[D9, ME] Happy Returns

[Doji Noriko]

"They all have their virtues, Ikoma-san, as well as their faults. And this choice was not intended for us to begin with, so it stands to reason that it is not easy. But if you have a little faith in your own discernment, I think you will come out alright."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Of course Doji-sama" Honoka nodded at that "it isn't a decision that many of us would have any involvement in, and for good reason. I should take a chance to meet with Seppun-sama and Otomo Gorobei-sama to understand them better."

There was a small pause to sip her tea, before she added "you know, someone that has spent time with Otomo Gorobei-sama said to me a few days ago that I might be a good match for him due to my nature being one that could inspire him. I can't say I know him well enough to say if that's true or not though, but speaking to the man earlier I could see the reasoning behind the comment now."

[Doji Noriko]

Noriko considered that for a moment. "Possibly you would be good for him, but you should also consider whether he would be good for you. Marriages must work both ways to be successful, and it can be challenging for one partner to be expected always to push the other partner away from their natural inclinations. Not an impossible life; certainly many do it to varying degrees of success, but not one I would choose."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I'd considered that too when the comment was made. I've always been a driven person, always challenging myself to go further. To create more chapters of my story, and shine. Something I believe I'm already doing very well. Whether that transfers well into inspiring one I can't say, although Doji Hikaru-san seems to be inspired to try and equal me" there was a small chuckle at that "I suppose it depends if the person is one that can be inspired though. It may be that Otomo-sama is not one that could be, and then you would be correct."

[Doji Noriko]

Noriko nodded easily to that. "And which Empress' wife would you model yourself on, if you were trying to challenge yourself to go further and reach new heights?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"A tough question" Honoka said, thinking back "there have been many inspirational figures that have stood in those positions. I think back to the stories I read of Hantei Mioko for example. However, if I may cheat slightly in this answer, rather than an Emperor or Empress' wife I would say our recently deceased Divine Empress would be one such inspiration. Having the chance to meet her when she summoned myself and others to the mission to find Tatsuya-san as well as the time I was able to spend in court I was impressed by her strength of character, and her way of seeing through what things were and rising above them."

[Doji Noriko]

Noriko chuckled. "Not many would point out her directness as her finest trait, but I think I understand what you mean. It always seemed that she knew what direction people meant to take her and to resolutely choose her own path." Noriko looked out the window. "But it takes good judgment and better instincts to see that through. Poor Keihime has tried to walk in her footsteps to much less success."

"Anyway, Retsuhime is probably a better model than Mioko. To read the histories, Hantei Mioko lived only three days after her wedding day: the birthdays of each of her children. I intend that a better life awaits Rohatsu."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Having heard her directness in person multiple times, I admire someone who sticks to their beliefs" Honoka offered with a small chuckle "and while I agree about Mioko, I hold some respect about her actions. Sending the haiku via bird to get the attention of the man despite her fathers comments, taking her own destiny into her own hands."

There was a pause and a nod.

"Retsuhime is another one hai. Perhaps it simply being pulled towards people that reach for their own destiny instead of following the normal path, I've always believed that waiting for destiny to choose you is just waiting for it to pass you by. It may not always be the correct thing, but I'd rather do the wrong thing a few times to find the right path."

[Doji Noriko]

Noriko let that lapse into silence for a moment, testing it out with her mind. Must be nice, she thought at last, to have the luxury of doing the wrong thing.

"I pray that you find it quickly, Ikoma-san. Too many missteps can lead to a fall."

She turned the thought over once more. "But it is not the first time you have recommended a bolder approach to me, and I should not be surprised that you are consistent when you apply the thought to yourself. I may have to follow your example, in time."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I may fall from time to time, but I always get up" Honoka replied with a grin "because I know I will always get up, and face the next challenge head on."

She poured a little more tea for Noriko.

"I know I don't face the same as you do Doji-sama, but I hope you'll forgive me when I say I see the same strength in you that I see in myself. No matter the challenge, you keep your head high and continue on. For your lovely children, and for Rokugan. Many could crumble under the weight that is placed on you, look at Otomo Gorobei-sama or even Otomo Keihime-sama in court today who both are either pushing to try and get ahead or doubting their own path and fluster. Doji-sama though? She continues to be herself. I find that admirable, and I know when it's time to take the bolder approach you'll take the step without any doubt that it's the right thing to do."

[Doji Noriko]

"I shall have to be on guard for my moment, then. And I am fortunate, I think, that I need mostly to be myself. It is far easier to do than to be someone else."

[Ikoma Honoka]

There was a nod and a smile at that.

"If you ever need someone to speak to, you can count on me Doji-sama. I may be young but that just means far more years ahead of me to be there. I'd like to think I give good, if perhaps less usual, advice."