(D1 EE Open) never let skills become rusty

[Ikoma Honoka]

After the gift giving, which only after she returned to her quarters did Honoka finally admit to a little bit of nerves, the girl had changed out of her fineries and put on a more modest set of robes before making her way to the Hundred Scars dojos. After paying respects, as well as giving a small pointed look at a child that had ran in without doing so and guiding him in the correct way to do so - very important with so many non-Lion guests around - Honoka found herself a small space in order to go through some drills as her sensei had taught her with her favourite bokken.

[Doji Hikaru]

It had not been a great presentation, which is why Hikaru was all to keen to work out a bit of his embarassment and anxiety is one of the surer ways he knew how. He was now in his training gear, determined to enjoy from free time before the gathering tonight.

Baka, baka, BAKA!

In spite of the frustration, he had to admit that the Lion had built an excellent dojo. A face sticks out for him, a girl his age that had been at the presentations at work with a bokken. He picks one up as well and takes the space next to her, offering a nod but otherwise not disturbing her set until she is complete.

[Ikoma Honoka]

Training gear or not, a brighter blue in a room full of browns will stand out more. Even in her focus as she went through her drills that blue caught her eye, and there was a small nod as she moved through them. The face stood out though.

I'm sure I know that face...

Once she finished she bowed.

"Forgive me, but you look familiar" she commented.

[Doji Hikaru]

"I hope so." Hikaru remarks drily. "If not, one of my best assets is for nothing" He playfully motions to his face, amusement dancing in his eyes. "But yes, I remember you too. We are both among the younger of the delegates and"

Well, there was no denying it, especially up close "You stand out on your own as well.:

[Ikoma Honoka]

There was a small moment before a smile grew.

"Doji Hikaru-san, it has been a short while yet I'm sure I didn't need to look up quite so much last year" there was a small laugh "I hope you are well? And hai, of course I stand out. There are no others like me. You were invited to Winter Court also? Congratulations."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Ha!" Hikaru couldn't help it, the bark of amusement leaving his lips in spite of his courtly training. "Are you sure that you didn't shrink instead Ikoma-san?"

He tilts his head to the side. "Your stance is as good as ever. I'd heard the name they're calling you now, but it hasn't gone to your head. If anything, you've solidified it a bit" There was no denying that the girl in front of him was an artist with a blade, similar to the way he viewed himself.

She's good. Don't kid yourself Hikaru

[Ikoma Honoka]

"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 nickname.

"Ah, has it spread so far? It's funny what a single comment from an Imperial can do, although I don't know if many at such a high stage such as the Imperial Court know of the Smiling Blade quite yet. If winter were to go without incident maybe it would stay that way. Thank you for your praise though Doji-san, coming from someone of your talent it shows I'm doing something right."

She peered back at him with a smile, adding "and what of your own form? Has Doji-san grown since our last meeting, our last spar all those months ago? I only caught a hint of your stance but I wonder...."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Well, if you want to see..." Hikaru shifts, adopting the beginning of an quickdraw stance.

(Awareness stage check?)

[Ikoma Honoka]

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)

[Doji Hikaru]

"I don't mind spectators, do you?" In spite of the words, everything else around them beings to fall away. The steps she had measured were careful.

The height difference will effect stride but she's likely accounted for that.

______
D1 Duel Assessment roll - Awareness/Kenjutsu | 9k4 ⇒ 23
TN 20 is Honoka is IR 2, TN 25 if IR 3

TN VS Hikaru is 25

[Ikoma Honoka]

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 standing, and how it would effect his movement.

(ooc: tn is 25, so Hikaru fails
D1 EE spar duel with Hikaru. Assessment roll (Kenjutsu/Awareness) vs TN25 | 10k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 25) dm me your reflexes please!
Honoka wins assessment by 10 so 1k1 to focus roll)

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru feels cold creep down his back. Honoka was blank, and the amount of time he'd had to observe her spoke to deep insight.

He looks for the right time, trying to shake it off and focus on the moment.

D1 Duel Focus Roll-Kenjutsu/Void-+1k1 from Kakita Bushi 1- Focus Emphasis-Free Raise from Kenjutsu 5 for +5 | 10k5+5 ⇒ 40

[Ikoma Honoka]

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 untied settling back down after the burst of movement back down past her shoulders.

"Guess I win Doji-san" she said quietly.


(ooc: D1 EE spar duel with Hikaru. Focus roll - Kenjutsu(Focus)/void. 1k1 from Assessment win, 1k1+4 from centre stance, 1k0 from ILS1 and ILS2. Focus emphasis. +5 from Kenjutsu 5 | 10k7+9 ⇒ 75 Hikarus roll should be 47 inc centre stance so win by 28, 5 free raises.
Strike roll - D1 EE spar duel with Hikaru. Strike roll - kenjutsu/Reflexes. Centre stance bonus (1k1+4), +2k0 from ILS 1 and 2. All 5 free raises used on called shot hand. TN20 | 10k6+4 ⇒ 46 (TN: 20)
Damage (will keep lowest) D1 EE spar duel with Hikaru. damage with bokken (going with 0k1) so 4k1 with kenjutsu mastery | 4k1 ⇒ 6

[Doji Hikaru]

"That was..." Hikaru is stunned for a moment. This wasn't exactly his best day ever, but suddenly is looking at a wall he isn't ready for

"Great!" At the same time he had to admire the skill.

"I'll get you next time" he responds playfully "Unless you're scared"

[Ikoma Honoka]

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?"

[Doji Hikaru]

"Agreed. Keeping at it would only make lesser matches" Hikaru studies her as the smile flickers. "I would be glad to hear your words Ikoma-san, especially if that makes us friends as you say"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"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?"

[Doji Hikaru]

"Ikoma Honoka-san" Hikaru smothers a grin. "You could be a Sparrow and you'd still be one of the finest duelists of our generation. You're...well one of a kind"

"But yes, my presentation did not go as well as I would have liked. It's...not fun to fail. But my Father once said "Never trust a man who brags about being undefeated. It means he has never faced a challenge that taught him anything"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"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 Doji-san will take his chance to shine as the days go on. You wouldn't be here otherwise, ne?"

Honoka returned her bokken to her waist as if planning to draw it again, but she moved her hands away for now.

"I'm also certain your gift was appreciated, even if it wasn't as good as Doji-san felt it could be" she offered as well, giving him a smile.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru opens his mouth, and then shuts it, biting down on his first impulse, and then looking to the ground. When he speaks, there is a small edge to his voice.

"There is a lot left to do. And, well...I am a second son Ikoma-san. It will be my pleasure to serve, but this Court? It's a chance I am not going to ignore."

The edge leaves as he glances at back her face. "What about you? Any great drama's I need to prepare compositions for?"