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Both houses were delighted to be back at the castle. An uncommon silence filled the walls. Everyone had collapsed, servants and Samurai, lords and ladies, they were all spent and wanted nothing more to do with the day. For the time being at least. As they all knew there was still so much left to do, unfortunately. In the meantime, the only sound that could be heard was the snoring and the soft footfalls of those that had some modicum of work to complete and who didn't want to disturb their slumbering comrades. Of course that work was done with the least amount of effort and the correct amount of aplomb to ensure they didn't break anything. There was little need, want or desire to be enthusiastic. Even Naka found himself imbued with that lethargy. He sat in his private quarters, sipping water and waiting for his turn at the bath. He did appreciate the time alone to collect his thoughts, and they were in truth a muddle. The man was conflicted. There were so many secrets and hidden agendas within the Hikiji clan that even he was hard pressed to keep up with them all. He was simple man; he was a Ninja and a ninja's is death. Life can't be easier than that, how unfortunate that his betters seem hell bent on making life, both their own and his, so complicated.
He looked over to a perch that held a hawk, which had its head covered. Naka picked up a small piece of paper that had been at his feet and rolled it into a small cylinder that was tied to the bird's foot. He then removed the covering, set the bird on his arm and released it into the outside. Naka then collapsed onto the floor again, and pressed his hand to his eyes.
"Forgive me, Yasu."
Just as Naka uttered that whispered plea, a knock came to his door and the voice beyond informed him that the bath was ready for him if he was still interested. Naka grunted that he would be there in a moment. He took a deep breath and then left for his well needed soak.
Everyone in the castle had the same idea, and the servants not pressed into the field party were being run ragged hauling fresh water and linen to every available bathhouse. The length of stay depended of course on that person's placement on the social ladder. Lords were allowed to linger for as long as they wished, and the time limit shortened with each descending rung. Servants naturally wanted a bath too, but their allotment was brief. But even more naturally some servants remained longer than their compatriots did. Tori found herself on that rung, as she had lost herself in the bath and once she awoke was amazed to see several new faces in the tub with her than when she had first set a toe in the water. No one had said a word. She sunk below the water line so only her eyes were visible. She was well and indeed the Lord's favourite. And for the life of her she had no idea what to do or what was expected of her. She had seen the craving in her lord's eyes in the enclosure. She was ready for that. But what concerned her the most was how to conduct herself in the midst of other servants. Tori was after all still part of that world. What happens now? She had been instructed in all things dealing with being a household servant, except for this eventuality. That was expressed only in whispers, usually at night, with covers pulled over the girls' heads; some wanted such a thing to happen, as their minds were filled with foolish romantic notions. Others wished to steer clear of their lord's eyes, as the nunneries were filled with cast off lovers. Tori expressed no opinion either way. Thus she had no idea what to do now that the unthinkable had actually happened.
