The Hot Springs
"I am the manager, Everard; welcome to the Spa... naturally, you must be a Knight, so come on in and make yourself comfortable. But--please! Remember to change out of your dirty clothes! Don't muck up my pools..."
"I am the manager, Everard; welcome to the Spa... naturally, you must be a Knight, so come on in and make yourself comfortable. But--please! Remember to change out of your dirty clothes! Don't muck up my pools..."
A place where everyone can come and relax, cleanse their bodies and have a good time, the Hot Springs is located in an enclosed courtyard on the ground level of the Castle. All visitors are asked to follow the rules, entering gender-seperated changing rooms (women on right, men on the left) and removing all outside clothing before entering the Spring area itself. Clean towels and robes are provided, and are they only thing permitted within the Spring along with herbal-based hair and body soaps and wash cloths. All towels, robes and cloths are, naturally, crimson.
There are three pools: the central and largest pool is moderatly and comfortably warm--the Tepidarium. Up a short slope to the right, hidden by a screen of bamboo, is the slightly smaller pool of hot water, the Caldarium. Lastly is the pool to the left of the Tepidarium, surrounded by cherry trees and filled with refreshingly cold water: the Frigidarium. All three are round shaped, and are deep enough so that most people are up to their waists in the water when standing. Underwater ledges surround the outside edge of the pool so one can sit.
The area is decorated by well-tended gardens, and several marble-sheathed benches are about to offer a place to lounge.
