|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on May 6, 2014 11:09:00 GMT
Kasumi was intrigued. She thought it would be over, but apparently it was not. She put her bow away as clearly weapons would not be needed anymore and like probably everybody else in the room she waited to see how things would go. Forget poems, she thought, when I write the story of my life just before I retire, if I live that long, this will make a great chapter.
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 6, 2014 12:10:04 GMT
As Chisato spoke up, Kousei looked worried. He both liked and trusted the Asako daimyo, but he was even less known for tact and discretion than Kousei himself...
|
|
|
Post by Ikoma Noroko on May 6, 2014 13:29:07 GMT
Noroko laughed under her breath as Chisato spoke. Another secret from his book. She wondered what he'd dug up this time...
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 6, 2014 13:57:14 GMT
He lowered his gaze, taking Satomi's response to mean that she would not speak. He sighed, sniffed loudly, and said, "Kuon sama, may I first confirm with you that when you said 'Hida Satomi' you were in fact referring to Satomi san who stands before me? And not a Hida Satomi san from the Hida kuge?"
|
|
|
Post by Shiba Kaigen on May 6, 2014 14:27:24 GMT
Kaigen nodded at Odai's request, although he kept his eyes on the room.
"Of course, Yasuki-sama."
After all, we might not be done chopping apart highly-placed samurai, and Fortunes know, I'd just hate to miss out on that sort of thing.
Politics. Read 'em and weep.
|
|
Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
|
Post by Moto Arandaru on May 6, 2014 15:59:24 GMT
POSTING AS HIDA KUON, THE SHOGUN
"Hai! Asako daimyo-san I am referring to Kaiu Satomi-san. As a token of appreciation in memory of my wife, I was planning to grant her the rights to don the mantle of championship, thus getting embraced by the grace of Hida."The last words sounded as an oxymoron to everyone. Both that there isn't such a thing as a "grace of Hida" and that Kuon's move was quite...peculiar. However, Crab loyalists would understand the move that Kuon wished to make was to maintain a strong front in the Crab command line. Many new that with Reiha's death the place for the championship was open, and such a thing would've strained the Clan of the Crab far too much.
Kuon would've never allowed such a thing, not so recently after the war with the Crane ended and certainly not given the political situation that the Crab lacked into.
|
|
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 May 6, 2014 17:39:01 GMT
Satomi and Odai had put much effort to make Kuon the new Shogun. Satomi spent favors, hours of Kaiu diplomacy and endless promises and threats to get it done. She wasn't interested to know what else the handsome Yasuki governor spent from his side, but she believed it was a bit more than companionship to the bored Otomo ladies in the court. Her reasons to do so, Kuon knew it better than anyone else. She, however, wasn't totally confident of what was guiding his moves right now. She was aware she wasn't the most popular of the commanders in the Crab. She also resented of the fact that, hours earlier, her so called allies into the Crab were unreachable and dismissive, when she was confined in her room, waiting for the trial. Everyone seemed to avoid be associated to the woman who dared not only to disobey the Clan Champion as to denounce her as a kolat agent, even if an involuntary one. Even Kuon didn't wish to listen to her. And now… surprise of the surprises!
She smiled, feeling a bit misplaced somehow. What else? Her instincts alerted her about the danger in Chisato's next words. She wasn't even sure she had really understood what he meant by "not married neither born into the Crab", but it ringed some bells in her mind.
Yes, what do you mean, Chisato-san? The Shogun knows who I am, rest assured.
|
|
Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
|
Post by Yasuki Odai on May 6, 2014 20:41:25 GMT
Odai nodded in satisfaction, giving the Phoenix a slight bow. "Thank you, Shiba-san. I shall send for you when the time comes." He swept away without another word, far more businesslike than he had appeared at any point leading up to them, much of his casual arrogance stripped away in the face of a crisis.
He moved to have a word with Satomi, but found that she was already engaged with the Asako daimyo and Kuon, and cocking his head slightly, he approached, catching the edge of their conversation. He made to leave, but Kuon's last words gave him pause, and he turned back, apprehensive at this side of his former Champion which he had never seen.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 6, 2014 21:46:50 GMT
Chisato looked far more timid then he ever had before at this point, under the gaze of all these warriors. His karo was rather furiously whispering to him behind his fan. Chisato stood and took a deep breath ignoring the karo's council clearly by the look on her face.
"Kuon-shogun. You cannot appoint the title of crab clan champion to Bayushi Satomi san."
|
|
Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
|
Post by Moto Arandaru on May 6, 2014 22:28:04 GMT
PLAYING AS HIDA KUON, THE SHOGUN
For once more Kuon narrowed his eyes. "Asako-san, tell me. What does distinguish a man among his peers? Is it deeds? Morals? or simple trickery?" he asked the Asako daimyo. "My wife proved her value even though she belonged into a vassal family. So what would that distinguish Bayushi Satomi?" he looked at her.
"She'd offered quite as much to our Clan and hell I wouldn't care even if she was a mujina!" he stroked his chin. "What I know is that a friend is a friend and his value is to be measured by his deeds" he beckoned as if he was about to leave the room. "What do you expect of it, to have a war hero commit seppuku? Because he was born into another family?"
"Or because she might be a spy..." the words flew into the air. It was Kuni Jiyuna that was speaking this time. The beautiful Kuni had a stern look in her eyes. Chisato had found an ally.
Silence lingered in the air once more...
The jade magistrate played a serious part in this, assisting the claim of the Asako daimyo. This was a matter of honor, and practical or not, the Crab Clan couldn't ignore the repercussions this scandal was having for once more to the Crab's honor...
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 6, 2014 22:57:41 GMT
Kousei looked quizzically across at Satomi. The renowned Kaiu general, a Scorpion? He couldn't help himself, and spoke up again. Hopefully this time, there would be less bloodshed at the end.
"Satomi-sama may have been born a Scorpion. This is not something I know, but Chisato-sama is the foremost scholar of geneology in the Empire. But she has stood firm on the Wall for years. She has faced down nightmares beyond the imagination of most of Rokugan. She has commanded the armies of the Kaiu with skill and dedication. She may have been born a Scorpion but she has lived... she has lived as a Crab."
Kousei knew that going up against the renowned jade magistrate was dangerous, but Satomi had had his back often enough.
|
|
|
Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on May 7, 2014 0:49:45 GMT
"And she should be rewarded as such."
Kanehitsu snapped his fan shut to emphasize his words and his entrance to the conversation. He bowed respectfully but quickly to those already embroiled and then continued with his speech.
"Kuon-shogun, it is true that every Crab knows his duty, yes? Let us not so hastily separate, Kaiu-sama from hers. Let her enjoy the rewards of loyalty in her current position. Let us take a few moments to recenter ourselves and then discuss what is to happen next, for I think that, especially with what Asako-dono has said, there is much to consider before appointing anyone to anything. Would you perhaps like a place to discuss the matter more comfortably? I'm sure i can provide viable accomodations for anyone who would be privy to such a meeting."
Kanehitsu opened his fan again and halfway hid behind it, trying to look sincere and amenable to any demands the Shogun might have.
|
|
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 May 7, 2014 2:06:38 GMT
It wasn't the first time someone used the "born Bayushi" card against her. It surprised that Chisato was the one to do that, however it reminded Satomi she shouldn't have trusted him in first place. It was quite humiliating to dedicate her life to the clan she was adopted into, and been pointed out as a spy. Quite ironic that the ones defending her were Crane themselves. So convenient, Jiyuna-san... You're such a lover of dramatic speeches, aren't you? Do you like to whisper suggestions when your only intention is to make the Shogun to look like a fool in the front of many? May it be a lesson to my esteemed friend Kuon-dono, to be wary of the ones so ready to whisper into his ears… Satomi walked to Jiyuna, and grabbed the women by the chin before she could react (Agility/Fire 5-Feared-Initiator-Rikugunshokan-Bayushi Ancestor=9 yeah, she has the guts). You of course have proof I'm a spy to Scorpion. Show it now or swallow your words.
|
|
|
Post by tsuruchi kasumi on May 7, 2014 6:06:33 GMT
Kasumi started playing with her obi again, to have her hands close to her swords. Nobody was looking at her at the moment, all attention was on Jiyuna, Satomi and Chisato. As a jade magistrate was on the same level as an emerald magistrate and she didn't really know the people involved, she would stay silent for now. And while she had the feeling that Chisato was right about Satomi having Bayushi ancestry as he seemed quite knowledgable about those things, someone, maybe that karo of his, should teach Chisato a lesson or two about tact and knowing when to speak up and when to keep silent. Or discuss things in a more private setting.
|
|
Moto Arandaru
Unicorn Clan
Posts: 199| Likes: 103
In Kyuden Seppun, eager to find a way to save the Empire!
|
Post by Moto Arandaru on May 7, 2014 6:37:42 GMT
POSTING AS THE NPCs
Even though Kuni Jiyuna was born a Crab, she swallowed her words as she was intimidated by Satomi's brash behavior. "The nerve..." would be the most common word to be heard among many. But Yasuki Hachi grasped Satomi's hand and in an abrupt motion he used it to disengage both women. He didn't wish a jade magistrate to be meeting Satomi's fist.
And he said in a whispering tone: "A grave crisis has just been averted and there's a new one about to begin. However, Kaiu Satomi-san, whatever the issue, you have no power over extending 'authority' on a clansman chosen to protect the Empire." he looked at them both.
There was a clear standoff at this point. And by Hachi's authority, it all came apparent that Kuon's opinion didn't matter much. He was the Shogun and clearly not in position to defend the Crab Clan matters. Doing so would've proven that he favored his Clan over the Empire's well-being.
The door slid open and a female voice lashed the air with authority: "Time enough for things to be settled." it was a medium-sized woman with an athletic body covered by a fine scarlet kimono. It bore nothing on it, plain just as she wished. Her face covered by an eggshell-thin mask that hid her face. She bowed respectfully to Kuon and approached the dais. Once more she bowed in respect and then spoke:
"I'd presume that the defenders of the Empire would have an astonishingly better understanding of what is a presumed threat and whatnot. The jade magistrates are keen on rooting out heresy and the Shadowlands, thus what are you rooting 'for' Kuni Jiyuna-san?" she said.
Yasuki Hachi spoke: "Lady Sunetra...?" his voice betraying amazement. This was a rather new attire. The Scorpion Clan champion would always amaze anyone. She'd passed through the yashiki without getting noticed, in a rather 'new' attire and all of them remained oblivious to it.
"Bayushi Sunetra, esteemed Emerald Champion-tono. Sharing the family of the accused Satomi-san." she turned her face once again over to Jiyuna.
"You've seen that our Shogun displayed modesty and embraced an individual by its deeds and you seek to defend the Asako daimyo's claim? What for I wonder? And why would you stray from your duty? Are you interested in mere gossips?" she looked around at everyone.
"Which one of you seeks further explanation? And wishes to raise a rumor into a scandal? Who's judgemental to the spirit of the 'fostering'?" she took a breath. If she was angry her mask would've betrayed that. She wasn't though for there was no muscle on her face that twitched in anger.
"Was the Crane Clan traitorous towards the Empire for saving our children when our Clan marched into the Burning Sands? Is anyone guilty of offering a chance in anyone's life unscathed? Do you not believe in the virtue of compassion Kuni-san?" she looked her with dead eyes, even if the choice of words were 'poor' it proved that Bayushi Sunetra wasn't a speaker..
"Now, while the Crab Clan has infused this person's worth into a hero, it was brought up as a scandal." she motioned over to Satomi. "Come Bayushi Satomi-san, it's time to return to the family you were born into. Save face from these accusations."
|
|