The Hizashi Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Registered: Dec 16, 2015 22:09:27 GMT -8
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Post by The Hizashi Clan on Dec 16, 2015 22:35:10 GMT -8
 Hizashi mansion featured a main courtyard and a couple side courtyards, a garden, and numerous walkways. In the main courtyard, an old and respected cherry tree overlooks a man-made pond constantly rippling from the gentle breeze of uncontested altitude. Some of the walkways overlooked the cliffs upon which the mansion was built and gave a beautiful view of misty valleys below. The atmosphere up here is tranquil, as the fortified residence bore minimal traffic and everyone was usually on their best behavior. |
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2015 22:01:04 GMT -8
"Mm," the Empress said as she walked beside Lord Genji, the golden decorations in her hair quietly chiming as she turned to look at the vista the walk provided. She held out her hand as sakura petals drifted down, almost as if she were a youth catching snowflakes.
"My father thought it best to appease them, and to bring them into the Imperial fold. I was contracted to marry into the Yanata Clan when I was eight years old. If I am to make the changes and the progress to Katashima that I envision, I cannot do it on the back of my father's decisions."
She drew her hand back, and gently rubbed her fingertips together, a blossom caught between. "The Yanata Clan, for all that they claim to be wise scholars, have so far left me underwhelmed."
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Lord Genji
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 123 
Age: 43
Registered: May 14, 2015 12:40:27 GMT -8
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Post by Lord Genji on Dec 23, 2015 22:29:52 GMT -8
"We didn't see it prudent, either. We believed a royal marriage would have been destabilizing, at that time," he said casually. He found himself growing more comfortable around the Empress, though the difference in social stature was in and of itself intimidating. Lord Genji was used to being in charge, especially in his own home, and it had been awhile since he'd had to consider deeply what he did and said around a particular guest.
"You are your own person, Suzume-heika. Those who wish for you to follow in your father's image forget that you are the Empress now, and the kami have chosen a different fate for Katashima. We have always supported you, knowing this may one day be the case."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 22:13:53 GMT -8
She was momentarily pleased to hear that Lord Genji supported her move to break the marriage contract between the Moritomo Dynasty and the Yanata Clan. That pleasure, however, was quickly dampened by the knowledge of Snakes in the Grass. She was raised in the Imperial Court; it was second nature among the weasels and vermin of courtiers to say whatever was necessary to be said to appease the Imperial family -- and act differently once they were away.
Even so, he seemed genuine, and the Empress nodded her head, deeply respectful to him. "Your support has been most appreciated and gratifying," she told Lord Genji, lifting her lashes and raising her gaze to meet his. "If I may be truly honest, I do not foresee marriage at all in my future, other than the marriage of myself to my country."
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Lord Genji
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 123
Age: 43
Registered: May 14, 2015 12:40:27 GMT -8
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Post by Lord Genji on Dec 26, 2015 22:24:16 GMT -8
"Hm.. very interesting."
Genji seemed intrigued. Indeed, the lord of Hizashi domain was widely known for his tolerance for counterculture and embrace of new ideas, lending to the slightest eccentric twist to the stately persona he was expected to present. The Hizashi domain was therefore often considered among the safest fiefdoms for foreigners, and the daimyo himself seemed to receive her decision not to marry at all in the near future quite positively.
"Curious, TennÅ Heika, as you know many lords might argue that marrying into their clan would be congruent with our culture and traditions, as well as make Katashima stronger, as it very well could..."
His tone was casual, as though merely visiting the idea, so as not to suggest he himself was among those others who'd prefer she marry.
"..why do you decide against this?"
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2015 9:13:36 GMT -8
"Were it only so simply that I would wish against marriage, if only because if I were a man, naturally it would be assumed that I could take my time and sort through appropriate females as if I was choosing my favorite delicatessen. And, were I a man, and I was not wanting to make such a firm commitment, I could take them as concubines, lower-ranked wives, in essence."
Her sly, dark eyes looked to Lord Genji. "Could you imagine how the daimyo would act, were I to take their sons as concubines?" A smile flirted at the corner of her lips.
As they walked, she let her hand stretch out, gold gleaming at her finger, and she stroked the petal of a nearby flower from a beautiful vase. "No, my Lord Genji, if I am to be true to my country, then I must not favor one daimyo over the other. As it is, I would prefer that the ALL the daimyo squabble over power over me than I would like to be at the whims and mercy of ONE."
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Lord Genji
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 123
Age: 43
Registered: May 14, 2015 12:40:27 GMT -8
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Post by Lord Genji on Dec 28, 2015 10:59:29 GMT -8
He smiled a genuine smile at her concubine statement; it was an entertainingly legitimate point, one he wholeheartedly supported within, for everything that was afforded a man in high stature within this culture did not seamlessly roll over to women who may also take up such exalted positions. She had every opportunity to restructure traditions and precedents as Empress, and to an extent he hoped she would. After all, despite her divinity she took on the form of a human being, and perhaps her mind was not so different either. Genji himself, in the secrecy of his own psyche, always knew he was more human than god, and that the Empress must be too. As a moderate, he was often one to question the extremism of conservative tradition.
"I do support your decision to remain free, without any hesitation. I do, however, believe squabbling between the realms would be counterproductive to building a strong Katashima. I worry our nation may threaten to unravel should any of the lords feel as strongly as Yanata Clan."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2015 17:03:38 GMT -8
"I won't allow that to happen," she said. "I travel to visit the daimyo of the land, including that of the Yanata Clan. I am not afraid of them."
It seemed important to her that Lord Genji know that. She let her hand fall by the way side of her thigh, hidden beneath the silken folds of her ornately decorated kimono.
"I don't want to keep you, Lord Genji. You must be a busy man. On the morrow, I would like a tour of your lands. I would like to see the villages and the fields. Should I ask Lord Ashikaga for his presence?"
Once more she looked him in the face, the beautiful, young Sun Goddess waiting for his answer.
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Lord Genji
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 123
Age: 43
Registered: May 14, 2015 12:40:27 GMT -8
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Post by Lord Genji on Dec 29, 2015 9:25:15 GMT -8
Yet as important as it was for her to impress upon him that she was fearless of the daimyo, her youth alone did much to unravel that sentiment, and Genji was not fully convinced. She requires protection, he thought, though he'd be the last to pressure her for any exclusive ties that'd guarantee such a political alliance. Instead, he would have to keep his eyes on the other lords of the realms.
He spoke after her comment on the accompaniment of Isao.
"I will go ahead and ask him, I too wish for him to be present on our journey. He has proven himself lately and I've considered exposing him to more of the realm, in preparation of maybe giving him a more suitable, higher-ranking position."
He said this with a smile, clearly proud of Isao, who's reputation was growing more reliable with his consistent displays of duty and excellence.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2015 19:26:47 GMT -8
She would have asked for Lord Genji's presence, but she was aware that he had more visitors at the gates, more than just she.
"Then it is my hope to see more of your lands," she said to him and bowed her head. He was right in that she lacked experience. True, she had been raised at court and was given sterling examples of how not to be a leader, but that didn't necessarily mean that she knew anything about leading... or controlling men who were too used to their current power.
She had a chip on her shoulder, and it seemed as if the young empress was eager to prove herself. Perhaps, too eager.
She gifted Lord Genji with a smile, and then moved on and away from him to acquaint herself with the quarters she had been given.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:44:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2016 11:46:21 GMT -8
The Daimyo rides into the courtyard and dismounts, once off of his horse he faces Lord Genji and offers a respectful bow. When he rises he offers a slight upward turn of the lips which may be an attempt to reciprocate the other Lords smile, his voice though is as toneless as ever.
"Greetings Lord Genji, my apologies and thanks for receiving me on short notice."
Rin'Si pauses for moment to allow his words to be heard before he continues.
"You already have a guest, so I will not tax your house staff by staying overlong, I ask for a private audience."
Once again Rin'Si pauses though this time it is to allow Genji the opportunity to respond.
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Lord Genji
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 123
Age: 43
Registered: May 14, 2015 12:40:27 GMT -8
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Post by Lord Genji on Jan 7, 2016 14:04:15 GMT -8
Genji bowed in return to his counterpart, Rin'Si. He gives a friendly nod to his apology, confirmation that all was well, and continued smiling as he listened to his request. "It is good to see you! This way, let us head to my meeting room."
He beckoned him to follow, and began walking slowly back into the compound. (To the meeting room!) |
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