The first day at court has passed and Arai finds herself in need of relaxation and some time to just be.

She gets dressed up in a not so formal, yet of good quality kimono and heads out. After strolling for a while, she finds a tea house she has heard about and enters.

It doesn't take long to find herself in front of a warm cup of tea from the Dragon mountains in one of the few low tables.

After a long day of court, and ball games, Honoka had decided to go to the tea house she'd been recommending to others. Hoping that it hadn't become too crowded after two days of court, but thankfully finds it not too busy for the evening. She dipped her head as she entered, admiring the small but cute interior a moment.

Arai has been idly having tea and reading her book. From time to time, she raises her eyes from the pages to look around her. It is no wonder that she notices the Ikoma's entrance in such a small place. Very few tables, but quite busy of a place. She seems familiar, probably another delagate she has seen in court.

The Crane doesn't stare of course, but if their eyes meet, she will incline her head and smile politely.

There was a pause as she noticed someone, the slight nod and smile being met with a warmer smile from the young Lion before she made her way over to where the Crane was sitting, giving a deeper bow as she approached.

"Good evening Doji-sama, forgive me but are you waiting for someone? I find tea is better shared with company but if Doji-sama has guests already I would not wish to intrude."

Arai raises from seiza to offer a bow along with another smile. "I was thinking exactly the same not long ago. Please, join me, Ikoma san. I believe that I have seen you around court. This one is Doji Arai, of the House Ishimoto, graduate of the Kakita Academy and delegate of the Crane clan this season."

"I would be honoured Doji-sama, thank you."

Honoka took her place opposite Arai, the young Ikoma sitting down quite quickly, but her smile remained.

"I'm Ikoma Honoka of house Kamoshita, student of the Ikoma and Lion delegate for this prestigious winter court season. I hope Doji-sama is enjoying her stay at Kyuden Ikoma?"

Arai nods to a servant for another cup and more tea and closes her book. Judging by its cover, it is either about military history or a... pillowbook.

"The Kamoshita. A very ancient house, I believe. Pre existing the kami in Ningendo." She comments. "It is an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ikoma san. Kyuden Ikoma seems like a marvelous place and your family have been excellent hosts. The court proceedings themselves? Well, it has only been a day. I don't think that I really have an opinion yet."

"Hai indeed" Honoka confirmed with a nod "an alliance of three towns upon the arrival of the Kami Akodo in fact. Doji-sama is well versed in her history, I'm impressed. It also pleases me to hear you have found Kyuden Ikoma to be of your liking, my kin have worked tirelessly to prepare the castle for the arrival of the most prestigious guests of the Empire, yourself included."

There was a small pause, before she added "as for the court, it certainly has been an interesting first day. Still, a presentation of a play by the Empire's premier actor of small fame is a welcome thing to look forward to, ne?" there was a small teasing smile "I met Doji Shinnosuke-san yesterday preparing tea, and now I meet Doji Arai-sama today also with tea. An amusing coincidence."

"Oh, please, you have discovered our secret, but don't share it with others." Her tone is theatrically grevious. She's obviously joking. "Don't let the Empire know that the Crane like to drink tea!"

The servant arrives just in time and Arai fill's the other woman's cup and refills hers. She reaches for her cup and first holds it close to her mouth in an effort to savour the aroma first and the flavor next. She sips and then smiles. "Doji san's presentation of his endeavor was an excellent one. He didn't lack the courage to be the first one to speak. He could have spoken without unnecessary and petty objections and we could all have moved forward to the next topic. Excercising authority that serves no purpose is well... A waste of time, at least." She comments.

"Are there any plans of yours for a similar event? Perhaps one filled with stories? I would definitely support a night of exchanging stories under the stars."

"I shall keep this shocking revelation a secret, lest others try to use such things against you" Honoka replied, covering up a small laugh. She paused as the tea was served, but didn't pick up her cup just yet.

"It is the remit of the Otomo to question what normally doesn't need to be questioned, but I do agree that such a petty attempt was unwarranted. Hopefully Doji Shinnosuke-san took it in his stride, and is prepared for something similar in the future. It certainly is brave to be the first one to follow the announcements from the blessed Empress and Lord Ikoma-dono."

She picked up her cup, taking a small sip before continuing.

"I considered offering such a suggestion, however following on Doji-sans announcement with another separate artistic endeavour seemed ill timed and taking away from Doji-sans idea. One would not wish to present another potential disagreement simply due to too much art ne? A night of storytelling would be an enjoyable one though, I didn't consider doing something like that at night."

"I am not sure why but it is the first setting that came to mind once I thought about a storytelling event. The stars, a few cushions, perhaps braziers for the cold and all the stories the night has room for."

She takes another sip of her tea. The pleasant flavor makes her smile an easy smile. "Speaking for an artistic event right after a speech about a similar in nature one wouldn't have been wise, I agree. Perhaps the Crane and the Lion should make plans and introduce a few common events so that repetition is avoided." A small pause. "After your own announcement, of course. No Crane would like to miss the chance of hearing the stories of the famous omoidasu and we are literally at the source."

"Being at the heart of where history is kept and stories are told makes one want to join in and tell stories themselves, ne?" Honoka replied with a nod and a smile "I'm sure there are others that would enjoy not just listening but adding their own chapter of history. I spoke with someone from the Dragon who told me a story of how his ancestor saved the life of his daimyo by hunting through the snow to find him, surviving long enough to ensure his daimyo survived before collapsing and dying himself. There are other stories that are not told as often that are worth sharing."

A small pause before she added "if it were up to me I would see arts performed every day. I may even see if Doji-san would accept a humble Lion who has never acted as part of his performance. Although I'm sure he has plenty of volunteers."

"I love a good story, truth be told. A narration or a reading, it matters not. Alas I cannot even pretend to be able to tell or write one the way that would justify me actually doing it. Still sometimes the effort and the willingness to do good by the standards set, can do wonders. Same goes with Doji san's endeavor. You might surprise yourself and him in the process. You just need to try and endless possibilities lie ahead." Arai offers back and takes another sip of her tea.

"The Ikoma and their duties to the Empire have always fascinated me." She continues with a slight turn in the conversation. "How is to live, grow up and train with so many options just a few feet away? How does one choose which book to read today and which to leave for next month. I think that if anyone threw me inside such a library as the one that your family's is considered to have, I would never resurface. Hunting parties would search for me from corridor to corridor and I would still never be found."

"I would not force anyone to share stories, but if Doji-sama wishes to share stories I would welcome and look forward to hearing them" Honoka offers, before chuckling.

"I've known a few that lose much time when they were younger in the libraries. There is so much history, so much knowledge. Thankfully for everyone I enjoy the world outside books as much as the library. There are many though that take on a position in the library after gempukku though. What are the libraries within the Crane like? Is there more a focus on the artistic?"

Her question is met with a slight srug. "I cannot make a comparison. I have not been in the Ikoma library yet. I heard that special permission must be acquired. It is within my intentions for the season though. I have had a very intense relationship with reading since childhood. The most intense relationship of my life so far."

"Ah forgive me Doji-sama, I meant what the libraries of the Crane are like. Do the Crane have a large centralised library like the Ikoma?"

There was a small pause to sip on the tea before she added "I can't say I have such an intense relationship with reading though, nor can I say it would be easy to near an invitation to the library without good reason. If Doji-sama has a good reason though I can bring it to Ikoma-donos attention, as one can imagine he is extremely busy in this court season."