The Hardest Walk (CLOSED RP)

[Tamori Manji]

OOC: This thread is part of the "War Refugees" storyline and takes place in Shiro Kitsuki. Anyone who is already there, passing through or feel the need to travel there and wish to join the thread may PM me or Yuusha.

For those curious to know where I took the name of the thread from:

grooveshark.com/s/Dark+Horses/2TWHcd?src=5

As the days passed by, Manji's hope to find his Daimyo, Tamori Koichi, began to wane. He was certain that his friend must have had a very good reason to leave his Family during this period of turmoil and the fox was doing his best to honor Koichi's trust and the burden of leadership that now rested upon his shoulders.

There was much he needed to accomplish and Manji knew that, albeit his Family needed him in the frontlines of the war, he had now other businesses to finish if he wished the Dragon to stay united after the conflict was over. The first, and maybe greatest, challenge was to meet the Kitsuki Daimyo, Yuushahime. Koichi had explained to him briefly about the politics behind the schism that plagued the Dragon when the war erupted. The rest Manji learned from an assortment of documents and letters the Tamori Daimyo left him before departing. The fox knew it would be futile to try convincing his peers about supporting the rightful Emperor, Hantei Naseru, so, he aimed to try unifying the Clan behind a single, more essential ideal, the protection of Rokugan's people. Breaching this subject with potential enemies could be dangerous, but they were now his Clan and their fate had become tied to his own. Presenting himself and this opportunity properly was the least he could do. After all, if he wasn't able to trust the wisdom of his own Clan, what would he trust?

Manji was now much more adept at traveling through The Kami's Roads than when he first used them to reach Kyuden Kasuga, together with Daidoji Jun, but he still decided to climb the steep path up to Shiro Kitsuki on foot. He used the strenuous trek through the mountains to meditate and clear his mind, in order to help sort his thoughts and free himself of any preconceptions he might have had before such an important meeting. He knew Yuushahime was in her castle, but he didn't know if she would agree to receive him, especially given the history between her and his Daimyo.

The Last Step Castle... never a place had a more appropriate nickname, he thought jokingly when he first arrived before the gates of Shiro Kitsuki. The view of the castle bathed by the first rays of sun in the morning was almost enough to dispel his weariness. The Dragon lands had a peculiar kind of beauty, one that always hinted at the hard work necessary to accomplish anything meaningful in life.

Despite being now the hatamoto of a major family in a great Clan, Manji wore his monk outfit, more suited to the path he had taken, and traveled alone, his formal attire carefully stashed away within his pack. Still, he gave off an aura of confidence and command when walked up to the Kitsuki guards near the gate. In a calm, reflective tone, he told one of them, good day Dragon brother. I am Tamori Manji, recently appointed hatamoto of the Tamori. I've come to cordially present myself to your Daimyo, Kitsuki Yuushahime-sama, and talk about the Dragon. Please deliver her my papers and inform her about my arrival. The fox offered the guardsman a letter that bore his Daimyo's seal to confirm his claims and patiently waited.

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

The no-nonsense Kitsuki took the documents with a respectful bow, two of them taking their time to pour over it and verify its authenticity. Another entered through the gatehouse and emerged again a few minutes later. They all seemed very guarded. After some awkward and silent time passed, one flicked his eyes almost imperceptibly to the returning guardsman.

"Your presence here is welcome..." He said. Welcome-ish anyway but unexpected and a complicating matter. "Brother Dragon. Please enter. Tea and refreshments will be prepared. Please be aware that Lady Yuushahime-sama is away today..."

Whether she was away for some weeks, a few hours or merely offering an excuse - Manji would have to find out.

He was shown into the town and escorted through its streets. They did not seem any different to other Dragon locations. The peasants were busy, the magistrates patrolled and the odd monk could be seen too. There were certainly many samurai about though. Mostly Kitsuki as one would expect from their primary province but also a number of Mirumoto.

Manji was shown into the palace and then into a quite spacious if somewhat plain tea room. The escort of two Kitsuki samurai finally departed and he was left with two servants who had their heads lowered to the floor ready to receive his requests. A third entered holding a tray with tea, her head dipped down low and her vision to the floor. It was all quite formal.

[Tamori Manji]

As expected... the fox thought after the guardsman's response. It was of no consequence though, his agents had been warned and the necessary orders had been given, if the Kitsuki Daimyo felt the need to play the waiting game, Manji would entertain her for a time. The best way to show his sincerity, he decided, would be to act the part of the gracious guest. Besides, nothing about the situation he was in warranted worry.

He followed the samurai duo calmly, carefully paying attention to the comings and goings of people throughout the whole way towards the castle. Upon arriving in the tea room within the castle, he sat himself in agura and said to the Kitsuki attendants with a kind voice, the hospitality of the Kitsuki Daimyo is as expected from one in her position. I thank you, in the name of the Tamori, for your care and attention during these difficult times, he smiled slyly then continued, if possible, I would be grateful for some time alone to meditate, while I wait at Yuushahime-sama's disposition. I'll make sure to warn you beforehand, in case any other needs arise. Do you have names by which I can call you?

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

"Moniki"
"Koharu"
"Ritsu"
Came the choir of replies. The one who introduced herself as Ritsu, who had served the tea, kept her head down while saying. "Our humblest apologies that Lady Yuushahime is presently away. You are most welcome to say here Tamori-sama. A room has been prepared for you. If you would wish to be shown anything, if you have need of anything or if you would like to visit the family shrine - or indeed anything else - then we will be at your service".

The three, as one, deftly tiptoed backwards while facing Manji, their heads bowed. They faded to the edges of the room. From there they bowed and one by one exited the room to leave the Tamori hatamoto in peace. The sliding screen doors were closed and Manji was alone. The only other thing in the room seemed to be the hot vapour from the tea.

[Tamori Manji]

Contingencies... does one plan ahead out of caution or fear? the fox thought to himself while drinking the hot tea and pondering about all the spells he waved in the last few days, a Jurojin's Balm triggered through a Silent Waters being among them. He drank the tea slowly, wondering about which courses the war would take and what paths were being opened and closed to him.

After finishing his tea, Manji reached into the void to observe the Dragon armies on march and the difficult decisions faced by the commanders on site. That was his most immediate concern for it would shape the destiny of his Clan in the war. It had already become clear to him that this conflict wouldn't reach a quick resolution and the more it dragged on, the longer the Empire would suffer. More importantly, part of the war refugees would now have to necessarily pass through the Phoenix lands to reach the Dragon mountains in order to avoid being caught in any skirmishes. He hoped the Phoenix had received his message but, if they did, there was still no sign.

The fox let his thoughts drift for a while and then emptied his mind. He had seen what he wanted, it would do no good to dwell on matters beyond his control now. Almost an hour after first arriving into the room, he rose and padded towards the door, sliding the shoji carefully. Outside, he asked Ritsu politely, could a bath please be prepared for me? I want to purify myself and change into the appropriate attire before visiting the Temple of Earth and the family shrine. I would appreciate if you, Koharu or Moniki could guide me there once I'm ready.

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

"Hai, of course Tamori-sama" Came the reply from the blank looking girl. Why were the servants so serious? She asked for how hot he would like it before stating "Then... please excuse me sama". Ritsu departed leaving Koharu and Moniki standing to attention.

"We will inform you as soon as it is prepared sama" the shorter male Moniki said. He looked more like a tattooed monk with his head shaven as it was. The larger male Koharu only kept his head low in reverence of the powerful shugenja.

The hour he had spent in the guest room had been very quiet. He would notice there were only the two servants around here now and one guard at the end of the hallway. Nobody else was in sight. Perhaps this area had been restricted to keep it quiet and peaceful for the ranking guest?

[Tamori Manji]

Cold water would serve my purposes well. I will await for your return in the tea room, said the Tamori hatamoto to the servant girl.

But upon returning to the room, his curiosity got the best of him and he thought instead, all this waiting is getting boring. Guess it's time to go explore a bit. I wanna know what all this silence is about, then he slid the shoji shut and walked silently to a side of the room, positioning himself in such an angle that would make impossible for him to be immediately seen by anyone entering the chambers. First, the fox intoned a prayer to the wind kami under his breath and asked for his presence to be hidden from prying eyes, which was part of the spell the eye shall not see. Shortly after he intoned another prayer, this time to the water kami, followed by a complex, but short, sequence of finger and hand gestures. The ever-changing waves was one of his favorite spells and it had required a lot of dedication to master. His flesh and clothes became like water, flowing and reforming to assume the shape of a small skylark. The backpack with his modest change of clothes and provisions could be left there, he decided, he would come back for them later, after getting some fresh air.

The skylark awaited for the shoji to be opened again by the servants, then flew graciously unseen through the passage. He could not help but wonder what interesting sights Shiro Kitsuki reserved for him.

[Mirumoto Shigekazu]

[Hour of the Akodo]
Dismounted travellers were marching through the mountains, cramped on narrow path between steep slope below and high precipice above. Shigekazu pointed over dense pine forest at one of rare glades.
- During travel to Unicorn lands we have a battle with Yobanjin war party there. Eight good warriors died fighting with almost hundred barbarians. We buried our warriors properly next to path but barbarians had not such luck and we left all their corpses where they laid. - Shigekazu sighed - I am afraid they do not present pleasant view after all those months since this route is rather unbeaten.
- Can we avoid this place somehow? - Mizu asked
Sotatsu studied area for a while and replied:
- I don't think so. This is main path and you see how bad it is. By-paths are probably used only by hunters and gatherers and sometimes by shepherds as a climb to pastures maybe. There is no way we could march fast by them and probably they ends somewhere in the forest as there are no known settlements nearby.
- Well, if there is really nothing we can do, let it be, Sotatsu-san.
- Mizu-sama, it is even worse. We need to camp near battlefield this night as it looks like it is only suitable place in the area.
- What about the smell? - asked Tadao - Rotten flesh is not my favourite.
- They should not smell by now. - Sotatsu seemed not very happy to talking about it - Wild animals and insects probably cleaned them to the bones right now. But it does not matter as we cannot travel during night-time. Case closed.
- We trust your judgement, Sotatsu-san. - Shigekazu said - You are the best of us in travelling through wilderness. Please, do not be angry, we are just not happy to sleep near the dead, but if it is necessary, we will.
- Thank you, Shigekazu-sama. Now, please proceed or we never reach the end of our journey.
- As you say.

---

[Hour of the Fu Leng]
Terrifying scream woke up everyone in the camp. Shigekazu looked at Akira who had his watch. Large tattooed monk, though sun-tanned and lighted by camp-fire, was white as cottage cheese, shuddering with fear.
- What happened?! - Shigekazu shouted
- Yo... yo... yorei... yorei attacked me - Akira stammered out.
- What?
- Yorei attacked me, sama. With a yari. Charged. I caught it's weapon. But yari vanished and yorei flew through me.
- Mizu-san! Please, pray for some protection for us.
- Yes, sama. - little shugenja was quickly putting on more appropriate cloths - I will. I only need to prepare a little.
- Look! - shouted Sotatsu and pointed with his katana - In the forest.
Between the trees mist was gathering and started to form in human shapes. Tens of ghosts of killed barbarians were mooning around the forest but none came out to open ground. Mizu dressed in robe was digging through scrolls looking for right one; rest, with weapons drawn, waited what would happen next.

Soon shugenja started to pray for protection. When she finished everyone sighed with relief more or less openly. Although no ghost disturbed them again, no one fall to sleep this night. When sun rises they all packed in a hurry and quickly departed leaving haunted place behind them.

---

[Several days later]
It was raining heavy when seven horsemen rode fast through virtually empty streets of city around Shiro Kitsuki. Horses sloshed mud around and few heimin who stayed outside were execrating at riders until they noticed Kitsuki daymio signs. Soon travellers reached the castle and made their way toward stables. Inside Yuushahime was waiting ready to take place of her impostor.
- It is good to see you again, Yuushahime-sama. - said Shigekazu and bowed - Let me introduce you your companions from travel: Tamori Mizu, Mirumoto Tadao, Kitsuki Sotatsu and Togashi Akira.
Each one bowed deeply before Kitsuki daymio.

---

[This is continuation of Back to the Dragon lands RP, which finished in game timeline but not finished in real life timeline yet, so you can post still if you want to.]

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

She had made the arrangements, a friendly shugenja having reported the group was due to arrive soon. It had been worthwhile as Mirumoto Shigekazu was back. She had another visitor but he could wait while she spoke to the head of the Dragon intelligence. Someone she knew well.

"It is good to see you too Shigekazu-san. And your companions. I hope you have all had rice today". The daimyo smiled but it looked a little weaker than usual.

"Please make yourselves at home here. Shigekazu-san, I am sure we have much to discuss. Please follow me. We can go to the meeting room above. It will be more relaxed than here". She stepped away from her modest chair and joined the group, shooing away a couple of guards who moved to join. Two or three Kitsuki courtiers, on edge even more than the others, gave her worried looks but she shook her head.

"We are all family here. Come". She led the group up two flights of stairs and along a corridor and into a very spacious and well decorated room room. Scenes of Dragon successes, mountains and people adorned carved wooden walls. The balcony doors were shut to keep out the cold but the view was likely magnificent.

Yuushahime took her seat and motioned for the others to do the same. She was being more informal than usual. "I will guess there is something important you wish to discuss Shigekazu-san? Something to bring you all the way here?"


----


Elsewhere the bird flew. It was not hard to escape the palace corridors and find a window out into the sunlight. It was cold today but it was always cold in the lands of the Dragon. Shiro Kitsuki was busier than usual and Manji could likely make out many people below. He may have caught a small group being led into the palace, an apparantly important group. Elsewhere the mountains loomed, eternally capped in snow. The sight was wonderful and it was only mid-day. There was still so much to see and enjoy. What would he do next?

[Mirumoto Shigekazu]

- Indeed, Yuushahime-sama, I have many reasons to be here.
Shigekazu made his position more comfortable taking the opportunity it was very informal meeting. During walk he was able only to take off his travel coat and cotton-padded kimono was bit too warm for chambers but loosening sleeves helped some.
- My general purpose is to restore peace and order in our Mountains. We have no official Daimyo in any family. Takezo-dono abandoned mountains leaving no successor, you decided to lock yourself inside your Shiro, Koichi-sama is missing and Togashi Daimyo never bothered with such affairs. Our forces are encircled and going to be slaughtered because of lack of proper reconnaissance, governors decided to take law in their hands and no one cares of Maho-Tsukai wandering thorugh our lands.
Shigekazu sipped tea brought by servants in the meantime.
- First we need to have formal rulers. I know Takezo-dono made you Kitsuki Daimyo but you never had your ceremony. Made one in Shiro Kitsuki as soon as possible. It will help people to forget about this miserable war for a while. I can take care of inviting enough people to make it important event. Please, take care of the rest of preparations.
Sotatsu gave Yuushahime letters on sign given by Shigekazu.
- These letters are from Takezo-dono and make me Mirumoto Daimyo. Some people may think they are worthless but since no one openly opposes me now I can be blessed on the very same ceremony as you. We only need to assure one thing... - Shigekazu suspended his voice for a moment - ...cordial cooperation with Tamori Manji. He is a Koichi-sama hatamoto and since Tamori Daimyo is missing he takes care of the Family.
Another sip of tea.
- He need to be supported as hatamoto who perform duties of a daimyo, even if some high positioned samurai may do not like him. He could even become a Tamori daimyo after war if Koichi not be found. You are a politician, Yuushahime-sama, so I hope you understand that he is the best choice for this position. If we want to have order we need unity, not two camps barking on each other.
Shigekazu sipped his tea a little longer this time.
- This is not all what I came with but I would like to know what do you think of this. Are you ready to prepare ceremony for us three and accept Manji as acting daimyo?

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

"You come to my house with many demands Mirumoto-san" she said after a moment's pause, lowering her tea. She was no longer calling him Shigekazu. Her smile slowly vanished...

"I would worry for the Mirumoto family if you became Daimyo without any capable advisors to assist you with courtly matters. I know of others who would have you killed for less". Her tone was not pleasant and neither was the withering gaze she gave the man. "I had thought we were allies though. Perhaps that was naive of me, just like my belief in the strength of the Dragon's unity. Nonetheless I will humour you..."

She took another sip of tea "To begin, I have not locked myself here nor do I believe a ceremony is currently necessary. Perhaps in the future where we would have something to gain. For the most part, those who need to know of my authority know of it. As for remaining here - it is safe here. I am a politician primarily as you have said. Would you have me on the front lines?". Her smile returned momentarily, mockingly, before her icy demeanour returned. She was clearly denying to herself that any other reasons had factored into her bottling herself inside the city.

"And I find it rather insulting that you would think I have not heard of Takezo-dono's recommendation, let alone that you think I could not invite enough important samurai myself for any ceremonies". She stood and stepped towards the man, crossing her arms and glaring down at him.

"We could use formal rulers, yes. But with the Dragon bureaucracy and only moderately ranked samurai within our Clan as powerful and influential as they are... it will do us no good to have formal rulers at this time. They will govern nothing as none would listen. We cannot unite the Dragon at this time - only when the war is over. It would take a miracle to do otherwise. I regret the danger the army has placed itself in, I am actually working against the vile bloodspeakers that stalk our lands though I lack the full support I would need to ensure complete success and yes, I am aware of Tamori Manji-san's position of hatamoto. He is new to the Clan but Koichi-sama believed he had promise enough to make him a hatamoto so of course responsibility lies with him now that the Tamori is missing. Still, there are other hatamoto and other Tamori. I question the wisdom giving him too much power so suddenly. What has he done for the Clan to warrant it?" She was aware that the young man was waiting to see her but she had barely heard anything about him. Now he was apparantly some important player. Preposterous. She would judge him herself.

"I will meet with him soon. You - Mirumoto-saaan" she stretched the honorific, humbling him. "Remember to never make demands of me." Her voice was raised. A couple of servants trembled, the Kitsuki courtiers stepped back. All would pretend they had heard nothing. "You are not the Dragon Champion. You are not Takezo-dono. You are only an Officer presently in the Dragon armies. Do not forget your place!"

Yuushahime turned around and marched back to her seat, disgusted with the way the demands were delivered. "Learn to be polite and subtle Mirumoto-san or you will just make more enemies for the Dragon. You are not the Mirumoto Daimyo yet - do not make demands of me. You know of our intelligence sources even more than I but you do not know them all nor do you know everything." She sat back down surprisingly gracefully for someone who was quite angry. "If you wish to claim your prize you will need my help. I therefore suggest you do not weaken our relationship with unnecessary insistence on certain paths to the future." Her tone was now more polite and it even sounded kind, though her face betrayed the lack of truth in that.

She gestured to her cup and a servant quickly skittered over and filled it for her. She had some more tea, her eyes again settled on Shigekazu but with perhaps less hostility now. They still clearly said do not speak yet.

With a breath out she relaxed and returned to her more usual ever smiling self, the fire behind her eyes hidden once again. In between sips of the fresh cup she concluded "All that horribleness said and now aside, I will support your efforts to become the next Mirumoto-daimyo since that is what Takezo-dono has requested and, and because I do actually believe you would do well with that duty. I think you would greatly benefit this Clan. Just - please - learn to be less direct in your approach to situations that are not an enemy fortification. Shiro Kitsuki is open to you and you are an honoured guest. As are your friends. Nonetheless even guests can demand too much. I will meet this Manji-kun and make preparations for this ceremony for the correct time while inviting further guests. Let us hope we can all survive this civil war until then."

She settled her tea down again and flicked her hair to the side, smiling happily as one would normally expect from such a young woman. "This Phoenix blend is delightful, ne?"

[Mirumoto Shigekazu]

(OOC: Sorry for delay. Some things from RL and this forum required my attention and I was not albe to RP properly)

Shigekazu was surprised with Yuushahime's reaction. He used to she is gentle, calm and balanced. Obviously there were more truth in Kimiko's words than Shigekazu was willing to believe in the first time.

Dojo in Great Fall Castle train Mirumoto and Kitsuki how to cooperate and to share their wisdom. It not only provides the Clan with excellent yojimbo and investigators able to defend themselves alone but also teach bushi how to cope with court matters better than their counterparts from other Clans. Common method is to find analogies between battlefield and court and apply them for finding solutions in troubled situations. Shigekazu received such training before his mission as Dragon Ambassador to the Unicorn Clan. Now he felt like he just led a charge which was stopped by encounter with forces stronger than it was expected. He decided to consolidate his positions, reconnoitre and push it further, fortify or retreat to safe positions depending on situation.

The more Yuushahime was speaking the more Shigekazu was sure he moved too far and his flanks are exposed - quick look at courtiers and servants assuming defensive positions was the best sign of this. He was more and more afraid that this battle is lost. But surprisingly she went back, lowered her stance and assured of her good will. Shigekazu was confused. In the battlefield it surely would be a trap - withdrawing without reason was clear invitation into an ambush. But maybe some other analogy would be more suitable in this situation. So rapid changes in stances suggested disorder in the mind of general...

There were doubts. But there was another school Shigekazu attended. Its first teaching was "whenever there are any doubts, there is no doubt". But he did not remember what was the name of the school because it is second thing it teach. Shigekazu decided to fortify and pull up both flanks.
- Yuushahime-sama, I am deeply sorry you feel that I demand anything from you. Maybe staying too long among crude Unicorns blunted my sense of courtesy and this is the reason I spoke too harsh and aggressive. I am very glad you showed mercy and agreed to my ideas while condemning they form. I promise to get rid of my discourtesy. Will you forgive me my scandalous display and let me to attend your meeting with Tamori Manji and to invite guest for forthcoming ceremony?

[Tamori Manji]

Shiro Kitsuki - Audience Room

As the meeting progressed, Manji started to doubt his purpose in Shiro Kitsuki. What has started as a courtesy visit had suddenly become a very complex political negotiation involving powerful samurai of his Clan that appeared more interested in furthering their own goals than helping their brethren survive this senseless war. He suddenly felt disheartened by the circumstances surrounding him and thought pensively, the spell is almost up, it's time to decide. What I need to do is clear, but how should I do it? Koichi-sama, I wish you were around, there's so much I still don't understand...

As he lay there, calmly perched upon a wooden beam while watching Yuushahime and Shigekazu's reunion, an air kami whispered to him, Manji-sama, it's Chie. I bring you urgent news from the battlefield. The commanders have decided to storm the castle and the battle rages on. A mysterious, and very powerful, shugenja has been glimpsed in many places across the battlefield. He seems to appear whenever our troops find themselves in dire situations, lending them aid, cover and protection or attacking our enemies in their weak spots. We all think this is a sign from Koichi-sama, we need you here.

The Fortunes surely can be fickle. Why bring me here only to send me back again? Did I need to watch this? Or is there something else at work? the skylark shook his little head to dispel the doubts that plagued his thoughts, it can't be helped. At least I know now what needs to be done. Koichi-sama, I'm on my way. With that, the skylark silently flew outside, leaving his fellow Dragons to their own devices. He decided it was not the time to worry himself about political matters concerning the inner workings of his Clan, for many loyal Dragon samurai were now risking their lives on the front lines of the conflict and depended upon him. It was time for war.

Shiro Kitsuki - Guest Room

Manji entered the plain tea room and patiently awaited for the Kitsuki servants, unaware of his whereabouts, to go about their business, either to warn their master or search for him. Once alone, he stopped concentrating on the eye shall not see and expanded his consciousness searching for a small local bird capable of helping him. He met a wren in the vicinity and kindly asked it to watch the door, while he finished the preparations necessary for his travel.

Once the precautions were in place, he allowed the water spell to end, reverting back to his human shape. Quickly, he reached for his backpack, took out a simple calligraphy set, wrote a direct message informing his host of his whereabouts and left it upon the tea table. Now, it's time to know if the elixir will work properly, he thought while rummaging through his pack in search of a single transparent vial, filled with a viscous dark blue fluid. The fox had followed Koichi's alchemical instructions to the letter and hoped to have successfully harnessed within this potion the energy necessary for opening the way to the Kami's Roads. If everything worked according to his plans, he should arrive near the Castle of the Swift Sword in no time... but, life rarely conforms itself to plans.

Manji firmly strapped his backpack, moved the table aside, splashed the remaining tea across the center of the room and added water from his canteen to it, enough so that he would be able to see his own reflection in the liquid. Once ready, he uncorked the alchemical bottle, pouring the magical elixir into the puddle. It was then that he felt a strong smell of ash and noticed that something was terribly amiss. The air grew cold around him, the puddle froze and, slowly but surely, the ice, black like obsidian, expanded until it had enveloped the whole room. The fox's breath was cold and his movements frozen, the surprise and fear clear across his face when he thought, Inari protect me, what is this? Who could've been strong enough to tamper with... but he was suddenly interrupted by an invisible force, who pulled him towards the cold ice sheen enveloping the water puddle.

He crashed through the blackened ice and disappeared into the water with a loud splash. The only remainders of his visit to Shiro Kitsuki being a smear of blood upon the icy floor and a message, written in fine calligraphy and frozen upon the tea table, which read:

Kitsuki Yuushahime-sama, pardon my rudeness, but pressing matters concerning the Tamori were brought to my attention and my presence is immediately required elsewhere. I hope we may someday have our pleasant conversation under more auspicious circumstances. Feel free to visit Shiro Tamori whenever you are able and the same hospitality I've experienced here will be surely extended to you. Please, be so kind as to extend my invitation to Mirumoto Shigekazu-sama.

best regards,

Tamori Manji



[OOC: the follow up to Manji's temporary disappearance will be described later by me in another thread.]