jasmine petals and jade cranes

Having helped the stranger up, he was met with happy face in rugged clothes. "You are quite a force of nature." The ruin the stranger brought with herself brought him to view her a messenger of Kunlun gods. The way she ran through the forest, with no care for the barrage of trees in her way, he fully believed she had coerced bushes to move out of her way until he noticed through tore clothes a mesh of cuts and scratches. She's mortal, at least, but the relief that thought brought him had almost instantly drowned in worry for her well-being. "You're bleeding." Among other things but he's not one to bring up how indecent of a sight she currently was. Instead, he politely averted his gaze from the woman. "If it's really not the first time this has happened, you are very lucky. These cuts, neglected, are just inviting infection." He casted his gaze towards the herb garden. He should have something to stop the bleeding there.

"You can wait in the shadow of the tree in the garden or go inside, please do not wait here in full sun. I will be back soon and dress your wounds." He bowed his head at the stranger and walked up the stairs, into the garden, to gather the herbs he needed.

The girl did not notice the broken skin, or the blood that was -- in some places -- running like water down her legs. It didn't hurt, frankly, anything ever did, really, so she dismissed it completely, a wave following the beast's words. "I've never been infected in my life, I think I am very lucky like that." She responded with a grin still plastered on her face. She waved at the man as he moved inside his house and slowly let herself rest in the corner, sitting on the ground by the tree. The grass tickled her arms, and she leaned to pick a few blades. Slowly playing around with them, she weaved a tiny decoration reminiscent of a rose flower that she then placed in her hair. She wondered if the man would notice it?

She couldn't see him from her position, but she could hear him skulking about. "Please make sure that it's nothing bitter. If you're getting herbs for me, sir, then just..." He grimaced and pulled on a blade of grass that was wider than the others. "Just make them into a paste. I refuse to eat anything. I would rather die." With those words leaving, she leaned forward and spread the blade of grass between her fingers before pressing them to her lips. Without hesitation, she blew, releasing a small shrill that turned into a pleasant sound reminiscent of the wind.

  Long Zhi did not agree with this. Any of it. It was one thing to steal from and rob the rich, and he also wasn't above assassination—he had yet to meet someone who didn't deserve it—or tricking gamblers out of their money. There were plenty of things that he could excuse and convince his conscience to accept as being justifiable. But this? Kidnapping people—children especially—so they could sell them? Most likely into either slavery or... Well, much worse? No. Every fiber of his being rebelled against it. And he had tried everything possible to convince his grandfather to let them go. But no matter what, no one would listen to him. As a matter of fact, they seemed so fed up with him, that he'd been put on guard duty the moment they arrived at their shelter for the night.

  Pacing up and down the entrance, Long Zhi was less focused on guarding, and more focused on trying to come up with a plan. So he hadn't realized that someone had approached, not until it was much too late. Caught completely off-guard, he stared at the dagger he was now being threatened with for a moment, then lifted his hands to signal he was unarmed. At least at the moment. "Both, I suppose," he said honestly, although he probably shouldn't be divulging any of that to a stranger, much less one currently threatening him.   Letting out a quiet sigh, he briefly looked over his shoulder and back into the cave. "Is that what you're here for? To help the children?"

To say there was anything that ever surprised the boundless mind of Boyan would be a sign of one's naivete. There was never a scenario, no matter how absurd, that his feverish head could not conjure, so the quizzical answer of the stranger was met with nothing but a curt nod. There were many reasons for the others to lie, but Boyan believed that it was easier to take matters as true and have them be proven otherwise rather than the opposite, hence, for now, the stranger was released fully, albeit the dagger stayed unsheathed, ready to be thrown, talismans in the cultivator's pouch begging to be used.

"Very well. You are not a threat to them." He narrowed his eyes, glancing to the sides, trying to see if there was anyone else besides the one man. There seemingly was no one, which meant one of two things -- the men were foolish or this stranger was more dangerous than he looked. "Indeed, I am here to save the children. I've seen what happens to kids like that and I..." He sighed, thinking of the fate he had cooked up for them. "I have an escape for them. They'll be safe from death-- except perhaps death of boredom." His old master could be a horrific nag. "You want to join me, or do I need to knock you out?"

“Are you not a Prince? Why would your people have to tell you what scarf is suited for you or not? If you like it, simply use it. Imagine you are lost in the midst of the desert; would you care what scarf to wear as long as it offers you shelter? One would only ensure it is thick enough, but my father established a law a long time ago to ensure the merchants are not permitted to sell anything under the wrong premise of offering protection.” And Yě was content this prince was smart enough not to purchase one of those satin scarves ladies hung over their shoulders.

Maybe she felt a little pity for him but knew to hide it. “Your Highness mustn't dread. If one is worried, I can arrange a set of scarves and cloaks used by our guards. They might not be the prettiest, but they are quite sturdy, made to last many years. The nights in the desert are colder than one may expect. Preparing is crucial and not dependent on water alone.” All children in the oasis city learned it; in matters of emergency, should they ever be driven into the eternal gold, they knew what to do. “Fear not, we will leave well prepared. My father never would risk giving reasons for conflict between your kingdom and this nation. Your safe travels are his utmost concern.”

The direct question made Bùwéi laugh lightly as he shook his head. "And so what if I am a prince? Advice can come from everywhere. Do not take me for vain, however. I am never free of my duty to represent my family. What if I myself choose a colour that could offend? What if I end up ridiculed due to my choice? There are consequences to every gesture." A sigh escaped as that, in particular, made the prince remember the most frustrating burden of his life. "I have no doubt all the scarves are sold under control, as the risk of death is no laughing matter."

The man nodded at her explanation and smiled once more. "I would most happily take your offer. I still would like to buy a few scarves to take home. My royal brother and sister would be overjoyed for such gifts, and I have a few friends as well who will never be able to travel this far, so giving them a present to show your lives through the mastery of your scarves may lift that sadness in their hearts." His heart felt at ease at Lady Yě's reassurance. He would still have questions later, but he understood that she most likely had other duties to attend to. "When we return, I would like your recommendations for your best masters of weaving. I would love to buy their art. Unless... you have other recommendations for presents that are distinctly yours?"

Crow's sinister cawing was less of a calamity's herald than his friend's bright chirping. Deep inside, Yijia knew that whatever Boyan promised, he was going to get almost the exact opposite of it. But ask this fox for its skin and it's going to tear its flesh with its own teeth and prepare it for you to wear as a coat during winter. He couldn't say no, especially if a request came packaged in Boyan's honeyed mouth and charming smile.

Despite Boyan's comforting claims, Yijia knew better than to come unprepared. He turned to the cabinet which held all the talismans he had diligently worked on for the past three nights. Among them, a relatively fresh warding spell he never had a chance to test in safe environment. He grabbed the bundle of them and put them in a pouch he then attached to his belt. For a moment, he considered taking his sword but in the end decided against it, as he hadn't used it since he left the sect.

"It is not a forest stroll I fear, but the tiger I decided to aid." With a sigh he gathered resolve and finally returned his friend's smile. "You have my attention." He always had. "Show me that discovery of yours. And if things go awry, just don't feed on my corpse, tiger cub."

There were times when Boyan would point out he understood what Yijia was alluding to, but, with his grand scheme in mind, he knew there was no point in arguing as if he did, he might end up slipping and admitting what it was he was after. Yijia surely needed to know just... not yet. These were the grand adventures his friend had read in the scrolls so beautifully out loud that both of them fell in love with the visions. Now, Boyan was ready to show and share with Yijia what that really meant.

The young man waited patiently, as the other prepared all he needed and when that was done, he caught him by the arm and lightly pulled him outside. "I promise you this right now, not a second will be boring, everything will be fantastic. And I even came prepared just for your convenience." He moved out and showed two sets of donkeys, saddled and chewing on some dried grass right outside the building, each with two gourds and two packs of presumably food hanging on their sides. "See? We don't even need to walk, this shixiong really takes good care of you!"

Without letting Yijia really think about what he was seeing, Boyan pulled him toward their mounts and pushed the other onto one of them, swiftly joining him on the other. Then he pushed his donkey forward and set out into the depths of the forest. "Now," he started, smiling innocently, "before you say anything, this is a stroll. We're not galloping, we're just casually trotting along." Surely, Yijia had to agree, right?"

"You seem annoyed." At the mere idea that one could approach something differently. She believed performers by trade were no different than artisans or merchants, that they should pass on the stories they've heard, the teachings they've been taught. He, on the other hand, was of belief that should the story stay unchanged, it would largely be forgotten. Thus, it was required of them to improve on it to keep the things interesting and inspire the common folk. Should this bring them coin, fantastic. Should it instead be met with the scorn from officials, all the better. How else were they supposed to be written into the pages of history. "Is it really about today's performance or is it just my face, that make your cheeks burn red with passion." He propped himself up on one elbow, a corner of his lips twitched slightly before he allowed himself to smile at her.

"There's one more performance ahead of us and since there's still some time, we could practice for it together..." It's an honest offer, as much as she believed him to be a vain god of martial arts, he knew he'd still benefit from her becoming his partner. For that, however, he had to somehow convince her to cross the line. "Unless, of course, my sins against our revered ancestors are far too great and you don't want to muddle your merits by dancing with a silly little monkey."

He waited, making sure to give her just enough time to process what he said but not enough for her to calm down. That run a risk of her making a decision inimical to his plans. "I'll wait by the stage, little lady." Before she could properly react, he fled the crime scene.

There was something incredibly frustrating about Qingyu in a way that she could never understand. Was it his directness with no thought about the consequences of his actions? Partially, yes. Was it maybe his hubris, dripping from every single sentence his mouth uttered? Undoubtedly, also yes. "Your face does not make me blush." She spoke through gritted teeth. "In fact, if anything, the mere thought of you takes away my colour and will to enjoy food and drink. Should I ever need to save on that specifically, I will ask for your portrait." Yueji snapped, finally.

For a few moments, there was an urge in her to move toward him and push his arm out from underneath and watch him tumble, however, that would surely result in an injury, and she knew better than to let herself lose on her payment only because she'd let her partner become unable to perform. Thus, all she could do was take a deep sigh and try to convince herself that it would all be worth it in the end.

"I am ready to practice with you, however--" She paused, her ears drumming from the anger she was feeling after he so directly mocked her respect for her elders. "If you dare to speak like that again, I will make sure this is the last time we are ever employed together. No matter your skill, you are not good enough for me to tolerate your behaviour. I prefer to earn less in humbler surroundings than to entertain the nobles, but having to listen to disrespect suggested at those thanks to which both you and I have had the opportunity to fall in love with our art."

As he left, she calmed her breathing. Qingyu has a true talent for pushing her limits, and she hated how easily she lost control of her emotions because of him. She repeated a soothing song her mother used to sing to her when she was a child, and finally, after all that was said, she leaned to reach for her sack, filled with fans and sabres. With that, she joined the man by the stage, noticing that the place was still empty. He was right, they could practice. "One full set. That's all the time we probably have. No mistakes. And no improvisation."

“Our organization is divided into many paths. Assassins follow the strictest of all codes. Success or death. Just the smallest mistake and we commit suicide, no exceptions. Each assassin carries three types of poison with them at any given time, always prepared. I am not exactly an assassin, but in the end, serving Miss Cuī does not exempt me from it should something go wrong. I handle many other matters for her, be it research, observing, or keeping an eye on others to ensure she is not discovered. She is the top assassin when it comes to undercover work. Having lived so long, you can see she's very good at what she is doing.”

Yàn brought the cup to his lips, taking a deep sip from it and moving it slightly in his hand. “Is it not that you have come for all those reasons? Why would you ask me to deliver a message when you obviously yearn to interact with her?” The former commander of Her Majesty's Imperial Guard was not a man of many words, but if he spoke, then he was known to be honest and straightforward. Maybe many things in life would have been different if he'd done so sooner.

“I will also say something I find in no way controversial. There is no shame in deciding you wish to walk another path in the midst of the one you once chose. Just do it without hesitation, be mindful but firm.” Who would approve more of it than Master Cuī and him? He was brought in under the organization's previous master to ensure her safety, but to walk a path chosen by others for her. If she chose a path herself, her life would be better than in this net of politics.

“I heard Master is just as skillful in this profession. Thus, the right timing and place, how crucial it is, you understand, and it is all you have to be mindful of.” There was a minor sigh. “Then, it is not as though you would have to worry she'd not come for you anyway. So is her way.”

It was fascinating to peek behind the curtain of an organisation such as theirs. Jiānyǔ was brought up by the court, always set to serve the royals, he was part of a non-uniform guard represented by nothing but a brooch and a set of rules that were their own. He knew and interacted with the jiānghú often enough to understand the sects and organisations were more akin to armies of kingdoms rather than what his own upbringing was. He respected that, thus he never delved too deep, not to ruffle feathers, not to allow any conflicts to stir. The jiānghú could be useful for his own needs and a perfect source of certain information.

A curt laugh followed the man's question. Indeed, it was obvious and yet... "I may be unaware of the details of your work, but that also makes me aware that I cannot simply show up and expect to meet with any of you, let alone a master like Miss Cuī. Hence my question." He spread his arms in a sign of innocence. "I would be overjoyed to see her. Last time we spoke, she said I should seek her, but I cannot tell if I am not interrupting and if I am -- I would prefer to leave with a message, rather than push my presence onto her above all."

The man's words were direct but also... interesting. Jiānyǔ's brows knitted in a frown as he pondered the other's comment. His head tilted, and for a few moments, he was frozen like a statue, as if he was not fully there. Finally, he returned to the world around him and shifted his focus to the man, a fox-like smile on his face.

"I will take your words and ponder on them more. It is a quaint thing you say, but perhaps... perhaps I understand your meaning. A river where the water does not move may as well be called a puddle. We should all avoid becoming one." Still, the man's words gave him a promise of seeing the woman, and it seemed that while he needed to be pushed out of sight -- reasonably, of course -- this did not mean he'd have to resign to fulfilling his duties and leaving. That itself raised his spirits and made him almost enjoy the presence of the other man.

The yao ground should not be soiled by the steps of mere mortals. While she allowed the man clad in black to pass the borders, she had stalked him ever since, a shadow keeping up with his pace, her own footsteps blending into his. Now, that he was deep into her territory, she finally revealed herself, "Tell me, mortal, what is a human doing so far from the boundaries of its realm."

To think he'd gotten lost and ventured through the wild sent waves of annoyance through Jianyu's body. He'd been walking, trying to retreat his steps to a point where he'd recognise anything but, alas, he'd found that fruitless - wherever he'd turn, only the unknown appeared, almost as if he'd forgotten all his teachings of orientation.

It was not until a few moments later that a woman in red stood before him, her aura menacing and her look stern and heartless. "I--" He began, though the woman's words were odd, making him wonder if she was of a sound mind. Should he comply with her delusion or should he speak as he would normally? "My pardon for intruding. I have... lost my way?"

Stupid? Maybe. Irresponsible? Definitely. Heixing insisted he would relieve Hundun of the troublesome journey and deliver his request to the artisan in his stead. He had seen the woman at work before at several occasions and admired her craft. The arduous journey was but a small price to pay to get a chance to see what might come of her partnership with his chaotic master.

The journey on its own wouldn't be so bad, had he not encountered some very persistent archers who wasted a dozen if not more arrows to try and shoot him off the sky (and maybe he wasn't entirely without blame there, as he did try to steal a military token hanging idly by one's saddle).

When the crow dropped exhausted at the threshold of Song residence, it barely mustered enough strength to hop off the street and finally fainted by the door. In its beak, a tiny rolled up piece of paper. A special request for a piece of jewellery, a craft demanding visual poetry as much as technical detail. It provided an intricate sketch of a hairpin. A description underneath it in a messy handwriting, detailed the instructions a skilled artisan was to follow: depicting magnolia in fool bloom, as weightless as a breath of Qilin, as durable as Kunlun mountain, with a small compartment for a divine needle.

Song Zhao's days often followed a similar routine. It was comfortable, cosy, and very convenient for a woman living in a situation that often rendered her life quite difficult. The more boring repetitiveness she added to it, the less frustrating the external factors could be. Of course, one could never really account for everything. When she heard a tumble somewhere outside as she enjoyed a sweet snack on the terrace by the side garden, she moved curiously to find a fainted crow.

Eyebrows knitting in confusion, she'd found that the creature had a note on it, and she reached to read it, hoping it would help her figure out what the feathered beast was doing on her property.

Her frown deepened as she read the message. She looked at the bird and sighed. "I do so wish the ceelestials would request my work in a way that would not hurt the messengers and yet..." This was not the first time this had happened, and Song Zhao assumed this would not be the last. Slowly, she leaned forward and, with utmost care, picked up the crow and carried it to the side of the terrace where she'd been resting. She sat down and spread the skirt of her robe to lay the bird onto his, hoping the heat of her body would help it. She leaned to the side to take the cup of her peach-infused white tea and dipped her finger into it then moved the finger to let a few drops fall onto the beak. "Hopefully, this will help you, little child."

slowly, she turned to face fetch, already weary of his first words being uttered, and by the end, her expression had returned to that unreadable blankness from before.  after a beat of silence, the worst thing cracked through:  snarky  mischief.

Fetch was not in a great mood, and it seemed there were low chances of it getting better. Still, he was professional enough not to let anything make him cruel. At least not yet, anyways. He could feel a muscle twitch on the side of his neck, right where the shoulder connection was, and he moved his hand up to massage the specific spot. The silence that accompanied him was enough to make him be able to respond without being too prickly.

"Partnership. Fifty-fifty." He repeated after her, focusing on his tone, not to sound like he was mocking her. "I never said I wasn't going to treat this like a partnership, yeah? Just, I think, we should have roles -- areas of expertise, if you will." His hands waved around as he was gesturing a bunch of non-distinct symbols in the air, almost as if that was supposed to somehow explain his concept. "I'm not trying to treat you any sort of way, I don't know you well enough, but aye, thanks for assumin' that I'm assumin'."

The man chewed on a few curses but managed to control his temper. The day may be slightly challenging, he could feel it now, but at the same time, he preferred this than someone who'd be overly dependent on him. He assumed that if the doctor thought fumi was good enough, then that meant she didn't need too much protection, and Fetch was more of a 'just-in-case'. "I don't have a car. You drive. I'll be the passenger princess today." They needed to drive outside of the city anyway, to a relatively freshly paused construction site. The doctor mentioned James somewhere in the conversation which mean, they were going to be faced with some real shit. "Question though -- are you squeamish? You don't look it but... I'd prefer to know now."

Ten hundred thousand steps Qingyu counted before he saw the same exact broken wall they have walked past five times before. It was getting late and he was following Mo Lan, who insisted to show him a really interesting place she had discovered approximately five days ago. Five times, he noticed amused, a very fitting number.

As she walked past that landmark again, without as much as acknowledging it, he stopped her in her tracks. Blocking a way forward, he raised his eyebrows at her and pointed at the wall in a silent question. When that was met with nothing but a confused look from her, he asked -- his tone as polite as he could muster. "I get it, you love a good run but we've been walking in circles for several hours and I don't think we're getting any closer. How about we find some water source, refill our jugs and think how to get out of here... It's getting late and this place doesn't look all that safe." Especially not for the jasmine scented beauty who insisted on taking him here.

Adventure, adventure, adventure! Mo Lan loved exploring nature, and whenever she managed to slip away from her lessons, she'd change her robes and clad herself in the clothes of a wanderer, then try to find someone who would indulge her. Her brother would get mad every time, and she'd suffer punishments for her insubordination. It taught her nothing, and thus, Qingyu was her newest victim. Her brother would surely lose hair on his head if he knew his eligible sister had dragged a street performer into the forests. Her reputation would surely be in shambles.

Excitement and exploration could only get one so far, and Mo Lan had to admit that it seemed she'd gotten lost. She stopped and turned around with the saddest expression her face could display. "I am sorry." Not a word of defiance, not a peep of convincing that she knew what she was doing. "The irony is that what I wanted to show you was actually a magical pond. I heard there is a legend... about a koi pond somewhere here. It's supposed to be enchanted, and the water is supposed to taste of roses and--" The more she thought of the time she'd wasted, the more her face changed, her expression shifting into a pout. Finally, she fell silent, her defeat clear. "I apologise. I was misguided. Will you... Will you be able to bring us out of here?"

It certainly was quite the view on this serious matter. One would think if given the comfort of choice, Minrui would be eager to choose a young lady who caught his fancy rather than worry that, in the end, only an unpleasant option might remain. However, he did not dare comment on the private life of a newly made friend. His own engagement was such a long time ago that, in his mind, it was but a faint memory. Since then, it was not as though there had not been daughters of the trading district who attempted to wed into the Móu family. First, when he was a smith, and now even more so when they saw him returning home in armor, showcasing him as the right-hand to no other than the Duke of Ānpíng.

Yúnfēi thankfully did not quite strike one as an overly chatty personality; thus, his silence felt more in character and not so much as though he were avoiding adding any more commentary to the other's reaction to his advice. Although he would not go as far as to call it such. As the topic shifted, there was no unease in his voice. After all, he had been exiled for a decade now; his life had long since changed. A story had long since become a truth, not to forget that it was not even a lie.

“I once, too, thought of becoming a scholar. My parents worked hard to afford it, but then my father passed away. I confess, I did not excel in any of the topics commonly looked for among those who might be lucky enough to find work as country scholars. Not to forget, there are more of us who fail than who pass, and work such as scriberships are fought over. I had a mother and a younger sister who needed to be fed. I became a blacksmith instead, quite profitable work, enough to purchase a small piece of land. However, because of my father's early death, my sister lacked a proper dowry. Thus, I was lucky when a newly made lord sought somebody versed in business and scholarly lectures,” that part was a bit of a lie. He never really figured out who exactly had recommended him to the noble, but it sure was a good fit. “As an older brother, I surely could have wed my sister to anyone, but I refuse for her ever to be in a situation of dread should her husband pass away early on. If I wed her off with a good dowry that could cover her living expenses should harm also come to me, I'd rest much easier.”

Also skipping the part about how Yúnhuá passionately refused any marriage. If she had found a good man she liked, he would not have been opposed to letting her go and sending her more money later on.

Mǐnruì's attention was fully focused on the man speaking, and he nodded along. It was true, the national exams were infamous for their difficulty, and if one added the civil service ones on top, it felt as if with every year fewer and fewer managed to pass. In his sleepless nights, as he tried to carve into the walls of his mind the words he needed to remember, a young man cursed the order of the world and threw blasphemies towards his elders and their cruelty. With time, the harshness of the educational requirements became understandable, but it also became easy to see that those from less affluent families, those with no family within the Bureaus, suffered this cruelty more than the lucky ones, like himself.

"It may have been your fate from the very beginning to have a route so weaving and full of hardships... perhaps that was what helped you grow to become recognised as you have." Mǐnruì may have seen that the man Yúnfēi was wise and worthy of trust by those above him, as his perspective was far beyond his official status. Still, it came through their conversations, and when searching for a position, there is little time to truly learn and understand the inner dealings of the man who requests a position.

"Your path was laid out for you, yet it wavered, and still you have made it be your own. Truly an admirable task, especially when you also fulfilled your filial tasks." There was no irony in his voice as he spoke, in truth, there was a tinge of envy. Bestowed with better conditions, yet still unable and unwilling to perform all his duties. Perhaps... perhaps he should take his parents' words more seriously and be kinder when meeting the young ladies.

"Your sister is lucky to have a brother so caring." The young official noted with a smile. "It seems she is being doted on by her brother. I do hope she appreciates that, as for many, it would not be so. The care you have for her is commendable but... I will turn your advice to me, back at your person. Do make sure not to let too much time pass. The dowry, naturally, is important, but a woman also needs to play her part in society, does she not? I do not dare speak to your familial bonds, but make sure not to protect her too much, lest you allow her to wilt from the lack of air to breathe..."

"It's always straight to the point with you... Can't get a lil chummy with y'mate?" James wagged a finger at Whiteblood, his careless demeanour in striking contrast with the place they were at. It's an attempt of letting himself feel more comfortable in this place. He strayed away from orphanages as much as possible. They carried with them a suffocating stench of loneliness and desperation, which in turn reminded him of a disillusioned youth navigating blindly through the streets of Newcastle. It wouldn't be that far off to say that he brought Whiteblood with himself to make sure the other grounded him in reality. That, however, was not a thought to be shared.

He knew something was in here, it had to be. Otherwise, it would mean he's lost the last three weeks of his life running in circles for nothing. It's not something out of the ordinary for him, but he prided himself in never being mistaken on his gut feeling when focused on a case. "There's a pendant we have to find." He pulled out a cigarette and rolled it between his fingers, a mind-soothing action that helped him focus. "A client lost it here," a lie. "And there's a generous reward if a handsome chum like me brings it back to her." another lie. He's working on nothing but a suspicion. The artefact of the past was last seen being worn by this orphanage's worker but he wasn't even sure if she ever took it to work. Given that it was nearly a hundred years ago, the place could have been plundered and the pendant no longer there.

The strange behaviour of the building was what kept his hopes up. This unsettling feeling of having their every step watched, the door disappearing as soon as they walked past the threshold, it just had to be there. He pulled out a piece of paper with a hastily scribbled effigy, resembling a scarecrow wearing a raven mask. "That's what we're here for."

The word 'chummy' and Whiteblood meshed together as well as a stone thrown into a lake. Still, the vampire did not allow himself to show any reaction to the poor excuse of an attempt at humour that the detective was trying to show, instead, he waited to see if there was any substance to this entire escapade that the two were on.

The vampire tutted with mild irritation at the other's words, not so much because this was unlike James, but quite the contrary -- this was exactly like him. "A pendant." He repeated in a monotonous tone. "Lost by a woman. And you decided that you need me to accompany you, even though you are fully capable of doing it yourself." A pang of something akin to a migraine hit the vampire's left temple, and he moved his hand to lightly massage the place, hoping that it would ease the tension. The movement was deliberately slow, and he made sure not to speak to allow for an awkward and hopefully heavy pause.

"One day, I will finally snap from the constant disrespect you show toward my basic intellect, detective, and I promise you, that will be the last time I indulge you and your requests. I advise you to be perhaps either a better liar or -- dare I say -- to trust me enough to simply tell the truth." Lies. Whiteblood would always help someone who asked him, he knew that perfectly well. Still, he could hope against hope that perhaps the other would believe his threat.

The doctor leaned over and looked at the drawing. He chewed down a comment on the quality of the drawing itself but simply focused on recognisable details. "How big will this 'pendant' be? Better yet, do you have any idea if it will be out in the open or if it might be hidden away in a box of some sort?" The vampire's keen senses could help locate it if the item had anything that he could work with. "Does it have a particular smell? What is it made out of? Is there anything in particular that could help locate it besides its visual?"