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 27, 2014 23:25:22 GMT
OCC: Closed thread for Moto Arandaru and Kaiu Satomi
The night was a bit less colder than the previous night, and she could admire the fine work in the screens of the corridors leading to the Moto family chambers. Of course, Satomi couldn't avoid to think in the adventures she had had during the day. The adventures and its consequences. But, now the Lion was responsible to take care of the case, and her duties to her clan should prevail to her wish of join the nightly raid against the cultists hidden in the forest. Lion Pride couldn't be more hurt than it was already... She could feel some sympathy for their decision in taking care of that without Crab help.
Her arrival to talk to the hatamoto of the Unicorn Clan was announced and she waited along Hiruma Kaide, her yojimbo, in the antechamber.
Very clean and well combed in a black kimono with dark blue Ume patterns of good fortune and a faint scent of cinnamon, if not because the eyeband, Satomi barely resembled the fierce warrior the Moto shugenja was accustomed to.
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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 28, 2014 0:36:18 GMT
As Satomi was sitting there along with her yojimbo she regarded the guard that stood vigilant in front of the Moto audience chamber. Moto Rendo had a hulking figure, adorned in purple and copper he branded the same stylized mustache that Arandaru also wore. Sometimes, even the Moto shugenja would mistake his yojimbo for a relative given to their resemblance. A few moments later, an old crone emerged, Ide Raita's form opened the screen and addressed the two ladies.
"Moto Arandaru-sama, is honored to host a visit by the fellow cousins of the Crab." she said with a courteous bow.
The room that laid in front of their eyes, the Moto audience chamber, was the already known room that the Clan used to accept their visitor dignitaries. However, right now it had some fine modifications as extra furniture were moved to the side, making the room more spacious. The shoji screens that entrenched the "back" of the room were depicting horses dancing over a sunny plain with big long golden reeds. Those were the Iuchi plains, fabled for their vastness and the fragrant hibiscus that could be found there. And to their nostrils came the fragrance of hibiscus, as they adorned in their dark blue hue, the shoji windows and the walls, cascading to the sides like a flowery waterfall.
In the middle of the room laid five plushy pillows in dark blue and lavender colors. Arandaru was sit in the middle pillow with a family scribe standing beside him. The scribe was a young woman around her mid-eighteens with almond shaped blue eyes. She wore her hair cut short as a testament of her beauty. Small scarlet beads were hanging beside her chin as a part of the stylistic ornament she was wearing on the left side of her head. She was wearing a fine purple kimono and in front of her stood a sumi-e set. Arandaru was prepared to receive his friends as ones and as officials.
"Konban-wa Hiruma Kaide-san, Kaiu Satomi-san" mentioning the names as proper etiquette demands, forcing the listener to remember the name last heard.
"I bid you welcome in the humble abode of the Unicorn Clan." he said with a stout smile as he greeted the ladies in the embassy's main quarter.
"Please be seated, I trust that we have much to discuss. Please allow me to introduce you to my advisor, which has just arrived and quickly resumed duties. This is Iuchi Arissa-san."
The scribe quickly bowed calmly and greeted the Crab ladies as she displayed finesse and elegance. One would understand why would Arandaru replace his old advisor over with this fresh and young Iuchi shugenja.
And right at the moment he clasped his fingers beckoning for "hot water". It was a beverage that his clansmen would savor back at home, consisting of sake, maple syrup, cinnamon, clove and ripe pear. The rumors among tasters would say that a proper bottle would also have an ounce of a Moto stallion's blood. Given the chance that he was at court however, Arandaru wouldn't wish to risk and atrocious discovery and thus left the branded flasks back at home.
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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 28, 2014 8:59:54 GMT
Konban-wa, Moto-san. Satomi greeted, bowing. She always had a tendency to like the exoticism of Unicorn tastes, maybe because she knew some of them in early age and they were most of time, amicable and generous to her. Satomi had spent some time visiting the southern portion of Unicorn lands as well, so the aspect of the room made her instantly comfortable. Her expression clearly showed her admiration for the rich decoration of the room.
Well well, that's not entirely bad, Arandaru-san… she replied with a dimpled smile, showing her appreciation. As presented to the Iuchi young woman, her mind couldn't avoid the thought of a strange tale about Moto old customs about marrying a lot of women at once, back in the days when Shinjo found them. She knew it wasn't the case presently. She greeted the woman as properly. If your "advisor" has half of your age, I wonder what goes in your mind… Now, she had the risk of having Kaide spending the night hitting the Iuchi belle, because her yojimbo had the same weak spot as Arandaru for beautiful young ladies. And it could ruin everything. But well, that was always a good trick to please the eyes and distract the mind…
As Satomi was comfortably seated and served with the strange beverage (which she was puzzled by the taste), she smiled again to her host:
And then, Arandaru-san, finally we have a time to discuss pleasant things again… I admit I was missing your fine wit and intellect. One can think the court is full of opportunities to have interesting conversations, but only if one know how to choose wisely…
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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 28, 2014 12:59:43 GMT
Arandaru listened to Satomi's jest. While it was a fine one, it didn't hit Arandaru, which was an individual with poor sense of humor.
"Truly, the court is filled with opportunities. I must admit, I relish the opportunities out of a Kyuden's walls as well. You must understand, the notion of a spirit with limitless boundaries." he said musingly.
Iuchi Arissa threw a glance at the Hiruma yojimbo and then back to Kaiu Satomi. She was a timid little flower that savored her own drink sip by sip in an almost "sensual" modesty.
"But I am aware that my Crab friend didn't come for mere parlay, right Satomi-san?" and with that he threw a friendly smile. While Arandaru put an effort to appear friendly, he did so as an indicator of his true feelings. He did that quite rarely, at least when the situation was of importance.
"Is it about the Imperial court matter? We can discuss that as well." he was direct and confident.
"The children of the wind deem that the Empress would marvel to grant her blessing to have her Voice carried by a Unicorn dignitary. It will offer us a fine lesson amidst the Rokugani culture." intoning the "culture" part as he concluded.
"Where do the Crab stand at that?" he inquired.
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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 28, 2014 13:31:49 GMT
She pondered.
A Voice sounding like the Wind…Why not? It even seems fitting. You know, Arandaru-san, our clan prefer to spend our time performing our duties, instead of trying to understand what exactly a senile courtier with farfetched language tried to say in the name of the Empress. As more limpid and clear Her Voice is, faster her guidance will reach our minds, back at The Walls. So, I believe we are inclined to such idea, yes.
Hearing your thoughts about the politics of Empire makes me even more hopeful for the future, Arandaru-san. I like to think we are in a dawn of a new era, where the ones who truly defend the Empire's interests will not be under the whims of the ones who used their vast spare time in order to gain access to undeserved influence.
To celebrate our reunion tonight, and once again, our affinity of minds, my dear friend, I'd like to offer you a personal present, and I hope you like it. She extended her hand to Kaide, expecting to be handed the gift, but he was obviously distracted by the mysterious Iuchi's passive-aggressive seduction.
Kaide, give me the box. Her tone somewhat irritated. The yojimbo embarrassed by his inattention, clumsily handed her a small malachite box, which made Satomi to sigh heavily.
After a brief moment and a warning gaze to her yojimbo, Satomi recomposed herself enough to resume the conversation. She showed the gift, not hiding her expectation for Arandaru's reactions.
The top lid of the green box showed a superb bas-relief carving depicting the Twilight Mountains. Arandaru could think it was one of the artworks of the Kaiu's vassal family, the Maisuna. Satomi was aware of the Moto family tastes for lavish things, no matter what other clans could think of. Satomi opened the box, revealing an intriguing jewel. It seemed at a first glance a pendant resembling a fang, made of a violet-purple stone. Its golden chain was linked to the main piece by a detailed carved ivory part. Satomi spent a lot of time and influence to get that item, and if it wasn't able to impress Moto Arandaru, what else could?
This is a memento of my deep respect for your wisdom, courage and talent. It also makes me think of you, Arandaru-san. This mysterious item was brought from the Old Seikitsu Pass by Kuni Kinju. He related he have visited intriguing places where such colored crystal abounds… A mysterious story that rivals with the best ones I've listened so far. It seems to bear an ancient, and beyond average rokugani's understanding, wisdom. That's why I think it fits you perfectly, Moto Arandaru-san.
She offered the box to the Unicorn shugenja within her cupped hands, bowing as appropriate.
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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 28, 2014 14:03:09 GMT
Arandaru smiled and after the two proper refusals he added.
"Hiruma Kaide-san, as you see, the ladies understand us men better. Sometimes we're hard to bribe!" he said jesting winking in a friendly tone. This behavior could result in a duel, considered as an insult. But Arandaru could only behave and show his true "colors" among friends. His manners were totally gaijin.
"I thank you Kaiu Satomi-san. Truly this is a gift above my standing." he said sincerely.
"I hope that there will come the time when I might need to repay your generosity with a gift as fine as yours." he said as he cupped the box personally.
"I really expected that we could find a common ground in our plans. Might I assume that the children of the Wall might be interested in providing a proper Shogun to the Empress?" he said with a tone that "betrayed" anxiety.
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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 28, 2014 15:02:07 GMT
Hiruma Kaide shifted in his pillow, aghast by the Moto's words, and ready to take insult, but Satomi's open laughter towards the Unicorn sudden "gaijiness" made him to calm down. Crazy woman…! Looks like a rock, shifts like a flame… he wondered, looking down to his cup a bit annoyed.
Awnn, a bribe it is!
Satomi was used to many of the Unicorn ways and whims, she'd even travelled with Jini's caravan back in the days she lost her eye. Arandaru's words didn't surprise her, but the sudden touch of skins did. She wasn't the most sensitive person of Rokugan, but his energy was different, and even her could feel, for an instant.
But she covered her little shock with a tilt of head and after emptying her cup, she spoke, in a light tone. Do you think she would be pleased with such idea? I'm inclined to think so… In spite of having excellent options in other clans, as your own, for instance, I'd like to think The Khan will honor his personal friendship to Yasuki Kaneka-dono and Hida Kuon-dono's experience as well, and let them lead those matters for the Empress.
And added: By the way, my Champion asked me to kindly remind you about how the presence of Moto Chatagai-dono is esteemed in Crab's lands, and how Yasuki Kaneka's marriage will not be the same without his presence... We expect The Khan can attend the event, with his court, and I of course expect you can accept my hospitality in such occasion...
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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 28, 2014 15:25:40 GMT
Arandaru was tricked, as his skin touched this of Satomi's. The woman's touch was far more gentle than he expected, soft but rough as well. He imagined her handling the tesubos and dai-tsuchis with those hands. He quickly discarded this image as it was far too sexual for Arandaru to associate with.
"Ah the Khan! Certainly, Moto Chagatai-dono will be hearing of such a matter as soon as possible. Iuchi Arissa-san, please do proceed into writing a message for our Khan to receive promptly." and continued
"Regarding the Shogun position, as you might refer, I assure you that our Khan is far more interested into letting his cousin of the Crab, Hida Kuon-dono or even his personal friend Yasuki Kaneka-dono, lead in example. That much our Khan admires and understands."
At the side, Iuchi Arissa was scribbling. Her hands moving steady as she was putting her exquisite calligraphy skills to the test.
"And that much, will the Unicorn accept for the good of our Empire" he nodded.
Then he looked over to fifth empty pillow.
"What's more I trust you already know about the recent findings regarding the "incident" that ties in with the bloodspeaker cult that runs rampant at the outskirts of the forest." as he displayed some sort of worry, trying to share the burden.
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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 28, 2014 15:53:44 GMT
Well well, that's so good! Banzai! Both to your exquisite and tasteful beverage, Arandaru-san, and to how our minds think so similarly! She also showed a most open side of a Crab bushi. In truth, that was Satomi, adapting herself to the ambient, as necessary.
But no, I heard you volunteered to help the Scorpion to find answers, but the means I discovered about the bloodspeaker cult at the outskirts of the forest had little to do with courtly rumors...
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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 28, 2014 16:16:32 GMT
Of all the things in the room Arandaru couldn't feel more flattered. That's how Satomi dealt with the Moto shugenja. He'd feel this flutter at the pit of his stomach. She made him feel "noticed".
"Kampai! I am glad it grows into you Kaiu Satomi-san! This is a savored drink back in the north! People say that the very Oracle of Fire would drink this to extinguish his thirst!" he said jovially.
"To be frank, I have already assisted the Scorpion clan into finding a solution. The possessed Yogo had been co-operating with a pocket of bloodspeakers in the outer crevasses of the forest. That much would the kami disclose to me during the investigation. Shosuro Sezaru-tono already possesses this information and might wish to let the Lion investigate into the matter. We can assist them however." he said cautiously.
Arissa kept the steady flow, she was keeping in touch with any official comments from both sides. Later on would Arandaru and Satomi sit for an hour and "adjust" the text as they both saw fit. Arandaru made a cutting motion to the young Iuchi as she stopped abruptly.
"Satomi-san, I think you might as well know that the Clan of the Crane wishes to offer their fine swordsmanship at the Empress' service as well. They wish to provide her with a Shogun as well. Perhaps this is something that your Clan has to consider." he said without a slice of irony.
It was true that he'd received a missive from a Crane delegate and they've spoken in secrecy, but that was a thing that only diplomacy would resolve, even among friends.
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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 28, 2014 16:32:37 GMT
OH... Well, I was in the forest ealier, and in fact, I even found Horiuchi Jini-san there! He was of valuable help, as always. I'll let him to tell all the exciting details of our hunt, but, as much as Sezaru-dono did, I trust the Lion to take care of the issue as good hosts and...such. They said they will let me know if my help is further necessary... her tone was lightly ironic, of course.
Then, Arandaru mentioned the Crane intentions... And Satomi assumed a posture that would maybe make her father proud of his blood running in her veins; at least that bit.
Well, that's not... like they are trying to go out their comfort zone? What can I say? They have excellent warriors, but are they experienced in dealing with HUGE armies? Is like asking me to write a haiku.
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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 28, 2014 16:49:31 GMT
Arandaru let a laugh!
"What can I say Kaiu Satomi-san! Versatility in modern military techniques always proved a mystery for me to fathom! If that's the case perhaps you may begin composing a song solely by tetsubo swoops and thumps!" he said without forcing himself not to suppress the laughs.
"Perhaps we might need to hasten the arrangements to visit the Crab lands after the winter court! We could be able to have so much a great time! Perhaps we may be able to visit Kyuden Kaiu first and foremost. Moto Chagatai-tono has expressed his admiration in the Kaiu daimyo-dono's ingenuity. Is it true that the palace truly resembles a crustacean? A Crab?" and carried on.
"This might open the doors into a further bolstered alliance between our two Clans, the western border guardians of Rokugan." said smiling.
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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 28, 2014 17:16:05 GMT
To tell you the truth, Arandaru-san, I know a person who would like to show you and to The Khan a lot of marvelous things...well I least we think so... That can be inspiring for further defending your western borders as well. We Kaiu, and Kaiu Usamu-dono, would be proud if we could collaborate with some projects for your clan's extensive borders... Think about it and better, come to see with your eyes! I'll tell no more. You can judge by yourself. My daimyo will be honored in receive Moto Chatagai-dono and we'll be happy in show you every detail of what our family can do. She laughed.
Pardon me! I'll be hit by the mighty ray of the Fortunes, punishing me by my absolute pride for the deeds of my family!
One thing she learned travelling with merchants is that people buy big dreams, not shy ideas! At least, she had a huge Kaiu Wall to support her claims of grandeur to her family's deeds
But I exceed myself. I'll blame your exciting company... Your...wine. That was not me.
Her face showed not a bit of blame, of course.
Hiruma Kaide kept his face. He knew Satomi well to know how things were going now.
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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 28, 2014 17:32:58 GMT
Arandaru kept smiling
"We'll look into this,your family's ingenuity has so many things to offer to all of Rokugan. I will let the Khan know." he assured her.
"Tis not wine we've been drinking Kaiu Satomi-san! It's sake!" he exclaimed happily.
"And I can assure you that I'll be bringing along a pair of bottles once I am travelling in your lands. Just let Yasuki Odai-san be aware of it. I don't wish to be delayed at customs." he concluded.
He then motioned at Arissa to show the Kaiu lady the written text. Then Arandaru sat on the empty cushion next to Satomi to be able to double check and discuss the changes. All this time Arissa remained calmly bowed as she threw a final glance over to the Hiruma yojimbo.
As the meeting drew to a close, they savored the whole bottle of the sake mixture, for she had to go and Arandaru had to resume his "business".
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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 28, 2014 18:07:03 GMT
I'll let him know, be sure…!
Satomi, of course, pretended not to notice a lot of things running in the room, and focused in the well written text the Iuchi maiden produced. Unfortunately, if she wished to talk to her superiors that night, she must hurry.
Arandaru-san, can we repeat such entertaining and yet, productive, meeting more often? So, with a sincere feeling of being losing a big time opportunity for the first time in that horrible court, she started to prepare her leaving. If not by my previously appointed compromises, I'd love to stay more.
As the Moto and her bid farewell for the night, Satomi went to her meeting to her clan's leaders. Of course, she wasn't even a bit altered by the alcohol, nor she thought Moto Arandaru was.
//end of scene//
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