(D1 EE Open) never let skills become rusty

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Hmm... you remind me of one of your kin that I conversed with in the morning, extra pressure on your shoulders. I'm an only child, so I can't relate to having the pressures of family in that regard, but I know my talents will take me through any situation" Honoka smiled more, motioning around them "allow moments like this to help you relieve the extra pressure, preparing you for what lays ahead. There is always the unexpected, but with careful planning one can approach any situation with a mind to expect anything."

There was a pause.

"As for dramas? Not I, just an eager excitement to display and deliver for the clan. Meeting with people who are the best of the best, and showing why I belong."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru chuckles. "Oh, you definitely belong here." He considers his sparring partner for a moment. "Thank you Ikoma-san." He holds his tongue for a moment. "I came of age with stories of the Lion. When you've lost, there is a tendency to make a towering legend of the one who bested you."

"Ikoma-san is good. Very good. And yet, just speaking with you, I can see the same interests, the same thrill of the duel. Being...well, a person." He offers a small smile. "It brings me hope for the future"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Stories of the Lion? Well, we are storytellers. Especially the Ikoma. My story will be a great one too, don't worry. And Doji-sans will be too, as it's intertwined with mine at least at the beginning" Honoka gave him a grin "and as we walk similar paths and we do share similar interests, I'm sure they'll remain that way. So Doji-san must not let small setbacks hold him back, ne? As a storyteller maybe I'll even be the one to tell your story!"

Honoka gave a wide sweeping motion around her.

"One small misstep is fine when the path has only just started. Just don't have too many or you'll never keep up with me."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru smothers a grin. "There are worse sights than chasing after you, but you know I plan to keep up"

He pauses. "You'll be at the reception tonight?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"That's the Doji-san I remember" Honoka nodded "and hai, thus why I chose to train now instead of later in the evening. The day has been busy and will become busy again later, and one should never allow their skills to idle. I would assume Doji-san does not intend to miss it also? It will be the last chance one can relax before things get more serious."

[Doji Hikaru]

"If you're there? Of course, I won't miss it! I can't be left behind can I?" Hikaru responds playfully, but then sobers. "If it is not rude to ask, what business awaits you once Court begins? Apart from the obvious, looking to better our futures and all that"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Business? There is clan business that I can't discuss of course, I imagine Doji-san has a similar business of betterment of ones clan. Beyond that? I cannot say, one can never predict what will happen! There are usually special events that happen, I believe kemari and the Bowmans Wager are traditional for Winters Court, other than that I can't say."

There was a pause, before she added "of course if you want to discuss clan business that isn't something one would discuss in an open dojo, you would either approach or invite the intending party for tea and discussions. But I'm sure Doji-san knows that."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru offers a small smile. "I mean, there are less roundabout ways to get you to tea, but that seems to be an excellent choice. Tea after Court perhaps? I hear there is a kemari game to watch but that is not my forte"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Not partaking? You can watch me then as I will be. I made sure to research the rules beforehand too" Honoka nodded, looking pleased with herself "and then later in the evening tea would be wonderful. Or in a few days, if Doji-san would prefer? I wouldn't want to monopolise all of Doji-sans time after all."