Athena frowned watching him go. With a shrug she went to work finishing up the downstairs quickly with a sigh she dumped out the used water and went in search of her master.

Yokou was back in the library, reading through old texts written in a distinctly odd language. The words on the page were written in a red that seemed almost sinister, as if it may or may not be ink.

Athena opened the library door "Oh master excuse me but I have finished cleaning the lower floor shall I clean the rooms up here?'' she asked glancing at the book "I would also like to go buy fabrics I seemed to have ripped my outfit."

Yokou looked up sharply, covering the papers as he did so. Even though they were clearly impossible to read, he seemed skittish about them. "Hm? Oh, yes, of course. If you would like to go now, I will take you into town to buy new clothes." He offered with a smile.

"That's alright master it can wait till I'm done cleaning." Athena said "May I go by myself master?" she knew it would be faster.

Yokou raised an eyebrow. "Unfortunately, I am the only one here to bring you into town. You may shop by yourself, however. I have a few things to get anyway. But I must insist that you return to the carriage within two hours after departure. If I don't find you there, I will come find you." He said firmly, his tone allowing no room for argument.

"Of course master." Athena bowed "When you are ready master." she picked up her bucket which had left on the floor and started cleaning up the upper floor.

Yokou packed up the scrolls and papers, making the library neat and clean once again. Then he left the large room and went to seek out Athena.

Athena was fixing up her new room putting everything in order. "There." she nodded with a smile.

Yokou knocked on the door. "Athena, it is time to go. Are you ready?"

Athena hurried to the door and stepped out to join him "I am ready to go Master."

Yokou nodded. "Very good. Let's be on our way." He said, leading her out to where he had a carriage waiting. He held the door open for her. "Make yourself comfortable, miss Athena. I will drive."

Athena blinked not sure about being could miss. She climbed into the carriage carefully they had always made her nervous.

Yokou closed the door gently behind her, then hopped up on the seat and grabbed the reins. It was a single horse carriage, small but comfortable. Looking back through the small window that he could use to see into the carriage, Yokou smiled comfortingly. "If you need anything during the ride, just let me know." He said, and flicked the reins. They set off at a steady pace, but surprisingly Athena wouldn't feel any bumps or jostling, even though they were clearly moving.

((keyboard acting weird.))
Athena frowned it was strange not feeling the bumps. She relaxed watching the country side roll by.

It didn't take very long to reach the city. Unlike the carriage ride the day before, it took only about an hour. Once they reached the bustling town, Yokou pulled the carriage to a halt and hopped down, then opened the door for Athena. "We have arrived. How much money do you think you will need?"

" 20 dollars should be enough master." Athena stepped out the carriage looking around the market with a smile on her face.

Yokou nodded and handed Athena thirthy dollars. "A little extra, for anything you may want for yourself. I have business to attend to, so I will meet you back here in an hour, okay?"

"Yes master." Athena walked off in search of the market run by lesser of families slaves always bought what they wanted from them to keep other families from being forced into slavery. She bought plenty of material stopping to buy roses from a peasant girl. "Athena!" she heard a familiar voice and turned to see a friend "Hello Lory." she smiled "I heard you're previous master died." Lory looked sad "Yeah now I'm living in a mansion it the middle of the woods." Athena sighed "It's really scaring not having anyone else around but my master." Lory blinked "You mean you're the only servant?" "Yep." Athena shrugged "That's terrible." Lory took some of the material "I'm not employed right know lets see if we can get him to take me with you." "Wait Lory!" Athena called but Lory was already heading off.

Yokou got back to the carriage within a half an hour, having picked up a few books that looked ancient and arcane. He also gave the horse a carrot.

Lori come up to him "Lori wait." Athena caught up with her then saw Yokou "Master excuse my friend." Lori was staring at him rather rudely. "I want to be your slave to help my friend out." Lori said with determination.

Yokou stared at the strange girl for a moment, before turning to Athena. "I cannot imagine how you came to be friends with this girl." He said disbelievingly, before looking back at the other girl. "Lori, was it? I admire your loyalty to your friend. You may come back with us. Athena's room is large enough for the two of you, although I can spare another just for you if you wish." He said with a kind smile.

"Thank you sir." Lori grinned "One room is fine." she took Athenas free arm "We get to be together again. Oh I can't wait to see the place." she climbed into the carriage "I really am sorry about her master." Athena sighed.

Yokou laughed, a musical sound. "No need to apologize, Athena. You are lucky to have such a loyal friend." He said, climbing up onto the driver's seat. "If you're ready, hop in and we can head back home."

((Should Wolfie make another guy for your girl, or do you have a plan here?))

((not really just felt like adding a weird friend.))

Athena got in the carriage and let Lori gossip the whole way to the mansion laughing at the gestures and stores she told.