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Post by scholar on Mar 20, 2009 23:17:18 GMT -5
Please excuse his rashness Mr. Gamo. You see I travel the land in search of talent, I found him in this very inn. Not to long ago either. I was asking him about how to talk to you. I guess he must have felt urgent haste to get you to come. But please forgive him for the cup, that was unwarranted.
Turning to Tadakatsu,
Would you like to have another try?
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Post by baiko on Mar 21, 2009 0:36:28 GMT -5
Tadakatsu ordered a bowl of water to the table, which he splashed on his face.
Sobering up slightly he approached Gamo.
My apologies, you could say I had a rather disapointing day yesterday. I had one or three too many to drink. Please join us for a cup of tea.
Then turning back to his Lord he bowed shamefully.
Never again will I substitute alcohol for intelligence or drink of boredom.
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Post by scholar on Mar 21, 2009 0:40:32 GMT -5
With a kind face, and a wide smile Suehiro said "All if forgiven Tadakatsu, now let's have some tea ordered for Gamo"
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Post by ronin on Mar 24, 2009 11:28:23 GMT -5
Asai Nagamasa walked into the Cherry Blossom Inn he had been traveling for quite a while now. He was trying to live his own life instead of holding old ties that are never honored by the ones that his clan has fought so hard to protect. He sought to prove himself of his own hands and feet as a man of honor and formidable strength, but he would have to find a master somewhere. There were many lords out there, but serving one of value was up to him. A woman greeted him at the door as he removed his sandals from his feet he was wearing a nice light blue kimono as he walked in shown a seat, he lowered himself down awaiting a waitress. It was not very long after he had sat that a woman was ready for his order.
“I would like a bottle of sake, and a rice bun please.”
She bowed, and walked away to fetch his order. He took note around the room as there were plenty men of honor in this place he couldn’t honestly believe so many men of notice were here, it was a good thing he decided to rest here tonight.
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Post by bfb on Mar 27, 2009 16:42:12 GMT -5
As Ujisato drank his tea, fielding the offers of the Kakizaki and Oukan in his mind, he notices a figure enter the inn."Hmmm...THIS man seems to have a certain aura about him...I wonder..."thought Ujisato. "Lord Kakizaki, do you know the man that just entered the in? An ally or a foe of yours perhaps?",said Ujisato.
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Post by scholar on Mar 30, 2009 17:03:40 GMT -5
"Oh, he is an officer of mine, his name is Tadakatsu"
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Post by bladedwind on Apr 19, 2009 20:59:40 GMT -5
The inn was at the height of it's activity, the buzz of various conversations filling the air. Tables were emptied and filled constantly, food being layed before some, while empty plates being taken from others. The smell of rice, dumplings, and tea filled the room. The Cherry Blossom Inn an excellent place to eat, to find a few days lodging, and to catch up on the news. Sadly, the news filling the air was not of pleasent nature. Rumors of war had spread across the land, the current Shogunate's power fading away, like those who try to keep the sand from sliding inbetween their fingers. Regional lords would no doubt amass their armies to attempt to win glory and fame, wealth and power. And the ones who would make it happen were the samurai, warriors whose very lives were dedicated to the art of war.
The commotion and talking suddenly stopped as the doors opened wide, a shadowed figure obscuring the opening. Stepping forward, the doors closed, and a green armored samurai stepped forward, eyeing the entire place. Although he was not tall, his glare was expert, made of steel that pierced flesh. On his back was a fearsome weapon, the lethal kanabo club, used often by the demons in myth and legend. Not wanting to cause trouble, people averted their gazes. No telling what manner of man this armored warrior was, but it was best not to provoke him into action.
Undoing his face mask, the samurai known as Ichimonji Masaki sat down at an unoccupied table, right next to a group of conversing samurai. He payed little attention to their conversation; all he was interested in right now was getting some food and rest. He had been quite busy slaying bandits, their numbers and activities continiuing to escalate due to talks of war. While he proffited from these times as a warrior, the number of ruffians made him sick to his stomache. They were nothing more then cowards in his eyes, shameless villains who fed off the chaos itself, looting and pillaging instead of leading honest lives. If he could find a lord that could bring an end to these times, he would gladly offer his blade to their cause. A platter of sushi and a jug of sake set before him, he began eating contently.
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Post by scholar on Apr 20, 2009 19:45:35 GMT -5
Noticing one sit right next to him Suehiro ceased his talk with Gamo, and looked towards the new comer. Having just taken off his mask it seemed as if this one was fierce. But then again most samurai do, what matters is skill or aura. Weather he had this or not didn't seem to stop Suehiro in saying hello.
"Hello sir, who might you be?"
Suehiro looked at the samurai with friendly eyes and a welcoming face. One might of thought that Suehiro wanted something by the air about him.
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Post by bladedwind on Apr 20, 2009 22:48:37 GMT -5
Masaki turned, hearing a voice call out to him politely in the crowded in. He sighed, turning away from his platter of sushi and cup of sake, glaring at the man intently. His eyes could tell the tale more then anything and anyone else could tell. No man who has not stared death in the face several times in his life would have such steely, yet fiery eyes. His armor spoke for him as well. It was well taken care of, but was also worn from use, as was his sword hilt. His kanabo and sword were one thing he made sure to keep in pristine condition, but this man would not get to see his blade in this inn, unless Masaki was provoked or forced to fight. No true samurai ever drew his blade unless he was endangered or it served true purpose.
Masaki's eyes sized the man up. Although he was not built like a warrior, his air was refined, perhaps elegant or even noble. Perhaps he was a daimyo of a region, or an official of the court. Whether or not he had the true capabilities of a ruler remained to be seen in Masaki's eyes. Meeting the man's gentle, kind gaze with his piercing steel glare, he politely, if a bit grufly, nodded his head in greeting. Masaki was not a very social individual, but he knew manners and etiquit. He was, after all, a samurai. No true samurai refused to show manners.
"I am Ichimonji Masaki, ronin and slayer of bandits. Who might you be?"
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Post by scholar on Apr 20, 2009 23:00:15 GMT -5
Suehiro, enjoying the directness and promptness of the answer, looked back at the Samurai. Though the term Samurai means "one who serves..." it is hard for him to believe that there is anything that would shake this man. Though the conversation so far as been only two lines, one from each man it has already spoken volumes in the unspoken word.
"Suehiro, from the house of Kakizaki, Daimyo of Dewa, Lord of Kakizaki Castle. Leader of thousands that wish to dissolve the very essence of disorder."
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Post by baiko on Apr 21, 2009 0:07:10 GMT -5
Tadakatsu looked at this new man. He knew of him, he respected him.
"Mr. Masaki, You may not know of me. But I know of you Sir. My name is Tadakatsu Honda, General under Lord Suehiro here. We shall settle the world Sir. I know you of an honorable and fierce man. Ridding the world of evil one man at a time. But answer me this? Is it not better to rid evil thousands at a time? Why not aid us in this conquest."
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Post by finchy on Apr 21, 2009 10:36:53 GMT -5
Oukan Saku could see that Ujisato was deep in thought. He wondered if a man so quick to forgive a fault was worth his time. As this thought passed through his head he winced. Hadn't his lord Jesus Christ taught forgiveness?
He sat forwards in his chair thinking of a way to start the conversation again. He stroked his beard and wondered aloud. "When will the talking stop and the fighting begin". He thought he had said it too quietly but then he heard someone reply...
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Post by bladedwind on Apr 21, 2009 17:31:20 GMT -5
"Kazizaki Suehiro. I have heard the name in passing. It seems you value men of talent."
Masaki had heard more then that, in honesty. Kazizaki was a man who sought direct control of Japan, and he was rather open about his ambitions. He certainly thought much of himself, describing himself as the leader of thousands. He had even recruited the likes of Tadakatsu Honda into his ranks, a man who was rumored to have no equal. Masaki flashed a brief, confident smile. Surely, he would rather fight such a man on the battlefield then serve alongside him. however, as a samurai, his duty was to the people first, even as a ronin with no master. He would have to see if this man was capable of what he said he wanted to do. Then he would make his decision.
It was then that he heard Tadakatsu speak. He was impressed at the man's dignified manner, his polite speech, and his sheer aura as a warrior. Truly, he was a colluses in every sense of the word. How would they next meet, he wondered? As allies or as foes? Either way, it would be interesting to share the same battlefield as a living legend. Who knew, perhaps Masaki himself would manage to become a legend himself in these times.
"You do yourself little honor, Honda Tadakatsu. Your name is a legend itself. However, I am afraid I must decline your offer for now. I will see for myself who is most worthy of my talents on the battlefield. I am, however, available for hire."
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Post by baiko on Apr 21, 2009 20:49:36 GMT -5
Tadakatsu looked at his Lord. He believed in him and what he stood for. If he was willing to die for this cause, certianily money was a small price to pay.
"Sir, If you seek money, then take mine. I've lived my life in seek of profit. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Why be no different as anyone else instead of make a difference? Why make a stand for the world when its less strenous to just sit? How much will your services cost? How much must I pay to help ensure the future for our youth? My lord pays very well... Name your price"
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Post by scholar on Apr 21, 2009 21:57:29 GMT -5
"Tadakatsu, really, you speak of money when I in fact am rather humble. I pay what I can, you should know that."
Suehiro resigned himself to the wishes of his top general. He was in fact very humble, his palace may be luxurious but he himself enjoyed the arts and life itself. It was his men that truly made the difference in his army. It is they who compel him. The thought of conquering the land seems ludicrous to him, yet the art of archiving it seems overly enticing. He knows the land is in chaos and the world turns it's eye towards such events. It is as if he had become the leader of a new capital to the north, something that amuses him but not quite sparks his ambition. He had once wanted to live in recluse among the temples of Sado an idea that still instills great desire in him. If he could choose between that life and a life of war he would choose that one.
What worries him the most is what else he could have heard. There are words from passing christians from Europe stating that he is "God's light in a tainted world of heresy" implying more than what he really is. Is is no christian, he is nothing of the sort. He's open, almost being a direct enemy of closed minded bishops and priests. There are tales of him being a despot that hords treasure to add to his palace. His palace is perfect just the way it is, and he got everything in there from the free will of artisans and gifts from afar. He had in fact been banished there from the capital so the thought is utterly wrong in every way shape or form. There are tales of him wanting the land for himself. What man doesn't seek what his ambition tells him to seek. Where he shines is the fact that he rarely acts on ambition. Ending the chaos, where ever is spreads is a noble goal, but a goal forced upon him by duty. For he would all give this up for a simple lordship over Sado, independent from all the chaos.
Of course he thinks that he can do so, and he thinks that his talents are better than some, but what truly matters is that he is able to seek advice. That he does not call himself the greatest in all the land, he has called his palace such but not himself. He is just a man, a man destined to die, be it one day, two days, a month, a year, a decade, maybe more but in the end he is just a man. A duty to an emperor far in the south west. He is nothing but a man. It is not through cash of rice, land given by the acres he speaks to the soul to electrify them, and make them join his cause.
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