Letter to the Cranes

[Mack Ravensline]

A letter is delivered to the Crane dwellings, the scroll has several blood stains on it and is affixed with the Crab seal. It is delivered by a young and somewhat impatient courier. He seems to want to get back to the wall as quickly as possible. He is of course wearing Crab colors and markings
              It has been some time since the gathering where I was able to meet you all, I am sorry I was
            busy on the wall. The ignorant doctors have fixed this problem, however by telling me that for
            a tiny scratch, I must rest for at least a week. Despite my protestations, they insist that if I take
            another shot it could kill me. This is just stupid, but anyway, I digress. I have to thank you for
            the competition and the food you served. It was by far the least boring gathering of clans I have
            as yet experienced. I will not actively try to avoid the next gathering if I am again summoned.
            Next time I will be sure to bring something so I will not be empty handed. The fan you gave me
            is hanging in an honorable spot in my house. The one month a year I return from the wall, I will
            look on it and remember your graciousness to me, in allowing me to protect your own. Again I
            thank you and will most graciously recommend to my clan trade with yours.
The signature on the bottom of the page seems to be illegible and a large blood spot partially obscures it.

[Frigemall]

After several months, The Crab Samurai a little disappointed at not recieving any reply to his writing muses while slamming two heads together with a sickening crunch, "Hmm, so much for that polite stuff, I will have to express my disappointment with the Cranes next time I see them. HEY YOU," he says motioning to his next victim. "YOU GET TO HELP ME WORK OUT SOME FRUSTRATION!" The sounds of battle continue, though some can swear they hear just a bit more screaming coming from a part of the wall facing the greatest volume of fighting.

[CappyZoom]

A few days later a weary Crane courtier appears at your section of The Wall. In his hands he bears a surprisingly pristine letter with the seal of the Crane Clan. "I apologize for the lateness in this delivery. Your lands are rather rough, and I see now why your clan has produced such hardy samurai. This letter almost did arrive, as my band was attacked. Luckily a band of Crab bushi came by and saved my life. I was stuck in the nearby village for some time, recovering from the ordeal." He bows and hands over the letter. He will wait a short time if he begins to read, to see if he wishes to reply. The kanji are perfect, pristine, and seem to flow like water.
 
It is wonderful to hear from you, regardless of how long it takes to reply. The Crane understand that you have your duty, just as we, to the Emerald Empire. I hope you have fully recovered from your injuries, it would be a shame to lose such an exceptional example of the Hida family. You are an honor to your ancestors. Hopefully some day you will gain the chance to grace Kyuden Doji with your presence once again. I am most pleased to hear that you enjoyed our hospitality, and our gift. Hopefully this idea of trade between our clans will come to fruition.

Doji Hoturi
Daimyo of the Crane Clan

[Mack Ravensline]

A few days later a weary Crane courtier appears at your section of The Wall. In his hands he bears a surprisingly pristine letter with the seal of the Crane Clan. "I apologize for the lateness in this delivery. Your lands are rather rough, and I see now why your clan has produced such hardy samurai. This letter almost did arrive, as my band was attacked. Luckily a band of Crab bushi came by and saved my life. I was stuck in the nearby village for some time, recovering from the ordeal." He bows and hands over the letter. He will wait a short time if he begins to read, to see if he wishes to reply. The kanji are perfect, pristine, and seem to flow like water.
 
It is wonderful to hear from you, regardless of how long it takes to reply. The Crane understand that you have your duty, just as we, to the Emerald Empire. I hope you have fully recovered from your injuries, it would be a shame to lose such an exceptional example of the Hida family. You are an honor to your ancestors. Hopefully some day you will gain the chance to grace Kyuden Doji with your presence once again. I am most pleased to hear that you enjoyed our hospitality, and our gift. Hopefully this idea of trade between our clans will come to fruition.

Doji Hoturi
Daimyo of the Crane Clan

The large Samurai bows, still not up to court standards, but it is clear he has practiced a bit. "I am due to have a bit of time away from combat again ... Of course not my choice, and will plan to be near your lands again. I will bring a more formal declaration from my family when I do." Take this gift back as a beginning. He reaches over to a bag that seems to be his most prize possessions. On the top is a scull of a rather nasty creature (It seems to be some kind of demon). The creature's face area has some cracks and a tooth is missing, but it seems to be in good shape. It has been cleaned and repaired. The way he presents it, it is obviously something he considers quite valuable. "This creature is one that almost killed me but I managed to defeat it. I want to give it to your house. Would you like me to send a few Bushi with you to escort you through to a safer area? This close to the wall can get a little rough if you are not used to it."

[CappyZoom]

The Crane looks momentarily disgusted but quickly composes himself at the sight of such a grisly trophy. His tone is sincere throughout the conversation. "I am sorry, but touching such an object is below my station, only the eta should touch the dead. Regardless, a gift such as this should be presented in person to Hoturi-sama next time you are able to visit our lands. However, the escort would be most appreciated." He smiles and bows.

[Mack Ravensline]

During their conversation, another messenger comes in with an invitation to another gathering of house representatives that he is being requested to attend (since he was so good at the last one). After reading the message, "Well, it appears another gathering requires my attendance. I will escort you personally." The Crab Samurai gathers his gear and a few personal items and escorts the courier.