Utaku Cho

Utaku Cho
Utaku Battle Maiden
Battlesteed: Hachiman
Clan:	Unicorn Clan
Daimyo:	Utaku Ise
Glory:	6.7
Honor:	8.0
Status:	Personal: 1.8
	Empress' Personal Guard: 3.5
Rank:	3
Player:	Curtis Steinhour

Modules Played

• SoB00-SoB11
• SoB13-SoB25
• SoB28-SoB35
• SoB39
• INT01

Tales

The Saddle

Utaku Cho, fierce Battle Maiden of the Unicorn Clan, flew over the plains like ... Oh, never mind. I'm a warrior, not a storyteller, and I'll tell this my way.

I *am* Utaku Cho, Battle Maiden of the Unicorn clan, and I *am* rather fierce. The only good enemy is a dead enemy, and there's no point in saying otherwise. There is one enemy I wish were dead, though, even though he gave me this great saddle. Why? Because that slippery scoundrel *tricked* me, that's why.

It was in this town - Crab lands, I think. They're generally pretty good people, so I didn't mind giving them a hand tracking down a businessman that has been giving them trouble. My friends and I followed his path of trouble all through the town, from one sake house to another. (Boy! I’m glad I wasn't with the Phoenix when she blew up that place! I thought that might be the end of the mission, but it turned out all right.)

Anyway, we were finally able to prove that he was the one causing the problems and were sent to bring him in. When we arrived at the sake house, he was having a party for a few (few, ha!) friends. When we arrived, he greeted *us* like friends who've been out on the plains all season and have just returned. And then he offered gifts. Now, I didn't appreciate that - I may not be a civilized as some, but I know a bribe when I see it! I tried to refuse, but all I could think of was how Hachiman would look. The leather is as soft as butter, roughed up just enough so that it won't slip but not enough to gall. It's contoured so perfectly that if I didn't know better, I'd think someone got into Hachiman’s stall and took his measurements. The stitching is of fine but strong thread and not a knotted or dropped stitch anywhere.

It's as if somebody took my measurements, too, because it fits like a glove. Just the right size, soft where it should be and firm where it needs to be. No chafing; didn't even have to break it in.

I couldn't take my eyes off it. I tried, though! I refused, and he offered again. He said it was made just for me and Hachiman. I almost, said yes, then caught myself and refused again. This time he pointed out how hard the craftsman had worked, how well he had crafted, and yet it apparently wasn't good enough for me.

Well! What could I say but yes? Yes, I knew I should refuse even as I accepted. I felt shamed. But, having accepted, I couldn't refuse again.

So, I've been using it since. It's everything he promised and more. And Hachiman loves it. What else is there to say?