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 Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:44 pm
"Night is Alive"
Silence fell over the castle as night began to fall. Creatures of the day had turned in, eager to rest their weary bodies from their toils, while those of the night had silently began their prowl. Most souls of the base had followed the lead of the tired, while othrs continued with their work.
Jin-Ho, in this case, had settled himself at his desk, slowly chipping away at the load that had built up over his busy day. The light of his candle cast dancing shadows on the darkened walls, each warping ever so slightly at the constant changing of the flame. Papers stacked neatly at the corner of his desk were reached for one at a time, looked over and changed, and then placed on another part of the desk once finished.
This had become Jin-Ho's daily rutine, his life. He had no complaints; life here in the Northern base was good and he had a great job. Along with Blaithe, he couldnt' ask for more.
Blaithe had taken her place at Jin-Ho's left, following his pace with smaller scraps of paper. Within seconds, she could cover a sheet in numerous doodles, each different from the last. She had an imagination larger than anyone that Jin-Ho knew. Her skils grew each day and, for her Grimm, was a pleasure to witness.
In the brief moments where Jin-Ho could tear his eyes from his own work, he couldn't help but smile at the things that his little Phasmas had done. Most of the larger drawings were portraits of people and Plagues she had seen or met. Despite having only met some of them once, she remembered them perfectly, even though each drawing was simple in detail.
The three Plagues that Jin-Ho had rescued from the Troupe de Panimium were all nestled at one corner of the bed, farthest from the light of the candle. Though Eve would never be able to walk again, they had all healed nicely, with a little of Jin-Ho's help.
While the others calmed down into sleep, Blaithe was just as awake and full of energy as her Grimm. Quiet nights like these were always her favorite as she drew the night away. Jin-Ho's work, she noticed, seemed far more elaborate than hers as he scribbled word after word in such a quick manner. She aspired to, one day, be able to write like him.
She could already write a little; small words and phrases, but she still wasn't great. Blaithe wanted to help Jin-Ho in any way that she could, so she wanted to practice hard.
"Oji," her small voice gently broke the silence in the room, "do you like to write?"
Without turning away from his work, Jin-Ho couldn't help but smile at the sudden question. "Why, yes. Yes I do, Blaithe," he hummed, his voice low so to not disrupt his other Plagues' sleeping peacefully on the other side of the room. "It's something that I've enjoyed for a very long time. Why do you ask?"
Just wondering..." Blaithe replied, watching Jin-Ho's hand write fluidly onto the paper before the two of them. She almost envied what she saw as his talent.
Glancing at her messily strewn papers, taking note of what she had drawn, Blaithe compared it to Jin-Ho's nicely stacked work and sighed.
Oji?" she chimed again.
"Yes, Blaithe?"
"Will I, one day, be able to write as well as you do?"
The young Grimm's attention was, finally, stolen from his work load as he turned to look at the young Phasmas. She had only grown, had only become sentient, only days ago, if not weeks. She was maturing each day, yet staying the same simultaneousness.
Plagues were such interesting creatures...
"Well" Jin-Ho started, remembering Chauhn having asked a very similar question, "with practice and some teaching, yes, but why are you interested in writing?" he asked, reaching for one of Blaithe's many drawings.
Suddenly, he realized... all along, she had been helping him. Before, when she was merely a brush, she was helping him with his writing. Was this why? Did she have the natural urge to write?
The little Phasmas' smile grew as she looked into the eyes of her Grimm. "I want to help my Oji!"
Just as he thought.
The "child's" mentality warmed Jin-Ho's heart, causing a smile to spread from ear to ear. Was this what it was like to have a child? Despite the lack of common blood (and not to mention Blaithe was only an inch tall...), the man felt a closeness with this Plague that he had never felt with any other being. Sure, he and his sister were close, but it was a different kind of fondness. He could only imagine what love he would have for his own spawn...
"Promise me that you'll practice, okay? I'm sure you'll do a great job," he mused as his smile grew softer. Just as a father would for his child, Jin-Ho wanted great things for Blaithe. With her vast imagination, he could see her doing extraordinary things.
Or... potentially getting herself in trouble.
The candle's flickering light caught Jin-Ho's attention, snapping him out of his daze. It wa smuch later than he realized as he stared at his one light source; its wax having melted and its length decreasing greatly. He had been caught up in work and imaginings to notice the time flying by.
Blaithe, reflecting the candle, was flickering and fluctuating with her brightness. Had she had eyes, they would probably be fluttering in exhaustion. Jin-Ho gently cupped her into his hand and carried her to the bed to nestle in with the others. With a quick and quiet "goodnight," he turned back to his table and sat down once more.
Before he could sleep, he needed to write to his sister.
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:54 pm
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:17 pm
Today we have finally set out; Shyregoed at our heel and Imisus before us. Miss Wickes and her Plague have decided to join us in our journey for reasons they have not cared to describe in detail, but the companionship is indeed welcomed. Miss Claudia and my own Blaithe sit before the two of us on the opposite bench. It seems as though the rose tries to take advantage of my poor brush and her kindness, vainly demanding art of herself in less than kind ways. My dear little Blaithe is too kind to realize and gladly takes on such tasks, but I refuse to drop my guard against the Caedos and her ways. Poor Miss Wickes is treated as harshy by the rose and is a painful sight to see. She must learn to hold herself up against her ward, but I am thankful that she isn't abusive toward her Plague like some others would be in this same situation.
I hope that these travels are easy and a good opportunity for the two of us to get to know each other. While I am to visit family, I do hope things go smoothly and things become less tense. I do wish the rose would become more friendly.
For now, I will finish this entry. I won't be writing for the rest of the trip to Imisus as I don't wish to be of poor company. Upon arrival, I will write more and record happenings while there for reference.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:18 pm
After many a day, we have arrived in my home town, my parents greeting us with open arms. They seemed rather pleased to meet Miss Wickes, and with a bit of fluster we had to disperse any claims of romanticism that my mother tried to place. In my opinion, it was rather humorous but Miss Wickes seemed rather embarrassed, though not so much put off. Given rooms and shelter, and after along journey, we decided it best to turn in for the night and get some rest.
--
Miss Wickes departed rather early this morning, only my father able to catch her before leaving. According to him, she had some arrends to run not far from here, so it is best to leave her to her doing whilste I catch up with my family. They have been doing well; though I would not be seeing my dear sister on this trip. She had caught sickness, though luckily not the Plague, so she was needing rest with her husband a few hours north of us. My father writes to her daily and my mother sends flowers. Their sentiments mean so much, I'm sure, as my sister surely misses them dearly. Still, I am rather disappointed that I cannot see her at this time.
Dinner was lovely. I've missed my dear mother's cooking, and it makes me so happy that I can once again partake in a normal, home cooked meal. While the cooks at the castle make wonderful feasts, there really is nothing like something made from the heart of a loved one. It seemed like Miss Wickes greatly enjoyed the meal, as well. Still looking as frail as ever, but at least I can take comfort in knowing that she will be taken care of on this trip. I would hate to see her get any more malnourished. If she would be so kind as to let me, I would make sure she became as healthy as I'm sure she once was...
--
My parents seem to be enjoying little Blaithe's company. She surely does theirs. The three have spent the last couple of hours sitting and having Blaithe doodle whatever they could come up with. My little brush, of course, is having the time of her life with this, and it warms my heart. Claudia seems to stay her distance from everybody, even when Miss Wickes joins in activities. In all honesty, I am quite thankful. I'm not sure how my family would take to her even at her kindest.
--
Another wonderful meal, this time without the company of Miss Wickes. While I do wonder who it is she is meeting with or what chores she has, I understand that they are none of my business and the kind lady would tell me if she were so inclined. I just pray that she is doing well on her own and keeping from getting lost. At least the weather is pleasant and she needn't worry about harsh cold like in Shyregoed.
--
Our last day here seems as if it had come so fast. It was certainly a surprise meeting up with Lord Yizhaq way out here only days ago. It was a rather quick meeting, unexpected and unannounced. More like a running into as I was out with Miss Wickes gathering groceries for my parents. He seemed perplexed by the two of us being together, but as a gentleman, he had pulled me aside before speaking. He also seemed disturbed by something, but hopefully I had put his mind at ease. I haven't seen him here since, so he must have left for Shyregoed before us.
Parting with my family was harder this time than last, but I assured them that I would return soon.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:19 pm
We are on the longer side of a day left in our travels back, but I have just now found the chance to write on my thoughts. Miss Wickes has fallen asleep at my side, along with Blaithe, so I find myself with some alone time. The rose is awake, but on the other side of the cart and tending to her own business, so I do not mind.
Miss Wickes seems a bit more skittish upon returning, I wonder what may have happened for her in this trip. While she has let me closer and appears to enjoy my company, it looks as if her paranoia has gotten stronger. She was out on her own many days of this trip, and I only hope that she has not gotten herself ill or had any run-ins with shadowy persons.
--
Now home, in the safe walls of Northern Base, I am free to write my thoughts. Blaithe took her normal place beside me, practicing her writings. She makes me so incredibly proud. I wonder if this is how a parent feels?
The rose seems just as suspicious as she always does, I feel as if she cannot be left to her own devices without supervision. Her whole personality to me just seems rather offputting, and I still do not approve of the way she treats poor Miss Wickes, who takes such punishment as if she actually deserves it. Though, Claudia seemed to have kept distance during the return trip, so I'm sure that the lady was thankful. As noted before, Miss Wickes almost seems as though she has become troubled, but it is not my place to ask. If it were information she wishes me to know she would have spoken her concerns by now. I do hope that she is able to feel comfortable once more.
I do have to wonder where she had gone, but I know I should not voice my curiosities, lest I sound invasive and judgemental. These are the last things I would wish upon her, or on my own appearances.
Once things have settled, I'm sure all will calm and be well. She is most welcomed in this place of refuge, and we will be sure to protect her if she is of need for it.
If only the rose were easier to handle.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:20 pm
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:20 pm
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:21 pm
Stitches and Stones; Broken BonesWhen making a trip down to the dungeons to visit Chaun after catching wind of current events, Jin-Ho heals the boy and promises to help him in any way he can.
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Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:52 pm
"Hands All Over" METAThe sky was a beautiful, dark blue against the tinted white of the hills and trees. This night was silent and peaceful, just like most nights usually were. Spring was rising quickly with the morning sun, but it made little difference in this land of ice and snow. Temperatures would rise, of course, but not by enough to bloom the beautiful flowers of Spring and the lucious, green grasses of warmer climates. This was something that Jin-Ho was beginning to miss about his home in Imisus.
Blaithe had found herself snug in the small pouch her Grimm kept around his neck. She wasn't too fond of the cold, but she didn't detest it as much as her ashen friend, and it was also the only weather she really knew other than the short amount of time spent at Oji's old home. She liked it there, but she would never give up the many friends she had made here. Though, she regretted that she probably wouldn't get to meet her new pumpkin friend... maybe Oji wouldn't mind going again one day!
It was as equally quiet in the halls of the base as it was outside, the sounds of footsteps and breathing breaking the silence only.
Jin-Ho enjoyed the peace on nights like this. He found himself finished with his work early, and decided that it would be a great night for a walk in the castle. He had offered the bells an invitation, but they felt no need to leave their abode. They enjoyed the comfort and safety of their own home in their master's room.
Both Jin-Ho and Blaithe understood; both were there to see what they all had been born to. That was a day even the strongest would wish to forget.
"Do you think they'll ever want to go out?" Blaithed questioned, poking out from the top of her pouch. She had become very fond of them and wished that they would come out and play with her. Eve was in a somewhat similar situation as herself and couldn't walk. Blaithe looked up to her as a sister of sorts.
Shrugging, Jin-Ho glanced down at his tiny Phasmas and smiled. "I'm not sure. I hope that they will one day so that they can make some friends."
Letting out a sigh, the young Excito nuzzled back into her custom made pocket. There was still a great deal that she didn't know about the world; things that it seemed the bells would never learn. Though maybe... maybe she could be like Oji and teach them! Maybe then they wouldn't be afraid!
In her excitement, she began to draw on the bits of her Grimm's shirt that she could reach. Her nature was destructive, but she couldn't exactly help it. She didn't know how to fight her urges, despite Jin-Ho's many attempts to teach her. He never angered at the things she did, even after the few times she had tried to "help" him with his paper work, resulting in several extra hours of labor on his part. He would always let her know about certain things she didn't need to do, and she would often times feel guilty about it. Though, that never lasted long. She would find something to give her another train of thought. It never really bothered her Grimm, luckily.
It wasn't long before the two had found themselves in a decently sized room full of lovely cabinets full of devorative plates and beautiful antiques. Jin-Ho had never seen this rom, and already he was stunned by the collection. Everything looked as if they had been collected from all corners of the Earth! Everything looked so cultural, and he even recognized things he had seen from various books as a child.
It was as if the world had been compacted into one room!
Jin-Ho hadn't noticed that they weren't alone, nor had they been... Their unknown companion kept herself quiet as she followed them into the secluded room, skullfully hiding in the ceiling's shadows; melting seamlessly into each crack and crevice.
And in that moment of awe, everything changed.
The unknown, ninja of a woman dropped from the ceiling, knocking Jin-Ho to the ground in the blink of an eye. Thinking quickly, he ripped the pocket in which Blaithe was kept off of his neck, tossing it away before the woman could force his hands down. Having hit the ground as hard as he had, the cold stone floor of the base, it was difficult to fight back as he tried to regain the air he had just lost.
"Run, Blaithe!" he gasped as the strange woman forced him down. Her deranged expression faltered as she stared daggers between her captured prey and his escaping Plague, desire practically making her mouth water as she kept herself positioned on the man. She resisted lunching forward and grabbing the Phasmas, knowing all too well that it wouldn't be worth giving her main threat and opening. An animalistic growl rumbled from her chest as she returned her attention to Jin-Ho, soon morphing into a strange, demented chuckle.
"She is not safe for long," she hummed, her voice gruff and hushed, "Once I am finished with you, she will be mine!"
The woman ground her right knee into Jin-Ho's left hand, taking pleaseure in his pained grunts. She backed off slightly, relieving the pressure just enough to keep him from forcing her off. Her sadistic smile grew as she leaned in closer, hissing, "I mean, you will not be needing her!"
Jin-Ho struggled against the woman's weight as she provoked him, irritation building within like a poisonous cancer within. He glanced toward the location he had tossed the pouched; Blaithe was nowhere to be seen. To his relief, she had run.
Still in the room, Blaithe had managed to hid herself under the nearest cabinet, curled up into as tight of a ball as she could. She wasn't able to run far with that blasted pegged leg of hers, taking shelter wherever she could hide in the shadows. She had learned a neat trick just then, but was too frightened to have the ability to celebrate. Her inner light, what caused her to glow, had now dimmed to the point where if it weren't for her clothing, she would have been compltetely invisible. She watched the scene before her in complete terror as she shook uncontrollably.
Grabbing Jin-Ho's face with her sharp hand, the woman forced him to face her; red eyes glowing with malice through what was obviously an Obscuvian mask. "My name," she announced, is Evangeline. Not that it is really going to matter for you! Since you will be dead and all!" The woman, now familiar by a name, let out another hideous laugh, tickled by her own devices.
Her thick, tangled and curly mess of hair fell over her shoulders as she hunched back down, her grotesque bird mask nudging Jin-Ho's face uncomfortably. "I was promised a Plague of my own, you know!" Another cackle as she applied pressure against both of Jin-Ho's hands, causing a strained groan as he attempted to resist the pain. "They promised me my own beloved and eternal life!"
Her breath layed thick against Jin-Ho's lips and stung his nostrils. She must have had a great deal more fighting experience than he, which admittedly didn't mean much. While normally he would have, at least, been able to fight back, her muscle weight and strength had him completely pinned.
"You know, you are pretty cute, actually!" she chimed, her hand gently stroking Jin-Ho's cheek. He violently shook it away, growling at Evangeline. She pulled her hand back and smiled, "and you're so fiesty! It is really too bad..." She feigned a pout; a fake, sad look of defeat.
She lifted her mask before leaning in once more, licking the line of his jaw. "Tell me what you know, mister 'assistant adviser!'"
Once again, Jin-Ho jerked his head away, giving Evangeline the angriest glare that he could. She only laughed at this, playfully nipping at his nose. "Come on, it is not a hard thing to do, betraying your friends and family," her voice turned sickeningly sweet. "Just tell me about everything. It will not hurt! Where is your Lady Estratus? Give me her location and maybe I wil spare you!"
"Never!" the mage spat, flexing as hard as he could while trying to force her off. Evangeline didn't take kindly to this, slapping him with as much might as she could muster.
"Never shout at a lady!" She squealed in delight, forcing more of her weight onto her knees. She leaned back and sighed contently at his angered groaning. "It does not have to be this difficult, mister Kyon! Just give me the information I want!"
Turning his head away, Jin-Ho grit his teeth as he tried to buck her off once more. This, also, was not taken kindly to, as Evangeline pulled a dagger from her boot, pressing it against the side of his face.
"You would do well to not struggle," she huffed, her grin morphing into an unpleased scowl, "they tell me that I have an anger problem."
"You'll get nothing from me," he grunted, attempting to shift under her weight, "I will never betray my Lady."
This seemed to delight the woman, returning that disgusting grin back to her face. She loved the difficult ones, it seemed. Evangeline buried the tip of the blade deeply into Jin-Ho's cheek, slowly dragging it down his face. He only winced, refusing to give her the pleasure of his pained voice. Once the blade was removed, she gently slid it down his neck, flat side against his body, before having it tear through his clothing. She quickly ripped it off completely, leaving him to shiver against the cold air and floor in nothing but his now destroyed, sleeveless under shirt.
The sudden force and the harsh cold caused his lungs to cease, a cough ripping through his chest. His breath, visible in the lingering air. This alone still couldn't provoke him enough to speak.
Evangeline smiled as she ran a hand down his exposed side, right where the blade had cut through. "You have such lovely skin..." Keeping her knees locked on top of his hands, she leaned in and gingerly bit at his neck, resulting in a shiver and shift in protest.
"You're going to get nothing out of me," he growled once more, shivering in the cold. "You're better off killing me."
"But where would be the fun in just killing you? I have not even gotten to the best part!" Her voice had become more manic as she shifted to her knees again, spreading painful tremors through her prisoner's arms. This time he couldn't drown the scream which now echoed in the room's large space.
Evangeline pulled back her right hand, a straight look of pure pleasure written across her features. She lunged, punching him; once in the eye and again in the jaw, before dragging a long, sharpened fingernail against the right side of his face. This, to me, is the most enjoyable thing in the world!" she stated, quickly unsheathing her sword from its hilt at her side. With her free hand, she placed a thumb near the inside of his his eye, dragging her nail down and just barely scraping the inside.
"Are you sure you will not talk, still?" she asked, positioning the blade directly above Jin-Ho's racing heart. The only reply that he rewarded her with was a look of pure hatred and disgust. This still only pleased her further as she forced the sword down against his flesh, merely breaking the skin. "That's too bad," she sung, "it looks like I will just have to return with only a trophy!"
With one quick movement, the sadistic Cultist moved her sword from Jin-Ho's heart and moved it to his right arm, right at the outer joint of his elbow.
"BUT WE ARE NOT FINISHED PLAYING, YET!"
With the blade parallel to the ground, Evangeline thrust the sword inward, and with her knee firmly against his hand, she kept his arm stiff and in place, cutting through to the other side. Jin-Ho howled in agony, piercing the still air of the castle.
Blaithe curled up tighter, scooting herself closer to the wall. If Excito could cry, she would have been sobbing as she was forced to listen to her Grimm's pained wails.
"Too bad you are not willing to give me the information I so desperately need," Evangeline hummed, twisting the sword and pushing it in further, piercing the flesh of the mage's side; only just barely missing his rib cage. His lungs.
He screamed again, hot tears burning his face as red, sticky liquid oozed from his arm and side. He couldn't hold back his sobs as the pain burned through what pride the man once had. His right arm, his dominant arm, was now in blinding pain; damaged beyond all repair. He struggled against her weight uselessly, and to no avail. The pain in his arm increased with each movement as it was now pinned to his aching side.
"JUST ******** KILL ME!" he screamed, his body losing its ability to remain conscious, his neck dropping his head against the stone floor.
The deranged woman turned the sword inside of the wound, causing Jin-Ho to scream out again. "But why? This is too much fun!" Grinding the sword inward again, Evangeline cackled. "You will learn that it is useless to resist the House before dying!" she exclaimed as she ground her knees into his hands.
His voice, now hoarse, couldn't even emit any noise as he screamed silently. It almost reminded him of down in the dungeon with Chauhn, only instead of being healed, he was being destroyed.
"WHY DO YOU NOT JUST TALK?!"
Her frustration was apparent now, as she continued to carve bits of his exposed skin with her dagger. Blood now covered the floor around them; a crimson pool of fading warmth. She then thrust her blade into the ground by his head, barely missing Jin-Ho's ear. She leaned in closer, her voice low and venomous, "It will be easier... You do not seem to know where the loyalties of even your Grand Magus lie..." she hissed, a small smirk spreading across her full lips.
Taking this opportunity, Jin-Ho advanced his head forward, slamming it into Evangeline's own. Stumbling back, she unintentionally removed herself from the man as she clutched at her freshly bleeding nose.
"You... YOU...!"
Sitting up despite the white hot pain at this side, Jin-Ho thrust his left arm toward the woman, wincing as the blade dug itself further into his skin. "ENTENIMOS!"
A dim, yet radiant glow emitted from Jin-Ho's hand for a mere few seconds, magic serging through his arm before violently forcing the woman back against one of the cabinets. It wobbled behind her as she forced herself back to her feet, stumbling in the process. "Y-you...!" she stammered as she extended an arm forward, attempting to reach the man.
Another quick flash of light and the woman stumbled back again, hitting the glass head-first. Evangeline's scream was short lived as the cabinet full of plates and decorative glass tumbled on top of her, finally knocking her over and crushing her.
Jin-Ho grunted as he fell onto his back, writhing in pain as his arm and side throbbed. Any movement he made would cause the blade to shift uncomfortably in his side as he struggled to stay awake. Attempting to remove the blade from his side, he pulled his arm outward, only letting out a strained scream in response. Moving his arm would only slide the blade through his arm as it stayed lodged securely into his upper abdomen. His breath, once again, seized in his lungs before he could try to relax into as comfortable of a position as possible.
Jin-Ho's head drooped lazily to the side, his neck no longer having the strength to hold it up. "Blaithe..." he choked, almost unable to find his voice. "Blaithe... a-are you still here?"
Blaithe almost scurried out of hiding after eagerly announcing that she was present, but Jin-Ho warned her to stay put. He had no way of contacting any of the castle's other residents, and Blaithe was far too small and vulnerable. He would have to wait until he was found, or die in the process.
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Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:43 pm
META: ExposureAs 'help' arrives, Blaithe and Jin-Ho discover that things were never as they seemed.
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Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:06 pm
"I'm Not Proud"
META
It felt as if everything had been engulfed by darkness. Jin-Ho could feel the constant ache and the stinging pain from his wounds as he slept, his eyes laying heavily. It would seem that even despite his exhaustion, his slumber had been unrestful. Unable to open his eyes, he idly stroked the tassels of poor Blaithe's hat as she layed against his hand.
An abrupt and loud screech rang through the emptiness of the infirmary, the man's eyes lazily opening to look toward the door. Lifting his head, he was surprised to see who had approached the door and now stood in the room. "L-Lady Estratus...?" Jin-Ho's voice was weak and raspy, his throat dry from sleep. He rested head back against his pillow, Blaithe adjusting herself with as little movement as she could on his stomach.
The man's voice caused Sage to twitch slightly, but after a moment or two she was able to right herself. She stared at him, brow knitting somewhere between frustration and sympathy as she looked him over, his injuries caught her eye. "You were attacked... Sloane tells me." Stepping away from the door, making sure it was closed, she carefully approached the two, coming to rest at the foot of his bed before gently placing a hand on the frame.
Keeping his tired eyes closed, Jin-Ho allows himself to sink into the uncomfortable infirmary bed and attempt to relax. "...yes." He moved his leg closer to the wall, offering her a place to sit if she so wished. "The Cultist died by my hand, but it was an accident."
The Lady Estratus' eyes averted to the floor, seemingly calmed as her expression softened. "Just the one?" Nodding slowly to herself, her hand ran along the bed's frame briefly. "...Good." She glanced to the dimmed figure of Blaithe, rested against Jin-Ho's stomach; the black marks along her face contrasting harshly. Sage's eyes narrowed. "They attacked her, as well?" Skepticism lingering in the back of her mind.
As Blaithe's injuries are brought to attention, Jin-Ho tensed slightly as his brows furrowed. Gently clasping the sheet at his side, he turned his head away. "N-no... She was safe when I lost consciousness, after the attacker passed... The man had no yearning to look at Sage, nor did he want to relive the incident just hours prior. Blaithe's attacker is gone."
Eyes narrowed more, Sage's face settled into a frown. Seemingly unkeen on not letting the topic go, she probed further despite the man's obvious discomfort. Not one of our own, then?" It wouldn't have been a surprise with what Waldgrave did, in all honesty. "I trust they were dealt with... harshly." Her brows knit again.
"N-no... not to my knowledge... but..." he sighs, frustration and discomfort eating away at his conscience. "I-- We were betrayed... Felic-- Wickes has been thrown out..."
By this time, Blaithe had crawled over to Sage's hand, happy to see someone trustworthy for the first time in several hours. Jin-Ho made no attempts to grab the small Plague, but wasn't pleased that she'd left her spot. Reaching her hand up, struggling against fibers of the sheets catching on her splintered leg, her small voice finally gave out a weak, "S-Sage..."
Jin-Ho grunted at the sharp pain in his side and the strange sensation of the arm that was no longer there as he tried to adjust himself. Still looking away, he said, "She and her Plague were thrown out without any of their personal effects, so I sent some of the soldiers to go through their things..."
Sage's eyes narrowed, face hardening. "The one with the flower?" she whispers, mostly to herself, before hearing Blaithe's tiny voice. Stiffening for a moment as she looked down, she reached her fingers toward the Phasmas, allowing her to climb her hand, Blaithe clinging to immediately before resting comfortably in the Lady's palm, reclined against her fingers. "Did she bring that cultist within our walls?"
Expression contorting to anger, Jin-Ho nodded his head. "So said that horrible little rose.. I'm so sorry, Lady Estratus..." Lifting his arm to his face, he grunts at the pain as it pulls at his right side.
He was such a failure.
Motioning toward his missing arm, Jin-Ho was fully aware that his job was now severely endangered. "--and now I'm of no use to you."
Sage gendly cupped her fingers around Blaithe, gently rubbing her hat to reassure her. In an almost cat-like fashion, the Phasmas leaned against the rubbing as a long needed smile spread across her face. Estratus stiffened the more Jin-Ho spoke, watching Blaithe rather than him, but glanced up at his comment of being useless. "...How did she get inside to allow a cultist entry?"
"...At one time, I trusted her." Jin-Ho's voice was coated with anger, the frustration of betrayal hurting him even now. "I was foolish."
Estratus continued to idly and unconsciously rub Blaithe's hat. "No precautions were taken. They're becoming more conniving each day..." Her expression went blank again for a few seconds, as if she had zoned out before her face contorts to an expression of sorrow, covering it with her free hand. Taking a few seconds to recover, still hiding her face away, she says, "The Grand Magus is dead."
Finally opening his eyes, Jin-Ho winces as the gesture pulls at his new cuts. "The Grand Magus..." His expression changes from anger to surprise as he recalls what the attacker had declared. "The Cultist that assaulted me mentioned... How did she die?"
The sudden change in tone, though she wasn't aware of what was happening, made Blaithe look up at Sage with curiosity.
Sage rubbed her eyes slightly, not letting her expression show through her hand as she looked away from both Jin-Ho and Blaithe. "The queen of Shyregoed, Valhalla... Grand Magus Waldgrave was a traitor. She worked with those wretched bastards. Killed innocent girls to regain her youth... bathed in their blood..." Lowering her hand, she stared darkly at the wall. "...The Fellowship is crumbling."
Forcing himself up, the grunt from Jin-Ho's chest formed into a yelp as the pain in his side became worse, though he was able to pull himself up into a sitting position with his back against the wall. His face remained emotionless as Estratus continued. "The Cultist mentioned the Magus' alliances... I assumed she was trying to get a rise from me..." His left hand fell against his lap as he let out another sigh. "What do we do, Lady Estratus?"
Shaking her head slowly, glassy eyes refusing to cry; especially in front of another person, Sage sighed, "I don't know..." She let her fingers fall away from Blaithe, turning to look at his arm. "...but nothing can be done until you're healed. As of now, I can only do two things--" Taking a deeb, ragged breath, "There is no way you can work as my scribe this way; you will be relieved of duty until further notice."
Jin-Ho froze for a moment as she mentioned his relief, exhaling slowly as he knew this was coming. "...And the second, my Lady?"
The Lady turned away once more, looking away from Jin-Ho. "Safety was not observed. A cultist slipped through our defenses not once, but twice, and the only one to blame for the lack of precautions in this situation... is yourself." Her shoulders became rigid. "You are an Augur, you are no longer my assistant, and our professional relationship is at an end."
Not entirely surprised, yet Jin-Ho was left breathless at the fact that he had lost both his job and his position. "I... I see..." He turned away once more, unable to even look at Blaithe. "I still have a place here, though, right...? I will not be removed for treason...?"
Still refusing to look at him, Sage shook her head gently, "There was no treason, only a lack of forethought. Clearly it was not your intention..." she glances over her shoulder, expression scathingly calculating, "...Correct?"
Aware of her glance, the former mage continued to look away. "I had thought I had fallen in love. I meant no harm to the Fellowship, and I am suffering for it."
Blaithe's smile, now looking at her Grimm, had long faded. "Oji..."
Sage's expression doesn't soften as a frown slowly sank in, looking away as Blaithe spoke. "Now it is known that such feelings are like poison in these times..." She gently nudged Blaithe away from her hand, wishing to take it back. There was anawkward silence for a moment as she lingered, before turning abruptly on her heel. "I have to go... I hope your injuries heal swiftly."
Without another glance, she exited the room, leaving the two alone.
"Oji..." Blaithe cooed, climing toward her Grimm. She hadn't heard him speak of these things, and only now did it mean nothing. She could feel a tug at her chest as she looked up at her once loving Grimm with sadness.
Jin-Ho turned away, facing toward the other half of the now empty infirmary.
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Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:11 pm
"Paperthin Hymn"
META
"Jin-Ho Kyon,
How foolish you are to fall directly into the cultist's hands, that you've lost an arm to prove it! How will you ever live up to your Lady and her expectations, naive little scribe? Even your Plague won't heal your fallen status."
The words echoed quietly in the back of Jin-Ho's mind as he stared at the mess of black ribbons hanging over and through his hand like blackened blood. Expression remaining detached and empty, he glanced over at Blaithe, her face caked with the fresh, scabbing "blood" of a Phasmas. His heart ached as the memories of earlier that day toyed with his emotions; his heart ripped from his chest yet still remaining in its cage.
His hand dropped onto his knee, the feeling of nothing but the pain of his side and the arm that was no longer there washing over him. Everything was gone. His ability to work, his title, even Blaithe had been threatened to be taken from him, but luckily he still had that. Sage's trust in him was now gone, and he was back to square one. What was the point of even staying in Shyregoed? Why should he even bother with a faction that no longer trusts him? One that may never trust him again? There was nothing he could do for anybody, now.
Jin-Ho's eyes wearily scanned the room around him; only a few beds with accompanying night stands, a single painting over each head board. The stone walls were large, foreboding and cold. The room itself was very uninviting and unwelcoming, despite its purpose in the castle.
"Oji...?" Blaithe's familiar chime of a voice broke the silence as she sat up, her mouth drawn into a small frown. Her voice sounded tired and strained. "Oj-"
"No, Blaithe."
Confusion spread across her small face, having never been interrupted by a denial, especially when she didn't know what she was being denied of.
"B-but, Oji..."
"No. Don't call me that. My name is Jin-Ho." His eyes remained fixed on a painting on the far room; a beautifully dipicted scene of flowers in a peaceful field as the sun shown high above, a girl in the corner sitting daintily while picking a beautiful white flower. His gaze became a glare as he forced himself to face away.
Never again.
Blaithe slumped back down into a fetal position, idly feeling at the twisted and ruined wood of her now broken peg leg. As much as she hated the thing, the Phasmas was unsure of how she was going to get around, now. Abel and the other two bells would never leave their room... they must have been so lonely sitting in Oji's... Jin-Ho's study alone. They had expected the two to be back in only hours, but now it had been well over a day since they had last seen each other. Were they okay alone in that room?
"It's time for you to mature, Blaithe." Jin-Ho said bitterly, his eyes still fixed on the opposite wall. "We no longer have the luxury of ignorance. We're nothing, now. You can't be childish anymore."
His cold and heartless change of opinion sent a shiver through Blaithe's being. Still, she couldn't blame her Grimm, nor could she bring herself to resent him. Even though he wished for her to change, something that she wasn't sure she could do, he was her Grimm and he would always love her, right? She would do anything so long as it meant he still loved her...
"O-okay, J-Jin-Ho..."
It was definitely a strange thing to hear, the girl saying his name fully and correctly. Jin-Ho almost instantly regretted it, but he didn't and wouldn't. He now knew how it felt to be absolutely nothing in the world; something he didn't even feel when he lived with his family with barely anything to his name.
He focused on the ribbons clutched tightly in his hand. Long moments of quiet, and nothing short of nothing happened. Frustration filled his mind once more as he found himself useless without his right hand.
He almost wished that, that damned woman had finished the job.
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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:23 am
META: The Word of an ApostateLord Yizhaq makes a sudden visit, suggesting foul play and betrayal. Poking at wounds, it seems the 'man' is not welcomed with open arms.
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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:24 am
"A Fine, Fine Line"
META
While surely the invitation was a means of hope and a sense of protection, Jin-Ho could only feel as if it were some kind of mockery. Not only did it make him feel twice as aware of his inability to properly protect or preserve himsel, but knowing it was quite a travel added salt to the wound. His injuries, still relatively fresh and unhealed, would slow down his travels and cause his body more stress if he were to leave the castle. While both ideas, staying in the base or leaving for the comfort of others, left him facing death's cold hand, his chances were greater in Northern Base, if only marginally.
"Here, Blaithe. Do what you wish with it." Jin-Ho muttered bitterly, placing the parchment before the tiny brush Phasmas. Her expression changed to confusion as she read over the letter, her gaze returning back up to her Grimm.
"B-but, Jin-Ho... they're welcoming us to safety... why are you tossing this away?"
Without even passing a glance, the former mage forced himself up off of his bed, wincing as he clutched his tender side. "There is no point in travelling that far north unless it is my wish to die." His words were tinted with a slight sting of malice, his brows knitting in frustration. "Had we someone to take you, I would have sent you as soon as the letter reached my hands."
Blaithe stopped reading the letter upon her Grimm's words. Her heart sank as she quickly cast her attention onto him, forcing herself up with the wadded sheets as support. "But why, Jin-Ho? Don't you want me here?" The tiny Excito's voice nearly squeaked in a mix of sadness and anger, confused by her Grimm's sudden change of heart.
"Don't you want me anymore?"
Turning to face Blaithe, Jin-Ho's expression turned stone; almost glaring. He took a step closer to the bed, just enough to get a better look at his tiny companion. Instantly feeling remorseful, if only slightly, over what he had said, his face remained emotionless as he turned his eyes away. "It has nothing to do with whether I want you. It is an issue of my inability to care for you and the endangering conditions that will be faced in this castle."
No matter the reasoning, Blaithe couldn't help but feel unloved and betrayed at Jin-Ho's biting words. The man she had once did everything in her power she could for, all of the love she could muster... Standing there, insinuating that she was a burdon and unwanted.
"I'm staying, Jin-Ho. I don't want to leave..."
Raising his hand, the man waved off her statement. "No more. This will be discussed at some other time when both of us are not as weary," he huffed, once again glancing away. "We must get some rest, and we will talk further once we have some choices."
Hesitantly, the Plague nodded. She didn't want to argue with Jin-Ho, but she couldn't stand the thought of being separated from him, even if it meant having no contact with anyone from the outside.
Why was he being like this?
Blaithe looked back toward the discarded letter, its ragged edges and weather-worn texture showing its desire to help. It had gone through great lengths to come to them, and now it was just being tossed aside as if from an enemy. A great sadness took her as she gently laid her hand against it's rough surface.
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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:26 am
"Stop and Stare"
META
It was an all too-familiar scene for the bright little Phasmas, her back gently pushing against her Grimm's side while their sudden, quiet visitor inched closer.
Their grotesquely shaped bird mask shrouded the Cultist's face as their pitch black robes covered the rest like an inky mess. The person, decidedly male, was haunched over in a strange posture, his hands outstretched as he attempted to invite the Plague. His smile was wide, displaying his yellowed and rotting teeth in what seemed to be an attempt at friendliness, but the end effect was disgust and the desire to get away.
"Come," the bird man said, his voice hushed and gruff, "come with me and you will be treated far better than you would be here!" The eyes that showed through the darkness of the mask's holes were crazed and wide, adding that much more terror to the image. "We make the Plague feel ever so welcome where I come from!"
Blaithe shook her head, her mouth contorted into the largest frown she had ever been able to muster.
She had tried to wake Jin-Ho upon the man's intrusion, but the medicine people had made sure he was completely out for the night in attempts for his ammune system to do its own healing processes. He wasn't going to wake up, and to his Phasmas' dismay, she knew this.
She was trapped between her Grimm and a thief, and the thief was winning.
"N-no, I'm staying here with m-my Grimm...!" she announced, fear coating her voice as she fruitlessly tugged on Jin-Ho's clothing. "I'll never go with you people! You hurt my O-- my Jin-Ho!"
This made the man laugh; a disgusting sound, at best.
"This, child, is not an invitation," he cackled, "it is a demand. You are to come with me this very instant!"
In seconds, the bird man was by the bed, his wrinkled and yellowed hand scooping Blaithe up with ease. Despite her efforts, she was captured; imprisoned within the man's hands with his fingers in place of iron bars. No matter how hard she pulled, how much paint she emitted, she couldn't squeeze through the man's grip.
Was she really to be a Cultist?
No, this was terrible... it couldn't be happening. Once again, Blaithe found herself helpless in the hands of their enemies, a shudder going through her. She had barely escaped Claudia, though she came out with a scar... but this human was much larger than Claudia...
"Do not worry, little one! You will like your new home!" the Cultist announced quietly, his whisperings echoing gently within the halls of the castle as he weaved back and forth through the shadows.
"Let go of me!" Blaithe shouted, banging her hands against the palm of the man's hand as hard as she could. She was completely terrified, and knew that her resistance was useless. There was no esca--
Blaithe thought for a moment, a moment of calm as she glared at the inside of her fleshy cage.
She allowed her light to dim.
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