Tales of Viera (Moon Hound Hati x Lusterless Nova)

[Moon Hound Hati]

It happened so suddenly that his body didn’t even have time to register the pain. The metallic flavor of blood filled his mouth as he coughed it up and was knocked off his feet, tumbling to the wooden deck on which they stood. Sound and sight began to fade rapidly as darkness overcame him, with the last he saw and heard being the lich uttering some name he did not recognize.

But then, in the darkness, he felt something… soft press up against his backside. The calm and collected voice of Alma felt rather soothing, urging him to remain in such a state as well. After listening to her proposition, he closed his eyes for a moment, chuckling. “I was traveling with the intent to find an epic quest that would carve my name into the history books,” he told her with a smirk as he opened his eyes again. “And this sounds like the most epic quest of all! If I refused now, I might as well go home and become a farmer as my mother wanted.”

Refuse? Perish the thought! He would embark on this quest against a mad god, no questions asked!

[Mini Magi]

She chuckled and smiled at his response. It was a fine one. Admirable even. For where others would prefer to run and hide, succumbing to their instincts, this one preferred to use his head and fulfil his own desires. A nice change of pace from the heroes who jumped at the chance to save the world. "Others would shroud their motives in altruistic means. But you? You are bold enough to think of your own desires." She reached forward, materializing the rapier once more. "So long as you follow your own dreams, I shall call you..." It floated just within reach, and the closer his hand got to it, the more light returned. Slowly but surely, he could see what happened by now. The crew was getting away from him, and in front of him was his own shadow. What was there behind him? Jet like flames, two of them, which raised his recovered body, allowing it to float. But there was more. He was at the main mast of the ship, but at the front of it: Megumin was out of mana, the Lich right in front of her, about to strike.

"Master!/Master!"

 

[Moon Hound Hati]

It was one of those lessons he’d been taught by his elvish parents many a time. Honesty. Not just honesty towards others, but towards oneself; your desires, ambitions, feelings. That was the creed by which he chose to live. With those feelings in heart and mind, he raised his hand and grasped the magical rapier that had appeared before him once more, fingers slipping around the smooth handle that would tear him back into reality with reckless abandon.

For a moment, Kyrian was disorientated. He was now standing -- floating, even -- above the ship and before the mainmast. But there was no time to think about it, to panic, or any of the sort. His deep blue eyes fell upon helpless Megumin, her mana obviously depleted, and the lich ready to end her. Before he could spare another thought, his body moved faster than he had ever thought possible. 

In the literal blink of an eye, he appeared between the arch wizard and the lich. An upward slash with Arendile was enough to launch the foe up into the air. What followed was a barrage of thrusts with the magical rapier that had his right arm move so fast the onlookers would simply see a blur of afterimages while the target was turned into a pincushion filled with fist-sized holes. To finish it all off was a powerful slice across the full length of the lich that summoned flames that burned a hot blue and would burn it to ash in a mere moment.

When it was all said and done, Kyrian exhaled deeply as he floated down slowly until his boots touched the wooden deck.

 

Edited August 21, 2021 by Moon Hound Hati

[Mini Magi]

There was a lot to take in, but the most important detail that everyone gladly accepted was simply that the danger was over. The Lich was no more, and the remaining phantoms vanished with it. The weather calmed down as well, and piece returned. Which was really good for Kyrian as well, for when his feet touched the ground, exhaustion would hit him like a boulder, and the rapier vanished. Alma was nowhere to be heard or seen. But at least Megumin was still there, eyes big and in awe at what just happened. The only bad thing remaining was that for some reason, the crew had now tied the both of them up, and the captain came over to them. "Nothing personal. I just know who is and isn't a registered passenger, and I don't need any additional ruckus today. Just stay still while I figure things out." On the bright side, they both were left to themselves after getting tied to a mast while sitting and could get a much needed rest.

A while later, the ship started sailing again on its planned course, and some time after that, both Kyrian and Megumin would find themselves on land. Not at a port however. After getting escorted there by none other than the captain, he untied the both of them "Apologies for the rough ride." and after their arms were free again, he handed them both a bottle with water and a package with food. "This is about as far as we can take you to the city without guards noticing. Heroes or not, I doubt they will overlook how you two got on our ship." He then pointed behind them into a cave. "If you go through there and then head north, you'll reach Viera in just a few hours without anyone asking you things you don't want to answer." He really was on Kyrian's side here, but there was no way he could get the two of them past the officials. This had to do, and with some luck, they would both understand it.

[Moon Hound Hati]

Kyrian had no energy to put up any real resistance, even if he wanted to, so when the crew tied the pair up the most he could give was a half-mumbled, “Lost my magical sword, my energy, and now my freedom. What a turnabout…” Though it was accompanied by a light-hearted chuckle. After being tied to the mainmast, he spent most of the voyage drifting in and out of sleep, though by the time the ship moored just off the coast a few hours later he had fully recovered. The captain and one of the crew brought them ashore with a sloop, providing them with thanks, food, and water while explaining that they’d have to get to Viera by foot from here and through a cave.

“You won’t hear me complaining, captain,” Kyrian assured him as he looked towards the cave. Why was it always caves? Or ruins. Or abandoned forts. Or… Well, a lot of dark and cold places, really.

After waving them goodbye as the captain and crewman began rowing their sloop back to the ship, he turned to his sole companion, Megumin. “You good to go?” he asked her with a reassuring smile. He wasn’t sure how much experience she had with cave exploration, but he recalled his own early experiences and the sense of claustrophobia had never truly left him, often creeping up a bit during prolonged journeys into them.

[Mini Magi]

After tipping his hat, the captain and his crewmate went back onto the ship, and somewhat quickly, the ship sailed off again. They had a lot of wounded after all. When asked, Megumin replied energetically "I'm always ready master!" True, she was still a bit exhausted, but she did not forget how absolutely cool it looked when he rushed to her side. Saved her life too of course, but that was nothing short of amazing! "Where is Alma though?" A small moment passed, and a childish voice answered. "Right here I'm afraid." And in a puff of sparkles, a little fairy materialized.

Spoiler

Name: Alma
Occupation: Spirit of the rapier Arendile
A smaller form of Alma, which she took after granting Kyrian an enormous boost of power. Roughly 10 Centimeters tall at best.

Megumin's eyes lit up right away, and cupped her hands to form a spot to sit on for the somber little fairy. "Master! Look at her! She's adorable!" But where others would hear a compliment, Alma sunk down on her knees, then on her side as if struck by something. "This is me now. Gone are my curves, my alluring voice." Tears of defeat ran down her cheeks, but words of encouragement only made her turn to Kyrian with a pout. "I don't want to hear it! Look at me! I'm... I'm..." "Small and cute?" "...Flat." At the mention of that word in particular, Megumin accidentally dropped the sulking fairy, who in response just kept herself up without moving her wings much.

All in all, yes. She was adorable, but she did not want to hear it. "I underestimated how compatible we are, so when I gave you power, I gave you nearly all I had. I'm... sorry. This is not your fault after all." Taking a few deep breaths, she calmed down and flew up a little. "I should recover eventually, but I can not give you another boost like before. I'm afraid you are stuck with your own abilities again. But at least I can do this now. Could you hold out your hand?" Upon doing so, his rapier manifested, and Alma was still around too. Previously she would turn into it, but now the rules were different. "You will at least not need me for this anymore, and until my strength returns, I'll support you in other ways master. That is, if you allow it."

[Moon Hound Hati]

The change in attitude Megumin displayed was curious, Kyrian thought. Gone was any hesitation or reservation about their (temporary) slave pact and she was even quite happily calling him master now. He figured it was best left alone for now, as her spirits were high and he enjoyed her spunky attitude.

A pang of concern and guilt hit him when the arch-wizard asked where Alma was, but it was almost immediately washed away when his spirit familiar revealed her new form, though she herself seemed quite distraught by the loss of her taller and more voluptuous figure. A sentiment Megumin apparently could not empathize with because… well… never mind.

Alma went on to explain what happened and the current situation in regards to her powers and their pact. Holding out his hand as asked, the magical rapier appeared in his palm moments later, with the fairy still remaining present at the same time. “Of course, Alma!” he reassured her with a broad smile, sheathing the weapon. Holding out the palm of his hand, he beckoned for her to land on it before bringing her up to eye level. “I’m just glad you’re back with us! With me!”

After giving her a place to perch on his shoulder, the small party decided to resume their trek. After fashioning a make-shift torch out of a thick branch he found laying on the ground and some cloth and a tiny flask of oil he kept in his hip pouch as part of his basic adventuring survival kit, or BASK for short, he lit it up with a quick little fire spell from Megumin and they ventured forth into the dark darkness of the cave that would lead them to Viera.

About an hour past and he could no longer see the light from outside behind them, not only due to the distance traveled but also the winding, descending, and ascending of the path traveled thus far. There wasn’t much sound aside from the muffled echoes of their boots and the dripping of water from the stalactites hanging overhead. “You two want to take a short break?” he asked Megumin and Alma. Having had plenty of experience in dungeons, mines, and caves alike, Kyrian knew well that even traversing such places induced a lot more fatigue than usual. They should rest, eat, and drink while they could.

[Mini Magi]

All in all, the situation could be much worse. And knowing her master had use for her even with how she was now helped calm the now small Alma down. With a smile, she gladly took the offer to sit on his shoulder, and with Megumin in tow, they made their way into the cave.

The cave itself was not too interesting, but at least also big enough to let the two of them walk side by side, and even then have some space left. Combat wouldn't be an issue at least. The ground was also somewhat even, and there were no signs of monsters living here. Eventually there was a good hint for why that was the case. When Kyrian suggested a break, Megumin spoke up. "Master? I think we should go just a bit further. I feel something." Alma smiled at that. "You really are a grand wizard Megumin. Impressive." "Of course! We crimson demons are nothing BUT impressive, the greatest of them all!" Now having gotten Megumin an ego boost, Alma turned to Kyrian. "A bit further ahead is an area under divine protection. Most likely a local deity. Let us rest there." At least it seemed like there was no bad mood between them, despite the chest comment.

And there was indeed a fine resting spot just a bit further in. Soon enough, they would see a different light source. Bright blue glowing water that gathered in a small pond, the statue of a feather winged goddess that stood in the middle of it, and boobs. A pair of really impressive honkers. A set of perfect badonkadonkers... attached to a lady laying on her back of course.

Spoiler

Name: Wiz

Class: Merchant

A so far unknown lady who stands out among other females. Smells like tea.

"Master? I'll scout ahead while you deal with this." Alma went off to search for the exit. Right now she would not be useful in a fight anyway, and only he and Megumin could hear her voice. Best make herself useful anyway.

Megumin was less welcoming, seeing an enemy of the flat pride faction before her, laying seductress (and unconsciously, but that detail was gladly overlooked) on the floor. "Master. We should be careful. It could be a trap."

The girl herself seemed fine however. Upon coming closer, it would be difficult not to notice the scent of tea on her however. But also no blood, no bandages, no anything really. She might as well just be exhausted.

[Moon Hound Hati]

“Feel something?” Kyrian raised his eyebrows slightly, always finding himself amazed at the instincts and talents of the more magically inclined. While he knew some minor light and nature spells himself, it was more like a tool or weapon to him, much like a sword or bow and arrow were.

“Alma’s right, that is impressive, Megumin!” he said with praise and a wide smile as he followed the girls towards the area they said was under divine protection and would provide relative safety. The spot in question was a pond filled with luminescent blue water beneath the statue of a winged goddess -- likely a depiction of the patron goddess. And laying in front of the pond was… a buxom lady.

Alma instantly took to scouting ahead while they dealt with the situation. Though he kept Megumin’s words of warning in mind, Kyrian strode forward before she was even done speaking, kneeling down next to the unconscious brunette. He sensed no immediate danger and went on to check the woman’s condition. She appeared unharmed and simply unconscious. Carefully lifting her head and having her lean against his arm, propped up slightly more upright, he gently called out to her.

“Hey, are you alright? Can you speak?” he asked, trying to get some kind of reaction out of her.

[Mini Magi]

The woman stirred awake quietly... then, with a bit of a shriek, scooted back against the wall. "Who are you people?!" So much for Megumin's theory of her being dangerous. After a bit back and forth, the woman turned out to be called Wiz, and she was not in this cave because she wanted to. "I encountered a monster out of town, so when it chased me, I ended up here before I knew it. Worst of all is that I closed a gate further ahead, but have no key for it." Megumin looked around. "Wait. Doesn't that mean the path up ahead is closed?" Wiz nodded and felt shame. It was her fault after all. And while irritated, the mage kept quiet, trying to think of an alternative. Maybe she could explode it? The cave seemed stable enough to take a little blast... probably. It was luckily right on time for Alma to make contact with Kyrian, causing him to hear a voice in his head. "Master? I can confirm what she is saying. But the gate is old and rusted, most likely thanks to the seawater. I can open it once you are here." No need for her to move back and forth after all, and the area was genuinely safe.

[A couple hours later]

Finally, the city of Viera. Now past the gates, Kyrian's part would finally find itself in a safe place. Plastered walls, a mix of both wooden and brick buildings, shops and plenty of places to get food from too. "What a relief." Wiz stepped forward, being familiar around these parts already. "I'd like to thank you properly Kyrian. Once you have time, how about you come visit me in my shop later? I'll prepare something in the meantime. Take care you two." And with that, Wiz parted ways, heading straight into the city.

As for the group themselves, they simply had to decide where they wanted to go now. Wiz had told them on their way here where everything was. Not too far from here was the white rabbit inn and bar, which spread across 2 buildings. A bit past that was the market, and also where Wiz most likely was. Further north was also the Deep Dungeon entrance, the main attraction of Viera. But those who wanted to go there had to register at the local guild branch first. And no matter which way they took there, it would go right past the slave market. "Master! Before we head anywhere, you should know that my true powers can only be unleashed if I have a staff." Which meant, a trip to the market would be recommended. But Megumin was not the only one with an idea. "May I also suggest we try our luck at the slave market? Surely you wouldn't mind more slaves." A sentence easily misunderstood, and summoning forth the anger of the crimson mage, now crossing her arms, head high, and the red eye glowing. "Are you implying I'm not good enough!?" To which Alma chuckled. "Quite the contrary. You are a fine mage Megumin. My only thought is that I feel like Master wouldn't mind saving another damsel. And where else to look if not at the slave market?" Well... She could get behind that. Master was a good person, that much she knew already. With a little puff and huff, she turned around. It was their master who would decide what they would do and where to go.

Edited October 10, 2021 by Minibit

[Moon Hound Hati]

For a long moment, Kyrian simply sat there, on his knees, looking mildly shocked after the woman had shrieked out in confusion and fear while backing herself away and against the wall. While the girls had their back and forth to explain the situation, he quietly walked over to the fountain with the statue, sinking down onto his knees in a defeated way and leaning over to stare down into the basin, his distraught reflection peering back at him. “I’m not… I don’t look that much like a punk… do I?” he muttered quietly, hands raised to touch his face as if confirming that it was the way it was. Turning to Megumin with a look of desperation, he asked, “Do I?!”

After completing his little comedic sketch, the adventurer returned to a more normal attitude as they spoke about the gate and decided, as a group, to move forward towards the town after opening it. The journey would take a few more hours, during which he familiarized himself a bit with the woman, Wiz. Once they were past the gates, the brunette excused herself, but not without promising proper thanks once he visited her shop later. While he hated to see her leave, he loved to see her go; even with the loose robe that she wore, it was obvious Wiz had curves to her that could draw just about any man’s attention.

Now the group had to decide where to go from here. The options of staff and slave shopping were brought up by his two companions and the latter reminded Kyrian that slavery was seen as perfectly normal in a lot of the world. Taking a small leather bag hanging from his belt and holding it up for them to see, he told them, “While I enjoy the enthusiasm and banter, girls, I do want to point out that we’re working with a budget here.” Shaking the bag a little, it was clear by the sound of the shifting coin that it wasn’t filled to the brim with gold. “Buying a slave is currently out of the question.” Even if he were actually enthusiastic about the idea. “And while buying Megumin a staff is probably the best investment right now, it comes with some compromises.”

Turning his head to look the petite grand-wizard directly in the eyes, he went to inform her of said compromises. “For one, we’ll probably have to share a room at the inn to save money for other things -- likely even share a bed! Would you be okay with that if it meant buying you a staff?”

[Mini Magi]

Blushing but still on the offense, Megumin replied, almost yelled back. "Such things don't matter! It is the essence of a crimson demon to excel!" Yet there was a good change the two of those around her were not buying it. Grumpy from being looked upon as a child, she turned away, arms crossed.

Alma, while amused, didn't overlook that she was not the only one who had a problem with this situation. "Master? I believe this is a good opportunity to remind you of something. Even if only temporary until something can be worked out, Megumin is your slave. By making her one, you accepted to be her master, and make decisions in her place. I'm not saying to not take in her opinions and values. But in the end, decisions have to come from you in times like these." Besides. He couldn't be against some skinship or more women. It was merely a lack of resources that he had to work with. "Since that includes me, I would like to point out that you two had a horrible ride here, and could use a meal and rest. You don't have to, but how about you two rest while I explore the town for you? We can work on our riches when the time comes." Although her range was limited, the town itself seemed to be just within it. If he wanted it, she could go and survey every important location, except for the dungeon. She was not daring enough to try and see if monsters saw her or not.

[Moon Hound Hati]

Sighing softly and scratching the back of his head, Kyrian weighed the input and the options. Alma was probably right when it came to resting and freshening up. Turning to Megumin, he said, “Alright, we should probably go and find an inn to stay at. We’ll have a rest, eat, clean our clothes, and have a bath.” That sounded like a solid enough plan for now. Fatigue hadn’t quite set in yet, but they’d been walking for some time now.

Next, he addressed their sword spirit fairy companion. “Alma, while you’re looking around, could you try and find Wiz’s shop? She asked me to drop by when I have time, so I want to go do that after resting and freshening up some.”

And with all that said and done, the party split up, with the blonde fairy going off to explore the town while the two humans went in search of an inn. Finding an affordable one at the edge of the town, they rented out a single bedroom. Weighing the options for inn’s bathing and laundry services, he said to the petite grand-wizard, “I’ve rented a private bath that we can use while our clothes are getting cleaned. But since we’re on a budget…” He paused for a moment, looking a bit sheepish and awkward. “We can only afford to use it for an hour, which means we’ll have to bathe together. Hope that’s not too weird for you?” Probably was, though, but his coin purse hadn’t really been calculated for an extra member so early on.

[Mini Magi]

With Alma away, this turned out to be the first time Megumin was alone with Kyrian. And luckily, she followed without another word, thinking this whole situation was not easy for him either. When later asked about if them bathing together however, she hesitated to answer. "Well..." What was she supposed to say?! She crossed her arms "He isn't a bad person, fine, but he's also a male!" then ruffled her own head as she thought more "Gah! But he's also not like the other males. He could as well just force me, but doesn't." For her this felt like discussing a decision with a shoulder angel and shoulder devil, the latter warning her to be cautious due to her experiences, while the former pushed her to think beyond that.

The end result? Suddenly her head hung low, arms too, and the big floppy hat was at the brink of falling down. "It's fine." Obviously it was not, but what was she supposed to do about it? Funds were low, and she couldn't magic up gold. Defeated, she went to the bath after everything was settled.

The bath itself was definitely worth the price. No dedicated change rooms, fine, but after coming in, there were basically a few shelves to put staff on, a lock on the door, and a group sized bathtub. Not big enough for a swim, or at least a very short one, but absolutely big enough for the 2 of them. Megumin took off her hat first, then her gloves and boots, socks, and then glanced over to Kyrian to see how he was dealing with this situation.

[Moon Hound Hati]

Kyrian felt like a bit of a weight was lifted off his shoulders as Megumin agreed to share the bath without raising any complaints. While it was obvious that she was agreeing reluctantly, he could appreciate the fact that she seemed to understand that this choice was made for economical reasons, rather than… perverted ones. As such, he made the conscious effort to turn in the complete opposite direction once they had arrived in their rented bath chamber and began undressing. While the petite grand-wizard was an attractive girl no matter what your preferences were, he restrained himself from stealing even as much as a glance over his shoulder.

After kicking off his boots and placing them in an empty slot meant for footwear, he shed his coat and shirt next, revealing to the glancing Megumin his fair-skinned back, which carried a few noticeable scars, all “trophies” from gained from various quests in the years he’s spent thus far as an adventurer. Fortunately for him, almost all of them had healed nicely, leaving only faint markings and no badly healed-up tissue to mar his physique. Next up, he began unbuckling his belt...

[Mini Magi]

Come to think of it, Kyrian was by no means unattractive. He was easy on the eyes, and his body type was nothing to scoff at either. After noticing the scar, Megumin returned to taking off the last few bits of clothing, wrapped a towel around her quickly, and carefully walked ahead. "I'm walking past your left master." He was also respectful, so it felt only fair to warn him where exactly she was going to go. 

Past the changing room was what the both of them paid for. Some space to later sit, rinse and dry their bodies up later, and one MASSIVE tub! "Master, Master! It's huge!" It wasn't deep enough for a swim, sure, but it was long and wide enough for many people, or just one person with a horribly inflated ego. It was PERFECT for their situation. Kyrian would hear a splash not even 3 seconds after Megumin made herself heard, and when he entered, he'd see her sitting inside the water, with her back against the inner side of the tub. Judging by the smell and general feel, the water should be warm. And it was~ The perfect cure for a long and troublesome day. 

Megumin herself seemed fine, but she eventually hugged her legs and sunk her head halfway into the water. And for good reason. She had a lot to process, considering she was a free girl just a few days ago, and things happened fast afterwards. She'd be lying if she said she knew what to do right now, and honestly felt a little lost. But her eyes rose, looking at Kyrian. Yeah. She could have been off much worse if she was honest. She finally had some time to slow down, think, and process everything. She lifted her face up a little eventually, and spoke up. "Master? I hereby apologize for the wrong way I looked at you." She gave him a moment to respond or at least pay attention to her, then continued. "My problem is... was, that I was asked to help with a quest, did so, and quickly afterwards got captured. And then there was that SLIME BAG OF A HUMAN BEING on the ship who mocked me!" She huffed and puffed, but was more annoyed by now than actually angry. She calmed down quickly too since she wanted to make a point, not just vent. "You on the other hand saved me twice already. So... How about I wash your back?" He tried his best, so she should as well, right?

Edited December 2, 2021 by Minibit

[Moon Hound Hati]

Just as he was about to drop his trousers and underwear, Kyrian heard Megumin’s soft voice as she announced that she was passing him by on his left. Delaying the dropping of the pants, he made a quarter turn to the right at the moment he noticed the arch-wizard pass him by from the corner of his eye, ensuring he wouldn’t see anything of her towel-wrapped form. His mother – and sisters, for that matter – had raised him to respect women as much as he was taught to respect himself, so he wasn’t so downright lecherous that he’d intentionally gaze at women if they did not desire his gaze.

“Oh, is it now? The innkeeper did mention it could easily fit more than the two of us!” he called back as he finally let his pants and underwear fall down to the floor, knowing Megumin’s full attention was on the bath now. Hearing a splash not a moment later, he chuckled softly as he stowed away the last of his clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist, covering everything from that point down to just above his knees. Joining his companion, he took the small staircase in the middle, rather than jump in as she had.

Seating himself beside her, with about an arm’s length of space between them, he sat slightly turned away to ensure his eyes couldn’t just wander by accident, even if the towels still clung to their bodies, beneath the steamy water. Tipping his head back, he exhaled and let himself deflate a little, his muscles finally getting some rest after the long day at sea, the battles, and the trek through the cave. When Megumin spoke and apologized, he was quick to respond, however, telling her, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it!” But she went on to elaborate on her situation, and he listened intently. It was all reasonable; her life got turned upside down suddenly and not at all in a good way. Then, seemingly as a form of apology, she offered to wash his back.

“Hm? Oh… Uhm, sure, that would be great!” Kyrian had been a bit surprised by the offer, but turning it down didn’t occur to him for even a second. Turning his back to her, he leaned forward a little bit to give her proper access to his back. “This alright?”

[Mini Magi]

"Yes, that's good." Megumin looked around, but found no sponge. There were also no extra towels. ...Kyrian would hear no movement from her for a bit. That's because she blushed, an idea came to mind. "Hmph! I'll just..." Ah and there it was. Something soft rubbing his back. And for the first time, since she wore that collar, she could finally relax a little. Admire her master a little too while at it. He was... actually pretty. Handsome even. A good person, strong. "Master?" Taking him out of his relaxed state, Megumin continued once she had his attention again, by now rubbing at his upper back and shoulders. "You're... going to do lewd things eventually, right?" Not that he seemed like the type for that, but the situation was pretty much perfect for it. She even pushed back the thought that he could just order her. THAT was how much she believed in him already. 

"I don't mind." She added in between him trying to talk his way out of even the remote chance. Should he look back, surprised or not, he'd also notice quickly what she rubbed him down with. Her own towel. Behind him was a blushing young maiden, whose crimson eyes met his as he looked back... then looking away, then back to his back. A few hours ago she would have tried to incinerate him with her thoughts, but now? It was... fine. She was okay with him looking.