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 17, 2014 9:24:56 GMT
At the third day since the commencing of the Winter Court, it has come to public knowledge among the dignitaries concerned, that Ide Tadaji, the daimyo of the Ide has finally arrived at Kyuden Meiyo. The elderly man isn't to make an imminent appearance sooner enough, given his failing health and thus plans to attend to some diplomatic matters at close quarters. However, it has also been known that should anyone wish to meet the venerable diplomat is free to do so by arranging an appointment with one of his karo that are present in the Kyuden. Since Moto Chagatai, the Unicorn champion isn't presently located in the castle, Moto Arandaru, the hatamoto to the Champion will be present, should treaties be needed to be signed and arrangements be made.
[OOC: This scene is offered for the individuals that wish to enact diplomacy with the Unicorn. Anyone that is willing to enter the scene may do so. But if you wish please let me know. What's more, this scene has a long duration and will be used to include all the visits to the Unicorn in a "compact thread". If however a player requires "secrecy", then please let me know beforehand. Should an event take place that might "cancel" this event (eg. a war), then I will let you know the exact duration up to then. Any questions that might come up, please feel free to pm me!]
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amaki
Crane Clan
Posts: 7| Likes: 3
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Post by amaki on Jan 17, 2014 13:25:57 GMT
Doji Amaki requests an audience with the Hatamoto. After waiting patiently, once it is granted, he enters the audience chambers, and bows deeply.
"Arandaru-san, thank you for agreeing to see me. Please inform your Champion that the Crane Clan sends the best wishes for his august person and the fortunes of his Clan. I would also like to personally hope that you are finding your time at the Imperial Court agreeable. I would like to present, on behalf of the Crane Champion, a gift to the Unicorn Clan as a token of our eternal friendship. Can it be said that any two Clans have enjoyed such amicability since the days of Lady Doji and Lady Shinjo? I hope that this gift, prepared by the finest Kakita artisans, will humbly remind your Champion of this fact, although I am sure he has not forgotten it"
Two Crane bushi carry in a large shoji screen depicting Lady Doji giving her fan to Lady Shinjo as the latter departs Rokugan. The screen is obviously a work of great expense and skill, painted in subtle lilacs and mellow turquoises, which dissolve into an eddy of subtle colour around the forms of the two women.
"Moreover, my Champion wishes to convey his solemn regrets to the family of Ide Kogu. The Crane Clan feels great shame that he perished while attempting to assist us, in our lands. I would like you to carry to any who wish to hear it the Clan's reassurance that we will not rest until Kogu's killers are brought to the Emperor's justice"
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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 17, 2014 15:24:31 GMT
It had been a fine surprise to Arandaru, to have a visit by Doji Amaki.
It was a fine day in the morning that Doji Amaki decided to pay Arandaru a visit, not quite early and not late in at night. Given all the circumstances, the Crane clansman had shown proper respect, a thing that Arandaru liked. The room that both men met was a spacious one, with broad daylight. Arandaru wished both of them to feel comfortable. He hadn't heard much of Doji Amaki, aside of the fact that this man excelled into two things. One of them was art, and the other was the art of law. Thus Arandaru felt quite as nice, for the Crane had chosen to grace their visit with a man that the Unicorn broadly respected.
After a small talk, over which Arandaru was laconic without being cryptic, the Crane offered a gift of perfect quality to the Clan of the Unicorn. After the proper refusals, the gift was accepted and Arandaru had but a time to look at it. The quality was fantastic. He could as well feel the paint strokes granting life to both the kamis that were depicted. He could smell the fine fragrance amidst the colorful painted vegetation. Lady Doji granting lady Shinjo a gift... Typical Cranes, fluttering their feathers like blessings over everything that can be read, spoken or admired. No mention over the ruling family the Moto, himself being referred to merely as "-san". If this wasn't intentional, then he could simply forgive those simple "faux-pas".
The thought almost amused Arandaru. With a courteous nod he accepted the gift and he motioned to the Unicorn servants to bring forth the gift of his Clan.
It was a big black case made of laminated wood, with handles made of mahogany. It had a fine mechanism of revealing handles giving the bearer the ability to carry it properly on one or two hands as desired. In it there was a spyglass made of ivory resting on a lavender pillow. The spyglass depicted fine horses prancing over the Doji plains. One of the Crane Clan would recognize them via its typical landmarks. Over to the side of the bearer, where one would put his eye to use it, were engraved the rays of the sun, blessing the plains and the jovial horses. Inside, the case smelled of incense mixed with nutmeg.
"The Clan of the Unicorn wishes to give this humble gift to the Clan of the Crane as a mere token of appreciation and friendship over the centuries. It is our honor to be graced, under an Imperial roof, by our cousins of the Lady Doji and as we share a mutual understanding, over matters mortal and divine. As the Crane grace ourselves with gifts of culture that we marvel and awe, thus we of the Unicorn Clan, wish to share with our cousins the magnificence of the world itself. This apparatus is called a "spyglass" and brings objects from afar quite near in the eye. May we both be graced by marveling at beauty. We at your art and you to our world."
At the mentioning of the Ide Kofu's demise over in the Crane lands, Arandaru silenced and heard the man. He was nodding at what he was hearing. The Crane wished to make amends. That's fine. But still it wasn't enough. An Ide getting killed wasn't merely a murder case. It was brutality. The pacifistic nature of the Unicorn diplomats that followed the "Wabukan" almost in religious devotion was expected to be respected. Arandaru had felt quite angry at the incident, but right now he chose to remain calm.
"Your words of consolation soothe one's soul Doji-san. And the Children of the Wind expect much of the Crane Clan regarding this incident. We do pray that a proper solution, first to your issues with the Mantis Clan and then to Ide Kofu-sama's demise is found. In the meantime we'd understand that the Crane Clan would wish to honor us with a proper visit of a Doji magistrate over to Shiro Ide. Moto Chagatai-tono, would heartily welcome a student of law that would assist both our Clan's into reaching a mutual understanding regarding the murder."
Arandaru wouldn't want to trap Doji Amaki. He felt compassion for the man. He was gracing him with a fine visit and a gift as was tasked to. And thus he was honored. But what he wished for was of proper justice, and who was more than fitting than a Doji magistrate?
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 20, 2014 3:08:13 GMT
One of Arandaru's servants arrives bearing a paper marked with the chop of Bayushi Katsuro, a diplomat from the Scorpion delegation requesting permission to pay his respects to the Unicorn. The servant does not dare to interrupt the words of Arandaru and Amaki, but at some appropriate time reports that the Scorpion courtier has been cordially shown to a side room to await the Unicorn hatamoto's pleasure.
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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 20, 2014 7:31:06 GMT
After Arandaru and Doji Amaki have finished their discussion, the second exits. Then Arandaru gets informed of Bayushi Katsuro's request for a meeting. In Arandaru's pleasure, he allows entrance to the Bayushi courtier.
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 20, 2014 17:03:21 GMT
A servant showed Bayushi Katsuro in. The masked Scorpion wore a fine kimono of deep crimson, embroidered with a geometric pattern of lines and diamonds that suggested movement even when he stood still.
"Thank you for taking the time to see me, Moto-hatamoto. I hope you are doing well today?" the Scorpion courtier said with a deeply respectful bow. "This one is called Bayushi Katsuro. It is my duty and great honor to convey the highest regards of the Scorpion Clan for the Unicorn Clan and its champion."
"As a token of the great esteem we hold for the Unicorn, it was my hope that you might accept this trifling gift." The Scorpion drew a finely lacquered box from one sleeve and slid the top open to reveal an ink brush contained inside. The brush itself is rather humble-looking and does not immediately appear to be remarkable, aside from clearly being quite old. To the casual eye, the box containing it is actually of much finer quality.
"A sumi-e brush once used by the 4th century playwright Shosuro Furuyari, called the founder of Kabuki," Katsuro explained, presenting it to the Unicorn.
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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 20, 2014 17:26:29 GMT
Arandaru scanned the Scorpion's figure as he entered, bowed, presented himself and gave Arandaru a gift. He bowed in gratitude and acceptance as he was watching the gift.
"Such a fine sumi-e is but an honor to the one holding it. While I truly thank you for your kind gift, I am afraid I am not worthy of such an honor" Arandaru said humbly.
It was part of the Rokugani tradition, and a convenient one for Arandaru as it allowed him to attest and estimate the value of the given gift.
It seemed so simple and yet described as of an utensil of so much history. Even if such was a case, why would the Scorpion choose the Unicorn of all clans, to distinguish them by gifting a "playwrights pen"..?
Time carried on and Arandaru accepted the gift [ooc: if you wish, we can carry on with the 2 refusals, otherwise we can skip it]
As Arandaru threw a final glance over the brush before it was taken back to the quarters, he looked at Katsuro through his narrow eyes. "So Bayushi Katsuro-san, why did you wish to see me? There hasn't been a chance to speak with another member of your Clan since yesterday. With Shosuro Mai and Bayushi Kimiko if I remember correctly.."
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 20, 2014 18:02:36 GMT
The Scorpion bowed once more. "Moto-sama, it is this one's humble desire to further develop the friendship between Unicorn and Scorpion throughout this season of Court. As you know, Winter Court is not only a place of pretty words and pretty kimono - it can also be a deadly battlefield where the fate of Clans is decided. In such a place, it behooves us to make common cause with those who share the same interests....or the same enemies."
"It is my hope that Moto-sama has a similar feeling?" Katsuro inclined his head slightly to see what response Arandaru might have to his words.
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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 20, 2014 22:46:11 GMT
Arandaru was nodding as Katsuro was speaking. "I am afraid that it is as deadly as you describe it Bayushi-san. What's more, the Unicorn Clan always appreciated true and strong bonds of friendship and mutual undertanding. Pardon me, please do carry on."
He said in humility. He didn't want to disrupt the man's talk and thus he resumed his silent and skeptical demeanor.
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 21, 2014 5:03:05 GMT
"Splendid," Katsuro replied. "I am pleased that we are in agreement on this matter, Moto-sama." The Scorpion relaxed slightly as his message seemed well-received by the Unicorn.
"Regarding more specific matters being considered at Court, no doubt you have heard that the Empress is intent on choosing new advisors in the near future," Katsuro continued. "Naturally, as Bayushi Kaukatsu has performed so excellently in the role of Imperial Chancellor thus far, we of the Scorpion Clan hope to persuade the Empress to retain him in this capacity. I sincerely hope this does not conflict with any plans of our friends in the Unicorn Clan?"
"Along these lines, is it possible that the Unicorn have some desire that the Scorpion might be in some position to assist with?" Katsuro raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
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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 21, 2014 10:53:13 GMT
"The Imperial Chancellor" Arandaru said mused. "I concur. Bayushi Kaukatsu-sama was everything that a ruler would seek in an advisor. I commend. You can count on the Unicorn's support, for the time being. Moto Chagatai-tono hasn't expressed any particular interest for the Clan in providing a different chancellor to the Empress herself. Ide Tadaji-sama however, hasn't still been placed on this matter and given his deteriorating health we might need to wait a bit longer. However, we count on the mutual benefit of both our Clans and ask from our Scorpion cousins their fine support in providing a suitable Voice for the Empress from the Unicorn, neh? I admit that such a position will grant us a fine vision of the Rokugani culture that first lady Shinjo established." he said as he was looking the young Bayushi, wondering for his reply.
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 21, 2014 23:43:38 GMT
"I do believe such an arrangement would be agreeable to the Scorpion Clan," Katsuro replied. "Often the role of the Voice has some...martial...aspects to it, in order to see the Empress's will is done, and I believe the Unicorn would be most suitable to such a task."
"I am so glad to find that we are able to make common cause between our clans," he continued. "In the interests of friendship, though--there is one other matter, if I may...." The Scorpion looked to Arandaru as if to ask permission to broach a more delicate subject.
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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 22, 2014 4:57:41 GMT
Arandaru nodded, waiting to listen..
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Post by Bayushi Katsuro on Jan 22, 2014 15:22:53 GMT
The Scorpion leaned forward and spoke in a lower voice. "It...had come to our attention that since arriving in Kyuden Meiyo, your delegation had employed a small number of locals from the town as servants. I do not mean to tell you your business, but as a friend, I might suggest you look more deeply into the background of one of them? A large fellow with a shaved head and a ragged ear? I am told he may be connected to the mysterious fire that occurred in the peasant district two nights ago, and perhaps to a similar fire that occurred in Dark Edge Village last year."
"I am afraid nothing I have learned would be considered sufficient grounds for a magistrate to take notice," Katsuro admitted. "But, as you must know, even a suspicion of scandal could potentially create an awkward situation for those involved. I hope I have not overstepped myself by confiding this in you, so that you might take appropriate precautions."
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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 23, 2014 0:26:48 GMT
Arandaru paused for a moment as Katsuro was disclosing him the piece of information.
"Certainly Bayushi-san, I am most thankful for your information I assure you we'll put it to good use." he said with a nod. "Might you need my attention into looking over an incident caused by this man? In that way, the Clan of the Unicorn will show its good will to our Scorpion cousins."
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