Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114 
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 3, 2019 4:31:15 GMT -8
All things considered; the winter had been kind to the greatest parts of Tawakoshi. The bitter cold of late winter was finally beginning to give way to spring, but this morning there was still a marked chill in the air. It didn’t seem to bother Wuppo, as he wore nothing to shield him against the brisk morning air – perhaps with the knowledge it would be warmer later in the day, perhaps not. Wuppo traveled with his friend, Kojuro, and the pair had left out early that morning from the Hizashi Mansion for the Kita Shrine.
Wuppo had been rather insistent about being shown the shrine, and was able to keep the reason for his insistence reasonably hidden. The only hint might have been the makeshift burlap bag Wuppo carried in his left hand as they walked. The ogre had wrapped something about the size of a human head in a burlap cloth, and tied it on the top with a bit of twine. He treated the package carefully, or as carefully as an ogre could treat anything.
The ogre looked at his friend, and sniffed the air. Wuppo could smell the lunch that had been packed for them that Kojuro was carrying. “How much a-tiww we’z get to da spiffrit?” Wuppo asked. “Food smell nice! But Wuppo need spiffrit first!”
Wuppo had asked to be taken to ‘the place where the spirits live’, which of course meant the Kita Shrine.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 3, 2019 6:41:30 GMT -8
Kojuro was glad to get out of the Hizashi mansion for a trip with Wuppo, especially one with an air of mystery about it like this. It was a chance to get away from his responsibilities as a daimyo and be Kojuro again, rather than Lord Hizashi. Best of all, there was no need to take any bodyguards, servants or companions because nobody would mess with Wuppo.
Life was returning to the woods with new green shoots and early flowers. Frost still glittered on the rocks and pathways and a light mist filtered the early sun. Kojuro was dressed in casual wear and a hat of rice straw, and held a cloth wrapped over a boxed lunch. He also carried a purse of money tucked inside the front of his kimono to offer to the spirit of the shrine who had always watched over Kiyonai from the high place in the forest.
Kojuro was burning with curiosity to know what Wuppo had in his bag, though he had mostly ruled out the possibility of a human head, and why Wuppo had suddenly expressed an interest in seeing the spirits. Despite this, he hadn't asked the ogre any questions, because he felt as though the answers would be revealed in time, and he was enjoying the suspense. “It's not too far, maybe another half an hour's walk,” he replied. “Isn't this food supposed to be lunch?” Kojuro teased, “That means we have to wait until at least midday to eat it.”
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 3, 2019 8:44:32 GMT -8
‘You see.’ This was the simple answer to any questions that might have been posed to Wuppo about his sudden want to visit a shrine, even though he’d never asked about visiting one in person before. This simple, non-informative answer seemed to be enough, at least for Kojuro, who seemed willing to go along with Wuppo’s plan anyway. It was nice, Wuppo thought, to be ‘out and about’ with his friend. Their time in the last months had been short, as Kojuro obviously had matters of state and other important work to tend to. Work that Wuppo, for all of his positive qualities, was ill-suited for.
“Nice Lady make da foods. Smell nice!” Kojuro would likely recognize ‘Nice Lady’ as Wuppo’s name for Nakatani. The ogre had trouble with language to begin with, and names for some reason seemed particularly hard to stick in his brain. Wuppo didn’t actually have a way of knowing if Nakatani had been the one to pack their lunch or not, but he stated it as if it were fact. He was happy associating the woman with food, it seemed.
“Nice Lady good for Wuppo, an’ good for da Wize Otta. Nice to make da foods… Smell make Wuppo hungry! But Nice Lady good.” Wuppo made a mental note to keep an eye out for food not meant to be lunch. Wuppo regularly foraged for berries, leaves, flowers, and roots, and would likely be able to make himself a meal just about anywhere in Tawakoshi - even if Kojuro wouldn’t eat most of what Wuppo would.
“Where you’z find da Nice Lady? You help Nice Lady like you’z help Wuppo?” The ogre alluded to the pair’s first meeting, wherein Kojuro ordered an angry mob away from Wuppo’s cave.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 4, 2019 14:10:00 GMT -8
Work that Kojuro also though that he was unsuited for, but he was growing accustomed to the responsibilities of leadership. The simple pleasures of going for a walk in the forest with a friend and a lunch box to look forward to were few and far between, and he was making his most of the stroll down to the shrine, breathing in the smell of the trees and watching Wuppo forage for late winter berries.
When Wuppo mentioned Nakatani, Kojuro chuckled softly. The fact that Nakatani and Wuppo seemed to get along was a source of joy to him. It was a meeting that had been long in coming, and he was somewhat apprehensive about it, but they had bonded over a shared love of tea. “The Nice Lady is good,” he agreed. Better than some of them deserved, even. He was happy with Naka by his side, and privately dreaded the day when Ryuzo would find him a suitable bride.
“I think she found me, Wuppo,” Kojuro replied. “She was a servant of Uncle Genji. One day I was out in the courtyard, practising my sword work, and there she was. Later we went into the town together and she asked me what I thought about love. I didn’t know anything about it then, but I soon found out. She and I went to see the spirits at the shrine that day too.” He kept the language he was using simple, and tried not to go on too many tangents that would confuse the ogre. “I think we both helped each other.”
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 6, 2019 7:40:27 GMT -8
“Um-fa Gim-free.” Wuppo repeated his best try at pronouncing Genji’s name to Kojuro, before stopping for a moment. Wuppo bent down beside the path, and with his thumb and forefinger picked a clump of tender grass that was coming up through the thawing soil. He smelled the grass, and put the clump in his mouth. After a bit of contemplation, he picked another clump, and then another, putting them in his mouth in succession. The soft green shoots were sweet and peppery on his tongue as he chewed, which the ogre enjoyed.
“Da spiffrit like Nice Lady?” Wuppo asked as he used one finger to dig a bit in the small spot he’d just cleared of grass. “When you’z an’ Nice Lady go da spiffrit, what spiffrit say? When dem in village, dem near Wuppo cave talk a’da spiffrit, dem talk.. but Wuppo not hear spiffrit talk back. Dem talk lots! Lots of talk! But no spiffrit talk back. Wuppo fink dem hear spiffrit, but only for dem dat did da talk.”
Satisfied that there was nothing else tasty growing under the grass, Wuppo returned to standing – blissfully ignorant of his ignorance concerning humans speaking directly to spirits in a shrine. “When we’z get to spiffrit, you’z show Wuppo how to talk to spiffrit? Wuppo neva talk to spiffrit a’fore.” He asked, and resumed their leisurely stroll.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 10, 2019 8:25:27 GMT -8
Kojuro was not as fond of eating grass as Wuppo, so he merely watched as the ogre rooted around for green shoots and enjoyed the late winter scenery, noting a pretty clump of snowdrops growing in the shade of an old tree. He brushed some frost from a mossy log and sat down for a moment, placing the lunchbox beside him. “Hmm, you know something, Wuppo, I couldn’t tell you what the spirit likes or doesn’t like. Spirits have their ways, and it’s not really the kind of thing humans can easily understand. Most of the time, the spirit doesn’t say anything, but as long as things go well, it means you have the spirit’s blessing.”
After hearing Wuppo’s account of the villagers talking to the spirits, Kojuro looked contemplative for a moment. “There are some people who hear what the spirits say, like old man Zu Fu. But most people just talk without expecting a reply. I did … meet a spirit once, and she spoke to me. But usually, you just talk, and you don’t hear anything back.”
The fox spirit Kazue had told Kojuro that many minor spirits were attracted to the Hizashi clan, and drawn to the mansion and to Kiyonai. Kojuro had promised her and Zu Fu that he would see to it that the shrines were better financed and cared for, and work had begun on clearing the overgrowth before the ground had frozen for winter. Once it thawed, repairs would be made to Kita shrine and the other spiritual places around the province. This might be the last chance to see Kita shrine as it used to be.
Kojuro stood up, once Wuppo had finished his snack on the grasses, and moved off with him once more on their walk. “To talk to the spirits, you must be polite. Always bow before and after you speak to them. Nakatani taught you how to speak politely on the way to Isra. Do you remember? Don’t worry, I’ll show you when we get there.” He gave Wuppo another sidelong look, once again wondering why he was suddenly so interested in talking to the spirits.
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 13, 2019 8:54:31 GMT -8
Wuppo scratched his chin with one finger, contemplating his friend’s statement about talking to the spirits, but not necessarily receiving a replay. It seemed strange, talking to something but not expecting a reply – but then again Wuppo had never replied to the superstitious villagers when he was being mistook for a spirit. They simply kept coming to talk and leave the green leafy vegetables Wuppo enjoyed so much.
At the mention of Nakatani teaching him how to behave politely, Wuppo shook his head. “Yes!” he said. “Wuppo make nice! Jus’ like Nice Lady show Wuppo. Like dis!” Wuppo stood up straight, and gave a rather rigid bow at his waist that went a little too far over. “A’den, Wupp say - ‘I’z Wuppo. You’z good. Wuppo like nice fing you have wear!’. You see. Spiffrit like Wuppo. Make nice.” The ogre almost appeared to be practicing, using the limited conversational skills he’d been taught by Nakatani. Of course, these practiced lines and gestures were more suited for dinner conversation and first meetings, but Wuppo either didn’t know the difference or was preparing to use what he had at his disposal anyway.
“Wuppo bring nice fing for spiffrit too!” he said, holding up the.. whatever it was.. in his left hand, wrapped in a rough piece of burlap cloth. “Wuppo see dem bring nice fing to spiffrit house, so Wuppo bring nice fing. Spiffrit like nice fing. You see”
Between polite conversation, an offering, and doing what Kojuro did when the pair arrived at the shrine, Wuppo seemed confident that he would be able to please the spirits that dwelled within the holy place. To what end? It was still unclear - but Wuppo seemed confident. He would continue on to the shrine with his friend.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 18, 2019 10:25:31 GMT -8
“Hmm, something like that,” Kojuro responded to Wuppo's demonstration of courtly manners that Nakatani had drilled into him with moderate success. It reminded him of how Wuppo's attempts at polite conversation with a strange white haired man had nearly caused a diplomatic incident with the Israns, but luckily it had all been smoothed over. That wasn't to say it wouldn't work with a spirit. “The main things to remember are to say 'please' and 'thank you',” he counselled the ogre. As long as his intent was respectful, surely the spirits would forgive him any minor errors in etiquette. Kojuro hoped so, at least.
“I'm sure I will,” he said, trying not to take notice of the burlap cloth. He could wait until they got to the shrine for that mystery to be unwrapped.
Sure enough, soon they arrived at Kita Shrine. Coming on the path over the mountains from the Hizashi Mansion, they did not need to climb the stone staircase that led through dozens of vermillion-painted torii gates down to Kiyonai city, but instead approached the shrine from it's lesser used side, where only one gate stood between them and the shrine proper. High enough for an ogre to pass through, its paint had faded, and moss grew around the feet. Kojuro noted that the area seemed clearer and less wild, and that someone had been at work with their sickles. “Bow before you enter through the gate,” Kojuro advised Wuppo, before doing so himself. Once they had entered, a stone trough of water with a bamboo ladle stood for visitors to wash their hands. “You wash your hands here, so that you are clean when you meet the spirits,” he explained.
“When we go into the shrine, put your present for the spirits into the bowl. Then you must ring the bell to let the spirits know that you are here, bow, then clap your hands together, and then you can talk to the spirits.” The shrine itself was shadowy and would have been cold without the lit candles and ever glowing flame that the spirits kept alive by their will. A smell of incense hung in the air, and many artefacts, half hidden in the darkness, were ensconced in the walls. In front of the altar was the bowl for offerings, as well as the small bell that would attract the spirits' attention.
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 18, 2019 13:48:21 GMT -8
The gate to the shrine from the lesser-used path appeared to Wuppo as if whomever had designed it had done so just for him. Unlike most human made barriers, he would able to walk through it standing up, and not have to double over to move under it. Wuppo stopped just in front of the gate, and gave another stiff bow that – just as before – saw the ogre bending over forward just a little too much to be a natural movement. Wuppo put his offering on the ground long enough to wash his hands, making sure his giant mitts were as clean as possible given that he’d recently been digging for snacks in the dirt. As he sat the offering down for the very first time since they’d left the mansion, a tiny ‘clink’ noise could just barely be heard. Wuppo shook the water off of his hands, and picked up his offering once more. He would do his best to follow the directions his friend had given him, making a point not to do anything ‘The Wize Otta’ hadn’t told him to do.
The ogre approached the bowl Kojuro had directed him to, and Wuppo put the burlap-clad offering in the stone receptacle. Wuppo gently untied the bit of cordage holding the cloth together at the top of the offering, and of course the cloth fell away. It revealed something Kojuro would no doubt be very familiar with; a white porcelain teapot, with delicate blue wispy designs swirled into it. The teapot had one small crack around the mouth just near the lid, but was otherwise in perfect condition considering its owner. It was Wuppo’s favorite teapot, and was given pride of place on the shelf in his cave. Wuppo reached to his right side, and unlashed the club he carried tied to him with a bit of homemade rope. He looked at his club, put the thickest part of it on the ground, and leaned the handle against the stone bowl – which contained the teapot.
Wuppo took the bell between his thumb and forefinger, and rang it as instructed. Another stiff bow, and then a thunderous clap as he slammed his giant ogre hands into one another in front of him – making a few of the nearby candle flames flicker and dance in the disturbed air.
“I’z Wuppo.” He stated, a bit quieter than his normal booming speaking voice. “Preece a’ fank you.” He added after only a moment of contemplation. “Wuppo bring him most nice pot, an’ him club. Pot small, an’ dainty. Look nice. Good for has da tea! An’ Wuppo use club lots! Club strong an’ big. Good for smash!” The ogre glanced back at his friend behind him for a moment. “Dis da Wize Otta! Him friend to Wuppo. Him good, an’ him smart. Him has da friend too. Wize Otta friend name.. Um-ful.. Genfree. Unfle Genfree, called him. Wize Otta an’ Wuppo, we’z go fight! Keep Wize Otta safe. But Unfa Gimfree, him sick. We’z come from fight, Unfle Grimfree gone. Sick make him go. Kiww Um-fa. Wize Otta sad. Das why Wuppo come. Wuppo neva ask spiffrit a’fore, but ask now. Want Unfle Gemfree back. No more sick. You’z give back for Wize Otta, Wize Otta not sad, Wuppo make you nice place on him mountain. You’z come, you’z stay at nice place. You see. Wuppo make nice. You see.”
It appeared that Wuppo’s offering of his prized teapot and his club also came with the promise of making a shrine for the spirit on his mountain. All for a request it appeared he might believe was reasonable; restore Kojuro’s uncle back to living and in good health.
Wuppo waited in silence. He looked straight ahead at first, and then down to the bowl containing his offering, and then straight ahead again. He strained his ears, trying to hear anything that wasn’t the normal background sound produced by nature.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 23, 2019 14:03:02 GMT -8
The shrine’s inner chamber was so small that Kojuro could not stand next to Wuppo in front of the altar, but rather somewhat behind and to his left. If the ogre had needed any extra guidance on what to do, Kojuro was there for him to consult, but otherwise he held back and let Wuppo communicate with the spirits in his own way. Trying not to be overly curious, he watched his friend unwrap the mysterious package he had brought. As the burlap cloth fell away, the soft candlelight revealed the lustre of porcelain. There was no doubt about it – that was Wuppo’s favourite teapot – his most prized possession. Whatever Wuppo wanted to talk to the spirits about, it had to be something very important. He found himself standing up straighter, suddenly all the more attentive – his curiosity no longer merely idle. Kojuro had to bite his tongue when Wuppo also removed his club and placed it in the offering area. This was serious, very serious. But it was not his place to say anything. This was Wuppo’s choice and his own private communion with the spirits.
When Wuppo glanced back at him, all Kojuro did was give him an affirmative nod, to let him know he was doing fine. He wasn’t expecting for Wuppo to introduce him to the spirits, nor was he prepared for the mention of Uncle Genji. He felt a jolt in his chest at Genji’s name, but still, he had no idea where Wuppo was going with the recounting of the tale of the war.
As Wuppo spoke on, his eyes felt hot and wet. In the months since they’d returned to Kiyonai, grief had diminished for Kojuro, becoming lesser, faded, as he grew used to all the changes around him and within him. Or he thought it had. Now, it came rushing back, as raw as ever. His heart ached. He closed his eyes and hot tears ran out of them unbidden. Wuppo, giving up his most precious things, for him. To ask for Genji’s return, not for Genji’s sake, but Kojuro’s. What had he done to deserve such loyalty and affection? He had taken Wuppo, a creature of the mountains, into the most unnatural place – a battle – and expected him to fight for no reason except friendship - a burden that he never should have placed on the gentle ogre. And now this. It was far too much.
Once Wuppo went silent, there was no answer from the spirits, only the sound of Kojuro wiping the tears from his face with his sleeve.
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Dec 24, 2019 2:03:49 GMT -8
Wuppo stared straight ahead for another moment. Even though it was only a moment, standing in the dim light and relative silence made it seem much longer. The ogre’s prized teapot didn’t move, and neither did the well-loved wooden club - its handle worn smooth by the ogre's giant hand from years of use, leaning against the bowl. Wuppo sniffed the air, his head not moving but his eyes now shifting around. As he pulled air into his nose, he could only smell burned wax and the faint sweetness of incense – both of which he’d smelled before speaking to the spirits, and that the smells persisted now gave him no more information about the appearance of a spirit. The quiet was almost deafening as even the normal sounds of nature seemed to fade away.
“Unfla Grimfree!” Wuppo said, now in his normal booming speaking voice. “Dem say him go wiff spiffrit. Spiffrit take pot, an’ spiffrit take club! Give Unfmfle back. Wuppo make most nice place for spiffrit! You see. Most nice place when Umfle Gimgee back.”
Perhaps, Wuppo thought, the spirits didn’t understand him, so he’d once again repeated his request. Language wasn’t exactly the ogre’s strongest suit, so it made sense that he’d have to repeat it to make sure they understood. And yet, the teapot didn’t move. And neither did the club. Wuppo looked back at Kojuro, turning slightly to his left to see his friend. Wuppo looked on, confused as to why the ritual hadn’t produced any results at all.
“What Wuppo do now?” he asked, his voice the same reverent level of quiet it was when they first arrived. “How Wuppo know when spiffrit give back Unfa Gimfree?”
Was there more to the incantation? Did he somehow do something wrong enough that the spirits weren’t able to hear him? These were questions the ogre had, and would have asked if he hadn’t then seen Kojuro crying – something Wuppo had never seen before. No. He’d done everything Kojuro had said he should do, and not a single thing more or less. And if there were more to it, Kojuro would have told him before he’d began.
Wuppo turned back to the alter in front of him. “Wuppo get most nicest pot! Dem in market, dem has most nicest pot. An’ big club, Wuppo get. BIG! Big like Wuppo!”
Despite bringing his most prized possessions, Wuppo now obviously doubted the quality of his offering when measured against his request. The answer? Make a bigger club, and retrieve a much nicer pot from the people in the market. How Wuppo planned to retrieve the pot from the sellers in the market was unclear - since he obviously didn’t possess any money - but Wuppo had never said he was going to do something he didn’t intend to do. He would get a nicer pot.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Dec 28, 2019 12:32:57 GMT -8
“There’s nothing more to do,” Kojuro replied, equally quietly. His voice sounded strange to him. He cleared his throat. He made one more hasty wipe of his face on the back of his sleeve, before stepping forward and putting his hand on Wuppo’s arm. “You have offered all that you could. Even the best teapot in Tawakoshi wouldn’t have a greater value.
“There’s nothing more for you to do here, let’s step outside.” His own offering would wait a while. Kojuro turned and stepped out into the fresh air, taking a calming, head-clearing lungful of it. Whatever he had thought would happen, whatever ideas his overly curious mind had conjoured up on the way to the shrine, he had ended up completely blindsided by what Wuppo had really had in mind. He gave a short laugh at himself and his complete lack of preparedness.
When Wuppo exited the shrine, Kojuro threw his arms around the ogre and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, my friend. May the spirits bless you a thousand times for what you tried to do. I will never forget it.” He felt tears threaten again, but held them in, his face pressed against the ogre’s large belly.
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Jan 5, 2020 17:54:09 GMT -8
The physical act of killing, Wuppo had learned, was easy. Even though the ogre perhaps didn’t possess a natural inclination for the battlefield or even killing in general - there was no denying that the oddity of his physical stature gave the ogre a natural ability for taking life. Standing before the stone bowl atop the alter at the Kita Shrine, Wuppo grappled with the reality that giving life back to someone was far more difficult than taking it away had ever been. Perhaps the task was even impossible.
Wuppo looked down again at his club and his favorite teapot; two of his possessions prized most amongst the very few belongings the ogre had to call his own. They were no longer his, and with Kojuro’s confirmation that there was nothing else they could do, it now appeared that he’d given them up for nothing in return. Wuppo immediately felt slighted by the spirits. Cheated. Tricked. Like so many other things in Tawakoshi, it seemed to him that the spirits also didn’t work in the same way for him that they worked for the people around him. Somewhere far back in Wuppo’s mind, for only the briefest of moments, there flashed anger. He’d raised his friend’s hopes of seeing his uncle returned happy and healthy, only to see them dashed again in an instant. It crossed his mind to take up his club and bash the teapot and stone bowl - leaving them both in ruin as retribution for both himself and Kojuro - but, Wuppo thought, destroying was much easier to do than to undo. With his own mention of the war, Wuppo couldn’t help wondering how many teapots had been offered for the return of the people that didn't come back. Maybe some of them were even because of him. Maybe the spirits already had too many teapots.
Kojuro beckoned and Wuppo exited a few long moments behind him, loitering for another few seconds.. Just in case. He left the teapot and club where he’d offered them, and met Kojuro outside. When Kojuro threw his arms around him in a hug, Wuppo did the same - folding his giant ogre hands on his friend’s back. He heard Kojuro’s wish of blessings upon him and in that instant Wuppo realized he hadn’t been tricked, or cheated, and he’d certainly not given up his teapot for nothing. His gift had been received by Kojuro even if it wasn’t received by the spirits. Tears filled the ogre’s eyes as his friend’s love filled his heart, and Wuppo struggled for words to explain what he had been feeling, and how it had gone away and been replaced with something much better.
“Da Wize Otta.. Wuppo friend.” is what he managed. It would have to do.
If Wuppo had had it to do over, he would have offered every teapot on his shelf.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Jan 6, 2020 13:37:35 GMT -8
“Of course. We are friends.” And I will be a better friend to you in future, he vowed silently. They held onto each other for a while. There was something comforting about being surrounded by Wuppo’s huge arms, almost like being a child again, held by a mother. It had been a long time since he had thought about how much he missed his mother, it wasn’t a very manly thing to dwell on, but right now he felt her loss keenly, as though thinking of Genji had opened the doors to think of others that had gone before. Death was the only certain thing in life, and seen almost as something to strive toward as a warrior, or at least not avoided, but that didn’t make it any easier when it happened to other people and you were left behind.
After he had let go of Wuppo’s enormous bulk, Kojuro invited him to come and sit on the steps. He took off his hat and sat on the top of the stone steps, where the view led down through the rows and rows of faded vermilion tori gates, and across over Kiyonai city. It was a beautiful view, and one he had shared with Nakatani that first day they had spent together. There was a lot of sadness in life, but a lot of beauty too. And sometimes they were one and the same.
“You know, Wuppo, what you asked for is not an impossible thing. After someone dies, they too become a spirit. We’ll build a shrine to Genji too when the time is right. He will be a powerful ancestor spirit, as he was great in life. Sometimes the spirits choose to return in another body. Maybe Uncle Genji will come back as someone else.” He looked up at Wuppo with a slight smile. “We can’t know when or how, but I’m sure his spirit will watch over the Hizashi clan, whether he chooses to be reborn or not. Kazue-sama, the spirit that I met, told me that spirits were attracted to our mansion. I don’t know for certain, but I like to think Uncle Genji is among them.”
|
|
Wuppo
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 114
Physical Description: "The citizens of Tamatoshi Bay would lay eyes on Wuppo, a 10-foot tall ogre, dirty with grime and what was probably dried blood. The giant's black beard was messily braided and twisted into two strands that hung from his chin, and the hair atop his head tied into a somewhat familiar but not entirely correct topknot."
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 3:10:43 GMT -8
|
Post by Wuppo on Jan 10, 2020 13:20:06 GMT -8
Wuppo, of course, accompanied Kojuro to the top of the stone steps - and there the pair of friends sat overlooking the pathway down through the beauty that early spring had to offer. Wuppo used a finger to scratch the space on his chin between the two twisted stalks of hair that were his beard. The ogre’s mind wandered in reflection of the day’s events as he looked down the cascade of stone steps leading down to the forest path below. Then, it seemed to land on a thought as Kojuro told him about the spirit he’d encountered, and how the mansion itself attracted spirits.
“Dem in village.” Wuppo began, “Dem near Wuppo cave. Wuppo mountain. Dem come Wuppo mountain, fink Wuppo spiffit. Fink Wuppo help. Dem bring green leafy bits for Wuppo. Leafy bits so nice! Tasty. I’z like da leafy bits.. so Wuppo take. But Wuppo not hewp. Wuppo jus’ like da green leafy bits. A’den.. bad fing. Dem in village – daze angry. Angry at Wuppo for take da leafy bits, an’ not help. Now.. we’z come a’da mountain to see spiffrit – Wuppo an’ da Wize Otta. Jus’ like dem in village. Wuppo bring nice pot, an’ ask for help. If bad fing after Wuppo give pot an’ ask for hewp, den Wuppo be angry too.”
Wuppo alluded to the incident that had brought the two of them together; a group of superstitious villagers trying to kill Wuppo for bringing a disaster down on their homes and killing their loved ones. Wuppo, who’d obviously had nothing at all to do with the loss of life, had often thought back and asked himself ‘Why?’. It seemed like Wuppo was now a little more able to see it from the other side. The people were desperate to believe, and thought their offerings had purchased protection from the spirit of the mountain that overlooked their village. But they hadn’t. They’d only given some of their produce to a hungry ogre – and when the worst became real, they were angry.
“Unka Gimfee.” Wuppo said. “You’z tell Wuppo about Unfa? Wuppo not see Unka, but Wuppo like story! Want to know about Unfle Gimchi.” Wuppo glanced sideways at Kojuro for just a moment. “An’ foods. Wuppo like story, an’ Wuppo like foods.”
Wuppo’s addition of the snack request seemed both subtle and cunning.. At least to the ogre.
|
|
Kojuro Hizashi
Dedicated
Lord of Kiyonai
Roleplay posts: 354
Age: 23
Physical Description: Kojuro stands at a little above average height, and a slender, athletic build. His dark brown hair falls to just beneath chin level, and he usually wears it tied back. His eyes are a bright brown colour, so light as to be close to orange. He is usually well but simply dressed, and carries himself with a relaxed air, taking most things in his stride. He has several recently acquired scars, including a sword cut to his left arm which has left him only partial use of that hand, and a another from a sword cut along his jawline on the right side.
Clothes and Equipment: He is normally dressed in conventional attire for his culture and social class. As a lord, his clothing is high quality, though not ostentatious. For everyday wear a simple kosode and hakama, silk courtly robes for official duties, and armour on the battlefield. He prefers greens and blues, though often may be wearing the maroon and gold of the Hizashi clan.
In battle he can be noticed from a distance by the dragonfly crest on his helmet. He also wears a surcoat in Hizashi maroon and gold and a set of lacquered armour bearing the Hizashi clan cherry blossom crest. In battle he is armed with a tachi (long sword) and a tanto (dagger), and also carries a fan to signal orders. He will also be found carrying his swords everywhere, as is usual for samurai.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi, The Hizashi Clan
Player's online availability : For play: Some evenings, GMT. I am not around every day for RP, because life. For chatting/PMs: Most days/eves GMT.
Registered: May 10, 2017 13:44:12 GMT -8
|
Post by Kojuro Hizashi on Feb 13, 2020 13:13:01 GMT -8
Kojuro understood Wuppo’s story of how he had come to incur the wrath of the villagers that lived near to his cave. “Sometimes good things come out of bad things,” he replied philosophically. “If the villagers hadn’t been angry then you and I would never have met.” No one really knew why bad things happened, or what good and bad really were anyway. But it could never hurt to show your appreciation to the spirits or to request their help. “No spirit can control everything. If something bad happens, I’m sure the spirit that lives here wouldn’t be the one to blame.”
He was surprised at Wuppo’s request for a story about Uncle Genji, although pleased that Wuppo wanted to find out about the man he had prayed to be returned to life just for Kojuro’s sake. He was about to start a story, when Wuppo put in a late request for snacks, and he laughed. “Stories do tend to make people hungry,” he said, and got up to fetch the cloth-wrapped bundle that he had previously left on a stone. The knot on the top was big enough and loose enough that he could open it without too much trouble, and he placed the lacquer box on the step between them, so that Wuppo could feast on the onigiri and other treats that lay inside, neatly arrayed.
He looked out over the city beyond the wooded hills, and ran his finger and thumb around the edge of his straw hat, wondering what kind of tale Wuppo would want to hear about Genji. “Uncle Genji went away to fight in a war when Anzen and I were only little. He went to protect the Empress of Katashima from some bad lords who wanted to kill her.”
He smiled softly, and rested his hands on his knees. “We heard so many stories about all his battles and noble deeds, accompanied by his brave generals. Anzen and I even used to act them out. But the story I like best about Genji is how, one day in Katashima, he was passing by a geisha house and stopped in for something to drink. He met there a beautiful, graceful and quiet lady who worked there. But he noticed, behind her smile that she wore for the guests, a sadness in her. He patiently asked her how she came to work there, and drew out her story. She had an unhappy life, her parents had sold her to the owner of the geisha house when she was just a girl. Genji rescued her from that life of hardship, paid all her debts, and took her to his palace. He offered her a place in his household and she was glad to accept. That girl was Nakatani.” He sighed. “Without Genji’s kindness, I never would have met her, and neither would you, Wuppo. For that alone I owe him all my gratitude.”
|
|
