Mana letter
6529 Budbreak 20
Dearest Joerg,
I can’t believe Maho did that! I love her very much, but I do wish she would plan out her actions even a little bit. It sounds like her heart was in the right place of course, it always is, and I think it turned out better than if she hadn’t done anything. She has grown to be such a skilled warrior. Despite who she works for, she leads with her heart. I know you take good care of each other, but life in the human world is hard and I hope you both find a better way of living in it. Maho can do so much good. She’ll change the world someday.
Things here continue as they always have. I am so fortunate to hold the role of a warrior in peacetime, but even at my age I find myself lacking excitement. I train young fighters, but what am I training them for? Would Hojo notice if I wasn’t there?
Remember when we were young? We spent days searching for griffins up in the Frosts. Master Tano was so angry with me for shirking my studies. But we were free! I didn’t have to be an obedient pupil around you. Your head was buried in a book as often as it was gazing into the clouds, and you gave me adventure.
I need adventure now. I cannot spend my whole life in this small village. If I want to be a warrior, I need to be out in the wider world, reckoning with the unexpected. I need to see cities I’ve never imagined, eat food I can’t describe. I need to learn the way my daughter has, so that I can pass that wisdom back to our people.
I am beginning preparations to leave once this is sent. I will not be far behind. I cannot wait to see you. I cannot wait to see Maho. Please, give her this gift from me. From what I’ve heard, she’s earned it.
Yours,
Mana
In the package alongside the letter is a folded sheet of red fabric. When opened it reveals itself to be a broad-shouldered sleeveless cloak with a good deal of material at the back, producing a large, rounded, flowing profile. Carefully embroidered in white thread across the back of the cloak in beautiful calligraphy is the name of the village Hojo. Maho recognizes this immediately as the cloak given to shosa, fully-trained warriors who are now ready to lead and train soldiers of their own. Mana is one of the few with the authority to award this honor.