Bairei-sama,
I was overjoyed to receive your correspondence, as I cannot recall the last time I enjoyed your company or the stimulating conversations we used to share. It seems so long ago! When did we become old, I wonder? I have placed the gift you sent on my father's shrine, as you requested. You were among his favorite students, and he always spoke very highly of you. I think perhaps you were the son he always wanted. If only things had worked out differently in our youth, perhaps these past years would have been very different indeed.
I found your inquiries very curious, old friend. There have been, as you said, numerous reporting sightings of the Ki-Rin lately. While the numbers have increased, however, I feel it important to point out that I cannot recall a single month having passed in my many years without at least a half-dozen accounts of the Ki-Rin from the superstitious peasants in the Asako province. They are a fanciful lot, although their loyalty and devotion has been proven often enough that we are quick to overlook so meager a sin. Any accounts taken from their numbers must be considered unreliable, despite their doubtless pure motives and intentions.
It is important for all samurai, even scholars like ourselves, to remember that creatures such as the Ki-Rin are of the spirit world, and as such can not be fully understood by the mortal mind. Although I do not believe that it is the case, I will admit that it is possible the Ki-Rin has appeared more frequently of late. However, I am not willing to acknowledge that this is a portent or omen of some sort, as you seem to imply in your message. We must be content in that which the Heavens permit us to know, my old friend, and accept that there are mysteries beyond our ken.
I hope to see you again soon.
Asako Kinuye