Hikaru's Home

"Yeah, didn't like clothes much either. Had this weird... phasing thing that he did." he waved his hand, "If he's writing to you, that means he made it off, too."

She laughed to herself, shaking her head. "I do... have to ask what happened there, Kazuki." Her expression sobered, masked in her courtier expression. "What did they do?"

Kazuki pulled his tunic over his head, turning to show her his back and sides, as well as his arms. All were covered in thick scars, gnarled and raised. Some were torn like something huge had bitten into his skin and ripped it from his bones, "You don't want specifics."

Fire leapt into her eyes instantly, a deadly spark that seemed to consume the usual joy and facade she held otherwise. "Who?" She said instantly, seeming like she herself was going to growl.

"Some of the other inhabitants called them the Marcher Lords." he shrugged, "I'd never heard of them. I just knew they were werewolves, and they stank."

The fire in Mairi's eyes spread to her hands as she balled them into fists. "I swear to the gods I will rip them to shreds..."

"I didn't talk to him much, or I could tell you more. But, Fengsel was set up like a giant arena. We were expected to kill one another on sight, and by speaking to him, it could put his life in danger, so I stuck to the shadows." He explained, "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he sees me and tries to stick a sword through my head at this point."

Mairi shook her head, "He is more honor-bound than he will admit." The fire was slowly dying down as she fought to control it, fists loosening. "If you took care not to hurt him, he will do the same for you."

"I shot him in the shoulder." he raised his brow, "With a paralytic poison. It was enough to convince the guards he was dead, and they pushed him out to sea on a canoe so the 'corpse' wouldn't take up room on the island. He might think I tried to kill him."

"You're an expert shot." She pointed out, folding her arms over her chest, "As I am sure he had seen at some point. Aside from that, a mere shoulder wound would not paralysis him alone. I am certain that he figured it out, Kazuki."

"Here's to hoping if he's coming here. I'm not fool enough to think that he couldn't kill me far easier than I could try to get away." he shrugged, a bit nervous though his cold demeanor.

Mairi waved off his fears. "Regardless, he will stand down if I tell him to do so. La- Faolan was never one to make his sister cry."

He snorted a laugh, "If you say so. I hope he won't take convincing."

Mairi's eyes narrowed. "He never does." She gestured to the pile of ash. "He has clearly met Hikaru, and has made it known that he knows of our... relationship. Obviously, Hikaru is still alive."

"For now." he chuckled, "Though if you wish to see how quickly he can turn hostile, I know a single word that can do the trick." he shook his head, "Amahel."

She gave him a curious glance. "That is the name of a woman."

"Indeed, it is." he shook his head, "A very evil woman."

Mairi nodded, "Deceased?"

"No, unfortunately. Though I wouldn't put it past your brother to go back just to kill her." he shrugged, "She stabbed him in the back. Quite literally."

Mairi nodded, eyes closed as she muttered to herself. "I would like to personally request that you return the favor, should you have the chance."

"If you wish." He chuckled, pulling his shirt back on, "Sorry if the sudden disrobing made you uncomfortable."

Mairi shook her head and sighed, pushing a few stray locks out of her face, "I am elven, Kazuki. Nudity means nothing to my people."

"Consider it a remnant of Tochigan education." He muttered, "Need any help around the house? As much as Hikaru is paying me, I feel like I should be doing something more than bringing meat."

Mairi laughed, "We have a staff, Kazuki. You know this." She nodded towards the kitchen however. "I will make tea, and then we can see about you helping me to prepare the hog, how about that?"

He nodded, "I can accept that."