Getting it Out of the System (D2, EM)

[Tonbo Misa]

The girl shook her head again softly. "I am what I am because I have been at peace with what has happened. It is for the sake of others that I am troubled, and they deserve to have the tale told just the same."

She paused however before starting. "The Dragonfly Clan was founded in the year 704, and the incident with the two duels was in the year 711. That means that we had a short history. After Tonbo Kuyuden's leadership of the clan ended, his heir Tonbo Quinlan took leadership of the clan. Three years ago, Quinlan perished in fire as a Lion army marched on the Dragon and burned Kyuden Tonbo on their way past. That same year, the sole delegate my family sent to court turned out to be a secret member of the bloodspeaker cult, shaming us at a time we had lost our home."

Another pause, her face furrowed in thought as she went on. "The next Tonbo champion was Tonbo Saburo, a younger, distant relative of Tonbo Quinlan. Saburo used the little money my clan had and used it on drink, prostitutes, gambling, and other vices, not caring that it left the Dragonfly poor and struggling. He was killed by a Lion for his behavior, something that no one in my family truly deeply mourned. Other than a sister that was not fit for the position, there were no direct relatives to succeed him, so leadership of the Tonbo went to a distant cousin, Tonbo Mariko. Mariko was faced with the results of the past years; a fifth of our family starved from the winter, and our numbers were too low to protect ourselves. Seeing no other option, Mariko finally petitioned the Dragon for formal protection, and the Dragon Clan took us in."

"The Tonbo are not happy Shinjo-san. Mariko feels she has failed her clan by needing to seek the help of the Dragon, and many mourn the same, just as everyone knows at least one lost to starvation. That is where my duty comes in, to advise Mariko-dono and see to it that morale improves. That is why I am here seeking a husband, one that can help my family grow and renew..."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

''That's a difficult history, Tonbo-sama. Thank you for telling me." His voice was sympathetic. "The Unicorn owe much to the Dragon. We would not have made it through dark lands without guidance. We would not have made it home. I hope you find what you are seeking here."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa let a faint smile return to her lips. "What I'm seeking... you mean a husband? I imagine I will somehow or another. Or do you mean something else, like enlightenment?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Why not both?" he suggested. "You've come a long way for your family. I hope your journey helps your family grow and brings you contentment."

[Tonbo Misa]

Her smile brightened. "A very sensible suggestion Shinjo-san. I've always sought deeper enlightenment after all, and I have my duty. What of yourself though? There is of course the call of duty, but we all have more personal reasons for being here, deeper goals."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I am of the Marta family, vassals to the Shinjo." he explained. "Our duty is to maintain the history of the clan, a task I would be all to happy to take up once the time comes. This, however, is the opportunity to take part in shaping that history, in guiding the tale of our return to the Empire. It will likely mean leaving the Unicorn to serve another clan, but I will be happy to do so if it helps reestablish our place here."

[Tonbo Misa]

"Ah, so that is why my family's history interested you so. Then I'm all the more gladdened to have told you. You are likely seeking a well learned, scholarly wife then, yes?" Despite her paleness, the talking seemed to distract Misa from her queasiness.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Perhaps. I don't really know." he mused. "The history we maintain is an oral chronicle, passed from generation to generation through storytelling. I imagine that isn't a common practice here. It would be nice to experience a different perspective though."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa's tone took on a thoughtful air. "Hm... certainly all the most famous historian families keep libraries of scrolls, but there are certainly those famous for storytelling, both historical and not. I wish I could be of more help... but my family is too young to have a real history, and the Dragon... well, they've always been a bit mysterious and individualistic to have a large public history."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I've assumed as much." he sighed. "But, I am sure I will serve my new family in some way. I am a skilled rider and capable hunter. My bow will be of use to someone."

[Tonbo Misa]

"The Dragon mountains aren't the best for riding either." Misa smiled a bit sheepishly. "Still, there are always paths to take in life, even if one road ends."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Very true." he agreed. "Regardless of who I marry, I expect I will find myself exploring new environments and learning new stories. What do you hope for personally, Tonbo-sama?"

[Tonbo Misa]

There was a thoughtful pause before Misa answered. "You'd understand better because of my stories, but I hope for a husband that can bring spirit and hope back to the Tonbo, that can restore morale and help them look to the future with some hope. I suppose it is quite a lot to expect, but it would be something to build toward."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"You have no personal preferences?" he asked. "I know we can only hope for a favorable match. We wish the best for our clans first and foremost. But, there can be considerations beyond those concerns. I would hope for a wife with an appreciation for animals and nature. One who enjoys a good story, from time to time."

[Tonbo Misa]

The Dragon shook her head softly. "Other than wishing for one who is kind and compassionate, I could ask for little. Looks aren't important to one such as I after all, and I believe any talent can be put to use."