Lady Kiri Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 41 
Age: 32
Physical Description: A minor princess of the royal line, now married to the Lord Regent of Tawakoshi, Kiri carries herself with immaculate deportment and manners. A flowing robe, grace and humility, an aikuchi dagger in the back of her obi.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 6:13:17 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Kiri Hizashi on Jun 15, 2019 12:23:00 GMT -8
Kiri was glad that the Yukimoto representatives had nothing more to say against the Emperor, and the subject easily returned onto safer lines. Where did Tokhung fit into the vision of the Empire? Like most, she had always thought of it as somewhere far away and full of cold, hard people, as well as the place to where most undesirables were banished or imprisoned, but it was part of the Empire and needed to be integrated as much as any of the other domains. Maybe moreso, since it would be very easy for them to cut themselves off physically if they wished.
“Lady Yukimoto, do you have any childen?” Kiri asked gently. “I hope you'll forgive such a question. Your conquest of Tokhung was such a bold acheivement, and shows much skill and promise as a daimyo. But for your place to be secure, and for Tokhung to prosper, it is important that you have a strong line of succession.”
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Regent Homura Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 47 
Age: 48
Physical Description: Tall and with inquisitive brown eyes. Sports a small chin beard and a moustache.
Clothes and Equipment: Usually wears whatever garment fits the given situation, but is always immaculately dressed.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 5:42:49 GMT -8
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Post by Regent Homura Hizashi on Jun 16, 2019 7:45:23 GMT -8
Homura mused for a moment pondering his answer.
"Yes... Tokhung has been a prison colony and for that you have been compensated well for in the past, and quite frankly I'd like to see that Tokhung remain a reliable place for us to send our prisoners in the future - your skill and experience is valuable." Homura said but he wasn't finished yet and quickly took up the loose thread. "However it would make me sad if Tokhung would remain only that, and your natural resources do beg to be used to further your prosperity." Homura explained and brought out a scroll he rolled out and skimmed before continuing.
"It is not because I haven't thought about it, but I wish not to pull anything that would not be in the interest of Lady Yukimoto." his index finger finding the section that was interesting. "I have made my thoughts about Tokhung of course and it seems to be that we need to establish clear trading routes from Tokhung and through Kiyonai, Jeoncho and Quying to tie the nation together much better. But it can be a harsh and unforgiving climate - did you consider how to improve transportation?" he asked the Iron Crane but similarly looked to Jishu to see if she had any inputs on the matter.
"At the same time - in a much smaller scale perhaps but still important - I am without the elite soldiers any regent should have, and would like to ask if you would want to teach a unit of a hundred men or so? I trust very much in Tokhun's ability to do so." he concluded but had a proposal more, but that would depend on the manner she reacted on staying a place where they could safely send prisoners.
"You are quite well informed, Lady Jishu." Homura complimented her with a genuine smile. "In war the opportune time is always when something as it stake, a war truth that Lord Genji no doubt conveyed to Lord Kojuro - probably in even better words than I can muster." Homura took a small sip of the sake again and could see how Kiri was quite a lot more relaxed now that the initial tension had settled and they were able to speak with just a bit more trust. Still it was clear to see the Iron Crane's strength was in keeping her cards close at all costs.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on Jun 16, 2019 12:12:19 GMT -8
Once more, the Iron Crane did not speak, allowing Lord Hizashi to continue as he ruminated about Tokhung and its value. She nodded her head as acknowledgement of Tokhung still serving as a prison colony, and her glacial eyes watched as the Lord Regent pulled out a scroll and rolled it across the table. He asked about transportation.
"Repairing the roads of Tokhung is high on the list of priorities," the Iron Crane acknowledged. "Once the Omahura supporters have been ousted and my laws have been set in the territory, there will be many changes."
Homura's request that she train 100 of his men, however, finally did get a reaction from the staid and placid Iron Crane, even if subtle. One silvery brow lifted on her olive-skinned face, and she glanced at Jishu. "If my lord would like to send 100 men home with me at the end of my journey, I will return them as warriors."
The Lord Regent and the White Nun spoke a little more, but it suddenly went silent after Lady Kiri's question; so quiet that a pin could drop. The Iron Crane focused her gaze on Lady Kiri like she was a crane who had spotted a particularly bold koi. A long second of silence passed, followed by another, before the white-haired woman parted her lips to speak in a very, very calm and quiet voice.
"When the time comes, I will have succession in place." She answered, unwilling to speak of a "woman's" duty to marry and bear children. Perhaps that was the Iron Crane's flaw -- she denied her femininity and womanhood so much that her legacy may, indeed, be short-lived... and her life unfulfilled by a lack of passion, compassion, and feeling as she closed herself away.
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Jishu
Established
The White Nun
Roleplay posts: 15
Age: 47
Physical Description: A lady into her middle years, she seems nonetheless fit and agile. Quiet, with a kind face, she watches all with compassion. Jishu is a warrior nun, and dresses in religious garb with a white head covering. She carries a large rosary and a naginata. Jishu is dedicated to serving Sayaka Yukimoto the Iron Crane, as her right-hand woman.
Registered: Oct 12, 2017 12:41:17 GMT -8
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Post by Jishu on Jun 25, 2019 7:42:38 GMT -8
Hizashi Homura asking for them to train soldiers was a development that Jishu hadn't expected. There were motives there that she was unsure about, and she waited for Sayaka's answer to see what her lady thought he was up to.
Trading routes, however, was simple enough. To re-establish trade with Kiyonai would be most important to Tokhung if they were to be able to feed their province adequately through the long and harsh winters. Sending their iron to Jeoncho to be forged into the type of weaponry that the capital's craftspeople were famous for would be important too. They had little use for whatever trinkets and baubles Lord Zuikaku fetched from foreign lands though.
When the Iron Crane replied to Homura, agreeing to train a hundred men for the regent, her glance to the White Nun indicated that Jishu could add her own input. She met Sayaka's gaze with her own before returning it to Homura, “Or we can train one hundred of your women. Then all will know that their skills were a gift from the Iron Crane.”
The matter of marriage and succession was always a sore point with Lady Yukimoto and though it had been discussed in private, Jishu had nothing to say on the matter here. A nun, after all, was celibate.
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Lady Kiri Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 41
Age: 32
Physical Description: A minor princess of the royal line, now married to the Lord Regent of Tawakoshi, Kiri carries herself with immaculate deportment and manners. A flowing robe, grace and humility, an aikuchi dagger in the back of her obi.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 6:13:17 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Kiri Hizashi on Jun 25, 2019 7:53:30 GMT -8
Training women for war, like their green-clad bodyguard who sat in the corner? Kiri was used to the occasional female samurai who fought alongside or commanded the men, like Ikeda Tsuru or the Iron Crane herself, but a hundred of them seemed a little excessive. It was an odd suggestion from the nun, but Kiri found it interesting all the same and wondered how Homura would react. What if little Miya wanted to be a samurai just like Masanori? That would be too much... she thought, sipping at her sake cup.
Pretending to ignore Lady Yukimoto's reticence to be pushed on the question of succession, Kiri persisted gently. “Whether for yourself, or if you have sons or daughters, marriage will create strong ties across the nation and help to bind us all together. And if not … an adoptive heir could be found. You needn't think about immediately, of course, Lady Sayaka. But if you need assistance finding someone suitable, I'm sure I can be of help.”
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Regent Homura Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 47
Age: 48
Physical Description: Tall and with inquisitive brown eyes. Sports a small chin beard and a moustache.
Clothes and Equipment: Usually wears whatever garment fits the given situation, but is always immaculately dressed.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 5:42:49 GMT -8
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Post by Regent Homura Hizashi on Jun 26, 2019 9:10:41 GMT -8
Homura looked at the Iron Crane and nodded.
"I'm happy that our views align. What trouble do you still have with the Omaharu, and would you like Kiyonai to be of assistance? Because I'm sure they will if it is of any help in getting them ousted quicker." Homura promised.
Homura smile reappeared as Lady Sayaka agreed to train the one hundred men he had proposed.
"As a token of my faith and our mutual trust, I will send you back with a hundred men and expect a hundred disciplined, loyal and elite warriors within a year." his smiled but eyes turned to Jishu when she spoke and he nodded contemplatively.
"I understand your bugeisha tradition and I very much respect and admire it." Homura said giving himself a moment to consider the situation. "Women warriors are a little rarer outside Tokhung, but I'm confident that given a few weeks, I'll be able to provide fifty able bodied women and fifty able bodied men to send to Tokhung. Then perhaps the fifty elite women will be an inspiration to those here who wish to pursue that route in life and the men will have gained a valuable insight and humbleness being a minority among the soldiers in Tokhung." Homura decided and caught Kiri's gaze with 'don't worry' look - he was not going to send Miya anywhere, however what she wished to do in the future was something he was prepared to discuss with her.
"I feel like we're reaching a point where a new dawn is breaking over Tawakoshi..!" he said and spread his arms with a grin unable to completely hide his satisfaction. "Your inputs are valuable and I will strive to build this land on respect and understanding so we stand united to build our future!" he announced hoping the Iron Crane would also feel like her vision had been met.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on Jun 27, 2019 10:25:41 GMT -8
All seemed right between the Iron Crane and the Regent of Tawakoshi.... but his wife kept pushing another matter.
Whether for yourself, or if you sons or daughters--
"Lady Kiri," the Iron Crane interrupted her, but her voice was not harsh. No, it was as soft... and as cold... as the first frost of winter. "When the time comes," she repeated, her chilly blue gaze on Lady Kiri's innocent and open face, "I will have a succession in place."
Although her voice had never raised, although she remained as calm and still as the pond waters of the Temple of Whispering Mist... clearly the Iron Crane was uncomfortable with this subject, and absolutely unwilling to discuss it with those who were, at best, distant allies.
Her gaze turned back to the Regent. "We are in agreement. If that is all, I would like to rest and bathe after the journey, then discover the capital for myself." She wasn't so bold as to lift herself from where she sat, but it was clear that she was pressuring the Regent to adjourn the current meeting.
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Jishu
Established
The White Nun
Roleplay posts: 15
Age: 47
Physical Description: A lady into her middle years, she seems nonetheless fit and agile. Quiet, with a kind face, she watches all with compassion. Jishu is a warrior nun, and dresses in religious garb with a white head covering. She carries a large rosary and a naginata. Jishu is dedicated to serving Sayaka Yukimoto the Iron Crane, as her right-hand woman.
Registered: Oct 12, 2017 12:41:17 GMT -8
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Post by Jishu on Jul 1, 2019 12:07:10 GMT -8
Jishu felt as though she could ignore Lady Kiri's comments about marriage for the time being. At this moment the Iron Crane was unlikely to enlist her services and Jishu felt that there was no need to dignify it with any more of a response.
Jishu was glad that Homura had settled on a compromise. It spoke well of him that he was able to bend without breaking. “We would have Kiyonai return to our custody any of Omaharu's men that they have taken captive attempting to flee. They are rightfully our prisoners,” she replied to his question of how Kiyonai could help. “If you command Lord Kojuro to do this, will he obey?” she asked him, wondering how the balance of power worked between the Emperor's Regent and the head of his clan.
It seemed as though Sayaka had had enough of conversation for the time being. So far they had had no reassurances about what she had demanded on entering: that Lady Yukimoto be given rank and acknowledgment equal to the daimyo of Quying. “While Lady Sayaka is resting, perhaps it would be a good time to secure approval from His Majesty for her court rank, and to have Lady Yukimoto's name ratified officially as the daimyo of Tokhung.” Jishu herself stayed seated as well, but she had the air of one about to move as soon as she was given leave to go.
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Lady Kiri Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 41
Age: 32
Physical Description: A minor princess of the royal line, now married to the Lord Regent of Tawakoshi, Kiri carries herself with immaculate deportment and manners. A flowing robe, grace and humility, an aikuchi dagger in the back of her obi.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 6:13:17 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Kiri Hizashi on Jul 1, 2019 12:23:27 GMT -8
Kiri pushed down all the affront she felt at her matchmaking being rejected, and instead tilted her head with a soft smile to Lady Yukimoto. “Of course, my lady. I trust you know what is best for your own domain.” And the other one was a nun, so there was absolutely no leverage there at all. She sighed inwardly.
“We completely understand, Lady Sayaka,” said Kiri when the Iron Crane decided she wanted a rest and a bath. “My apologies for bringing you here straight away to talk politics, but we both wanted to make sure you were greeted adequately as befits your station.” She clapped lightly and three ladies in waiting entered, bowing to the floor. “These three will look after your every need and show you to your quarters. If you need anything at all please ask them, and if you require a guide to show you the city I would be glad to take you myself.” She motioned to the servants to begin clearing away the food and drink.
As for the words of the white nun, well, she was rather persistant. As though His Majesty would be at the beck and call of anyone, never mind a strident nun from the provinces. If Katsuhiko were to move he would do so in his own time.
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Regent Homura Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 47
Age: 48
Physical Description: Tall and with inquisitive brown eyes. Sports a small chin beard and a moustache.
Clothes and Equipment: Usually wears whatever garment fits the given situation, but is always immaculately dressed.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 5:42:49 GMT -8
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Post by Regent Homura Hizashi on Jul 1, 2019 14:18:46 GMT -8
As the Iron Crane once again had to tell her off, Homura placed a hand on Kiri's own. It was a gentle reminder to push for it, only when opportunity was there - if one tried to hard, you'd risk that opportunity never arrived again.
"You are still young, Lady Yukimoto, so for the time being, we're focusing only on your investment as a daimyo." Homura felt he needed to stress.
Homura nodded with a smile feeling as if the pieces were falling into place quite a lot better than he had expected. He had expected a fight, but then again he had done his homework and that might have helped settle things. Now she just needed a good experience in the city and things were looking promising. He trusted that Kiri would be able to make sure that part wasn't left to chance and he gave his wife a knowing smile before turning to Yukimoto.
"It was a pleasure, Lady Yukimoto." he simply said, although before he got up the nun seemed to have something to convey. "It is only fair and you are most responsible to take care of them yourselves. Lord Kojuro Hizashi will no doubt agree to this." Homura said as this was merely a formality - the next thing was not, and he chuckled.
"I had hoped to introduce Lady Sayaka to a court rank a little later - as a surprise. But since you're fulfilling your duty to her with such vigor and sincerity, I shall reveal that I intend to name her Minister of Justice when all papers are done and the emperor having given his nod." Homura said and looked to Sayaka. "It is a sign of faith and you will be able to shape the very future of Tawakoshi with this rank - Tokhung will have a voice that speaks loud and clear." Homura said awaiting her to either accept or decline - the latter perhaps for another position if she wished it not to be of justice.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on Jul 2, 2019 22:11:11 GMT -8
The Iron Crane bowed her head with respect to Lady Kiri, understanding completely why there was a push for marriage and children as the new daimyo of the region, but clearly unready to tackle that obstacle. Ironically enough, domestic troubles seemed to scare the Iron Crane more than war, famine, and natural disasters.
Jishu, ever looking out for Sayaka's interest, insisted on settling the court rank then and there... And the Iron Crane was, for a moment, mildly surprised at the offer the Regent Homura made.... On behalf of the Emperor.
"I will of course accept the position," the Iron Crane stated, looking Homura in the face, "and thank the Emperor for the opportunity." Her voice was even but the statement was a little tongue-in-cheek. So much for the Emperor not becoming a puppet again; the Iron Crane's opinion on him hadn't changed one bit, but she did not fault the Hizashi Clan for taking advantage.
After all, Yukimoto Sayaka had done the exact same thing.
The handmaidens entered, and Sayaka rose gracefully from her seat, the Jade armored bugeisha rising as well behind her. "Thank you, Lady Kiri. My interactions in the city will be all business, but perhaps after, I may need advice on diversions."
If that was all, Sayaka bowed her head once more to the Regent and his wife, glanced at Jishu, then followed the handmaidens out and to her guest quarters. She'd like it if the White Nun went with her, but let Jishu have her own autonomy-- the woman was not a servant, but a councilor, and had her own agency.
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Lady Kiri Hizashi
Established
Roleplay posts: 41
Age: 32
Physical Description: A minor princess of the royal line, now married to the Lord Regent of Tawakoshi, Kiri carries herself with immaculate deportment and manners. A flowing robe, grace and humility, an aikuchi dagger in the back of her obi.
Allegiances: Tawakoshi
Registered: Dec 19, 2017 6:13:17 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Kiri Hizashi on Jul 3, 2019 12:54:01 GMT -8
Although her demeanor was perfect, Kiri flinched inwardly at Homura's lack of tact regarding the Emperor. Having Lady Yukimoto go take a bath and see to her own needs would have been the perfect time to “talk to the Emperor” about her rank. As it was, her dear husband had played it a little heavy handedly, and the Iron Crane had noticed.
“And it's a great sign of faith in you, my lord, that His Majesty has given his blessing for you to assign ministers to the court as you see fit,” she said with a loving smile to Homura, before she turned gracefully to her guests. “My cousin the Emperor, really does value Homura-dono's wisdom in these matters.”
“It has truly been an honour to meet you Lady Yukimoto,” Kiri said, as the Iron Crane concluded business and was about to leave. “I hope we will be able to talk more informally at some later point.”
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Jishu
Established
The White Nun
Roleplay posts: 15
Age: 47
Physical Description: A lady into her middle years, she seems nonetheless fit and agile. Quiet, with a kind face, she watches all with compassion. Jishu is a warrior nun, and dresses in religious garb with a white head covering. She carries a large rosary and a naginata. Jishu is dedicated to serving Sayaka Yukimoto the Iron Crane, as her right-hand woman.
Registered: Oct 12, 2017 12:41:17 GMT -8
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Post by Jishu on Jul 3, 2019 12:54:23 GMT -8
The White Nun hadn't failed to notice the nuances in the room either. But while it was clear that the Emperor himself was not calling the shots, the shots being called were not unwise. “Minister of Justice is a worthy title for my Lady, and I thank you, Lord Regent,” she said with a stiff bow. Then, almost as an afterthought she added, “you do us much honour.” Apparently, although he, or perhaps Lady Kiri, or a combination of both, commanded the Emperor, Homura wasn't about to say he did the same with Hizashi Kojuro, which was a notable item that Jishu filed away.
When Sayaka was ready to leave, Jishu stood with her and followed closely behind. Wherever the Iron Crane went in the capital she would go too, unless expressedly asked or ordered otherwise.
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