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 Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:04 pm
--- ❀ A display of kindness ❀ --- Miss Felicity Wickes (X Purple--Platypus X) with her Caedos, Claudia & Mr Jin-Ho Kyon (NeonMace432) with his Phasmas, Blaithe.
In Colwe, Shyregoed, out at the center plaza; the location of the Troupe de Panymium's performance a week previous. A week had passed since the dramatic end of the Troupe de Panyminum’s performance and the shockwaves were still rippling through Colwe and the surrounding towns. Amongst crowds there was a hushed whisper of people talking about it. Every now and then Felicity would catch a conversation about the matter. Often she overheard a confession of being present at the macabre event, usually followed by a stunned gasp and an urgent pressing for details by the confessor’s audience. Felicity hadn’t said a word about it to any human soul. Firstly because she had nobody to talk to, but also because she felt that it was almost disrespectful to bring the grim event up all the time with those who weren’t present.
Now she had nearly returned to the exact spot that the festivities had taken place in. Claudia had instructed her to go to the capital to investigate the mages but like a ghost haunting some memory of another life she had drifted to this chilly quarter of the city. She half expected to see the wooden stage with its richly embellished decorations still standing, or the taint leaked from crushed stunted plagues still staining the snow underfoot... But no; there was barely a trace of the atrocious happenings remaining. Even the mood of the crowd bustling around visiting different stalls set up by vendors was cheerful and upbeat – a far cry from the panic stricken mob that had fled from the dark eyed plagues contorting themselves for wicked entertainment.
Rubbing her fingerless gloved hands together the woman felt at a loss for what to do... The weight of the memories lingering in this place was immobilising and she regretted returning even if her trail here had been mostly unconsciously selected. The plague perched next to her ear quickly ordered her and gave her a purpose again.
“Don’t just gawp. Do something. What time is it? You must be hungry... Unlike plagues you humans need to gorge yourselves to sustain your body... Grab something and then we can go look elsewhere.” The flower’s mood was actually quite good at this point despite the relatively bitter tone to her utterance. Though they had not had any strong leads in regards to gathering any new information for The House her stay in the wintry region had become much more comfortable since gaining her servants and the support of the cult. With the stunteds to wait on her hand and foot she need not do anything by herself nor did she have to trust the worthless woman to do what she wanted correctly... And The House? They had been kind enough so that when she had mentioned her abysmal living conditions in the wardrobe they had sent a peon of some description to Felicity’s house to install a superior dwelling in the base of the wardrobe. Admittedly it was not much more than extra insulation and a shelf to separate her living quarters from the servants but compared to before it was luxury.
“I h-haven’t got any m-money...”
Claudia sighed... The woman really didn’t help herself sometimes. “Your loss. Move onwards if that's the case.” Like a human riding some sort of beast of burden she tapped her legs on the woman's flesh to urge her forwards - the Grimm obliged, not even considering to object to the derogatory treatment. She was used to it by now.
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Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:33 pm
With fresh, new paper, ink vials, pens and brushes in tow, not to mention the colorful little Phasmas perched securely in the pouch made specifically for her, Jin-Ho watched the crowds and merchants that he passed. It was almost as if nothing had happened, really. Only gossip here and there, but he didn't hear much of it. He wasn't out of the castle often enough to listen to the things passed around the streets, especially now that most of the people he met were assigned to him. He wasn't used to this new position, but it wasn't a bad job.
Blaithe's arms hung over the opening of her pouch, her goofy smile spread in its usual way. She hadn't said much on this trip to the market, but she was doing better than she had previously. The events at the festival, though Jin-Ho successfully prevented her from seeing the more... detailed parts, had taken just the slightest toll on the young brush. She was as happy as ever, but... she didn't talk as much, it seemed. Blaithe was usually the most content with the bells and herself being tucked away in Adal's hat. Since he had run off, all four Excito had used it as a tent, a bed and numerous other things.
"Do you want anything to eat, Blaithe?" Jin-Ho asked, looking down at the bright little ball of light. Blaithe, herself, seemed to be distracted by all of the people present and all of the items for sale. Of course, she had nearly begged Jin-Ho for some of the paper he had just bought, but he promised her she could have some once they returned to the castle.
She shook her head, turning around to look up at him. The smile on her face let her Grim know that she was just fine, content with feeding off the sights and sounds of the market. Occasionally, a piece of art or a sculpture would catch her attention, but they were all much to high, price wise, and Jin-Ho had to refuse. Luckilly her mind would be occupied with something else seconds later.
And once again... a familiar scent.
A floral, sweet taint.
"Oji! Oji! I smell Dia!"
"Dia...?" Jin-Ho scratched his hair, which at this point was getting longer and shaggier. Had they met a "Dia?" He scanned the crowd in search of a familiar face. He couldn't find anyone he recognized, until his eyes just happened to stop just to the right of one of the more spaced out stands. There, near the patch of land that the Troupe had performed on, was Miss Felicity and Claudia.
Dia.
Jin-Ho almost forgot that they were from around here! A grin spread across his lips as he tucked away his newly bought items. "Would you like to see them, Blaithe?"
A quick, delighted nod was her response.
"Miss Felicity! Hello!" Jin-Ho called out, his pace quickening as he bee-lined toward the Grimm and her Plague. "What a pleasure to run into you again!" his gaze went from Felicity's face to the rosy Caedos on her shoulder, "and Miss Claudia--"
"Hey! Hey Dia!"
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Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 2:20 pm
The shrill chirp of a stranger’s voice was starting to irk Claudia as Felicity took a few steps towards the stalls. Again and again it said the same thing “Dia, Dia, Dia!” If it wasn’t for the fact that the flower knew better she would have perhaps dubbed it as an exceedingly annoying bird call... But there were very few birds in the wintry northern region and even less that would be able to mimic the sound of a human’s tongue so well. It wasn’t until a familiar mage’s face stepped before them and a warm voice accented with a foreigner’s touch greeted Felicity. Like the ghosts of memory that lurked around the killing field it seemed that the man they had met during the Troupe’s performance was present. This enlightenment made the flower scowl however... Alongside Jin-Ho came...
“Blaithe?” Her face had suddenly sweetened to a sickly smile. “What on earth are you saying? Dia? Dia?” She pushed a petal edge of her hat from her vision and peered at the irritating speck of vibrant hues. She should have guessed that only something as nerve-crunchingly annoying as the artistic excitos could cause such an exasperating nuisance to her ears. However, for the sake of good public appearance she had to keep her polite exterior. She had to pretend that she liked the little wretch who had been so rude last time they had met.
“You can’t possibly be referring to me? My name isn’t Dia. It’s Claudia.” The nickname was ugly. Claudia reflected her beauty and class; it rolled off the tongue with a agreeable nature she couldn’t quite describe. Dia on the other hand was so course, common even! She most certainly didn’t want to seem common. She wished that the other would quickly hush and stop befouling the pleasant nature of her full name with the almost vulgar abbreviation.
Whereas the plague was bothered beyond measure by this development within their excursion Felicity on the other hand was lit up by a nervous, a little embarrassed smile. This man had been ever so kind to her last time they had met – engaging in day to day conversation with her and eventually when he did have to leave he had planted a gentlemanly kiss upon her hand. Meeting him like this would be nice. Without the distractions of the Troupe they might be able to get into a better flow of conversation! The thought filled the social recluse with fear and excitement; the opposite to Claudia’s abhorrence and annoyance.
“H-hello Mr Jin-h-h-ho." She stammered, nodding her head before glancing downwards at the tiny girl chirping in delight at Claudia. “Hello m-miss B-b-laith.” Last time the flower had displayed an instantaneous dislike for the poor little thing... But she hoped that the caedos would have enough sense to keep her bladed tongue in check. This man was a mage and their primary job here was to find out more information about the northern faction for the House. They may have only met once before but Felicity felt as though this man was a friendly soul! Perhaps she could do this... Perhaps she could befriend him and glean information? The House would be so proud!
"H-how have you b-been?" Admittedly it wasn't the most creative start... But at the very least she had not frozen up in fear. A great leap forward considering how she had been not many months previous.
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Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:23 am
Jin-Ho couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Felicity's greeting. Sure, he had refered to her as "Miss" Felicity, but never had he been called by "Mr" Jin-Ho. The formal greetings that he was accustomed to generally involved his last name, not his first. He didn't really mind it, though. It was rather cute. He offered his hand out, a small request for hers, before planting a small kiss on her knuckle.
"I've been well, thank you," he said, taking a stand once more. The woman's stuttering had caught Jin-Ho's attention the first time they had met, and even now it seemed that she had trouble with speaking to others. "What brings you out today, might I ask? It's the first I've seen you out in market!"
Jin-Ho glanced at the open area before the two of them, his mind wandering back to a couple of weeks prior; the night still fresh in his mind. The smile on his face faltered for a moment as he scanned the ground, which was now clean and white. He could still picture those poor little Excito trampled in the muddy snow, and could only imagine how horrible a job it must have been to clean everything up. The stage that had been there was now gone, though he could still see it perfectly.
His head twitched before he had given Felicity his full attention again. Jin-Ho, glancing down at the flower on Felicity's shoulder, offered a finger to her, nearly in the same fashion as he offered her Grimm his hand. Much too small to kiss, he gave the Caedos a smile before he pulled Blaithe out of her pouch and held her securely in his hand. She had been wanting to crawl out, but her leg kept her from most of the movements that other Excito were capable of doing.
"Dia is Dia!" Blaithe chirped, her excitement radiating from her. She wanted to reach out and even sit next to the rosey Excito, but all she could do was stand, with the help of her Grimm's finger.
Blaithe nodded, the grin on her face wide. "Dia is very pretty, and smells pretty too!"
She liked being around other Excito. Though, generally, they were bigger than her, as well, she felt more like the size difference wasn't too terribly great. With humans, she could only do so much, though they were very helpful with getting around and still kept great company. The same for Anhelo, but being of the same nature, Blaithe felt more in-tune with them than humans. Excito were just like herself.
Jin-Ho smiled again, a warm, gentle and toothy smile. "Blaithe likes to give nicknames to those she likes." he said, his attention returning to Felicity as to let the Excito that accompanied them to speak to one another. "It really is a lovely day, don't you think? The sun's out, a good contrast to the harsh winds."
Glancing upward toward the sky, he noted the bright blue, nearly cloudless sky. It was a great day for market, so he couldn't blame the woman for wanting to get out.
"By any chance, would you like to join me for lunch?"
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:40 am
“O-oh..” Why was she at the market? She could hardly say that she was snooping around in hopes of finding out about the mages and she didn’t feel comfortable saying that she was here to reminisce about the events of the Troupe’s performance either. Luckily he seemed to have already provided her with the perfect excuse. The weather was unusually pleasant today, hence the reason she could afford to go without a bonnet and thick woollen gloves. “C-claudia and I-I wanted s-some fresh air...” At this the rose smirked and made a wry comment – “Considering how run down your shack is we get enough ‘fresh air’ even when we are inside” – But for once the human showed just a little bit of backbone by tutting and ignoring the sarcastic comment. The rose shouldn’t undermine her like that; especially when she was creating a cover story for their work for the House.
“W-what-t brings you o-out Mr Jin-ho?” She forced a smile onto her drawn out lips. The conversation was actually flowing fairly smoothly and the other Grimm’s assured smiles and polite graces made for much easier discussion than usual. “D-do you often c-come here?”
Wittering on the imbecile of a plague continued with the annoying name calling. Dia! Dia! Claudia wanted to take a swipe at the other excitos and wipe the deranged little smile off the eyeless girl’s face! It was only the distance between them and the act that she and Felicity were trying to maintain that prevented her from doing so. After her addition to the human’s ridiculously pointless discussion Claudia looked down at Blaithe with a scathing expression. However she did not leave the grimace there for long and plastered her best smile across her midnight visage.
“Pretty? You think so? Well... I do take pride in my appearance.” At least on this topic she could be truthful. “I didn’t know I smelt good too though.” With a prideful smirk she wafted a breath of air towards her face almost melodramatically. “Well I suppose it goes that those of us with a beautiful appearance should match with their scent.” The flower could wallow in this admiration for hours if possible, however last time they had met the gaudy creature had spiked the compliments with an insult that had irked the caedos beyond words. To avoid such a situation and keep the interactions pleasant for the sake of her mission Claudia changed the subject away from herself.
“Have you done much drawing since we met? You were saying how much you loved it..” If the other blabbered on for too long she could always switch off and nod vacantly in agreement. It wasn't like she cared what she got as an answer.
The offer to eat lunch with the other Grimm certainly made Felicity gasp. It was a friendly gesture and she wanted to say yes right away. Most because it would be impolite to decline and another part of her, the cultist portion of her brain, suggested that he might open up more through the discussion that eaten together offered. However to her dismay she had already admitted to Claudia that she had no money and it was true. She was completely penniless. “I.. I am afraid-d I c-can’t afford lunch.” She patted her heavy dress and then opened her palms to indicate her lack of funds. “If you d-don’t m-mind may I s-stay in your company whilst you e-eat-t?”
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Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 11:40 am
Jin-Ho's attention drifted from the woman down to the rose on her shoulder. Her words were harsh, and honestly, quite off-putting. Without it showing on his face, he couldn't help but think that the rose wasn't as attractive as he once thought. She was the exact opposite of her Grimm; though Felicity wasn't the best looking woman in the market, she seemed to have a kind aura about her. A very pleasing feeling.
He looked back up, smiling through his thoughts as he nodded down toward the bag at his side. "I had some errands to run. Needed more ink and paper, is all." Jin-Ho watched Felicity's facial expressions and her gestures. She seemed rather nervous, but at the same time, this was only their second meeting. It was almost like watching a child being forced to mingle with unfamiliar adults. For some reason, it was quite cute! Compared to his own size, she was several inches shorter than himself, adding on to the idea of a scared child in a new place.
Offering his arm, Jin-Ho smiled once more. They could talk as they walked.
Blaithe, on the other hand, was completely oblivious of either the Plague or the Grimm's ill-intentions or otherwise. Her smile remained plastered across her face as she interracted with the older Caedos. "Slo once told me that I smell like art! It made me happy!" Hanging over a finger of Jin-Ho's, Blaithe began to move her body back and forth against the heel of her foot. "You smell like flowers and sweet and a little like decay! It's like being around a flower bush!"
With the mentality of a child, Blaithe didn't seem to understand the difference between other flowers and roses, but it wasn't like she had ever been open to any other than Claudia. The climate here was much too harsh for much of the plant life that flourished in other places.
And it didn't make any difference to her, anyway.
Once again, she began hopping in place as Claudia brought up the topic of drawing. "Yes, yes! I've done lots of drawing!" She puffed her chest forward as if she were proud. She had even drawn Claudia! She didn't have it with her, but she bring the matter up anyway. She continued to go on about what little things she had done, the other Plagues she had encountered that she had drawn, and so on.
Oh, how a child doesn't realize...
As they walked, Jin-Ho couldn't help but laugh. "What kind of man would I be if I offered you a meal and didn't pay? No, no. Your lunch is on me, my lady." His voice was smooth and calming, the words flowing naturally. He liked to think that he was a gentleman, or at least he liked to try to be. Not only was it good form, but it got him in good graces with others. In this instant, he wanted to be friendly and he really liked this woman already.
"No offense meant, but you really look like you could eat something..." Jin-Ho's voice trailed as his eyes drifted down along Felicity's body. She was extremely thin, her dress hiding much of her body but the top and sleeves were clinging enough to show that she was practically skin and bone. His eyes lingered for a moment before he forced his attention forward, a blush creeping along his cheeks. He did not mean to stare, but she seemed so unhealthy, along with the fact that he was not normally this close to women. Even with Lady Estratus, he did his best to keep a nice "safety" zone away from her so to not cause discomfort.
Pulling the conversation away from the topic, he began to look around, pointing out some of the restaurants in the area. Most of them were little dine-in places, all in stands that could be easily taken apart and moved, while others were in permanent little buildings. "Is there anything in particular you would like, miss Felicity?"
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 2:22 pm
Being taken upon the other man’s arm made Felicity flinch for a moment, though she quickly regained control and tried to relax... However despite her best efforts she still walked alongside him as though a wooden board had been nailed to her back. She was simply not used to other’s acting so familiarly around her – Jin-Ho’s approach towards her was as if they were good friends. In truth she barely knew the man! Having met only once before the sparse information she did know was limited to the basics; his name, his plague’s name and what faction he belonged to. Especially in a country like Panymium where everyone was stabbing one another in the back to simply survive it was alien to Felicity to have a relative stranger being so friendly.
“Oh m-my... If you are s-sure?” She stuttered, almost compulsively flicking a stray strand of thin mousey hair from her face as she spoke. She was quite flustered but internally the cultist in her shrieked at her to keep her cool. The peculiar affection the man was exhibiting towards her was probably a mage trick! Get her guards down so that he could work his magic easier or simply make her slip up and reveal a crucial fact that would blow her cover story... And even if that wasn’t the case it was vital that she kept up a good impression! If she somehow managed to get him on side – an acquaintance within the faction that the rose had suggested that they infiltrate – perhaps she could get him to pull a few strings... Mention her name to people in power within the arctic region’s leading group.
However, when he demanded that she reveal what exactly she wanted she flushed red and couldn’t find the words to express herself. So generous! She almost felt bad internally considering manipulating him... With a shaky laugh – expressing her bundled up nerves – she dismissed that idea. She simply couldn’t put him that far out of his way. “N-no. P-please.. You decide... I c-couldn’t-t p-pick. What d-do you want-t?” Her sunken eyes flickered around at the stalls selling food. There was a soup stall just a few strides away with two huge boiling cats of gloopy soup casting off peels of steam into the chilly air. On the other side of the makeshift food market was a man selling roasted chestnuts and the scent of the rich brown snacks pricked with salt. So long as it was warm and filling the woman did not mind.
She did not even find herself bothered by his remark on her weight. Claudia had been much harsher in the past – calling her a skeleton and pinching hat her protruding bone structures whenever she was given the chance – and his sign of apparent concern was comforting if anything!
Meanwhile Claudia was listening to her minute companion chatter on about all sorts of things pertaining to drawing. Her attention perked up only slightly when other plagues were mentioned and listed as Blaithe’s artistic subjects. She wanted to meet more of her kind and find allies. So far the individuals she had met were fairly weak... Either not caedos or... if they were of the chaotic alignment they seemed to be disappointingly friendly towards humans. Even Sloane – her idol of a sort due to his bloodthirsty rampage – had been overly familiar and kind towards the Grimms before he had exploded onto the stage with blood dripping off his claws. Unfortunately however Blaithe’s jolly wittering did not leave her any more enlightened.
Tutting, cutting the younger being off mid sentence, Claudia decided to chase after the girl confession of drawing her. “Could you paint me now?” A flare of vanity was struck up within the flower. Posing for an artist was a very flattering experience she was sure; and most of her pleasure in life was derived from being admired – true to her flower heritage. "I would love to see what you can do."
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Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:08 pm
Felicity's bashfulness was actually quite charming, in Jin-Ho's eyes. Most of the women he had met since taking abode in Shyregoed were quite brash; a lot less feminine than those back home.
Her reaction to his being forward wasn't surprising. Everyone at this point was a bit nervous or jumpy, and with good reason. The Cultists were becoming more and more forward with each attack and it did little for peoples' confidence. Despite this, Jin-Ho wanted to do his best to keep a calm, content demeanor, in hopes of it spreading to others.
As Felicity stuttered, the man's attention was still hovering over the different stalls. Surely there was something she liked, something she had in mind. "Expense is no problem, I assure you," he said, the smile on his face warm and inviting. "What kinds of foods do you like? There's got to be something that suits your tastes, here." Their walking had slowed, allowing the two to peak into each little dining facility; catching whiffs and glances at what wonderful foods were being prepared within.
Blaithe, struggling to stay in her Grimm's hand, wiggled with excitement as Claudia requested her art. Nobody had asked her for anything before! How exciting! She searched for a dry patch of skin, or perhaps even a light colored tag of cloth to draw on, but nothing. She knew better than to draw on her Grimm's clothing; though he didn't mind the skin, which was already covered in doodles.
"Oji! Oji! Can I have a piece of paper? Please?"
Jin-Ho's attention tore from their surroundings for just a brief moment before searching once more. "Once we find some place to eat and you can be put down, I'll give you a scrap. Right now, though, you can wait."
Defeated, though still beaming with excitement, Blaithe turned back to her Excito companion and smiled. "I can! I can! But Dia must be patient 'cause I have to wait!"
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Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 2:19 pm
Biting the bullet somewhat Felicity stopped flapping around and took the man up on his offer. She needed to keep her head screwed on straight otherwise she would quite literally collapse into a nervous wreck and potentially let something slip with disastrous results. Anyway, having food might give her something to focus on other than the man’s warmth of character and surprisingly honest and kind nature. Jin-ho being so nice really didn’t correspond with the anti-mage propaganda that she had been force fed since entering the House... Of course, she was inclined to believe it was a ruse... But her starved belly and wounded emotions couldn’t help but respond as one might expect.
“S-s-soup please.” Since they were joined at the crook of their elbows she could exert a little pressure and lead them towards the soup vendor. Even as they approach the man behind the stall with a gloved hand on the rim of the huge vat lent forwards and gave a welcoming grin. He was keen to get their patronage and in his greeting he practically purred with compliments.
“Such a pretty looking lady graces our presence today! A winter’s rose in this chilled courtyard!” He scoffed, his beady eyes scrunching into obscurity behind chubby gleeful cheeks. “Please, dear sir, you have to treat the lady to a sample of my soup! She’s such a fine example of a woman that you cannot let the wind bite to hardly on her delightful features else she’d be ruined.” Claudia, half listening in, scoffed at this... It was almost undoubtedly a ploy to catch their attention. Fickle humans didn’t know true beauty when they saw it. As if the wretched human could a shadow of the attractiveness of a rose! “I have carrot and pumpkin soup!” He sloshed a vivid orange soup around before over dramatically lifting a ladle of the other variety and letting it pour, lumps included, downwards back into the mass, “and I have this meat surprise soup!” (The meat..? Yes... that was the surprise...)
Felicity, faced with more choices reddened again... What to pick?! Oh curses she was terrible... What must the kind man think of her? Probably something akin to the insults Claudia hurled at her; stupid, ugly, socially inept. She turned to Jin-ho. “What d-do you want-t-t?”
Claudia. Hated. Waiting.
Waiting meant that someone else was having a direct control over what she could and couldn’t do... If it was the weather... Yes... Perhaps she could deal with it, she’d leant that sometimes you simply couldn’t do things because of the extreme climate. But humans... Humans should have no say over what she wanted to do! Her fingers flicked out into aggravated claws. How could the little brat allow her Grimm to simply deny her a desire like that? If it had been her she would have scrambled up the offending man’s sleeve, delved into an inside pocket, and withdrawn the scrap herself. Blaithe was small enough after all!
Snootily she turned her nose up and hoped her bumbling human wouldn’t spend long deciding which dire looking gruel she’d slurp upon.
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Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 12:56 pm
Chuckling as the frail woman pulled on his arm, he hapilly followed her to the soup stall where they were immediately greeted by the vender. As the man began gushing over Felicity, Jin-Ho found the smile on his face spreading ever so slightly. The man was definitely trying to sell his food, but he did have to agree. Felicity wasn't terrible looking, not at all. Surely, with good food and some taking care of, she would most likely be quite fetching. "Indeed, my good sir, which is why we've come to your stall!" Gently pulling the woman closer, he nodded toward the meat soup.
"It sounds a bit scary, but it's actually pretty good. I've been here a few times, and it should warm you up!" He nodded toward the vender, "I'm sure you remember me, yes?" Holding up two fingers, he motioned toward the meat soup as their choice; it was definitely filling and would warm one up, and it was actually (despite its name) one of the better places where you could find meat in the market.
The stall didn't have an extended eating area, so there were no refuges from the wind. Being a gentleman, Jin-Ho made sure to shield his companion from the cold air as it blew through. Her coat was not nearly as thick as his own; strange for living in Shyregoed, but it was most likely due to lack of money on her part.
"Come on," he hummed, opening up his large coat; an offer for her to come in and sneak some of his warmth. If she didn't want to, he wouldn't blame her. He was never the biggest on personal space being broken, but he, himself, wouldn't refuse a way to get warmer. Especially in this weather.
Once they had their soup, it was time to find a place to sit and relax as they ate. Not many vendors were fond of the idea of bringing another shop's food into their dining area, but after searching enough, one took pitty on the two and offered shelter from the harsh winds. As they sat themselves, Jin-Ho offered Felicity her chair before taking his own.
Just as he had promised, the male Grimm gently placed Blaithe onto the table and offered her a sheet or two of paper. Without a word, the small Phasmas had taken to Claudia's request from earlier.
After a quick bite, the man turned his eyes back to the woman seated before him. She was a Grimm, like himself, and apparently she lived here in Shyregoed. "Tell me, Miss Wickes, are you part of any faction?" he asked calmly, his eyes never leaving hers, regardless of whether she was returning the gaze or not.
Blaithe, almost as soon as her Grimm's question was asked, had finished her portrait of Claudia, which had taken up the entire first page. Each detail was spot on, despite how simple the drawing itself was. Quite proud, she chimed a quick "finished!" She had placed two small handprints and a 'B' at the corner; her signature.
"What do you think, Dia?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:07 am
“Hmmm.” Ever the discerning and critical character Claudia eyed the painted mirror with scepticism. However, even her judgemental eye could not flaw the irritating excito on the accuracy of the picture. Her dress was a resplendent white against the off white paper Blaithe had been using as a canvas and although her sashes were slashes of green they made for a good portrayal of the high quality and complexity of her appearance. Of course, the style that it was done in and the tools that Blaithe had to had – her own body prevented fine details or realism to take root, but as the flower peered at it further she felt a little vein of vanity blossom and a smile – somewhere between cruel and kind – graced her countenance. “Not bad Blaithe, and done so quickly. You are quite talented at this artistry business...” She luxuriated against a salt shaker, flicking her fingers out as though to examine her nails... “Though a good model surely makes the job easier..”
Whilst her plague was being wowed by the quickly made up portrait Felicity was sipping nervously upon the piping hot soup that Jin-ho had bought for her. It was flavourful and there were chunks of meat and small root vegetables floating around in it – much more nourishing that the diet of measly vegetables and poor cuts of sinewy meat that she could only just afford to live off. Jin-ho's display of kindness was so nice... Such charity... She felt guilty enjoying this other man's gifts – a pang of her old romantic tragedy struck and quietly she buried herself in her food so that the man wouldn't see the sadness sneaking into her expression.
“F-faction!?” A cold shiver ran down her spine and it wasn't anything to do with the chilly weather. “Wh-what d-do you m-mean?” In a desperate attempt to feign ignorance to such a tender topic she continued her fixation upon her food and snatched the salt shaker from it's place on the table and shook a generous amount of the white material into her soup where it floated like a dusting of snow... Claudia – who had been using the condiment holder as a leaning post – slipped but stopped herself falling before she glared daggers at the woman. However, she noticed the awkwardness of her Grimm and her hackles raised. Had Jin-ho asked a pressing question? Was their identity as cultists about to be exposed?
“What's this?” She purred up at the humans... She was a more adept liar than Felicity would ever be, even if she was prone to stringing malice into everything that left her mouth.
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:04 pm
Delighted by the praise of her works, Blaithe proceeded to hand over the large sheet of paper to its new owner, careful to not smudge any of the paint that had not dried. There was no greater pleasure for an artist than to have their work admired; especially by the model. Claudia's self-centered words fell on deaf ears as the brush Excito grabbed another sheet and prompty began working on more art.
She was in her mode, now.
After mere seconds of confused staring, Jin-Ho let out a small chuckle as he relaxed onto the table, his arms propping his shoulders. The woman's reaction to the question was rather... interesting. Perhaps he had only caught her off-guard? There was no person, at least, to his knowlege, who knew nothing of the different factions. The question was simple... but, of course, suspicion was not the first thing in the young man's head. Once the delicate little Claudia stepped into the conversation, Jin-Ho cleared his throat. "What I mean by that is, are you part of any faction? I'm sure the Mages could use another set of hands in our ranks, is my intention."
Pausing for a moment to let the proposition sink in, the mage leaned back against his chair. Quite content with his stomach now full and his body significantly warmed up, he gave Felicity a smile warm enough to match. "There are a few in the Base who don't know how to perform magic, so don't feel like that would keep you from joining. Besides," he hummed, "Everyone has the potential for magic. I can feel it in you, right now."
His request was rater straight forward, but his honesty was apparent. New people were always welcomed among the ranks of the Mages, and were always needed. The war they fight was nonstop, and they needed as much help as they could get.
If only his trust wasn't so freely given...
"I would love to have you in the castle, Miss Wickes."
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:20 pm
Jin-ho’s relatively no nonsense invitation to the mages made her clasp the vessel in which her soup was simmering tighter and a tinge of excitement ran up her spine. This was what she and Claudia had hoped for! An opportunity to infilitrate the Fellowship! She hadn’t thought it would have been so openly offered to her though – she had been snooping around for a little while now, making small inquiries here and there but now Jin-Ho seemed to be implying that he could easily get her into the Fellowship and potentially the headquarters itself. Felicity was surprised that if it were this easy to get into the mages there hadn’t been more cultists in the halls of the mages... Obviously his kindness gnawed on her morals, accepting this opportunity would be a betrayal of his quickly offered trust, but turning it down and shying away would be a betrayal to Obscuvos. Her religion came first. Always.
“I... I w-would love t-to consider a p-place in the m-mages..” Her eyes glimmered with a false layer of hope. She was trying her hardest to look genuine – how did one react in this kind of circumstance? Following the thread that she had used so far she simply let her genuine feelings rise to the surface; she was glad that she could do this for her church and a shaky smile was the best thing she could offer as thanks. “C-can you help m-me get in..? I d-don’t know what to d-do.” For The House to accept her and see that her pledge of allegiance was genuine they had set her a task... The mages could have a similar system although judging by the lax attitude Jin-ho was exhibiting it seemed as though they would be more than welcome to take her on regardless of her intentions.
Not wanting to seem fixated upon this new offer of his faction’s acceptance Felicity sipped her soup, savouring the full-bodied flavour before a slightly childishly curious query towards him... “If everyone h-has a m-magical spark in me, does that m-mean you d-do too? Can you do m-magic? C-can you show m-me?” Despite living in Sherygoed – the land of the mages – for the most part of her life she hadn’t ever seen magic performed at close range. The terrible troupe had intertwined a few of their acts with feats only achievable via the use of the arcane but besides that magic was somewhat a mystery to her.
Having listened into the exchange between Grimm’s Claudia felt a large smile spread across her features. Felicity had handled the man exceedingly well and it seemed as though they had formerly received an invitation into the fellowship. She didn’t need to do much apparently, just sit here and keep an ear out just in case everything backfired and Felicity made a slip up...
Peering at Blaithe frantically painting she sighed contently; “What are you doing now?”
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Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:26 pm
Blaithe, with a smile wide across her face, didn't look up as Claudia addressed her, only giving a small hum before responding. "Miss Feli! I think she's very pretty!" Just as her drawing of Claudia, it was very simple but it was very apparent that it was meant to be Felicity. Jin-Ho, in the drawing, stood next to her with their hands held together. Her childish innocence beamed as she went back to her drawing.
Across from the subject of Blaithe's artwork, Jin-Ho reached his hand across the table and gently grabbed the woman's hand, placing it in his other and giving it a gentle shake. She would be the first that he was able to recruit for the mages, and this was exciting for him. Plus, he wouldn't mind being around this woman more often; she was actually quite enjoyable company.
Show her?
This wasn't the first that he had been asked for an example of his magics; Chauhn had asked him the very same thing in a very similar discussion.
Jin-Ho thought for a moment, trying to think of what he could show her. His display for Chauhn was rather simple; just a small flame. Since then, he'd improved his skills and refined them, and he wanted to be able to impress Felicity. It wasn't often he found great company with someone of the opposite sex.
Ah... inspiration.
"Just watch," he said, pulling a hair from his head and showing it to Miss Wickes before clasping it tightly between his hands. Closing his eyes, he focused on it for a moment. There was no real indication of anything happening; no unexplained lights or sounds, just the incoherent mumblings and chatting of those outside the tent.
A smile spread on his face as Jin-Ho opened his eyes, holding his still-closed hands out to the woman before him.
"This," he said softly, opening his hands to reveal a bright, red rose, "is for you."
Jin-Ho stood, carefully pushing the bench he had been sitting on away with his legs and leaned over, carefully placing the rose in front of her ear. He offered his arm to her, a kind gesture and an offer for support before mentioning that now would be the best time to go back to the base and get things settled. Blaithe crawled onto his hand and he placed her back into the pocket of his coat before taking her drawings and carefully folding them away.
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Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 5:05 am
With rapt interest Felicity watched the man pluck a single hair from his head. She could not imagine what he was going to do... She had expected some showmanship – magic to her had always been surrounded by the ideas of muttered spells, strange totems and witchy brews. Yet Jin-Ho seemed to be going without any of those: instead he was just focused on the hair clasped in his hands – like he was mid way through a prayer. There was not even an ethereal glow filtering through the cracks between his fingers, nor smoke billowing out. She wasn't sure what would have unnerved her more, hellfire jetting around the gentleman as he worked his arcane art or this strange lack of theatrics... It made her wonder; did mages often work magic without being noticed? Just how often had she been deceived by a quietly invoked spell?
Her fretful thinking was interrupted as, with the first flourish of his magic making, Jin-Ho presented to her the product of his labours.
“Oh m-my!”
Something in Felicity's chest tightened. A rose... Deep crimson. The colour of love... And yet her mousey brown eyes didn't see it as anything as wonderful as love. In her fragmented mind she saw the droplets of freshly spilt arterial blood that had once splattered her own white rose. It was a gift that meant well but actually had entirely the wrong effect upon the recipient. Stuttering the woman outstretched her hand and gingerly took the flower from Jin-Ho. The velvety texture of the petals summoned up memories of when Claudia had been an inanimate item... She never got to nervously caress those pristine petals any more – not without receiving a vicious scratch at the very least.
Gulping back her reaction Felicity choked out her thanks and plastered a grateful smile on her face. He had meant well at the very least and it was a clever trick. Perhaps after her false enrolment in the mages she too could do such a trick... Knowing a smidgen of magic certainly wouldn't hurt.
Before they set off and Jin-Ho packed away Blaithe's drawings Claudia managed to sneer in opposition to the colourful girl's depiction of Felicity and Jin-Ho's quickly established companionship. Holding hands like childish lovers?! The thought nearly made her sick. Felicity was far to fragile for anything of the like – the flower knew all too well about the wounds that were starting to scab over within the woman's love life... And if it looked as though they were healing too quickly or that the process was proving detrimental to the rose... well, she'd just have to utilised her pointed little fingers and rip the scab off to leave the wound gaping open afresh.
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