Indeed, it only takes a few minutes walk to reach the House in question. Along the way you can hear sounds of revelry from the other houses, and see an occasional samurai the worse for the effects of sake, or perhaps opium. Doji-san expresses his opinion of these with a pointed sniff and an expression of not quite disgust.<br/><br/>As you approach the House of the Water Lilies, a plump Oka-san, her ornate robes patterned with lilies, comes out to greet you. “Good evening, honored guests. I am Bashiko, the owner of this proud house. Ah, such honorable visitors. Please, come inside. Would you like sake? Perhaps some hostesses to serve you on this festival night?” She smiles warmly, and her eyes twinkle.<br/><br/>She leads you through the sliding doors and into a large common room. A maiden is playing a stringed biwa, and her voice echoes merrily through the corridors of the large house. While there are several men and women in the outer chamber, all talking quietly or listening to the singer.<br/><br/>Doji-san glances around at them, then speaks in a voice meant for your ears only. "I do not see Whisper here."