"Embarrassed at the attention?" Sastrugi asks, teasingly. "You'll have to get used to more, I'm afraid. The champion of the festival often receives congratulations, even after the next is crowned."

Her voice bubbles with remnants of joy, lingering from her previous laugh. She pauses, eyes flickering as she watches the glare of the fireworks blend with the lightshow dancing across Tiamat's scales.

Then, she smiles again, softer this time. "Mm, I'm sure you'll be fine, though. You did well."

Tiamat smiled. *thanks, you guys. Hey, why dont we spar? Im curious about how well you fight.*

Hakaishin watched, curious.

"Considering that you just won a national competition," Sastrugi starts, a little amused, "I'd say that you're better. I'm good but not crazy good. Top 200."

Despite that, she shrugs and agrees. "Still, I wouldn't mind a match once the place clears out though. Or back in the castle; that might be a bit faster."

Tiamat grinned. *whatever works for you.*

"In that case," Sastrugi says, "let's spar when we get back. Is there anything else you'd like to see around the celebrations? I guided you around the food stalls earlier. We can get some more, or visit some of the other exhibits if you want."

Tiamat smiled kindly. *whatever you would like.* he said politely.

Sastrugi lets the noise of the crowd and the pop of the fireworks wash over her, enjoying the festivities for what they are. It's a once in a year situation. For a moment, she wants to stay and explore this world of light and color along with Tiamat and Hakaishin. Then, the competitiveness sets in, the curiosity and the desire for a match. Not all IceWings love the fight, but Sastrugi is one of them, passioned honed over the hours she's spent on the training fields.

Ah, she thinks, giving in. There's always next year. In that instant, it surprises her, how much she's already assuming, how much she already likes the pair. But as Sastrugi glances back, their smiles reflected in the black of her eyes, she can see why.

So she laughs back. "Well, let's go back and spar then! I'll find you some food from the kitchen if you want snacks later."

Tiamat grinned and spread his wings. *then lead on!*

Hakaishin laughed and hopped on Tiamats back.

Sastrugi does, taking to the sky with a quick beat of her wings. As she soars, she occasionally glances backward, making sure that she doesn't lose the two in the snow.

Soon, they arrive, and Sastrugi lands, this time directing them down a different hallway. Pushing open the ice-carved doors, she reveals a small private training room, one of many. Of course, being in the place, small is simply a matter of relativity. It's more than large enough to practice in, and it's further decorated by a rack of dulled weapons.

"What rules would you like to use?" Sastrugi asks, rubbing her claws against her wrists in quiet excitement. "I'm assuming you want to try hand-to-hand, but I have trained a little with spears."

Tiamat smiled and walked over as Hakaishin slid off. *lets start with hand to hand. I want to see how you fight first.*