Hikaru's Home

"You're free to use the bathhouse outside or the washroom." She called, smiling at him through the window.

"How do you get there?" he asked, looking up at the halls.

Mairi sighed, holding her fiddle and bow in either hand as she made her way back inside. "Follow me."

Kazuki poked a finger in his ear, wiggling it as he followed her around, trying not to drip.

It didn't take long to show him to the washroom, opening the door for him and gesturing towards the pile of towels in the corner. "Feel free to do as you wish. I'll send one of the assistants to you with clothes."

"If you insist." he shrugged, removing his shirt before she even left the room.

She merely shook her head, unaffected by his complete lack of decency. Mairi returned to the kitchen, disposing of what couldn't be used, setting the hide aside, and readying the kitchen for cooking.

The maid rushed downstairs in a frenzy, cheeks a vibrant red, "Oh, dear, m'lady..."

Mairi raised a brow, "Did Kazuki step out of the bathroom unclothed again?"

She nodded quickly, "Ancestors help me..."

She laughed, "Go along to the temple then. I will find clothing for him."

She nodded quickly and took off.

Mairi made her way through the hallways, stepping into a guest room and pulling out several outfits, including a few simple pairs of pants, before returning to the washroom. "Kazuki, you could have waited longer..."

He poked his head out, wet hair clinging to his muscular body, "Huh?"

She shook her head, offering him the bundle of clothing. "One of the maids saw you again."

He groaned, "She going off to pray to?"

"Yes," she said, chuckling, "You have that effect on people."

He snatched the clothes, pulling the pants on though he was still wet and wandered back out into the hall, shaking his hair out. "If I must..."

"Kazuki, wet clothing clings to the body." She scolded, shaking her head and following behind him. "I can see your ass."

"Admire the view." he muttered, "Anything else you need of me?"

Her eyes rolled, "Do as you wish."

He looked out the window, "Damn... It's getting dark. It gets so damned cold at night..."

Mairi nodded. "The rooms are heated, as you know. You're welcome to stay here. Unused rooms are left ajar."

He nodded, "I might do that... Where would you prefer me to stay? I'd like to be close enough to be easily accessible, should you need guard."

She laughed. "Do you remember where Hikaru's study is?"