Howl was downstairs at the table, now completely dressed and sipping at a cup of green tea while having a pleasant conversation with Calcifer about the weather. The fact that Calcifer was being polite meant there was something strange going on. The fire-demon hid in the logs when Nekozawa came down.

"Oh, there you are. I was wondering when you'd get here." Howl motioned to the seat across from him and poured a steaming cup of tea. The curtains had been drawn in the room so the only light was coming from Calcifer's hearth.