Firefly Catcher 1197

Kyuden Otomo, 3rd Day of Bayushi

Otomo Taneji felt like he was drowning in paper. There were reports from across the Empire every day. And they all said the same thing…War.

On the one hand, it meant the Otomo would be able to relax somewhat. The recent inter-Clan cooperation had his family working harder than ever. On the other hand, there would be war.

He summoned his secretary “I need to speak to the firefly catcher.”

Taneji’s secretary, a young Ronin named Hiro bowed and left.

- Later -

The firefly catcher bowed before the Otomo Daimyo.

To look at her, she was no one important, a nun, formerly a samurai and now retired. She had kind, intelligent eyes and the easy smile of a person with few pressures on their shoulders.

“Taneji-sama, it has been too long. You’re not looking after yourself.”

Taneji smiled despite himself. “That is hardly the way to speak to your Daimyo.”

“I was your Aunt first, and I still recall you coming back from the Islands of Spice and Silk with sand on your feet.”

Taneji laughed nostalgically “Sadly my duties preclude my visiting the haunts of my childhood these days. But I did not invite you here to discuss nostalgia Aunt Kazu.”

She nodded “You were always too eager to get down to business Taneji, but I suppose a woman of my age doesn’t have much time left and should obey the wishes of the mighty Otomo Daimyo.”

Taneji sighed, they had played this game countless times and no matter how he tried, his aunt was still a better courtier than he was. “I hear” he began, changing tactics “that the fireflies are expected to be particularly bright next year.”

Kazu nodded approvingly “Just so Otomo-sama, their breeding grounds are especially fertile.”

“Are your nets and jars in sufficient repair to support such a large crop?” Taneji was getting into the game and beginning to enjoy himself.

“Our nets are well tested and maintained and we have enough hands to weild the nets skillfully my lord Otomo-sama.”

“But what of the years after that?” asked Taneji.

“Who can say?” Kazu shrugged “If we are one within the Tao, all things shall come to all men.”

They sat in silence for a time.

“Still…”

“Shhhhh, there is no need to worry yet Taneji.” Kazu’s voice was soothing and calm “There are always enough fireflies for our nets.”

This time, the silence was more final.