"I would like that too Doji-sama. A road walked with friendly company is a more enjoyable road too" Honoka agreed with a smile, although there was a small laugh at the burdens comment "and my mother used to say similar about me. Apparently I was too energetic a child! Although I was never blessed to...

"I often find myself on the road travelling, but I spent the last few months here. Much can be done in a short amount of time, such as every clan house in the courtyard which were constructed for this. The tenchu was prepared for the arrival of the Imperial delegation of course, Ikoma's Eye also had...

"Hmm... you remind me of one of your kin that I conversed with in the morning, extra pressure on your shoulders. I'm an only child, so I can't relate to having the pressures of family in that regard, but I know my talents will take me through any situation" Honoka smiled more, motioning around them ...

"I don't know what courtiers train in, to be honest. I spent 8 years learning things like how to disarm an opponent without literally disarming them, or how to climb a cliff." Jinkan replied after a thoughtful silence. "I had not ever considered it before you mentioned it. How do courtiers test ski...

"Kyuden Ikoma can be quite big, and that is without being filled with the brightest and most important names in the Empire. Plus all the servants rushing around to meet all the needs of the people gathered here now" Honoka nodded a few times with a small laugh "the markets down at Ikoma's Eye was al...

snip "Oh is that so? I would be curious how you find Kyuden Ikoma. I can't imagine living in a mountain and training in a dojo at the peak of a mountain. Closest I've gotten was the summit of the mountains." She took a sip of her drink before answering. "Mirumoto-san trying to discover the secretiv...

"That is true, I am one of a kind" Honoka agreed with a nod "however I can understand. The first day of the most prestigious court in all the lands after all. That means that future days will be better though, ne? Tomorrow is another day to make an impression, when court opens proper! I'm certain Do...

"We have known each other for some time now, I would hope that Doji-san sees me as more than just another Lion samurai" Honoka replied with a small laugh, taking a quick moment before she continued.

"Your shoulders are stiff, Doji-san. It was the first thing I saw in your stance. Is everything ok?"

nap "That may depend on the amount of sake one chooses to enjoy, ne?" Honoka offered with a polite laugh, picking up one of the sake bottles on the nearby table and pouring two cups, offering one to the man first before taking hers. "To Kyuden Ikoma? I've been here many times. Court, gempukku, trai...

There was a small laugh as Honoka took a few steps back so she could see his face proper, and a nod.

"I would be delighted to duel again Doji-san, although perhaps not today."

There was a pause then, and a small faltering of that smile.

"May...I tell you something Doji-san? As a friend?"

"One may reduce the chances of the unexpected, but unexpected is always going to be there unfortunately" Honoka said with a nod "of course I understand my busy would pale in comparison to what Doji-sama will have on a day to day basis. The path may not be simple Doji-sama, but if I may be bold to sa...

Where Hikaru looked for an opening, Honoka raised her eyes to meet his. And in the blink of an eye she'd moved, barely giving him a chance to see an opening before a small slap hit the back of his draw hand and the smile that was five steps away before was now closer than ever, her hair which was un...

snip There was a quick turn at the brush, the smaller Ikoma looking up at the taller Dragon for a moment before a smile crossed her pretty face and she gave him a bow. The girl had a clear Ikoma mon and Lion mon on her yellow kimono, a simple outfit that wasn't adored with anything else. "No apolog...

"That would be wonderful! Company and warm tea is perfect for a winters evening ne? I'm Ikoma Honoka, it's an honour to meet you both Doji-sama, Yasuki-sama" Honoka with a warm smile made her way in, lowering herself down to sit a little more energetically than required. "I hope you have found your ...

The smile hadn't left Honoka's face. No other words needed to be said, and perhaps surprisingly for Hikaru the young Ikoma seemed to read as she always did. Or at least, Hikaru couldn't read anything more from his assessment than before. On Honoka's side though, she had a read on him. How he was sta...

There was a small tilt of the head, then a smile as she took five carefully measured steps away from Hikaru before turning back around and nodding.

"As long as Doji-san doesn't mind spectators, there are students wandering in and out after all."

(Ready if you are)

"Truthfully, Doji-sama, a plan is only done when it is completed" Honoka replied with a small chuckle "one may plan a route only to discover a better one, or forced a deviation lest an encounter costs one time. Hmm...an example. Once we reach the gates of Kyuden Ikoma proper there are many paths lea...

"My dear mother would be concerned if I were shrinking already, she's very sure I've grown in the last year after all" Honoka replied with a small chuckle, taking the chance to sheath her bokken ready for another set of drills. Although she had to pause and look away a moment at the comment on the n...

Having returned from her evenings adventure, the young Ikoma had been passing through the Tenshu when she noticed the small gathering of two people, a tea set and servants with hot water. Curious, Honoka slightly deviated from her path to cross closer. "Good evening Mina-sama" Honoka said as she dre...

Honoka didn't react too much when the first questions started flying her way. Although it was her first experience of how loud a Matsu could shout when they were just in front of you. “What is your name?” “What is your normal duty?” “Where are you stationed?” "I am Ikoma Honoka, of house Kamoshita. ...