They waited. Inside the rice paper walls of the common area, a few silhouettes sat silent or paced the time away. They waited for a new Brother, a formal term, one that did not encompass the initiate's gender at all. Even though it had not been explicitly stated, the initiates knew that another would be joining them. The absent minded business the few Masters and both Mentors had been engaged in was evidence enough for that, to those that paid attention to such things. Others had cottoned on to the event when the ceremonial pool had been checked over and filled fully, instead of it's usual three quarters state.<br/><br/>Silence reigned for a while, no one spoke or muttered to themselves. The only sound was the gentle, rhythmitic step of Brother Hiroshi's boots. Hours passed until the moment came, the subdued splash that marked the passage of another into their extended family. One of the Portugese Masters had told her that such a ceremony in their land was reserved for when the initiate had completed their training. He had neglected to tell her why it was different here, but different it was.<br/><br/>Standing from her place on the wicker mat she called her bed when here, Hitasune faced the door in equal parts anticipation and irritation. She was eager to meet her new 'Brother', yet irritated at this blatant differentiation from the norm. It rubbed against all of her training and upbringing to treat most of these people as equals. The vast majority were not Samurai, but according to the Creed they lived by here, they were just as worthy as she. That had been difficult to fully appreciate.<br/><br/>When the two Assassins entered, it was immediately clear who the initiate was. The slip of a girl, barely into adulthood, still dripping from her late night dip into her new life, being led to them by Shinji.<span style="font-style: italic">A peasant, likely from the city itself.</span>She banished that thought with a quick shake of her head before advancing to greet her new Sister. Giving a slight, yet still formal bow whilst crossing her right arm across her chest met that requirement. A verbal acknowledgement followed, the murmured 'Sister' carrying to it's intended recipient easily.<br/><br/>"Welcome to the Brotherhood."