🌙| Kauri - Deer Butler

The warm, golden glow of lanterns flickered against polished wood, casting elongated shadows along the length of the Steamy Situation Tavern. The scent of spiced mead and roasted boar drifted through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and the occasional bursts of drunken laughter. Kauri moved with practiced efficiency, his imposing form gliding through the chaos with an air of unwavering discipline.

A stack of neatly folded towels rested against his forearm, balanced with ease as he carried a tray of amenities in his other hand. His emerald gaze flicked toward the bar, where one of the newer recruits fumbled with a tray of glasses, the sharp clinking sound grating against his sensitive ears. He sighed through his nose, already predicting the inevitable.

"If you intend to shatter the glassware, at least do so where I am not required to clean up the mess," he remarked dryly, passing by without stopping. The recruit stammered an apology, but Kauri had already moved on, adjusting the cuffs of his pristine uniform with methodical precision.

As he stepped toward the private lounge, his thoughts strayed. The weight of his refined, tailored attire was a stark contrast to the heavy chainmail and battle-worn surcoat he had once donned. The scent of steel and blood had long been replaced by honeyed wine and lavender soap. A far cry from the battlefield, yet duty remained unchanged. Whether wielding a claymore in the name of righteousness or tending to clients with practiced hands, he had always been a man of service. A different war, a different battlefield, but the same unwavering purpose.

Then, the soft chime of a bell interrupted his musings—a summons to an assigned guest for the night. He exhaled slowly, preparing for another duty. After ensuring his work was in order, he made his way to the chamber. Knocking politely, he announced, "Excuse me, Kauri here."

Upon receiving permission, he stepped inside, careful not to let his antlers scrape the doorway. The door clicked shut behind him, and his gaze settled on the guest—only for his brow to twitch slightly at the sight before him. The once-pristine bedroom was already in disarray. Bread crumbs littered the table, a crumpled towel lay discarded, damp instead of properly dried, and the faint scent of spilled wine clung to the air.

He took a measured breath, smoothing out any hint of irritation before addressing the guest.

"Good evening. Kauri, at your service," he said, offering a refined bow. His tone was polite yet firm, his gaze lingering on the mess before flicking back to the guest. "How may I be of assistance tonight?"