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 27, 2015 9:13:43 GMT -8
One of the few private meeting rooms in the mansion. A short table sits in the center, an ikebana display in the middle. The room was otherwise immaculately polished and bare.
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 27, 2015 9:25:43 GMT -8
The following morning after the arrival of the Empress the Captain of the Guard, Ashikaga Isao, would present himself to the Lord of the Hizashi. Armed and armored in indigo, the young commander arrived prepared for duty or otherwise in the middle of his responsibilities that morning. He was without a helmet but was prepared to accomplish the tasks required of his station all the same. Isao waited for his Lord to receive him in the small meeting room of the mansion. He sat quietly opposite of where Genji would be seated with a quiet disposition. Isao was young but capable of reservation when the occasion called for it. His hands rest on the haidate above his thighs and he watched the ikebana display in contemplation.
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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 12:08:37 GMT -8
Genji himself relaxed his composure just slightly as the door slid closed. He wasn't one to maintain an atmosphere too formal around his closest subjects, and was always known to be an easy person to talk to. This day the lord was dressed in bright golds and yellows, complementary to this cool sunny day in winter. "Good day young Ashikaga. What is it you wished to discuss?"
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 28, 2015 14:24:25 GMT -8
"My Lordship," Isao spoke. When Genji entered he immediately afforded the man a deep seated bow he would only rise from when bid to do so. The Ashikaga met the Lord's eyes with a dark, intense gaze as he settled his gauntlet clad hands on his knees and leaned forward ever so slight. "I wished to report to you three significant events that needed brought to your attention:
"First and foremost, the Empress personally consulted me and asked for a tour of the province," he explained to him. "She wants to see the countryside you govern. I deferred to you as her escort as is right and proper.
"Secondly, the Yanata Clan was witnessed in Koizumi. I believe an entourage, to include their Lord, is poised to visit you largely unannounced - and with the Empress already occupying our estate." He didn't were the need explaining hosting TWO significant guests could present a problem.
"Lastly... A young woman is now our guest, of whom is believed to be the daughter of the late Uesung Lord," Isao quietly intoned. "No one is the wiser to this fact... But I believe it to be true." The young samurai nodded sagely and let the news sink in.
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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 9:10:39 GMT -8
"Hmm... this is a lot of news indeed. The Empress is pleasant to be around. The tour could be enjoyable, and... I think I would like you present with us, young Ashikaga." He thought for a moment. "As for the Yanata Clan... well it is only fitting to prioritize Tenno Heika's visit, and I will leave Omura in charge of the mansion while I'm gone, as well as receiving our guests while we are away. He did inform me about the daughter of Uesung, and of the swordsmith and the skirmish you had in Koizumi." Genji was quick to acknowledge what happened a few days ago, and he was already starting to consider Isao for a higher position in his inner circle.
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 29, 2015 20:09:51 GMT -8
"Oh. Well, I apologize for wasting your time, my Lordship. I had not been made aware you were already apprised," he replied in a quieter tone. The young samurai lowered his eyes and nodded to Lord Genji. "I will make arrangements regarding a journey through the province and coordinate with her personal guard. I hope we can impress upon the Empress the hospitality of the Hizashi - I am not observant of the dealings of the Imperial Court, but I suspect the Empress' arrival will herald a slew of controversy."
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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 30, 2015 9:44:18 GMT -8
"Myself as well, but I believe you will do as well as any other. It will remain known that the Hizashi clan supports our Empress, and we welcome any controversy that may bring, for at least as samurai, our loyalties are in the right place. History and the gods will determine who was right," he said confidently. "Oh and.. you did not waste any time, I will see to the Yanata clan shortly. This I was not yet aware of."
(Just forget the part where Genji speaks as though he were coming with the Empress. The way things have developed he may need to stay and handle business while Isao goes in his stead.)
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 30, 2015 13:49:46 GMT -8
The young vassal of Lord Genji bowed very deeply. He understood the requirements of him due to a political climate he didn't fully grasp. All that was necessary of him, however, was that he be loyal: to his father, to Hizashi Genji, and Empress Moritomo Suzume. To Isao such loyalties seemed so natural. How could a samurai not adhere to his duties as demanded by the tenants of Bushido? So, Isao resolved to impress his Lord and the Empress herself so that neither would be denied the hospitality and honor inherent with the lands of Toku.
"As you say, my Lordship," he spoke firmly.
"By your leave I will prepare for the journey and attend to the Empress."
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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 Jan 3, 2016 14:32:31 GMT -8
The Yanata clan messenger enters the meeting room, he hadn't expected to meet with the lord himself. He had assumed that Genji would give him a written response to return to Daimyo Yanata. Still it was Lord Genji's house and the man was free to do as he saw fit, the messenger bowed to the Lord and waited to be addressed.
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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 3, 2016 15:00:16 GMT -8
Often it was true, a messenger or his close advisers Omura or Isao would often be sent in Genji's stead. Yet here at home in his personal residence, on a clear nice day as this was, the lord was in good spirits, and opted to see his visitors himself. "Good afternoon. You had a message for me?"
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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 Jan 3, 2016 15:17:26 GMT -8
The messanger rises from his bow and produces the same scroll he offered the guard earlier he says formally.
"Yes my lord, I bear a message from Daimyo Yanata, and I am charged to return with your response."
The scroll bears the distinctive Yanata clan crest and the contents are brief and to the point.
The back ground of the paper bears a water mark again of the Yanata family crest making the sender of this message unmistakable.
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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 3, 2016 15:37:34 GMT -8
"Hm..." He looked over the message as though the contents were more extensive.
"I see. Very well then..." A single table adorned the center of the otherwise bare room. A brush and inkwell sat by their lonesome near a blank scroll of paper, symbolic in their own rights. Genji took the brush and began stroking a return message in haste. The contents were a simple invitation to his mansion. "Please, return this to your lord. He is invited to my estate at his own earliest convenience. Unless of course he'd rather meet elsewhere, then he has but to ask." Genji graced the messenger with a warm smile as he handed the scroll to him.
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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 Jan 3, 2016 15:39:53 GMT -8
The messenger takes the message bow in difference, and once given permission to depart he will retrieve his horse and hurry to return to his lord.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:39:43 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2016 23:58:35 GMT -8
(Sorry for the delay.)
Rin'Si follows Genji to the waiting room, he will wait with good grace for the formalities to be gone through. He will take his seat wait for tea to be served. Rin'Si would even make a passable attempt at commenting positively on the decor, though his taciturn nature leaves something to be desire. Finally when both Genji and Yanata are seated, and ready to address the reason that Rin'Si has elected to visit he will speak.
"Lord Genji, I have come to tell you a story of flowers. Will you indulge me?"
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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 10, 2016 15:22:41 GMT -8
(It's cool, I was at work the past several days.)
Tea came quickly, green with hints of jasmine and blackberry. With both daimyo sitting in seiza on each end of a plain table, the servant slid the door closed after the tea was provided. Genji's face continued to radiate his easygoing smile.
"Oh, I do love stories," he said invitingly. "Please, do tell. It's been awhile since I've found the time to listen to a good and proper tale." He took a whiff of the tea and its expertly blended notes before taking the slightest sip, as though to say he were willing to embrace this moment at face value and Yin'Si had his fullest and undivided attention.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:39:43 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2016 10:45:19 GMT -8
Rin'Si's face has dropped back to its normal expressionless state. He carefully sets his cup aside, and then stares at Lord Genji silently for a long moment.
"There is a flower that grows in the mountains, known as the Taen blossom."
The Daimyo begins to speak, though his voice is monotonous it is also comanding. Somehow without inflection or variation, it manages to insist upon the ear, each word spoken nearly impossible to ignore.
"It clings to the side of the mountain, it's roots growing over the rocks, bathing in the sun. The flower is uniquely beautiful, I bloom it resembles a golden flame, it's scent is seductive and sharp, igniting passion and fervor."
Rin'Si pauses, something in his bearing makes it clear he is not inviting comment yet. The pause is merely to allow his words to sink in.
"Taen blossom can be cultivated, but it requires great skill. If left unattended, the roots of the Taen blossom will spread like a fire, engulfing your garden devouring the other flowers. However if the Taen blossom is too vigorously tended, it will die, it needs to spread to support itself. A delicate balance must be struck between the new flower, and the old if both are to coexist. Very few gardeners are able to manage it, years ago the only man I knew who could died."
Again a pause longer this time, so long that for a moment, one could believe the stone faced lord had turned to a statue. When the silence finally shifts from merely uncomfortable, to almost disturbing Rin'Si finally continues.
"When my gardener died, I did my best to replace him, but I failed. This left me with a choice. The Taen blossom was a uniquely beautiful flower, it would pain me to remove it, but if left unattended it would destroy the rest of the garden. I made my choice Lord Genji."
Another short pause, long enough for a single deep breath.
"Thank you for your time Lord Genji. It may interest you to know I last told this story over a decade ago, to the emperor."
With this Rin'Si rises to his feet, it appears as though he plans to make ready to leave.
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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 22, 2016 11:16:36 GMT -8
"Hm... I do have more questions," he said after listening to the tale. Genji had smiled and nodded during the solemn tale, which he knew to represent something more. What it was had to be figured out; that was the intellectual challenge of the moment, into which Genji indulged frequently. He enjoyed logic puzzles, cryptic messages and poetry. "You removed the flower, yes? How is your garden now? I would love to acquire this flower for myself, as it seems to be quite a great challenge."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:39:43 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2016 15:04:01 GMT -8
"Who would sacrifice the garden, for a single flower?" Daimyo Yanata's voice sounds implacably, as he continue his preparations to leave. He issues orders to his retinue, and before exiting the tea room he answers Lord Genji's questions. "My garden is flowering beautifully, but it is less than it was. I hope one day to find a replacement gardener. I will arrange for a Taen blossom to be sent to you. I will be departing, I do not wish to impinge on your hospitality any further." The taciturn Daimyo waits for permission to leave, as is polite. When he is finished he will seek out Samari Yanata and Riku Fletcher.
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