A note penned for Mariko

[Bishimi]

*the letter is delivered by a clearly poor and young boy of Tokuno*

Mariko San

I have put into motion the messenger system you have requested of me. For now, this young man is my only person of employ. In time I will hire more so our letters may find their way to even the far off lands you may visit. I hope you find this suitable.

Soke Bishimi

[Mariko]

*Young Umeko receives the note from the boy at the front gate and brings him inside the Okiya. Mariko, seeing the plight of the boy, who has thrown himself to the ground in a bow of respect, offers him food and a coin for his delivering the note. While the boy eats a bowl of cold rice she sits and pens a reply*



Soke Bishimi;

You greatly honor me with your implication of this humble request. The boy, I am sure will be a fine messenger and grow in stature and strength along side the greatness of our Empire and that of our Divine Empress.

I shall make an offering at the Temple for the success of this venture.

Most Humbly Yours,

(Signed and sealed)

Mariko