Legend of the Infinite Realities

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ A man of perhaps 35 or 40 years of age comes to on the bank of the duck pond. The morning is awake with the dulcet tones of the cranes, the sweet flutterings of the hummingbirds - ambience the man can only hear because of his sensibility of nature's blessings. He gets to his feet, appeased by the beauty around him, but unsure of where in the vast Empire of Rokugan he comes from the winds of fate have seen fit to deposit him.

He bears vaguely Asian features, and sports a samurai haircut, with his daisho - the two swords emblematic of the samurai class - at his waist. The most notable thing about him, however, is his state of dress. He is adorned with a lavish kimono woven of the finest fabrics to be found anywhere. His kataginu, the jacket worn over his robes, is of a handsome silk dyed in a deep emerald green. On his sleeves and back is a circular symbol: a blooming chrysanthemum flower. Anyone familiar with Rokugani customs will recognize this as the symbol of the Imperial Families, marking the stranger as a samurai of the highest prestige; not some wandering ronin seeking cheap coin. ]

Comments

[mademyownpath.livejournal.com]

[John has been tending to the horses all day, trying to get his mind off his prolonged imprisonment within the castle. It's as he's walking back to the building in question when he spots the man by the duckpond.

He's definitely not seen this one before. He clears his throat, giving a small wave of greeting]

Howdy.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ The samurai bows slightly, careful both to not imply subservience to the clearly lower-status peasant who reeks of the stables, yet making sure that the bow is not gentle enough to imply intended offense. ]

Ohayo gozaimasu. I am Tashime, of the Seppun family. I am not sure where I am, but perhaps you belong to this province?

[madandbad.livejournal.com]

[Here's someone totally unfamiliar with any of what was just described.]

...I thought Comic-Con was in July.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ A few moments pass before Tashime recognizes having heard the comment, though it was so foreign to Tashime that he failed to acknowledge it as being aimed at him originally. The samurai squints and searches around, searching for the voice's owner. Seeing her, he waves kindly. ]

Hello there! Gomen. I didn't realize you were speaking to me at first. I am Seppun Tashime.

[ He smiles faintly, which is more than most people will manage to get out of him. Though she is not even remotely Rokugani in appearance, even so, there is something about her appearance that Tashime is able to find instantly alluring. ]

[wearethemeta.livejournal.com]

[Meta's out on the grounds for once, Brute Shot out and ready. He'd spotted Tex by the pond a few days earlier and came out to investigate, but he stops to openly stare at this new face, a rumbling a low growl.]

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime regards the other man's armor with great interest. Never in all his time in Rokugan has the samurai seen such excellent metalwork. Obviously a daimyo of a family of considerable wealth, Tashime is ashamed of not recognizing this person. Bowing respectfully, he introduces himself. ]

I am Seppun Tashime, and I am humbled. I must say, samurai-sama, that your armorer is clearly the master of his craft.

[ofmywill.livejournal.com]

[ Goodness. Minato's from far too far in the future to recognise that on sight, but he's a good enough student to recognise it from the get-go! Fancy samurai duds...better approach this one carefully. ]

...hello?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Unaware that his homeland of Rokugan - and its people - are merely his world's reflection of Japan as it was in the old days, Tashime is fooled into thinking that Japanese people like Minato are in fact of Rokugani descent. Since none of them carry daisho, he further assumes that those who do not carry the scent of having worked the fields or stables to be either monks or oracles. He kneels reverently before speaking. ]

Heaven's blessings upon you, Brother. I am Seppun Tashime. How may I serve a disciple of the Tao?

[alabaster-blood.livejournal.com]

[Raiden's heading back up to the castle after his session at the shooting range when he spots the lavishly-dressed man. He looks like something out of "Seven Samurai... Raiden thinks as he approaches him. He recognizes the slightly confused look on the man's face, as he once wore it himself, when he arrived. He also recognizes the daisho on the man's hip, signifying him as a traditional samurai. He'll incline his head politely, remembering that it was the Japanese thing to do, before he speaks.]

Hello there. You look a little lost. I'm guessing you're new here?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ A surge of irritation wells up within Tashime: this barbarian forgot to introduce himself! He may wear the armor of his caste, but his manners are nowhere to be found. Surely he meant no offense; perhaps he is from outside the civilized reaches of Rokugan. A savage he may be, but his intentions could still be pure. The samurai stops himself from returning the rudeness, and instead offers a curt bow. ]

Konnichiwa! Seppun Tashime, hatamoto to Seppun Katsura, at your service. You speak the truth: indeed I am lost, though I know not the direction back to the capital city. Surely you can lend aid to a Seppun magistrate?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_fredless/]

[Fred's still lingering outside after her walk when she catches sight of a shadow near the duck pond. And as shadows tended to be, this one was inevitably attached to a person.

She studies his features as she approaches, quickly deciding that it's someone she's never met before. Fred approaches him with a smile]

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I walk.

[slicesanddices.livejournal.com]

[Well, here's someone who catches Logan's attention. He addresses him in Japanese.]

Nice swords.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[Tashime sighs gratefully. Finally a man who at least knows how to offer a proper compliment. He removes the blades so as to offer the newcomer a closer look.]

They are the make of the legendary blacksmith Hida Fubatsu himself, and were given to me by my last sensei. A treasure I am not soon to forget. May I ask who you are?

[userless]

[Green, huh? Gibson can appreciate green.

Over near the duck pond (but not too close, as he's a bit wary of the water) is one human-sized computer program dressed all in black with a hood and sunglasses to block out the light. Oddly, the patterns on his jacket seem to be glowing.]

Hey there. You all right?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime is astute. He recognizes the traditional hooded wear of the shugenja, the priest class in Rokugan, as he does the emerald patterns that mark this stranger as a member of the Emerald Families, like Tashime himself. It is enamoring to find a familiar face in such an unfamiliar land. ]

I am perfectly fine, though thank you for your concern. You are a priest, yes? Please, tell the Kami I lay myself prostrate before their mercy. I had thought I was damned to spend an eternity in Jigoku along with my charge, the innocent Tamori Shaiko. Please pray for me on her behalf. She does not deserve to suffer endlessly for the sake of my foolishness.

[ino]

[Yeeeeeah, this girl isn't familiar with those particular customs, as she's from a different (but still vaguely Asian) world. But she does know a samurai when she sees one, thanks to the swords and the robe style! (And hey, even if she doesn't get the meaning, she does still like the flower.) She'll approach with a small smile.]

Wow, I like your kimono.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

Arigato. Your clothing is also quite elegant, though I am embarrassed to confess, I cannot divine from it the knowledge of your clan or family.

[Clan symbols are usually worn in Rokugan to inform strangers of the wearer's place in society, but the shinobi lacks any identifying marks save for the purple of her garb.]

Are you a Unicorn perhaps? A staunch maiden of the Utaku family, I'm sure.

[rhymebell.livejournal.com]

[Rhyme here was just about to feed the ducks when you pop along. Seeing the ducks are no where to be found, she turns to see you, and blinks.]

I didn't miss a holiday, did I?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ If Tashime were not concerned with upholding the Seppun family's noble reputation in this foreign land, this adorable sight might we have gotten a gratifying "D'aww...!" out of him. But that is not quite his reaction. ]

Not a holiday, child. It's special for me; I'm new to this place, Paradisa. But it sounds as though new people arriving here is not all too rare an occurrence for you all.

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[Jilly likes mornings. She always has. She would have work today, but she's in to rush, taking her time as she walks down the path leading from the castle to the town. There are paint specks on her clothes and in her hair, though not as many as usual, but still more than enough to add to the scruffiness of her appearance.

She doesn't speak at first, but she gives the man a friendly nod as she begins to pass.]

[teds-up.livejournal.com]

[Ted was hoping a little bit of sunshine would do his body good. When he comes to the duck pond, though, well. Let's just say Tashime wasn't what he was expecting to see.

Though, really, being here for almost two months (christ, has it been so long?)-- he should be used to it by now. That is, seeing things that throw him way off his guard.

He'll just be striding on over, then.]

Nice day, eh? [Yawwwnnn...]

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

It is truly a blessing from the Heavens.

[ Tashime bows with respect in front of Ted. ]

I am Seppun Tashime. May I ask your name?

[OOC: Sorry for not getting to this sooner. Was figuring out what to do with the PIRATES! metaplot.]

[optimystically.livejournal.com]

[woooooooah, have a girl nearby just staring at his clothes so impressed]

Your robe is awesome!

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime gives a hearty laugh. Children are truly a wonder from above, with all their innocent charm! ]

It is good to know my kimono remains fashionable in such a foreign place as this. It is the customary garb of the Seppun magistrates, for I am Seppun Tashime, hatamoto to the noble Seppun Katsura...though I suppose you've never heard of either of us. Still, thank you for the gracious compliment, my lady! May I ask your name?

[madetothwart.livejournal.com]

[He is perfectly familiar with the symbol on the newcomer's clothing, but it has been a few centuries since he has seen it in anything other than a museum.]

Good afternoon.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime gives a stalwart bow, still invigorated by Maya Fey's earlier compliment of his magisterial attire. ]

Good afternoon to you! I am Seppun Tashime. And you are?

[wishmadeinfire.livejournal.com]

<sub>[Ashura had come to bring Agni out for a walk in the gardens. The poor creature had been worried sick over his masters being gone and a morning walk seemed a lovely way to work out the kinks of travel and appease Agni's (a Flareon's) worried mind.

He rounded the corner, coming upon the duck pond and pauses when he sees the man. Ashura is tall, close to six foot, and looks to be in his mid-twenties, though he is far, far older than that. No sword rests at his waist, though his clothing in many ways resembles a style the other man might be familiar with, colored red, white, and gold, the only concession to another scheme being the black obi around his narrow waist. His long black hair flows behind him, mostly unadorned today, though a small fortune in gold and rubies dangles from his ears and another one around his neck.]</sub>

Good morning.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

Good morning to you also!

[ The samurai greets Ashura with a bow. ]

How may I name you? Mine is Tashime -- of the Seppun family.

[mademyownpath.livejournal.com]

[John has been tending to the horses all day, trying to get his mind off his prolonged imprisonment within the castle. It's as he's walking back to the building in question when he spots the man by the duckpond.

He's definitely not seen this one before. He clears his throat, giving a small wave of greeting]

Howdy.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ The samurai bows slightly, careful both to not imply subservience to the clearly lower-status peasant who reeks of the stables, yet making sure that the bow is not gentle enough to imply intended offense. ]

Ohayo gozaimasu. I am Tashime, of the Seppun family. I am not sure where I am, but perhaps you belong to this province?

[madandbad.livejournal.com]

[Here's someone totally unfamiliar with any of what was just described.]

...I thought Comic-Con was in July.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ A few moments pass before Tashime recognizes having heard the comment, though it was so foreign to Tashime that he failed to acknowledge it as being aimed at him originally. The samurai squints and searches around, searching for the voice's owner. Seeing her, he waves kindly. ]

Hello there! Gomen. I didn't realize you were speaking to me at first. I am Seppun Tashime.

[ He smiles faintly, which is more than most people will manage to get out of him. Though she is not even remotely Rokugani in appearance, even so, there is something about her appearance that Tashime is able to find instantly alluring. ]

[wearethemeta.livejournal.com]

[Meta's out on the grounds for once, Brute Shot out and ready. He'd spotted Tex by the pond a few days earlier and came out to investigate, but he stops to openly stare at this new face, a rumbling a low growl.]

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime regards the other man's armor with great interest. Never in all his time in Rokugan has the samurai seen such excellent metalwork. Obviously a daimyo of a family of considerable wealth, Tashime is ashamed of not recognizing this person. Bowing respectfully, he introduces himself. ]

I am Seppun Tashime, and I am humbled. I must say, samurai-sama, that your armorer is clearly the master of his craft.

[ofmywill.livejournal.com]

[ Goodness. Minato's from far too far in the future to recognise that on sight, but he's a good enough student to recognise it from the get-go! Fancy samurai duds...better approach this one carefully. ]

...hello?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Unaware that his homeland of Rokugan - and its people - are merely his world's reflection of Japan as it was in the old days, Tashime is fooled into thinking that Japanese people like Minato are in fact of Rokugani descent. Since none of them carry daisho, he further assumes that those who do not carry the scent of having worked the fields or stables to be either monks or oracles. He kneels reverently before speaking. ]

Heaven's blessings upon you, Brother. I am Seppun Tashime. How may I serve a disciple of the Tao?

[alabaster-blood.livejournal.com]

[Raiden's heading back up to the castle after his session at the shooting range when he spots the lavishly-dressed man. He looks like something out of "Seven Samurai... Raiden thinks as he approaches him. He recognizes the slightly confused look on the man's face, as he once wore it himself, when he arrived. He also recognizes the daisho on the man's hip, signifying him as a traditional samurai. He'll incline his head politely, remembering that it was the Japanese thing to do, before he speaks.]

Hello there. You look a little lost. I'm guessing you're new here?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ A surge of irritation wells up within Tashime: this barbarian forgot to introduce himself! He may wear the armor of his caste, but his manners are nowhere to be found. Surely he meant no offense; perhaps he is from outside the civilized reaches of Rokugan. A savage he may be, but his intentions could still be pure. The samurai stops himself from returning the rudeness, and instead offers a curt bow. ]

Konnichiwa! Seppun Tashime, hatamoto to Seppun Katsura, at your service. You speak the truth: indeed I am lost, though I know not the direction back to the capital city. Surely you can lend aid to a Seppun magistrate?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_fredless/]

[Fred's still lingering outside after her walk when she catches sight of a shadow near the duck pond. And as shadows tended to be, this one was inevitably attached to a person.

She studies his features as she approaches, quickly deciding that it's someone she's never met before. Fred approaches him with a smile]

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I walk.

[slicesanddices.livejournal.com]

[Well, here's someone who catches Logan's attention. He addresses him in Japanese.]

Nice swords.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[Tashime sighs gratefully. Finally a man who at least knows how to offer a proper compliment. He removes the blades so as to offer the newcomer a closer look.]

They are the make of the legendary blacksmith Hida Fubatsu himself, and were given to me by my last sensei. A treasure I am not soon to forget. May I ask who you are?

[userless]

[Green, huh? Gibson can appreciate green.

Over near the duck pond (but not too close, as he's a bit wary of the water) is one human-sized computer program dressed all in black with a hood and sunglasses to block out the light. Oddly, the patterns on his jacket seem to be glowing.]

Hey there. You all right?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ Tashime is astute. He recognizes the traditional hooded wear of the shugenja, the priest class in Rokugan, as he does the emerald patterns that mark this stranger as a member of the Emerald Families, like Tashime himself. It is enamoring to find a familiar face in such an unfamiliar land. ]

I am perfectly fine, though thank you for your concern. You are a priest, yes? Please, tell the Kami I lay myself prostrate before their mercy. I had thought I was damned to spend an eternity in Jigoku along with my charge, the innocent Tamori Shaiko. Please pray for me on her behalf. She does not deserve to suffer endlessly for the sake of my foolishness.

[ino]

[Yeeeeeah, this girl isn't familiar with those particular customs, as she's from a different (but still vaguely Asian) world. But she does know a samurai when she sees one, thanks to the swords and the robe style! (And hey, even if she doesn't get the meaning, she does still like the flower.) She'll approach with a small smile.]

Wow, I like your kimono.

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

Arigato. Your clothing is also quite elegant, though I am embarrassed to confess, I cannot divine from it the knowledge of your clan or family.

[Clan symbols are usually worn in Rokugan to inform strangers of the wearer's place in society, but the shinobi lacks any identifying marks save for the purple of her garb.]

Are you a Unicorn perhaps? A staunch maiden of the Utaku family, I'm sure.

[rhymebell.livejournal.com]

[Rhyme here was just about to feed the ducks when you pop along. Seeing the ducks are no where to be found, she turns to see you, and blinks.]

I didn't miss a holiday, did I?

[seppun-tashime.livejournal.com]

[ If Tashime were not concerned with upholding the Seppun family's noble reputation in this foreign land, this adorable sight might we have gotten a gratifying "D'aww...!" out of him. But that is not quite his reaction. ]

Not a holiday, child. It's special for me; I'm new to this place, Paradisa. But it sounds as though new people arriving here is not all too rare an occurrence for you all.