Lion in the Cranes Den [D3 EE] (expecting)

[Doji Hikaru]

"Oh I think we can both agree that if you so wished for the challenge there truly would be no competition." Hikaru allows the words to hang for a moment "As entertaining the idea of you beating all my potential brides to be with a bokken is"

"But you are right. Any challenge, ne? Maybe accomplishing more here than you Honoka-san?" The words are playful but there is a glint in his eyes.

[Ikoma Honoka]

There was a small laugh at that. "I'll be gentle I assure you, were such a situation to come to pass."

Then the challenge, and she grinned. "Are you sure you wish to make such a challenge? You'd be starting behind me already after all. I may even take the starring performance in your kins play too."

[Doji Hikaru]

"You don't have to be gentle. If they couldn't take that~" Hikaru smothers a smile.

"A little lead isn't a bad thing. Maybe you'll need it with the difference in our strides" he ribs over the height difference. "Well shall we won't we? What are the stakes?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"You truly want to? Hmm...I should be gentle, I wouldn't want Hikaru-san to lose so much to an unwinnable competition. How about a bottle of their clans finest sake?" Honoka suggested "a small loss but one can drink to success or share it with the loser."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Are you trying to get me drunk Honoka-san?" Hikaru asks coyly. "But yes I think that's a fair wager"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"If you get drunk after a few cups I'll take that as another victory for me" Honoka replied with a small laugh "I hope you're prepared then. I'm in competition mode now, just watch how quickly my star rises."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Honoka-san" Hikaru regards his companion. "I am trying to say this nicely: You are short and slender, a waifish beauty. I'm not exactly a hulking figure with an iron liver, but if it's a drinking contest that you want to weave in, I like my odds. So, of course I'll accept"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"You forgot to account for one thing Hikaru-san. I'm a Lion" the girl grinned "we're built tough you know. Even if I am smaller than others, you'd be surprised what I can endure."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru thinks on it and nods to himself

"Alright then. The first stage is who has more acclaim by acting. Whoever loses buys the drinks for the next round. How does that sound?"

(Most passed raises at the play?)

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Deal" Honoka nodded immediately "I hope you're ready though. I'll be a natural."

[Doji Hikaru]

"That would imply that there is something you're not a natural at Honoka-san" The banter is coming easily "Is there such a thing?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Until I've tried it, I can't say" Honoka replied with a small laugh "there are many things I haven't tried doing. I'm sure once I did I would be a natural at them though. Like the kemari for example."

[Doji Hikaru]

"I have heard rumors of a bow competition too, but I think both of us have some practice at that I might have to think of things neither of us have tried yet." Hikaru's smile is a bit wolfish at that before he steadies himself again. "You know, so we can equally test it"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Hai, the bowman's wager" Honoka confirmed "truthfully I haven't held a bow before around 3 months ago. I spent a little time practicing though, so I'm already pretty good. We can arrange a day in the next few days though to arrange a practice."

[Doji Hikaru]

"You really have tried a bit of everything. I would really have to stretch to find something that you've never done, never mind both of us" Hikaru's gaze lingers for a moment. "But yes, it would be a delight to practice kyujutsu with you. I think that sets up a decent slate of trials for us to start, though I'd love to hear what might want to try" He pours the last of the tea. "Though the hour is growing later. I don't want your family to think I am trying to steal you away from them"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I would need to check regarding bows and arrows, as they normally would be practiced outside. Arrows are not the same as sparring in the middle of a dojo after all" Honoka picked up her cup to sip it "I'll be quick don't worry Hikaru-san. My family are a long way away back at home, I have a distant cousin assigned to this court though. I've enjoyed this though, tea was a wonderful idea."

[Doji Hikaru]

"We should do it again. Possibly with the sake from the next round" Hikaru rises to escort her out. "At the very least I can say that I have some of the most delightful company"

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka finished off the tea and stood, giving him a smile as she started heading out.

"One should be proud to share tea with someone as delightful as me! Alas I can't say it's something reserved for only you, trade deals are often planned over tea after all. Still, next time with sake would be wonderful. I hope you brought some sake with you from the Crane lands? I remember it being quite sweet."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Someone is quite certain that she's going to win" Hikaru is on his best behavior as an escort. "But yes, I have some from home. You should look for some of your own blends though."

Hikaru pauses as he reaches the edge of the Crane area. "Goodnight, Ikoma-san. May the Fortunes watch over you" He offers a bow.

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I will I will" Honoka confirmed as she turned to bow.

"Thank you again for tea, it was wonderful. Carry the Fortunes Doji-san, see you again! Now time to visit a monk playing in a dojo" there was a chuckle as she turned to head in the direction of the dojos.

/exit