Request for War

Imperial College, Toshi Ranbo, 2nd Day of Shiba,

Otomo Shiribashi sat in the Imperial Court and waited. The daily hum of courtiers and minor functionaries flowed around him like a river flows around a stone. “Not that it will wear me down” he thought wryly. He shifted imperceptibly and focused on the speaker.

“It is the humble request of the Lion Clan Champion that Her Celestial Majesty allows the Clan to regain it’s honour in the face of the greivous insult from the Dragonfly Clan!” The heavy set Ikoma, not someone he knew was clearly bringing a message of war to the court. “Let’s see what the Dragon have to say” thought Shiribashi.

“Honoured Samurai of the Imperial Court, I am Tonbo Gashi and I thank you for your generosity in allowing me to speak before you.” The Tonbo courtier stood firm, she exuded an air of both pride and fear. “Probably not a bad combination” Shiribashi looked around at the court. There were thousands of messages being comunicated around him. A raised eyebrow, the merest flutter of a fan, an adjusted kimono.

Tonbo Gashi continued speaking “We are a peaceful Clan with no desire to raise the ire of such a mighty and honourable Clan as the Lion. We did not start the fire.”

“Too rash, not enough pre-amble” Thought Shiribashi “She is going to get eaten alive out there unless someone assists”.

Tonbo Gashi stood there, exposed and alone. Her pride and training keeping her calm in the face of animosity and contempt. “I humbly prostrate myself before the Court and again confirm, we did not start the fire.”

And the Dragon remained silent.