Doji Hatosenshi
Kougataribe
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“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 8, 2014 3:58:43 GMT
Doji Hatosenshi watched with a practiced eye, his fingers tracing over the faintly carved kanji on his walking stick. With a soft grunt, he pushed himself from his sitting position and moved towards the Mantis ship.
"Honorable Moshi-san!" Hatosenshi called out as he approached. "Honorable Ide-san!" He gestured politely at the Kakita inspecting the ships. "I see you've met the most honorable and renowned duelist Otomo Yatsuji, and the dockmaster. Have you partaken of Inari's Blessing this morning? I know a wonderful tea house just a short walk from here." The older samurai gestured at his leg, and frowned slightly. "This old wound troubles me too much to walk far, but I find their tea soothes the twinges."
Hatosenshi motioned towards Kakita Hogato. "I'm sure the honorable dockmaster understands that we do not need to search the ship of a Mantis diplomat. You would not jeopardize the many trade agreements that bring the Mantis through the beautiful Crane port of Kaikouchi."
With a bow, the Kakita stepped back off the docked ship and moved his men off the decks.
"Please. If you would honor me by joining me?"
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 8, 2014 4:30:10 GMT
Kinto managed to bring another small smile to Yoru's face with his apology, something a bit more genuine than the practiced smile he reserved for dealing with the Kakita. "Indeed, I've found it very difficult to impress such details on horses myself, Ide-san." He bowed.
"I am Moshi Yoru, and I represent my clan's interests in this disagreement we are having with the Crane. I am grateful to the Unicorn for their willingness to step into this situation as a neutral party, and I was most disturbed to hear of the fate the last mediator met. The Mantis wishes to discover the assassin and bring him to justice as swiftly as possible, and we hope to reach an equitable agreement with the Crane. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ide-san."
When the older man rose and introduced himself, Yoru bowed again. "I appreciate your offer. I have in fact not partaken of Inari's blessing yet, and would be very much obliged if you were to show me the way to such an excellent tea house. As for the dockmaster, it is his duty to inspect ships entering the port, and I will not begrudge him for fulfilling that duty. His insinuations that I would be so low as to smuggle illicit goods on a diplomatic mission could easily be forgotten over tea."
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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 8, 2014 5:31:46 GMT
Doji Hatosenshi nodded and bowed to the samurai and gestured towards the road. "You must forgive my slower pace. I am not the young headstrong fool I once was." The wind is cold as it blows off the sea, and the samurai find themselves shrugging inside their cloaks just a little bit deeper as they walk towards the teahouse.
Silence prevailed, with the clacks of Hatosenshi's walking stick keeping a steady rhythm before they found themselves inside the Emerald Lotus Teahouse where Hatosenshi gestured towards a table in the back, half hidden behind a folding paper wall.
"The innkeeper knows to keep my table ready. I find the warmth of tea keeps old age at bay somewhat." The samurai kneel at the table, and Hatosenshi murmurs to the innkeeper before turning back. "I believe you'll find this blend to be very interesting. It's a spiced tea, imported from the Northern Dragon Mountains."
As the samurai sip the tea, Hatosenshi meets their eyes one by one, and his clear eyes search deeply into their souls. "I must make an introduction. I am Doji Hatosenshi, storyteller and sensei of the Broken Wing Doji. The Governor is one of my former students and I find myself making a trip to offer advice as this is his first posting."
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Post by Ide Kinto on Jan 8, 2014 21:31:38 GMT
"The pleasure is shared, Moshi-san." tells Kinto in answer to the Mantis.
When the old Crane presented himself, Kinto bowed in return. "It's a pleasure to meet you too."
While walking to the inn, Kinto couldn't help than talking a little to his companions: "It seems that this city is full of hidden gems. Everybody seems to know a good inn somewhere."
Upon sighting the tea in his cup. "I must confess my lack of knowledge on this matter. I never had a chance to taste a Dragon blend before, but nothing is too spicy for me I guess."
After listening to the reasons of the arrival of the old Crane, Kinto notes: "Your everlasting dedication to your students is to be acknowledged."
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 8, 2014 21:38:38 GMT
Yoru took a seat opposite the old Crane, enjoying the exotic aroma and flavor of the tea. "Your dedication to your pupil is commendable, Doji-Sensei. We should all be so blessed as to have had such a diligent Sensei in our youths."
He took another sip of the hot liquid as Hatosenshi's eyes met with his, seeming to peer into his soul in that split second. There was more to this old man than was evident on the surface, that much was clear.
"I believe that his posting says much about the quality of your teachings, as well. Port cities are notoriously difficult to control, and your clan would not have entrusted such an important responsibility to someone unless they had the utmost faith in that individual's abilities. Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, Doji-Sensei, but may I inquire as to the nature of the matter in which your pupil seeks advice?"
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 9, 2014 0:10:12 GMT
Yatsuji sat down heavily amongst the others and took a cup of tea. He smelled it first and wasn't immediately impressed. Maybe he would have been if the person offering it were someone different, but for now he was given to be careful about how much he enjoyed the drink.
When Yoru asked about the governor, Yatsuji had to cover a slight smile.
"Despite the teachings of a skilled sensei, there are always difficulties associated with running a city of this size. It's very hard to keep all your staff accounted for, isn't it, Doji-sensei?"
He took a light sip of the tea so as not to seem ungrateful and choked it down, being internally annoyed at the delightful infusion of flavors. He set the cup down and rolled it around in his hands.
"I'm more interested to know why a Unicorn has come all the way from the tip-top of the empire to its very toes on what seems to amount to a sightseeing vacation."
Yatsuji looked over at Kinto expectantly.
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 9, 2014 0:43:59 GMT
Yatsuji's remark caught Yoru's attention, and he hid his smirk behind another sip of tea. It was not the sort of comment he had expected from an Otomo, a family known for being court predators, but Yoru was all too aware of how correct Yatsuji was. Perhaps this abnormally savvy Otomo could be a useful ally in the future.... or a potent enemy.
He set his cup down.
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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 9, 2014 1:47:53 GMT
Hatosenshi smiled at Yatsuji as the Crane sipped his tea. His eyes briefly met with the innkeepers and then he looked at Ide Kinto.
"Yes, the Unicorn poses a delightful intellectual challenge. Perhaps, if you'll indulge an old teacher his flaws? The Unicorn travels with two Moto guards. He seeks out a Mantis ambassador upon first arrival. A Ide mediator was slain recently. Clearly, as you've so subtly demonstrated without saying, the Unicorn is here to investigate the murder of his kin, which most likely was for the same cause as the death of the corrupt Seppun magistrate. After all, an Otomo to ensure the death of a Seppun is handled tastefully. A Mantis to defend his beset kin from the depredations of the Crane. And a Ide to determine the death of a cousin and ensure his last mission was fulfilled."
Hatosenshi chuckled quietly, and gestured at the innkeeper, who placed steamed rice, miso soup and sushi before the assembled samurai. "It would appear, we have the makings of a Crab comedy, a Dragon drama, or a Scorpion tragedy. I'm curious which one this will be."
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Post by Ide Kinto on Jan 9, 2014 2:15:29 GMT
"You're all right. My commitment here consists of two duties. First, I am appointed by my lords to help the Crane and the Mantis reaching an equitable agreement over their shipping rights. And secondly, one of my brethren has rejoined the Karmic Wheel a little to quickly. I am here to serve as the liaison with the magistrates who are going to investigate this case."
Kinto draw a new sip from his tea.
"Ah, and I would personally prefer a Crab comedy. Especially if Yasuki Harumi could play a part in it. She was wonderful in Mihoko and the Blue Pots.
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 9, 2014 3:29:20 GMT
Yoru grinned, an actual grin this time instead of the practiced face of diplomacy. "Ironic that the Scorpion have an entire family dedicated to the art of acting, and that many of the roles we love are in fact Scorpions pretending to be something else."
"Ide-San, I believe that our first priority is to find this murderer and bring him or her to justice, and to that end you have my full cooperation. In addition, should you feel at any point that your own safety is threatened, I can provide you with additional yojimbo from onboard my ship." He turned his gaze to the old Crane. "And perhaps, while we are investigating these matters, the honored Sensei of this city's governor would be willing to discuss the Crane's perspective on this trading dispute?"
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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 9, 2014 4:08:16 GMT
Hatosenshi smiled warmly at Yoru, as he reached for his miso soup. "I believe you overestimate my knowledge of trade and economics. As a sensei, responsible for imparting knowledge deemed essential by the Celestial Order, I haven't had the time, to devote myself to the studies of the knowledges of the lower castes. I would need to rely on your imitable knowledge."
Hatosenshi turned towards Yatsuji. "Perhaps you could assist the Mantis? I'm sure such a renowned duelist and an Imperial scion has a breadth of varied knowledge."
OOC: Rokugani mic drop.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jan 9, 2014 4:28:14 GMT
Yatsuji started. He was about to stand up but barely restrained himself. He tensed up entirely and glared at the Crane Sensei. If he had his choice he would have already cut down the handicapped man who sat before him, but that would be...uncouth at best.
"What, exactly, are you saying about the Imperial Households, Doji-sensei," he said loud enough to carry through the tea house. "Are you impinging on our collective honor?"
He let the words hang there, begging for anything out of turn from the Crane.
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Moshi Yoru
Mantis Clan
Posts: 42| Likes: 18
Some smiles show mirth. Others just show teeth.
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Post by Moshi Yoru on Jan 9, 2014 4:54:03 GMT
Yoru returned the smile with one of his own. The kind that only show teeth.
"My apologies, Doji-Sensei. I didn't realize that your expertise was so.... specialized. I tend to take an avid interest in learning all I can about subjects that might lead to an easier life for the citizens of the Isles of Silk and Spice, and I had assumed that the Crane shared that sentiment in regards to their own people. However, if you would be more comfortable leaving the discussion of your clan's interests to Otomo-San, then who am I to object?"
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Post by Ide Kinto on Jan 9, 2014 5:54:04 GMT
Putting his cup of tea in front of him (and deeply regretting that it was not sake), Kinto takes a little breath before speaking.
"Moshi-san, I think that you're right. Finding the murderer is a priority. The honor of three clans demands retribution for the murder of Ide Kofu and we can't let this honorless man escape while we are exclusively talking about some shipping rights. The winds and the sea make great partners, and nothing can stop the wrath of Suitengu and of the Guardians of the Four Winds when they are unleashed together."
"Doji-sensei, I must commend your wisdom and your eyes for potential. The help of every samurais of virtue is going to be deeply appreciated for finding the murderer the more quickly, and it's evident that the cooperation of a renowned duelist such as Otomo-san is really welcomed."
"Otomo-san, I'm pretty sure than Doji-sensei didn't intend to offend on anything concerning the Imperial houses. His speech recalled me that I was certain that the Seppun Guards teachings included some emphasis on environmental checking, a skill that I must confess that I lack and who is going to be really useful if we must cross the path of the honorless man who killed my clanmate."
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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 9, 2014 19:11:10 GMT
Hatosenshi bowed to the Ide without his smile ever faltering.
"Moshi-san, of course the Crane take an avid interesting in caring for their peasants and citizens. We simply keep in mind, interest does not excuse dishonorable behavior. However, Ide-san is most correct. We have let our tongues wage a war that we do not wish to commit our bodies to. If I have offended, I can assure that was never the intent. And to you, Otomo-san, the same applies."
OOC: Looks like you win that conflict :)
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