Miwa writes a letter and holds it up. A samurai walks up and takes it. He then leaves the room. After 15 minutes 10 samurai show up and come into the room for a total of 18 in the room. 10 of them are standing guard. 8 sit down and watch. She looks back at her besshikime. “Please go to my office until you are called.”
Drasta nods and heads to Miwa’s office. She sits against the door listening.
Miwa looks at the guards and goes back to her kneeling position beside the throne. Forty crew members come in from the foreign ship that was stopped. They are shackled around their hands but not their feet. Miwa notes the young man in the captain’s hat and the older one beside him. An imperial prosecutor walks in last and takes his position. After honorifics are performed Miwa opens her folder.
“The crew of the Bounding Bonny Blondie have been charged with unlicensed entry in Kozakura waters, illicit contraband of confinement on their ship, flying unlawful flags upon Kozakura waters. Fishing without a fishing license, and the importation of illegal armaments within the empire of Kozakura. The prosecution may proceed.”
The lawyer presents the court with both leg and ankle manacles along with drawings of large I-bolts lined up in the ships hold. He also presents several gnomish blunderbusses, lead shot and ball. “Your honor two of our imperial junks pinched the fore to mention ship between them and boarded the foreign vessel. We found nearly 100 pair of these manacles along with bolts in the hold to chain people to the floor like stacks. Their books are sketchy and there is a very large hoard of gold coin on board. It all points to them being slavers and pirates. There is overwhelming evidence though they did their best to flower their logs and books."
Miwa asks, "Did you find anyone held in confinement on the ship?"
"Only two in their brig, you’re honor both westerners. We are still assessing their involvement.”
She puts out her hand. "The drawing please?"
He picks it up and walks over to her. She takes it and examines it. "Is the either captain of one of the junks here today?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Bring him to the front."
They bring him up. He bows to the throne. Miwa stands up and bows to him. He recognizes her and she goes back down to her knees. She then shows him the picture, "Is this accurate captain?"
"It is your honor."
"Thank you be at peace."
She looks at the westerners. "The defense may plead its case."
They talk amongst each other in common. The older one says. "You was right Sam She is an old dried-up cunt of a woman. You'll have an easy time with her."
Another says, "What an ugly bitch I feel sorry for Sam. " he gets some chuckles.
Drasta listening behind the door whispers to herself, “Oh, Shit.”
The samurai start to get edgy from all the talking they don't understand. Miwa stares at each one calming them down and lets them go on. Another says, "I don’t know boss even with all that makeup you can see her face is riddled with sword cuts."
The old man laughs, "That only means she ain’t good in a fight and got stuck here because she couldn't hack it." He turns to Sam. "You got this?"
"Easy, just give me some of that grease to lather her up with."
Miwa speaks her face still an utter mask of passivity, "Defense are you going to plead your case, or should I render my verdict?"
Sam, the young one in the captain’s hat, says in high shou with a heavy accent, "Of course, Most honorable and dare I say most beautiful judge of this court. My you look shining in those red and white robes."
Miwa remains passive. Tatsuo over with the stenographer puts both hands over his mouth. The young man hesitates. I will sing of our plight. How we was shipwrecked and found the Bounding Bonny! We fixed her up, we did. I will sing to you of our plight in untamed waters. Our trials against the Storm queen herself……….”
Miwa stops him. “This is not a kabuki theater. You start to sing, and I’ll have your tongue removed. Then you’ll have to find someone else to speak for you.”
He starts to laugh as if it’s a joke. Two large samurai stand up and grab him, another comes from the side pliers in his hands. "Alright! Alright! Your honor please No singing!"
Miwa looks at the guard and says, "Stop let him speak."
As they release him. He roughly straightens his jacket. "My apologies my beautiful judge. I misspoke, of course you are the authority here and you do not joke." He bows. She does not recognize him.
He is confused by this. “Allll… right.” He plays to the crowd in the room using his arms for more theatric effect. "Judge we have come through pirate infested waters, great storms and lost our course after finding this ship.
It was a mistake to even come to these shores. We all apologize for the misunderstanding and for our abrupt arrival on your waters. We are of course simple merchants doing trade from port to port. Even through being agonized by leaving our loved ones at home. We are tired and only wish to make safe harbor a few days. Then we will be on our way."
Miwa says, "Explain the manacles and the I-hooks in your hold?"
Those my lovely judge must be the former owners of the ship. We kept them just in case we ourselves encountered pirates and could take their ship or Sahuagin or any other malicious plague that may want to take the Blondie. We would hold them until judgement can be handed down in a court like yours. And might I say your perfume would steal a bee from its quest for honey."
Miwa looks and studies his face. "Are you the captain of this ship?"
The young man smiles and pats his chest, "Captain Sam Mulligan of the Bouncing Bonny Blondie. That I am!" He stands tall.
She raises her voice. "Samurai Hold him!"
Before he can do anything being utterly surprised two Grab him and force him to his knees. Miwa stands and walks over to her office. Through a crack in the door, Drasta holds out one of her court katana’s. She unsheathes it and walks off the stage and down to the young man being held. She cuts his head off with one deft blow.
The crew is at first utterly surprised. then They start to panic. The samurai stand and take 4 more heads before everything quiets down. The judge turns to the crew and faces them. In perfect western common she says, “This court has already determined that you are slavers. It is a crime worse than any other of the declared accusations. Drasta! You may step out now!”
She gently steps out eyeing them and places herself by Miwa’s side. Miwa gives her the sword. Drasta cleans and sheaths it. Miwa holds out her hand again. She switches to high shou, “Another court sword pleas. Samurai! The real captain!”
Drasta gestures quietly to the old man. Miwa’s hand comes back as Drasta holds the sheath steadily smiling only a little. Miwa unsheathes it and again deftly cuts the captain’s head off with it. She gives it back to Drasta and goes to her place.
Before kneeling, she says in a loud commanding voice. “Going forward I will speak in the western trade tongue and then high shou. Bring any officer and or mates two the front." She goes back to her kneeling position on her mat.
Once they are brought up and Drasta is in position Miwa says in both languages, "It is the decision of this court that every member of this ship be brought under debt slavery until they can pay as an individual 50,000 ryu for every product sold in the ports of Calimshan. What is the total honorable prosecutor?"
The prosecutor flips his pages. “3,587, your honor.”
She looks back at the slavers. "You will be remanded to the imperial prison coal mines of Todaijo where you each will work of a debt of 179 million ryu or until your deaths whichever comes first. Guard get these men ready for transport." The samurai put chains between their shackles and lead them away. Miwa stops with the western common, "Court is in recess for 30 minutes for the gravers to clean this courtroom."
The three go back to Miwa’s office. Tatsuo is in complete shock never seeing someone kill a man let alone his own grandmother. Miwa looks out the window with her hands clasped behind her back.
Drasta is the first to speak. “My lady. It was just.”
Tatsuo is shaking, "You killed them grandmother! You killed them!"
Drasta nods to him. “It was what must be done.”
Miwa sighs. "Yes, I killed them. The question for you to answer Tatsuo is why did I kill them and why those two?"
"I don't know that was the meanest thing I ever saw! You're not a nice person! You're a bad person!"
Drasta intercedes, “Perhaps he does not understand fully.”
Miwa turns around and looks at her grandson. You are right Tatsuo. and you are wrong. I am not a nice person. If I was, I would not be here. I would be in a monastery or a temple like my sister. I am a killer just as every samurai in that room is.
Am I a bad person.... I cannot say that I am not. I seek proper justice. And in my view, this was proper justice. The emperor counts on me to be just, and these were very, very evil men that would steal our daughters and turn them into something so terrible and degrading you cannot imagine at your age. Now why did I kill those two men!?"
"I don't know." Tears swell and run down his eyes, but he doesn't cry because he is learning to compartmentalize his raw emotion already without knowing it."
Miwa turns to Drasta. "Can you explain it to him?"
Drasta bends down and wipes his tears away. “We each have our place in the world whether it be on the side of justice or against it. Some must be punished for what they are doing even if it is not seen. Those who we punished today were all in some type of agreement of what they were doing for coin, and it did not matter to them what cost it brought to others. They were slavers.... Think of it this way perhaps, if they had taken an aunt or sister what would you have done in return to them.”
Miwa nods. "The captain and the bard were the head of the snake. If I had left them alive, they would have given the men courage to defy any decision I made. You can harm a snake along its length, and it may still heal and bite you. You cut off the head and the body will die quickly.
The captain and the bard, I gave them mercy. The others, they will never be able to pay the debt of the taking of our young daughters. They will work for years in the mines until their lungs turn black and they suffocate. A slow and miserable death far worse than what the other two received as punishment but at least they have a chance to redeem themselves by the gods with hard work."
Drasta nods to Miwa.
Miwa continues. "Learn this lesson well Tatsuo. Life for most is hard, for some it is cruel. For some it is pleasure, but all eventually must pay the ultimate price. Even me, Even Drasta. The important part is what you do on the journey. If you are cruel and unjust it will come back to haunt you in the worse way. The code says we must be kind and truthful, but it also says to be honorable and just. Justice must sometimes be a hard hand with those that would soil its robes with greed or power. Go to your place now and let Drasta and I talk.”
Drasta stands gesturing him off. He stands and bows stiffly and leaves but turns around and puts his ear to the door when it closes.
Miwa studies the door. “It was a hard lesson. Perhaps I should have made him leave."
“No, I do not think it would have been the same. Perhaps looking at it now, it was a proper way to show both sides of the court.” chuckles and playfully says, “Do not get soft on me for your grandchildren, Bird.”
"Hai." She shuffles some papers. "Everyone must learn life is not all parties, niceties and smelling of flowers at some point. If he wants to be a lawyer, He will have to get used to it. He has a kind heart. Something that was beaten out of me long ago in another age. I hate to see him lose it."
“It is a difficult thing let us hope he has his sides on both ways. Come let us not keep the Barasume and Shinto waiting I am sure they are eager to fuck us over again.
"Hai” With that Tatsuo races to take his place beside the stenographer.
Story by winterhawk99 and Maxalpd
Following in the Footsteps of Another
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Drasta follows Miwa out of her office and into the courtroom. She had place 3 swords within her odi and stands her guard much more alert than before. Miwa takes her place kneeling on her mat and places the last folder out on her little table opening it.
Shogun Barasume is the first to arrive. He goes to the Defendants side. Drasta whispers down, “To think you were almost once married to Hideo. Miwa, uncustomary, has a reaction. She rolls her eyes slightly.
A young Shogun Shinto arrives. He’s in his 30s. He goes to the plaintiff’s side. Each has several lawyers with them. They bow to the throne. Miwa stands and bows to them. They both recognize her slowly and with much apparent reverence. Miwa kneels again and looks down at the folder.
Shogun Shinto charges that Clan Barasume is encroaching upon his territory and shrouding an upcoming advance as tactical movement training along their shared boarder. The Shinto is also suing the Barasume clan for raising their grain tariffs unreasonably trying to strangle Clan Shinto into submission and absorption into their own clan.
Miwa continues, "First and foremost this is a samurai problem. Why take this to the imperial courts instead of the battlefield?"
Drasta whispers down uncontrollably, “Perhaps they are afraid.”
Miwa whispers back, “Hai, but who is afraid of who and I want their answers."
Drasta continues slightly irritating Miwa, “Has the weather been fair to their harvest would be a good question as well.” Miwa nods to Lord Shinto without saying anything.
"Honorable cousin. Shinto wishes no bloodshed in these territorial threats. We wish to settle in court. The bloodshed in the south over the past 50 years has taken many lives. Shinto has always been a proponent of neutrality between the southern clans, and we wish to have this dispute arbitrated in a fair manner."
Drasta is staring at each word they speak judging them for truth in every aspect. Miwa looks at Lord Barasume Hideo. "Honorable Aunt, as you well know. The Barasume clan is one of the largest and richest clans of the south. Much of which through your own efforts as head of our distinguished cavalry and your role as ambassador of the west. We also wish for a peaceful settlement to this. There is no need to spill the blood of an army, especially that of such an old and honorable clan as Shinto. The Barasume army has grown and simply needs space to maneuver."
Drasta stars at Hideo directly when he speaks.
Miwa stares at both men in turn. “Second question before I proceed. I am related to Shinto through blood. I am related to Barasume through my first marriage. I am the worse judge to make an assessment or arbitration between Shinto and Barasume. Please explain yourselves, Lord Barasume and Lord Shinto?"
Drasta places a hand gently on Miwa’s shoulder in a ‘you can, and I am here for this notion.’ She also studies the other besshikime the shoguns brought in the room. The Barasume besshikime are well disciplined. The Shinto are slightly less disciplined. Drasta gives a slight nod to the Barasume ones and look of ‘get in your place to the Shinto ones.’
Lord Shinto is the first to speak. "Shinto and Barasume both agree that you are the best judge for this case Ambassador Mayonaka Sakuya. Being related to both houses you both know the territories, the people, and history best therefore can mediate this problem better than any other imperial judge."
Miwa turns her head to Hideo, “Does Barasume concur?”
Hideo breaths in deeply, "Hai, we do Aunt Miwa."
Miwa states, "You will use my court name in this meeting there will be no more pandering. Do we have an understanding Shogun Shinto and Shogun Barasume?"
Drasta takes a step forward in a guarding manner. Miwa puts her hand up and waves Drasta back, "If there is any trouble in this courtroom from either side of this You already know who and what I can do. I have already figured out how to take everyone last person out here. This is my courtroom and I demand that you respect this floor in the name of the emperor. If you do not believe me and think I am too old...... Try it."
Drasta smiles slightly and relaxes whispering under her breath to herself try it eyeing them all.
Both Lord Shinto and Hideo affirm there will be no trouble. Hideo grits his teeth slightly in fear. Drasta whispers, “The Shinto women need a bit more training should I allocate one to help them?”
Miwa shakes her head and whispers, "The hummingbirds are too important and too secret. The emperor does not want that." She then turns her head to Lord Shinto. “Shinto state your case.”
Drasta nods moving back and stands eyeing Hideo.
Lord Shinto stands after several lawyers confer with him. "Honorable Mayonaka Sakuya. The Barasume clan and its armies have been encroaching upon the Shinto boarder this past year. We have sent many letters and envoys to persuade Lord Barasume to stop these provocations after some time and much denial Lord Barasume started to tariff Shinto and only Shinto clan goods for going to his great port at Renkyu. This has put our population at risk and has strangled commerce going in and out of Shinto territories."
Miwa asks, "How many times has Barasume held maneuvers and how far away or into Shinto lands have they gone?"
Drasta seems slightly agitated but listens for the truth.
"Your honor they have maneuvers with various units at least twice a month sometimes three times. These maneuvers have spilled over up to a kilometer past the boarder on several occasions."
The judge asks, “Was this solidly observed by your scouts?"
“Yes, your honor.”
She turns to Hideo, “Is this true, Lord Barasume?” Drasta stares Hideo down intently to make him uncomfortable so he speaks the truth even if it is babbles.
Hideo says, "Mistakes have been made your honor. I admit that some of the maneuvering has been complex, and some units did incur into Shinto territory."
Miwa asks Hideo, "The Tariffs?"
“Shinto has been disrespectful of a much more powerful clan, my clan, that borders with it. Lord Shinto has been clamoring that Barasume is too strong in the south and must be broken apart. I intercepted letters from 'scouts' I have them here."
Miwa puts her hand up. A samurai guard takes the letters, and she reads them. She looks up at Lord Shinto, "Are these letters truthful?"
The samurai takes them from her and presents them to Lord Shinto. He reads them, "As the letters say, we have concerns about the size and strength of Barasume."
Miwa says, "As well you should but Lord Barasume does have redress because of these letters."
Drasta whispers down, “Why would one have letters intercepted if they did not have spies, I am curious on this.”
Miwa looks back at Drasta strangely as if she is slightly insane, “Every besshikime is this room is a spy."
Drasta continues, “So what real reason do they have entering Shinto land, and I would think training is not as they say.” Miwa nods. Drast stares at everyone in the room and every shadow. She again whispers. “Shall I clear the room of shadows and darkness?” Miwa shakes her head.
Miwa says, "I have heard enough. and am ready to pass my decision. It is the decision of this court that Hideo wed the first eligible daughter of the Shinto family and Lord Shinto marry the first eligible daughter in the Barasume family.
Barasume will remove all tariffs from the Shinto clan. The Shinto clan will withdraw formally and apologize to the emperor and to all southern clans for their misconduct in stirring up trouble against the Barasume clan.
There will be a 1-kilometer buffer zone on each side of the border where no military may enter except for border guards. That does not mean lords that you can hire an extra 500 border guards. The number of guards shall remain the same. I want those numbers as of now sent to the emperor before the sun goes down tomorrow. Lastly, I want everyone to leave except Lord Barasume and his personal guard. My word as an Onna-bugeisha you will not be harmed."
Drasta gives a slight bow to them. “Yes, my lady.” She gestures everyone out and closes the door.
Miwa places mats out for Hideo and his personal guard. She has Tatsuo in front of her and Drasta to her left. She bows to him. He recognizes her and everyone kneels. She holds Tatsuo in front of her."
Hideo smiles at the boy, "Which one is this?"
Miwa says, "He is Nao and Hikari's third child Tatsuo." She continues, "Hideo, everyone knows what you are doing. You are trying to absorb Shinto to your banner. Please for the sake of the greater empire cease and desist."
Drasta offers a nod to Hideo in courtesy.
"Miwa. You know my father had a dream. The emperor screwed the whole thing up. You have helped us come within grasp of uniting the whole of the empire. Don't you see that. We could go into a period that rivals our sister country of Wa with all its technological achievements over the past few centuries. It was your uncle’s grand dream and it died when you were married to that westerner."
Drasta gives him the side eye. Miwa nods, “, I know full well Kyo's dream and understand why the emperor did what he did. Hideo, you have one of the richest and most powerful clans under your leadership now. You need to think about the whole of the empire too.
Do you not think that every shogun has the same old dream to unite the country? They do and scheme all their lives to achieve what everyone else is trying to do at the same time. Give this up. You already have everything you could ever want. Stay within your borders. If another shogun attacks you, I will be there to support you. Be a good ruler to your people and put away something I know is only a legacy to you."
Drasta speaks up, “I know you are no fool Hideo… Apologies for the abruptness…”
Hideo sighs and looks up to the heavens for guidance. Miwa helps him, "You have more than enough on your hands now. Keep your eye where it should be. Your own people and reap the rewards of a happy and long life."
He sighs, "Alright I will stop the provocations."
Miwa says, "Your word as a samurai, Hideo."
Drasta gives a bow to Hideo with gratitude. “May the 8 million grant you your wish.”
Hideo takes a deep breath, "On my sword, Ambassador."
Miwa stands pulling Tatsuo on his feet and they both bow to Hideo. He recognizes them and leaves. Miwa is the one who breathes a sigh of relief. Tatsuo looks up. "What just happened?"
Drasta sighs too with relief after he leaves, “Well that could have gotten messy.”
Miwa looks down at her grandson while answering them both, "Hai, my friend. We just stopped a war Tatsuo. Today we saved hundreds of lives."
Tatsuo says, “I sort of understand but don't too?" Drasta pats him gently on the head.
Miwa smiles, “A samurai that swears on his sword will never break his promise for to do so would shame him so badly he would have to commit seppuku."
He looks up at the two women, “Ohhhh!”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxalpd
Shogun Barasume is the first to arrive. He goes to the Defendants side. Drasta whispers down, “To think you were almost once married to Hideo. Miwa, uncustomary, has a reaction. She rolls her eyes slightly.
A young Shogun Shinto arrives. He’s in his 30s. He goes to the plaintiff’s side. Each has several lawyers with them. They bow to the throne. Miwa stands and bows to them. They both recognize her slowly and with much apparent reverence. Miwa kneels again and looks down at the folder.
Shogun Shinto charges that Clan Barasume is encroaching upon his territory and shrouding an upcoming advance as tactical movement training along their shared boarder. The Shinto is also suing the Barasume clan for raising their grain tariffs unreasonably trying to strangle Clan Shinto into submission and absorption into their own clan.
Miwa continues, "First and foremost this is a samurai problem. Why take this to the imperial courts instead of the battlefield?"
Drasta whispers down uncontrollably, “Perhaps they are afraid.”
Miwa whispers back, “Hai, but who is afraid of who and I want their answers."
Drasta continues slightly irritating Miwa, “Has the weather been fair to their harvest would be a good question as well.” Miwa nods to Lord Shinto without saying anything.
"Honorable cousin. Shinto wishes no bloodshed in these territorial threats. We wish to settle in court. The bloodshed in the south over the past 50 years has taken many lives. Shinto has always been a proponent of neutrality between the southern clans, and we wish to have this dispute arbitrated in a fair manner."
Drasta is staring at each word they speak judging them for truth in every aspect. Miwa looks at Lord Barasume Hideo. "Honorable Aunt, as you well know. The Barasume clan is one of the largest and richest clans of the south. Much of which through your own efforts as head of our distinguished cavalry and your role as ambassador of the west. We also wish for a peaceful settlement to this. There is no need to spill the blood of an army, especially that of such an old and honorable clan as Shinto. The Barasume army has grown and simply needs space to maneuver."
Drasta stars at Hideo directly when he speaks.
Miwa stares at both men in turn. “Second question before I proceed. I am related to Shinto through blood. I am related to Barasume through my first marriage. I am the worse judge to make an assessment or arbitration between Shinto and Barasume. Please explain yourselves, Lord Barasume and Lord Shinto?"
Drasta places a hand gently on Miwa’s shoulder in a ‘you can, and I am here for this notion.’ She also studies the other besshikime the shoguns brought in the room. The Barasume besshikime are well disciplined. The Shinto are slightly less disciplined. Drasta gives a slight nod to the Barasume ones and look of ‘get in your place to the Shinto ones.’
Lord Shinto is the first to speak. "Shinto and Barasume both agree that you are the best judge for this case Ambassador Mayonaka Sakuya. Being related to both houses you both know the territories, the people, and history best therefore can mediate this problem better than any other imperial judge."
Miwa turns her head to Hideo, “Does Barasume concur?”
Hideo breaths in deeply, "Hai, we do Aunt Miwa."
Miwa states, "You will use my court name in this meeting there will be no more pandering. Do we have an understanding Shogun Shinto and Shogun Barasume?"
Drasta takes a step forward in a guarding manner. Miwa puts her hand up and waves Drasta back, "If there is any trouble in this courtroom from either side of this You already know who and what I can do. I have already figured out how to take everyone last person out here. This is my courtroom and I demand that you respect this floor in the name of the emperor. If you do not believe me and think I am too old...... Try it."
Drasta smiles slightly and relaxes whispering under her breath to herself try it eyeing them all.
Both Lord Shinto and Hideo affirm there will be no trouble. Hideo grits his teeth slightly in fear. Drasta whispers, “The Shinto women need a bit more training should I allocate one to help them?”
Miwa shakes her head and whispers, "The hummingbirds are too important and too secret. The emperor does not want that." She then turns her head to Lord Shinto. “Shinto state your case.”
Drasta nods moving back and stands eyeing Hideo.
Lord Shinto stands after several lawyers confer with him. "Honorable Mayonaka Sakuya. The Barasume clan and its armies have been encroaching upon the Shinto boarder this past year. We have sent many letters and envoys to persuade Lord Barasume to stop these provocations after some time and much denial Lord Barasume started to tariff Shinto and only Shinto clan goods for going to his great port at Renkyu. This has put our population at risk and has strangled commerce going in and out of Shinto territories."
Miwa asks, "How many times has Barasume held maneuvers and how far away or into Shinto lands have they gone?"
Drasta seems slightly agitated but listens for the truth.
"Your honor they have maneuvers with various units at least twice a month sometimes three times. These maneuvers have spilled over up to a kilometer past the boarder on several occasions."
The judge asks, “Was this solidly observed by your scouts?"
“Yes, your honor.”
She turns to Hideo, “Is this true, Lord Barasume?” Drasta stares Hideo down intently to make him uncomfortable so he speaks the truth even if it is babbles.
Hideo says, "Mistakes have been made your honor. I admit that some of the maneuvering has been complex, and some units did incur into Shinto territory."
Miwa asks Hideo, "The Tariffs?"
“Shinto has been disrespectful of a much more powerful clan, my clan, that borders with it. Lord Shinto has been clamoring that Barasume is too strong in the south and must be broken apart. I intercepted letters from 'scouts' I have them here."
Miwa puts her hand up. A samurai guard takes the letters, and she reads them. She looks up at Lord Shinto, "Are these letters truthful?"
The samurai takes them from her and presents them to Lord Shinto. He reads them, "As the letters say, we have concerns about the size and strength of Barasume."
Miwa says, "As well you should but Lord Barasume does have redress because of these letters."
Drasta whispers down, “Why would one have letters intercepted if they did not have spies, I am curious on this.”
Miwa looks back at Drasta strangely as if she is slightly insane, “Every besshikime is this room is a spy."
Drasta continues, “So what real reason do they have entering Shinto land, and I would think training is not as they say.” Miwa nods. Drast stares at everyone in the room and every shadow. She again whispers. “Shall I clear the room of shadows and darkness?” Miwa shakes her head.
Miwa says, "I have heard enough. and am ready to pass my decision. It is the decision of this court that Hideo wed the first eligible daughter of the Shinto family and Lord Shinto marry the first eligible daughter in the Barasume family.
Barasume will remove all tariffs from the Shinto clan. The Shinto clan will withdraw formally and apologize to the emperor and to all southern clans for their misconduct in stirring up trouble against the Barasume clan.
There will be a 1-kilometer buffer zone on each side of the border where no military may enter except for border guards. That does not mean lords that you can hire an extra 500 border guards. The number of guards shall remain the same. I want those numbers as of now sent to the emperor before the sun goes down tomorrow. Lastly, I want everyone to leave except Lord Barasume and his personal guard. My word as an Onna-bugeisha you will not be harmed."
Drasta gives a slight bow to them. “Yes, my lady.” She gestures everyone out and closes the door.
Miwa places mats out for Hideo and his personal guard. She has Tatsuo in front of her and Drasta to her left. She bows to him. He recognizes her and everyone kneels. She holds Tatsuo in front of her."
Hideo smiles at the boy, "Which one is this?"
Miwa says, "He is Nao and Hikari's third child Tatsuo." She continues, "Hideo, everyone knows what you are doing. You are trying to absorb Shinto to your banner. Please for the sake of the greater empire cease and desist."
Drasta offers a nod to Hideo in courtesy.
"Miwa. You know my father had a dream. The emperor screwed the whole thing up. You have helped us come within grasp of uniting the whole of the empire. Don't you see that. We could go into a period that rivals our sister country of Wa with all its technological achievements over the past few centuries. It was your uncle’s grand dream and it died when you were married to that westerner."
Drasta gives him the side eye. Miwa nods, “, I know full well Kyo's dream and understand why the emperor did what he did. Hideo, you have one of the richest and most powerful clans under your leadership now. You need to think about the whole of the empire too.
Do you not think that every shogun has the same old dream to unite the country? They do and scheme all their lives to achieve what everyone else is trying to do at the same time. Give this up. You already have everything you could ever want. Stay within your borders. If another shogun attacks you, I will be there to support you. Be a good ruler to your people and put away something I know is only a legacy to you."
Drasta speaks up, “I know you are no fool Hideo… Apologies for the abruptness…”
Hideo sighs and looks up to the heavens for guidance. Miwa helps him, "You have more than enough on your hands now. Keep your eye where it should be. Your own people and reap the rewards of a happy and long life."
He sighs, "Alright I will stop the provocations."
Miwa says, "Your word as a samurai, Hideo."
Drasta gives a bow to Hideo with gratitude. “May the 8 million grant you your wish.”
Hideo takes a deep breath, "On my sword, Ambassador."
Miwa stands pulling Tatsuo on his feet and they both bow to Hideo. He recognizes them and leaves. Miwa is the one who breathes a sigh of relief. Tatsuo looks up. "What just happened?"
Drasta sighs too with relief after he leaves, “Well that could have gotten messy.”
Miwa looks down at her grandson while answering them both, "Hai, my friend. We just stopped a war Tatsuo. Today we saved hundreds of lives."
Tatsuo says, “I sort of understand but don't too?" Drasta pats him gently on the head.
Miwa smiles, “A samurai that swears on his sword will never break his promise for to do so would shame him so badly he would have to commit seppuku."
He looks up at the two women, “Ohhhh!”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxalpd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo’s sleep takes a turn forward to just two weeks before his father picks him up that year when he was 7. He’s in his grandmother’s office. She has given him writing paper and books. He is studying and writing about what he thinks of the books she gave him; when he is done with the lessons she put in front of him. He takes what he wrote and gives it to her. She has him sit to the side while she checks it.
After she is done, she turns and faces him watching his eyes. “Your father will come soon. Are you ready Tatsuo?”
He nods. “Yes, grandma.”
“Is there anything you want to ask?”
He looks at her, not sure. She sees it. “It’s ok to ask anything.”
“OK, why is your face like it is? And is the rest of you like that?”
“Oh……. Do I look scary to you?”
“Ah…. Not anymore. But you use to look scary.”
“I’ve been through many battles fighting for my lord and others in the west. So, I have many scars all over. Some you can’t see. They are on the inside.”
“Inside?”
“Yes, I lost many friends in battle even my first husband. His name was Ryuu.”
“Like uncle Ryuu.”
“Yes, your grandfather let me name him after my first man. I am very grateful for that.”
He points his finger at a large scar tracing from her ear along her jawline to the front of her mouth. “Where did you get that?”
“Ummm. I got that in the west fighting an elven ghost that could kill by crying with a sound so mournful it will chill and stop your heart.”
He traces another from her forehead past her eye and slanting down between her lips down to her chin. “And that one.”
“Oh yes, that was the battle of Osaka. A rival of mine had found me on a hill. She did that with a naginata. We mortally wounded each other but both of us survived the battle. The priests got to us in time to heal us.”
“And the one across your nose?”
“My father did that to me in training.”
“Oh, When I train will I get scars?
“Maybe but my father was very different than the way you will be trained whoever your master is. The family will make sure you get a good one that does not want to hurt you.”
“Wait? Did your father want to hurt you?”
“Ah… A good question. My father was a very bad man, Tatsuo. He had no sons so wanted to turn me into a man. It’s the best I know how to describe what happened.”
“That’s stupid.”
“I think so too.”
“What about the rest of you?
Miwa nods with a frown, “It has many scars. I’ve been run through the heart twice. Once by my own hand, and my lungs. And my back and malformed because of what my father did to me in training, it’s why I am so strong but also why I am not as healthy as other Onna-bugeisha. It’s why I take baths alone.”
“How can you still be alive?”
“Maybe the gods are not done with me yet, maybe they took pity. I am not sure why. All I know is that I am alive and so long as I am I shall be of service to my emperor. That’s what samurai do. We are servants of our people, our clans and our emperor and why the bushido code is so important to us. It is our leash.”
“Do all samurai follow the code?”
“All samurai are bond to it when they become samurai, however all samurai do not follow the code. Some are weak men and women that see their way to fame, power, and wealth through becoming samurai and onna-bugeisha. However, their lives always turn bitter from not following it in the end. If you become samurai follow the code as best you can and walk the path to being a better man. No one is or will be perfect in the code, but as you become older you will understand more and grasp it more firmly. It is the journey that counts more than the destination.”
“I don’t understand?”
Miwa smiles, “I know. And to tell you the truth I don’t either. I am still on my journey to understanding. Now. It’s my turn to ask you about the things you learned. I wish to talk about the fifth principle, Makoto. What does it mean to you?”
“Well, it means that a samurai should be honest with others.”
“Is that what you think? Or is that what you read?”
“I think grandma if you are honest in everything you do. People trust you more.”
Miwa smiles. “That’s true. The more honest you are the more people will trust you. Should a samurai ever lie to anyone. What if you become captured and you know the whole battle plan of your clan. Can you lie?”
“Umm…. That’s a hard question…. I guess?”
“Your father wants to train you as a lawyer for when you grow up. So, Makoto will be very important to you. Did you see anyone lie in the times you have been in court.”
The boy nods, “Lots of people lied.”
“Did the samurai lawyers lie as well as the non-samurai lawyers?”
He thinks a long time and cocks his head at her. “I don’t know. Sometimes they looked like they did but in a way they didn’t.”
His grandmother nods, “They lied using the truth.”
“That doesn’t make sense, grandma. How does that work?”
“Well, they learn to tell just the right amount of truth. Then they become silent. To lead you into a way of thinking. Lawyers are very good at this.”
“You mean that’s what they were doing?”
Miwa nods, “Ah-ha. Another way they lie is they tell the truth sometimes all of it, but they tell it so unconvincingly that you think it’s a lie.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Again, to mislead you into thinking their way. They may tell a tale about the other side the defendant or the plaintive that is absolutely try or so silly you think it’s a lie, but it sticks in your head.”
What about the pirate. You chopped off his head! Because he was lying to you?”
“Yes, that was the excuse I needed to declare the right of Kiri-sute Goman. Tatsuo anyone that can lie like that bold face and up front to a judge in a courtroom is not a good person and will lie anytime, anywhere about anything. He was also a slaver.”
“If you become both samurai and lawyer and your client lies to you or if you yourself, find out he is guilty of the crime, you will also be able to use the right of Kiri-sute Goman.”
“Why would I do that?”
“To keep your honor. It means your client has put you into an untenable position. You need to either leave the case or kill him, so you do not have to outright lie in court.”
“To most samurai Makoto is not the most important attribute of the code. To Samurai lawyers it is because of the seriousness of their job. That is why I tell you this. Do not forget abstinence and simplicity that is part of Makoto too.”
“The small boy nods, ok be frugal and let my girl take care of my purse.” Miwa smiles and nods.
“Tatsuo every samurai, every onna-bugeisha has trouble with one or two parts of the code. I think the one you will have trouble with is Jisei. I want to you pay attention and meditate on it more than the others this year. It may help. I am not sure but if you are to become samurai I don’t want it to haunt you as Jinn does me.
It took me many decades to truly start to understand Jinn. Compassion for others. It still stains my path from time to time. I struggle with it.”
“Why?”
“Because I have seen the very worst of men.”
Tatsuo shakes his head, “I don’t understand.” She rustles his hair. Many of our talks are not for now. It’s for when you get older and can think about these things better. Now get ready for bed.”
The boy gets on his feet and bows then rushes off. Miwa looks up and shakes his head. Her husband is in the doorway smiling.
“You will never make a good spy.”
“And you said you would never make a good teacher. I think I just trumped you, my lady, once again.”
“I’ll take it out on you tonight.”
“Oh, I know you will.” He disappears from the doorway as well.” Miwa huffs and continues her work.
After she is done, she turns and faces him watching his eyes. “Your father will come soon. Are you ready Tatsuo?”
He nods. “Yes, grandma.”
“Is there anything you want to ask?”
He looks at her, not sure. She sees it. “It’s ok to ask anything.”
“OK, why is your face like it is? And is the rest of you like that?”
“Oh……. Do I look scary to you?”
“Ah…. Not anymore. But you use to look scary.”
“I’ve been through many battles fighting for my lord and others in the west. So, I have many scars all over. Some you can’t see. They are on the inside.”
“Inside?”
“Yes, I lost many friends in battle even my first husband. His name was Ryuu.”
“Like uncle Ryuu.”
“Yes, your grandfather let me name him after my first man. I am very grateful for that.”
He points his finger at a large scar tracing from her ear along her jawline to the front of her mouth. “Where did you get that?”
“Ummm. I got that in the west fighting an elven ghost that could kill by crying with a sound so mournful it will chill and stop your heart.”
He traces another from her forehead past her eye and slanting down between her lips down to her chin. “And that one.”
“Oh yes, that was the battle of Osaka. A rival of mine had found me on a hill. She did that with a naginata. We mortally wounded each other but both of us survived the battle. The priests got to us in time to heal us.”
“And the one across your nose?”
“My father did that to me in training.”
“Oh, When I train will I get scars?
“Maybe but my father was very different than the way you will be trained whoever your master is. The family will make sure you get a good one that does not want to hurt you.”
“Wait? Did your father want to hurt you?”
“Ah… A good question. My father was a very bad man, Tatsuo. He had no sons so wanted to turn me into a man. It’s the best I know how to describe what happened.”
“That’s stupid.”
“I think so too.”
“What about the rest of you?
Miwa nods with a frown, “It has many scars. I’ve been run through the heart twice. Once by my own hand, and my lungs. And my back and malformed because of what my father did to me in training, it’s why I am so strong but also why I am not as healthy as other Onna-bugeisha. It’s why I take baths alone.”
“How can you still be alive?”
“Maybe the gods are not done with me yet, maybe they took pity. I am not sure why. All I know is that I am alive and so long as I am I shall be of service to my emperor. That’s what samurai do. We are servants of our people, our clans and our emperor and why the bushido code is so important to us. It is our leash.”
“Do all samurai follow the code?”
“All samurai are bond to it when they become samurai, however all samurai do not follow the code. Some are weak men and women that see their way to fame, power, and wealth through becoming samurai and onna-bugeisha. However, their lives always turn bitter from not following it in the end. If you become samurai follow the code as best you can and walk the path to being a better man. No one is or will be perfect in the code, but as you become older you will understand more and grasp it more firmly. It is the journey that counts more than the destination.”
“I don’t understand?”
Miwa smiles, “I know. And to tell you the truth I don’t either. I am still on my journey to understanding. Now. It’s my turn to ask you about the things you learned. I wish to talk about the fifth principle, Makoto. What does it mean to you?”
“Well, it means that a samurai should be honest with others.”
“Is that what you think? Or is that what you read?”
“I think grandma if you are honest in everything you do. People trust you more.”
Miwa smiles. “That’s true. The more honest you are the more people will trust you. Should a samurai ever lie to anyone. What if you become captured and you know the whole battle plan of your clan. Can you lie?”
“Umm…. That’s a hard question…. I guess?”
“Your father wants to train you as a lawyer for when you grow up. So, Makoto will be very important to you. Did you see anyone lie in the times you have been in court.”
The boy nods, “Lots of people lied.”
“Did the samurai lawyers lie as well as the non-samurai lawyers?”
He thinks a long time and cocks his head at her. “I don’t know. Sometimes they looked like they did but in a way they didn’t.”
His grandmother nods, “They lied using the truth.”
“That doesn’t make sense, grandma. How does that work?”
“Well, they learn to tell just the right amount of truth. Then they become silent. To lead you into a way of thinking. Lawyers are very good at this.”
“You mean that’s what they were doing?”
Miwa nods, “Ah-ha. Another way they lie is they tell the truth sometimes all of it, but they tell it so unconvincingly that you think it’s a lie.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Again, to mislead you into thinking their way. They may tell a tale about the other side the defendant or the plaintive that is absolutely try or so silly you think it’s a lie, but it sticks in your head.”
What about the pirate. You chopped off his head! Because he was lying to you?”
“Yes, that was the excuse I needed to declare the right of Kiri-sute Goman. Tatsuo anyone that can lie like that bold face and up front to a judge in a courtroom is not a good person and will lie anytime, anywhere about anything. He was also a slaver.”
“If you become both samurai and lawyer and your client lies to you or if you yourself, find out he is guilty of the crime, you will also be able to use the right of Kiri-sute Goman.”
“Why would I do that?”
“To keep your honor. It means your client has put you into an untenable position. You need to either leave the case or kill him, so you do not have to outright lie in court.”
“To most samurai Makoto is not the most important attribute of the code. To Samurai lawyers it is because of the seriousness of their job. That is why I tell you this. Do not forget abstinence and simplicity that is part of Makoto too.”
“The small boy nods, ok be frugal and let my girl take care of my purse.” Miwa smiles and nods.
“Tatsuo every samurai, every onna-bugeisha has trouble with one or two parts of the code. I think the one you will have trouble with is Jisei. I want to you pay attention and meditate on it more than the others this year. It may help. I am not sure but if you are to become samurai I don’t want it to haunt you as Jinn does me.
It took me many decades to truly start to understand Jinn. Compassion for others. It still stains my path from time to time. I struggle with it.”
“Why?”
“Because I have seen the very worst of men.”
Tatsuo shakes his head, “I don’t understand.” She rustles his hair. Many of our talks are not for now. It’s for when you get older and can think about these things better. Now get ready for bed.”
The boy gets on his feet and bows then rushes off. Miwa looks up and shakes his head. Her husband is in the doorway smiling.
“You will never make a good spy.”
“And you said you would never make a good teacher. I think I just trumped you, my lady, once again.”
“I’ll take it out on you tonight.”
“Oh, I know you will.” He disappears from the doorway as well.” Miwa huffs and continues her work.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo studies all the notes stacked on and around his desk. A lot has happened since he returned from training and meditating, spending quite some time doing his job among the various city-states of Amia. This last foray has him somewhat perplexed about his options.
The Jarl of Wiltun has not answered his letter as of yet. He was so sure it would be answered in short notice however Tatsuo still hasn’t, yet, gotten confirmation on the numbers of trade goods by ton he is allotted to trade with yet. (OOC working with Dagger on that) So it seems it is working to his advantage for the Jarl to take his time. and after all Tatsuo has 5 years to complete deals.
For the last few days, he has been meeting interesting people and getting a feel for his surroundings. He met a former council member of the elven city one Galandizax. He felt quite comfortable with the elder diplomat. Galandizax may be able to get him into a meeting with the elven council which could be quite good for business. Better yet the elf is personally interested in investing in some Junk ships. Though Tatsuo is not sure how many, it seems the former council member is quite serious. He asked for samples, drawings and the like.
“I must remind myself to send a letter to acquire samples of produce.” Tatsuo says to himself. He sighs. “So much I have not anticipated. But samples will be grand.”
His eyes go over more notes. He attended an open meeting in the village of Moonpier. The place is devoted to a moon goddess and their leader seems to be a priestess of the same. He has mixed emotions about the meeting. The meeting went generally well, and He enjoyed the talk with the Moonseer. However, the village is rather small and could not take in yearly tonnage of goods. It would be way too much for the community to handle.
The good part was he enjoyed all that came including a peasant from Kozakura. She is a drow by the name of Cantha married to a girl. They came to the meeting to buy a home there. He told her as a Kozakurian citizen he would represent her if needed and she could come to him for any problems.
She caught him by surprise. There are few elves living in the homeland and the only one he knew personally is the fey elf Drasta. His aunt’s besshikime formally his grandmother’s bodyguard. He was also quite pleased that she used proper etiquette. It gave him a sense of home for a moment.
There was also a man by the name of Pharlos there that wishes to bring a hundred or so people to immigrate into the area. That was a que for him to pitch to the Moonseer that perhaps in a few years she may wish to trade with the empire if her village expands quickly. She took in the idea both seriously and with some eloquence.
He was also warned about a nation called Calderis and heard mention it is also called the obsidian island. It seems many there including Roxy had gone near to a place called candle keep and desecrated something near there. It set the wheels in his mine turning. He asked the Moonseer about the right of Kiri-sute goman. Cantha what the one that answered him and told him only in self-defense.
Tatsuo considers this a long time thinking about how much of his honor is at stake here. He represents the emperor. Being an ambassador, he will have to walk a fine line. It will be a daunting test. So much responsibility and trust the emperor has given to him at so young an age. Someone must see something. He is not sure.
Lastly Drasta herself showed up. Tatsuo was at first pleased however Drasta quickly started treating him like the child she remembered and not the man and samurai that he is now. He has mixed feelings about that. She taught him much when he was a child. She was there beside his grandmother when his mother was born and was still there when he was born and helped his grandmother train him in the arts, languages and combat skills. He is not sure she will ever see anything but the child she knew.
Tatsuo sighs then laughs at himself, “Forever young. That is what the family called her. Some things I believe you cannot change.”
She said his mother Hikari worries for him. He asked her about his aunt. She was vague. He can imagine how she got to Amia. She must have traveled through fey lands through portals. A place he fears because of her stories. He is not sure what to do when next time she visits. He does wish she would. She could help him vastly but her slippery disregard to rank in the family troubles him somewhat. He ended up quite embarrassed by the visit. One thing he does know about Drasta though. In court she will do her duties. That is something he could use.
Tatsuo looks at the girl sharing his mat. “It’s time to go. I am going to training for a 10 day.” She gets up collects her things and silently leave. He smiles thinking, ‘I thank the ladies of the house once again for their almost inexhaustible supply of yin.’
The Jarl of Wiltun has not answered his letter as of yet. He was so sure it would be answered in short notice however Tatsuo still hasn’t, yet, gotten confirmation on the numbers of trade goods by ton he is allotted to trade with yet. (OOC working with Dagger on that) So it seems it is working to his advantage for the Jarl to take his time. and after all Tatsuo has 5 years to complete deals.
For the last few days, he has been meeting interesting people and getting a feel for his surroundings. He met a former council member of the elven city one Galandizax. He felt quite comfortable with the elder diplomat. Galandizax may be able to get him into a meeting with the elven council which could be quite good for business. Better yet the elf is personally interested in investing in some Junk ships. Though Tatsuo is not sure how many, it seems the former council member is quite serious. He asked for samples, drawings and the like.
“I must remind myself to send a letter to acquire samples of produce.” Tatsuo says to himself. He sighs. “So much I have not anticipated. But samples will be grand.”
His eyes go over more notes. He attended an open meeting in the village of Moonpier. The place is devoted to a moon goddess and their leader seems to be a priestess of the same. He has mixed emotions about the meeting. The meeting went generally well, and He enjoyed the talk with the Moonseer. However, the village is rather small and could not take in yearly tonnage of goods. It would be way too much for the community to handle.
The good part was he enjoyed all that came including a peasant from Kozakura. She is a drow by the name of Cantha married to a girl. They came to the meeting to buy a home there. He told her as a Kozakurian citizen he would represent her if needed and she could come to him for any problems.
She caught him by surprise. There are few elves living in the homeland and the only one he knew personally is the fey elf Drasta. His aunt’s besshikime formally his grandmother’s bodyguard. He was also quite pleased that she used proper etiquette. It gave him a sense of home for a moment.
There was also a man by the name of Pharlos there that wishes to bring a hundred or so people to immigrate into the area. That was a que for him to pitch to the Moonseer that perhaps in a few years she may wish to trade with the empire if her village expands quickly. She took in the idea both seriously and with some eloquence.
He was also warned about a nation called Calderis and heard mention it is also called the obsidian island. It seems many there including Roxy had gone near to a place called candle keep and desecrated something near there. It set the wheels in his mine turning. He asked the Moonseer about the right of Kiri-sute goman. Cantha what the one that answered him and told him only in self-defense.
Tatsuo considers this a long time thinking about how much of his honor is at stake here. He represents the emperor. Being an ambassador, he will have to walk a fine line. It will be a daunting test. So much responsibility and trust the emperor has given to him at so young an age. Someone must see something. He is not sure.
Lastly Drasta herself showed up. Tatsuo was at first pleased however Drasta quickly started treating him like the child she remembered and not the man and samurai that he is now. He has mixed feelings about that. She taught him much when he was a child. She was there beside his grandmother when his mother was born and was still there when he was born and helped his grandmother train him in the arts, languages and combat skills. He is not sure she will ever see anything but the child she knew.
Tatsuo sighs then laughs at himself, “Forever young. That is what the family called her. Some things I believe you cannot change.”
She said his mother Hikari worries for him. He asked her about his aunt. She was vague. He can imagine how she got to Amia. She must have traveled through fey lands through portals. A place he fears because of her stories. He is not sure what to do when next time she visits. He does wish she would. She could help him vastly but her slippery disregard to rank in the family troubles him somewhat. He ended up quite embarrassed by the visit. One thing he does know about Drasta though. In court she will do her duties. That is something he could use.
Tatsuo looks at the girl sharing his mat. “It’s time to go. I am going to training for a 10 day.” She gets up collects her things and silently leave. He smiles thinking, ‘I thank the ladies of the house once again for their almost inexhaustible supply of yin.’
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
For the next 10 days Tatsuo will make a journey to the monastery of the crouching lemur to train and meditate. On the first day some of the senior monks come down to the practice field and find him standing in place and performing exercises. They talk among themselves quietly while he performs a meditative practice called Kiko. It is the Kozakurian version of qigong that most monasteries in the mainland practice though it has several nuances fit particularly to the Kozakurian culture and way of life.
As they are discussing the differences between their meditations and this unknown form. Tatsuo changes his rhythm and goes into a form of Akito the Kozakurian version of Tai chi. They are dumbfounded by the style and its original moves. They also see how more readily it can be used for combat where Tai chi without knowing other martial arts is useless. As Tatsuo goes through his katas, the monks study his movements fascinated by them. After several hours Tatsuo finishes up. Seeing the crowd he politely bows and makes his way quietly back to the teahouse. He doesn’t answer any questions but states perhaps if their master agrees he would willing sit down with them.
Back at the teahouse he rests and dreams of the past.
The year after Tatsuo studies law with his grandmother to get a feel for how it is done, he is back at the ranch with the whole of his family. This time they are early however someone beat them there. Seiji and his family are waiting for them with their grandfather. Grandmother Miwa is not there.
He now rides to the right of his father. Mitsuru rides to his left in the honorary position. Mother and the girls ride behind Kyo still in her lap as she is just 6 and hasn’t learned to yet. Tatsuo turns slightly to his father and politely asks, “Father, may I ask what’s going on?”
His father purses his lips, “One of your grandmother’s sisters has died. Her name was Izumi.”
“Grandmother had sisters?”
“Yes, three. Mind your manners Tatsuo. It is not the time for questions.” The family dismounts and they are taken to their rooms. This time they must share two being that there will be many more guests. Nao and Hikari will have one with the girls. Mitsuru and Tatsuo will have the other one. As Aunt Takara shows them, she says. “It is time to consider your choices Nao. Will you give us Kyo, or will you opt for a different choice in marriage?”
His mother becomes angry, “She’s only 6 years old?”
Nao glares at her, “Calm down. You knew this would happen eventually. It was either Miyuke or Kyo. Miyuke is not fit for this type of work.”
Takara says to her sister, “Most start at age 5, Hikari. Each of our families have a debt to pay for the greater service to the empire.”
Hikari retorts, “It’s not fair Takara! Turning my daughter into a killer!”
Takara nods, “You are right. It’s not fair but it is the price we pay for our service to the empire and our status as nobles. You are still connected to the imperial clan though you are Uesuli. Ryuu is a member of the imperial clan. Your station depends upon the service you yield to.” Hakari’s eyes start to flood with tears. Tamara’s attention turns to Kyo, “Kyo Let’s go to the garden. I want to show you something.” She reaches out her hand to the girl.
Kyo takes it and they walk off. Hikari starts to whimper and then to cry. Nao turns to the children. “You’ve all been to your grandfather’s ranch plenty of times now. Mitsuru. Take Tatsuo out and show him the bo-stick. It will be good training for both of you. Miyuke, you come with me. You’re 14 now and should be ready to be a lady. Let us welcome the guests that come.”
Mitsuru ushers Tatsuo out into the front yard after finding a couple of bo-sticks. Easy enough as there are enough weapons in the home to equip a small army. Some of them war trophies and others in places easily gotten to in case of a fight with hostile clan or other intruders. They go out into the front yard.
As instructed Mitsuru takes it easy on the small boy after teaching him some basic kata’s and moves. He wraps Tatsuo’s fingers several times while they spar, teaching him shift positions and protect his hands. As they do Tatsuo sees a gorgeous woman and a peasant fellow walk up to the house. They are both older, but the beauty of the woman stuns the young boy. He stops and asks, “Who is that?”
Mitsuru studies the pair for a long time. “I think that’s grandmother’s sisters Haruki and her husband. If it’s her he’s a tailor in Dojyu.”
Tatsuo scratches his head, “She’s a peasant?”
“Yes. I’m not sure what happened but its all hush-hush. As far as I know only Grandmother and her besshikime know the full story along with a few others maybe.”
“How do you know that?”
“You’ll start learning clan and family history next year Tatsuo. If you become samurai, you’ll have to know it when you're tested.”
“Think I will be samurai too?”
“We’ll I don’t know. You’re kind of a small fry but you’re pretty quick. Maybe?”
“Thanks!”
“Just being a big brother. Besides we have to stick together and achieve some honor for the family because of Grandfather.”
“You don’t like him?”
“He’s a westerner Tatsuo, probably has Oni or Yokai blood in him. Our family lost honor when our grandmother married him. I blame him for doing it and the emperor who forced it.”
“I like grandad.”
“Well, you’re still young In a few years you’ll understand.”
Tatsuo looks for something to change the conversation and finds an easy excuse. Another woman. This one alone is riding a big Kisouma charger. She’s wearing the robes of the temple of the Great bear and eagle. She sees the boys and stops the warhorse then makes it to a 360 degree turn while prancing. She then guides it to prance backwards to the house.
Tatsuo points, “And who is that, Mitsuru?”
“That’s aunt Sango. No doubt about that one. She’s a priestess of the great eagle god. Some say she’s the best pure horse rider in the south.”
“Better than grandma?”
Mitsuru nods, “that’s what they say. Let’s go inside and meet everyone. Remember your schooling on proper etiquette.”
“I will. Will you help me if I slip?”
“Hey like I said. We need to stick together besides if we are both become samurai we’ll need each other in a fight.”
The next morning the body is laid out on a pyre. Sango performs the ceremony, and the fire is lit. Tatsuo’s grandmother comes out and stands beside the priestess. Miwa is completely silent and focused on the dead body. Her face a passive mask. Whatever is going on in her head no one will ever know. His grandfather holds her hand comforting her in western fashion. Tatsuo looking at his brother’s face knows he is not pleased by the gesture. His father looks down and stares at his Mitsuru hard. His brother averts his eyes.
Miwa again disappears this time with her own sisters Sango and Haruki followed a step behind by Drasta. Takara is beside the besshikime, and they go to the strange large barn that is always locked. The rest of the family separates. Some walk the property others mediate. Tatsuo goes to the garden to find Kyo.
She is sitting on a bench by the water, looking out as if in meditation. He goes up to her and sits beside her. After a bit she says, I’m going to stay here awhile. Daddy says I have to stay with grandma.
Tatsuo remarks, “I guess I won't get to play with you after school anymore. What are you doing here all alone, anyway?”
“Aunt Takara says I should spend an hour each day watching the hummingbirds.”
“That’s kind of weird. Did you ask her why? Did she tell you why?”
Kyo shrugs. “No.”
He looks where she is looking and doesn’t see any. So, he decides to sit and watch over his little sister. After a few moments something zips in front of him. He expects it to be one of the little birds but it's not. It’s a dragonfly hovering in front of his face. It seems to be staring at him. Out of the corner of his eye a bright green thing also zips in at him. That he knows is a hummingbird, a male.
It attacks the dragonfly but somehow the dragon fly suddenly shifts in the air as the bird passes making it miss. The dragonfly then zigzags quickly out of the yard to safer water. Tatsuo is amazed by the whole of the scene.
Aunt Takara then comes into the backyard. “Tatsuo what are you doing?”
“I’m watching the hummingbirds with my sister.”
“Come into the house then. Kyo needs to be alone now so she can concentrate. You’re a little old for hummingbirds. Those are for girls to watch not boys.”
“Why is that Aunt Takara?”
“Because hummingbirds are a feminine thing. You should be watching things like bears and tigers like other boys.”
Tatsuo sighs. “Ok. Kyo says she’s staying. Why is she staying?”
"Because her training as an onna-bugeisha is starting. She will become a warrior like your grandmother and I, just as you might become samurai. That is if you study hard enough.”
Tatsuo walks up to his aunt. “Why does she have to be a warrior?”
His aunt smiles, “Because that is our family’s duty to the emperor and our clans. No more questions your father is waiting.”
Tatsuo goes into the house but at the threshold he turns to see his aunt with a concerned look on her face watching him. He gets the feeling something isn’t quite right.
As they are discussing the differences between their meditations and this unknown form. Tatsuo changes his rhythm and goes into a form of Akito the Kozakurian version of Tai chi. They are dumbfounded by the style and its original moves. They also see how more readily it can be used for combat where Tai chi without knowing other martial arts is useless. As Tatsuo goes through his katas, the monks study his movements fascinated by them. After several hours Tatsuo finishes up. Seeing the crowd he politely bows and makes his way quietly back to the teahouse. He doesn’t answer any questions but states perhaps if their master agrees he would willing sit down with them.
Back at the teahouse he rests and dreams of the past.
The year after Tatsuo studies law with his grandmother to get a feel for how it is done, he is back at the ranch with the whole of his family. This time they are early however someone beat them there. Seiji and his family are waiting for them with their grandfather. Grandmother Miwa is not there.
He now rides to the right of his father. Mitsuru rides to his left in the honorary position. Mother and the girls ride behind Kyo still in her lap as she is just 6 and hasn’t learned to yet. Tatsuo turns slightly to his father and politely asks, “Father, may I ask what’s going on?”
His father purses his lips, “One of your grandmother’s sisters has died. Her name was Izumi.”
“Grandmother had sisters?”
“Yes, three. Mind your manners Tatsuo. It is not the time for questions.” The family dismounts and they are taken to their rooms. This time they must share two being that there will be many more guests. Nao and Hikari will have one with the girls. Mitsuru and Tatsuo will have the other one. As Aunt Takara shows them, she says. “It is time to consider your choices Nao. Will you give us Kyo, or will you opt for a different choice in marriage?”
His mother becomes angry, “She’s only 6 years old?”
Nao glares at her, “Calm down. You knew this would happen eventually. It was either Miyuke or Kyo. Miyuke is not fit for this type of work.”
Takara says to her sister, “Most start at age 5, Hikari. Each of our families have a debt to pay for the greater service to the empire.”
Hikari retorts, “It’s not fair Takara! Turning my daughter into a killer!”
Takara nods, “You are right. It’s not fair but it is the price we pay for our service to the empire and our status as nobles. You are still connected to the imperial clan though you are Uesuli. Ryuu is a member of the imperial clan. Your station depends upon the service you yield to.” Hakari’s eyes start to flood with tears. Tamara’s attention turns to Kyo, “Kyo Let’s go to the garden. I want to show you something.” She reaches out her hand to the girl.
Kyo takes it and they walk off. Hikari starts to whimper and then to cry. Nao turns to the children. “You’ve all been to your grandfather’s ranch plenty of times now. Mitsuru. Take Tatsuo out and show him the bo-stick. It will be good training for both of you. Miyuke, you come with me. You’re 14 now and should be ready to be a lady. Let us welcome the guests that come.”
Mitsuru ushers Tatsuo out into the front yard after finding a couple of bo-sticks. Easy enough as there are enough weapons in the home to equip a small army. Some of them war trophies and others in places easily gotten to in case of a fight with hostile clan or other intruders. They go out into the front yard.
As instructed Mitsuru takes it easy on the small boy after teaching him some basic kata’s and moves. He wraps Tatsuo’s fingers several times while they spar, teaching him shift positions and protect his hands. As they do Tatsuo sees a gorgeous woman and a peasant fellow walk up to the house. They are both older, but the beauty of the woman stuns the young boy. He stops and asks, “Who is that?”
Mitsuru studies the pair for a long time. “I think that’s grandmother’s sisters Haruki and her husband. If it’s her he’s a tailor in Dojyu.”
Tatsuo scratches his head, “She’s a peasant?”
“Yes. I’m not sure what happened but its all hush-hush. As far as I know only Grandmother and her besshikime know the full story along with a few others maybe.”
“How do you know that?”
“You’ll start learning clan and family history next year Tatsuo. If you become samurai, you’ll have to know it when you're tested.”
“Think I will be samurai too?”
“We’ll I don’t know. You’re kind of a small fry but you’re pretty quick. Maybe?”
“Thanks!”
“Just being a big brother. Besides we have to stick together and achieve some honor for the family because of Grandfather.”
“You don’t like him?”
“He’s a westerner Tatsuo, probably has Oni or Yokai blood in him. Our family lost honor when our grandmother married him. I blame him for doing it and the emperor who forced it.”
“I like grandad.”
“Well, you’re still young In a few years you’ll understand.”
Tatsuo looks for something to change the conversation and finds an easy excuse. Another woman. This one alone is riding a big Kisouma charger. She’s wearing the robes of the temple of the Great bear and eagle. She sees the boys and stops the warhorse then makes it to a 360 degree turn while prancing. She then guides it to prance backwards to the house.
Tatsuo points, “And who is that, Mitsuru?”
“That’s aunt Sango. No doubt about that one. She’s a priestess of the great eagle god. Some say she’s the best pure horse rider in the south.”
“Better than grandma?”
Mitsuru nods, “that’s what they say. Let’s go inside and meet everyone. Remember your schooling on proper etiquette.”
“I will. Will you help me if I slip?”
“Hey like I said. We need to stick together besides if we are both become samurai we’ll need each other in a fight.”
The next morning the body is laid out on a pyre. Sango performs the ceremony, and the fire is lit. Tatsuo’s grandmother comes out and stands beside the priestess. Miwa is completely silent and focused on the dead body. Her face a passive mask. Whatever is going on in her head no one will ever know. His grandfather holds her hand comforting her in western fashion. Tatsuo looking at his brother’s face knows he is not pleased by the gesture. His father looks down and stares at his Mitsuru hard. His brother averts his eyes.
Miwa again disappears this time with her own sisters Sango and Haruki followed a step behind by Drasta. Takara is beside the besshikime, and they go to the strange large barn that is always locked. The rest of the family separates. Some walk the property others mediate. Tatsuo goes to the garden to find Kyo.
She is sitting on a bench by the water, looking out as if in meditation. He goes up to her and sits beside her. After a bit she says, I’m going to stay here awhile. Daddy says I have to stay with grandma.
Tatsuo remarks, “I guess I won't get to play with you after school anymore. What are you doing here all alone, anyway?”
“Aunt Takara says I should spend an hour each day watching the hummingbirds.”
“That’s kind of weird. Did you ask her why? Did she tell you why?”
Kyo shrugs. “No.”
He looks where she is looking and doesn’t see any. So, he decides to sit and watch over his little sister. After a few moments something zips in front of him. He expects it to be one of the little birds but it's not. It’s a dragonfly hovering in front of his face. It seems to be staring at him. Out of the corner of his eye a bright green thing also zips in at him. That he knows is a hummingbird, a male.
It attacks the dragonfly but somehow the dragon fly suddenly shifts in the air as the bird passes making it miss. The dragonfly then zigzags quickly out of the yard to safer water. Tatsuo is amazed by the whole of the scene.
Aunt Takara then comes into the backyard. “Tatsuo what are you doing?”
“I’m watching the hummingbirds with my sister.”
“Come into the house then. Kyo needs to be alone now so she can concentrate. You’re a little old for hummingbirds. Those are for girls to watch not boys.”
“Why is that Aunt Takara?”
“Because hummingbirds are a feminine thing. You should be watching things like bears and tigers like other boys.”
Tatsuo sighs. “Ok. Kyo says she’s staying. Why is she staying?”
"Because her training as an onna-bugeisha is starting. She will become a warrior like your grandmother and I, just as you might become samurai. That is if you study hard enough.”
Tatsuo walks up to his aunt. “Why does she have to be a warrior?”
His aunt smiles, “Because that is our family’s duty to the emperor and our clans. No more questions your father is waiting.”
Tatsuo goes into the house but at the threshold he turns to see his aunt with a concerned look on her face watching him. He gets the feeling something isn’t quite right.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo comes back to the teahouse from a gurling day at the monastery. As he walks in the owner hands him a letter with the imperial seal and the name of his direct supervisor Yoshida Hajime. He immediately breaks the seal and reads the contents.
Ambassador Uesuki Tatsuo.
This is not an official letter of the ministry but both a personal and official letter so I will use your common name and mine. Your father and brother have both been killed in battle. Their heads have been recovered and await your arrival in your home village of Murakami. They have been dipped in resin for your return. The funeral will commence upon your arrival. Your mother has assumed rulership of the village with the blessings of the government.
Being the soul male heir of the family you are being recalled to Kozakura until such time as Daimyo Uesuki may find a suitable husband for your mother. After that, and the suitable time for mourning is over, the Ministry of foreign affairs will reassign you to a new suitable post.
May the 8 million watch over your family.
Be at peace
Yoshida Hajime.
Tatsuo rolls the paper back up grim-faced. The woman at the front desk asks, “Trouble lord Uesuki?”
He stares at the Tu-lung woman with dead eyes. She takes a step back knowing just how dangerous samurai can be when they are upset. He quietly asks, “Do you know when the next ship out of Southport headed to Wa or Kozakura leaves port?”
She bows quickly and stiffly, “I do not but will have you the information within the hour.” He leaves to pack his things after recognizing her.
A week later Tatsuo is wearing a more common affair for clothing. A simple linen Gi and hakama. He is sitting in a full lotus position at the bow of the ship trying to meditate but his mind continues to drift to the past. He has a waking dream.
The family slowly rides to the gates of their daimyo’s small castle. It was time for the village to pay its taxes. Nao rides in between Mitsuru and Tatsuo. Mitsuru, now 13, will be taking his test to become a samurai apprentice. Tatsuo is still to young. Kyo rides behind them. She is on leave from her Onna-bugeisha training. His mother Hikari and Miyuke ride behind.
Tatsuo looks back at Kyo with some sadness. In one year, she has change so much. The seriousness of her face belays her age. Whatever happened on the ranch in the last year has changed her greatly. She no longer wants to play with him but only practices the arts of both combat and finer arts with a fever he has never seen before, not even his brother has ever shown this much focus. He worries about it. Where was the sister he knew? Is she gone, or locked away somewhere deep within her own mind?
As they come to the gates he turns. It would not be good for the gates to open with him looking backward and he knows he would receive a hand from his father if he did. The daimyo’s administrators await them. They dismount and bow to them. The men welcome them, and they look at his brother…. and himself. He looks around to see if there is anyone else, they may be looking at, but no it is him.
One of the men take his brother away after introductions and another walks up to him. He bows to the scrawny tall man. The man recognizes him with a smile, “Hello Tatsuo, I am your Daimyo’s clan wu-jen. My name is Mujina Akeno. I’m going to take you to play with some other boys your age. What the rest of your family will be doing is quiet boring for a young boy of your age so we will have plenty of games and companions for you to play with. How does that sound?”
Tatsuo looks up at his father. His father gives him a nod. He then looks back at the man smiling. “Ok but may I ask one question?”
“One question then?”
“Why is there a white line of hair going through the center of your hair?
“How perceptive of you, young lord. That’s because I am old, very smart and can make magic. Now, shall we?”
“Ok.”
The wu-jen takes him to see 10 other boys and 3 girls. They all play various games that day, all lead by Akeno. At first, they all play Shogi then Go. Each time there is a winner and a runner up. Then they play games of ball catching and dodging. It was great fun. Again, there is a winner and a runner up according to the wu-jen. Finally, they have a swimming race along the shore. Afterward when everyone is completely exhausted some women bring trays of food. Akeno has them race to it. Everyone gets a tray but one of the girls. She starts to cry. Tatsuo walks up to her and gives her one of his two sushi rolls. Then another boy decides to give her one too. The mage watches the children carefully and after all have eaten, he sends them back to the castle where they bed down for a sleepover.
The next day. Three fathers come with Akeno and take their children away: Two of the girls and one boy. Afterward the wu-jen says, “I have many more games for you children. The first thing they do is have a little dance to music. Everyone takes up a partner and they have fun careening around the audience room. When that is over, they are taken outside to see who can throw a big stone the farthest or even hit the stuffed soldier target dressed in Koryoan armor. When that is finished Tatsuo becomes curious and walks up to the mage. “Sir, something isn’t right?”
“Is something wrong Tatsuo?”
“All these games. They seem like…. well. Like there is something behind them.”
“You are a curious little lord aren’t you Tatsuo? Is it a samurai’s station to question those above him?”
“Well, no… but.” He looks around. “It just seems like….”
The wu-jen smiles, “All in good time Tatsuo. We cannot have spontaneous fun with all the village lords here paying taxes. It would disrupt the grown-ups on more serious matters. Does that make sense?”
It takes some time for the wheels to start turning but Tatsuo finally has an answer, “That seems right.”
“Now then go and play.”
After several days and only 5 boys and 1 girl are still there everyone’s father comes to claim their child. Akeno goes with the first two father and sons for about 20 minutes and returns. After two leave Akeno comes back and leads Nao and Tatsuo into another room. Akeno bows to Nao who recognizes him.
“Lord Nao, your son is fit to complete his training to become samurai. Tatsuo is only slightly stronger than the average boy his size. His smaller frame does not have the weight others do”
“He will grow.”
“Perhaps the good news he is both quick of foot and quick of mind and can put things together rather accurately. He has developed an acute kindness. He lacks natural presence; however, he can be quiet persuasive. He is also a healthy boy but not a stalwart bastion of wellness. In other words. He is in the middle of the pack for most noble children breed samurai. Not outstanding on any attribute but enough of each to be declared fit.”
“Then we will continue his training both in war and war in the courts.”
“A lawyer. He will make a fine one as he grows though there will be much, he will need to acquire.”
His father nods and they leave to meet the family. His brother is beaming. He says, “I’m a full apprentice now and can join father in battle.”
Nao smiles, “That is true, he only failed one test Tatsuo. Debate. One you will not fail.”
Tatsuo wakes up out of his dream. He says to himself, “How prophetic.”
Ambassador Uesuki Tatsuo.
This is not an official letter of the ministry but both a personal and official letter so I will use your common name and mine. Your father and brother have both been killed in battle. Their heads have been recovered and await your arrival in your home village of Murakami. They have been dipped in resin for your return. The funeral will commence upon your arrival. Your mother has assumed rulership of the village with the blessings of the government.
Being the soul male heir of the family you are being recalled to Kozakura until such time as Daimyo Uesuki may find a suitable husband for your mother. After that, and the suitable time for mourning is over, the Ministry of foreign affairs will reassign you to a new suitable post.
May the 8 million watch over your family.
Be at peace
Yoshida Hajime.
Tatsuo rolls the paper back up grim-faced. The woman at the front desk asks, “Trouble lord Uesuki?”
He stares at the Tu-lung woman with dead eyes. She takes a step back knowing just how dangerous samurai can be when they are upset. He quietly asks, “Do you know when the next ship out of Southport headed to Wa or Kozakura leaves port?”
She bows quickly and stiffly, “I do not but will have you the information within the hour.” He leaves to pack his things after recognizing her.
A week later Tatsuo is wearing a more common affair for clothing. A simple linen Gi and hakama. He is sitting in a full lotus position at the bow of the ship trying to meditate but his mind continues to drift to the past. He has a waking dream.
The family slowly rides to the gates of their daimyo’s small castle. It was time for the village to pay its taxes. Nao rides in between Mitsuru and Tatsuo. Mitsuru, now 13, will be taking his test to become a samurai apprentice. Tatsuo is still to young. Kyo rides behind them. She is on leave from her Onna-bugeisha training. His mother Hikari and Miyuke ride behind.
Tatsuo looks back at Kyo with some sadness. In one year, she has change so much. The seriousness of her face belays her age. Whatever happened on the ranch in the last year has changed her greatly. She no longer wants to play with him but only practices the arts of both combat and finer arts with a fever he has never seen before, not even his brother has ever shown this much focus. He worries about it. Where was the sister he knew? Is she gone, or locked away somewhere deep within her own mind?
As they come to the gates he turns. It would not be good for the gates to open with him looking backward and he knows he would receive a hand from his father if he did. The daimyo’s administrators await them. They dismount and bow to them. The men welcome them, and they look at his brother…. and himself. He looks around to see if there is anyone else, they may be looking at, but no it is him.
One of the men take his brother away after introductions and another walks up to him. He bows to the scrawny tall man. The man recognizes him with a smile, “Hello Tatsuo, I am your Daimyo’s clan wu-jen. My name is Mujina Akeno. I’m going to take you to play with some other boys your age. What the rest of your family will be doing is quiet boring for a young boy of your age so we will have plenty of games and companions for you to play with. How does that sound?”
Tatsuo looks up at his father. His father gives him a nod. He then looks back at the man smiling. “Ok but may I ask one question?”
“One question then?”
“Why is there a white line of hair going through the center of your hair?
“How perceptive of you, young lord. That’s because I am old, very smart and can make magic. Now, shall we?”
“Ok.”
The wu-jen takes him to see 10 other boys and 3 girls. They all play various games that day, all lead by Akeno. At first, they all play Shogi then Go. Each time there is a winner and a runner up. Then they play games of ball catching and dodging. It was great fun. Again, there is a winner and a runner up according to the wu-jen. Finally, they have a swimming race along the shore. Afterward when everyone is completely exhausted some women bring trays of food. Akeno has them race to it. Everyone gets a tray but one of the girls. She starts to cry. Tatsuo walks up to her and gives her one of his two sushi rolls. Then another boy decides to give her one too. The mage watches the children carefully and after all have eaten, he sends them back to the castle where they bed down for a sleepover.
The next day. Three fathers come with Akeno and take their children away: Two of the girls and one boy. Afterward the wu-jen says, “I have many more games for you children. The first thing they do is have a little dance to music. Everyone takes up a partner and they have fun careening around the audience room. When that is over, they are taken outside to see who can throw a big stone the farthest or even hit the stuffed soldier target dressed in Koryoan armor. When that is finished Tatsuo becomes curious and walks up to the mage. “Sir, something isn’t right?”
“Is something wrong Tatsuo?”
“All these games. They seem like…. well. Like there is something behind them.”
“You are a curious little lord aren’t you Tatsuo? Is it a samurai’s station to question those above him?”
“Well, no… but.” He looks around. “It just seems like….”
The wu-jen smiles, “All in good time Tatsuo. We cannot have spontaneous fun with all the village lords here paying taxes. It would disrupt the grown-ups on more serious matters. Does that make sense?”
It takes some time for the wheels to start turning but Tatsuo finally has an answer, “That seems right.”
“Now then go and play.”
After several days and only 5 boys and 1 girl are still there everyone’s father comes to claim their child. Akeno goes with the first two father and sons for about 20 minutes and returns. After two leave Akeno comes back and leads Nao and Tatsuo into another room. Akeno bows to Nao who recognizes him.
“Lord Nao, your son is fit to complete his training to become samurai. Tatsuo is only slightly stronger than the average boy his size. His smaller frame does not have the weight others do”
“He will grow.”
“Perhaps the good news he is both quick of foot and quick of mind and can put things together rather accurately. He has developed an acute kindness. He lacks natural presence; however, he can be quiet persuasive. He is also a healthy boy but not a stalwart bastion of wellness. In other words. He is in the middle of the pack for most noble children breed samurai. Not outstanding on any attribute but enough of each to be declared fit.”
“Then we will continue his training both in war and war in the courts.”
“A lawyer. He will make a fine one as he grows though there will be much, he will need to acquire.”
His father nods and they leave to meet the family. His brother is beaming. He says, “I’m a full apprentice now and can join father in battle.”
Nao smiles, “That is true, he only failed one test Tatsuo. Debate. One you will not fail.”
Tatsuo wakes up out of his dream. He says to himself, “How prophetic.”
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo arrives at his old home in Murakami. Most of his family is waiting for him. He bows to his mother at the threshold. She recognizes him then flies into his arms crying. Takara and Seiji are behind her both stone faced. Drasta the elf stands silently behind Takara. He looks in his mother’s eyes. “Who and why?”
Victims of the clan wars I’m afraid, Tatsuo. “It was the Satomi clan vying to cut off the north from the south by conquering us and surrounding clans.”
“I am guessing we have won?”
Takara answers him, “It was a costly affair.”
Sango comes out of the home, “Now that you are here lord Uesuli the funeral will be on the marrow. You’ll have to make certain choices for the good of your people.”
Tatsuo again nods. “I am home now. Let us first deal with the funeral and put their souls to rest.”
The women nod and go into the house. Both Ryuu and Seiji up to him. Both are carrying a jug of shasta. They both pat him on the shoulder, and he follows them to the docks. There at the end of a fishing pier they sit down and open the first jug.
Ryuu passes the Jug to him first saying, “The first is for you Dragonfly. You were close to mother, and we lost her last year. Now with your father and Mitsuru. It’s not been good these last few years.”
Seiji passes him three bowls. The first two he pours halfway full and slides them to near the very end of the pier the last he pours for himself and drinks the rum down. He pours himself another and gives the jug back to Ryuu, “Death always follows life and ever follows on the samurai’s heels. Thank you, Weasel.” He drinks the next one down.
Seiji gets the jug and fills their cups once again, “A toast to the fallen. Let’s celebrate their lives with the stories we have.”
They all raise their cups Ryuu and Tatsuo together add, “Hai, Purring Cat.” The three tell stories about Nao and Mitsuru well after midnight. They come home smelling of rum and salt. The women get up and get them to bed. Tatsuo falls down beside his Uncle Ryuu’s family as the oblivion of sleep takes over.
In the morning the family goes up on a hill overlooking the village. A funeral pyre is set up and two boxes are set atop it. Sango, his great aunt presents him with his father’s swords. She begins the ceremony. As he listens, he looks to his aunt Takara and ever behind to Drasta the elf. He remembers the first battle he saw with her beside him. His mind drifts to when he was but 10 years old.
A Koryoan army has invaded northern Kozakura and are driving slowly south. The emperor himself has come to the fight along with many of the clans of the shogunate. Miwa and Drasta come out of the emperor’s war council and start to walk back to their own unit with instructions. Miwa turns to her. “Hikari’s family is in the next village. Can you bring them here Drasta? I want them as safe as possible and here is the best place.”
Drasta bows, “Of course.” She mounts up and rides 45 minutes to get to the village. She then spends another 10 to get to Nao and Hikari’s home. The villagers are quickly packing and fleeing south from the Kroyoan army, slowing her down . She knows Nao and Mitsuru are in camp, but the rest of the family would be at home or fleeing the conflict. She finds the family in their home. They are in the middle room and some of the doors are barricaded. Tatsuo is nowhere to be found.
Drasta give proper honorifics stating immediately, “Where are the children? We must leave immediately.”
Hakari responds, “Mitsuru is at camp with his father. Tatsuo rand off. I don’t know where he went but he took his tanto and one of Mitsuru’s practice wakizashi. I don’t thing he knows the blade is dull. I think he’s lost Drasta. I think….” She looks at the elf worried.
“Where would he head to…” Drasta sighs.
“I don’t know. He’s a sensitive boy still. Probably towards the battle. He knows Nao and Mitsuru went to ware even if Mitsuru is only to observe from camp.”
“Lady Miwa asks for us to head to her… I must find the child. Do you think you can safely get there?”
Hakari thinks a long time, “I’m not Takara but I have one of mother’s horses. It’s faster than most kisouma.”
Drasta gives a deep nod. “If she has given it to you, it is the fastest she had. I believe it will see you there faster than you think. Come, let us get you on it and I will start my search.”
Kyo takes her sharpened training gear from the walls and Hakari takes her naginata from it. Kyo's only 7 but has been training with Miwa for two years and has several very sharp tantos. Hakari looks down at her daughter. "If only she were just a little older, she could protect me. I’m not so good with this thing."
The elf helps them to the stables. It's Nao's village. and their home is small compared to most nobles but still has a small stable. She mounts up with Kyo sitting in front of her. and they start off.
Just before they do Drasta places a hand on the horse’s muzzle saying a few sylvan words to it. “You are the hope of these humans. See them there as quickly as you can and next we meet you will be rewarded with a forest of forever summer and life. Please do this for me old friend.” She traces a small symbol into its fur for shadow stepping. They ride off going north. Hikari is holding her naginata in her right hand. Kyo has her hands on her tantos.
Drasta searches the north of the village and picks up an easy trail going into the woods. She heads off tracking something the size of a small boy. Tatsuo now 5 years into samurai training has much more stamina and strength than most 10-year-old lads if even small. Trail takes her into the woods going north. The road veers east. His trail continues north. It looks to her like he is trying to stay off the main trail and he’s jogging meaning his steps are quite readable. She also knows he has no woodcraft or hiding ability so he’s not taking the game trails at all but making his own. She looks up seeing that the sun has gone down and its dusk. The deeper shadows are in full force. Night is not more than a ½ hour away. She continues to follow the trail knowing he cannot find his way as well as she can in the dark.
She also notices that at first there are a few trees he has climbed from the scruff marks of his wooden shoes but then they stop after 5 miles. She goes another 2 miles and finally sees his form in the distance, but other forms are starting to show up around her. She hears voices in another language calling out to each other. It is a language she doesn’t know. Drasta draws a blade in each hand and walks towards Tatsuo keeping herself hidden.
She catches up to him as torches are starting to be lit. He seems to be trying to be more careful and is not doing too badly. As the torches go up, he stops and hides in the bushes about 50 yards in front of her. She thinks to herself, ‘He’s smart. It makes up for some of his drawbacks in these conditions. She keeps herself hidden, moving slowly in the darkening woods.
There is a slue of men behind them and on the roads. They seem to be slowly advancing on the village. Their armor is not Kozakurian. It seems the road is cut off and the way behind. He seems to have been able to weave his way through the first picket line. Though in these woods there are wide gaps in the line they are closing. By now the only route out is further north.
Silently she gets behind him placing a hand over his mouth. “We need to leave you are not ready for this amount of warriors.” She whispers.
Surprised, he lashes out behind him in a reverse move. It is speedy and connects with her shoulder, but the dull blade just bounces off. She flicks the blade into a bush holding him tight in a hug whispering, “Child there is not time for this. I will take my hand from your mouth if you speak quietly.” As the boy hears her voice and accent, he knows it is his grandmother’s elf. He relaxes his body.
She takes her hand and puts it on his shoulder. “What do you think we should do next?”
He whispers. “I don’t know they are everywhere. We’re in trouble, aren’t we?”
“Yes, we are . And how should we move from this situation.” She nods.
He looks around at all the torches and shakes his head. “Get the sword and hide. That’s what we should do until they move out of the area. I think. If they see the sword, they will know someone is here.”
Drasta smirks slightly, “I will retrieve the sword. You stay in this bush.” She places a small tanto into his hand. “I doubt you will need this, but it is better to be safe.”
“I can use it. I really can.”
“I prefer you do not unless needed.” She sees about 50 torches wandering around slowly making their way south toward the village. She looks at him again. “No matter what happens, you stay hidden.”
“I want to fight. My dad and brother are fighting. I should too.”
“Someday, child you will, and I will be proud, but it is not today.” Tatsuo is angry with her but nods.
Drasta retrieves the sword and climbs a tree near him, watching carefully the movements of the 50 taking her bow out. She uses her arcane archer skills and pulls three splitting arrows from her sheath.
She fires the first. The forest erupts with the cries of men as 10 go down their torches slowly extinguishing on the wet forest floor. Several turn and make their way back toward her. Some purposely extinguish their torches to see better in the dark.
She pulls her bow back again and fires. This time 8 more go down. Arrows start to hit the tree as they return fire and know there is an enemy in the area. They are not sure where she is, but they know the general direction and are homing in on her. She draws back and fires her last arrow. 8 more go down. The rest give up and run east to report to their leadership that now have lines blocking the road to the village at various points. In a few hours she knows a heavier force will comb this part of the woods.
She immediately drops down in front of him. “Now its time to go quickly.”
“Where?”
“We must find out way safely to your grandmother’s camp.”
“Where is it. I live here, you know.”
She explains the area then says, “I have sent your family away already on your grandmother’s horse with a spell. They will be safe.”
“Ok so………. lets go north then find a hole and cut east.”
She nods taking his hand, “Quietly and quickly.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxalpd
Victims of the clan wars I’m afraid, Tatsuo. “It was the Satomi clan vying to cut off the north from the south by conquering us and surrounding clans.”
“I am guessing we have won?”
Takara answers him, “It was a costly affair.”
Sango comes out of the home, “Now that you are here lord Uesuli the funeral will be on the marrow. You’ll have to make certain choices for the good of your people.”
Tatsuo again nods. “I am home now. Let us first deal with the funeral and put their souls to rest.”
The women nod and go into the house. Both Ryuu and Seiji up to him. Both are carrying a jug of shasta. They both pat him on the shoulder, and he follows them to the docks. There at the end of a fishing pier they sit down and open the first jug.
Ryuu passes the Jug to him first saying, “The first is for you Dragonfly. You were close to mother, and we lost her last year. Now with your father and Mitsuru. It’s not been good these last few years.”
Seiji passes him three bowls. The first two he pours halfway full and slides them to near the very end of the pier the last he pours for himself and drinks the rum down. He pours himself another and gives the jug back to Ryuu, “Death always follows life and ever follows on the samurai’s heels. Thank you, Weasel.” He drinks the next one down.
Seiji gets the jug and fills their cups once again, “A toast to the fallen. Let’s celebrate their lives with the stories we have.”
They all raise their cups Ryuu and Tatsuo together add, “Hai, Purring Cat.” The three tell stories about Nao and Mitsuru well after midnight. They come home smelling of rum and salt. The women get up and get them to bed. Tatsuo falls down beside his Uncle Ryuu’s family as the oblivion of sleep takes over.
In the morning the family goes up on a hill overlooking the village. A funeral pyre is set up and two boxes are set atop it. Sango, his great aunt presents him with his father’s swords. She begins the ceremony. As he listens, he looks to his aunt Takara and ever behind to Drasta the elf. He remembers the first battle he saw with her beside him. His mind drifts to when he was but 10 years old.
A Koryoan army has invaded northern Kozakura and are driving slowly south. The emperor himself has come to the fight along with many of the clans of the shogunate. Miwa and Drasta come out of the emperor’s war council and start to walk back to their own unit with instructions. Miwa turns to her. “Hikari’s family is in the next village. Can you bring them here Drasta? I want them as safe as possible and here is the best place.”
Drasta bows, “Of course.” She mounts up and rides 45 minutes to get to the village. She then spends another 10 to get to Nao and Hikari’s home. The villagers are quickly packing and fleeing south from the Kroyoan army, slowing her down . She knows Nao and Mitsuru are in camp, but the rest of the family would be at home or fleeing the conflict. She finds the family in their home. They are in the middle room and some of the doors are barricaded. Tatsuo is nowhere to be found.
Drasta give proper honorifics stating immediately, “Where are the children? We must leave immediately.”
Hakari responds, “Mitsuru is at camp with his father. Tatsuo rand off. I don’t know where he went but he took his tanto and one of Mitsuru’s practice wakizashi. I don’t thing he knows the blade is dull. I think he’s lost Drasta. I think….” She looks at the elf worried.
“Where would he head to…” Drasta sighs.
“I don’t know. He’s a sensitive boy still. Probably towards the battle. He knows Nao and Mitsuru went to ware even if Mitsuru is only to observe from camp.”
“Lady Miwa asks for us to head to her… I must find the child. Do you think you can safely get there?”
Hakari thinks a long time, “I’m not Takara but I have one of mother’s horses. It’s faster than most kisouma.”
Drasta gives a deep nod. “If she has given it to you, it is the fastest she had. I believe it will see you there faster than you think. Come, let us get you on it and I will start my search.”
Kyo takes her sharpened training gear from the walls and Hakari takes her naginata from it. Kyo's only 7 but has been training with Miwa for two years and has several very sharp tantos. Hakari looks down at her daughter. "If only she were just a little older, she could protect me. I’m not so good with this thing."
The elf helps them to the stables. It's Nao's village. and their home is small compared to most nobles but still has a small stable. She mounts up with Kyo sitting in front of her. and they start off.
Just before they do Drasta places a hand on the horse’s muzzle saying a few sylvan words to it. “You are the hope of these humans. See them there as quickly as you can and next we meet you will be rewarded with a forest of forever summer and life. Please do this for me old friend.” She traces a small symbol into its fur for shadow stepping. They ride off going north. Hikari is holding her naginata in her right hand. Kyo has her hands on her tantos.
Drasta searches the north of the village and picks up an easy trail going into the woods. She heads off tracking something the size of a small boy. Tatsuo now 5 years into samurai training has much more stamina and strength than most 10-year-old lads if even small. Trail takes her into the woods going north. The road veers east. His trail continues north. It looks to her like he is trying to stay off the main trail and he’s jogging meaning his steps are quite readable. She also knows he has no woodcraft or hiding ability so he’s not taking the game trails at all but making his own. She looks up seeing that the sun has gone down and its dusk. The deeper shadows are in full force. Night is not more than a ½ hour away. She continues to follow the trail knowing he cannot find his way as well as she can in the dark.
She also notices that at first there are a few trees he has climbed from the scruff marks of his wooden shoes but then they stop after 5 miles. She goes another 2 miles and finally sees his form in the distance, but other forms are starting to show up around her. She hears voices in another language calling out to each other. It is a language she doesn’t know. Drasta draws a blade in each hand and walks towards Tatsuo keeping herself hidden.
She catches up to him as torches are starting to be lit. He seems to be trying to be more careful and is not doing too badly. As the torches go up, he stops and hides in the bushes about 50 yards in front of her. She thinks to herself, ‘He’s smart. It makes up for some of his drawbacks in these conditions. She keeps herself hidden, moving slowly in the darkening woods.
There is a slue of men behind them and on the roads. They seem to be slowly advancing on the village. Their armor is not Kozakurian. It seems the road is cut off and the way behind. He seems to have been able to weave his way through the first picket line. Though in these woods there are wide gaps in the line they are closing. By now the only route out is further north.
Silently she gets behind him placing a hand over his mouth. “We need to leave you are not ready for this amount of warriors.” She whispers.
Surprised, he lashes out behind him in a reverse move. It is speedy and connects with her shoulder, but the dull blade just bounces off. She flicks the blade into a bush holding him tight in a hug whispering, “Child there is not time for this. I will take my hand from your mouth if you speak quietly.” As the boy hears her voice and accent, he knows it is his grandmother’s elf. He relaxes his body.
She takes her hand and puts it on his shoulder. “What do you think we should do next?”
He whispers. “I don’t know they are everywhere. We’re in trouble, aren’t we?”
“Yes, we are . And how should we move from this situation.” She nods.
He looks around at all the torches and shakes his head. “Get the sword and hide. That’s what we should do until they move out of the area. I think. If they see the sword, they will know someone is here.”
Drasta smirks slightly, “I will retrieve the sword. You stay in this bush.” She places a small tanto into his hand. “I doubt you will need this, but it is better to be safe.”
“I can use it. I really can.”
“I prefer you do not unless needed.” She sees about 50 torches wandering around slowly making their way south toward the village. She looks at him again. “No matter what happens, you stay hidden.”
“I want to fight. My dad and brother are fighting. I should too.”
“Someday, child you will, and I will be proud, but it is not today.” Tatsuo is angry with her but nods.
Drasta retrieves the sword and climbs a tree near him, watching carefully the movements of the 50 taking her bow out. She uses her arcane archer skills and pulls three splitting arrows from her sheath.
She fires the first. The forest erupts with the cries of men as 10 go down their torches slowly extinguishing on the wet forest floor. Several turn and make their way back toward her. Some purposely extinguish their torches to see better in the dark.
She pulls her bow back again and fires. This time 8 more go down. Arrows start to hit the tree as they return fire and know there is an enemy in the area. They are not sure where she is, but they know the general direction and are homing in on her. She draws back and fires her last arrow. 8 more go down. The rest give up and run east to report to their leadership that now have lines blocking the road to the village at various points. In a few hours she knows a heavier force will comb this part of the woods.
She immediately drops down in front of him. “Now its time to go quickly.”
“Where?”
“We must find out way safely to your grandmother’s camp.”
“Where is it. I live here, you know.”
She explains the area then says, “I have sent your family away already on your grandmother’s horse with a spell. They will be safe.”
“Ok so………. lets go north then find a hole and cut east.”
She nods taking his hand, “Quietly and quickly.”
Story by Winterhawk99 and Maxalpd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo is not very good at keeping quiet but is small and moves generally well. He snaps branches and bends twigs. Drasta guides him northward along the game trails. They have to stop often hiding for up to 30 minutes while koryoan patrols move past. It turns dawn just before sunrise when they come to the battlefield valley. The armies are already in position. The camp is a mile on the other side. Drasta says, “Shit!” in western common. She sees they are penned in on the southern skirmishing line of the Koryans. They find a nest looking for a way through as the battle starts.
She places a hand on his shoulder looking out. She watches a moment quietly breathing thinking about their best way to the other side then looks to him with a soft smile. The battle starts in earnest, and they have a good view of the field. She sits down cross legged placing him in her lap watching to see who is on the field and who is taking advantage. She asks him, “What do you think we should do, Tatsuo?”
“As long as they don’t see us, we should wait. I think. Unless the battle turns then we should sneak up behind them and hit them with whatever we have. Dad would be proud I died helping to save the empire.”
She chuckles lightly, “I would agree in that in some way though…. You are under my care at this time. I cannot let you fight them. I am to keep you safe and return you to your grandmother.”
He sights, “I’ve been training for five years now.” She notes that most of that schooling was in non-combat arts.
She sterns her face like a noble would. “I will not disregard my task unless ordered so.”
He looks up with soft green eyes, “Don’t I outrank you?” She knows he’s not samurai yet and doesn’t outrank her by a long shot.
She looks down with a half-smile. “In some ways yes, but your grandmother may not see it so.” She thinks to herself. ‘He’s trying everything. He’s a noble and she would do anything he asked if it didn’t go against Miwa’s order.’ He sighs again and watches the battle. She points to the battle. “What do you see, Tatsuo.”
The battle starts in earnest as the infantry clashes. flags and drums direct the battle it seems to be even as the hatred between the two armies is legendary. As it progresses in mid-morning with a combination of infantry and calvary the battlefield starts to go the wrong direction. the koyroan mages break through the counter spelling of the Kozakurian mages and elemental fire and lightning start to hit the Kozakurian troops.
She watches him carefully waiting for the moment and it comes. In the back of the koyroan lines they see horses come in from the sides. they are all onna-bugeisha led by a woman in red imperial armor. They strike out from both sides dismounting in a leap attacking the mages and clerics of the koryan secondary weaving through them; each stopping for but a moment to strike and enemy then running past or turning to the side. and striking out at another enemy for just a few seconds. Sometimes one hits an enemy and leaves only to have another hit the same and sending them to the afterlife.
The lines become utterly confused as the back of the front line turns to try to support but the damage is already done. The women suddenly retreat and the front lines of the Kozakurians start to press down of the confused lines of their enemy. He points at the women retreating. “Who are they?”
She answers him, “Birds. Come we will get a better view.” She pulls out her raven sword and changes both into birds. They fly back to camp, and she changes them back. They get there as the battle winds down for the day. This battle may take 3 or 4 days with the vast size of the two armies. They work their way to the imperial section of the camp. Drasta goes into Miwa’s command tent and immediately bows to her.
The younger women are taking Miwa’s armor off. She cannot do it herself. Her wounds are too bad, but they are slowly healing on their own. She throws up some blood and bile from a wound to the stomach. Takara is frantically trying to patch her up. Tatsuo backs up in shock.
Drasta draws a healing potion out of her pack. “My bird….”
Miwa says, “Let my ring work. Let my ring work. It will be better tomorrow.”
“I ask you take the potion… Your grandson is here as asked.”
Miwa looks at her grandson and drinks the potion. The wounds start healing faster. Takara chastises her, “You’re a mess. Stop taking chances mother! You almost died this time.”
Drasta looks at Takara, “I apologize I was not here to help.”
She looks at the elf and throws a bloody towel down walking out of the tent. “A pox on both you old crones that don’t know when to stop.”
They watch Takara leave. Drasta takes over tending to Miwa carefully wrapping bandages and giving her another potion. “Bird, you need to send me out?”
She shakes her head. “Not this time Drasta. Do your job and keep the family safe here. Takara doesn’t know what I can take. I’ve taken much worse. You know it.”
Her besshikime nods, “I do my dear.” She pulls Tatsuo closer. “The others arrive safely and quickly?”
Miwa looks at her grandson ignoring the question. “He doesn’t know anything, right?”
“He saw the ones in red and asked. I told him birds. Nothing more. Scavengers of another army are such are they not?”
Miwa chuckles, “Not the best way to put it but yes. Tatsuo! This is not your place. You ran away!” Drasta smirks making sure Miwa’s bandages are set properly.
Still half in shock he says, “I wanted to help. I wanted to fight.”
Miwa looks sternly at her grandson. “You’re 10 years old. It is not your time. Take him back to his father, Drasta.”
The elf looks at the boy. “If your grandmother would allow it, I could teach you some minor lessons. “The boy was breaking many twigs through the forest.”
Miwa nods, He is to be samurai not a spy. it is expected. His father has other plans for him. Drasta please take him back to his father. The imperial section is not his place."
“Of course.” She places a hand on his shoulder and gestures him out towards his father’s tent.
They walk along camp to the where clan Uesuli flies its flag. Tatsuo talks along the way. “Grandmother has red armor too. Like the woman on the field?”
Drasta thinks to herself, ‘Its standard imperial armor though she knows her lady has many upgrades to it.’ Then she nods. “For many years I have known her it has been that way. Perhaps it keeps the enemy from knowing when you bleed.”
He thinks about it, “You said those women were birds? What did you mean?”
She thinks for a moment. “What you ask is complicated to answer.”
He shrugs, “There’s something weird going on with my sister…. And my whole family.”
Drasta gestures forward to his father’s tent where she is sure they are. “You can ask but I do not know the answer to what you ask.”
His father comes out of the tent now out of his armor and his brother slightly behind. He walks up and slaps Tatsuo hard enough to send him to the ground crying. He then turns to Drasta, "You have the sword?"
She pulls it and places it forward with both hands in a bow. He takes it and walks up to Tatsuo. "You are brave. That does not mean you are courageous. You are just brave. To be courageous you must have rectitude and intelligence. You had neither this day. Stand up!"
Drasta takes a step back watching them. Tatsuo slowly stands and bows. As he comes up his father hits him with the flat of the wakizashi sending him flying and crying again. Tatsuo says, "You hurt me!"
"I hurt you. I hurt you! Someday you may see your grandmother’s back. She already had that back when she was 10 years old, JUST LIKE YOU ARE NOW! When you do I want you to come back to me and tell me again that I HURTY YOU! Get in the tent and stay with your mother. That is an order." Tatsuo walks into the tent. He turns to the elf and bows. “Thank you, Drasta. You saved my son.”
She holds her hands folded and nods. “As is my love for your mother. Perhaps I impart you be a bit more lenient.... He did find his way past their lines before I killed near 30 of them.... He is quite curious to me and very resourceful.”
He nods. "Tatsuo is smart, curious and sensitive. It sometimes gets him into trouble. He needed this lesson."
“And I would like my Tanto back that he has.”
He raises his voice, turning his head. “Hikari! Drasta’s tanto, please.” She gives him a gentle half bow. Hikari comes out after a minute and presents her with the tanto.
“He reminds me of your mother, you know.” She takes it and places it where it belongs.
He chuckles, "I don't see it. Tatsuo is to kind. My mother-in-law is a statue of granite. There is no bend to that woman."
“Perhaps not now but 30 years ago perhaps there was some bend child.” She gives him a bow and leaves towards the imperial camp.
She places a hand on his shoulder looking out. She watches a moment quietly breathing thinking about their best way to the other side then looks to him with a soft smile. The battle starts in earnest, and they have a good view of the field. She sits down cross legged placing him in her lap watching to see who is on the field and who is taking advantage. She asks him, “What do you think we should do, Tatsuo?”
“As long as they don’t see us, we should wait. I think. Unless the battle turns then we should sneak up behind them and hit them with whatever we have. Dad would be proud I died helping to save the empire.”
She chuckles lightly, “I would agree in that in some way though…. You are under my care at this time. I cannot let you fight them. I am to keep you safe and return you to your grandmother.”
He sights, “I’ve been training for five years now.” She notes that most of that schooling was in non-combat arts.
She sterns her face like a noble would. “I will not disregard my task unless ordered so.”
He looks up with soft green eyes, “Don’t I outrank you?” She knows he’s not samurai yet and doesn’t outrank her by a long shot.
She looks down with a half-smile. “In some ways yes, but your grandmother may not see it so.” She thinks to herself. ‘He’s trying everything. He’s a noble and she would do anything he asked if it didn’t go against Miwa’s order.’ He sighs again and watches the battle. She points to the battle. “What do you see, Tatsuo.”
The battle starts in earnest as the infantry clashes. flags and drums direct the battle it seems to be even as the hatred between the two armies is legendary. As it progresses in mid-morning with a combination of infantry and calvary the battlefield starts to go the wrong direction. the koyroan mages break through the counter spelling of the Kozakurian mages and elemental fire and lightning start to hit the Kozakurian troops.
She watches him carefully waiting for the moment and it comes. In the back of the koyroan lines they see horses come in from the sides. they are all onna-bugeisha led by a woman in red imperial armor. They strike out from both sides dismounting in a leap attacking the mages and clerics of the koryan secondary weaving through them; each stopping for but a moment to strike and enemy then running past or turning to the side. and striking out at another enemy for just a few seconds. Sometimes one hits an enemy and leaves only to have another hit the same and sending them to the afterlife.
The lines become utterly confused as the back of the front line turns to try to support but the damage is already done. The women suddenly retreat and the front lines of the Kozakurians start to press down of the confused lines of their enemy. He points at the women retreating. “Who are they?”
She answers him, “Birds. Come we will get a better view.” She pulls out her raven sword and changes both into birds. They fly back to camp, and she changes them back. They get there as the battle winds down for the day. This battle may take 3 or 4 days with the vast size of the two armies. They work their way to the imperial section of the camp. Drasta goes into Miwa’s command tent and immediately bows to her.
The younger women are taking Miwa’s armor off. She cannot do it herself. Her wounds are too bad, but they are slowly healing on their own. She throws up some blood and bile from a wound to the stomach. Takara is frantically trying to patch her up. Tatsuo backs up in shock.
Drasta draws a healing potion out of her pack. “My bird….”
Miwa says, “Let my ring work. Let my ring work. It will be better tomorrow.”
“I ask you take the potion… Your grandson is here as asked.”
Miwa looks at her grandson and drinks the potion. The wounds start healing faster. Takara chastises her, “You’re a mess. Stop taking chances mother! You almost died this time.”
Drasta looks at Takara, “I apologize I was not here to help.”
She looks at the elf and throws a bloody towel down walking out of the tent. “A pox on both you old crones that don’t know when to stop.”
They watch Takara leave. Drasta takes over tending to Miwa carefully wrapping bandages and giving her another potion. “Bird, you need to send me out?”
She shakes her head. “Not this time Drasta. Do your job and keep the family safe here. Takara doesn’t know what I can take. I’ve taken much worse. You know it.”
Her besshikime nods, “I do my dear.” She pulls Tatsuo closer. “The others arrive safely and quickly?”
Miwa looks at her grandson ignoring the question. “He doesn’t know anything, right?”
“He saw the ones in red and asked. I told him birds. Nothing more. Scavengers of another army are such are they not?”
Miwa chuckles, “Not the best way to put it but yes. Tatsuo! This is not your place. You ran away!” Drasta smirks making sure Miwa’s bandages are set properly.
Still half in shock he says, “I wanted to help. I wanted to fight.”
Miwa looks sternly at her grandson. “You’re 10 years old. It is not your time. Take him back to his father, Drasta.”
The elf looks at the boy. “If your grandmother would allow it, I could teach you some minor lessons. “The boy was breaking many twigs through the forest.”
Miwa nods, He is to be samurai not a spy. it is expected. His father has other plans for him. Drasta please take him back to his father. The imperial section is not his place."
“Of course.” She places a hand on his shoulder and gestures him out towards his father’s tent.
They walk along camp to the where clan Uesuli flies its flag. Tatsuo talks along the way. “Grandmother has red armor too. Like the woman on the field?”
Drasta thinks to herself, ‘Its standard imperial armor though she knows her lady has many upgrades to it.’ Then she nods. “For many years I have known her it has been that way. Perhaps it keeps the enemy from knowing when you bleed.”
He thinks about it, “You said those women were birds? What did you mean?”
She thinks for a moment. “What you ask is complicated to answer.”
He shrugs, “There’s something weird going on with my sister…. And my whole family.”
Drasta gestures forward to his father’s tent where she is sure they are. “You can ask but I do not know the answer to what you ask.”
His father comes out of the tent now out of his armor and his brother slightly behind. He walks up and slaps Tatsuo hard enough to send him to the ground crying. He then turns to Drasta, "You have the sword?"
She pulls it and places it forward with both hands in a bow. He takes it and walks up to Tatsuo. "You are brave. That does not mean you are courageous. You are just brave. To be courageous you must have rectitude and intelligence. You had neither this day. Stand up!"
Drasta takes a step back watching them. Tatsuo slowly stands and bows. As he comes up his father hits him with the flat of the wakizashi sending him flying and crying again. Tatsuo says, "You hurt me!"
"I hurt you. I hurt you! Someday you may see your grandmother’s back. She already had that back when she was 10 years old, JUST LIKE YOU ARE NOW! When you do I want you to come back to me and tell me again that I HURTY YOU! Get in the tent and stay with your mother. That is an order." Tatsuo walks into the tent. He turns to the elf and bows. “Thank you, Drasta. You saved my son.”
She holds her hands folded and nods. “As is my love for your mother. Perhaps I impart you be a bit more lenient.... He did find his way past their lines before I killed near 30 of them.... He is quite curious to me and very resourceful.”
He nods. "Tatsuo is smart, curious and sensitive. It sometimes gets him into trouble. He needed this lesson."
“And I would like my Tanto back that he has.”
He raises his voice, turning his head. “Hikari! Drasta’s tanto, please.” She gives him a gentle half bow. Hikari comes out after a minute and presents her with the tanto.
“He reminds me of your mother, you know.” She takes it and places it where it belongs.
He chuckles, "I don't see it. Tatsuo is to kind. My mother-in-law is a statue of granite. There is no bend to that woman."
“Perhaps not now but 30 years ago perhaps there was some bend child.” She gives him a bow and leaves towards the imperial camp.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
Tatsuo sits on the mat in the morning in front of his father’s……. His home and looks out at the village watching the peasants going about their business. Takara drops a mat on his left and kneels beside him. “Tis a fine morning, lord Uesuki.”
He looks back to see her elven besshikime standing behind her in a guarded position. He still has some problems with the last time they met. “Tis indeed a fine morning. Two more months of morning then I will be off again to my next assignment.”
“How many years?”
“I would imagine I would have to start again so 5 years.”
“Then you will take over the village from my sister and whoever she marries.”
“Nothing is for sure, Takara. I will do my duty and return to whatever assignment is next.”
“Have you thought about your other duties? Marriage. Siring a brood of your own? You are already 19 now and will be 24 on your return.”
“In truth that is far in the future. There is always a chance I will die in the barbarous west.”
“You should have more fun, Tatsuo. You are the dragonfly. You will need your relief. You could sire a few bastards from peasant girls to make sure your line survives if you should not return. You need to think about that. Think about the girls of the unit and our family’s other duty to the emperor.”
“I will think about it, Aunt Takara. I am not done morning grandmother and now my father and brother are dead. I want revenge but know it would not be wise. How many did we lose in this war?”
“Five.”
“Too many.”
“The unit is question is starting to be a known asset, though it is still not known who they are. They are developing ways to counter. We need something to surprise them.”
Tatsuo nods, “That is your job to do. I do not envy it. I would not have turned the tide much at any rate being only one samurai.”
“Perhaps not but that you will never truly know.”
Tatsuo nods, “Noted.” Takara bows slightly. Tatsuo bobs his head in slight recognition. The pair stare silently out into the village. Drasta the besshikime lets her mind wander seeing no threat to Takara. She remembers when Tatsuo was just 11 and all the trouble he caused.
It is late fall just before the first snow fall in Dojyu. The families are joining at the ranch again. The honorable judge Mayonaka Sakuya’s 56th birthday is on the morrow. Ryuu and Asuka are the first to arrive then Seiji, Takara and their brood. The last ones to come is Hikari and Nao with their children. After they come and are settled Drasta is called to the gate. The barefoot girl that calls her is rather excited.
As she comes to the gate, she sees the emperor himself, his first consort and a retinue of 10 samurai along with retainers and advisors. She gives them a deep bow. The emperor and empress recognize her from their horses before they dismount. Half the samurai also dismount. The other half (archers) keep themselves on their horses ever scanning in the distance.
Drasta welcomes them. “A pleasure to see you.”
The emperor responds, “A pleasure, besshikime. We are here for tomorrow’s festivities.”
Drasta nods, “Then shall we make our way to the interior out of the cold?”
He nods leading his horse past the gate along with his consort and retinue. Many of the samurai give Drasta a look she knows all too well now. It roughly translates to ‘Western trash.’ One rides alongside her as she walks to the house keeping his eye on her hands suspiciously.
Drasta states as she walks. “My lady may be surprised to see you come. It will be interesting.”
He turns his head making eye contact. “Yes, but I believe this will be an important meeting. One to which I should attend.”
She nods, “Of course.”
The imperial party stops at the front of the villa. The servants make haste inside. They wait a short time until Miwa and her husband come out with the rest of the family along with 20 barefoot women that look like serving girls. The samurai suddenly get itchy and come on guard nervously. They all bow. Miwa’s husband speaks, “Emperor. This is unexpected. Welcome to our humble home.”
The emperor and consort recognize the family, “I have heard tomorrow is a special day. Special enough that I considered attending. And so, you see I have.”
Miwa’s husband considers, “We will give you the western wing. It will be tight for both the family and imperial retainers, but we can manage.”
A non-samurai advisor steps up, “All is well, that is as long as security is up to measure here outside the city.”
Her husband chuckles. “You will find our security most adequate, emperor Hojo.” Drasta nods to both of them in agreement.
The emperor bobs his head slightly. The family starts to return inside the home. The girls begin to advance to show them the stables when the emperor asks, “Honorable Ambassador a word please.” Miwa turns and approaches him bowing. His consort carefully studies her. He asks, “Are you sure, Miwa?”
She responds, “I am, my emperor.” He nods. Miwa bows. After she is recognized, she walks back to the villa. As far as Drasta knows she is free to do as she wants until morning.
Drasta bows and steps away walking about the complex keeping her eyes on the grounds and surrounding areas along with a keen eye near the training barn. All is quiet. As dusk quietly comes, the north wind chills the air. She hears the crunches of animals every now and again running about in a crop of trees here and there on the property. After a sweep of the area, she returns to the house.
All the men are in the front living room drinking with the emperor and telling fanciful war stories. Drasta bows again to the emperor as she heads into the estate and finds a quiet place to settle down. If she is needed, she will be close.
She passes Mitsuru who is now 15 and a full samurai. His face stares at her for a moment with just a hint of disgust. Drasta doesn’t react but keeps herself in a proud stance. As she continues, she passes a woman. One of the three first consort’s besshikime. She stops Drasta. “Why is the honorable judge’s own besshikime not at her side? Umph, do you even understand me, point ear?"
Drasta comes to attention. “A routine patrol in the brisk air before returning to my lady is not uncommon since my eyes and ears are the best in this place.” She half smiles. “Even now one could hear many of the sounds coming from inside this room if needed.” Drasta then goes back to a firm look. “For now, please step aside and let me perform my duties… Perhaps do not call me a point ear as well.” The other besshikime raises and eyebrow but steps aside. Drasta steps past heading to where Miwa would be noting to the woman as she leaves, “We must use manners in this house as well.”
Drasta finds Miwa in one of the back rooms with the first consort. One of the girls is serving them tea. The first consort’s other 2 besshikime are behind her. These besshikime are ultra disciplined and seem every wary of all that goes on around them. After proper honorifics Drasta takes her place behind Miwa.
The empress continues the conversation. “So, you will remain a judge to help the empire, but you will be no longer fight?"
Miwa responds, “Takara is still young and needs more experience. However, it will be her that leads the hummingbirds into battle now. I am just retiring from war. I will still train the chosen here and continue my duties for the empire as magistrate.”
The consort smirks, “It is too bad that we all get older, slower, our strength fades as the years go by.”
“Still as long as I may be of service. I will do so, Manami.”
The besshikime watch Drasta carefully studying every move while Manami asks Miwa, “How many will you be taking this year?”
Drasta stares back at them doing the same with a firm look folding her hands in front of her. She gages them finding they are well disciplined and look fairly bad ass. Both have several scars from past incidents. She thinks to herself ‘Yay! New sparing partners.’
Meanwhile the conversation continues with Miwa and the empress. “Only 3. We have 24 regulars now and 10 recruits.”
“I suppose one with be Nobuko?”
Miwa nods and sips her tea before speaking. “"Seiji and Takara must do their duty too for the empire. She will start younger than my other granddaughters. It gives me time to hone her to a sharp edge. Which reminds me." Miwa takes a key out of the folds of her kimono and presents it to Drasta. "Make sure you place this where Nobuko can find it in the morning. We'll see if curiosity stirs her to action."
Drasta bobs her head and takes it. “Of course. It will be interesting to see the course taken.” There is a knock. Drasta places the key up her sleeve and walks to it. She opens the door to find Tatsuo with a mass of papers in hand. She sees he’s 11 years old now.
He immediately bows. “I have completed the work.”
Miwa stands and bows. The empress does not. She sits back down, “Enter and let me see your work, Tatsuo.”
He enters giving the empress a long stare and hands the papers over to his grandmother. Miwa studies them. “How many siblings did Shinto Sadao have?”
Tatsuo thinks a moment as Drasta looks slightly away hearing Sadao’s name then back to listening. The empress takes interest in the conversation. “Shinto Sadao had 4 siblings 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The eldest became Daimyo of the Shinto clan. Sadao is the 2nd child."
Miwa nods, “Very good. Go play with your siblings now. I’ll have more work tomorrow.” Tatsuo bows and leaves.
The empress smiles, “Which one was that?”
"Uesuki Tatsuo. He will do well in the non-combat trials. A fine debater, studious, and excellent writer. I do worry about his combat trials."
The empress laughs, "He will grow, Miwa. He's your grandson and most of your brood are rather robust after they sprout up." Drasta smiles and nods at that.
Miwa sighs, "Hai, I hope so. He is smallish but not yet found his yang."
The empress chuckles again, "A cute boy. and those green eyes will make him a lady killer for sure. Perhaps I should speak with ‘Nao’ is it? To start making arrangements."
Miwa spits her tea out and politely wipes her mouth. "He's 11."
"And I heard you were 14."
"Only because I was a war prize."
"Umm a young blossom pricked for the first time. I bet it was the best night of your life."
"I beat the shit out of him. because no one told me." Drasta cracks a smile then corrects herself. This time it’s the empress that has to hold her tea down. Her besshikime have to half smile at that too.
The empress exclaims, “That is our honorable judge's life. A most interesting one at every turn. I will turn in until the festivities tomorrow. Be at peace, Miwa." She stands up and Miwa is right behind her.
“Be at peace, Lady Manami.” The women leave except for Miwa. She sits back down. Drasta stays in the chamber with her. The lady of the house stares off into the distance, “I won't be sure until the next battle, but I've made my choice. 8 million girl keep them safe."
Drasta nods, “I believe it is for the best. Apologies for being slightly late. I made sure the area was secure after their arrival.”
Miwa nods. "With the emperor here, it was good that you did. I'll have two more girls gear up and ride the property."
“I would find that best for security. I feel perhaps someone may try causing trouble as always.” Drasta gives a light chuckle
"Be aware someone may die tomorrow."
“May I ask what you feel coming in that regard.”
“A final test. You will know when.”
“of course.”
Miwa stands up. “I need to be ready to play hostess in the morning. I'll to bed early. Get some rest yourself. Tomorrow will be a hard day I believe."
Drasta smiles, “Rest well Miwa. I will be at your side in the morning. First, I must hide this key where she will find it.”
Story written by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
He looks back to see her elven besshikime standing behind her in a guarded position. He still has some problems with the last time they met. “Tis indeed a fine morning. Two more months of morning then I will be off again to my next assignment.”
“How many years?”
“I would imagine I would have to start again so 5 years.”
“Then you will take over the village from my sister and whoever she marries.”
“Nothing is for sure, Takara. I will do my duty and return to whatever assignment is next.”
“Have you thought about your other duties? Marriage. Siring a brood of your own? You are already 19 now and will be 24 on your return.”
“In truth that is far in the future. There is always a chance I will die in the barbarous west.”
“You should have more fun, Tatsuo. You are the dragonfly. You will need your relief. You could sire a few bastards from peasant girls to make sure your line survives if you should not return. You need to think about that. Think about the girls of the unit and our family’s other duty to the emperor.”
“I will think about it, Aunt Takara. I am not done morning grandmother and now my father and brother are dead. I want revenge but know it would not be wise. How many did we lose in this war?”
“Five.”
“Too many.”
“The unit is question is starting to be a known asset, though it is still not known who they are. They are developing ways to counter. We need something to surprise them.”
Tatsuo nods, “That is your job to do. I do not envy it. I would not have turned the tide much at any rate being only one samurai.”
“Perhaps not but that you will never truly know.”
Tatsuo nods, “Noted.” Takara bows slightly. Tatsuo bobs his head in slight recognition. The pair stare silently out into the village. Drasta the besshikime lets her mind wander seeing no threat to Takara. She remembers when Tatsuo was just 11 and all the trouble he caused.
It is late fall just before the first snow fall in Dojyu. The families are joining at the ranch again. The honorable judge Mayonaka Sakuya’s 56th birthday is on the morrow. Ryuu and Asuka are the first to arrive then Seiji, Takara and their brood. The last ones to come is Hikari and Nao with their children. After they come and are settled Drasta is called to the gate. The barefoot girl that calls her is rather excited.
As she comes to the gate, she sees the emperor himself, his first consort and a retinue of 10 samurai along with retainers and advisors. She gives them a deep bow. The emperor and empress recognize her from their horses before they dismount. Half the samurai also dismount. The other half (archers) keep themselves on their horses ever scanning in the distance.
Drasta welcomes them. “A pleasure to see you.”
The emperor responds, “A pleasure, besshikime. We are here for tomorrow’s festivities.”
Drasta nods, “Then shall we make our way to the interior out of the cold?”
He nods leading his horse past the gate along with his consort and retinue. Many of the samurai give Drasta a look she knows all too well now. It roughly translates to ‘Western trash.’ One rides alongside her as she walks to the house keeping his eye on her hands suspiciously.
Drasta states as she walks. “My lady may be surprised to see you come. It will be interesting.”
He turns his head making eye contact. “Yes, but I believe this will be an important meeting. One to which I should attend.”
She nods, “Of course.”
The imperial party stops at the front of the villa. The servants make haste inside. They wait a short time until Miwa and her husband come out with the rest of the family along with 20 barefoot women that look like serving girls. The samurai suddenly get itchy and come on guard nervously. They all bow. Miwa’s husband speaks, “Emperor. This is unexpected. Welcome to our humble home.”
The emperor and consort recognize the family, “I have heard tomorrow is a special day. Special enough that I considered attending. And so, you see I have.”
Miwa’s husband considers, “We will give you the western wing. It will be tight for both the family and imperial retainers, but we can manage.”
A non-samurai advisor steps up, “All is well, that is as long as security is up to measure here outside the city.”
Her husband chuckles. “You will find our security most adequate, emperor Hojo.” Drasta nods to both of them in agreement.
The emperor bobs his head slightly. The family starts to return inside the home. The girls begin to advance to show them the stables when the emperor asks, “Honorable Ambassador a word please.” Miwa turns and approaches him bowing. His consort carefully studies her. He asks, “Are you sure, Miwa?”
She responds, “I am, my emperor.” He nods. Miwa bows. After she is recognized, she walks back to the villa. As far as Drasta knows she is free to do as she wants until morning.
Drasta bows and steps away walking about the complex keeping her eyes on the grounds and surrounding areas along with a keen eye near the training barn. All is quiet. As dusk quietly comes, the north wind chills the air. She hears the crunches of animals every now and again running about in a crop of trees here and there on the property. After a sweep of the area, she returns to the house.
All the men are in the front living room drinking with the emperor and telling fanciful war stories. Drasta bows again to the emperor as she heads into the estate and finds a quiet place to settle down. If she is needed, she will be close.
She passes Mitsuru who is now 15 and a full samurai. His face stares at her for a moment with just a hint of disgust. Drasta doesn’t react but keeps herself in a proud stance. As she continues, she passes a woman. One of the three first consort’s besshikime. She stops Drasta. “Why is the honorable judge’s own besshikime not at her side? Umph, do you even understand me, point ear?"
Drasta comes to attention. “A routine patrol in the brisk air before returning to my lady is not uncommon since my eyes and ears are the best in this place.” She half smiles. “Even now one could hear many of the sounds coming from inside this room if needed.” Drasta then goes back to a firm look. “For now, please step aside and let me perform my duties… Perhaps do not call me a point ear as well.” The other besshikime raises and eyebrow but steps aside. Drasta steps past heading to where Miwa would be noting to the woman as she leaves, “We must use manners in this house as well.”
Drasta finds Miwa in one of the back rooms with the first consort. One of the girls is serving them tea. The first consort’s other 2 besshikime are behind her. These besshikime are ultra disciplined and seem every wary of all that goes on around them. After proper honorifics Drasta takes her place behind Miwa.
The empress continues the conversation. “So, you will remain a judge to help the empire, but you will be no longer fight?"
Miwa responds, “Takara is still young and needs more experience. However, it will be her that leads the hummingbirds into battle now. I am just retiring from war. I will still train the chosen here and continue my duties for the empire as magistrate.”
The consort smirks, “It is too bad that we all get older, slower, our strength fades as the years go by.”
“Still as long as I may be of service. I will do so, Manami.”
The besshikime watch Drasta carefully studying every move while Manami asks Miwa, “How many will you be taking this year?”
Drasta stares back at them doing the same with a firm look folding her hands in front of her. She gages them finding they are well disciplined and look fairly bad ass. Both have several scars from past incidents. She thinks to herself ‘Yay! New sparing partners.’
Meanwhile the conversation continues with Miwa and the empress. “Only 3. We have 24 regulars now and 10 recruits.”
“I suppose one with be Nobuko?”
Miwa nods and sips her tea before speaking. “"Seiji and Takara must do their duty too for the empire. She will start younger than my other granddaughters. It gives me time to hone her to a sharp edge. Which reminds me." Miwa takes a key out of the folds of her kimono and presents it to Drasta. "Make sure you place this where Nobuko can find it in the morning. We'll see if curiosity stirs her to action."
Drasta bobs her head and takes it. “Of course. It will be interesting to see the course taken.” There is a knock. Drasta places the key up her sleeve and walks to it. She opens the door to find Tatsuo with a mass of papers in hand. She sees he’s 11 years old now.
He immediately bows. “I have completed the work.”
Miwa stands and bows. The empress does not. She sits back down, “Enter and let me see your work, Tatsuo.”
He enters giving the empress a long stare and hands the papers over to his grandmother. Miwa studies them. “How many siblings did Shinto Sadao have?”
Tatsuo thinks a moment as Drasta looks slightly away hearing Sadao’s name then back to listening. The empress takes interest in the conversation. “Shinto Sadao had 4 siblings 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The eldest became Daimyo of the Shinto clan. Sadao is the 2nd child."
Miwa nods, “Very good. Go play with your siblings now. I’ll have more work tomorrow.” Tatsuo bows and leaves.
The empress smiles, “Which one was that?”
"Uesuki Tatsuo. He will do well in the non-combat trials. A fine debater, studious, and excellent writer. I do worry about his combat trials."
The empress laughs, "He will grow, Miwa. He's your grandson and most of your brood are rather robust after they sprout up." Drasta smiles and nods at that.
Miwa sighs, "Hai, I hope so. He is smallish but not yet found his yang."
The empress chuckles again, "A cute boy. and those green eyes will make him a lady killer for sure. Perhaps I should speak with ‘Nao’ is it? To start making arrangements."
Miwa spits her tea out and politely wipes her mouth. "He's 11."
"And I heard you were 14."
"Only because I was a war prize."
"Umm a young blossom pricked for the first time. I bet it was the best night of your life."
"I beat the shit out of him. because no one told me." Drasta cracks a smile then corrects herself. This time it’s the empress that has to hold her tea down. Her besshikime have to half smile at that too.
The empress exclaims, “That is our honorable judge's life. A most interesting one at every turn. I will turn in until the festivities tomorrow. Be at peace, Miwa." She stands up and Miwa is right behind her.
“Be at peace, Lady Manami.” The women leave except for Miwa. She sits back down. Drasta stays in the chamber with her. The lady of the house stares off into the distance, “I won't be sure until the next battle, but I've made my choice. 8 million girl keep them safe."
Drasta nods, “I believe it is for the best. Apologies for being slightly late. I made sure the area was secure after their arrival.”
Miwa nods. "With the emperor here, it was good that you did. I'll have two more girls gear up and ride the property."
“I would find that best for security. I feel perhaps someone may try causing trouble as always.” Drasta gives a light chuckle
"Be aware someone may die tomorrow."
“May I ask what you feel coming in that regard.”
“A final test. You will know when.”
“of course.”
Miwa stands up. “I need to be ready to play hostess in the morning. I'll to bed early. Get some rest yourself. Tomorrow will be a hard day I believe."
Drasta smiles, “Rest well Miwa. I will be at your side in the morning. First, I must hide this key where she will find it.”
Story written by Winterhawk99 and Maxpd
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
- ctp: Yes
- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: Following in the Footsteps of Another
The next day there is a grand party. Miwa is honored for both her service to the empire and her birthday. She is 56 and getting older for an active Onna-bugeisha. The family has a grand feast set with several hundred pounds of giant squid, along with Kobe beef, sika deer, and wild boar. For those more adventurous there is fugu. They all eat a grand meal. Many of the adult’s indulgence puts them in a slight coma including the emperor himself. Tatsuo walks out to the garden to think and enjoy the air.
Tatsuo goes to the garden to watch the koi swimming in the stream when he spots Nobuko all on her own. She seems to be looking at the rock garden as if wondering what to do. He strolls over to her. “Hi, Nobuko. What are you doing?”
“I found a key!” She lifts up her hand and shows him it.”
Tatsuo puts both his hands up and covers his mouth, “Oh that’s the key to the secret barn. I saw that before.”
“What do you think is in it. I think Grandma has a monster in it that she feeds all the bad people to.”
Tatsuo shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe her most prized horses, or maybe where the girls sleep. We aren’t supposed to go in there. Maybe we should find grandmother and give it to her.”
“I want to see the monster.”
“Nobuko, I really don’t think Grandad would allow a monster here. It’s probably just the girl’s bunkhouse or a special horse barn.”
“I think you’re scared Tatsuo. Let’s see what’s in there. I’m going. If you too scared, you stay here.” Nobuko starts to walk to the barn. Tatsuo is faced with a conundrum. Does he go to his grandparents or follow Nobuko. Maybe there is a monster in the barn. Maybe a monster that eats young girls. Tatsuo looks at the house then at Nobuko walking to the barn. He decides to follow her. It’s more important to protect his cousin than to tell on her. He runs after her.
The pair get to the barn. Nobuko reaches up but cannot put the key in the lock she looks at Tatsuo pleadingly. He has to consider. “You know if we get caught, we will be in really big trouble. There’s really nothing in there.”
“If there’s nothing in there why is no one allowed to come here? There’s a monster. I just know it.”
Tatsuo still hesitates but ultimately gives in to his little cousin. He unlocks the door, and they go in. He is careful to put the lock on a hook he finds inside the barn door. They begin to look around.
The barn is huge. Lit by lamps they see two levels. The upper level consists of bunks and lockers. The lower looks like a simple grand hall with a huge fire pit of ashes burning in the center. The pit almost level with the floor is 20 feet wide and 20 feet long. The ashes are cooking and glow a deep amber color, yet there is no place to hang food over the great fire. In the Back is a small platform with a shrine to Fire Bright. Tatsuo points to it. “Look Nobuko that’s grandmother’s patron god.
Nobuko wide-eyed and excited says, “I’m looking at all the weapons.” Tatsuo then notices all the weapon racks on the floor hugging the partitions. There are naginatas, katanas, wakizashi, bo-sticks, spears, Yumi, and Daikyu. Some of the rarer weapons include Kanabo, Kama Kuwa and Tessen, such as along with many weapons mounted on the walls themselves.
He comments, “The ones hanging are war trophies. The others are for practice.”
Nobuko puts her hands to her mouth, “They practice with real weapons?”
Tatsuo walks up to the racks and sees that some are indeed real, and others have dulled edges. “It looks like both Nobuko. Some are practice arms, but many are real about ½ are true weapons.”
Nobuko walks up to a shrine. There in the front she sees a katana kake. Mounted on it are two katanas and a wakizashi. She reaches for one of the weapons. Tatsuo is quicker and grabs her wrist. “He observes a Sai next to the Kake. You can't touch those, Nobuko. Those are grandmother’s personal katanas.”
“How do you know?”
“The sai. lying beside them is her magistrates sai. See she only wears it in court.”
“They look different, somehow.”
Tatsuo nods, “I know the wrappings are wolverine skin. They were tempered in grandmother’s own blood, so they have a piece of her soul within, and I know they were made in the west. That’s all I know but you never want to touch a blood sword Nobuko.”
Nobuko asks, “Why not?”
“Because it's dangerous and an afront to the owner. It’s like spitting on them.” The two of them hear something at the front of the barn. The doors start to creak. Tatsuo quickly assesses the situation and looks at his cousin. “Hide.” Nobuko runs off and hides behind a weapons rack. Tatsuo moves to the center side of the barn and parks his butt behind some large water jugs. He is well hidden in the shadows being all the jugs are taller than he is and there are so many of them.
Tatsuo goes to the garden to watch the koi swimming in the stream when he spots Nobuko all on her own. She seems to be looking at the rock garden as if wondering what to do. He strolls over to her. “Hi, Nobuko. What are you doing?”
“I found a key!” She lifts up her hand and shows him it.”
Tatsuo puts both his hands up and covers his mouth, “Oh that’s the key to the secret barn. I saw that before.”
“What do you think is in it. I think Grandma has a monster in it that she feeds all the bad people to.”
Tatsuo shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe her most prized horses, or maybe where the girls sleep. We aren’t supposed to go in there. Maybe we should find grandmother and give it to her.”
“I want to see the monster.”
“Nobuko, I really don’t think Grandad would allow a monster here. It’s probably just the girl’s bunkhouse or a special horse barn.”
“I think you’re scared Tatsuo. Let’s see what’s in there. I’m going. If you too scared, you stay here.” Nobuko starts to walk to the barn. Tatsuo is faced with a conundrum. Does he go to his grandparents or follow Nobuko. Maybe there is a monster in the barn. Maybe a monster that eats young girls. Tatsuo looks at the house then at Nobuko walking to the barn. He decides to follow her. It’s more important to protect his cousin than to tell on her. He runs after her.
The pair get to the barn. Nobuko reaches up but cannot put the key in the lock she looks at Tatsuo pleadingly. He has to consider. “You know if we get caught, we will be in really big trouble. There’s really nothing in there.”
“If there’s nothing in there why is no one allowed to come here? There’s a monster. I just know it.”
Tatsuo still hesitates but ultimately gives in to his little cousin. He unlocks the door, and they go in. He is careful to put the lock on a hook he finds inside the barn door. They begin to look around.
The barn is huge. Lit by lamps they see two levels. The upper level consists of bunks and lockers. The lower looks like a simple grand hall with a huge fire pit of ashes burning in the center. The pit almost level with the floor is 20 feet wide and 20 feet long. The ashes are cooking and glow a deep amber color, yet there is no place to hang food over the great fire. In the Back is a small platform with a shrine to Fire Bright. Tatsuo points to it. “Look Nobuko that’s grandmother’s patron god.
Nobuko wide-eyed and excited says, “I’m looking at all the weapons.” Tatsuo then notices all the weapon racks on the floor hugging the partitions. There are naginatas, katanas, wakizashi, bo-sticks, spears, Yumi, and Daikyu. Some of the rarer weapons include Kanabo, Kama Kuwa and Tessen, such as along with many weapons mounted on the walls themselves.
He comments, “The ones hanging are war trophies. The others are for practice.”
Nobuko puts her hands to her mouth, “They practice with real weapons?”
Tatsuo walks up to the racks and sees that some are indeed real, and others have dulled edges. “It looks like both Nobuko. Some are practice arms, but many are real about ½ are true weapons.”
Nobuko walks up to a shrine. There in the front she sees a katana kake. Mounted on it are two katanas and a wakizashi. She reaches for one of the weapons. Tatsuo is quicker and grabs her wrist. “He observes a Sai next to the Kake. You can't touch those, Nobuko. Those are grandmother’s personal katanas.”
“How do you know?”
“The sai. lying beside them is her magistrates sai. See she only wears it in court.”
“They look different, somehow.”
Tatsuo nods, “I know the wrappings are wolverine skin. They were tempered in grandmother’s own blood, so they have a piece of her soul within, and I know they were made in the west. That’s all I know but you never want to touch a blood sword Nobuko.”
Nobuko asks, “Why not?”
“Because it's dangerous and an afront to the owner. It’s like spitting on them.” The two of them hear something at the front of the barn. The doors start to creak. Tatsuo quickly assesses the situation and looks at his cousin. “Hide.” Nobuko runs off and hides behind a weapons rack. Tatsuo moves to the center side of the barn and parks his butt behind some large water jugs. He is well hidden in the shadows being all the jugs are taller than he is and there are so many of them.