Continuing on with the desire to get more Artwork for the Legend of the Five Rings setting and to broaden the cast of 'Supporting Characters' for Bayushi Tajima I proudly present: Shika Keiko.

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Born in to the small Deer Clan of Rokugan, Keiko was to likely become a courtier or even a matchmaker within her clan if not for her being caught in a fire at a young age. As far as what caused the fire is unknown with some speculating it to have been a deliberate fire caused by Ninja to stir up problems, others claiming it being the Kami's wrath, with others still thinking a simple lantern being knocked over could have been the cause. Whatever the cause may have been young Keiko survived the blaze, albeit was scarred extensively upon her right side as a result. With these wounds taking such a long time to properly heal and being bedridden as a result many of the plans for her were to be scrapped.

Living most of her youth in relative solitude she developed a Meek personality, knowing well it would be unlikely for her to be married off as any Dowry that would need to be paid would likely be all the more costly to make up for the scarring upon her form. She took to reading, flower arrangement, even painting, all tasks that likely could have offered some value as a wife if not for her retreating so frequently in to them like the scared little fawn she had become. This would of course be changed when one day she was visited by a young Samurai clad in Crimson and Black, wearing a fearsome Mempo.

Bayushi Tajima, the Samurai in question, had come to Kyuden Shika with his mother to visit one of the Esteemed matchmakers, and had promptly gotten bored with the meeting and had gone to wander. Having met the darling Doe he had begun to speak with her and unlike many within her own family, he never let his gaze off of her. He actually was interested in what she had to say, speaking of her sheltered life, she actually grew to become more open with this stranger of her anxieties and fears, her worries of not being good enough... Before she knew it the young Bushi had taken her by the hand, led her in to the meeting room with the matchmaker and proclaimed: "I am to Marry 'her'. I want no other as my bride."

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Some may notice some similarities between Keiko here and Katawa Shoujo's Hanako Ikezawa, and that is intentional. Hanako was a favorite character of mine for many years, and using her as the inspiration for my character's Betrothed was a no-brainer for me. I still do not know what the future holds for dear Keiko here, but I certainly hope that whomever is reading this will be there when the time comes to explore that future.

Thank you again Starri for the stunning work!


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