The training yard had left its mark on Gon, his skin slick with a sheen of sweat, mud caked into the creases of his boots
He'd barely stepped into his chamber, the door creaking shut behind him with a groan, when he kicked off his boots, the muddy soles thudding against the stone floor
Gon peeled off his tunic, wincing as the damp cloth tugged at his skin, tossed it into a corner with a soft, wet slap
He splashed cold water from a basin onto his face, the icy shock jolting his senses awake, droplets trickling down his jaw, pattering onto the floor
A sharp knock rattled the door, the sound abrupt, jarring, cutting through the stillness like a blade
Gon froze, his hands dripping, a low growl of irritation rumbling in his throat
He shook the water from his fingers, the droplets scattering with faint plinks against the stone, wiped his face with a rough cloth that smelled faintly of mildew
