The Story begins...
12th of Fu-Leng in the 1158th year of the Emerald Empire
The ancestral lands of the Crane lay calm on this winter eve, peaceful and calm amidst the brewing storm swelling across Rokugan. The estate of the venerable samurai Kakita Hyuske hummed with activity as young Crane bushi gathered in the small square courtyard. The young bushi gently chatted amongst themselves, each taking the measure of their peers, and attempting to possibly to glean the purpose of this gathering.
The setting was pleasant and quaint, but not to the liking of Daidoji Yugiashi, a young bushi from a minor vassal family of the Daidoji house. His dark almond eyes scanned the room warily, more out of anxiousness then caution. He was not known among his peers for his patience, rather infamous among the more well to do Crane bushi. Yugiashi was content to remain aloof from his peers, his thoughts lingering on the matter of business Kakita-sama had prepared for them.
"Daidoji Yugiashi... Doji Kuwan... we served together at Shiro Daidoji last year, though you may not remember," the voice stirred Yugiashi from his thoughts as he glanced to the shorter and, from appearances, younger bushi attired in an immaculate sky blue kimono emblazoned with a pearl white design of a flying crane along the right side. Kuwan smiled; he was handsome and thin, his hair dyed white, emulating a style common among the Crane.
Yugiashi glanced to Kuwan and bowed slightly, more out of habit than respect, "Not very well, I'm afraid."
"I take no offense, it was a short time, I will admit. I am surprised to see you here,"
Kuwan glanced around the room appraisingly, "though I must admit I am not at all certain what this is all about."
Yugiashi nodded, "I thank you for that, and yes, I even feel a little out of place. But I was asked to come here, and I would not go against my clan's wishes."
Kuwan turned his attention to Yugiashi, “The empire is facing troubled times... have you not heard of the strange happenings in the lands of the Lion?"
Yugiashi shook his head no, “No, I am afraid not. I trained for some time in seclusion, and haven't heard any news in about a month.”
Kuwan looked at him quizzically but continued, “The Lion face horrors from Jigoku, I hear. Strange creatures, many of their legions from the front have been recalled,” he continued in a whisper, “but I know little else.”
Yugiashi nodded, thinking, “Perhaps some of us will be sent to help them. If this escalates to war, we will be allied with the Lion clan."
Kuwan nodded appreciatively, smiling to Yugiashi, “That would be fortuitous, for there would be much honor and glory to be had in the service of our clan.”
Yugiashi nodded as the two continued their banter, while from a hidden vantage point two sets of eyes watched the gathering of young bushi. An older man, his hair dark with streaks of gray betraying his age, stood next to a much younger woman with silken black hair and a pleasant lithe frame.
The older man, Kakita-sama, spoke, never taking his eyes off of the gathered bushi, "Have you heard of the conflicts in the north... between the Dragon and the Phoenix?" The woman simply nodded scanning the room with her eyes, taking in as much of the nuances as was possible.
"Quite a gathering of bushi, though many are young, they will fight for our glory, and increase our wealth. They have the look of men hungry for battle; they live for conflict. Cultured, honorable, and deadly, that is the way of Bushido,” He paused sighing, “We shall assist the Phoenix; you and your brother will be heading north in the spring."
The young woman paused looking to her father, shock readily apparent in her eyes; “To what ends?” she spoke softly.
"You will support the war effort and hopefully garner a trust between our clans. Too long have the Phoenix kept their secrets of the kami to themselves. I understand little myself," Kakita-sama was a man of the blade, not one who understood the will of the kami, "but I understand the good that could be had in such a union."
The young woman nodded, “I understand father, Renshi-san and myself will do as you request.”
Kakita-sama focused his attention on Yugiashi and Kuwan, "Good, I expected as much, my daughter. Daidoji Yugiashi... and Doji Kuwan, both are admirable bushi…"
The young woman followed his gaze, "What is their purpose father?"
"I think one of them will be suitable for the task, to assist you and your brother... I shall leave you to take the measure of which,” he turned and sat by a low table hewn of oak with legs made of ivory.
“That is it, you wish me to take their measure?” she asked, her eyes narrowing. She sighed and slid out into the gathering, dipping through the crowd rather easily. The gathered bushi glanced at her curiously, many with an appraising gaze. She slowly approached Yugiashi and Kuwan, slipping behind them as they chatted.
Yugiashi nodded to Kuwan, "I have been training, preparing to defend my family in case politics go awry. And for that, I find that seclusion is much better."
Kuwan nodded appreciatively but was cut off before he could speak by the young woman’s soft voice, "Daidoji Yugiashi... and Doji Kuwan, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Both of the young bushi turned to the small voice behind them. Kuwan bowed quickly and smiled as he spoke, demonstrating his courtly manner, "The pleasure is mine, I am sure, Kakita Ameiko, daughter of Lord Kakita Hyuske, Protector of Shiro Hanomen, esteemed hatamoto of Kakita Kaigen."
Yugiashi simply bowed his head, “Good eve lady…”
Ameiko nodded her head curtly to the two bushi, as the eyes and ears of the rest discreetly turned towards their direction. Ameiko glanced to Yugiashi, “Something troubles you?”
Yugiashi replied quickly, “No milady, I just did not recognize you. My apologies.”
Ameiko smiled, “Please no apologies Daidoji-san. I am sure you are both wondering what it is that my father wishes of you, yes?”
Yugiashi replied, his eyes scanning the room before focusing once more on Ameiko, “Well, I cannot say that I have not pondered that thought.”
She smiled gently, “Good, well then, please tell me of yourselves…”
Kuwan smiled and spoke proudly, "I am Doji Kuwan, 4th son of the Doji daimyo, and I was trained by the finest Doji sword masters... I have been company to many military campaigns. I seek only to bring greater glory and honor to the Crane... and to my family."
Ameiko smiled to him and bowed, and then turned to Yugiashi, “And you?”
"I merely exist to do the will of the clan. My deeds are not great, but my body and dedication to my clan are strong. I wish to bring honor to my clan in any way,” Yugiashi spoke in a calm manner, with not nearly the bluster of Kuwan.
Ameiko pondered for a moment before replying, “Very well Yugiashi, you may yet receive that chance. It was a pleasure meeting you,” she turned and made her way back to her father, leaving Yugiashi and Kuwan to ponder just what had transpired and to what end.
Ameiko approached her father; he was still kneeling at the table patiently. He spoke, barely affording her a glance; “You have taken the measure of them?”
Ameiko nodded, and spoke with a gracious bow, “Doji Kuwan is inappropriate. While I am sure he is an able fighter, he is not aware of the subtle nuance that would make him a great one. Daidoji Yugiashi seems more an appropriate escort. He observes without watching, and he tells you nothing he does not wish you to know."
Her father nodded slowly, “I am inclined to agree. I, too, would have chosen Daidoji Yugiashi. Very well then, dismiss the others and bring the Daidoji to me.”
Ameiko bowed once more and went out to the courtyard, the bushi once again glancing at her quizzically, but trying to pay her no mind. She paused as she passed Yugiashi, "I would ask for a moment of your time, when you are finished here." Ameiko smiled and continued moving to one side of the room and motioned to gather everyone’s attention. The young bushi turned to her and watched her every movement.
"May I have your attention please? Thank you for coming today. It has been an honor to meet you all, and my family and I wish you well. Your services are no longer needed here today, but you have all served your clan well, and are to be commended,” the gathered men paused at her words before seeing what was truly meant and turned to file out of the courtyard. Only Yugiashi and Kuwan remained.
Kuwan smiled, glancing sideward to Yugiashi, "To come so far and to be turned away..."
Yugiashi glanced around quizzically, confused but happy that his journey here had not been wasted, "I'm glad it wasn't me."
Ameiko approached the two young bushi and smiled, "If you would excuse us, Doji Kuwan, I would like to speak with Daidoji Yugiashi in private. You may go."
Doji Kuwan looked confused, "Go?”
“I am sorry, Doji Kuwan, I may only choose one. Would that I could take two, for I would take you both,” she smiled to him like a practiced diplomat.
Kuwan glared at Yugiashi sharply, "I am dismissed?" he slowly regained his composure... "I see. Yes, I shall return home." He bowed curtly and turned on his heels, keeping face, and showing honor in spite of his anger.
Ameiko smiled and led Yugiashi to her father, linking arms with him, “Will you walk with me, Daidoji Yugiashi?"
Yugiashi nodded, “Of course milady…”
Ameiko brought Yugiashi before the presence of her father, and bowed respectfully, "As you requested, father."
Kakita Hyuske looked up from his contemplations as Ameiko went to stand at his side. He stared at Yugiashi, piercing him with his cold, almond eyes, “Please sit, Daidoji Yugiashi." Yugiashi did as instructed, bowing first and then sitting respectfully.
Kakita-sama spoke, “I have heard many things about you; your reputation precedes you."
“I trust that is good.”
"Some are good... but your reputation among our peers is of no matter for your current task. The matters in the North, between the Phoenix and the Dragon, are you aware of the current situation?" Kakita-sama kept his gaze sternly on the young bushi.
"I do not know very many specifics, but I know the situation well,” Yugiashi replied, his tone calm and measured.
Kakita-sama took a sip of his tea, "Are you aware that the Dragon have pushed into the western regions of the Phoenix, and seized several holdings?"
"I had heard something of their movements, but I had not heard the results,” Yugiashi replied, slightly uncomfortable.
"This skirmish threatens to draw the rest of the Great Clans into the conflict unless it is concluded quickly,” he glanced at Yugiashi sharply, "You will be sent along with my daughter and her brother as representatives of the Crane, emissaries of our tacit disapproval of the Dragon's actions. You will work with the Phoenix... for the time being, and be answerable to them until thus time as we see to change this policy. Lord Shiba Yotunaga is aware of your arrival, and it is to him that you shall report."
Yugiashi nodded his head, taking in the words, “Yes, my lord.”
Kakita-sama glanced to Ameiko, "Your role in all of this is simple, protect my daughter. The Daidoji are foremost among our warriors in such a role. My son, I am sure, will aid you in this task. That is all, you are dismissed. Ameiko, please show him to quarters so that Daidoji Yugiashi may rest and prepare.”
Ameiko frowned slightly and then smiled, and led Yugiashi to his quarters as the two chatted and discussed the coming months. Kakita-sama sat and watched his young daughter go, and he thought of his son for a moment before taking another sip of his tea. He remembered the battle at Oblivion’s Gate quite plainly, and grimaced visibly. The Emerald Empire was stirring… There would not be peace for some time.
