The hubbub of all the courtiers arguing simultaneously was becoming overwhelming, to the point where Baatar felt the need to speak more loudly to be heard.

"YES WE'RE REALLY TOUGH FIGHTERS," the Moto bellowed. "WE'RE THE BEST HORSEMEN ANYWHERE. MAYBE I'LL GET TO SHOW YOU SOMETIME!"

"WHAT ABOUT YOU, TOGASHI-SAN?" he asked loudly, shouting to be heard over another noisy courtier. "WILL YOU FIGHT, IF THERE'S A WAR?"

Iko nodded at Kin's points regarding the main issue of the court, but took a break away from that conversation for now.

"And how did you find your first major Winter Court assignment. I hope it wasn't too overwhelming? I've heard some of the courtiers say the paperwork can last until the middle of Spring?"

He had an audience now! Moto Baatar gained confidence in his courtier abilities as his words were finally having an effect!

"IF A WAR IS GONNA HAPPEN, WE SHOULD BE READY TO FIGHT!" he exclaimed.

He had an audience now! Moto Baatar gained confidence in his courtier abilities as his words were finally having an effect!

"IF A WAR IS GONNA HAPPEN, WE SHOULD BE READY TO FIGHT!" he exclaimed.

The hubbub of all the courtiers arguing simultaneously was becoming overwhelming, to the point where Baatar felt the need to speak more loudly to be heard.

"YES WE'RE REALLY TOUGH FIGHTERS," the Moto bellowed. "WE'RE THE BEST HORSEMEN ANYWHERE. MAYBE I'LL GET TO SHOW YOU SOMETIME!"

"WHAT ABOUT YOU, TOGASHI-SAN?" he asked loudly, shouting to be heard over another noisy courtier. "WILL YOU FIGHT, IF THERE'S A WAR?"

He had an audience now! Moto Baatar gained confidence in his courtier abilities as his words were finally having an effect!

"IF A WAR IS GONNA HAPPEN, WE SHOULD BE READY TO FIGHT!" he exclaimed.

Several spoke at the Governor's command, espousing the view that the Son of Heaven, Hantei XXII, whose memory is yet keenly felt, had been wrongly usurped, though by another who had held the Throne by right. Others in the room answered in kind, their fervor understandable in the shock of knowing that their lord and master had fallen--and not even in battle, with glory, but by an attack that from another source could only be called treachery.

And, indeed, for kin to slay kin is a grievous thing.

Cries rose up for war to be wrought against those who had done such wrong and supported it, cries for war to support the heir to the slain Son of Heaven, a child of the Right Hand. Young though he was then, and in peril--for how can a son be safe when his father's killer yet lives?--there were many who avowed their fealty to him from Toshi no Omoidasu.

"Indeed"

Mogami says from behind her fan.

"Their clan certainly embraces the wind, allowing it to carry their words and deeds to wherever it whims..."

the Asako finally broke the tension with a calm tone, “The Unicorn are fierce, one can hear their courage long before they can be seen. Impressive.”

"I wish to fight, yes," she said, pulling awkwardly at her cowl as there was suddenly more eyes in their direction. Clearing her throat, she stood a little taller. "And I am ready to do so. If it comes to it, it would be an honor for many of us to fight alongside Shimizu-dono and the Lion Clan in the coming days."

Poemu looked mildly surprised at that. "I would of course be honored to view any art you felt honored to share with me. You are skilled in other arts then? Not that I would not attend a play that you put on as well, but I imagine that would take more planning."

"I hope that my presence is worth half what you believe," she actually smiled somewhat genuinely. "If the Lion are better for my presence, I will be glad for it."

"If they've energy to argue, they've energy to fight onwards. That's what matters." A strangely grim smile crossed Kanade's face. "A toast, to living to fight another day?"

Cries rose up for war to be wrought against those who had done such wrong and supported it, cries for war to support the heir to the slain Son of Heaven, a child of the Right Hand. Young though he was then, and in peril--for how can a son be safe when his father's killer yet lives?--there were many who avowed their fealty to him from Toshi no Omoidasu.

Indeed, one of the returned Children of Shinjo, proud in purple, shouted like the wind of his Clan's following, horn sounding in the Lion court notes that others had surely blown before, as those attending gave heed. And the wind fluttered the leaves of the trees of those gathered, though how the branches shook might not always have been easy to see.

If they shook, though, they shook in increasing unison, a steady drum-beat to follow the horn-call, gaining in clarity and strength.

For my own part, being out of my depth--I have been a sea-borne Tortoise, after all, accustomed to a different swelling and pitching--I could but observe as those better versed in the ways of courts handled themselves, and, as I had been bidden by my better, I fixed as much as I could in my memory and in the work of my pen-hand.

"I am proficient, skilled might be a slight overstatement. A true actress must be multilayered, otherwise they have failed at their Duty." She smirked. "Perhaps we can play, or try origami. Sing, or dance. The options are endless, Agasha-sama."

"Your presence will be more than that. Soon my stories will be about heroes like you Matsu Tani-sama" Homura smiled brightly then lowered her head respectfully "I can only hope I can give them the telling they deserve."

Then the shouting happened, and Homura shook her head.

"Kami, it's getting worse in here."

Tani had been mostly ignoring the very loud Moto. But at the acknowledgement, she did nod. "Indeed. Someone is... rather spirited. Perhaps I might find my way to a tea room soon. Some Iron Benten might help me think."

"WELL SAID!" Baatar proclaimed. "YOU SEE!" Then, apparently realizing the stunned silence that had fallen around them, he continued in a more normal tone.

"You see...! There are those of us who would fight for the Empress, if given the chance," Baatar declared. "That's what's important here!"


This was his best speech ever! he thought to himself.