proclamations, before rising. Though beaten to the punch for the opening statements by the Unicorn, it was not the statement of the Ide, but the odd Death Priest.
After the Unicorn finished, Mai moved forward and kneeled until she was allowed to rise and speak, which she did so.
"Mina-sama, we are honoured to have been invited to the prestigious event, the first court of the Honourable and Divine Empress, may the Heavens continue to smile upon her" the Scorpion bowed again "the Scorpion wish to honour and thank the Divine Empress for her invite, and thus have a gift for her."
She motioned over to the other members of her clan, who brought forward a covered large painting before uncovering it. The painting was extremely detailed, and showed the moment that Tsudao had become empress. It showed her, with it seemed to be imagery of the heavens looking down approvingly. It showed her brothers gathered, as well as others who had been there. Indeed, all clans Great and Minor were represented on the artwork, with no clan being shown as any less or more important.
After the traditional refusals had been conducted, Mai continued with her speech.
"The Divine Empress honours all of us with the chance to have one of her brothers welcomed into the clans. However, there are many potential suitors for such esteemed samurai, and with so little time for the Imperial Matchmaker to decide, the Scorpion wish to offer our assistance in helping to find the ideal candidates for each of the Winds, as none could question that the Scorpion would be the most fitting for such a role."
She paused, letting the offer sink in. It would be a big one to refuse, and she knew that. She smiled a moment, before continuing.
"I will personally, if the Divine Empress wishes it, oversee the Scorpions assistance in such a matter. It will have my undivided attention, as my forth book is almost complete and ready to be debuted to the court-with yourself being the first recipient of course" she bowed deeply "if this pleases the Divine Empress."
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 14, 2014 0:32:56 GMT
The Empress was tiff but gracious with the gifts offered to her. She was quick to say, "I could not accept it so readily," here and "No, no, it is so precious to you," there before finally relenting with such words as "If you insist, I will treasure it dearly."
Then came the Scorpion with their offer of assistance. It was true that there was technically no court to handle all of these little details and so they would need to be handled by Toturi herself. When the Scorpion kowtowed before her and the famed playwright made overtures of service directly to the Empress there was a heavy pause in the room. Toturi's eyes thinned a little and she rested on her sword for a moment, clearly deep in thought. Then she stood up again.
"My subjects, witness for yourselves that the Scorpion are ready to serve the empire. I am pleased by their desire to serve. Let the heavens witness their honor as well."
"My dear Shosuro, I have heard of your works before. My first concern is for you to be able to continue in the role that heaven has chosen for you. I would not want to impede your destiny. I will consider your offer of assistance and we shall see whether the Scorpion are ready to carry the destiny of my brothers."
And the Toturi seated herself 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 Jan 14, 2014 0:38:42 GMT
Nozomi opened her fan abruptly, as many others in the hall, when Shosuro Mai left her place and "staged" one of the most interesting events of the night. The Yasuki samurai-ko leaned towards to Satomi's ear.
"I must be crazy..." Satomi's assistant murmured in a mischievous tone. She? It's... bizarre."
Nozomi was acting as her personal consultant regarding court affairs, etiquette, etc. And was, of course, delighted that the talented, but polemic, Scorpion artisan, was the one representing the clan. Is this the face, I mean... the mask of the clan?
I thought you liked her books... Satomi muttered without turn her head to the woman behind her.
I like her books, but... She's known by them and they are scandalous! The very ones she is proud to rub into everyone's face, even the Empress'! Yes, I know it. Their Champion, by whom Satomi was sat very close, overheard the whispered conversation and raised an eyebrow.
Both women stayed mute for a moment, and then her Champion muttered to her as well.
She's pretty, that's why they've chosen her*.
Nozomi leaned back, possibly to transmit part of their conversation to others.
It must make sense later, Satomi thought. The pieces were not all over the table. Now, it's just crazy. Having allies was still the most important thing... For now. She glanced to Odai, and he was quiet as well.
Satomi tilted her head a bit, and reaching out the other woman's hand, pulled the folds of Nozomi's fan together again: Let it go.
Hai, Kaiu-sama. The Yasuki nodded, leaning back again.
*OCC: just let me know if this inconsequent comment from an important cannon character is not allowed, and I remove it.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jan 14, 2014 1:43:37 GMT
Kaigen stood well back from the throne, more than anything resisting the urge to shout a "Banzai" for his former commander. He somehow got the impression that the gesture wouldn't go over well.
So he ignored most of the goings-on in front of the Throne and instead took stock of the dazzling array of frankly incomprehensible finery that surrounded him.
Useless. Useless. Probably hurts her NECK having that many ornaments in her hair. Useless. Those sleeves would probably catch fire if he got within a mile of an open flame. Useless...
The elderly Asako- Todome, her name is Todome, how fitting- who seemed to have been assigned charge of him gave him a hard nudge in the ribs. She seemed impatient, and masked her mouth with her fan.
"Your gift, Kaigen-san. We have already presented the gift of the Phoenix Clan."
So you have. Whatever WILL our Empress do with such a well-made copy of the Tao, I wonder.
"As you like."
He joined the file of courtiers with their gifts... when he reached the end of the line, he just couldn't quite muster the same reverent awe they seemed to. This was his former commander. He'd seen her slay a Yobanjin chieftain in single combat, and had seen her orders win difficult battles, but that was grounds for deep respect, not religious awe. So he bowed with all of the genuine admiration he felt for her, and offered up his gift on behalf of his Guntai.
"Most glorious Empress Toturi II, I do not wish to waste your time, so I will be brief. I received the honor of an invitation to this court through no more than doing my duty in the First Imperial Legion. Other, better men who would better know how to conduct themselves here did more than I, and died in the line of duty. My own poor services would have amounted to nothing if not for the aid and obedience of the men under my command, and of the skillful leadership from my superiors. Duty keeps many of these worthier men from Court, but I could not have won my invitation without them. Any of them."
In truth, the bauble- little strips of silk neatly and tightly braided to make a sort of circular amulet- had been fashioned by one of his Budoka, from scraps of every man in the unit's sashimono. You wouldn't know it to look at it, though- Yoshi's father had worked with textiles, and the heimin's art was superb. He'd managed to find at least one scrap in the primary color of each of the Great Clans, but the bulk of the fabric was the Imperial green. He waded through the refusals stoically- it seemed such a stupid game- then simply bowed, said his respects, and withdrew.
Court. Who can fathom it?
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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 Jan 14, 2014 4:52:27 GMT
Ahhh, the pomp and circumstance of Winter Court, magnified tenfold by the ascension of a new Empress, with the whole court dazzled by her ability to play the warrior queen... What's not to love?, Odai gently mused to himself, keeping his composure calm amongst the general quiet buzz of the courtiers surrounding him in the great hall of Kyuden Meiyo.
He rose from his place just behind the Clan Champion to begin the long wait to pay homage to the Empress, somehow being the senior Face of the Crab in attendance, a fact he had only just found out that morning. More than a few eyes were drawn to the attractive Yasuki as he made his way to the line, his natural charisma amplified by the masterpiece of a kimono he wore.
Made from three sheets of silk, the robe was designed and sewn by Kakita Shinzaemon, a blind craftsman of renown who specialized in exquisite clothing for the most fashionable Winter Courts. The base layer was a midnight blue, clinging to Odai's form in a way that made more than few young women of the Court blush as he walked by, complicated folds giving way to shining black cuts that moved to form patterns from warriors to demons to works of art as the Yasuki made his way through the crowds. The piece was finished with a soft trim of gleaming silver, highlighting every positive aspect of both the kimono and the man as his natural confidence and charisma did the rest of the work.
Once his turn finally approached, Yasuki Odai gave as low a bow as any in court had ever seen, keeping the brief glance he gleamed of her face in his memory. How terrifyingly beautiful... Keeping the bundle he had tucked under his arm tight to him, he took a deep breath, preparing himself to speak to the most powerful person in the Empire.
"Most glorious Empress Toturi II," he began, his smile cleaving his face as the natural charm he had learned to master began to take hold over any fear or doubt. "We of the Crab do most humbly pledge to you our eternal service, in both whatever task you may ask and all that has been charged of us before. In honor of our constant war against the darkness that lurks across the Kaiu Wall, I have the honor to present to you from our clan, and the most honorable Hida Kuon-dono, a gift to aid you in constant vigilance against the machinations of the Shadowlands."
Unwrapping the bundle, he presented to the Seppun who was accepting the gifts for the Empress a daisho wrapped in dark blue silk embroidered with the mon of the Crab. Both blades of the set, however, were not crafted of steel, but of the finest crystal, with both the Empress' and her father's name etched into the sides, the fine weapons shining in the bright hall.
Once the murmur of the crowd had died down, and they realized that Odai was not finished, the Yasuki broadened his smile and continued. "As for myself, I of course pledge my service to you, in person, in any way you need, but I must also humbly present a request, not that I would ever presume myself worthy to receive personal aid from you; this is for my Clan." He paused, taking a breath but not wavering in his resolve. "In this last clash against the Shadowlands, we were victorious at a great cost. Large parts of the Kaiu Wall remain destroyed, fortresses remain undermanned, and we are under-supplied at every turn. I ask you not for aid, most Heavenly Sovereign, but simply for the honor of coming to the Wall. See what the war cost us, cost the Empire, and decide for yourself the best course of action."
He gave a second, lower bow, ignoring the sudden rush of talk quietly rushing from the crowd behind him, and quickly retreated to his seat among his Clan, the adrenaline from the last few minutes still running its course as he did his best to keep the charming, confident face in front of the entire Court.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 6:04:49 GMT
The Scorpion artisan bowed deeply as the Empress rose and didn't move until she dismissed her, at which point she blended back into the crowds where the Scorpion were stationed.
Her fan (like many in the court) snapped to attention at the mention of the lands down south, Mai watching the Yasuki carefully. She hadn't decided if it was brave or foolish yet to mention that place in the middle of Court, not just any court, but THE Winter court of the empress.
A few whispers with her kin on the matter, but her eyes remaining on the dais.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jan 14, 2014 7:19:22 GMT
The talk of the Shadowlands caused Kaigen to actually pay some attention to the Crab... having recently battled the Lost and their even more inhuman allies, he had a healthy respect for anyone who dealt with such conflict on a daily basis.
But then he saw it was just a well-dressed Yasuki, and he returned his attention to the odd mix of absurd courtly fashion and Lion militarism that surrounded him.
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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 Jan 14, 2014 7:42:16 GMT
The necessity of making the court to understand the gravity of the matter, was worth talking about what non-Crab used to deny even to exist, diminishing its evil in their minds by not mentioning it. Like a child hiding only the head in a peekaboo play, they think if they don't see, the threat is not there. And Satomi thought Odai made well his role, as she supposed he would, anyway. The rikugunshkan knew the Champion was relieved for being represented by a diplomat who could speak frankly, like a true Crab. Yet, Yasuki Odai represented well the figure of a clan who can be military and politically strong and also, court savvy.
The general glanced at the predictable reaction of courtiers trying to cause a polemic about the word Shadowlands, but remained impassible. As always, some people insisted in expect from Crab what they aren’t. If you are not inclined to be remembered the Shadowlands exist, give us means to defend you, and we do our part as we always do, could be the exalted response from an outraged Crab years later (although, Kuon-dono wasn't totally at ease right now). Though, such reaction would just benefit the other clans.
Now, they stayed calm, awaiting the new Empress's reaction to their petition.
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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 Jan 14, 2014 13:06:01 GMT
Satomi attire couldn’t be other than The Victor ceremonial armor, polished at its finest, and bearing the three traditional mon: her Clan's, her family's and her own.
When she humbly knelt on the Empress feet, an unusual sentiment of devotion came across her heart. It wasn't a performance for the others of court to praise or be content with. Satomi knew what The Sword was able to, and why she was deserving of the Steel Throne. It was a true and spontaneous thing. Nor herself had planned to kneel down in humble admiration, not that much; she was too proud for that.
She was, as Tsudao as well, a tactician, and would come to admire the daughter of Toturi's strategies early in time. Kneeling down to a superior you truly admire was a good way to show one's respect. One's willing to serve. So, the Crab general wasn't compromising her pride and honor doing so.
The Kaiu used to be pragmatic, and the Crab only respected the real mighty ones; and Tsudao proofed herself worth of reigning over Rokugan. Tsudao knew what Crab's duties were and how the last years were particularly hard for her clan. She wasn't expecting less of her new leader and Empress but wisdom and courage.
Most Sovereign Empress, I'm absolutely honored for humbly serving your wisdom, and the Empire you protect. We can't do enough serving you. My clan already eloquently spoke about our most urgent needs. I'll say no more, I'm sure your wisdom will guide us. Myself, I can't claim any honors but the ones you think I'm adequate to perform. Anyway, say a word, nod at me, and I will follow you, as a soldier follow his leader. Until death.
As permitted to raise, the Crab rikugunshokan kept her eyes low in the presence of the Empress.
After a moment, she handed the Empress her personal gift. Her Champion, the representative of the Clan, and her family daimyo had already presented the Empress with the most fine presents Crab could imagine to offer to the Empress. Hers, was a bit simpler.
In honor of the most Glorious Empress Toturi II ascension to the Steel Throne, I offer this humble gift. One to be enjoyed in the moments of peace I wish, will be the norm under your Most Wise and Blessed Empire.
After the unfolding, it was reveled to be a lacquered and finely ornate dark box, framed in silver, depicting a lovely scene of the Seven Great Kami enjoying tea in a garden. The box contained the most fine and exquisite tea from the Kaiu harvests. The scent emanating from the box was just tempting. Once again, she looked back, and bowed lower.
After any word the Empress could have been direct to her, dismissing her, she joined her group once again, heart rushing.
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Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
Global Moderator
Posts: 145| Likes: 42
“We tell the tale of heroes to remind ourselves that we also can be great.”
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Post by Doji Hatosenshi on Jan 14, 2014 21:10:32 GMT
Hatosenshi stood as the court turned towards the Crane delegation. The words of the Empress still rang through his ears, and the gifts offered by the other Clans were unnoticed. Soft wind blew through the open windows, and his kimon fluttered slightly as the scent of apple blossoms wafted past. His face was still as shock coursed through him. He had been asked to join the Crane delegation as an adviser and assistant to the courtiers, but as he stood, in the ornate, ornamented throne room, and watched as the Empress looked expectantly, towards his clan mates, the old poet and storyteller knew that this was not a court for only courtiers any more.
Heroes are not forged only in war. The words of his father echoed in his heart as the Crane limped towards the throne. The Crane delegation kept their on as the sudden movement broke the carefully laid Crane plans. Doji Hatosenshi arrived at the steps to the throne, and slowly knelt down, his wounded leg sending sharp pains through him. His white hair, carefully tied back, now fell over his eyes and his face.
"Lady of the Sun and Honorable Empress," Hatosenshi searched through his mind and heart for the words he meant. "The Crane have no relics of the Toturi Dyansty to offer you. The Children of Doji would offer four gifts, for the Throne is made strong by the Four Winds. To Kaneka, the Shogun, the Crane would offer The Sword of Exquisite Honor." A Crane came forward holding a long ebony box, inlaid with Crane blue silk and a ornate katana. "Forged for Lady Doji by Kakita himself, the Katana is said to cut all metal and stone, and to never fail to strike down an enemy against the throne."
"To Toturi Sezaru, the Wolf, the Crane offer The Mask of Subtle Courage, a relic from the Dawn of the Empire, forged by the first Kakita artisans for war against the Shadowlands." A Crane came forward, a small rosewood box held in his hands. Inside, nestled in deep red silk, a porcelain mask lay. Jade lines crisscrossed through it, forming intricate patterns and symbols of power. "A hero of the Crane wore it during the founding years of the Empire. It is said that he who wears it, is possessed of cunning enough to outwit and see through any of the deceptions of Fu Leng and evil. All lies ring hollow to the wielder, and all falsehoods are laid bare."
"To Hantei Naseru, the Anvil, the Crane offer The Blessed Wakasashi of Steadfast Duty." A third Crane stepped forward, again, a small whitewood box in his hands, inside, laid in green silk law a wakasashi inlaid with silver and jade. The working was filigreed to show the kanji of the Seven Tenats. "The Wakasashi was wielded in defense of Hantei the VIII against an incursion of Shadowlands demons. He who carries such a treasure will always know what path his duty will take him on, and he will be able to face it without flinching. No wound can slow such a man."
"To Empress Toturi II, the Sword, Lady of the Sun, no gift can accentuate the magnificence that she has brought to this Empire. Darkness has been removed. Evil has been vanquished and slain. What gift could any clan, even the Crane offer to her? So, the Crane offer to her two gifts. One for The Sword and one for the Empress of the Sun. For the Sword, we offer this." A Crane came forward, holding a small oaken box. Upon opening it, a white ribbon lay. As the sunlight fell upon it, dazzling music and light seemed to fill the room. "This ribbon was taken from the kimono Hantei wore as he fell from the Celestial Heavens. It was gifted to Lady Doji upon Hantei's marriage and has been held in honor in the Crane ever since.
Scholars of history, students of stories, and those who revere the heroes of the Empire will notice a common theme among such gifts. They were gifted all, to the first 4 children of Doji and Kakita, the founders of the houses of the Crane."
A murmur started to fill the room as sounds echoed from the hallway leading to the throne room.
Hatosenshi still knelt, his voice carrying through the room.
"For the Empress Resplendent, our protector and our hero, we offer this." The doors were thrown open, and gasps filled the air. A massive throne, inlaid with gold, silver, jade and crystal was being carted into the hall.
"The Resplendent Throne of the Sun. Whomever sits here, will always sit in the light of Lord Sun. Wisdom will fill their mind, and their honor will ever be their guide. Isawa Shugenjas, Seppun Shugenja and Asahina Fetishists have lain powerful enchantments upon this chair. Long life, good health, wisdom, and balance will ever be the catchwords of such a ruler for destiny and the kami themselves will guide her."
Hatosenshi stood, bowed deeply, and with a whisper, summed the feelings of the Crane in four words.
"Long live the Empress."
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