<strong>Oshiro Midori (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=274532.msg13508458#msg13508458)</strong><br/><strong>Location</strong>: Oshiro Clan Estate<br/><strong>Tagged</strong>: Itakura Tametane (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=274532.msg13520213#msg13520213);<br/><hr/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Have you ever known me to not be ready to draw steel Hime?  I wasn't under the impression you kept me around for my charming sense of manners," Itakura said.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Midori quirked an eyebrow at that, but smiled. "I don't."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I'm glad that you've finally decided to move, it's been ... amusing destabilizing our neighbors but better still the rewards reaped for openly taking what it is we require.   You play the part of the sheep a little too convincingly these days, I'm glad you can bare your fangs when it's required"  He gave a half bow, wearing that devil may care smile that looked so natural on his bearded lips.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>If he had said something so mocking in public, Midori wouldn't have let it slide. In the tea room, privately, she could give a relaxed response. "My father liked to say 'The weapon drawn sparingly keeps its edge best.' But I think I like the imagery of a wolf better. It suits us, don't you think?" For a moment, Midori smiled. "So long as you wag your tail only for me, Itakura, you'll never have to worry about<em>my</em>fangs."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The commotion outside continued, but something about it was off, it was one thing to try to deal with a warhorse who didn't want to be moved, quite another for a more general stirring in the household to be started. The warrior's hand instinctively came to rest on the hilt of his Katana, the black binding beneath his palm the most natural extension of his will as it made a clarion sound of metal rasping on leather when it cleared its sheathe.  <br/><br/>"If you arranged an attempt on your life just to give me something to do I appreciate the thought"  <br/><br/>It was just after those words came that the Chancellor begged for entrance.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Midori stood, and called the Chancellor through. The old, foppish man cleared the threshold quickly and went down in a floor-kissing bow to Midori. "Oshiro-hime, Shinobi were on the grounds... We believe they have taken Emiko-chan!"<br/><br/>Her demeanor changed; her back stiffened, and the mask she had assumed upon the chancellor's arrival vanished an instant long enough to show a flash of rage. "Rescue my sister, capture one alive for questioning!" She snapped at both men.<br/><br/>As Itakura inevitably departed, Midori added one last thing: "Itakura-san, if you cannot capture them... Bring me her bodyguard's head. He doesn't deserve the chance to wipe his shame away."<br/><br/><hr/><strong>Letters</strong><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Letter to Gunba Takeda</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gunba Takeda,<br/><br/>A few days hence, my sister was taken. Ever since the Emperor died (may he rest well) Shindo has been in the grips of great uncertainty and conflict. It is difficult to not see an enemy at every turn, in every shadow. Before these times, our fathers' friendship was a symbol of the strength of Shindo. With strong steel and a full belly, our warriors kept the peace. I hope that we, too, can keep that friendship alive. I wish to keep it alive in spite of our lack of familiarity. Perhaps, in the years to come, our two clans will stand as the beacons of strength whom ushered Shindo into a peace that lasts a thousand years.<br/><br/>Perhaps we could rekindle that friendship with the same mutually beneficial trade as our fathers had -- metal, for rice?<br/><br/>Your friend,<br/>-Oshiro Midori<br/></div></div>