Toturi III is dead. The Empire is left without an Emperor. Toturi's wife, Toturi Kurako, rules as the Empress until her husband's written wishes can be found and acted upon.
With the Emperor dead, others seek to gain power. One such man is the Khan of the Unicorn Clan, Moto Chagatai, who currently lays siege to the Imperial City, Toshi Ranbo wo Shien Shite Reigisaho.
The Miharu are all around the outside of the chamber. They stand there like statues, their Seppun colors adorning their heavy armor. They appear to be the only people armed in the entire chamber. This bodes well for the safety of the Empress and other dignitaries that arrive. Eventually, Koshiro spots someone arrive from one of the back doors. These doors are not easily spotted. They almost blend in with the wall. Passing through first is a man wearing a mempo, obviously a Scorpion. The second is a tall, and broad, Matsu wearing his family and clan's mons on his chest. The next is a familiar face, that of Matsu Shingen.
The door closes as these men enter the room. In fact, Tadao and Akira recognize the second man as well as Matsu Yoshino, if the pair is paying attention to the arrival from the rear of the chamber as Koshiro is doing. Koshiro keeps his eyes glued to the back of the room, though, and finally spots two Seppun Guardsmen walk through, followed by a beautiful woman, dressed in an emerald kimono dress. Her face is pale, powdered with makeup, which Koshiro catches a momentarily glimpse of before she pulls her fan before her face.
Another guardsmen, standing near her throne, yells out, "All bow before the Daughter of Heaven, Empress Toturi Kurako-dono!"
No gifts are necessary I don't think. I'm not sure if calling the Empress -dono is appropriate, what term should I use?
Last edited by TetNak on Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:07 am, edited 2 times in total.
Akira spots the arrival of his Daimyo and bows toward the arrival of the Lion, whether he is near to them or not. He lifts his head only enough to see the arrival of the woman. His one eye focuses on the Empress, and then he lowers himself to his knees in suplication to the Will of Heaven. The Deathseeker knows better than to do anything even remotely dishonorable in the presense of the Empress.
Akira's blind eye is covered with a simple black patch, with a sable design sewn on it. Anyone that stands close enough to speak with Akira can see it, but those don't can not read the kanji -- "Honor" that is placed there.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
Swift and smooth as a falling drop of blood, the Laughing Steel Master lowers himself into a posture of supplication before the Empress. His clansman will be a matter to note later; for now, all his thought are on the sovereign of Rokugan, Her presence like the rising of the sun.
Seppun Koshiro drops swiftly to his knees and places his forehead upon the polished floor as the Empress enters. He keeps his eyes lowered, surprised already the fortunes would bless him with a glimpse of Kurako's radiance.
'œI wonder if the Scorpion is the Protector of the Imperial City'¦ '
Kurako moves slowly, with grace, toward the throne upon where she sits. She keeps the fan close to her face as she does so, but as she sits, the Empress actually removes it and exposes her intense beauty upon those that have been asked to attend today.
Her heavenly voice calls out, "Please rise, my friends," she says, "Today is a day of happiness."
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
Matsu Akira remains kneeling until others in the chamber stand first. He keep his one eye from looking directly at the Empress. Once he is standing he does slowly gravitate towas Koshiro until he standing just slightly behind the Seppun and to the side. He glances at the others in the room, his Clan Champion and the Scorpion as well. His thoughts echo Koshiros, Noriachi no doubt...
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
Even the presence of the empress does little to ease Tadao's discomfort of being within the courts and his mild bought with depression. He rises only slowly after several others within the chamber do. Following their lead so as to not commit a fatal social blunder. This is one field of battle that the grisled gunso is unfamiliar with and he knows it...
...And the stone of the earth and the wind in the sky bowed before the wisdom of the Ancient One...
The Laughing Master rises easily at his Empress' command, eager to fulfill her wishes. From the lethargy of the Lion, the day before must have been taxing indeed, or perhaps they lack the etiquette necessary to obey.
The Empress smiles as everyone's head rises in unison. "My friends, protectors of the Empire, I thank you all for coming. Today we have gathered to honor those that have won an important battle for the Empire. Those that have fought back the tide of the gaijin that threaten us! Glory to the Lion! Glory to the Army of Matsu Yoshino-san! Glory to the Army of Matsu Shingen-san!" There is a shout of praise that goes up for the Lion, who both stand off to the side of the Empress, on the opposite side of her Seppun Guard. They both smile and nod as the Empress mentions them.
"General Matsu Shingen-san has asked to speak," she says.
When she does, the man steps forward. For those that saw him on the battlefield, he has cleaned up considerably, now looking the proper Matsu general at court. He bows his head, "It is my duty and privilege to honor those that saved the my army a fatal blow. Seppun Kihru-sama, as well as Matsu Yoshino-dono, requisitioned the aid of a force a hundred and three strong! These three, samurai all, led this force south and helped turn the tide of battle. Only four would live. The samurai, and a long ashigaru. The three samurai are here today! Step forth, Seppun Koshiro-san, Kitsu Tadao-san, and Matsu Akira!"
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."
Tadao is suddenly overtaken with a sense of great pride as the voice of Shingen rings through the chamber. This game he has played before. His chin rises and his chest puffs out. Filling out his light tan kimono. It's red accents forming the kanji for sword when donned properly. His steps are measured as he moves closer to the general. At twenty paces his forward momentum ceases and his tired frame joins the floor. For he knows that only a foolish man would dare anything closer to the empress without her expressed wish for him to do so. "Hai, Matsu Shingen Dono!". As he waits for the others to join him his mind flashes images of the fallen ninety nine and sorrow is bestowed upon his heart once again...
...And the stone of the earth and the wind in the sky bowed before the wisdom of the Ancient One...
