Letter to the Dragon

[Komori Yukio]

The Bat shugenja that had been assigned to aid the Dragon during the recent yobanjin invasion, quietly approaches the Dragon Clan Champion (or the closest representative), and waits to be acknowledged. Once he has been, he unrolls a small scroll and says:

I have received the following message from Komori Warai-dono with instructions that it be related to yourself as soon as possible.

Most humble greetings to our wise friends, may the fortunes guide and bless you.

I am certain that you are aware of the rising tensions between those who follow the one calling himself Emperor Toturi the 3rd, formerly Shogun Kaneka-sama, and his brother the Emperor Hantei the 40th. I do not send word attempting to persuade you to one side or the other. It is not my place to remind such great ones as to their honor, oaths sworn, duty to be fulfilled, or where their loyalty should lie according to the mandate of heaven.

No, that is not my place. Rather, I send a warning and a word of advice to the true sons and daughters of Rokugan. I sense an unseen hand in this conflict, and indeed even in the recent attempted invasion by the gaijin barbarians. The spirits whisper of hidden secrets, and I am troubled. I do not believe, that the current troubles are mere coincidence; nor that either of the sons of Toturi are aware of their true cause. No, I believe that there is an unknown player acting in this matter. Testing us with outside invasion, turning brother against brother, twisting the empire against itself.

Therefore I offer this advice and humble request. Support who you will, and advise them to gather their strength before any clash of arms. In this way time might be bought. Time so that, if my words ring true in your ears, you may send forth your magistrates and investigators, and seek to discover the true cause of this conflict before it is to late.

If I am wrong, then with your strength gathered none can stand against you. But if I am right, then those behind the true treason cannot hope to stand against the gathered might of the Empire and the Dragon!

- Komori Warai, Bat Clan Champion and Head Priest of the Minor Clan Alliance

The shugenja re-rolls the scroll and waits a moment for those present to digest the message, then says:

Is there any message that I may send back in response?

(ooc: Further consequences of these statements can be found rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=ic&thread=1005 )

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

One older Kitsuki courtier bowed to the Bat "Please wait here. I will pass along your message to my daimyo. She is presently engaged in other tasks"

He disappeared down the halls at a prompt pace. Quite fast for an older man. Amusing that he was not running or jogging but still managed such speed. It looked somewhat odd.

In time he returned with a message scroll. Please relay this to your Lord. The courtier bowed low before rejoining his brethren.

The message reads -

"Wise Komori Warai-sama,

Your proposition is an idea I would like to seize upon and support. We relish the pursuit of truth in the Kitsuki family and there is still much unknown regarding this sudden conflict. I think all would prefer it not escalate into a civil war. Your suggestion may well help that. I shall do what I can though I fear the majority, being bushi and warrior Lords, will urge Torturi into more immediate action. May I at least thank you for sending a messenger to us. The trek is not easy but it seems it has been the will of the mountains that he reaches us safely. We will provide an escort to see that he makes it back to the lands of the Dragonfly without incident.

I will suggest that perhaps those declaring for Hantei will be more receptive to your idea. I will ask my family and others who will listen to discuss this and try to increase support for it. You may know that we Dragon have decided to allow our samurai to view the matter independently - as they see fit. Some have declared for Kaneka, some Hantei and others do their best to remain neutral. I work my way into the highest levels of Toturi's court so as to support him, for I believe he is at heart a heroic and honourable man with the best intentions of the Empire in mind, but also to find out the truth. I aim to catch one of the assassins that are no doubt being sent after Kaneka and extract information from them that I can then pursue.

Your samurai and shugenja are fortunate to have a Lord that cleverly keeps in mind the bigger picture. If you have need of any favours please do ask. In return I would request that, if and when any evidence of wrongful actions emerge - that we work together to bring those responsible to justice.

May you be blessed by the elemental Dragons and find strength in the honour of your ancestors and noble spirit in these trying times.

- Kitsuki Yuushahime"

A single bluebell flower is tucked into the scroll bindings and the message has a very feint scent of verbena.

[Komori Yukio]

(ooc: This post occurs after the events of this thread: rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ic&action=display&thread=1005 )

The following day, the Bat shugenja returns, and after being granted audience he bows once more.

Kitsuki-sama, please pardon the intrusion, but I must ask your permission to return to my homelands sooner than previously arranged. I have just recieved word that Warai-dono was attacked by unknown assassins in Toshi Ranbo shortly after sending his previous message, and now hovers between life and death. He is even now being moved back to Kyuden Komori and all Bat currently assigned elsewhere have been requested to return to aid in our lord's recovery.

[Komori Yukio]

A scout enters hurriedly and bows. My apologies for the intrusion my lord but we just received word. Komori Warai-sama has succumbed to his wounds.

ooc: For the actual death see rokuganee.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=bathq&thread=1074&page=1