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 Jun 3, 2014 23:19:59 GMT
OOC: This party needs at least three players to work properly. Hope you guys join me as soon as possible. Just for idle talking and maybe some political plotting, or whatever else you come up with. For details about this mandate, please check: Mandates - June
Location: Kyuden SeppunBy the other side of the Toyura River, The Imperial Court and all the "big players" of Rokugan, as some Clan Champions, Imperial relatives and personal friends of the Empress were reunited to admire the wonderful and romantic view of the cherry blossoms , listening to poetry, sharing tea and flirting in the gardens of the castle. By this side of the River, something similar was being replicated by the "not so important" personages somehow surrounding the "True" Imperial court. Though it was a far more cheerful and vibrant counterpart of the courtly games: somehow, the groups meeting, strolling and celebrating life, beauty and love under a soft breeze of floating pink petals used the moment to weave their webs of influence, and do what wasn't done in the last Winter Court. Being so, even the most delicate of the remarks about the beauty of the sakura blossoms might wrap a hidden intention inside, and poetry, strolls and tea ceremonies just a way to pour a handful of flower petals of tenderness upon a savage hunting for power. She, Bayushi Satomi, has earned a leave from her duties for today, and she imagined that it wasn't out of coincidence. For sure, it had to do with not being around to be seen by the Empress and cause her curiosity, something that would be very embarrassing for both Crab and Scorpion clans. "Remodeled" according to the Scorpion standards and a bit paler and thinner than her old self, Satomi now wore a painted face and her handicapped eye was almost completely concealed through Scorpion makeup subterfuges. However anyone very close to her could notice what was part of the trick, and what was real. This afternoon she was wearing black outfit layering upon a white one, wrapped together by a red obi where her daisho rested (although Satomi was a rich woman, she wasn't fond of spend money in futilities and she was reusing all her Crab-black kimono as Scorpion ones, and after some small amends her new clan and family mon were embroidered in the right places). She never used a so elaborated hairdo besides the day of her wedding to Shigekazu. But… it was Hanami, or Hana Matsuri, and the festivities had taken all the day, the flower viewing party being the more cryptic part for her. However, she was prepared with a few haiku from her awful Book of Haikai, for her particularly enjoyed to shock people with the poor quality of her poetic abilities. For the ones she (could come to) be pleased with, she had a handful of pretty origami (at least these she was able to do as perfectly as a proper Kaiu would) tucked in her sleeves. Glancing here and there, she adventured in the garden, observing groups of Cranes, Scorpions, Phoenix… And missing a recognizable face. She sighed.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 4, 2014 7:57:45 GMT
Kasumi had been in the capital for a day when she heard about the cherry blossom festival, which she had completely forgotten about. There were not many cherry trees in the mountains of the Tsuruchi lands and there were definately none at the Wall. In fact, one would be wise to stay away from any cherry trees in the Shadowlands, as the trees were deadly there. But that was far away and here she could enjoy the cherry blossoms. Dressed in a new kimono and with her hair done up like she normally didn't, she walked around, checking things out. She was still wearing her magistrate symbol and of course her swords, so doshin knew they could call on her if they encountered something they couldn't handle themselves. As she had been told there might be some poetry contests, she had brought a couple of her Haiku with her. Kaigen hadn't been a big conversationalist, so during the trip here she had found the time to compose a few new ones.
She was wandering aimlessly, enjoying the sights, when she saw someone she knew. At least, after a second look, as she had looked slightly different last time they had spoken each other. Satomi's letter had been waiting for her at the magistrate's office and she had sent a reply that she was available for a conversation. She wasn't sure if the reply had reached Satomi yet, but maybe they could talk a bit now. Or at least just have a chat.
"Bayushi-san," she said with a bow when she reached the Scorpion woman, "it's a pleasure to see you here. Are you well?"
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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 Jun 4, 2014 12:43:05 GMT
Satomi bowed when she recognized the Tsuruchi woman… If not for the symbols of her profession, it would have been hard time finding the practical Emerald Magistrate in this woman.
Ohh, it's a pleasure to see you as well, dear Tsuruchi-san! How can one not be well while witnessing such wonderful nature's spectacle? She couldn't care less for flowers doing what old dying flowers are supposed to do. However, smiling and snapping shut her rather "chic" but unimaginative fan _uhn, I need to find a good one, that damned Asako daimyo got the best I had!_, she invited Kasumi to make her company.
The best Hana Matsuri I had been was when I was 6 or 7... Lots of sweets and music! And all the wonders a little girl can imagine! The Kaiu toymakers amaze me since then.
How are your children, Tsuruchi-san?
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 4, 2014 16:56:38 GMT
"They are growing very fast," Kasumi said, "I should try to be there more for them, but duty calls. Which reminds me, I've replied to your letter. I'm not sure if you already received it."
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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 Jun 4, 2014 17:37:41 GMT
No, actually I didn't. Not sure what's happening with the messengers nowadays… she remarked. Or with the messengers up here, I guess. Both women were accustomed with the fast pace of things back in the southern Rokugan, or at least, on how messages used to "fly" in the Crab lands.
She wouldn't be surprised if the letter was intercepted, now that Kasumi went from an almost unknown Emerald Magistrate to the investigator-in-chief in the "Kolat Affair". Such a surprise that Yasuki Hachi used that pretty head of his to think in something so brilliant as assigning an inexperienced, but competent magistrate, with few alliances of note, for such a task. For two things she was sure: the secret organization would keep a close eye on Tsuruchi Kasumi, and the woman needed a yojimbo right now. Satomi needed to trust she was as competent and honorable as she showed to be during the trial... Kousei trusted her to whisper the name of Asahina Gonhiro to Kasumi, so it was what she was going to do... Maybe in a better environment, of course.
Yes, dear Tsuruchi-san, it has to do with the mishaps at the Yasuki Yashiki, but surely, I wouldn't dare to spoil such a great day with so unpleasant matters. Maybe we can appoint a meeting for later, or even tomorrow, may we?
Please, don't die tonight. Satomi thought, a bit concerned, yes.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 5, 2014 6:13:03 GMT
"Of course," Kasumi said, "maybe we have the midday meal together tomorrow and talk then? And I know about the messangers. I brought a letter from Chisako-sama and I've decided to deliver it to the palace myself. I just hope it hasn't gotten caught up in the bureaucracy too much."
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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 Jun 5, 2014 9:46:29 GMT
She didn't flinch:
Sharing a meal with a company such as yours, while we talk more privately, that would be an excellent arrangement, Tsuruchi-san. Satomi smiled.
Oh, you mean, the Asako daimyo? Not sure if I know anyone else with this first name but him. She pondered. If so, well, for all I know, he must be used to the bureaucracies of the Empire… I wonder how many steps a letter takes to get in the hands of its final recipient. If you know, I'd love to be taught.
Uhn, did he send a letter directly from Yasuki Yashiki to someone in the Imperial Court and can't help but using an Imperial Magistrate as courier? No doubt he's putting his unwelcomed nose in someone's life again.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 5, 2014 12:46:24 GMT
"I think that depends," Kasumi said, "for me, as direct assistant of Hachi-sama, it will probably not be that many steps. But truthfully, I don't know. It's the first time I have a direct contact with the imperial bureaucracy. But now to something completely different. There was supposed to be a poetry competition here somewhere. Do you know by any chance where?"
Not that Kasumi expected that Satomi would create poetry herself as she didn't seem the type. Even though she was officially a Scorpion, she was educated a Crab and not many Crab were poets. But she might have walked past, or gotten another way of knowing.
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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 Jun 5, 2014 13:08:59 GMT
Ah yes, I just passed by someone I judge be the responsible for taking applications… That Myia is the right person to talk with, I guess. She said, mentioning a man next to one of the pavilions, orderly taking notes on names of some people around him.
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Post by Kakita Kanehitsu on Jun 5, 2014 17:22:33 GMT
the whole scene was just as picturesque as it could be. Not only were there throngs of people seated all around admiring the blossoms, but it was practically a storm of swirling, falling blossom petals. One might think they were in a special springtime blizzard of sorts. As the two women continued to converse, a young man dressed in Crane finery approached and bowed low to both of them.
"My master wishes you both the best health and begs that you accept this missive from him."
The calligraphy was unmistakably the work of someone practiced with poetry and the fine lines were all swirled about as if to resembled the feeling of the falling cherry blossoms. Whether or not either of the recipients of the letter had the training to recognize this might be another matter. It read as follows:
It is so amazing a trick that when a Crab sheds its shell we can see that it was a Scorpion the whole time. And accompanied by a Mantis no less. I must beware of all the dangerous claws here. There is tea waiting for those who can find the golden crane amongst the pretty blossoms.
-Kakita Kanehitsu
By the time they had finished reading the short note, the young man had already disappeared into the crowd.
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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 Jun 5, 2014 23:23:10 GMT
After reading, Satomi raised an eyebrow, handing the message to the Mantis woman. Ah, the poet Kakita Kanehitsu...Not sure if he meant to be funny, perversely erotic… or just offensive…
But at least, there's fresh tea… She smiled candidly. Do you mind if we join a bit of artsy amusement in Crane's company?
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 6, 2014 6:06:49 GMT
"No problem, Bayushi-san," Kasumi said, " just want to enter myself into the poetry competition and then we can go." She went to the Miya and quickly entered into the competition. It was be fun to do a competition that didn't involve a bow from time to time. She knew she was atypical for a Tsuruchi that way, but she didn't care. As long as she did her duties correctly and gained honour and glory for her clan, she found it was her business what she did in her rare free time. "Okay, I'm ready to go," she said to Satomi when she returned, "now we just have to find our golden crane."
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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 Jun 6, 2014 10:04:31 GMT
Of course.
Hey, you! Satomi uttered at a passing Crane servant in her best Crab Commander tone (the man compulsorily conformed), where can I find Kakita Kanehitsu-san and his entourage? A golden Crane may be involved.
Not even daring to retort the servant promptly showed the way. Not exactly the most thrilling of the hunts, but all that pink and white was kind of overwhelming her senses and she felt not like going from statue to statue, pavillion to pavillion, in order to find the Crane poet And some snacks and fresh tea could put her in the mood. Hopefully.
Soon the two women were introduced to the Kakita playwright and his retinue.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 6, 2014 12:39:09 GMT
She had said it before and she would say it again: one could take the Crab off the wall, but one couldn't take the wall out of the Crab. And despite her new mon, Satomi was still a Crab in manners. But at least it got the desired result and they quickly were in front of Kanehitsu. She had spoken to the man not that long ago in Yasuki castle, but it was nice to see another familiar face. She bowed as was customary, a bit less deep than last time since her change in status as Hachi's direct assistant.
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