STORIES
210 - Shake on It
2017
Daprima Washi Grace Karanthir
Monday afternoon ...
DAPRIMA:
Mind if I join you?
WASHI:
It's your house.
DAPRIMA:
I’ve been wanting to speak to you.
WASHI:
Is there some way I can be of assistance to you?
DAPRIMA:
I’d just like to get a few things clear.
WASHI:
Are things unclear?
DAPRIMA:
We’ll see. Let’s start with confirming the fact that I'm now
the master of the genie. Have you threatened him?
WASHI:
I have not seen the genie at all. Am I to understand
that it runs freely amongst you, out of its lamp?
DAPRIMA:
’Its’ lamp? Io’s a person, not an ‘it’. He does as he chooses.
WASHI:
I see.
DAPRIMA:
Just so you know, I'm the first clan here. According to Elvin law - that means you’re a guest in this house by my permission. I won’t tolerate any trouble.
WASHI:
I am here on a diplomatic mission, sent by the Empress. I have no
intention of causing friction between our peoples.
DAPRIMA:
Forgive me for saying so but your reputation precedes you. The
last time you graced us with your presence - you tried to steal my genie.
WASHI:
I have no designs on the genie. True - it once belonged to my father's Clan.
My allegiance is now with my wife's. I no longer have need of it … him.
DAPRIMA:
Then I have your word of honor that Io will remain safely here with me?
WASHI:
If that is what you require, I give my word that the genie will not
leave this dwelling with me or my wife, Usagi.
DAPRIMA:
Great. Let’s shake on it.
WASHI:
stares
DAPRIMA:
It is the custom of my people to shake hands when an agreement is met.
WASHI:
Very well.
DAPRIMA:
I'm so glad we had this little talk. Please, have a seat.
DAPRIMA:
… Now, is there anything I can do to help expedite your mission?
A short while later….
GRACE:
You! I remember you. I don't like you, no I don’t! Daprima - he’s the one who tried to take Io from me, yes he did. You need to send him away.
DAPRIMA:
I understand why you feel this way, but Washi’s not here for Io.
GRACE:
That’s what Usagi said, but I don’t believe her. All I know is he’s mean. He hit Io for no good reason, yes he did, and that's just not right.
DAPRIMA:Y
You’re right Grace he acted badly, and it won’t happen again.
Washi -this is my sister, who can be quite opinionated.
Perhaps if you reassured her?
WASHI:
It was all a misunderstanding. I was under the impression that the genie was stolen from my family. Things have changed and I no longer want the genie.
GRACE:
That doesn’t explain why you hit Io. And I didn't you hear you apologize for trying to take my genie away. Nope, didn't hear any kind of apology at all.
DAPRIMA:
She does have a point. Does your diplomatic mission include making
nice with us humans? This might be a good way to start.
WASHI:
I see. Grace, I hope you will forgive my error.
GRACE:
I guess so, but I still don't like you. I'm sorry if that's being rude but it’s
the truth. And if this is a trick and you try to hurt Io again well -
I'll kick you even harder than I did the last time, yes I will. I promise.
KARANTHIR:
Bravo Grace! I applaud your honesty.
DAPRIMA:
Karanthir, she doesn’t need any encouragement.
KARANTHIR:
Ah but I know something you don’t. Washi can be mean. He hurt someone very special to me, a long time ago, and if he tries to do that again, well …
GRACE:
I can kick him for you Karanthir, yes I can. I won't mind at all.
DAPRIMA:
Grace! Washi is a guest in this house - he’s Syrrah’s guest.
GRACE:
Syrrah’s my best friend, yes she is!
DAPRIMA:
I know. So you need to be nice to him, for her.
GRACE:
Oh - OK.
GRACE:
… I hope you enjoy your stay, but I'll be watching you, yes I will.
DAPRIMA:
Grace!
GRACE:
Sorry, oh and have a nice day.
Grace leaves.
