Korin paused. The gate to the Healer Hall stretched up above him, smooth polished wood that arched over the path, framing the peaceful view of the main compound. In the end - only pushed a little by Korin - Lord Ozawa had decided it wasn't necessary for him to call off his previous engagements to come, but Sakina and Yuki had demanded to come, and Aiko was tagging along as well. Along with Korin's two guards, they made quite a stir. Korin knew the healer hall protocols, though, and they couldn't all go in. "Yamada, Sakai, you two stay here." He raised his hand as Yamada started to protest. "No, that was an order. What on earth do you think is going to happen to me in the Healer Hall? Besides, there's a strict no-weapons policy."
Yamada opened his mouth again, but by now things had got to the point where Korin could (and did) shut him up with a brief glance. Yuki was scribbling in her notebook, when a very diffident and embarrassed healer came up to her and muttered something that Korin didn't catch. But he caught Yuki's reaction, which was completely scandalised? "Excuse me?"
"We have informed you previously," the healer said apologetically. "We're very sorry, but to allow reporters in would violate the sanctity and privacy of the Hall, Tamakazura-sama and Minobe-san. Would you like me to fetch the Master Healer?"
This was probably the point at which to intervene, Korin thought, before Yuki and Sakina kicked up a fuss. "There's no need for that, he cut in. "Thank you for coming this far, ladies. I'm sure Lord Ozawa needs your presence, and the examination would be private anyway." When Yuki hesitated, he added, "And of course, I will give you a full report later."
"We'll expect it!" Sakina said, with Yuki nodding her agreement. Korin bowed to both of them and finally saw them off. Aiko had grabbed Korin's hand and was swinging on it.
When they stepped up to the entrance room, Korin discovered they were expected. Aiko immediately let go of Korin's hand and flew across the room to latch on to Kin's waist. Korin had stopped in surprise. "Ehime-sensei. You knew I was coming?"



