==This piece was drawn in mid-2023. Following my first art commission, my Ko-Fi supporters voted for me to begin uploading art here, including pieces that have been up on FA that I still like. This is one of those pieces.==

The beat of hooves told the villagers there was a samurai approaching. The tempo of the canter was enough to identify it as a rider of the Unicorn Clan. That it was a sole woman, dai-kyu preemptively drawn...they would recognize the first daughter of the Utaku daiymo.

The sight of gathering bonge in the settled patch ahead caused the wolf to click, her steed recognizing the signal and slowing from gallop to trot, from trot to walk. “Hai, charges of the Unicorn,” she called as her horse drew in.

The village head stepped forwards. “My Lady Utaku-dono,” he greeted, bowing to the ground, “we are honored by your presence. The lands are fertile and the crops take well. Our village will serve well.”

“I am not here to ensure a tax,” she sighed, “and providing well or not does not change my duties to you. Serve honorably, and I shall protect you. That is all.”

The head bowed even still. “What brings you, Lady Utaku-dono? May this servant offer you hospitality and a meal?”

“Your hospitality and respect is acknowledged, but I’m in a hurry,” the wolf responded with usual politely-intended curtness. “What is it you request of the Utaku? I assume from the group gathering there is a petition in mind.”

The village head gulped, further pressing his head into the dirt. “We are not worthy, Lady Utaku-dono, but...a ronin passed through the other day,” he explained. “He convinced us at first he was a Lion, and he showed us papers. But...when he left, he took with him a cart full of lumber, rice, and barley, and he was wearing the symbol of a hare. We would not dare raise arms against one of higher status, and…”

“Curses, he’s headed south then,” she muttered. “heading for Ide lands. At least I have a chance to catch the bastard if he’s pulling a cart.”

The bonge leader cringed. “We would not dare demand you risk your life for us, Lady Utaku-dono! We merely hoped you might suggest a merchant arrive to offer us opportunity to replenish our—“

“Don’t misunderstand me,” the wolf interrupted, “You did the right thing. And merchant, yeah, whatever, I’ll have one sent just in case. But I’ve been hunting this asshole for a week now, and that’s my priority. You’re getting back those same goods, if I have anything to say about it.” She leaned over the side, bow tucked to her waist. “I know you weren’t demanding specific action. And even if you were, I’d just correct you in most cases. You may fear me, as your superior, but temper that with understanding. Serve my family and care for my family’s lands honorably, and I shall protect you. I am Lady Utaku Fumi, your Lady, and I will not treat you unjustly.”

Without waiting for a response, she scanned the ground. Old wheel tracks in the dust still were there, taking the dirt road south. She twisted the reins and clicked, the horse moving through an opening in the villagers before quickly kicking into a full gallop once more.

The bonge watched as she rode away, drawing an arrow from her quiver and notching it cautiously as she made her pursuit. Pretty, but far too independent...that was their Lady Utaku Fumi.

“...I hope she finds an obedient husband,” one of the women sighed.

“Yes. We are blessed to have such compassionate Ladies like her,” the head agreed, even as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Wouldn’t make his job much less stressful, though. Samurai were dangerous, and the young Lady Fumi was no exception.
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I had a cursory glance at Legend of the Five Rings (4th Edition) a long time ago. Well, a friend mentioned possibly planning a campaign, so I started reading the books. What hit me, like a flood, was a rare case of deep inspiration. Character after character flooded my mind, and, sure, while I have no idea if my interpretations will be possible, correct, or in-line with the canon or my friend's design...I didn't have many avenues to vent my hyperfixation. And, well, I did say I needed to draw spontaneously more, especially if I'm to improve...so...two birds, one stone!

The character:
Utaku Fumi is the first daughter of the Utaku daiymo, a matriarchal family of the Unicorn Clan. They are renowned for their distinctly superior horsemanship and horses, which they brought with them after their journeys through the lands beyond Rokugan. While she, like many Unicorn, is unusually direct and has customs that differ from much of Rokugani culture, she prides herself on meeting many of the higher expectations that her homeland has. She proudly traces her lineage back to Lady Shinjo, and even occasionally has aspirations of becoming Clan Champion. But the difficulty is in her idealism; she often puts unfair expectations on herself to meet those high standards, and her overconfidence can get her into trouble. But it's clear she has great things ahead of her...should she survive that long.

The art:
Extreme perspective, attempt number 3: this time, with my most dreaded angle: from below. I really wanted to get a sense of scale with this one and I even made a clever bit of composition: having the bow's tip extend beyond the horse's head to make it appear like a Unicorn! I was SUPER pleased with how this one came out, even if I messed up the unique clothing style a little bit. Fumi's design is simple, much like the character of mine I spun her off from, Willow, but...I think it's fine in this case. Extremely happy with this one too!

Art and Fumi (c)  MavenTreecat

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