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 Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:10 am
WHO: Sage Estratus, Sir Sloane (Snoof), Jin-ho Kyon, Blaithe, family, and a stunted cat (Neon)
WHERE: A small village estate between Ald and Pont, Imisus
WHEN: The first Sunday of November (1412)
WEATHER: Overcast and foggy but no threat of rain____________________ In Gadu, there had been mention of a certain Fellowship Grimm who had sought sought the aide of Doctor Kempe of the Council. It had been many months since either of them were in contact with one Jin-ho Kyon while just a season had passed between when Sloane last laid eyes on his colorful Excito.
The Grand Magus and he had taken a carriage back from the Imisus and science capitol and their journey back to Shyregoed granted them passage through the area. At the cost of a few days time, Lady Estratus and Sir Sloane agreed on resting in these quaint port villages. The weather was colder here than in Gadu thanks to the nearby sea and mist rolled inland off the coast. Despite the chill, everything was a damn sight warmer to the sword and his lady when compared to the perpetually snowy North. Even in the stark November cold, Lady Estratus wore her hair in a bun to let her neck and the tops of her shoulders breathe. The two were still decked in casual attire, clothing which both suited their purposes and the drastic changes in climate.
Sloane wore a simple ensemble of brown riding boots, tucked in tan slacks, and a white tunic tucked beneath a leather belt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing bare arms save for his wrists which were accented with matching silver torqs with a single red gem, identical to the one around his neck. His lady's wardrobe was similarly plain in color but not quite so otherwise. A leather cincher wrapped untightened around her waist, a tabard with a small Fellowship insignia at the hem hanging to her knees in the front and a ruffled waist skirt in the back reaching her shins. Knee high leather boots hid the beginnings of pinstriped leggings which disappeared past the start of the skirt and tabard. A folded collar rested atop her breast and across her shoulders, both suitably bare, and any jewelry which normally adorned her neck and forehead were removed. Ruffled sleeves ended just before her elbows, curving into hanging fabric that stopped just at her hip.
For all intents and purposes she looked like any other mage and this was exactly the guise they traveled under, even to the Kyon's doorstep. A small wicker basket was held beneath one of Sloane's arms, filled with a few niceties -- lined with Autumn flowers and harvest leaves, there rested a glass container of peach cider, a small fruit pie wrapped in cloth to keep it warm, and two small boxes not wrapped but adorned both white clean white ribbon.
A slender, gloved hand reached out and wrapped gently at the door with their knuckles. Sage returned her hands to her front, clasped loosely at the wrist. Both stood straight and proper, a calm expression on Lady Estratus' face while Sloane's shifted between subtle excitement, bittersweet longing, and mild apprehension. Their meeting was unannounced and were no one home then unfortunately the two of them would have to move along, but both remained hopeful.
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 11:22 am
While rain was certainly not in the afternoon’s forecast, the heavy air called for a lazy day of rest and relaxation. With no plans of outings had been made and no chores to be done, every person in the Kyon household spent their time reclining in one way or another in the small den, relishing the wonderful fire that both lit the room with such a gentle glow and offered its warm reach to everyone near. Han-Ji, nearest to the fire, sat comfortably in his modest rocking chair, arms crossed lazily as he dozed off; Min and Min-Ho, nestled comfortably under blankets, worked together on what the others could only assume was a blanket to be gifted while Jin-Ho idly read, sprawled next to the fireplace. Blaithe and Hero, huddled together in the lap of their shared Grimm’s sister, napped peacefully in the quiet air of the house.
For the time being, everyone was at peace in one way or another, simply enjoying each other’s company on such a fine day. Of course, tomorrow everyone would be back to work, but for now they lacked any worry for what the day could ever fathom to bring. Mother and daughter sung together, their voices low and gentle, almost as a lullaby to those who couldn’t cling to consciousness any longer.
A gentle rapping on the door, however quiet, was enough to stop the singing and personal distractions. Jin-Ho, focused deeply in his letters, did not even bother to look up as his father was startled awake while the Plagues remained asleep. Min and Min-Ho exchanged glances, the younger of the two scooping Blaithe and Hero carefully off of her lap, whispering a small, ”I’ve got it, you may stay seated,” before walking out of the room, Plagues in-hand.
Wearing nothing but a simple, white gown, Min-Ho shivered as she opened the door. It was strange; while she was definitely female, her young face reflected her brother’s in so many ways. If it weren’t for the hardships the former scribe had endured, perhaps the two would still look so frighteningly similar. Her hair, the same, familiar auburn as Jin-Ho’s, reached much further down her back even while pulled into a ponytail and tossed gently over her shoulder. Her skin was quite a bit fairer, but still held that natural dark tint that her brother’s once had. It was almost like looking at an old photograph, despite the differences. ”May I help you?” she asked, a gentle smile plastered on her face as she held her hand over the sleeping Excitos to protect them from the cold.
While Jin-Ho had spoken of these two, the woman could not recognize them from the stories. While the redhead was certainly large and foreboding, her eyes did not linger. The woman, donned in far less regal attire, was certainly beautiful; Min-Ho would have felt jealous in her younger years. No, these two didn’t ring the proverbial bell. She could only wonder what business they would have, looking as fine as they did, with such a poor family.
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 11:39 am
Any doubts as to who lived in this house were put to rest immediately when a familiar -- and yet not -- face came to the door, smiling hesitantly. For certain, not counting the more feminine and gentle curves to her face, this woman was a doppelganger of their associate past. The friendly and human smile Sloane had on his face faltered at the sight but he soon righted himself, brows lifting to make his face a little less imposing.
To his right, Lady Estratus closed her eyes and bowed. Sloane mimicked the act, though he did not bend as far so as not to displace the contents of the basket. "Miss," he greeted politely, then left the floor to his Grimm.
"I apologize for the unannounced visit. We come to the Kyon home in the hopes of visiting Jin-ho," as she lifted herself and turned to gently remove the jar of cider from the basket, holding it out for Min-ho to inspect, "We also bring gifts for the family, if they would be accepted."
While neither of them had yet noticed the presence of two Plagues tucked in Min-ho's careful hands, they did at least see her holding something. Ever sensitive, Sloane also detected the familiar scent of death, but for now he merely attributed it to the fact two Plagues lived in this house and had done so for several months.
"If we've come at an inopportune time, we would like to leave our gifts," Sage explained further as she carefully cider carefully back in beside the pie.
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 6:27 pm
”Oh!” Min-Ho exclaimed, cupping her free hand over her mouth. ”The gifts sound lovely, and it is quite alright! I’m sure Jin-Ho would be very glad to accept company; he’s currently working in the den, if you would follow me!” Her smile had widened, just as the door had, as she allowed them in. Before shutting the door, she placed a finger on her lips, nodding down toward the slumbering Phasmas’ nestled comfortably in her palm. While she still had not registered who exactly they were, if they knew her brother on such a professional level, then surely there was no problem with letting them in.
”My name is Min-Ho, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!” she said as they walked down the hall, the warmth growing the closer they got to the main room. They certainly weren’t expecting company but they were welcomed regardless. Knocking gently on the wooden frame of the main entrance, Min-Ho softly cleared her throat, ”Jin-Ho, you have some visitors.”
”Mmm.”
Min was the first to look up as Han-Ji had already drifted back to sleep, letting out a shocked, ”Oh!” It was only then that the man looked away from his paper, nearly jumping in surprise. When had they come to Imisus? How did they find his house? Better yet, what were they even doing here? So many questions all being asked at the same time in his mind; he couldn’t even decide which was the better one to ask.
Standing, Jin-Ho offered a bow – now almost out of habit from being around his family. ”L-Lady Estratus, Sir Sloane.” he said quickly, still in shock. He could see his sister wince slightly, catching sight of his missing arm. No matter how many times a day it was apparent, they would surely never get used to it. However, her wince shifted to excitement as she registered the names.
”Oh, so you are Lady Estratus and Sir Sloane!” she chirped, offering them a courteous bow, careful as to not jostle the two Excito. ”I apologize for my lack of manners! It is quite an honor to meet you!”
Behind her, Jin-Ho’s expression remained shocked and almost uncomfortable, almost as if to will his sister to cease. ”M-Min-Ho, that is enough. What brings you two all this way? I mean, you are the Grand Magus…” He held no ill intent in his voice, merely curiosity. In that moment, he found he could no longer look away from Sage. He had never seen her in attire lacking such grandeur before; while it was certainly a shock he couldn’t call it unflattering. She looked human, someone you could reach out to without fear of prosecution. It was strange, and he could feel his face grow warmer as he tried to register what exactly was different. It had been so long since he’d seen her in general. ”You… you look well,” he choked out, glancing instead to the colorful Phasmas cupped in his sister’s hand.
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:05 pm
The woman's sudden shift to excited and pleasant from merely hospitable caught Sloane by surprised, causing him to grin widely but he caught himself quickly and downplayed it so his teeth wouldn't show. The woman was absolutely adorable. Once they were in and the door was shut, an introduction was given and a similar name was shared between a similar face. Indeed, Jin-Ho and Min-Ho were siblings without a doubt. Then she revealed something that made a warm feeling settle nicely in the pit of Sloane's stomach. His entire body seemed to relax and lean slightly to one side as he gave the colorful speck in Min-Ho's hand a relieved smile. Beside her was a new face altogether but he quickly recognized the larger Phasmas to be the cat gifted to her at Anica. Perhaps it -- he -- had a name now?
"The pleasure is ours," he uttered without thinking, offering an uncertain glance to Sage afterward. She nodded, expression relaxed enough that she didn't look stony or callous despite the lack of emotion. At least he kept his voice low for the two slumbering in her cupped palm and, as they walked through the short halls, Sloane kept stealing glances at Min-Ho's hand.
Things were so calm and peaceful here, they noticed. It was likely for the best Jin-Ho had left the stressful weather and daily hardship of Shyregoed behind. After all, it wasn't as though a mage's work was restricted to the North. Facilities of all size dotted Panymium's countryside, even in Auvinus where the House made their nest. This peaceful scene shifted, nearly shattered, at the sudden "Oh!" from another woman. Sloane winced, taking a step back in case he was the offender. Papers fluttered and there stood Jin-Ho Kyon before them, bowing with a look of shock upon his face that matched the old woman's cry.
So Jin-Ho had spoken of them? Lady Estratus' brows lifted at this knowledge, turning to face Min-ho and offer her another slight dip of her head.
"It is quite alright, please do not trouble yourselves." Sage tried to assure her but Jin-Ho was far more direct. All of this excitement wasn't going to allow the Excitos rest for long, even if Min-Ho handled them carefully. "I would prefer not to discuss matters of that nature here. This is not a professional visit, by all accounts. However, if it will ease your mind, politics did bring us to Imisus. We will be returning to Shyregoed in a few days time." Another slight bow was given, this time in the direction of Min Dai and Han-Ji as an apology for all the ruckus. Sloane did the same.
A strange air filled the room momentarily, Lady Estratus' gaze lingering upon Jin-Ho's face as he chose to look away and fumbled with his words. At her front, Sage's hands clasped uncomfortably but her face remained the same. "As do you."
Sloane's brow furrowed for but a moment, eyes darting between his Grimm and Blaithe's. Quickly, he scooped up the wrapped pie from the basket in one hand and presented it in Min Dai's direction. Though the pie contained no olives, an olive branch of peace was an apt comparison. "We've brought food and drink; fruit pie and cider, if you would like any. It's still warm."
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Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:36 am
While Han-Ji met the sight of Sloane with immediate but silent disdain upon waking, Min Dai had already stood to offer a bow of her own. ”Welcome, Mages, we hope you are comfortable in your visit!” With a large smile, she gratefully took the cider and pie, hobbling over to the table to set them down. ”Such wonderful gifts, I thank you!”
Remaining in shock, despite the explanation and tidings, Jin-Ho knelt down to pick up the papers he had accidentally strewn across the room, his face red as he placed them all to the side and motioned toward the couch. ”P-please, sit.” It had been quite a while since he had seen either of them, and how suddenly they came into his home had left him quite unnerved. Whatever ill feelings he held at one point were now gone, but his poor conduct in the last few months in their presence weighed heavily on his mind. Now they were here in this tiny house, offering gifts and their company. He couldn’t quite understand why they would drop in, but as Sloane’s eyes lit up by the mere sight of Blaithe nestled in his sister’s hand, he could only wager a guess.
”Yes, please sit!” Min-Ho cheered, as if that smile on her face couldn’t get any brighter. She moved from their direct path, mimicking her brother by placing a delicate hand on the couch. ”You must be weary from your travels, it would do you well to relax!”
Han-Ji, expression just as sour as before, merely nodded for them to sit. When offered a slice by Min Dai, he politely refused by mere principle that only the family knew, no one caring to share at the moment, especially in such company.
Nearly scoffing, Jin-Ho choked back a remark at her response to his compliment. He looked pitiful and he knew it, but given her status his professionalism held back his self-contempt. However, he bowed once again as they sat. His eyes drifted toward Blaithe upon her movement, biting his lip at the fuss that had been made. It was rude to slumber among company, but he hadn’t intended to wake them before they were ready and he silently cursed himself.
The first words out of her tiny mouth came of no surprise, for as soon as she had stirred a tiny, cheerful ”Sloane!” had sounded from Min-Ho’s hand. Hero, rather displeased, only sat in the woman’s palm, arms crossed.
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Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:27 pm
When the basket was taken from Sloane, he offered Min Dai a subdued smile and matched her bow while his Grimm did little but nod. He couldn't help but notice the flushed tint to Jin-ho's skin, though it could have easily been attributed to his surprise of which he now held in great abundance.
Both offered their thanks, obliging the family to sit and relax. It was a hope in both of their minds that things would calm down a bit once they were all seated. Lady Estratus allowed Sloane to have the seat closer to Min-ho, and thus closer to Blaithe, while she sat beside him. She was distanced enough that they had no hope of accidentally rubbing elbows and between the two males who knew her this was clearly deliberate.
"Thank you," she nodded to Min-ho, then glanced to the rest of Jin-ho's family, "Your hospitality is appreciated." Her features were as neutral as ever but unlike in more professional, political heavy settings she was in a more relaxed state. Sage's eyes were not hardened nor were her lips pulled tight; it was merely a calm expression, one Jin-ho might have only seen in passing a handful of times. "Is Imisus suiting you well?"
Sloane's attentions had been drawn away from the small, colorful form as the two Grimm's engaged one another. The air was thick with the subtle awkwardness of reunited acquaintances, but it was difficult to say if Jin-ho's family was aware of it. At the sound of his name, Sloane beamed down at Blaithe. It was a welcomed intrusion, any tension in the air shattering instantly by her waking presence. He reached out, intending to pluck her up out of habit, but gave pause just before reaching her. Sloane gave Min-ho a hopeful glance, "May I?" before proceeding.
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Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:49 pm
After offering her hand, Min-Ho was a little surprised when only Blaithe was lifted. Thinking nothing of it, she smiled and began gently rubbing the crown of Hero’s head; something he wasn’t opposed to at all as he leaned into her fingers in response. The cat had certainly taken a liking to the females in Jin-Ho’s family, but the father was rather intimidating and he preferred to keep a distant – something Han-Ji definitely appreciated.
”What brings you here, Sloane?” she asked, excitement apparent as she glowed brightly against his bare hand. It felt like it had been ages since she saw him. As per usual, the Phasmas was rather… ignorant of humans, having registered Sage’s presence but more excited about her bladed friend. ”How I’ve missed you! How are the others doing? I hope well, but they’re in your care so I’m sure they are!”
A sound of complete disapproval sounded from deep within Hero, but he did his best to cover it in his purrs.
Min Dai, ever the gracious host, bowed in response to Sage’s statement, however remaining silent as the rather lovely woman addressed her son. Every so often, she would give her husband small glances and sly smiles, but Han-Ji was far from amused; especially given the fact that Sage was a Grimm, and Grimms meant more Plagues. That was the last thing he wanted in this house, fearing for the safety of his family and his own.
With a nervous nod, Jin-Ho replied, ”Imisus serves me well. Sir Amory has been treating me, and I believe it has… helped me improve.” Unable to relax, the man remained standing despite the extra bit of room on the couch. He couldn’t even bring himself to speak less formally, even though everyone else had already made themselves comfortable. He appreciated their concerns whole heartedly, regardless. ”We’ve started a garden; rare herbs and flowers to sell. The air here is much calmer and soothing than the harsh winds in Shyregoed.”
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Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:32 am
Too enamored with one another to notice the surprise or disapproval from whom he removed Blaithe, she and Sloane were briefly tucked into a place where it was just the two of them. He raised his hand toward his face, careful so as not to jostle the tiny girl, and kept his voice a low whisper that would not interrupt current conversations. It mattered little, as they drowned out the humans for a time.
"Politics. I've little to do with them, yet Sage is entrenched.," he scoffed slightly, "But here, I've come just for you. You were also missed -- dearly." The smile and excitement that seemed to permeate from him faltered slightly at that last word. His eyes drifted down toward his palm rather than her vibrant star. This lasted but a second as he let out another quiet scoff and pulled his grin back into place. "They are well. They ask of you often. What shall I tell them?"
While Sloane was able to momentarily tune out the grumble from the cat and the soft chatter of their Grimms, Sage was unable and outright refused. She picked up on the slight cues from the corner of her eye as Jin-ho's mother kept glancing between them, then her husband. It was more than a casual interest, one that made Lady Estratus' grip on her own wrist tightened subtly rather than show the discomfort on her face.
"Doctor Kempe," she corrected, "We spoke with him the other day." Lady Estratus left out the fact that it was this meeting in particular that drew them to Imisus and moreover what the driving force behind it was. Surely the Kyon family had little interest in such things and, more to the point, none of them needed to know. "Your disposition seems more positive," she noted, though her eyes drifted as she sought out a place for him to sit. Her brow furrowed slightly when she spotted a few and yet he took none of them.
Lady Estratus' head lifted at the mention of a garden. "You've had an apothecary or two come calling, I imagine? Home gardens such as yours are specially useful to those just getting on their feet in the trade. Not everyone has the land to grow themselves." Though her words were terse, there was a hint of approval in them. Gardening was a relaxing work, something countless mages relied on outside of Shyregoed as a driving force in their studies. It calmed the mind and reunited them with nature in ways little else could.
Imisus, it seemed, was the ideal choice for Jin-ho in his recuperation. Perhaps even the rest of his time.
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Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:15 pm
As soon as she was close enough, Blaithe’s hands reached outward, gently patting Sloane’s face with an eager grin. It had been a long time since she felt this excited; while Hero’s company was greatly appreciated it was awfully boring out in the country despite it not being that grand of a change from the cold walls of Shyregoed’s northern base. Without much thought she followed his eyes, perking back up when his smile returned. ”I’m glad to know that you have thought of me just as much, Sloane! And you may tell the others that I miss them as well! Oh, how I miss their company when Jin-Ho is busy with work…”
Hero fought to keep his calm as his fur bristled; doing his best to focus on Min-Ho’s idle petting. His ears lay flat against his head and his eyes would have been closed tightly had he a pair. Min-Ho’s attention was elsewhere, and even then the conversation was so soft, so private, she wouldn’t have heard it anyway.
”How long will you be here, Sloane? It has been far too long…!”
Sage’s correction caused Jin-Ho to stiffen again, relaxing only enough to place what other papers he held on the table beside the couch, immediately holding it against his side once they were out of his hand. ”Y-yes, Doctor Kempe.” Swallowing hard, he nodded, listening attentively despite how difficult it was to meet eyes with his former employer. Even when she complimented him he couldn’t relax, in fact, finding it difficult to look at her at all was near impossible though he forced himself for the sake of respect and professionalism. ”Every so often, fellow Mages come to our door… sometimes Council members. Anything for our brothers…”
Min-Ho’s gaze fixated on Sloane and Sage, somewhat excited about having finally met them after all the talks she and her brother had. Nothing of negative nature was ever said, not even in letters around the time of Jin-Ho’s ‘retirement,’ and it was nice to see just what kind of people they were. She instantly recognized Sloane as a Plague, having met a few in her husband’s line of work with the Council – Locos who were willing to help with studies on cures and often Infitialis who would step forward on the rare occasion. She had never seen a non-linear, however, and that was rather interesting. She wouldn’t speak it but she was curious as to whether Sloane would be interested in meeting Long-Wei at some point, depending on the duration of their stay.
With a little bit of time Jin Ho managed to ease himself, relaxing into a slightly less formal stance before them. His eyes softened while his brows remained knit, now staring at Sage without really meaning to. In a sense he subconsciously tried to soak in every little detail about her now that she was also in a less than formal setting -- his infatuation showing a little more than he would have pleased, though he hoped that she hadn't noticed.
Min Dai and Han-Ji ceased their childish banter and gaze casting, somewhat interested in the discussion at hand given it involved their garden. ”Anything we grow is always available for you and yours, Lady Estratus!” Min Dai said, voice eager yet humble. Han-Ji merely glanced away toward the fire before shooting a displeased glance toward Jin-Ho, who returned it with a worried look of his own.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:47 am
The touch to his face from someone so small was scarcely a tickle but for what it was he cherished the contact as much as any other. "How could I not?" Sloane joked, though it was the truth she rarely left his thoughts since departing. He nodded, tucking her request away in his mind, but his expression shifted visibly to pity as her tone changed. The body language of the cat went unnoticed, as did Min-ho's curiosity. Sloane shook his head gently, eyes closing. "Not long, I'm afraid. We're to be in Shyregoed within two days time." He knew this would be disappointing news, it was for him too, but the fact they had stopped here at all in their travels seemed like a gesture of good will on his Grimm's part even if she kept her reasoning to herself.
Lady Estratus nodded to his words, though the stiffness in his voice, the present apprehension, was easy for her to detect. Unlike in a professional setting where she would press on despite sensing this, she was a guest in this home and she lowered her gaze in an attempt to offer some relief. In her mind, it was merely due to the time elapsed and the last time they had spoken face to face. The atmosphere was completely different and they had certainly caught Jin-ho off guard, arriving with no warning.
"Your efforts are appreciated," she assured not only him but his entire family. Her attention turned to Min Dai and Han-Ji, head dipping slightly as she closed her eyes, "You have my thanks, and that of the Fellowship."
While the gaze Jin-ho cast upon Lady Estratus was either ignored or misinterpreted, Sloane's attention shifted briefly during the exchange and he gave a closed mouth smile to the rest of the family. His swirled eyes passed over Jin-ho as did the rest, though barely a second later he looked back and his smile faltered. The emotion in Jin-ho's expression was one he knew well, one he had felt to the core of his being, and it caused him to feel heavy. There was a time, when they first met, when Sloane had feared this emotion in Jin-ho, feared that it would be directed toward his lady, and there he stood now with his eyes tracing her shape. In that brief moment, Sloane could not stop his lip from curling in a silent snarl but he was quick to reel it back.
"Jin-ho," he spoke firmly to make sure he was heard but his volume was low and his voice remained calm. For now, his expression was kept impassive; not friendly nor antagonistic. "Could I have a word with you?" Sloane's eyes glanced toward the nearest open doorway before meeting Jin-ho's eyes again, requesting privacy. Blaithe was still held carefully in his hand and that hand remained elevated near his face but he did not look at her.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:49 pm
Blaithe’s smile faltered with Sloane’s, but she did her best to bring it back as she hugged his face. ”I understand,” she said, pulling away once more, ”I understand that you and Lady Sage have priorities.” Slumping slightly in his hand, she placed her palms against his and adjusted herself so that she was comfortable. She had gotten used to business, both from her Grimm and the rest of his family. Surely she would get another chance to see him again soon.
Han Ji’s attention remained on Jin Ho, still less than pleased, but as soon as Sage offered thanks he nodded his head, returning his attention to the fire beside him looking as if he was about to nod off.
Jin Ho, on the other hand, was thankful that his father served as a distraction for that mere moment, though he practically jumped out of his skin when Sloane called out his name. Eyes flashing for a moment, he looked to the sword, brows raised and expression mixed between surprise and exhaustion, but he offered a quick nod before taking a step toward him. Min Ho took Blaithe, who would rather have stayed with her friend but once again, priorities, and Hero immediately wrapped his arms around her once she was safely in the woman’s hand. Min Dai continued to offer her own gratitude and pleasantries with the Grand Magus as the two men left the room.
”Is something wrong?” Jin Ho asked once the door closed behind them. He continued to walk toward the far wall, opening the curtains to allow them some light. Without being aware that his glances hadn’t gone unnoticed, his attention turned back to Sloane once the room was lit.
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Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:42 pm
His smile faded some with Blaithe's. Sloane bowed his head as she slumped against his palm, eyes closed as he stood and carefully brought his hand toward Min Ho. Before they parted ways completely, he nudged the tiny Phasmas as gently as he could with the tip of his nose and left her in the care of the black cat and her Grimm's sister. He left the three of them with a tooth-hidden smile and followed Jin Ho into the kitchen. Sage was left on her own to make small talk with Min Dai and Min Ho about their garden and the apothecary work surrounding it. With Han Ji's silence, she felt it best not to acknowledge him verbally and instead only offered him glances and nods if he did the same.
Sloane didn't pause for the door to close, stepping further inside and looking around the room approvingly. It was comfortable, not too large like everything at Anica. "I hope not," he answered bluntly, watching Jin Ho open the curtains. Sloane folded his arms, glancing down as Jin Ho's attention returned to him.
His lips parted, teeth showing in a slight frown. Hesitation was apparent. Sloane closed his lips again, breathed deep, and met Jin Ho's eyes. "A great deal has changed for all of us in the time that's passed. My concern lies in something we've discussed before, when Blaithe was still your brush." He paused for a moment, waiting for recognition to reflection on Jin Ho's face. "I need to know what you're thinking--" Sloane's voice was calm, not accusatory, but his stare was pointed. Once he was certain he had Jin Ho's attention on lock, he glanced to the side and nodded once toward the closed door. "--when you look at her."
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Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:54 pm
Even when unarmed, Sloane was certainly intimidating to say the least.
Having almost jumped out of his skin upon turning to Sloane’s staring, his eyes sharp and directed right at him, he did his best to relax his own posture to show that he wasn’t trying to show him up. Clearing his throat, Jin Ho could only stare, an eyebrow raised in confusion before he attempted to cross his own arms, in the end looping his thumb into his belt – a habit he couldn’t break even after two years.
”I’m not sure I…” he started, confusion obvious in his voice. ”Do you mean Lady Sa- Estratus…?”
With a moment’s hesitation, the former scribe glanced away, eyes narrowing in realization and head bobbing slightly. Now that it was brought to his attention, he recalled their conversation – back when they didn’t get along very well. Well, at least worse than they had recently. Offering the sword a frown, he gave a heavy sigh. ”If you’re concerned about me feeling anything romantic toward Lady Estratus, well… it’s not that it matters. There is nothing – never will be anything – between us. I hold even no professional relationship with her, as you’re well aware.” He sounded torn, bitter yet saddened by the idea, but he did his best to hold his face neutral despite his tone.
”In all honesty, I’m surprised The Lady even wanted to stop by, as I’m sure it was not your idea.” Jin Ho didn’t sound hateful, merely on point and sure of himself. Other than Blaithe, there was nothing here for either Sage or Sloane.
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Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 6:26 pm
Sloane craned his neck so he was looking down his nose at Jin Ho while he fumbled at the start of his response. His eyes narrowed when the augur nearly addressed his Grimm less formally but he was careful, like Jin Ho, to keep his face largely neutral. This was difficult when he all but confirmed Sloane's concern and the Infitialis glanced away in silent exasperation. His gaze shifted only for a moment.
In truth, it hadn't been his idea at all. He had been just as surprised by the detour as the rest of them, but he found no harm in it prior to their arrival. Now he was uncertain and it caused his posture to straighten.
"It matters," he asserted calmly, swirled eyes glowing brighter. "I've no concern with any potential relationship between you, I'm not so disillusioned anymore." An unintentional scoff slipped past his teeth following another glance to the side, one corner of his lips upturning momentarily. It was not a reflection of disgust toward Jin Ho or their discussion, but on himself -- a fact the mage before him would be completely unaware of.
"The fact remains, you wore your heart on your sleeve just moments ago -- for her and her alone. Is it so difficult for you to hide your emotions from her when, some months ago, you hid everything from Blaithe?"
Only here did his tone shift to one more accusatory, almost interrogative. He couldn't hope to know what had transpired after Blaithe had been returned to his care but the last memory he had of Jin Ho and Blaithe together was her being handed off to him like a nuisance. Jin Ho hadn't explained anything to her then, hadn't even sought her approval even if she seemed to enjoy their time together in the end. Yet there he stood before the Grand Magus, flustered, while for Blaithe he had been distant.
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