Nikki

The Dawn of the Edo Period Samurai peddle their legends, and the empire is peaceful. Fine arts and luxurious goods flow the streets of Kyoto. A subtle path, blushed by cherry blossom petals follows a canal, just off the busy trading district. It offers a peaceful retreat from the noise and jovial energy of this youthful nation's prosperity. Behold, high wooden walls intricately designed for just a peek inside. You found the local Hot Springs Inn, run by a family in the business for generations. A paper pined to its gate, help wanted. Inside you can feel the warm humid air, a foreign girl positioned at the front desk, her expression warm and welcoming for guests. The Main hall consists of 8 public baths. Partitioned only by waste high walls. It's open nature, more traditional, but still accepted today if not simply for its historical legacy. For those with coin or prestige to peddle, private baths are made available, where a private server may play games, entertain, provide drink and any service requested per their most esteemed guests. They don't wish to disappoint! Youthful, fresh-faced servers mill about, each barefoot, spare towels in hand or sake to drink for guests to enjoy. The servers wore more-practical, yet less-modest robes made for working about the humidity of the Hot Springs. A Light garment of variable colors and patterns unique and custom made by a local shop for each server. Perfect for stepping in and out of the hot waters with regularity, to reach guests where they are. Some servers sat on the edge of the pools resting their legs in the warm waters while providing company to the lonely, or entertainment and play games with the more rambunctious parties and guests. A voice calls out, "More sake please!" "Yes sir!" A spritely server echos back, as she flits past, the light thud of her bare feet can be felt along the old polished floorboards as she races past to the kitchen.