A letter to Doji Hikaru

[Doji Noriko]

A letter postmarked from Kyuden Doji, written in an elegant hand with characters that seem almost comfortingly gentle.

Dear little cousin,

Our elder cousin has informed me that you are to be on the delegation this year, and I felt it was important that I write you to wish you well. You know that Minehime and I will be there to support you, so you have only to spread your wings and seize the moment! And I know that you will do so because of the stories your father used to tell of your exploits in the dojo.

In any case, I hope that you will be able to make time to see my sons. Ichiro often asks after his cousins, and has so rarely been able to meet you, living, as you have, so far south. I can already sense the anticipation building in him!

I also hope that you will let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you while you are at court. It is good to be self-reliant, Minehime respects it very much, but family is family, and what I can do for you, I will.

Yours with affection,
Doji Noriko