As Irene entered her barrack for the first time in ages, pleased to see that the maids had still been dusting and tending to it so it wasn't in disarray, she let out a relaxed sigh. It was good to be home. It felt like she had been on the move nonstop that entire year. It felt about time to settle down and move slower, but she knew that meant knight duties were just beginning again. There would always be something to do in a knighthood even if it was merely patrolling.
The maids had been bringing deep basins for the returning knights full of warm water, always ready for the Duke but likely asked to be given to the knights who could use a bath after being on the road for so long.
Irene gratefully sank into the warm water after unceremoniously dropping her things and undressing. Even though it wasn't as deep of a bath as one at her father's home, it was more luxurious than anything she had experienced in a long time.
