<div class="floatleft">(http://i60.tinypic.com/1c87q.jpg)</div>Asahina Reiko (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=261269.msg12891726#msg12891726)<br/><br/>The gift exchange went smoothly (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=99656), for Reiko; how else could it go for a Crane, even if she were not one of the Doji?  Courtly acts came as routinely as breathing, the courtesies involved almost entirely automatic.  The thrice-offered gift was a scroll, calligraphy done by one of their more skilled Kakita, a short excerpt from the writings of the original Kakita.<br/><br/>With the introductions done, and her pack stowed in her room, Reiko considers.  As appealing as taking quiet rest sounded, she knew that she had a duty to present her best self at the dinner, as a representative of her clan.  And so, it is not long before she is in the baths.  Moving with a slow elegance, much like the animal from which her clan takes her name, she strips, carefully folding her travel kimono, more out of habit than out of need; it would need to be washed regardless.  She begins to wash earnestly, less for the enjoyment of the act, and more to achieve her goal of cleanliness.  It doesn't take long.<br/><br/>Then, just as carefully, she joins the main bathing area.  Slowly, she submerges herself in water, quickly allowing it to rise up to her shoulders, her skin pale and unblemished, her white hair carefully pinned up.  Slowly, she takes a deep breath in and out, her bare shoulders rising and falling, as she finally allows herself to relax.