The Yanata Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 26
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 17:25:03 GMT -8
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Post by The Yanata Clan on Dec 23, 2015 16:24:55 GMT -8
In the mountains high above Kazisho city sits, the ancestral home of the Yanata clan. Many who visit this place are struck by its appearance as it is closer to a temple than a home. Indeed this is somewhat accurate as the family castle is more akin to a massive library than a dwelling. Indeed this castle is home to the largest collection of scrolls, books, and tablets in all of Katashima.
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 23, 2015 16:57:12 GMT -8
Samari sits in a tea room built in one of the gardens, going through the painstakingly slow motions of a tea ceremony. She is not having fun.
I hate this. I hate this so much. Three hours for a cup of tea? It's so boring! It takes so long! And it's so utterly, utterly pointless! There is no reason for anything to take this long, much less a cup of tea. I could be training, or eating takoyaki, or riding my horse, or doing something. But here I am. Serving tea.
Suppressing her impatience, she ever-so-carefully wipes the rim of the cup with a cloth.
Why did I have to do that? I wiped it beforehand. But nooooo, I have to wipe it in front of them. I'm so bored.
Stifling a sigh, she resigns herself to another two and a half hours of mind-numbing ritual.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 2:56:01 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2015 17:15:33 GMT -8
Daimyo Rin'Si enters the garden silently, the severe looking man observe the gathering his face expressionless, his gaze disinterested. He waits until all eyes are on him his silent presence, somehow impossible to ignore. Once those gathered are paying attention he raises his hand, as is his way he does not speak when a gesture will do, he points at Samari and beckons before exiting. The message is clear the Daimyo wishes to speak to the woman, and he believes it to be a more important matter than a tea ceremony. The man is a traditionalist and would not have interrupted the ceremony otherwise.
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 23, 2015 17:20:25 GMT -8
Samari sees the Daimyo and places the teacup down quickly. After a brief bow of apology to the guest, she practically runs out of the tea house to Rin'Si's side.
"Yes? What is it, sir?"
She smiles broadly, pleased that she's gotten out of the tea ceremony.
Finally! I've never gotten out of that! This is incredible! It must be my lucky day. Maybe I should go to the gambling hall. That's usually pretty fun.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 2:56:01 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2015 17:30:04 GMT -8
The Daimyo does not stop moving he does not even look at Samari when she joins him. As they walk he says in his deep emotionless voice.
"Prepare, we leave for Toku at dawn."
There is no change in Rin'Si's stance or stride as he moves, but Samari would know she has been dismissed. The clan leader is taciturn to the point of muteness at times, and he is a firm believer that knowledge should be won not given. The Daimyo only provides what people need to know and not a word more. If Samari wishes more information about this trip, experience would have taught her that she will need to investigate on her own.
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 23, 2015 19:10:16 GMT -8
"Yes sir!"
Samari runs off, scurrying to her quarters to pick up her stuff and prepare for the trip.
Toku? Really? I've never been to Toku before. Except for that one time. But I spent most of that trip drunk. So it doesn't count. Maybe I'll spend this one mostly drunk too. I dunno. I probably have work to do. Ah well. Trips are fun. I hate travelling, though. It always takes so long...
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The Uesung Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 15
Registered: Dec 20, 2015 19:16:51 GMT -8
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Post by The Uesung Clan on Dec 24, 2015 8:19:59 GMT -8
A messenger of the Yanata clan carries a rolled up piece of parchment, tied by a silk string. Upon opening it, one would see the Uesung symbol at the top-right of the paper. It is obvious this is from Kenjin Uesung, who has been rumored to be roaming the Katashiman lands.
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Riku Fletcher
Established
Roleplay posts: 44
Physical Description: Standing at 5'10", Riku is taller than the average Katashiman. Of course there is nothing average about Riku - he's a Fletcher after all, or so his mother told him. He never knew his father, but he has the distinct heritage of a Fletcher: remarkable white hair, a pale complexion and foreign looks mingled with his Katashiman roots.
Registered: Dec 24, 2015 9:53:21 GMT -8
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Post by Riku Fletcher on Dec 24, 2015 10:36:42 GMT -8
In the land of Katashima there is a sacred warrior pilgrimage taken by samurai called musha shugyo. The pilgrimage fosters the spiritual development of the samurai spirit by taking to the road with nothing but your name, your swords and your wits. To survive the one year journey, to survive the life of a vagrant, is to learn and grow as a samurai. The choice was easy for Riku for he had always felt like a black sheep in Katashima. Born to the daughter of a noble whom fell in love with a foreign man, he was raised with but a foreign name and the scrutiny of being born a bastard. So, he sought to learn who he was and where his place truly was in the world.
In the northern passes overlooking the ancestral home of the Yanata Clan, Riku gazed on. He was wrapped head to heel in layers of heavy cotton to ward off ice and snow. A spear was used as a walking stick in the snow to help guide his path. He was burdened with a daisho, a heavy pack and an unstrung yumi. An empty quiver unfortunately was strapped to his pack. On the road his hair blew in the cold northern winds, as white as the snow itself. His stomach howled in hunger and he knew to survive was to sell his sword. So, he came to the Yanata.
Riku marched upon the temple gates to request a respite from the northern air, a meager meal and an audience. The pilgrim needed to sell his ability as a sellsword if he hoped to survive. Pride had gone out the window for a wave-man such as himself.
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The Yanata Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 26
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 17:25:03 GMT -8
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Post by The Yanata Clan on Dec 24, 2015 11:32:05 GMT -8
A messenger of the Yanata clan carries a rolled up piece of parchment, tied by a silk string. Upon opening it, one would see the Uesung symbol at the top-right of the paper. It is obvious this is from Kenjin Uesung, who has been rumored to be roaming the Katashiman lands. The note is taken by a servant and the messenger is asked to wait for the reply. Just less than an hour passes before the servant returns, with a sealed scroll bearing the mark of the Yanata. When Kenjin reads the note he will find the following words. Alliances, require negotiation. 5 days time at your encampment.
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The Yanata Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 26
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 17:25:03 GMT -8
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Post by The Yanata Clan on Dec 24, 2015 11:35:52 GMT -8
In the land of Katashima there is a sacred warrior pilgrimage taken by samurai called musha shugyo. The pilgrimage fosters the spiritual development of the samurai spirit by taking to the road with nothing but your name, your swords and your wits. To survive the one year journey, to survive the life of a vagrant, is to learn and grow as a samurai. The choice was easy for Riku for he had always felt like a black sheep in Katashima. Born to the daughter of a noble whom fell in love with a foreign man, he was raised with but a foreign name and the scrutiny of being born a bastard. So, he sought to learn who he was and where his place truly was in the world. In the northern passes overlooking the ancestral home of the Yanata Clan, Riku gazed on. He was wrapped head to heel in layers of heavy cotton to ward off ice and snow. A spear was used as a walking stick in the snow to help guide his path. He was burdened with a daisho, a heavy pack and an unstrung yumi. An empty quiver unfortunately was strapped to his pack. On the road his hair blew in the cold northern winds, as white as the snow itself. His stomach howled in hunger and he knew to survive was to sell his sword. So, he came to the Yanata. Riku marched upon the temple gates to request a respite from the northern air, a meager meal and an audience. The pilgrim needed to sell his ability as a sellsword if he hoped to survive. Pride had gone out the window for a wave-man such as himself. The Yanata are a reserved people, but they are not cruel. When the half-starved, half-breed approached the gates, he was welcomed into castle. Escorted into a side quest room, which like almost every room in the castle is filled with neatly organized scrolls lining the wall, Riku is provided with hot green tea, and a simple meal of rice and fresh water fish. Once the strangers needs are seen to a servant inquirers as too the young man's intention in visiting the Yanata clan.
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 24, 2015 11:40:54 GMT -8
Samari walks out of her room to greet the guest, as she's heard he looks funny. She is not disappointed.
Is he some kind of foreigner? He looks young, but he has the hair of an old man. Weird. And he doesn't look quite Katashiman, but doesn't look quite foreign either...
Regardless, she bows politely to him.
"Welcome to the Yanata clan's castle. We hope you're doing well. What's your name? And where are you from?"
I really should get ready to leave, but it's not every day you see someone this young with white hair. Heh. Maybe he just went through so much stress his hair turned white.
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Riku Fletcher
Established
Roleplay posts: 44
Physical Description: Standing at 5'10", Riku is taller than the average Katashiman. Of course there is nothing average about Riku - he's a Fletcher after all, or so his mother told him. He never knew his father, but he has the distinct heritage of a Fletcher: remarkable white hair, a pale complexion and foreign looks mingled with his Katashiman roots.
Registered: Dec 24, 2015 9:53:21 GMT -8
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Post by Riku Fletcher on Dec 24, 2015 11:50:13 GMT -8
The young would-be samurai is most gracious for the hospitality the Yanata Clan afford him. Thankful to be out of the cold, the snow and ice melts from his layers of cottons. He wears the clothes of a native Katashiman but his looks are distinctly off. After he warmed himself on tea, rice and fish he is caught off guard when a woman presented herself to the chamber he had been offered to escape the cold and take a meal. Riku would offer Samari a deep, seated bow. He noted she carried herself like a samurai which was an unusual occurrence but he held no judgment; of the two Riku was surely the stranger sight and he saw a look in her eyes that affirmed this suspicion.
"My name is Riku... Just Riku," he spoke in a somewhat timid tone. He kept his eyes firmly averted to the floor as he spoke as he did not want to presume he was her equal in any regard.
"I'm from Toku... But I have embarked on a pilgrimage. That is why I am in your lands..."
He paused.
"If I am not too forward, may I have your name? I would like to appropriately address you, miss, less you think I am incapable of courtesy."
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 24, 2015 12:32:50 GMT -8
Samari looks down at the skinny young samurai with the weird hair.
"I'm Samari Yanata. Nice to meet you...Riku."
He's hiding something. I'm sure of it. Ah well, he hasn't done anything suspicious yet.
She sits down next to him, pouring herself a cup of tea. Ah, it's lovely to be able to pour a cup of tea and drink it without three hours of ceremony.
"Toku, huh? Funny enough, I'm actually heading there pretty soon. Clan business. But in any case, I'm glad you're enjoying your meal."
Taking a sip of the tea, she continues.
"That meal doesn't come free, Riku. If you know the Yanata clan, you'll know that we simply love stories. So, in exchange for that meal, you're going to tell me yours. I'm sure it's a unique one."
With a smug grin, Samari sits back and waits for Riku's tale.
Probably not the most polite way to go about things, but it was certainly quick. And it's not like I asked him outright.
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Riku Fletcher
Established
Roleplay posts: 44
Physical Description: Standing at 5'10", Riku is taller than the average Katashiman. Of course there is nothing average about Riku - he's a Fletcher after all, or so his mother told him. He never knew his father, but he has the distinct heritage of a Fletcher: remarkable white hair, a pale complexion and foreign looks mingled with his Katashiman roots.
Registered: Dec 24, 2015 9:53:21 GMT -8
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Post by Riku Fletcher on Dec 24, 2015 12:44:11 GMT -8
He found this Samari played a blunt and forward game, she was not like the other samurai he had met mired in politics and intrigue. He watched her carefully over the brim of his cup as prey might watch their predator slowly inch towards them. It was as if at any moment he might flee. However, he held to his resolve and did not let her intimidate him. Riku did his best to avert his eyes at every moment yet he would have to meet her gaze when polite courtesy demanded it. He was as uneasy as a willow in the wind.
"I understand nothing in this world is free," Riku firmly noted. "So, your request is fair. I am not a storyteller, Samari-sama-" He offered her an honorific that showed respect. "-but I will tell you about myself until you feel that your clan's hospitality has been repaid."
He offered her a resolute nod.
"As it stands... I am on a warrior's pilgrimage. Musha shugyo. I am hoping to better understand myself, learn and grow as a warrior. I am no samurai such as yourself for I have no lord to serve. I am a wave-man, a ronin. I hail from a small village in Toku, Koizumi, where my mother raised me alone. When I came of age a wandering swordsman took me as his protege. I learned the art of the sword, the spear and the bow from him. Since those days, since those lessons, I learned much... But I'm still none the wiser. So... I am hoping to learn something. Somewhere, somehow."
He provided her a brief insight into his background, honest yet vague, and wondered if that would satisfy her curiosity.
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 24, 2015 12:54:26 GMT -8
Samari bites back a sigh.
Come on, I want the interesting bits. This is dull.
"You were raised by your mother, huh? Do you know who your father was? Does he still live?"
After he answers, or if he's unwilling to answer, she continues.
"Tell me about the wandering samurai. And your training. That sounds interesting. Life on the road, at such a young age. How old are you, anyway?"
She reaches into her pocket, pulling out a small packet of sweets.
"Would you care for a piece? You look like the sort of person who likes candy."
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Riku Fletcher
Established
Roleplay posts: 44
Physical Description: Standing at 5'10", Riku is taller than the average Katashiman. Of course there is nothing average about Riku - he's a Fletcher after all, or so his mother told him. He never knew his father, but he has the distinct heritage of a Fletcher: remarkable white hair, a pale complexion and foreign looks mingled with his Katashiman roots.
Registered: Dec 24, 2015 9:53:21 GMT -8
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Post by Riku Fletcher on Dec 24, 2015 13:40:30 GMT -8
"I... Don't know who my father is," he confessed grudgingly, none too pleased to speak of being a bastard. In a land of rigid Honor, where etiquette was paramount and birthright dictated position he felt like a black sheep. Riku cut his eyes away in embarrassment.
He busied himself by taking a long drought of his tea and he found satisfaction in the warmth it put in his belly. The wanderer felt her eyes on him and he was sure she was still unsatisfied. There was more she wanted to know and he knew she had the right to have it. Riku felt she had not yet been compensated for the meal. So, he mustered the courage to continue with his tale. He had warned her he was not an accomplished storyteller.
"I can attest to at least sixteen winters... But there may be more before I remember. As for my master... My sensei... He was no one of note. Rather, he said he wasn't," he said simply. "He never spoke much of who he was before he found me. I trained with him for many years, along with another pupil, and we lived on the road together. However, I... Let my emotions get the best of me one day. My master and I got into a disagreement... So I left." He would not admit that he was banished away from his master - the wounds were still fresh from that shame.
When she offered the sweets his eyes fairly lit up. "I... Have mochi... In my pockets somewhere," he murmured as he managed to produced a few sweets of his own from his kosode sleeve. "I like candy... Do you? We can trade - so I don't owe you any more, Samari-sama."
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 24, 2015 14:00:15 GMT -8
Samari grins. She likes mochi.
"Samari-sama? That's a bit much, Riku. No need for that. And sure, we can trade. Mochi is good."
She passes him the candy and takes a piece of mochi, chewing the soft piece of rice dough happily.
"Thanks, Riku. Where'd you get this? It tastes fresh."
This kid may be weird, but he has snacks. Maybe I should keep him around.
She sees that Riku's cup is empty and refills it with hot, steaming tea.
"Here you go. Well, where are you headed then? You said you were on a pilgrimage. Where to?"
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Riku Fletcher
Established
Roleplay posts: 44
Physical Description: Standing at 5'10", Riku is taller than the average Katashiman. Of course there is nothing average about Riku - he's a Fletcher after all, or so his mother told him. He never knew his father, but he has the distinct heritage of a Fletcher: remarkable white hair, a pale complexion and foreign looks mingled with his Katashiman roots.
Registered: Dec 24, 2015 9:53:21 GMT -8
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Post by Riku Fletcher on Dec 24, 2015 14:08:30 GMT -8
He blinked. The wave-man felt undeserving of her hospitality. Riku was fortunate, at least, that his mochi were not frozen solid from being outside. So, he chewed on the candied sweets she offered him in return of the mochi and fairly smiled as the taste hit his tongue. In fact, he suppressed a vivid smile and averted his eyes once more.
"Samari-san," he tried again, hoping the honorific was far more appropriate. "Oh, the candy? I had it in my sleeve... I generally have one or two on me... Likely from the last village I passed through..." When he thought about it he wasn't sure where he had picked up the mochi from last. He almost blushed when she poured him another cup of tea.
"Arigatou," he thanked her. "I-" Where was he going? "Don't know. I... Am spending a year living, learning, looking... I don't know where I am going... But I am here now." A timid glance was lifted up to Samari. "If... You don't mind me asking... Rather offering... I might pledge my sword to the Yanata Clan for a time. I have found that as a sell-sword I have learned much. Would this be... Something you might consider, Samari-san? I do not ask for money, but merely three bowls of rice a day, fresh water and a warm place to sleep. I would otherwise be at the service of the Yanata."
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Samari Yanata
Established
Roleplay posts: 28
Age: 20
Physical Description: Samari has a very lithe, athletic figure. She has a reasonably attractive face, but it is frequently twisted into an impatient scowl. She's taller than most Katashiman woman, but still below average when compared to mainlanders.
Clothes and Equipment: Samari generally wears a specialized kimono, cut for easier movement. She carries a ridiculously oversized odachi, as well as a smaller tanto. She frequently uses the odachi (sheathed) to smack people.
Registered: Dec 21, 2015 18:29:52 GMT -8
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Post by Samari Yanata on Dec 24, 2015 14:28:40 GMT -8
"Hmm."
Another retainer would be nice, and that price is excellent. I'm not too sure of his skill, though. I'll have to see.
She smiles politely at him, sipping her own tea.
"Well, you'll have to ask Lord Yanata about that. But I'm sure he'd be happy to take you on, Riku. It's not often we get retainers for such an...economical price."
She gets up, picking up her giant odachi and strapping it to her waist.
"I'll go notify the lord. He'll come and talk to you. Nice meeting you, Riku."
Samari heads out of the room and goes to find @rinsi .
"Sir, about the boy who just arrived. The one who looks like a foreigner. He wants to offer his services, for just three bowls of rice a day."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 2:56:01 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 14:40:59 GMT -8
The Daimyo was in his study reviewing a report, when Samari enters. He listens to her words nods his head once and says curtly.
"Bring him, then finish preparing."
The Daimyo returns his attention to his scroll. Samari has been dismissed, and by Rin'Si's standards admonished severely for not completing her original task.
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