Chapter 6
Early Autumn, 1236 - Second City
"I hear your Clan prizes excellence in all things. And truly, their failures are both noteworthy and spectacular." The Ota courtier inclined his head at Doji Mushari, as if he had just offered him a compliment. Outside, the heavy monsoon rains beat against the roof of the building with an unrelenting force. “Given such an illustrious track record, I would expect to see nothing but more of the same if the Crane were to take any role in rebuilding the Aerie. “ Mushari glanced up at Kakita Arahime calmly, letting the words wash over him as if they were the ranting of a child. “Arahime-san, please can you return to my chambers and bring me the maps? My friend seems very passionate about his own vision for the Aerie. We must see what we can do to bring that vision into being.” His words were supportive and patient, but as Arahime left, she and the old Doji exchanged a look that she finally understood. Unworthy.
The Ota watched the yojimbo go. “I expect the marriage will be arranged shortly,” he offered mildly, but Mushari was not blind to the sneer in his voice. “Before a child should appear and cause all sorts of dishonor? It is fortunate that she has kept her affairs so discreet, but there will be no hiding a rounded belly in that armor.”
Mushari was a man who prided himself on his patience, who refused to allow himself to be baited for any reason. But he felt an unfamiliar fury blossom in his heart at the rinjin courtier’s words. Pure ice seeped into his tone. “You are making an implication, Ota-san, that may need steel to answer it. Speak plainly.”
Ota Kemmai paled at the unfamiliar chill, realizing that he had finally pushed the toothless old Doji one step too far. “It is only gossip. I should not have listened. But some of the young men of the court have been speaking of the young lady’s….charms….as revealed to them by the young Lord Seiho…and tell of the pillowbook they are writing together. These things happen in Summer Court. No one suspects that either party is unwilling so….”
“Get…” Mushari ruthlessly forced down his stutter. “Get. Out. Tell the head of your household she may come and speak with me herself if she has any hope for a destination for those new spices she seeks to trade. When she asks why the gifts she offers are reviled throughout Rokugan, explain that is because you chose to listen calumny and gossip.”
The speed with which the other courtier fled was gratifying, at least. Doji Mushari clenched his fist. He knew, none better, that Arahime had barely left his side in four months. The idea of her having an affair with Arashi Seiho was unthinkable. That such rumors had been permitted to spread…
This court was out of control. The ties he had carefully cultivated with the older generation, the bonds of friendship and alliance that had sustained two empires, had clearly withered for their children, along with all notions of decency and respect. He had suspected it before, of course. But this had gone too far.
Arahime returned, her hair plastered down with the relentless rain but carefully protecting the precious maps she had retrieved from the Crane embassy. She tilted her head as she scanned the room. “Ota-sama…has left?” she asked in confusion.
“Yes. We are going to return to the Embassy now. I have a number of letters to write. You also. We will be travelling soon.”
Already, Mushari was preparing lists in his head. But he suspected bloodshed would happen before this ended. Arahime was kuge. Some things cannot be tolerated. Some words go too far.
The meeting was private and hastily arranged. While younger generations of rinjin in Zogeku may not see the worth of their ties to the Emperor and to Rokugan, the Warlord Arashi certainly understood. From the depths of the jungles around Zogeku came the empire-ending evil of KaliMa, and the mysteries of those lands would require defenses far greater than Zogeku alone could raise. And just beyond the borders of Zogeku lay the Yodotai, with their relentless armies that would soon come. The Warlord lacked the geography or the troops to halt such an enemy. It would take closer ties to Rokugan to survive such storms. When the Crane Ambassador sought an immediate private audience on reasons of grave import, he was heeded.
Doji Mushari wore his finest kimono, trimmed with silver. His expression was stern, and he held in his hand his fan as though it were both sword and shield. He bowed very low before the leader of all Zogeku. “Thank you for meeting me on such short notice.”
The Warlord nodded in formal greeting. “Mushari-san. Anything that is a grave concern to our allies is a concern of mine. What troubles you?”
Mushari straightened. “Lord Arashi-dono. For over fifteen years, I have served as liaison with your people. Together we have formed agreements of trade and kinship that have served to mutual benefit. In Rokugan, we have driven back the forces of the Onyx until they stand on their last legs. In Zogeku, you have achieved stability and trade in partnership. I thought we had understandings between us to act with honor in our dealings. “
The Warlord nodded, his black gaijin eyes growing gravely concerned at the amiable Doji’s grim tone. “Indeed, Doji-san. I too had such understandings.”
The older courtier nodded sharply. “If you wish to maintain those understandings, you will keep your court in check, Arashi-dono. My yojimbo and the woman whose hand you have made formal request for from my Champion is being treated most dishonorably. She is kuge; her family line goes back to the dawn of the Empire, a line of Empresses. And your people drag that name through the mud with scandalous speech that I attest is untrue. This is not how alliances are kept. This is not how marriage matches are made.”
The Warlord frowned, troubled with confusion at the Doji’s reactions. “You speak of relations between your yojimbo Arahime and my grandson, Seiho? But this match is not displeasing to me. If they have passion for each other, surely granting marriage grants all legitimacy. Why would this anger the Crane?”
Mushari’s words were dark. “Lies do anger us. The sullying of a young woman’s honor does anger us. It puts future marriages of the line in doubt; it mocks her family’s legacy. Rumors even circulate that she may be with child. We cannot allow such words to continue. I would send for a kenshinzen or unleash her upon those who would besmirch her name, save for the fact it would spread the rumors further to worse effect. This is only the most visible wound that marks the disrespect for Rokugan and the Crane that has festered within your court. It must end, or else the Crane will withdraw from the colonies with all of the assets that are owed us.”
A short moment of consideration, then the Warlord gave a slight nod. “You propose?”
Mushari folded his hands around his fan. “As soon as the monsoons storms pass, which should be very shortly, I will take my yojimbo and we shall depart the court. I will…seek out a harbor for the gathering of sea snails for dyes. It is the time the seasons are most favorable for it. We will be gone for at least a month. During that time, Arashi-dono, I ask that you get the affairs of your court in order. End this behavior. And then, perhaps, we can begin negotiations for the hand of Arahime and the resumption of trade and good will between our empires.” He slowly inhaled and exhaled, releasing any hint of anger in his voice to speak calmly and plainly. “This can be an opportunity, Arashi-sama. This element of your court has been damaging you more than you know. Improved ties between Empire and Colonies will bring many benefits to both of us. Now the war with the Onyx is drawing near an end, use this opportunity to make those ties strong again. We shall all benefit.”
Though there was much that could be considered alien between the culture of Zogeku and the culture of Rokugan, there was no doubting the sincerity in Doji Mushari’s voice. This was a matter that could not be taken lightly. Mushari’s departure was an act of mercy; it gave the Warlord time to investigate and resolve matters that, it was clear, had gone much further than the leaders of the great houses had believed. He wanted this marriage to the Crane. There was much salvaging to be done.
“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mushari-san. I wish you luck on your dye-gathering expedition, and I hope you find the climate for negotiation much more friendly when you return.”
Kakita Arahime folded and sealed the letter before passing it to the courier to carry it with the other embassy correspondence. It will get there someday.
Dear Harun-san,
I hope this letter reaches you. There are no boats to carry letters during the summer or during the monsoon season, so it has been a long time.
I hope you are well. Before I left, Mother said you would likely end up stationed in the Imperial Legions when you returned from musha shuga, under your father’s command. Or maybe you will stand as part of the Unicorn forces with the Shogun. I know from the communications to the Crane Embassy that fighting this summer has been very intense, especially as clans close in on the Onyx capital. Both armies will certainly be involved.
In the contest of who has travelled the most, as you undoubtedly know if you get this letter, I win this round. I bet you did not think this was a victory I would claim from you.
Life here is different. Doji Mushari, the ambassador and my charge, is a kind and good man. But I do not fit in well here. Here I am always ‘The Crane’, and never just a person. I suppose you would know how it is. At least I tried to fight those battles on your behalf when we were young. I just try to learn patience and focus on protecting my charge and eagerly await the day when I might be permitted to return.
Still. I refuse to complain about the duty that my Lord has given me. The jungle flowers are beautiful and there is so much green. There is always enough to eat; as many fruits as one could wish. I like mangoes; they taste a little like the peach we shared once when Asahina Noriko came to visit the Academy. Rice with lentils is good. The carvers of wood and stone are very skilled. Some of the music does make me want to dance. While I cannot think of anything else good right now, even when things are horrible, I want you to know that I will be fine.
We are leaving in two days on an expedition to find harbors for the gathering of dye whelks. I am not certain why. This expedition seems rather sudden on the Ambassador’s part, but I do not blame him from leaving Second City for a time. This place will try the patience of anyone. I know I will be glad to leave. I will write again when we return.
If you are part of the battles to come, I know your deeds will be filled with honor. That is part of who you are. I know you will show your worth in every way on the battlefield. But, if it is not too much to ask, please be wise and value your life too.
You are precious to me. I should not say it, but it would be a lie not to. Even if you do join the Unicorn. Even if you end up following the wind and travelling the Empire and Karasu-sama gives you the freedom to join your mother’s family, I think I will always end up as a string tied to your kite. You are simply going to have to accept that. I am not ready to let go of that string at least until I tell you properly about how I feel about you missing my Topaz Championship.
I miss you, you silly baka.
Patiently,
Kakita Arahime
Early Autumn, 1236 - Second City
"I hear your Clan prizes excellence in all things. And truly, their failures are both noteworthy and spectacular." The Ota courtier inclined his head at Doji Mushari, as if he had just offered him a compliment. Outside, the heavy monsoon rains beat against the roof of the building with an unrelenting force. “Given such an illustrious track record, I would expect to see nothing but more of the same if the Crane were to take any role in rebuilding the Aerie. “ Mushari glanced up at Kakita Arahime calmly, letting the words wash over him as if they were the ranting of a child. “Arahime-san, please can you return to my chambers and bring me the maps? My friend seems very passionate about his own vision for the Aerie. We must see what we can do to bring that vision into being.” His words were supportive and patient, but as Arahime left, she and the old Doji exchanged a look that she finally understood. Unworthy.
The Ota watched the yojimbo go. “I expect the marriage will be arranged shortly,” he offered mildly, but Mushari was not blind to the sneer in his voice. “Before a child should appear and cause all sorts of dishonor? It is fortunate that she has kept her affairs so discreet, but there will be no hiding a rounded belly in that armor.”
Mushari was a man who prided himself on his patience, who refused to allow himself to be baited for any reason. But he felt an unfamiliar fury blossom in his heart at the rinjin courtier’s words. Pure ice seeped into his tone. “You are making an implication, Ota-san, that may need steel to answer it. Speak plainly.”
Ota Kemmai paled at the unfamiliar chill, realizing that he had finally pushed the toothless old Doji one step too far. “It is only gossip. I should not have listened. But some of the young men of the court have been speaking of the young lady’s….charms….as revealed to them by the young Lord Seiho…and tell of the pillowbook they are writing together. These things happen in Summer Court. No one suspects that either party is unwilling so….”
“Get…” Mushari ruthlessly forced down his stutter. “Get. Out. Tell the head of your household she may come and speak with me herself if she has any hope for a destination for those new spices she seeks to trade. When she asks why the gifts she offers are reviled throughout Rokugan, explain that is because you chose to listen calumny and gossip.”
The speed with which the other courtier fled was gratifying, at least. Doji Mushari clenched his fist. He knew, none better, that Arahime had barely left his side in four months. The idea of her having an affair with Arashi Seiho was unthinkable. That such rumors had been permitted to spread…
This court was out of control. The ties he had carefully cultivated with the older generation, the bonds of friendship and alliance that had sustained two empires, had clearly withered for their children, along with all notions of decency and respect. He had suspected it before, of course. But this had gone too far.
Arahime returned, her hair plastered down with the relentless rain but carefully protecting the precious maps she had retrieved from the Crane embassy. She tilted her head as she scanned the room. “Ota-sama…has left?” she asked in confusion.
“Yes. We are going to return to the Embassy now. I have a number of letters to write. You also. We will be travelling soon.”
Already, Mushari was preparing lists in his head. But he suspected bloodshed would happen before this ended. Arahime was kuge. Some things cannot be tolerated. Some words go too far.
The meeting was private and hastily arranged. While younger generations of rinjin in Zogeku may not see the worth of their ties to the Emperor and to Rokugan, the Warlord Arashi certainly understood. From the depths of the jungles around Zogeku came the empire-ending evil of KaliMa, and the mysteries of those lands would require defenses far greater than Zogeku alone could raise. And just beyond the borders of Zogeku lay the Yodotai, with their relentless armies that would soon come. The Warlord lacked the geography or the troops to halt such an enemy. It would take closer ties to Rokugan to survive such storms. When the Crane Ambassador sought an immediate private audience on reasons of grave import, he was heeded.
Doji Mushari wore his finest kimono, trimmed with silver. His expression was stern, and he held in his hand his fan as though it were both sword and shield. He bowed very low before the leader of all Zogeku. “Thank you for meeting me on such short notice.”
The Warlord nodded in formal greeting. “Mushari-san. Anything that is a grave concern to our allies is a concern of mine. What troubles you?”
Mushari straightened. “Lord Arashi-dono. For over fifteen years, I have served as liaison with your people. Together we have formed agreements of trade and kinship that have served to mutual benefit. In Rokugan, we have driven back the forces of the Onyx until they stand on their last legs. In Zogeku, you have achieved stability and trade in partnership. I thought we had understandings between us to act with honor in our dealings. “
The Warlord nodded, his black gaijin eyes growing gravely concerned at the amiable Doji’s grim tone. “Indeed, Doji-san. I too had such understandings.”
The older courtier nodded sharply. “If you wish to maintain those understandings, you will keep your court in check, Arashi-dono. My yojimbo and the woman whose hand you have made formal request for from my Champion is being treated most dishonorably. She is kuge; her family line goes back to the dawn of the Empire, a line of Empresses. And your people drag that name through the mud with scandalous speech that I attest is untrue. This is not how alliances are kept. This is not how marriage matches are made.”
The Warlord frowned, troubled with confusion at the Doji’s reactions. “You speak of relations between your yojimbo Arahime and my grandson, Seiho? But this match is not displeasing to me. If they have passion for each other, surely granting marriage grants all legitimacy. Why would this anger the Crane?”
Mushari’s words were dark. “Lies do anger us. The sullying of a young woman’s honor does anger us. It puts future marriages of the line in doubt; it mocks her family’s legacy. Rumors even circulate that she may be with child. We cannot allow such words to continue. I would send for a kenshinzen or unleash her upon those who would besmirch her name, save for the fact it would spread the rumors further to worse effect. This is only the most visible wound that marks the disrespect for Rokugan and the Crane that has festered within your court. It must end, or else the Crane will withdraw from the colonies with all of the assets that are owed us.”
A short moment of consideration, then the Warlord gave a slight nod. “You propose?”
Mushari folded his hands around his fan. “As soon as the monsoons storms pass, which should be very shortly, I will take my yojimbo and we shall depart the court. I will…seek out a harbor for the gathering of sea snails for dyes. It is the time the seasons are most favorable for it. We will be gone for at least a month. During that time, Arashi-dono, I ask that you get the affairs of your court in order. End this behavior. And then, perhaps, we can begin negotiations for the hand of Arahime and the resumption of trade and good will between our empires.” He slowly inhaled and exhaled, releasing any hint of anger in his voice to speak calmly and plainly. “This can be an opportunity, Arashi-sama. This element of your court has been damaging you more than you know. Improved ties between Empire and Colonies will bring many benefits to both of us. Now the war with the Onyx is drawing near an end, use this opportunity to make those ties strong again. We shall all benefit.”
Though there was much that could be considered alien between the culture of Zogeku and the culture of Rokugan, there was no doubting the sincerity in Doji Mushari’s voice. This was a matter that could not be taken lightly. Mushari’s departure was an act of mercy; it gave the Warlord time to investigate and resolve matters that, it was clear, had gone much further than the leaders of the great houses had believed. He wanted this marriage to the Crane. There was much salvaging to be done.
“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mushari-san. I wish you luck on your dye-gathering expedition, and I hope you find the climate for negotiation much more friendly when you return.”
Kakita Arahime folded and sealed the letter before passing it to the courier to carry it with the other embassy correspondence. It will get there someday.
Dear Harun-san,
I hope this letter reaches you. There are no boats to carry letters during the summer or during the monsoon season, so it has been a long time.
I hope you are well. Before I left, Mother said you would likely end up stationed in the Imperial Legions when you returned from musha shuga, under your father’s command. Or maybe you will stand as part of the Unicorn forces with the Shogun. I know from the communications to the Crane Embassy that fighting this summer has been very intense, especially as clans close in on the Onyx capital. Both armies will certainly be involved.
In the contest of who has travelled the most, as you undoubtedly know if you get this letter, I win this round. I bet you did not think this was a victory I would claim from you.
Life here is different. Doji Mushari, the ambassador and my charge, is a kind and good man. But I do not fit in well here. Here I am always ‘The Crane’, and never just a person. I suppose you would know how it is. At least I tried to fight those battles on your behalf when we were young. I just try to learn patience and focus on protecting my charge and eagerly await the day when I might be permitted to return.
Still. I refuse to complain about the duty that my Lord has given me. The jungle flowers are beautiful and there is so much green. There is always enough to eat; as many fruits as one could wish. I like mangoes; they taste a little like the peach we shared once when Asahina Noriko came to visit the Academy. Rice with lentils is good. The carvers of wood and stone are very skilled. Some of the music does make me want to dance. While I cannot think of anything else good right now, even when things are horrible, I want you to know that I will be fine.
We are leaving in two days on an expedition to find harbors for the gathering of dye whelks. I am not certain why. This expedition seems rather sudden on the Ambassador’s part, but I do not blame him from leaving Second City for a time. This place will try the patience of anyone. I know I will be glad to leave. I will write again when we return.
If you are part of the battles to come, I know your deeds will be filled with honor. That is part of who you are. I know you will show your worth in every way on the battlefield. But, if it is not too much to ask, please be wise and value your life too.
You are precious to me. I should not say it, but it would be a lie not to. Even if you do join the Unicorn. Even if you end up following the wind and travelling the Empire and Karasu-sama gives you the freedom to join your mother’s family, I think I will always end up as a string tied to your kite. You are simply going to have to accept that. I am not ready to let go of that string at least until I tell you properly about how I feel about you missing my Topaz Championship.
I miss you, you silly baka.
Patiently,
Kakita Arahime