Letter to a Noble Warrior
11 December 2005
by Dan Allen

Honorable Battle Maiden,

I feel that it is my duty to write to you this letter in order to explain to you my actions, or lack thereof, during our hunt at the Chrysanthemum Festival. I feel that my actions may have been construed as rude, and justly so, but they were not without reason. If you will permit me to indulge, I will tell you a story about myself, which I hope that you will keep in confidence.

As a young boy, I lived a simple existance on the ice plains of the Unicorn lands. Eventually I was compelled by duty to leave my parents and become trained as a moto in the capital at Shinjo Castle. There, at times I found myself wanting for company and companionship. I found such friendship in a young battle-maiden under Otaku Shiko. Foolishly, I allowed myself to be softened by the hopes of an idealistic life with my dear friend. I soon realized that the life of a samurai is not one conducive to such wishes.

As you know, Otaka Shiko is a very successful leader and is highly respected for her victories on the field of battle. This, however, comes at a price, for she is not known to retreat, and will give battle despite the losses of her followers. Such was the fate of my dear friend.

As our training came to a close, I was still a boy and foolish, we parted ways to serve in our capacities as warriors of the Unicorn Clan. Never did I think that I would not see my dearest friend again, but I recieved a piece of blood-stained parchment not three months into my service. In it was written simply

Friendship lit the world,
Yet in death it is darkened.
Was there ever light?

The words spoke cleary to my soul. In life, the road without regret is the road with out any love, except for that of duty. I cannot allow myself to seek for the friendship of a woman, despite the happiness that it may bring. That road only leads to uncertainty and regret.

Respectfully Yours,
Shinjo Yul