lemonke

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Ehiba could hear the cries of those who had fallen, on how they suffered, but at least they sang in unison, as a duo, together. Yet, she already knew that those who placed chains upon the innocent would soon blame her, but it no longer mattered. The world always sought someone to cast its guilt upon, some scapegoat to justify its hunger for control, its cruelty, its need to twist wicked deeds into false righteousness. Even so, she did not feel sorrow. In her heart, she knew the two had abandoned her out of fear. She felt betrayed, yes, but she would still be content if they found happiness. She only wished they had listened, that they had heeded her, and not misplaced their trust. A trembling breath escaped her, guilt gnawing deeply at her soul. She had not prepared them for the world, had not warned them how merciless, how narrow-minded it could be. She had taught them the meaning of family, unity, compassion, and understanding... but not how blood and kin could become the sharpest knives upon one's back. And so, on that day, she climbed the mountain of her homeland. There, she lit two lanterns, letting them rise into the sky. With her hands pressed together in prayer, she wished that the pair would remain safe and united, forevermore. No matter where they would go, no matter what she did, or what they did. She will remain their mother, their family. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── ── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Then, a thought drifted into her mind as she prayed, something The Aspen had told her long ago. No tears fell from her feline eyes; instead, she whispered that memory aloud. Still carved with the pain of her loss, yet accepting it all the same with no great sorrow, she allowed herself the first step forward. She had accepted it... "To let go." "I need..." "To let go..." @DragonofTaters ── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

The enraged Shinobi would never learn that Ehiba, the so-called pink witch, knew nothing of Fukuro’s curse, nor of what had befallen him, or that they were angry because of so. She would have spoken, would have listened, had things not spiraled so violently out of control. Never once did she intend to betray or harm her former brothers and sisters, or to spread their secrets; instead, she had hoped to help Ena's Shinobi and teachings grow, and yet all the green Shinobi would find in his wake would be resentment, grief, and anger. All things that will devour him, as it leads only unto the dark side, if not controlled. Alas, if only she had known. If only she could have helped. If only they had known, she would have stood beside them against the Decay Druids and every other threat. Guilt lingered all the same. She did not know where to mend the broken edges, nor where to begin healing a rift born of shouting threats and bitter accusations, but other than satiating one's twisted heart of death, what else could she do? Even so, grieving, wounded, she lived quietly and more peacefully than most, praying that Ena might one day find peace, whether that meant killing her or letting go, for this is how life must go. Nevertheless, despite everything, despite her own ache and disdain, she would forever consider him a brother. Regardless, he would indeed find a tree, nothing more than a tree. It was just a tree, and it will always be a tree. Still, if she had been found and slain, she would become more powerful than they had ever imagined. For an ideal, a martyr is tenfold more potent than any material or magic. Her hood was lifted, and her gaze drifted into the horizon in her own desolation. Only the force of the Kami may know what will happen next.

Once again, a messenger kept her informed. Ehiba expected nothing less; their hatred knew no bounds. Yet what truly wounded her was seeing the name of her teacher upon the missive. She could accept the Empire hunting her, though now she was safe within her homeland. She could accept Norland betraying her for the sake of their people’s security. But witnessing that familiar signature, her sensei’s signature, made her heart sink. She could not accept it. She could not let it go. It was easy to grow accustomed to every scheme, every attempt to corner her, but not this. "Yare yare… Magnolia-sensei…" Forgiveness for such an act was beyond her. The aged druid stared at the name of her former teacher with nothing short of hate. She understood the reasons, perhaps even the pressures, but she could not forgive it. She would never forgive Magnolia, nor the druids who followed in step. For a fleeting moment, she even wondered whether the Spore druid had truly been the villain at all. Leaning back into her seat, she closed her eyes. There was only one hope left to her now, one person she still believed in. Miyu. All she could do was pray that Miyu would succeed where she could not.

Ehiba would be eating some sushi in front of a fireplace in her home. Peacefully, where no explosive could reach her. No matter, although she did disagree upon the arrival of the missive by a messanger, and the material within, she still thought Jiro had brought up an interesting topic. "I wish I could exchange words with you about this, Jiro-san. Without threats or war. I would have enjoyed it as some points you bring up are quite interesting." She sighed; perhaps one day this would be over, and they'll understand that she was no enemy. In the meanwhile, she pinned the missive on a wall in respect. A reminder that perhaps one day, she might be able to have a discussion with him. For now, she shall remain away in her rest.

"Alas, that had to happen. Now, the wicked abusers of our gift will be on the hide due to all these politics. Stay strong, brother of nature. If only the others had heeded my warnings about HER." Ehiba prayed beneath her breath under the roof of her house away from Azuras, words dedicated to her brother Harvest and his courage, to bless him in his duty. She sighed, and after a long pause, she uttered a word of hope, one that would express her true emotions regarding all this. "Justice."

"I had warned them. My sensei, Aspen-dono. Our arts will perish if politics become involved in this way; it is only a matter of time before aspects look upon our gifts with disappointment." An oyashiman now residing far away from Azura commented after a messenger had brought her this missive. She carried the red squirrel on her shoulder, sighing. That little animal was a memento of an era now past, though she wondered how this would land. How do her brothers and sisters survive through this? "My little Haven was no vassal, but if the world considers it as such, not much can be done, can it? Little squirrel?" She hummed along. "Much to build a place free from all politics and drama, only to be used as an enforced tool—to find a withered shard of what is union for them. A scapegoat for bloodshed. Ironic." A tear of sadness descended from her eye. The wrath and greed of man were beyond any recognition. She, who had spread no real secret, other than the name of an individual known by many, not out of malice, but because she entrusted this individual to teach her people and be calm, to help, but alas, mankind can be as paranoid as an ancient druid, thinking all will be your enemy for the sake to preserve something that will fade no less. "Good luck, everyone. I only wish I could have resolved it without leaving a trace of chaos behind. For I never meant... war or to provoke the likes of Kurai. Still, I must move on, free. Never kneel to them."

[!] Small constructs with the likeness of a Geisha would wander across the world. A missive to announce the world of a certain happening in public. I am Oyashiman. What does it mean? To be free. My ancestors suffered greatly under the Demon Shogun, and many of the Seisho, my own clan, were enslaved. For this, we sought freedom. Not to cause political disasters or seize power, but to bring peace. This is what I sought with my faith: to create a utopia where bloodshed is nonexistent, where our people can be themselves. Not only Oyashimen, but everyone needs this. For that reason, I founded the Rokudo Haven anew, a temple of my ancestors, to give a home to those in need. That is what it was built for. In my life, I had many people telling me what to do, whether in Norland or Koyo-kuni, and that was fine. I understand that I had to adjust to their ways and customs. When I left civilization to pursue the calling of my faith, I held no hatred. I always supported my former brothers and sisters, no matter the taint placed on my name or the insults I received. Thus, I come now to say this: Kurai-kuni, you believe I was some mastermind, or that I planned to manipulate and pull people away from your city. That is not true. I do not care what those I heal choose to do, as long as they do not become yokai or fall into darkness. Yes, I do not agree with the samurai system, but that is simply my way of life to not follow any powerful title, nothing more. It does not mean I desire an uproar. I do not keep such a hierarchy in my temple, for doing so would also disrespect your own nation. My group consists of a young one who just turned eighteen, whom I watched grow and whom we saved from slavers back on Almaris; a native from another land who needed food and refuge; an Oyashiman forced to wander the streets in poverty, whom I welcomed; and a half-Oyashiman who lost his home on Aevos and cannot find his parents anymore, to whom I offered identity and purpose. Never did I tell them that Kurai-kuni must be ignored. As you know, I even took part in your carnival and performed as a Geisha. This is not a band of warriors but of Misfits, people who seek home and can choose what they can be, as long as a path of evil isn't chosen. To your accusations of breaking an oath of blood: I am not sure what that even entails, nor what I supposedly did. I had already lost all duties in Kurai-kuni; I held no obligation to your nation or to the Shugo. Still, I never planned anything against you. Instead of sending me a simple letter, as old friends would, to discuss whatever this supposed matter was and find a solution, or me giving an explanation, you chose to spill blood in my forest by sending a force of marines, forcefully finding yourself across the Wood Elven nation's lands, breaking into my temple, and shattering my holy grove. A place meant only for rest. You butchered the home of my ancestors for nothing, when this could have been resolved properly. You will receive no response from me if you now choose to publicly declare what this “blood oath” was. I think we are long past the point of proper communication to understand whether it is the truth or a lie. As for my presence in Iryalen, my temple stood there long before, alongside the other druids. I am an apostle of nature, and like all others of my calling, I must not be tied to politics. Sonna-sama has no authority over my temple, nor is it an official vassal. I stand on my own. I simply wish to help people and care for nature, nothing more. I will not kneel, for I seek no involvement in political matters. Why was I in Norland? I wished to help their druid grove flourish again and to aid them in slaying the yokai that often plagued the city. Furthermore, their king indeed offered assistance in communicating with your Shugo to find a peaceful resolution, nothing so twisted or scheming as you had imagined, for I'm not a woman of war. Yet, there was no communication on your side as I tried so many times. To Norland: I do not blame you for listening to the Empire and turning against my people. It is not your fault; you merely followed your duty. To the Empire and emperor: I do not hate you. In truth, I commend you for the ambition you bear, your emperor’s ambition, the spirit of mankind itself. I know you are neither wholly good nor wholly evil. You are a primordial force, the raw drive of humanity. We were never a threat. We respected and preached Canonism all the same, for the Creator is as important as any Kami, if not more. But we were not your enemies. We do not understand why you chose to pursue someone as insignificant as me, or my people, while the Black Church and the Xionists grow in strength once more. I know my place in the grand scheme of things; I am small, and my influence is little. And thus, I am left confused as to why the great empire seeks the demise of an elderly one and three young people who have lost all. However, if it is what you truly desire rather than to discuss with a mere human such as myself, so be it. I cannot blame you. It's in the nature of any mindless wolf to hunt any prey. To my last words: I will not come to your trial, Kurai-kuni. It would be an insult to my freedom and to everything I’ve taught my students. I did not commit treason, for I am no longer of your nation, nor have I done anything against it. I am not obligated to follow your demands; I do not belong under your rule. I am free. And no, I will not fight, for my true oath forbids me from spilling the blood of any Oyashimen in hatred. I refuse to bear arms against you or your Shugo. Will you hunt down my people regardless? I believe so. I believe you desire bloodshed, no matter what I choose. I know your next step will be to attempt to recruit my students into your fold if I come to the trial, and to that I say, this could have been done peacefully, without this needless conflict. But so be it. If my refusal to attend your trial means you will pursue children, or the homeless who simply sought family and food, then so be it. Understand this: no matter where I go, no matter what happens, the will of my people will live on. In life or in death. I will not be used for entertainment. I am pained. I wish you could see past your veil of hatred and pride to understand… I was never your enemy. You tried to make me into one. I loved Koyo-kuni. I loved and respected the Kato clan, and I was still ready to fight for them, even from afar. I am sorrowed that you cannot see how pointless this conflict truly is. I had thought one thing… that Choumi’s situation would have taught you something. That forcing the hand of the desperate, pushing them to follow the tide of your customs, brings only doom. Choumi is dead, and you placed her upon the altar of her own end. Your unrestrained desire to control led her there. And yet, I am past hatred. I only hope the Oyashimen will one day find true happiness and see such mistakes, that this is not the way. Ja ne, everyone. This chapter concludes as it is, but a new book will soon be written. I thank all the people who helped shape who I am. I have many regrets, and yet I would change nothing about my life. 聖翔 恵刃 Seisho Ehiba ︶︶୨୧︶︶ Some private letters were sent out, all signed by Seisho Ehiba. DO NOT METAGAME THEM: Sonna-sama and Iralyaen leadership ( @Junoix): Magnolia-sensei and Aspen-dono ( @craneia @DragonofTaters) : Miyu-san and Laymech, Kanba@Adelemphii @_xMika @PolarLoLs: Fukuro-san @usercultist: Haraldr and Iulius @__Stal27 @Iulius: Victor @KidKrinkles: Meta @Telmster: The Vourkehardt duo and Hanzo( @RatFromTheTrash@The Vulgate Cycle: Melisende ( @Divinational): Moth-Dono @Wand:

"You know me well. There is no peace for the wicked. I must only move forward..." A necromancer paused. "Until I breathe no more." Whilst wicked, Joro would find some comfort that the ally she swore to ascend into leadership is alive and well. "Sayonara, old friend. Be in peace. At least... you should. You deserved it."

Ehiba misses Takemura

Smilebone had a personal undead mailbox. The letter arrived at her instead... "NANI IS THIS?" "YOU LIQUID-YELLOW PRINCE. I THINK THIS IS FOR YOU." Screamed from below the lair, the necromancer. To call forth the golden prince.

Ehiba prepares a red wedding after not being invited! :(

Thank you gamer

[!] Small constructs with the likeness of a Geisha would wander within the keep of the Norlanders. They’ll offer letters only to the council, the king, and the leaders of the Red Faith, with a clear message written crudely in ink. Konichiwa, Leaders of Fire and Norlanders. I am Seisho Ehiba. I have recently returned within your walls, for your King has granted safety to my people during these difficult times. Yet I am not one to sit idle or take advantage of another’s generosity without offering anything in return. Thus, I come with a proposal. I was blessed by the Triumvirate of Nature and entrusted with the duty often associated with druids, even if I do not fully identify myself as one due to my Oyashi ways. Both my apostles and I walk this path to ensure the cycle of life flows as it should: steady yet chaotic, giving and taking as nature wills. Although my beliefs differ from yours, I have heard tales of a druidic grove that once stood within your walls, now long gone. I wish to restore it, to bring back what was lost and let it thrive again among your people. Naturally, I will await your permission, and obviously the Red Faith shall remain the primary focus. I have no desire to convert nor sway; that is not my way. I only seek to help your OWN culture flourish once more. I merely ask to be patient as I have my own people to teach and guide. Grant me this chance, to serve, to contribute, To be of use. 聖翔 恵刃 Seisho Ehiba A Letter only Nenar( @DragonofTaters) and Arle ( @craneia could read: OOC: DIIIIIIING... MY CHARACTER IS STILL WITH IRALAYEN. I AM A DRUID HERMIT BAKAYERO... STOP READING TOO MUCH INTO IT. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Also if any druids is interested to intercept the missive, lmk.

@Adelemphii

Utsuribana(移り花) The Geisha Order of Reincarnation ︶︶୨୧︶︶ (永遠の務) The Eternal Duty: The Utsuribana was an ancient order of bards, artists, and artisans devoted to creating art in freedom. It originated with Seisho Fushimi Shō, born from her clan, the Fushimi, who united with the Seisho through marriage to promote artistry and preserve cultural legacy. Their union ushered in a new era of peace for both women and men. From this, their eternal duty was born, an original purpose distinct from the Scattered Suns Geisha. They aimed to sing songs of freedom, to aid the world without bias, and to share poetry and music that would lead to an age where no one is trapped by ideals that cause suffering. They sought to create a path for those who felt ill at ease with themselves, offering comfort and change rather than stagnation beneath a leader or ideology, in peace with no politics. Their goal was to give men who felt out of place and women whose creativity had been stifled a renewed spark of light. This eternal duty was to safeguard joy, so that laughter and better lives could flourish. Without violence, with only the purity of mind and soul. That is to say, such a duty was upheld to ensure the reincarnation of one’s life would bring better joy in the next generation, for it was believed that only a calm heart could aim to seize a better future. To become guides like their Lesser Kami. ︶︶୨୧︶︶ Shinchu, Lesser Kami Of Moths (Mani). Father of Reincarnation And Omens As the Geisha order continues to follow the Shizen no Kakumei's faith, they do not worship the gods with zealotry but instead offer them deep respect. Among these honored Kami is Shinchu, a lesser kami who sacrificed its own immortality to remain within the mortal plane like the other of its kind(the Mani). Shinchu is the father who guides lost souls to the entrance of Tokoyo’s bridges. Though unable to cross into Tokoyo itself, it leads the wandering so they may find the light of the gateway. Shy by nature, the Father of Reincarnation carries only a single candle upon its back, allowing others to follow its gentle glow. Shinchu is also revered as a beacon of both fortune and misfortune. Along its path, it leaves strands of silk in countless colors. Many speculate that this Kami is the source from which Geisha and all artisans gain the materials for crafting garments and creating art. Yet these silks hold meaning: each is tied to a person’s soul. One’s favored color reflects their nature, while other hues may signify good or ill omens. Only through sincere effort can one change the inner color woven into their spirit by these silks. For Shinchu’s light is merely the beginning of a new path. It is up to the Geisha, through reflection, growth, and art, to transform their inner selves and discover true peace. While it’s almost up to interpretation, some colors, this is what each color for dresses means, of course, it’s not everything, but some examples: Some common beliefs surrounding this kami are shared among the Geisha of this order, all symbolizing moths and their nature: ︶୨୧︶ Hierarchy in the Utsuribana: The Okiya (おかみ) An Okiya is a leader within the Geisha order. Their responsibility is to oversee the growth and well-being of every Geisha, ensuring they remain healthy and happy and fulfill the duties they accept. The Okiya are the mothers of all women and men in the order, the beacons of guidance and leadership that all Geisha ought to strive to become like. Geisha (芸者) A Geisha is a Maiko who has fully mastered the role of an entertainer and successfully completed all the trials to ascend into this position. Now, they may take Maiko under their guidance without needing approval and may accept jobs without seeking the consent of an Okiya. At this stage, a Geisha is expected to make no mistakes, as they must remain perfect in all their duties. Becoming a Geisha is a serious commitment, and those who quit the role are not viewed kindly by their peers. Maiko (舞妓) The role of a Maiko is for those who are new and walk upon this path, desiring to become a Geisha in their foreseen future. Nevertheless, since achieving the role of a Geisha requires perfection, only a few ever progress beyond this rank. A Maiko must always be accompanied by another person when going out on duties, and must first consult with the Okiya before accepting a job. To ascend in rank, a Maiko must complete three significant tasks, each representing the domains of the Haven's faith, to prove they are worthy of the honor and responsibility that comes with being a Geisha. Taikomochi(太鼓持) All must be granted freedom, and sometimes men within the Temple, or beyond, may feel wary of battle and wish to pursue a different path. The role of a Taikomochi was created for them: men who aspire to become artists themselves through makeup, dress, and song. Like the Geisha, they are trained to be bards and are given this title, which distinguishes them from a Maiko while still allowing progression within the order. This first step honors their desire for freedom and self-expression. Because of this role, they often act as a more independent force and are given more leeway than a Maiko. Nevertheless, the common rules of the order must still be observed for advancement to higher ranks. Appearance(外 観): (OOC: Some Minecraft skin References) One of the most defining features of a Geisha is her flawless, porcelain-like skin. This is achieved through the careful application of rice powder, for this delicate and white complexion is a sort of paint for the sharp accents of black eyeliner and deep red lip stain. The makeup precisely applied serves as a cultural symbolic thing that the Geisha is not just a woman or a man but a figure who transcends the ordinary to embody purity, grace, and ancient tradition. Equally remarkable is a Geisha's blackened teeth, a grandiose distinction against the pale skin, which has an important meaning beyond its aesthetic function. It's an art called Ohaguro; it signifies her commitment to the path of the Geisha, a visual marker of dedication and cultural devotion that makes one's teeth cleaner. However, the usage of Ohaguro is often only bestowed on the most honored and high-ranked Geisha. Furthermore, some old-fashioned individuals consider showing blackened teeth in public a shameful act to avoid; for this, fans are used to hiding smiles and similar expressions. All in all, Geisha are undoubtedly beautiful men or women, perhaps among the most beautiful. Yet their appearance, shaped by tradition and artistry, sets them apart from conventional standards of beauty, for they are beings who rise above and must uphold an undying finesse. Way Of Dressing: (装い ) The most prominent feature in a geisha's garments is their kimono, which can also occasionally serve as a rank indication. Therefore, a Maiko might opt for robes with more vibrant hues and complex patterns, whereas elderly Geisha traditionally don fresh robes with simple yet sophisticated designs. The Geisha's footwear does not look like any other. The elevated wooden sandals, referred to as Geta, were constructed to raise the Geisha off the ground to prevent her traditional garment from dragging in the dirt. A key aspect of a Geisha's look is their hair, which is typically styled with overly fancy accessories. The Geisha's hair is ornamented with kanzashi, which are hair ornaments. According to the season of the year or the event, these hair-pins might feature different designs and are often handmade from natural resources such as silk flowers, metal, or wood. A Geisha may, for instance, select a more subtle decoration for a formal occasion or put flowers in their hair in the spring. ︶୨୧︶ Instruments (楽 器) One of the core duties of a Geisha is to be an entertainer and to uplift the spirits of all who come into their presence. Whether they are soldiers returning from tours, common folk, or anyone in one's domain, down on their luck. Given this important role, the instruments they choose to play must be nothing short of perfect to prepare all for rebirth and have a greater future. The decision of which instrument to wield is therefore deeply personal, reflecting both the beauty of their souls and their lifelong commitment to the duty to ensure reincarnation, and their connection given by Shinchu. As one of the trials, a Maiko will have to craft their own musical instrument and hold it dearly as if it were the sword of a Samurai. Some commonly chosen instruments consist of: 三味線)Shamisen: The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum. Geisha who wield this instrument are often dynamic and expressive in their performances. They easily flutter between different emotions, from tepid, nerve-wracking ones to playful and catchy ones. These are the Geisha who are extremely versatile and volatile, not only in their craft but in everything they do. 琴)Koto: This instrument is a large 13-stringed zither, which rests on the ground during use. The koto produces a soft, melodic sound when played. Thus, its players are extremely refined and composed. These are the Geisha who display a sense of tranquility and stoicism everywhere they go. 笛)Fue: The fue is a handheld instrument, usually crafted out of bamboo wood. Its high-pitched, free-flowing sound offers a sense of joy and lightness, and so, the geisha who play the fue are often joyful themselves, easygoing, and free-flowing. Its handheld nature allows for the Geisha to have a high level of performance. Katami (形見): The Katami is a memento, a record carved onto an instrument with pages to honor the deceased members of the Order. Those who have fallen are remembered so they may never be forgotten. The Lesser Kami of Moths encourages us to keep their spirits alive within our memories, guiding souls that may have been lost and the knowledge they bore. Thus, they become heroes or heroines of yore, a symbol of respect and remembrance. This record will be updated accordingly, and this is only the first of many. The Red-Flower Dragon( @RingAroundRosey): OOC: Nothing of this common knowledge. A reworked GEISHA order, I reused some parts. Thank you @lattefor the things she had written before. The Formatting of the forum is still wacky. I tried my best

I like it. Very based

Grinkus kinda Grinking with this amendement

"YESSIR!" An overlord of undeath saluted the archdemon before going to do some preparations.

"THEY ARE ONTO US! DAMMIT!" Screamed a blind seer. They could already hear the chanting of the shortmen raiding their home.