Letters Home

Dear Mother,
      I hope this letter finds you and Father well. The Dragon lands are far different than the simple fields of Toku Torid-e, and I find myself thinking of them often. I write of victory, both on the battlefeild, but also among my new brothers in the Imperial Legion. I belive it took some getting used to taking orders from a Minor Clan samurai, but they have grew to respect me, and even trust me now. Sometimes I am amazed when I think of where I started, and what the Fortunes have given me. I am grateful to all who led me here. I think even sensei would be impressed. I hope to honor the knowledge that he imparted in me.

   The fighting was long, but we will be returning soon, I hope we make it quickly to the Capitol, I wish to bring Arami-chan to Winter Court with me. I’ve heard that the Crane have amazing plays, and the art competitions are breathtaking. I hope she is settling in well, and she is getting used to the area. I suppose it is a large adjustment from Seppun to Toku, and we have had little time together since my appointment. I hope to remedy that during the Winter.

   Please tell Taki-kun that I’ve got something for him before he leaves for the dojo next year. I think he will enjoy the Dragon Puzzlebox I was able to find. He will make a fine magistrate with his quick mind for puzzles. Let him know that his brother is thinking of him.

   Tell Father that Seppun Harashi sends his regards. He made me promise to mention the possibility of going to Toku Torid-e for Winter Court, though I imagine by the time this letter reaches you, that matter will be resolved. Also, ask Father to obtain a bottle of the nagiri sake he enjoys, I have good news when I return. I will not spoil it by simply writing it.

   I will be unable to write as I move, but know that I carry our family with us, and will do you and father proud. I hope our Lord is happy with my service. I have done my upmost to bring the Monkey honor in my thoughts and deeds. I will be home soon.

Toku Shokami
Chui, South Company, 5th Imperial Legion

Dearest Arami,
      I still have the scarf that you made for me before I left. It’s been of great value to me. I hope you have fully settled in, and are enjoying the company of my family. Please excuse my Mother, sometimes her Sparrow herritage comes out, and she’s fond of caring for people. I recived your last letter, and yes I will be sure to mention it to your Uncle as I pass by. I hope you’re not showing too much, I would like to surprise my parents when I get back. I’m sure you will be an excellent mother, and I am working hard so that our child might have a bright future.

   We will be leaving soon, I will not bother you with the details of the battle, I wish for you not to worry. I am fine, whole, and will be home soon. I hope you enjoy the book I will send with this letter. I know you enjoy Dragon poetry very much. This one was written by a Togashi Monk. Supposedly he lived on a mountaintop for over a year, just thinking about poetry. I’m afraid you’re the better judge of such things though, and I hope you enjoy it.

   Please speak with Fuzake Chiyuki if you have any issues. She the best I know at medicinal matters. Though I know both our blood runs strong in our child, so I have no fears. Please be ready when I arrive, I have a surprise in store for you when I return.

   I am always thinking of you.
Sho

I place the pen down, and store my ink. I don’t tell them how cold it is, or how bad the fighting was. It would serve only to worry them. There have been enough problems in the Empire without them worring about me.The messenger arrives, and I hand him the letters and Arami-chan’s book. I wish I could leave with him, but we are not quite ready to leave yet. It’s been difficult for me. Sometimes I wonder if the position offered to me was a blessing or a curse. The Lion are the source of most of my troubles. They did not seem to enjoy taking my orders, and there are so few Minor Clan samurai here. I refuse to complain though. At least the Lion’s honor demands that they listen to me, even if they shake their heads in private when they think I’m not looking. I’ll be home soon. That thought fills me, and warms me more than anything in this cold. I wrap my scarf around my neck and tuck it into my armor. I take my daisho, and store my warfan on my left side. It’s a little beaten, perhaps I’ll have the quartermaster repair it. It got me this far, and I don’t want a new one.

I look at our camp as the last pieces are being packed away. Very soon we’ll start the march home. I smile at my gunso, even the Spider, and carefully put the small painting of Arami I have inside my helmet and place it back on my head. I tell them to prepare the men for the march home. If North Company is ready before us, I’ll never live it down. We’ll be helping them pack before they are halfway done, otherwise I owe their Chui a drink.

As the last preparations are finished, I walk with the men. Some are surprised by my show of humility, but I just don’t want to get back on that foul tempered beast again. I’m looking forward to being with my family. This campaign lasted too long. It’s over now. Soon I’ll be with Arami.