backdated | 11. March 2012
muse: Lee Jiyeon (carvedbyhearts) and Jung Yunho (jungyundol)
rating: G
location: Around the grounds
summary: Yunho gives Lina a tour and less formal discussions take place.
Saturday had fortunately been too busy of a day for Yunho to dwell on the events of last Friday's dinner. There were bags to move, people to meet, and of course the Feast. He had been ushered in for an orientation sometime in the afternoon, so the rest of the day was spent on preparing for the brief tour of the castle he would be giving to the incoming first years and other new students. His first year as a prefect. He was excited.
Sunday he got up early enough to make himself available to those eager for a tour of the castle during daylight hours. Breakfast together was well spent and he hoped he made a good impression, not only of himself but of the House. There was pride there, mingling with an eagerness to please that brought about a very cheerful attitude. He was in a chatty mood and the students benefited with a thorough explanation of all the haunts and hollows he led them through.
Releasing everyone once their afternoon explorations had come to an end by the lake, he removed a dark blue square of paper folded twice that he had tucked away earlier that morning. With a whispered incantation and a flick of his wand, it transformed into a crane, and made its way back towards the castle, towards the Slytherin commons. Hopefully it would reach his intended before he got back to the castle.
Good afternoon, Miss Jiyeon.
I hope you're awake. I'll meet you at the entrance to your commons for our walk.
-JYH
After a rather interesting encounter in the dance studios, on her way back she realized that there was more than one and the whole fiasco could have been avoided, Lina had headed to the Slytherin dormitory to prepare for her tour with Yunho. They had agreed on the afternoon so when she returned to her quarters at half past ten, there was plenty of time to spend getting ready. After a warm shower, oh how good it had felt, she took her time between preparing and reading a copy of Bertrand's "L'Illusion du profit Mucius.." It was unlikely that many would judge her by her appearance, but that was not a reason not to look her best at all times.
When the enchanted crane made its way to her room, Lina had finished preparing and had turned her attention fully to her book. The note was unfolded and she smiled, amused at the choice of words. Instead of sending it back, she assumed he was on his way since he hadn't mentioned a later time she set the note inside of her book, a new bookmark, and rose to look herself over in the mirror she'd hung on the back of the door. There were no classes today and she had been told that one did not need to wear their uniform when school was not in session, so she had opted for a sweater dress over tights and a turtle-neck, brown over-the-knee boots, a wool scarf, and a coat she had often work at Durmstrang when the weather was on the warmer side of winter. Her make-up was well done and once again, not a hair was out of place -- though unlike the last time they had met she had left it uncurled and wisps fell framing her face. Over all, not a traditional look but something that suited her.
Once she was done adjusting a few strands of hair, she headed out of her room and toward the staircase that lead from the dungeons toward the main hallways. There was a chance her fiance would already be there and she hoped she had not kept him waiting long, it would be unfavorable to start off on the wrong foot. Especially since she felt this would be their first real meeting, one where they could talk more freely than they had before.
Yunho had not been there long before the entrance to the Slytherin commons opened and the very person he had come seeking appeared. He smiled and, recalling their first meeting, held out his hand to take hers, raising it for a light brush of his lips over the back. "Good afternoon. It seems you dressed fr the weather." He was dressed in his robes still, prefect badge still attached and cozy enough underneath all the layers.
Lina gave a slight bow when her hand was released, extremely pleased that he had remembered the greeting she had preferred. It seemed more polite somehow and it seemed that he could be taught. Perfect.
"Good afternoon, your Highness." She smiled, hands moving to adjust her scarf so it covered a bit more of her face. "Of course. The best part of winter is bundling up, don't you think?"
Lina stepped out of the entry way, though no one was heading in and out of the Slytherin commons she considered it bad luck to linger in doorways. A silly superstition she could not shake. "Where shall we start? I have been looking forward to this tour."
"You don't have to use such formalities," he replied with a soft laugh. Those terms were rarely used amidst his friends at school. She was not a friend, not yet, but there were hopes for a cordiality that was not so stiff as those he employed at the estate. "Just Yunho will do. I thought we might start in the courtyard."
"Just Yunho, hmmm," Lina repeated, deciding that if they were going to shy away from formality than it would be appropriate to correct him on her preference, "then please call me Lina. Jiyeon is reserved for formalities and angry relatives."
She let him take the lead, following the Raven toward the courtyard. The layout of the school was different and she chided herself mentally for constantly remembering her old grounds. She could imagine her favorite professor, really a mentor more so than a professor, telling her to stop the moping and plow forward.
Lina. Yunho knew little of the more Western languages, but the name sounded rather pleasant to his ears, feminine. "Is that your Russian name?" he asked. He did not need to pay much attention, familiar with the walls of the castle, even if the corridors did occasionally change directions on him. "How did you enjoy the food at the feast last night?"
"Technically, it is Arabic in origin. It means delicate or compassionate," Lina offered, amused at the meaning. Delicate and compassionate were two things she really was not. The latter more than the former but compassion came to those she felt she was close to. Compassion was saved for those who earned it or simply sparked her interest. She was a finicky thing, after all. "But my mother insists that it is short for Alina, which is a Russian name."
She admired the halls as they passed, the style of architecture was not something she was used to and she found the medieval style intriguing. "It was interesting though I found it acceptable. I will learn to adjust to the cuisine here."
"I do have a question, I've been wondering since last night. Could you tell me about the Houses here? The dynamics of the school seem to depend on the dynamics of the Houses," She wondered what it said about her, the fact that she had been sorted into Slytherin. At least in the opinion of her future husband, who clearly had not been at her table.
"I wouldn't say that," Yunho replied, slowly. His friends were a mixed bag, in any case, when it came to House placement. And so far as he knew, being a part of any particular house did not limit one's social acquaintances. But he he also had to admit that there were prejudices that came with each house. He could answer her question diplomatically, at least, and went into Prefect mode to do so. "Yonsei's sorting system is based on an English one, which is why the names are so strange. I'm sure you've heard of Hogwarts." Everybody knew about Harry Potter, in any case, and that had been where he spent his schooling days. "Our system is very similar, though I'm sure our Hat takes different things into account, now and then. But those sorted into Gryffindor are said to be very brave and daring, occasionally bold and reckless," he added with a wry grin. "Hufflepuffs are very hardworking, kind. I find they're often very cheerful, as far as dispositions go. Ravenclaws have a reputation for brainy, but we work just as hard as anyone else does to keep grades up. I think the real criteria there is curiosity in learning how the world works, and a desire to see what one can do to manipulate and change it. And Slytherins are resourceful and ambitious. Quiet, a lot of the time, but in a mysterious and interesting way. What do you think, Miss Lina. Does it suit you?"
Lina did find his answer diplomatic and polite, while part of her enjoyed this she also wanted to know what the Prince really thought.
"Well, I like to see how I can manipulate and change the world around me, that seems more Ravenclaw of me than Slytherin, doesn't it?" She paused in a particular doorway as they walked, looking up at the arches. The Yonsei castle definitely had it's charms. "But I would like to think that I am resourceful, ambitious, and interesting in some ways."
The words came with a soft laugh which echoed through the halls and then her tone changed a little, the whimsical feel to it momentarily disappearing as she regarded Yunho, "Is that all what you think or the more cookie-cutter answer to my question?"
"Did you discuss it with the Hat?" Yunho asked. He had heard of close sortings before, and she had taken a long time on the stool. Perhaps it had been wondering where to place her. "The Hat sometimes takes some time to consider if it isn't sure. Some people even try to negotiate." He laughed a little at her question. She was very thorough, which he liked. It showed intelligence, and he was pleased to see that she seemed to consider herself rather Ravenclaw. "I try not to lie. I'm not sure what to make of you yet, but that is all that I know of the Sorting system. Don't let it limit you on who you choose to make your friends, though. Very many make friends out of their Houses."
"No, I did not discuss anything with it. I did tell it that a house with a good background would be favorable," she was a pure blood after all and family lineage did matter, regardless of if she considered herself to be more curious than the description of her House. "And everyone I have met so far seems rather agreeable."
"We will both learn what to make of each other in time," She offered with a gentle smile, one she had shown many times before.
"Indeed we will," he agreed. Thus far, he found her amiable enough. It was not only politeness, either. Judging by her passionate discussion of her hobbies, she did not seem quite as closed off as most other Slytherin girls he knew. There was a warmth, though not quite like the fire in Sooyeon. It was new, refreshing.
But of course there was that importance placed on backgrounds that he understood from a logical point of view, but had never felt himself. "I am curious as to what constitutes a good background for you, Miss Lina. Is it rank, or blood, that draws your favor?"
"I shall strive to live up to your expectations, then," Yunho said with a gracious, if somewhat exaggerated bow. He was in a playful mood, now that they were out in the courtyard and breathing in the refreshingly cool air. Family lineage she might not have to worry much about in Slytherin House, but he wondered if she would find the characters as interesting to study as he did.
"My preferences?" he asked, leading her down a lane and pointing out an interesting statue to give her a brief introduction to it, before answering her. "In all honesty, I have no idea what I prefer, aside from honesty itself. If you do not try to hide who you are from me, then I will gladly do the same for you." In fact, he would be honest whether or not she cared for him to be. It came with the security of both having the higher rank and being born into the more privileged sex.
As they exited the castle and made their way into the courtyard, Lina inhaled a deep breathe. Cold air filled her lungs, the sensation exhilarating and she found herself slightly more aware and awake than she had moments before. This was familiar, the sensation as her body adjusted to the crisp air. It wasn't Durmstrang, but it would do. Finally, she gave a response to his first statement, "I appreciate the effort."
The tour of the grounds was interesting, they passed statues that she probably would not have noticed before but she felt a sense of satisfaction in knowing their histories. His answer came a bit suddenly, her thoughts had drifted to the style in which the statues had been cast. Honesty was something she appreciate but honestly, did not always provide. With this boy she was being, for the most part, extremely honest in her answers. But that was because she had no other option if she wanted a life that was not limited to distant exchanges on an an estate which could probably accommodate two separate lives quite easily. She didn't want separate lives, she wanted the closest thing to a family she could get. "I will do my best. Can I ask you something else then?"
"Ask away." He was smiling, pleased that she seemed to agree to that one term. The tour was thus far a more leisurely one than he had led earlier, but the goal was not really the same as it had been for those first years and new students to the school. They were getting to know each other and the grounds were just a reason to spend time in each other's company.
"What is your opinion of arranged marriages?" Lina glanced at him from the corner of her eye as she walked, most of her attention focused on what could be seen of the landscape. She wanted to see something outside of the immediate grounds. The map had shown her that there was a lake and the Quidditch pitch was not too far away, she wasn't a fan of Quidditch but she had always found herself drawn to high places.
"Opinion?" This was a familiar conversation, though the last had been so long ago that Yunho could barely remember what had been said. He remembered they had discussed honesty, of course, and overall he knew he did not mind it so much. "It is something we are born into, isn't it? I suppose I've never considered much about it. Just prepared myself for the day it might happen and hoped nothing would be standing in the way." Because of course that would complicate matters, and he did not like to complicate things in his life so much. This engagement already came with its own problems, but they had nothing to do with Lina herself, so he did not bring it up. There was a year to sort out his path in life and he would find a compromise between what he wanted and what his family was now asking of him.
"Regardless of if it is something one expects in life, one can always have an opinion on a matter," She wasn't completely satisfied with the answer but it would do if that was what he would give her to work with. "And is there anything that would stand in the way?"
Yunho laughed at the suggestion of it and shook his head. "No. I have no strings attached to me, which is all for the best. And thus far, you do not seem to be unpleasant company so I have no complaints." He would not ask her what she thought of him, because that seemed too much like fishing for compliments. He would rather know more about her opinion on other matters. "I remember you said you like to dance. Have you found the studios?" he asked. He knew them if only because they were close to the music rooms, where he practiced piano.
Lina nodded, approving of the answer he'd provided. If there was nothing in the way, things were likely to work out better. Then again, she would not deny him if his heart strayed. Hopefully he would do her the same favor. All she expected, was that they remained the perfect couple in the eyes of the public. "I am glad that I haven't provided you anything to complain about, yet."
The mention of the dance studios made Lina's face scrunch up in annoyance. Not because she had not found them, she had indeed, but because of the encounter in the morning. She still felt embarrassed that she had not realized there was more than one room available. Not that she would admit this. "Yes, I did find them. The rooms seem very nice."
Yunho smiled, amused by how her expression seemed to contradict her words. "Were they really?" he asked, one eyebrow raised in obvious disbelief. He could not know of her encounter, so expected she was holding back out of politeness.
"Yes, the rooms were agreeable. Unfortunately, the company was not." Lina offered, not really wanting to recount the experience. She had her catty moments and enjoyed gossip, but Yunho did not seem like the correct person to indulge in pettiness with. "But the facilities are quite nice. Everything about the grounds is beautiful," a sweet smile interrupted her words, expression growing a bit more curious, "Is the quidditch pitch close?"
"Hm, they are, aren't they?" Yunho was curious about whatever encounter she must have had this morning, but decided it was not worth going into. Even if it had been with someone he knew, he would rather stay oblivious to the fact that there was conflict or tension between those in his acquaintance. It would leave him feeling too confused.
At her mention of Quidditch, he remembered Zhou Mi and smiled. "Yes, it's just ahead. Do you play at all?" It was not the most elegant of sports, so it would have surprised him, as everything about her screamed the most proper of breedings. Perhaps she just enjoyed flying, however.
The thought of herself playing Quidditch made the half-Russian let out a laugh, a little more unrestrained than before. This caused her to then grow flustered and she hid her face with her hands as she calmed down, "Oh no!" Collecting herself, Lina looked up with a smile, "Quidditch is something I enjoy watching, but I wanted to know where it is because I do enjoy flying and reading in high places~" not know of her encounter, so expected she was holding back out of politeness.
"Reading in high places in particular?" Yunho asked with a soft chuckle, amused at her choice of leisure activities and how specifically she was choosing to describe them to him. "Well, a good book in a tree is always a relaxing experience. Do you climb at all, Miss Lina, or is that a bit inelegant?" She might as well learn now that he was the sort who still took to such childish pursuits, even if it seemed he was outgrowing the trees these days.
The older girl let her guard down a little, after this turn in the conversation it seemed that this would be the best approach if their relationship was to flourish. "Yes, there's something about the air and the feel of the wind that makes everything a little more romantic, more magical even."
Though the mention of playing Quidditch made her laugh, a bemused smile spread across Lina's face as Yunho mentioned climbing trees. No, she did not climb. Nor did she want to engage in such activities herself, though she would probably follow if he suggested actually doing such a thing and would watched in a fascination. "No, I do no climb. Instead, upon your suggestion, I've become fond of the idea of telling trees my secrets."
"And what secrets have you been divulging to the trees?" Her explanations were giving him much more to work with. It seemed she was quite an elegant sort of person, romantic and poetic and all those things that he admired, but from a distance. He was sure there could be an affection between them. But more than that? It seemed quite unlikely at the moment.
"Ones that can only be divulged to plant-life, Yunho~" She waved a finger, indicating that for now the subject was off-limits. "But if we start heading in the direction of the Quidditch pitch, I might give you a hint."
"We're on the path already!" Yunho protested. "So I think that means you should have already given me a hint."
The fact that they were on the path was ignored, though now LIna was far more excited for their arrival at the Quidditch pitch. "I tell the trees about my whims and worries~"
"Do you have worries, Miss?" It wouldn't have surprised him, really. She was starting at a totally different school, after all, and pursuing her NEWT studies. He wondered if she ever thought about the path her own life was taking, at this critical point.
Of course Lina thought about the path her life had taken. The changes she was going through and the possibilities that had been left behind. She had had a boyfriend, of sorts, back at Durmstrang; the son of the head of Russia's Department of International Magical Cooperation. She'd been fond of him. This morning she had sent Masha, the family owl, with a final correspondence; asking to cease their communications. She'd had a circle of close friends and had fallen into a routine that was now in shambles. Now her closest companion was a very friendly but a very spoiled feline, Yunho came at a close second but they were not really friends yet. She would pick up the pieces of her life and would put them back together, she would make it work. But she definitely had worries and plights. "Everyone has worries, it's only human to doubt and to wonder."
"Is it?" Yunho looked up to the sky contemplatively as they walked. He hadn't considered that yet, though it was likely true. Life sometimes felt like a battle against that instinct, but he welcomed positivity. "I suppose it's always wise to think ahead, as long as we don't dwell no the negative possibilities too often. Ah, the pitch is over there. Shall we?"
rating: G
location: Around the grounds
summary: Yunho gives Lina a tour and less formal discussions take place.
Saturday had fortunately been too busy of a day for Yunho to dwell on the events of last Friday's dinner. There were bags to move, people to meet, and of course the Feast. He had been ushered in for an orientation sometime in the afternoon, so the rest of the day was spent on preparing for the brief tour of the castle he would be giving to the incoming first years and other new students. His first year as a prefect. He was excited.
Sunday he got up early enough to make himself available to those eager for a tour of the castle during daylight hours. Breakfast together was well spent and he hoped he made a good impression, not only of himself but of the House. There was pride there, mingling with an eagerness to please that brought about a very cheerful attitude. He was in a chatty mood and the students benefited with a thorough explanation of all the haunts and hollows he led them through.
Releasing everyone once their afternoon explorations had come to an end by the lake, he removed a dark blue square of paper folded twice that he had tucked away earlier that morning. With a whispered incantation and a flick of his wand, it transformed into a crane, and made its way back towards the castle, towards the Slytherin commons. Hopefully it would reach his intended before he got back to the castle.
Good afternoon, Miss Jiyeon.
I hope you're awake. I'll meet you at the entrance to your commons for our walk.
-JYH
After a rather interesting encounter in the dance studios, on her way back she realized that there was more than one and the whole fiasco could have been avoided, Lina had headed to the Slytherin dormitory to prepare for her tour with Yunho. They had agreed on the afternoon so when she returned to her quarters at half past ten, there was plenty of time to spend getting ready. After a warm shower, oh how good it had felt, she took her time between preparing and reading a copy of Bertrand's "L'Illusion du profit Mucius.." It was unlikely that many would judge her by her appearance, but that was not a reason not to look her best at all times.
When the enchanted crane made its way to her room, Lina had finished preparing and had turned her attention fully to her book. The note was unfolded and she smiled, amused at the choice of words. Instead of sending it back, she assumed he was on his way since he hadn't mentioned a later time she set the note inside of her book, a new bookmark, and rose to look herself over in the mirror she'd hung on the back of the door. There were no classes today and she had been told that one did not need to wear their uniform when school was not in session, so she had opted for a sweater dress over tights and a turtle-neck, brown over-the-knee boots, a wool scarf, and a coat she had often work at Durmstrang when the weather was on the warmer side of winter. Her make-up was well done and once again, not a hair was out of place -- though unlike the last time they had met she had left it uncurled and wisps fell framing her face. Over all, not a traditional look but something that suited her.
Once she was done adjusting a few strands of hair, she headed out of her room and toward the staircase that lead from the dungeons toward the main hallways. There was a chance her fiance would already be there and she hoped she had not kept him waiting long, it would be unfavorable to start off on the wrong foot. Especially since she felt this would be their first real meeting, one where they could talk more freely than they had before.
Yunho had not been there long before the entrance to the Slytherin commons opened and the very person he had come seeking appeared. He smiled and, recalling their first meeting, held out his hand to take hers, raising it for a light brush of his lips over the back. "Good afternoon. It seems you dressed fr the weather." He was dressed in his robes still, prefect badge still attached and cozy enough underneath all the layers.
Lina gave a slight bow when her hand was released, extremely pleased that he had remembered the greeting she had preferred. It seemed more polite somehow and it seemed that he could be taught. Perfect.
"Good afternoon, your Highness." She smiled, hands moving to adjust her scarf so it covered a bit more of her face. "Of course. The best part of winter is bundling up, don't you think?"
Lina stepped out of the entry way, though no one was heading in and out of the Slytherin commons she considered it bad luck to linger in doorways. A silly superstition she could not shake. "Where shall we start? I have been looking forward to this tour."
"You don't have to use such formalities," he replied with a soft laugh. Those terms were rarely used amidst his friends at school. She was not a friend, not yet, but there were hopes for a cordiality that was not so stiff as those he employed at the estate. "Just Yunho will do. I thought we might start in the courtyard."
"Just Yunho, hmmm," Lina repeated, deciding that if they were going to shy away from formality than it would be appropriate to correct him on her preference, "then please call me Lina. Jiyeon is reserved for formalities and angry relatives."
She let him take the lead, following the Raven toward the courtyard. The layout of the school was different and she chided herself mentally for constantly remembering her old grounds. She could imagine her favorite professor, really a mentor more so than a professor, telling her to stop the moping and plow forward.
Lina. Yunho knew little of the more Western languages, but the name sounded rather pleasant to his ears, feminine. "Is that your Russian name?" he asked. He did not need to pay much attention, familiar with the walls of the castle, even if the corridors did occasionally change directions on him. "How did you enjoy the food at the feast last night?"
"Technically, it is Arabic in origin. It means delicate or compassionate," Lina offered, amused at the meaning. Delicate and compassionate were two things she really was not. The latter more than the former but compassion came to those she felt she was close to. Compassion was saved for those who earned it or simply sparked her interest. She was a finicky thing, after all. "But my mother insists that it is short for Alina, which is a Russian name."
She admired the halls as they passed, the style of architecture was not something she was used to and she found the medieval style intriguing. "It was interesting though I found it acceptable. I will learn to adjust to the cuisine here."
"I do have a question, I've been wondering since last night. Could you tell me about the Houses here? The dynamics of the school seem to depend on the dynamics of the Houses," She wondered what it said about her, the fact that she had been sorted into Slytherin. At least in the opinion of her future husband, who clearly had not been at her table.
"I wouldn't say that," Yunho replied, slowly. His friends were a mixed bag, in any case, when it came to House placement. And so far as he knew, being a part of any particular house did not limit one's social acquaintances. But he he also had to admit that there were prejudices that came with each house. He could answer her question diplomatically, at least, and went into Prefect mode to do so. "Yonsei's sorting system is based on an English one, which is why the names are so strange. I'm sure you've heard of Hogwarts." Everybody knew about Harry Potter, in any case, and that had been where he spent his schooling days. "Our system is very similar, though I'm sure our Hat takes different things into account, now and then. But those sorted into Gryffindor are said to be very brave and daring, occasionally bold and reckless," he added with a wry grin. "Hufflepuffs are very hardworking, kind. I find they're often very cheerful, as far as dispositions go. Ravenclaws have a reputation for brainy, but we work just as hard as anyone else does to keep grades up. I think the real criteria there is curiosity in learning how the world works, and a desire to see what one can do to manipulate and change it. And Slytherins are resourceful and ambitious. Quiet, a lot of the time, but in a mysterious and interesting way. What do you think, Miss Lina. Does it suit you?"
Lina did find his answer diplomatic and polite, while part of her enjoyed this she also wanted to know what the Prince really thought.
"Well, I like to see how I can manipulate and change the world around me, that seems more Ravenclaw of me than Slytherin, doesn't it?" She paused in a particular doorway as they walked, looking up at the arches. The Yonsei castle definitely had it's charms. "But I would like to think that I am resourceful, ambitious, and interesting in some ways."
The words came with a soft laugh which echoed through the halls and then her tone changed a little, the whimsical feel to it momentarily disappearing as she regarded Yunho, "Is that all what you think or the more cookie-cutter answer to my question?"
"Did you discuss it with the Hat?" Yunho asked. He had heard of close sortings before, and she had taken a long time on the stool. Perhaps it had been wondering where to place her. "The Hat sometimes takes some time to consider if it isn't sure. Some people even try to negotiate." He laughed a little at her question. She was very thorough, which he liked. It showed intelligence, and he was pleased to see that she seemed to consider herself rather Ravenclaw. "I try not to lie. I'm not sure what to make of you yet, but that is all that I know of the Sorting system. Don't let it limit you on who you choose to make your friends, though. Very many make friends out of their Houses."
"No, I did not discuss anything with it. I did tell it that a house with a good background would be favorable," she was a pure blood after all and family lineage did matter, regardless of if she considered herself to be more curious than the description of her House. "And everyone I have met so far seems rather agreeable."
"We will both learn what to make of each other in time," She offered with a gentle smile, one she had shown many times before.
"Indeed we will," he agreed. Thus far, he found her amiable enough. It was not only politeness, either. Judging by her passionate discussion of her hobbies, she did not seem quite as closed off as most other Slytherin girls he knew. There was a warmth, though not quite like the fire in Sooyeon. It was new, refreshing.
But of course there was that importance placed on backgrounds that he understood from a logical point of view, but had never felt himself. "I am curious as to what constitutes a good background for you, Miss Lina. Is it rank, or blood, that draws your favor?"
"I shall strive to live up to your expectations, then," Yunho said with a gracious, if somewhat exaggerated bow. He was in a playful mood, now that they were out in the courtyard and breathing in the refreshingly cool air. Family lineage she might not have to worry much about in Slytherin House, but he wondered if she would find the characters as interesting to study as he did.
"My preferences?" he asked, leading her down a lane and pointing out an interesting statue to give her a brief introduction to it, before answering her. "In all honesty, I have no idea what I prefer, aside from honesty itself. If you do not try to hide who you are from me, then I will gladly do the same for you." In fact, he would be honest whether or not she cared for him to be. It came with the security of both having the higher rank and being born into the more privileged sex.
As they exited the castle and made their way into the courtyard, Lina inhaled a deep breathe. Cold air filled her lungs, the sensation exhilarating and she found herself slightly more aware and awake than she had moments before. This was familiar, the sensation as her body adjusted to the crisp air. It wasn't Durmstrang, but it would do. Finally, she gave a response to his first statement, "I appreciate the effort."
The tour of the grounds was interesting, they passed statues that she probably would not have noticed before but she felt a sense of satisfaction in knowing their histories. His answer came a bit suddenly, her thoughts had drifted to the style in which the statues had been cast. Honesty was something she appreciate but honestly, did not always provide. With this boy she was being, for the most part, extremely honest in her answers. But that was because she had no other option if she wanted a life that was not limited to distant exchanges on an an estate which could probably accommodate two separate lives quite easily. She didn't want separate lives, she wanted the closest thing to a family she could get. "I will do my best. Can I ask you something else then?"
"Ask away." He was smiling, pleased that she seemed to agree to that one term. The tour was thus far a more leisurely one than he had led earlier, but the goal was not really the same as it had been for those first years and new students to the school. They were getting to know each other and the grounds were just a reason to spend time in each other's company.
"What is your opinion of arranged marriages?" Lina glanced at him from the corner of her eye as she walked, most of her attention focused on what could be seen of the landscape. She wanted to see something outside of the immediate grounds. The map had shown her that there was a lake and the Quidditch pitch was not too far away, she wasn't a fan of Quidditch but she had always found herself drawn to high places.
"Opinion?" This was a familiar conversation, though the last had been so long ago that Yunho could barely remember what had been said. He remembered they had discussed honesty, of course, and overall he knew he did not mind it so much. "It is something we are born into, isn't it? I suppose I've never considered much about it. Just prepared myself for the day it might happen and hoped nothing would be standing in the way." Because of course that would complicate matters, and he did not like to complicate things in his life so much. This engagement already came with its own problems, but they had nothing to do with Lina herself, so he did not bring it up. There was a year to sort out his path in life and he would find a compromise between what he wanted and what his family was now asking of him.
"Regardless of if it is something one expects in life, one can always have an opinion on a matter," She wasn't completely satisfied with the answer but it would do if that was what he would give her to work with. "And is there anything that would stand in the way?"
Yunho laughed at the suggestion of it and shook his head. "No. I have no strings attached to me, which is all for the best. And thus far, you do not seem to be unpleasant company so I have no complaints." He would not ask her what she thought of him, because that seemed too much like fishing for compliments. He would rather know more about her opinion on other matters. "I remember you said you like to dance. Have you found the studios?" he asked. He knew them if only because they were close to the music rooms, where he practiced piano.
Lina nodded, approving of the answer he'd provided. If there was nothing in the way, things were likely to work out better. Then again, she would not deny him if his heart strayed. Hopefully he would do her the same favor. All she expected, was that they remained the perfect couple in the eyes of the public. "I am glad that I haven't provided you anything to complain about, yet."
The mention of the dance studios made Lina's face scrunch up in annoyance. Not because she had not found them, she had indeed, but because of the encounter in the morning. She still felt embarrassed that she had not realized there was more than one room available. Not that she would admit this. "Yes, I did find them. The rooms seem very nice."
Yunho smiled, amused by how her expression seemed to contradict her words. "Were they really?" he asked, one eyebrow raised in obvious disbelief. He could not know of her encounter, so expected she was holding back out of politeness.
"Yes, the rooms were agreeable. Unfortunately, the company was not." Lina offered, not really wanting to recount the experience. She had her catty moments and enjoyed gossip, but Yunho did not seem like the correct person to indulge in pettiness with. "But the facilities are quite nice. Everything about the grounds is beautiful," a sweet smile interrupted her words, expression growing a bit more curious, "Is the quidditch pitch close?"
"Hm, they are, aren't they?" Yunho was curious about whatever encounter she must have had this morning, but decided it was not worth going into. Even if it had been with someone he knew, he would rather stay oblivious to the fact that there was conflict or tension between those in his acquaintance. It would leave him feeling too confused.
At her mention of Quidditch, he remembered Zhou Mi and smiled. "Yes, it's just ahead. Do you play at all?" It was not the most elegant of sports, so it would have surprised him, as everything about her screamed the most proper of breedings. Perhaps she just enjoyed flying, however.
The thought of herself playing Quidditch made the half-Russian let out a laugh, a little more unrestrained than before. This caused her to then grow flustered and she hid her face with her hands as she calmed down, "Oh no!" Collecting herself, Lina looked up with a smile, "Quidditch is something I enjoy watching, but I wanted to know where it is because I do enjoy flying and reading in high places~" not know of her encounter, so expected she was holding back out of politeness.
"Reading in high places in particular?" Yunho asked with a soft chuckle, amused at her choice of leisure activities and how specifically she was choosing to describe them to him. "Well, a good book in a tree is always a relaxing experience. Do you climb at all, Miss Lina, or is that a bit inelegant?" She might as well learn now that he was the sort who still took to such childish pursuits, even if it seemed he was outgrowing the trees these days.
The older girl let her guard down a little, after this turn in the conversation it seemed that this would be the best approach if their relationship was to flourish. "Yes, there's something about the air and the feel of the wind that makes everything a little more romantic, more magical even."
Though the mention of playing Quidditch made her laugh, a bemused smile spread across Lina's face as Yunho mentioned climbing trees. No, she did not climb. Nor did she want to engage in such activities herself, though she would probably follow if he suggested actually doing such a thing and would watched in a fascination. "No, I do no climb. Instead, upon your suggestion, I've become fond of the idea of telling trees my secrets."
"And what secrets have you been divulging to the trees?" Her explanations were giving him much more to work with. It seemed she was quite an elegant sort of person, romantic and poetic and all those things that he admired, but from a distance. He was sure there could be an affection between them. But more than that? It seemed quite unlikely at the moment.
"Ones that can only be divulged to plant-life, Yunho~" She waved a finger, indicating that for now the subject was off-limits. "But if we start heading in the direction of the Quidditch pitch, I might give you a hint."
"We're on the path already!" Yunho protested. "So I think that means you should have already given me a hint."
The fact that they were on the path was ignored, though now LIna was far more excited for their arrival at the Quidditch pitch. "I tell the trees about my whims and worries~"
"Do you have worries, Miss?" It wouldn't have surprised him, really. She was starting at a totally different school, after all, and pursuing her NEWT studies. He wondered if she ever thought about the path her own life was taking, at this critical point.
Of course Lina thought about the path her life had taken. The changes she was going through and the possibilities that had been left behind. She had had a boyfriend, of sorts, back at Durmstrang; the son of the head of Russia's Department of International Magical Cooperation. She'd been fond of him. This morning she had sent Masha, the family owl, with a final correspondence; asking to cease their communications. She'd had a circle of close friends and had fallen into a routine that was now in shambles. Now her closest companion was a very friendly but a very spoiled feline, Yunho came at a close second but they were not really friends yet. She would pick up the pieces of her life and would put them back together, she would make it work. But she definitely had worries and plights. "Everyone has worries, it's only human to doubt and to wonder."
"Is it?" Yunho looked up to the sky contemplatively as they walked. He hadn't considered that yet, though it was likely true. Life sometimes felt like a battle against that instinct, but he welcomed positivity. "I suppose it's always wise to think ahead, as long as we don't dwell no the negative possibilities too often. Ah, the pitch is over there. Shall we?"