After a busier morning than ideal, Honoka had made her way to the minor clan houses for an earlier meeting. With a smile, she entered and enquired after Suzume Ryobu.

A servant escorts her to Ryobu's suite where she finds the Sparrow representative at breakfast.

The Sparrow bows.

"Ikoma-san," she says, "have you eaten?"

Honoka bowed and smiled.

"Good morning Suzume-sama! I hope you are well? Forgive me for interrupting if this is a bad time. I haven't eaten yet, it has been a quite busy morning already. "

Ryobu sets her chopsticks on their rest and raises one finger. The servant that had escorted Honoka in bows and scurries off.

"We must correct that, then," she says, and she produces a second cup, pouring tea for her guest.

"It is hoped that Ikoma-san's family is well."

"Suzume-sama is too kind" Honoka bowed again in thanks, moving to sit by the table.

"For the most part I believe so hai. I haven't heard from either of my parents since arriving, but I didn't expect to hear from them truthfully. They will be focused though and I'm sure thinking about how their daughter is doing. What of Suzume-sama? I'm not sure how long letters would take to get to the Suzume hills from here."

"It would take some time, indeed," Ryobu notes, picking up her own tea now that her guest has her own.

She sips from her cup, places it back onto the table.

"Suzumu Seiichi is well, attending to the estate while his wife is away as an ambassador. Their children progress in their studies at a decent pace. More than that cannot be asked in good faith. But it will be good to return, even so."

About the time she's done, breakfast for Honoka arrives. Ryobu sits silently while the service is provided.

"Suzume-sama will return with many tales to tell, and hopefully good news for the Sparrow" Honoka offered with a smile, giving a small bow of thanks as breakfast had arrived "I'm sure your family are as excited for the stories of winter court as my parents are."

Honoka took a moment to offer a prayer of thanks for the food, before picking up her chopsticks and sampling some of the breakfast.

"While I would enjoy an evening of sharing stories of home, I had come today to discuss trade between our clans. I would be happy to wait until breakfast has finished though as I have interrupted Suzume-samas morning."

"I am pleased to have a companion for breakfast," Ryobu says. "And we can talk of other things until the meal is done, if you prefer."

Very gentle, this sparrow's chirping.

"Let us finish food then and begin business after. I'm curious though, do the other clans you share these guest houses with join you often for such things? It is a blessing to be able to share mornings with my kin as we all share the same house, so I thought perhaps the setup here would allow the same for yourselves" Honoka asked, curious

Ryobu nods.

"We did so early on," she says, then takes a bite and chews thoughtfully.

Swallowing, she adds "Since then, our schedules have drifted apart somewhat. Some rise early, eat swiftly, and go out to meetings and discussions. Ichiro-san, I know, makes time at the dojos now and again, as well as time to practice his flute. It is an interesting piece, that flute, suited to the size of that man."

Another bite, more chewing, another swallow.

"Kasuga-san, conversely, rises late, but she is often away late. She seems to have been quite busy."

"A flute?" Honoka was also surprised at that, taking a moment to eat something before continuing "very interesting. What of Suzume-sama, are you an early morning rise or prefer to be up later?"

"In the Suzume Hills," Ryobu replies between bites, "I rose early, as do all who do not have the dedicated night watch. The more daylight that can be used, the less one needs lamps, after all. But at court, since courts operate as they do, I am obliged to keep a later schedule."

After another bite is chewed and swallowed, she adds "I do not find in uncongenial.

"And Ikoma-san?"

"I've always been an early riser. Visiting the dojo, go through some exercises. Some studying in the library. I've always been quite active in the mornings" Honoka commented with a smile "I remember my parents hating it when I was much younger as I would be up and practicing katas before they were up. I just liked going through it while the sun rose, it created nice shadows that showed if stances were perfect or not."

Ryobu gives a gentle smile.

"My own children did such things, as well," she says. "Youth is a delightful reminder of how good things can be."

"I think it's a good way to start the day, so perhaps more should do it. Sometimes us youth have some good ideas" Honoka replied with a small laugh "how old are they may I ask?"

"They are fifteen and thirteen winters," Ryobu replies. "The elder will be choosing a new name soon. The younger, I do not think too long after."

She eats a little more.

"Has Ikoma-san siblings?"

"Ah, an exciting time for both! I was between their ages when I completed my gempukku myself" Honoka said with a smile "no siblings unfortunately. I had quite a few cousins, one of my uncles had seven children but I believe my parents were content with one child. Or they decided after me that they did not want more."

Ryobu covers her mouth with a hand.

"Surely not!" she says. "Ikoma-san is surely a credit to her people."

"I'm sure it's not either, don't worry Suzume-sama" Honoka gave a small laugh "my parents are wonderful, and dutiful. Perhaps I'm just too much of a shining star and one does not need another child when they have one like me?"

There was a pause and a grin, to show Ryobu she wasn't serious.

"I do however look forward to potentially having a little brother or sister, but as I do not head home to see my parents very often I don't know. If not, I have plenty of younger cousins."

By this point, breakfast is mostly done, and a servant comes in to begin clearing dishes.

Ryobu sets hers aside and says "I am glad of it, Ikoma-san."

She sips at her tea and waits for all to be cleared away.