(D1 ME Open) post-training bath

[Ikoma Honoka]

After a long day of guiding lost guests, giving gifts, sparring, and other activities besides, Honoka decided to reward herself with a slightly nicer bath than usual. And a hot one too, it wasn't too cold yet but it was still cold enough that hot water was a nicer experience.

After cleaning up, she entered one of the bigger hot baths after giving the servants a small apologetic smile. Closing her eyes and just enjoying the warmth for now.

[Suzume Ryobu]

Some time after--it's hard to say how long--another figure slips into the water across from Honoka. Her face and hands show that they are no strangers to sunlight, but her shoulders above the water are pale as bleached cotton.

In a quiet voice, she says, "Apologies if there is any disturbance. A soak looked inviting, and it would be rude to refuse."

She dips her head slightly. "Suzume Ryobu," she offers as an introduction.

[Ikoma Honoka]

An eye was opened, then the other, before a seated bow was given by the young Ikoma.

"No disturbance I assure you. The waters are very appealing after a long day out in the winter ne? I am Ikoma Honoka. I hope you are finding things to be of your liking so far?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The Smiling Blade," Ryobu replies. "Quite the reputation precedes you.

"And, yes, the Ikoma have been nothing but hospitable. It has been a pleasure to be here so far, though one might guess that you are happier to be here than most, it being your Family home."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Oh?" Honoka smiled at that "to think my reputation has made it all the way to the greatest court in Rokugan already. I'm honoured."

There was a pause before she added "I'm glad to hear that people are finding things to their liking. My kin have put in a lot of effort to prepare for everyone's arrivals. I've been here a few months but it has been impressive to see it happen. I quite enjoy being on the road, visiting different lands and attending courts held by many different clans, but this one will be something special."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Oh, certainly," Ryobu agrees. "The Winter Court is always special. Such a showcase of the Empire's best and brightest cannot help but be."

She rolls her neck in the warm water. "The Bowman's Wager is coming up, of course. Does Ikoma-san have a favored contender? Or is she perhaps going to add 'The Smiling Bow' to her titles?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

There was a small laugh at that.

"The Smiling Bow has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Especially when one considers a bows shape. I cannot spoil whether I will be adding more titles to my growing reputation yet, however were I one to recommend there are contenders among the Lion that will be worth watching. Lady Akodo's son is among the delegates and while I have not been blessed to watch the drills I understand he is quite talented."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The child of such a mother could hardly be otherwise," Ryobu replies. "I shall look for him to do well, then."

She relaxes a little more into the water, sighing slightly. "I take it Ikoma-san's family is well?" she asks. "It is to be hoped they are, certainly."

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka had taken a moment to slide down a little, her head tilted back and eyes closed again. She was still listening though.

"My parents are doing well. Both are looking forward to tales of a court they had never been invited to. What of Suzume-samas family? Do they wait with excitement for stories? Winter Court is a big opportunity for many after all."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The Sparrow do prize storytelling," Ryobu replies. "The climate in the Suzume lands is not the kindest to paper, it has been found, and there is a decided limit on the utility of carving stones for daily record-keeping."

There is a slight smile on her lips as she says the last and adds "Some of the youth in each year learn that lesson for themselves."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I have heard much about the Sparrow storytelling, less so of the use of carving stones. Although I can understand there are limitations on this. One wonders if perhaps paper can be made more sturdy, or perhaps books made to protect their contents better, but I would imagine this is not high on the concerns of the Sparrow" Honoka offered thoughtfully "still, as long as word is spoken it can be carried down. Much like it is passed down through the Ikoma libraries, carefully stored and protected."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Unfortunately, no, the duty to guard Golden Sun Plain occupies much of the Sparrow's attention," Ryobu says. "And while we are glad of the duty, it leaves little else. So when there is the chance to be in a place such as this, it is a blessing."

She grins. "When, on occasion, we have visitors from the Badger, they do seem to delight in the youths' thoughts about stones."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I can imagine that is two very different views on stones" Honoka replied with a small laugh "so beyond the blessing of performing ones duty in the premier court of our Empire, what does Suzume-sama hope for from this court? Forgive me, while I know of the Sparrow and their duties it is rare that I get a chance to meet with one. Our lands are far apart as well."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"They are, indeed," Ryobu replies, "and our flock cannot migrate far."

Ryobu dunks her head for a moment, then raises it from the water and pulls her hair back, smoothing it.

"But what is hoped, of course, is peace. Something about the grass suffering when the oxen fight comes to mind."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Peace? A noble hope, one that I suspect will continue as long as the empire remains as it is. I idly wondered what the Sparrow was in need of, but I suppose that isn't a discussion for a warm comfortable bath" Honoka replied with a small chuckle "there will be more days to discuss such things."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Just so," Ryobu replies. "And it will be a pleasure to have such discussions in the coming days. But for now, it is good to enjoy what is on offer."

She sighs contentedly.

"And there is so much here."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"The whole world comes to a standstill for a few weeks while it is reshaped" Honoka chuckled "one should take their enjoyments while they can. Although not for too long though. Thank you for your conversation Suzume-sama, I should however be going to prepare for the gathering later tonight. if you would like to discuss more business or otherwise please do, the Lion may not be close by but we need not be strangers" she gave the woman a smile, before collecting her towel and rising and then bowing.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Carry the Fortunes, Ikoma-san," Ryobu agrees, bowing as she can from the bath.

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Same to you Suzume-sama" Honoka replied as she left to dry off and dress.

/scene (thank you for the scene!)

[Fukurokujin]

(Of course!)