[RP] An Emissary from the Dragonfly

[tonbotaka]

OOC: We will continue here the story of Kitsuki Yushahime and Tonbo Taka started in the Dragonfly thread.

To be filled later tonight as I must leave for home in a snow storm...

[kasuga]

Great and Noble Dragon,

The humble Tortoise reaches out to you, upon your lofty peaks of enlightenment and skill in all things martial. We renew our friendship with you, whose own Agasha Kasuga founded our Clan long ago. Your people have provided great wisdom to us, to remind us of our heritage, and what we aspire to become.

A great Samurai of yours, Mirumoto Katsutoshi, has travelled with the lowly tortoise, and has been to our lands. While we have been poor hosts, and unworthy of the presence of such a great Samurai, still we basked in his insight, his wisdom, and strength. From his usage of the the Kitsuki method, to his swiftness with sword and patience with words... we have learned much of value on how to behave.

Though it would be a great imposition, and likely a loss of honor or reputation to those who know of the Kasuga... still... we would ask this boon. That should the need to communicate occur with us, who are so low and beneath your notice, your Samurai, Mirumoto Katsutoshi, be appointed as an Ambassador to us.

We seek your wisdom on this, and know that you may have forseen other options more glorious for your great clan, and more instructive for the unworthy Tortoise.

We thank you for considering our request,

The humble Hatamoto of the Tortoise,

Kasuga Himiwari.

[Takezo]

"Kasuga-san... welcome.

First, Mirumoto Katsutoshi is well-known to us, and he is a valuable samurai of our clan - we are pleased that you have had a chance to get to know him.

We acknowledge your request, but we must tell you that he has been recently appointed as an ambassador to the Crab clan.

While we have of late greatly valued the Kasuga clan's talent for provisioning arms and armor for our sudden military build-up, I must tell you that I do not, generally, consider there to be much in the way of natural business between our two clans... at least, not to the degree that a permanent diplomatic post if necessary."

Takezo pauses thoughtfully, and continues:

"Kasuga-san, I am sure you are aware of my disapproval of the very open embrace of trade practiced by you clan; I have been very public in voicing my opinion that commerce untethered to necessity - that is, commerce for the sake of mere profit - undermines the morals of our honorable society. I will say that I am pleased that the Kasuga have, of late, endeavored to serve a very direct need - let's call this necessity - for supporting the war effort. Were this to continue to the detriment of less noble form of trade - reprehensible activities such as the trade in opium - we might amend our view of the Kasuga."

[kasuga]

Kasha Himiwariko delightfully responds to the August notice of the Dragon Clan Champion...

Most Noble and Honorable Dragon... It is overwhelming to hear such words of encouragement regarding our meager provision of arms and armor. Long ago, the Hantei Line provided us with a Stewardship over Otosan Uchi. The procuring of armaments for its defense gave us some small skill which we are happy to use to Serve the Empire.

We also congratulate katsutoshi-sama for his prestigious and welcome appointment. We have many activities with the Crab clan, particularly the Yasuki... Perhaps our paths will yet cross again.

I was unaware that the Tortoise had been so dismal in our inability to be of use to the Dragon Clan, and will work diligently to change that. The fish of Sunset Bay are both tasty and nourishing, and caught from the hard work of our own Clan. I have heard that your Clan particularly relishes fresh fish.

I thank you also for your reminder on trade. The Tortoise have long believed that no act, whether mastery of sword, knowledge, the Kami, or trade... Is a worthy goal by itself. It is only in service to the Son of Heaven that such things have any meaning or purpose. The pursuit of profit merely for the sake of profit, for one's own gain, is an affront to Bushido and perhaps a stain on the very soul of a Samurai. I am encouraged to know that our meager thoughts on the matter walk the same path as your recent tutelage.

Finally, I can assure you that no deed, no matter how small, related to illicit trade of any type goes unnoticed by the Tortoise. And we would never engage in any activity that was not for the benefit of the Empire. It is true that our Clan lacks the wisdom and enlightenment of the Dragon, which is why we have praised your Samurai so much, and seek their wisdom.

I thank you for your gentle reminder, and now the Tortoise, which is beneath the notice of such greatness as the Dragon Clan reesides, begs your leave. We pray your leave to continue instead to use the gifted Tonbo to relay messages to your Clan, so as not to burden your time...

With that, the Tortoise hatamoto backs away, bowing low.