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 Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:26 pm
Who: Jin-Ho, Brush and Maiya
Where: Near the capital
When: A little past noon
Why: Returning from his training, Jin-Ho runs into a little... "bump"
Weather: Partially cloudy, a warm day for up North
---
It had been a long training session, but it was finally over. Jin-Ho could go back home and relax before having to audience for Lady Estratus later on in the day. Learning magic was tough when it wasn't a gift you were born with, but he was willing to go through any hardships to become skilled and protect his Lady. The sun was high, clouds gently floating over and away with the cool breeze. It was a really nice day, probably the warmest he had seen since first arriving in Shyregoad. It still wasn't that long ago that he had first came to live here, but it already felt like home.
Well, except for the weather. That was a different story.
At least it was warm, or the equivelent of warm, anyway. For once, he could go without his cloak, which he had draped over his shoulder after leaving his tutor's home. The air felt nice as it carressed his face, breathing through his tunic and sleeves. If only most days were like this, it would be easier to deal with. A bit more like weather in Ismisus would be nice, though.
He wasn't too far from Colwe at this point, already able to see the Northern base off in the distance. Its rooftops covered in white from all the snow, it would be a bit difficult to see if you didn't know what to look for. Against the gray sky and white, snow covered ground, it almost seemed invisible. It wouldn't take too long to get home at this point.
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Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:53 pm
She was going to murder those supposed "intellects". After all, what else did people who didn't check their facts deserve? Sending her out into a world, with a map that had to be fifteen years outdated. Shortly after departing from her home in Auvinus, Maiya had realized that the map she'd been gifted by her clan was far from accurate. In the warmer climates, she had managed; having spent many years living off the land, and being able to find her way. This, however, was different. The cold air chilled her to the bone most days, but worst of all was the blanket of white that covered much of the Shryegoed landscape. The stars were often obscured by falling snow, making simple navigation difficult. Although in the end, the map wasn't completely useless - even if it had been reduced to mere tinder.
While neither could have known it, the steadily approaching young man and the Southern girl tearing her own map to shreds over a small flame had a lot in common. They were both still learning magic, although the methods were quite different, without doubt. She had no tutor; instead, she had been sent out all alone, miles from home, to prove herself worthy of higher level teaching. There was also some hope that Maiya might learn something outside the stale curriculum of her clan.
To Maiya, even on warm days, Shyregoed was unbearable. She had undone the small clasps that left her makeshift top's sleeves up. They now rolled over her sheathed arms, covering the sealed vials that were strapped to her upper arm. Still, the thin material did little to keep out the chill, and it was only Maiya's fury that kept her blood from freezing over. She was going to tear them to pieces, to force them into the world as she was - they wouldn't know what hit them until they were redrawing those stupid maps!
Maiya might have missed Jin-Ho, as she was hidden amongst the brush, trying to keep her small fire alive. The young Southerner had set out into the world with few supplies, knowing she'd be travelling on foot. Now, the scraps of her destroyed map were all burned, and she was without any other tinder. Much of the tree bark she had found had been soggy or completely frozen. How she detested this weather... Luckily, for Maiya, at least, each footfall in the snow made a soft crunch. Even a person who was light-footed wouldn't be able to help but make noise; and considering the relative silence of the wilderness, Jin-Ho's steps stood out more than ever.
Maiya was in no way concerned about dangers. On another day, her over confidence might be her downfall, but for now, she abandoned her previous efforts. Unsurprisingly, soon after stepping away, the flame began to flicker and die. Without a moment's hesitation, Maiya moved forward, weaving through the spaced trees and towards the figure who himself was nearing her location. Indeed, she had failed to notice the rooftops far off. Maiya hadn't seen many traditional homes or buildings, after all.
"Hello there."
She spoke boldly, stepping onto the path, and more specifically, right in Jin-Ho's way. She had found someone - the first person she had seen in days! No way was she going to allow him to just walk by. Maiya herself stuck out like a sore thumb against the pale background. Her metallic greaves and copper-toned skin blatantly out of the ordinary for one expecting to travel through the harsh Northern climate. Once only a few feet separated them, Maiya halted. She was... unaccustomed to foreign greetings, to say the least. What did they do? Handshakes? Maybe not, due to the Plague.
Her confidence faltered momentarily as Maiya offered an awkward wave.
"You're accustomed to this area, yes? You'll help me get to town, won't you? You wouldn't want me to freeze to death, that would be cruel."
The more Maiya spoke, the more her accent stuck out.
((Think South African when it comes to her accent. Really stretching out her o's. xD; ))
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Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:56 pm
If he had been paying attention, Jin-Ho would have heard the rustling in the brush along the path, but his mind was somewhere else. It wasn't until the girl popped out ahead of him that he stopped, holding up his staff in a defensive stance. He wouldn't have cast any spells or anything, he wouldn't want to attack unless his apponent actually posed as a threat, but better to protect yourself than, well, die. Once the question was asked, he lowered his staff, examining the girl.
Her appearance was... far different than any of the people here. Then again, he wasn't exactly the prime example of a Shyregoadian now, was he? Her clothing was rather striking, standing out against the pure white of the snow.
"No, I wouldn't want you to freeze to death, but I'd need to know your reason for being here before taking you to the nearest town." Though he didn't have much authority to his title, it was still his duty to keep the Lady safe, along with anyone else in Northern Base. In reality, the girl could just follow him without her even having to ask, but he was thankful that she had, rather than just stalked him into town.
She was right, though. It wouldn't be right to just leave her here.
He extended his other hand, offering his coat. It was weird that he didn't need it, but it seemed that it turned out for the better. Lucky for her he had been getting used to the cold air of the North. "My name is Jin-Ho," he found it wise not to mention his title, but offered out his hand. "And you are?"
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Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 5:30 pm
While Maiya had been completely relaxed in her greeting, Jin-Ho had quickly become defensive. She quirked a brow, staring at him in a moment of awkward silence. A... staff? Then was he a mage from the Fellowship? Perhaps it would be a bit early to ask. No, better to get formalities out of the way.
Just as Jin-Ho had examined her, Maiya took note of him. To her, many of the city-folk of Shyregoed looked the same. Pale skinned, with clothing made of cottons and wools, refined to a degree her own people could not copy. She was fonder of wearing leathers and furs, although her makeshift top was not made within her clan. His question caught Maiya off guard. Were people so paranoid? Certainly a lone woman couldn't be so harmful. Maiya relented, regardless, rolling her narrow shoulders in a shrug.
"I thought you Northerners were all about manners, but you're so to the point. I need a map, and supplies, too.. I guess."
First and foremost, she wanted to escape the cold. Being in the wilderness was fun, but when wrought with snow, it became less than pleasant. There was a condescending tone when she referred to the Northern people, although it was clear she had failed to realize Jin-Ho was as much a native as she. Maiya, regardless of her opinions of the Northern people, accepted the offered coat, looking it over with a hint of suspicion before tossing it over her shoulders. It was quickly becoming evident that the young woman before him was no pushover, and hardly shy.
"Jin-Ho?"
Maiya repeated, a look crossing her face that spoke only of confusion. It was not a name she had heard before, not even in her travels to Shyregoed.
"Oh! Its Maiya. You're a mage, aren't you? I've never met a mage who used a staff."
It must have sounded odd, but amongst her own clan, it was unheard of for a mage to use a staff. They were warriors as much as they were magic users; and much of their weapons were designed to draw blood or curse their opponents. Not that they had had any opponents to speak of, not for many years. With introductions out of the way, Maiya closed the distance between them. Her hand met his, and her scarred palm brushed against his as they shook. Although Maiya was quick to break the contact. As little as she actually knew about the Plague, the last thing she wanted to do was catch it.
"Aren't you cold? I can't stand this weather. We should go."
Such a hasty girl.
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Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:30 pm
She seemed harmless enough. Her attitude was a bit rough, but his reaction towards her probably didn't help the situation any. He did just pull a weapon on the girl, after only having asked a simple question. It was only a natural reaction, given the raid that had happened the other day. It was hard to trust people native to Shyregoad as of late.
A small grin crossed his face at her assumption. "Well, normally, that would be true of a Northerner. The only problem with me, though, is that I'm not a native. I've only been here for two months, tops." One would figure that the naturally tanned skin and black-red hair made that a bit obvious. Just glancing at the girl made it apparent that she wasn't from around here. Without standing side by side, her skin looked like it could be darker than his own, not that it was a hard thing to accomplish.
Her questioning tone to his name almost made him laugh; it wasn't exactly rare for someone to be confused by him.
"Maiya? What a lovely name." He paused for a moment, thinking about her next question. "Technically speaking, yes; I am a mage. Not exactly the best, I'm still learning." Jin-Ho shouldered his staff, nodding forward for Maiya to walk with him, "I'm actually assistant to the Lady Estratus. Needless to say I'm a bit higher up, and I need to get better." He then nodded to his staff, "these are more common here up North. Almost standard. I carved it myself a few days ago. You'll see plenty of them once we hit the capital. We can find a shop and get you something warm to eat. I'll get you a map and some supplies so you can continue to wherever you're destined."
As they walked, the sun began to peak out from the clouds. At least there would be a little more warmth. "The weather isn't my preference up here, but you kind of get used to it after a while. Weather in the East was slightly warmer than here, so it was odd for me, at first."
Jin-Ho pointed forward towars the castle ahead. "That's where I'm headed. The capital is a little bit before it. We can get your stuff there."
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Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:20 pm
Two months? Two months more than her, no doubt. Although Maiya found herself suddenly a little hesitant. Could she really depend on someone who was nearly as new to the landscape as she? Left with no alternative but to sit in the cold, Maiya relented; beggars couldn't be choosers, after all. Although this Jin-Ho had lightened up quickly enough. Just minutes ago he was asking what her intentions were, and holding his staff; now he was grinning. The tables were turned, for a brief while, with Jin-Ho the more relaxed of the two, and Maiya more on guard. Although as the elder male spoke of his magic, Maiya began to ease up.
"I'm in... a similar situation. But I doubt we use the same sort of magic."
Maiya again shrugged. She had seen the magic practiced by the Fellowship. At least, some of it. Sparks, lightning, fire, that sort of thing. It was impressive, to conjure such beautiful yet dangerous things. But what she did, to her, was more practical. Perhaps it was her naivety - no, it was without a doubt, as well in small part to her lack of care, but Maiya seemed dumbfounded by the name she was given. Lady Estratus? Not being of the mainstream magi, and having lived amongst a rather reclusive group for much of her life, the last thing she knew were the names of key players within the Fellowship.
"Why don't you show me some of this magic, then? If you're good enough to assist someone else, then it must be very impressive."
Perhaps she was just teasing him, or perhaps, Maiya was genuinely interested. Either way, she leaned in closer, looking towards his staff with curiosity. The young Southerner could still not quite fathom the use of it. Wouldn't a man be more comfortable with a bladed tool? Or perhaps something ranged. Did he really intend to fight with his magic alone, if it came down to it? So many questions - she would have to ask once they were in town! Although once Jin-Ho pointed out into the distance, Maiya straightened her posture, and squinted towards the bright skies ahead.
"I was... that close? Uhhg, this snow is impossible!"
Her exasperation was not hidden, although Maiya continued to trudge along, standing side by side with her new acquaintance. Already, he was opening up to her. That was something much different than what she experienced "back home".
"So, why were you headed this way? You asked me, so its only fair that you answer. If you don't, I might have to do something to make you take out your staff again."
Maiya threatened idly, a cheerful note to her tone, despite the warning she offered.
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Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 9:50 pm
So the girl was a mage? Or attempting to be, at least? How interesting. It seemed, though, that she dabbled in the wrong kind of magic, given that there were only two main types. Then again, she could just be speaking of a branch of magic. Whichever it was, Jin-Ho hoped that it wasn't what he was thinking, not that he had any control over it. It certainly was taboo, but...
Her second question had caused Jin-Ho to tense up slightly. He wasn't expecting to give a show, and it wasn't like he could really show off his main skill. Sure, he could conjure small things; flames, sparks and the like, but his strongest ability lied in healing. Not exactly the easiest thing to show off, and definitely not the smartest thing to give an example of out in the wilderness. Now he somewhat wished that he had never mentioned his Lady, especially now that he had thought it through. Maybe it was that he liked being able to flaunt his position? How close to her he had to be? Not that a lot of people cared with all of the rumors or stories about Lady Estratus, and this girl probably didn't even know who she was. It would be lucky for Jin-Ho if she didn't know her, or of her. Then he would either end up making the biggest mistake of his life leading her to town, or end up dead.
Neither of those outcomes were very pleasant.
"I... mostly deal in health and healing. It's not something I could easily show."
As the girl looked away from his staff and towards the city, he couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. The colors of the landscape did, indeed, make it extremely hard to navigate, but her reaction was rather cute. It must have been hard for someone who was used to warm weather and sun to deal with overcast skies and snow. If it weren't for the fact that the East had snowfall a few times a year, he would be pretty lost as well. "Once you get a sense of what's around, navigation is actually quite easy. You just have to know what to look for."
Maybe he was getting too familiar with the girl too fast. He did just tell a complete stranger that he was working for one of the higher-ups in the Fellowship after only having talked for a few minutes. The girl didn't seem too dangerous, but one could never know.
Perhaps it was because she didn't look like she belonged, either? Definitely not a Northerner.
Instead of apprehension, a laugh errupted from his chest at her last question. Her tone was jovial, but it was interesting to hear a young girl threaten him. Jin-Ho shook his head, having no problem with answering. "You don't have to do anything drastic to get it out of me," he laughed, rubbing his hands together to warm them up. "I was on my way back from training. I needed to stop by the capital to pick up some supplies, myself. Inks and paper, mostly. I'm more of a scribe than anything."
He then nodded to his jacket that Maiya now wore, "We'll need to get you a warmer coat, too."
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:42 pm
There was scarcely a word to describe the type of magic Maiya practiced - at least, not in any English word. It was so wide, so varied; taking bits from Necromancy, from Shamanism and Voodoo, and from Blood Magic, that it was near impossible to sum up. While many of the magi from her clan specialized in but one branch of it, much as Mage of the Fellowship chose either Black or White magic, Maiya was an ambitious girl. She was also not short on self-confidence.
Maiya was no enemy of the Fellowship. While she practiced outside of its eye, she regarded it with some curiosity, and even respect. Every Mage of the Fellowship would know a kind of magic she wouldn't. Maiya could hardly heal, and she had never learned of sparking flame of her own magical abilities. In a way, she was even envious.
"Is that so? That sounds useful. I still want to see it, so I'll have to think of a compromise."
Maiya noted cheerfully. Eyes still raised to the nearing city. As it were, the Southern girl would have hardly regarded her frustration as cute. She'd spent days out in the cold, with civilization just under her nose! Who knows what would have happened had she not met Jin-Ho. Regardless, the other's gentle encouragement seemed to settle her nerves. Right - she could learn even this unpleasant landscape. She would have to, if she wished to be successful in her pilgrimage.
"Then we're in the same boat! Its decided, we'll spend the day together. You're the first person I've talked to in a while, and... I was getting bored."
There was a tinge of apprehension in her voice. Was admitting something like that wise? Loneliness was a weakness, right? Then again, Jin-Ho didn't seem the type to monopolize someone once learning a weakness. Maiya, meanwhile, raised her hands to her mouth, cupping the partially gloved palms before puffing several warm breaths into them. It was then that she drew her eyes from the buildings, pausing as if fretting over the possibility of losing them again. But relenting, Maiya's dark grey found Jin-Ho's frame, watching as he worked to warm his own hands. For the first time in a long while, Maiya couldn't help but wonder if she had inconvenienced him by accepting his coat.
"That's fine. I have money, but my journey isn't supposed to be easy. I'm not afraid of a little cold."
This coming from the girl with a bright red nose and another person's coat over her shoulders. With that, Maiya's arms lowered, and she turned back towards the road ahead. Perhaps, to pass the time till their arrival, she could inquire about something else. Her clan had always been so secluded, and so, even after weeks out on her own, she had learned little of the Plague.
"I'm not from around here, or even the cities - is the Plague as bad as people say?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:08 pm
Not really fond of the idea of a comprimise to show off his magic, Jin-Ho waved it off. He didn't want to have to injure himself or miss Maiya. There was no real way to show his skill in any other way, and he didn't want it to come to that. Sure, he had just met the girl, but the idea of intentionally harming someone didn't sit well with him unless provocated.
It was rather interesting to listen to the girl speak. Though the two of them had completely different accents, it was nice to hear another way of speaking, rather than the normal Shyregoad accent. Her openness also caught Jin-Ho off guard, surprised that she would mention such a thing, but her declaration made him laugh. Did she just decide for him? Not that he was opposed, she seemed quite nice and seemed like decent company.
Jin-Ho shook his head, "Just because it isn't supposed to be easy doesn't mean it can't be comfortable.If you'd like, you can take that coat you're wearing now and I can buy myself another. That way you won't have to feel like I'm spending money on you, okay?" He offered her a smile to assure her that it was okay.
As they trudged, snow became more and more compacted from the constant walking of city goers, a sign that they were getting close to the capital. It seemed like the air got warmer with each step, the heat from the city eminating from fires and other sources inside houses and shops. It was nice to be back in the hustle and bustle of a lively place after having been in the thick of the woods for so long. He hoped that Maiya was warming up, as well. Her pink nose was so cute.
It took him a moment to be able to find the words he needed, her question rather difficult. "Well... it is very common, nowadays." Jin-Ho, frustrated with his answer, hated that he hadn't brought his brush along. Trying to describe this Plague was challenging.
Jin-Ho turned, leading Maiya into a nice little restaurant; the smells seeping out of it could even make someone who had just eaten drool. It would be a good way to warm up, that was for sure.
The waitress lead the two to a nice, secluded area, placing two menus on their table and giving them a seemingly forced smile.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 3:12 pm
His apprehension was understandable, although, perhaps a little less so to Maiya. They had only been acquainted for a short while, and as such, Jin-Ho couldn't have understood much of her culture, but things such as self-injury were common place; be it for practice or blood rituals. While Maiya was far from a masochist, she had grown a great tolerance for physical pain. It was perhaps why she spoke so freely about making a compromise. Likewise, Maiya also found herself curious and adjusting to the new accent. This was not the voice of a Northerner - not quite.
"What? Well, I couldn't do that. It isn't proper to just accept things. I'd have to give you something in return - a trade."
Despite being adamant about trading instead of taking, Maiya had little to offer. Perhaps throughout their day together, she could muster something worth giving to him. Although now, with the snow becoming less thick around their feet, and easier to walk over, Maiya came to realize that they had reached their destination. With someone to talk to, the walk had flown by, and the cold had been far more bearable.
"That's not good, I take it? I've never seen what it does to people, but I've heard. Your magic can't heal that kind of disease?"
As inexperienced as she was when it came to Fellowship magic, there was little way she could have known that even magic could not cure the Plague. Although, given that it had been common for years now, it was a bit of a given. There was a short moment of awkward silence as Maiya reflected, furrowing her thin brows in thought. Hopefully, no such illness would befall her. She had lived on the continent all her life, but she had heard that people from rural areas such as herself didn't fare as well amongst the city folk. They hadn't built as powerful immune systems.
Although as they reached the restaurant, Maiya's mood brightened; it goes to show how a little food and warmth can sway one's minds. Or at least their bellies. She followed close behind Jin-Ho, exchanging strange glances with the patrons. Finally, when they were seated, Maiya leaned forward, peering between her own menu and the one Jin-Ho held.
It didn't take her long to notice that there was hardly a meal on her she recognized. The folk in Shyregoed sure ate strange things...
"Well, I'll get whatever you get. Maybe something... spicy."
No matter what the cuisine, you couldn't go wrong with something spicy.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 3:32 pm
Shaking his head, Jin-Ho denied a trade. "There isn't anything I need, and I'm sure you will need what you have when you go on your way."
It was true. He had everything he needed. Everything was supplied for him by the Fellowship, leaving little for him to ever need. He had books, paper, pens, a shelter and anything else he could ask for. Half of the castle always offered to dote on him because of his position, even though he would decline each request.
Nah, this would be a gift. Jin-Ho wanted to send this girl off with something she could hold useful in travel, as well as a good parting gift. So what if they were practically strangers? First impressions last a lifetime, and he always made sure to leave good ones. Besides, he was in need of a new coat either way.
"It's really not, but... it occurs in strange ways. Have you ever heard of a Plagued item, or have you ever come across what's called a "Grimm?" His gaze peered off for a moment, then his attention went down to his menu. "The Plague seems to manifest itself in items, attaching itself to them. I, myself, am a Grimm; a Plague keeper." He hoped that the girl was able to follow along, Jin-Ho understood greatly that this was a difficult concept to grasp. He, himself, still found it a bit hard to believe at times. That his brush would one day change into something.
Something that could even prove deadly.
As the waitress come back, Jin-Ho pointed to something on the menu, holding two fingers up. The woman walked away, and he turned his attention back to the very confused Maiya before him. "I hope you like fish. It's spicy."
Feeling the need to try and further explain, Jin-Ho reached for his brush, which he then realized was not there. He had forgotten that he had left it at home so as to not lose it during training.
"I don't have my Plague on me, but it is in its item form. It is a paintbrush," he paused for a moment, looking her in the eye to see if she was keeping up. "I've been informed that pretty soon, she will grow into what's called an Excito. I saw my first one several days ago, a small Phasmas called Clurie. No bigger than my thumb." He reached out his hand, giving her a thumbs-up to show how small it was.
So much information, yet such a difficult subject to explain.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 4:50 pm
Maiya found it difficult to understand his generosity. Were it her, she wouldn't have so easily given something away, especially not a coat. Reluctantly, however, she obliged, nodding her head. If he didn't want any item in return, and was happy with giving his things away, who was she to tell him no? As for her, many of her belongings were on her person. Vials, pouches, dolls, all strapped to her upper arms or belts. There were a few things tucked away in the loose cloak that covered her upper body, although were more oriented towards religious duties or defending herself.
Maiya's attention was piqued as Jin-Ho spoke of Plagued items. While having kept from the cities in large part had kept her from learning of the plague itself, she had heard of such things. Although her knowledge was only that Plague items birthed demons. Was it simply superstition, or truth? When Jin-Ho confessed to being a "grimm", the Southern girl's head tilted, and she looked at him with curious eyes.
"Is that so? Then... if an item has the Plague, don't you risk catching it? Why would you subject yourself to that?"
There had to be some taboo in harboring a Plagued item. Weren't people trying to destroy the illness, not nurture it? Still, it must have taken some strength to care for such a thing. She had mistakenly seen Jin-Ho as kind, and a bit of a weakling. But in truth, he must have had quite a bit of strength behind that simple exterior. Or, at the very least, a lot of willpower. Maiya nodded passingly to the offer of fish. It was not something she had often, having lived in the inlands, but it was acceptable.
"That's pretty... strange. I should say. Are there many of them? Are they the reason for the Plague? Or, at least, why it's spreading so fast?"
Maiya's curiosity was peaked, and she leaned forward, elbows set upon the table in another display of social naivety. Manners were not something she often exhibited.
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Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:57 am
Jin-Ho shook his head, an instant reaction to her question right as it was asked. It wasn't the first time he had ever been asked that question, and he had even asked it at one point, himself. Sage had taught him a few of the basics, helpful little tidbits and information that would be helpful once she learned that he, himself, was a Grimm. Even if he hadn't learned that way, she had mentioned it several times in lectures and discussions that he had to write for her.
"No, Grimms don't get infected by their items. Nobody really knows why or if there even is a reason. It's just... common assumption. So, really, no risk involved..."
If it weren't for how often he had been asked, her ignorance might have surprised Jin-Ho. He had been in her position once, back when he just learned of the Plague. "I had become a Grimm by chance, either way. I wasn't aware of it until I had met with Lady Estratus and her Plague. An old man had given me my item." It might have been too much information, but she was curious and it seemed like it was a good idea to cover all bases. Perhaps Maiya would one day become a Grimm, by chance or willingly. Maybe she would even join the Fellowship?
Another shake of the head, "Nobody really knows for sure. Yes, there are many more Grimms and Plagued items; too many for us to keep up with or have record of. We don't know if they are the cause of the Plague, or if they're the reason it's spreading this rapidly." Really, this information wouldn't be shared with Jin-Ho, at least not until he was a higher rank. The only reason he knew as much as he did was his apprenticing.
Admittedly, her posture hadn't really caught Jin-Ho's attention too much. He didn't pay too much attention to manners, but as of late he had been trying to clean up, given his position. Still, her little display of manners, or lack thereof, didn't make too much difference for Jin-Ho.
"I have to wonder... if you ever have the chance to obtain a Plagued item... would you? And what chances would we, the Fellowship, have of you joining?"
With that question asked, almost as if on cue, a messenger of the Fellowship, one of the younger males, burst through the door to the restaurant, rather flustered. It didn't take him long before finding a waitress, asking if she knew the location of Jin-Ho. The woman nodded, pointing back toward the table where Jin-Ho and Maiya sat.
"Sir Kyon! I've been searching for you!"
Jin-Ho's attention turned to the boy, almost irritated that the conversation was being interrupted. It wasn't often that he was able to sit down and really talk to anyone. "What is it? I'm a little busy." He gestured towards Maiya as their food was being sat down on the table.
"It's The Lady Estratus, she wishes to meet with you, sir!" The boy seemed rather flustered, but it could have just been from his running around. Hopefully nothing was terribly wrong.
It was best that he went and met with her.
Standing up, Jin-Ho offered Maiya an apologetic smile and shook her hand. "I'm so terribly sorry, Miss Maiya, but it's best if I answered to the Lady," he grabbed his staff, then placed a good pile of money on the table, "I promise that next time we meet, I'll be able to explain everything."
The two of them then rushed out, leaving Maiya with her meal and coat. Hopefully the gifts would make it okay.
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