An Arrow Takes Flight

Month of the Sun, Year 1138 - Toi Koku, in the lands of the Kitsuki family

The bitter chill in the air was a reminder that winter was always slow to relinquish its grasp on the northern portions of Rokugan. A fresh dusting of snow on the ground was another indicator of that and the servant outside in it was silently cursing his ill fortune. At least the late season squall made the servants task someone easier as he followed the footprints through the blanket of white powder that coated the ground.

Summon one of the estate's guests to a meeting with the daimyo before breakfast, that was the servant's chore. That the man was not in his room wasn't a real surprise: the servant had been among the Dragon Clan for nearly two decades and was used to the ecletic nature of his patrons. When the path outside turned not toward the rock garden but toward the small archery range the servant was understandably confused. He was supposed to be summoning a courtier, one trained as such his entire life, not a bushi. Rounding the corner the servant stopped in his tracks, thinking once again that he will never understand the members of the Dragon Clan...

Standing in the snow was a man just below average height, his dark hair tied neatly into a topknot. A tight-fitting green kimono clung to his lean frame, the bottom of which was moist from dragging through the white stuff that surrounded his feet. His left shoulder was facing a row of targets along the pallisade wall , his right back toward the path and the dumbfounded servant. Around those targets were a scattering of arrows: most had impacted the dummys below the center, some arrows sticking out of the snow having landed short altogether.

"One more shot," the archer called out in a clear, well-trained voice. With his left arm extended forward holding a yumi his right arm trembled as he pulled back the bowstring. The servant could plainly see the struggle this action was for the courtier as his elbow shook with effort. Holding the arrow as steady as he could, the Dragon lifted his left arm slightly before releasing the projectile. It impacted low on the target, yet closer to the middle than most of the others.

The servant watched silently as the courtier seem to sigh before unstringing the bow and setting it back into the rack. As the man turned around, the servant bowed his head deeply: certainly out of deferrence for the man's status as a samurai but also as not to gaze at the man's forehead. The first time the servant saw it, it invoked a gasp from the older man as he wondered how anyone could of survived such an injury. For as long as he lived, he certainly will never forget it or Kitsuki Ketsumei.

Kitsuki Baishon smiled a little as he entered, his tone light and amused. "At least now I know why the servant took so long to find you Ketsumei-san. Did you enjoy your time in the snow?"

The younger Dragon bowed his head deeply, noticing as he did so that some of the white stuff had clunge to the bottom of his kimono. "Hai my lord," he replied calmly, his motification that he came before his daimyo in such a state concealed as best he could.

"Considering how the wind was blowing last night, the snow drifts are probably bad on the east side of the grounds today, but I suspect you found that out on your own," Baishon smirked. "Do you always practice kyujutsu so early in the morning?"

"It is something I started while down in Crab lands -sama," Ketsumei said matter-of-factly. "I have found that it helps me focus, gets rid of unneccesary distractions. And the Crab do not seem to respect anyone without at least some martial skill."

"An odd choice of hobbies if you ask me," Baishon mused. "Considering how you obtained that scar on your head."

Ketsumei did his best not to allow his hand to drift upward. While escorting an Emerald Magistrate that was dealing with a peasant uprising, a stray arrow impacted just above Ketsumei's right eye. Considering the depth that the shaft drove into his head, the courtier should of died but it seemed that destiny had other ideas. The scar was a constant reminder of that day. "I cannot allow one incident to rule my life Baishon-sama," Ketsumei spoke. "The practice helps remind me of that."

"A valid lesson to take from that day indeed," Baishon agreed, his tone becoming more serious. "I have read your report from the Winter Court at Kyuden Hida. Very detailed as usual, although some of the events there concern me."

Ketsumei nodded. "As they do with me. Still, the Crab are the best to handle such things and I suspect the embarassment of what happened will only galvanize their efforts in the future."

"Indeed," Baishon agreed as he lifted another scroll. "And your report concerning the meeting of the Minor Clans in Otosan Uchi last fall is to be commended as well. Otomo Saruko was pleased with your actions to say the least." The daimyo looked up from the parchment. "As are our lords among the Dragon. The last thing we wanted was for our friends in the Dragonfly to be seperated from us by the agreement, and thanks to you that has been avoided." Ketsumei accepted the praise without comment. On a personal level he didn't see any issue with the trade arrangement between the Minor Clans, but his opinions were not called for and did not impact him from fulfilling his assigned duty.

"This is the second member of an Imperial family you have impressed in one way or another," Baishon continued without pause. "In addition you have made allies within several other of the Great Clans. It seems you have taken to your training well, and stand ready to serve our family further." Ketsumei let his On slip just a fraction, his excitment getting the better of him before he clamped it back down.

Baishon chuckled a little, clearly he noticed anyway. "Eager are you? That is good. Use that energy to your advantage as a diplomat for the Dragon Clan. You will be our eyes and ears in the various lands outside these mountains."

"It has only been two years since my gempukku," Ketsumei replied. "Certainly you would want someone more experienced courtier available for this rank."

"Nonsense. In the last year you have travelled from one side of Rokugan to the other, seen many things and done many more. And you have learned lessons from each of them. I can think of no better better teacher than life itself."

"My lord," the younger Kitsuki said with a deep bow, "I am honored and yet I do not think I am not worthy for such a position."

"Worthy?" Baishon scoffed. "You were selected to bear gifts on behalf of our beloved Emperess Kaede, may she forever watch over us from the Celestial Heavens." Both men paused for a moment, their heads bowing in remembrance of the deceased Empress. "In addition you were recommended to Otomo Mitsuhide-sama. You have more than proven your worth to the clan and the Empire."

Ketsumei bowed deeper this time in acceptance. "I thank you for this chance to serve the Kitsuki family and the Dragon Clan."

Baison returned the bow. "Thank me by continuing to serve us as well as you have."

Kitsuki Ketsumei bowed again. The time for words were over. Like the arrow released from the bow, it was time for action.