|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 13:58:47 GMT
The court chamber on this day of winter court is scheduled in advance for a book signing. The very first complete copies of the new Asako Daimyo's work "A Geanealogy of Rokugani Families" are finally completed by several of the Asako's finest scribes. Today, with the Asako Daimyo presiding, he will be attaching his personal chop to these documents. Ensuring their validity for all.
For those that don't get one of the copies of these texts, it is still the first oportunity for the empire as a whole to see this new Asako Daimyo. His first public appearance at the event. The well-known story being that while researching for this book, he discovered an error in the Asako daimyo's lineage, and that he would be the inheriter. He frantically tried to 'correct' the error, by taking this knowledge to the Phoenix aristocracy, with the intent to remove himself from the equation completely. The Elemental council and phoenix champion instead decided, with the former Asako Daimyo's blessing, to give him the job. Much to his dismay. And now... he's travelling to winter court.
"Now presiding: Asako Chisato sama, Daimyo of the Asako. Presentation and signing of-" Chisato's karo is interrupted by a loud sneeze from behind the screen door.
"Sorry! Carry on!"
"Presentation of 'A Genealogy of Rokugani Families' written by Asako Chisato sama." The Karo bows, as does the court. Several of the guests are the copiers themselves, beaming with pride.
Asako Chisato in a well tailored kimono, though somehow finding a way to makeit look terribly uncomfortable, quickly makes his way to the cushion before the low table. Wiping his nose with his handkerchief. He bows to the delegation, and sits, nodding at the karo. "Alright, I am ready," he says as he takes the warm wax and readies his ink.
The karo turns to the delegation, "You may now present your texts, in an orderly fashion, for the Daimyo's seal."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 15:08:15 GMT
Satomi was interested into talk with some Akodo this afternoon, trying to gather information for her plans, and a good place to do it was the joining the Lion in their interest for genealogies. Of course, Genealogies are always a polemic topic when you think you basically live in the Yasuki province, but a book like that also is a potential good gift for years to come. Signed by a family daimyo... Yep, sounded like a gift a Crane could give to someone. Thus, trying to disguise her interests into a pure effort to please her "etiquette sensei" Doji Hatosenshi, the Crab general joined the event, expecting for a good moment to get her copy signed by the author, while casually joined some Akodo in a corner of the hall.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 15:31:39 GMT
A Rikogunshokan was a peculiar sight in a setting like this, and the Karo snapped to work, ensuring that the general would indeed get a copy. He handed it to her directly. Bowing deeply and with her thanks for attending. Asking her to please make her way to the front of the line.
Chisato placed his seal on a copy of the tome handed to him by a young Kitsu with an enthusiastic smile.
"Thank you for showing such keen interest in my work." He dithers delightedly as he begins to realise that he has finally found a room full of people that actually appreciate heraldry and family histories as much as he does. He is absolutely beside himself! Could this trip actually have been worthwhile?! Perish the thought!
The Kitsu bows and moves on, letting the next in line approach.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 16:41:26 GMT
Being kindly redirected to the front of the line, Kaiu Satomi nodded when she met the Asako daimyo. At least, that was a serious book, not a scandalous pillow book as the Scorpion bride of Sezaru was used to write. By the way, where in Jigoku was that woman? Last time she saw Mai, Satomi as trying to make sure the ingredient for an alchemic potion reached the hands of the Agasha daimyo. Satomi nodded to Chisato, and handed him the book. Good afternoon, Asako-sama. The Empire is gladly receiving your initiative in revise Rokugani genealogy! Did it take you long to compile such document?
|
|
Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
|
Post by Yasuki Odai on Feb 5, 2014 17:02:40 GMT
What a week... Odai gave a slight, contented sigh as he entered the wide, inviting chamber, his small ensemble of courtiers and guard in tow as they made their way to crowd of samurai assembling to meet the newly anointed Asako daimyo. The Yasuki was conservatively adorned, for him anyway, in a kimono cut for a warrior, but the fine silks cast in a multitude of shades of blue attributed more to his position, though the obi he wore was a simble blue and black affair, worn and faded.
Taking his place in line, Odai gave the room a closer look, noting who was present. Catching Satomi's eye from a ways away, he gave her a slight nod of his head; he had not had much occasion to see her of late, her husband's recent funeral aside. Mired down as he had been these past days by the intricacies, the endless greetings and meetings, posturings and promises, it seemed the task might break him, but it was his duty, as head of the diplomatic delegation of the Crab. Despite it all, despite his own reluctance and lack of comfort in such a role, it had paid off, for Hida Kuon-dono had been chosen as the next Shogun of the Empire...
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 17:43:42 GMT
He sees the crab stand before him, and he smiles widely, who knew the crab military would show aninterest in his work, he is absolutly delighted to answer her question, and does so with vigor.
"Oh! Thank you for your interest, it was quite the harrowing experience you see, and took all my life to do just the research for it, I traveled all over Rokugan to complete the work. I took over once my sensei passed his incomplete genealogy to me after his death. Oh... let me think here, I'd hazard that this was 15 years ago now? But thats not when I started, no, thats only when I took over my master's work. I had started compiling familial histories by the time I had seen 12 winters. Now my sensei, he had started working on his genealogy when he had seen 20 winters. And he died after his 50th winter, so that would mean the work itself had about 45 years go into it. Not counting of course the time spent over lapped where we worked on it together... now of course, genealogical history changes immensely in the span of 50 years, you can hide a whole generation there! So I had to completely rewrite ALL of my sensei's work!"
He looks up from his rambling to see the Kaiu there, "Oh, I'm sorry. I rambled there didn't I? You are Satomi sama no? Rikuganshokan? I met your husband in my travels you know! How is he?"
As he asks his he flips open the copy of the tome that was handed to her, he thumbs through the pages, a very nervous scribe watching on from nearby, as Chisato checks the works validity. He checks it with near painstaking detail, he won't allow any imperfections in his work, not without his chop, no no no!
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 19:11:29 GMT
Well well, now up in "Phoenix nests", they have this sort of people as daimyo. They should watch their genealogy more closely, as does the Unicorn... Sometimes not properly paying attention, causes... this. Asako Chisato and the reasons why he was made daimyo was an intriguing topic for the future, she mused. She had known some unprepared daimyo in the past (Kuon felt totally clueless, for instance, when not only the Hida daimyonate, but the title of Champion of the clan, burdened his shoulders), but that... Was a special case, for sure. But Asako Chisato seemed to keep a sort of... childish cuteness, tempering his obvious intellectual obnoxiouness, so she wasn't totally unpleased...by now.
No... That's fine. Your care with detail is the sure path for the success of your work. Also, your sensei would have been proud if he was able to see waht you accomplished.
Maybe a common courtier could feel embarrased or resented because the faux pas about Shigekazu. Satomi, though was sure not everyone in the Universe was obliged to know about the death of everyone, much less a Phoenix newly arrived form the far distant mountains. She kept her serenity:
My husband... I don't know how he is. But I hope he can be having a peaceful rest for eternity with our ancestors... as he unfortunately passed away...
Then, a weird curiosity:
Are we... mentioned in your book?
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 20:42:47 GMT
Chisato's face blanches. "Oh, uh... I am so sorry to hear about that, Kaiu sama- I mean san. Kaiu s-...." He gives up trying to correct himself, and hesitates only a second more before he just can't help himself any longer.
There is an error in his book.
By way of answering her question, he frantically thumbs through the crab clan chapter of his tome. Until he falls upon her name, and her husband's name. Next to his he adds a simple notation in black ink. "Deceased."
Many confused copiers around the room all open up their tome's as well, and begin editing the Geneaology on the spot! Not wanting to offend the daimyo of the Asako. The Karo's face pales, how insulting this must seem to Satomi... to have everyone in the room finding her husbands name in the book and editing it as she stands there before them.
Chisato clears his throat, then slowly turns the book to its front page, where he adds his chop. The room was stone quiet by this point, and Chisato wonders why things sounded so tense suddenly. He hands the book up to her, "There we go, Kaiu san. The book is completed and accurate."
|
|
Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
|
Post by Yasuki Odai on Feb 5, 2014 20:58:53 GMT
Odai stood there, in a rare moment of true shock at the events unfolding before him. While he would never consider himself intricately versed in the affairs of the larger courts, even he could barely contain his utter awe at the social faux pas had spread like demon fire through the courtiers of the room, and was glad for once to have the damned fan to hide behind.
He made his way quickly to where Chisoto and Satomi stood, though one looking close would notice a definitive limp to his step, the rest of the room too lost in what was transpiring to notice him cutting the rest of the line off, and he gave a low bow as he approached, his face once more a mask of charm and civility as he moved to divert the attention of the court from his fellow Crab.
"Asako-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you in person as last," he interjected smoothly, before the karo seemingly even realized he was there. "I trust your journey down from the mountains was comfortable and swift?"
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on Feb 5, 2014 21:05:45 GMT
You don't… need…Todoit,Chisato-san.
She spoke between her teeth, half concerned, half embarrassed. Damn it!
She cleared the throat, trying to refrain a rude word. Oh… Very well, I'll consider that a favor for his memory, as he was a man with a great love for accuracy… just like you.
Not really like you.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 22:34:49 GMT
Chisato's eyes dart between the two crab then his Karo. His karo had become very interested in her fingernails all of a sudden. Desperately so, as she silently thanked the Yasuki's swift interference. Chisato looked back to the new crab. His mind a blur of information as he took him in. Clearly unaware of the scene he had just caused.
"Yasuki. Governor, asking me about my trave-" his eyes light up a second in recognition, "Friendly Traveller Village! You are Yasuki Odai san!" He makes no mention of the sake for which the town is so well known, whether from ignorance or from inexperience is simply a mystery, and looks very pleased with himself for recognizing him. Chisato rather liked knowing who people were, it removed having to go through the terribly awkward process of introductions.
With a pleased smile he says, "I simply can't stand travelling! There is nothing more terrible then having to leave home and brave the elements... I can't stand the roads. All the bumps, and earthquakes, and bandits." He shudders, then he sneezes. He pulls out a cloth to wipe his nose with, "Quite frankly I think I am allergic to it."
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on Feb 5, 2014 23:00:39 GMT
Doji Hanashimi entered the court, practically buzzing with excitement, accompanied by his yojimbo.
"Doji Hanashimi, governor of Hashi no Toshi" the karo announced, and the Doji courtier made his way to the group at the front of the room. With an almost blithe innocence, he joined in the conversation.
"Odai-san, how delightful to see you again! And Asako Chisote-sama, it is a pleasure and an honour to meet you." There followed a good five minutes of almost uninterupted conversation flitting between how much Hanashimi liked Friendly Traveller village and how much respect he had for someone who was prepared to dedicate his life to academia in a way that was almost artistic in its singularity.
Eventually, Kousei found the opportunity to chip in. "What is your next project, Asako-sama?"
|
|
Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
|
Post by Yasuki Odai on Feb 5, 2014 23:08:21 GMT
"Your recognition both honors and humbles me, Asako-sama," Odai replied with a smile, as he gave another low bow, as well as surreptitiously gesturing to one of his aides, who quickly approached bearing a small, ornate wooden chest and prostrated himself next to the Yasuki governor. "What has it been, oh, two years now since you came to, ahhh..." He hesitated for a moment, seemingly searching for the right words, "confirm certain details about the Yasuki bloodline, I believe."
He made another gesture, and his aide still prostrate opened the box, revealing what looked to be a book wrapped in the finest dark blue silk, embossed with the mon of the Crab in gold. "To celebrate your new position of honor, I present to you something I think you may find of interest. Here we have a collection of maps of the southern territories of Rokugan, exquisitely crafted and finely detailed with information on each and every town, including demographics over time and the lineage of the lords who rule them. All information I'm sure you have, of course, but perhaps not presented in such a way."
Odai put forth his most genuine friendliness and charm, casually and somehow, surprisingly even to himself, successfully steering the conversation away from both the topic of Satomi's husband and the topic of travel.
As the Crane pair approached him, he felt himself stiffen ever so slightly, though it would be imperceptible to all but those who knew him best. Giving a slight nod to the men, Odai kept his on somehow. "Doji-san, Daidoji-san, a pleasure indeed. How fare you both this fine afternoon?"
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on Feb 5, 2014 23:27:32 GMT
For five whole minutes the crane would speak, and Chisato simply nodded and watched... he is a terrible conversationalist. When the question was presented to him he said, clearing his throat, "My next project? Why uh... I hadn't thought of that." He looks to his karo for help.
"Governing? Asako sama?"
"Well, I guess there is that." His eyes look over the maps, and he tries to comprehend the information as best he can. He looks up to Odai, "They look very, ah, handy, Yasuki san. Thank you."
Chisato's attention then goes to the crane pair again "Governess Hanashimi... and a daidoji guard, scarred... Kousei san? Son of... wait wait don't tell me.."
He grabs his personal edition of the genealogy, very worn and ragged, looking as if it had gone through the ringer several times, he references a page. "Ah! Son of Takeshi!"
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on Feb 6, 2014 13:59:49 GMT
"I am well Odai-san, I am well! The hospitality of our hosts is most excellent, and my demeanor can only be improved by seeing you and Chisote-sama this morning. As my wife, who was formerly of the Omoto don't you know, would say, 'With a good start who knows what the day might bring!'"
Kousei, meanwhile, was surprised that the Asako daimyo had heard of him. His eyes widened slightly and he stood a fraction straighter.
"Why yes, Chisote-sama, Takeshi is indeed my father. Your work is truly comprehensive, and I am honoured to be in the company of such an esteemed scholar."
Thinking for a moment, he continued. "You say that you are not keen on travel, but in my experience it can be a wonderful experience. Riding to this Court here, I saw some places of great beauty. Fields where recently the corn covered the land like a sea of gold, icicles hanging from tree branches like the tears of a snow maiden, and villages with warm fires and friendly faces. It isn't all bad. I hope that one day I get to travel all over the Empire..."
The last sentence hung in the air like a fading dream, and Kousei realised that he had confided one of his great longings in front of everyone in the court. The manner of the man in front of him had put him off his guard.
|
|