[Whisper]

-=| Paru's Bathhouse and Spa |=-

The bathhouse plays an important role in the social lives of the Nairu people of Arakmat. Each brightening, men, women, and children will flock to the bathhouse to relax, bond, and bathe.

Paru's is a large stone structure just a short walk away from the bazaar. Long and tall with vaulted ceilings, the entire building is made from the same beautiful blue stone that makes up the city gates. Intricate white and gold detail work lines the wide entrance and borders the floor and ceiling all around the bathhouse. The smell of sweet herbs and perfumed soaps infuses the entire place. With warm hanging lanterns all around, Paru's has a warm and welcoming feel. Soft and colorful flower petals line the floors and are constantly being replaced by the spa's dutiful attendants.

The bathhouse is divided in half to separate males from females. In addition, small images of pawprints in each gender section denote spots for Katta and Dorin. Paru, the owner of the bathhouse, neither supports nor condemns the racial feud. She just doesn't want it to get in the way of business.

***

After entering through the main lobby and being handed their standard basket of equipment (as well as any additional things they purchase), the bather is directed to his or her respective side of the bathhouse. There is a changing area where bathers switch their day clothes for the bathhouse's standard attire of a towel and slippers or wooden shoes.

The first room, the 'warm room,' is heated by hot, dry air from vents along the ceiling. Bathers sit on wooden or tile benches and perspire freely.

They then move to the 'hot room' to perspire more before entering the third room. There, they splash themselves with cold water to cool down their body temperature.

Bathers spend the most time in the 'bathing room.' Here, there is a large bath of warm water that can fit up to fifty occupants. The bath is lined with a bench for sitting, and there is a slightly deeper area in the middle (about four feet deep) for near full-body submersion. The water is constantly being drained and replaced by an ingenious series of pipes and plumbing, ensuring that each bather enjoys the cleanest water possible while allowing many people to bathe at once. Bathers usually use the basic soap included in their standard kit, though luxury products are available for purchase in this room as well. This room has a lovely aroma from the variety of scattered fresh flowers, soaps, shampoos, incense, and scented candles that fill the area. Attendants of the same gender as the bathers roam the area, helping guests with whatever needs may arise.

After the bath, bathers may pay extra to enjoy a massage by one or more professional masseuses. In any case, they should spend some time in the 'cooling room' to readjust their bodies and relax. When bathers are finished with their final steps, including any other extra services they wish to enjoy from the spa, they return the complete bathing kit and change back into their day clothes, refreshed and clean.

Each bather receives the standard kit with their entrance fee. Additional equipment may be purchased upon request in the lobby. Paru would like to remind her customers that items purchased are for use in the bathhouse only, and must be returned upon the bather's departure. Entrance Fees: single brightening: 5c 1 cycle pass: 40c single brightening (children): 2c 1 cycle pass (children): 20c full-body massage: +20c Standard Kit: (comes in a woven basket for carrying convenience) large cotton towel to wear about the body in dry areas, color of your choice pair cotton slippers, color of your choice (for use in dry areas) pair wooden clogs OR 1 pair wooden sandals (for use in wet areas) tas (ornamental metal bowl for pouring water over body) soap in copper case 2 washcloths (one soft for lathering, one rough for scrubbing) 3 large cotton towels for drying, color of your choice (one each for hair, around shoulders, around waist small comb small mirror rose-scented perfume (females) OR spice-scented cologne (males) Additional Equipment For Purchase: silk and cotton towel: 3c silk dry-area towel: 5c silk slippers: 7c specialty scented soaps and fragrances: 2c (rose, mint, lavender)

At the turquoise-tiled counter, a lovely attendant sits on a stool in front of a set of shelves filled with ready-assembled bathing kits. Her dark brown hair hangs in a braid over one shoulder. As guests enter through the always-open marble doors, she greets them with a smile. "Welcome to Paru's. Have you come for a standard visit, or would you like to try some of our luxury items this brightening?"