"They've been taught to hate each other, and it's hard to change their views. Annet has several texts on it, ask her about them."

"Alright...Though I doubt it will help me understand it any better. The whole thing is just crazy."

"It is but it might give you ideas. Jin's not the first to try and stop the war. Well, he's the first demon, but still..."

"I hope so," she muttered, then sighed. "This is way too much pressure."

A while later they pulled up to Annet's home and Isaac got out, stretching before offering Carol a hand.

She took it and climbed out, Diah hopping out behind her. "So, is Jin here?" He asked, yawning.

"Probably, Marcus?"

Marcus nodded as he got down to take care of the horses.

Diah looked to Carol, but she said nothing, merely brushing past Isaac up the walk.

Annet let them in as Jin looked back over his shoulder at them, a wine glass in one hand and a letter in the other.

Pointedly ignoring Jin, Carol looked to Annet. "Isaac said you had some books about the war...can I see them?"

"You can borrow them once I'm done with you. But first have a seat, I'll get you a drink."

Jin set his glass down and folded up the letter. "I'm going to have to send out another group. I hate to do it, but they're already questioning my ability to manage my position..."

"Well, what can you do? It's for the greater good and all right? And you're sending as few as you can get away with right?" Annet reassured him.

"Of course..." He put the letter in a coat pocket and stood, his eyes resting on Carol, looking rather depressed.

"Non-alcoholic," she reminded before looking to Jin, her expression emotionless. "Hello. Thank you for the bracelet," she said simply before moving past him to seat herself at the table. Diah followed her, leaving an empty chair between himself and Carol as he sat down. He saw no need to rub salt in Jin's wound by showing his affection at the moment.

"Oh stop that." Annet said firmly as her robotics fixed Carol a cup of tea. "If you're angry, talk to him, but that passive aggressive bullshit isn't any good to anyone."

"Annet, leave it alone." Jin said as he pulled the envelope out again, turning it over again and again. "Carol, how's your training coming?"

"I'm not angry," she murmured, "And it's going fine."
"She's very good," Diah said with a soft smile. "She learns quickly."

Jin turned to Isaac.

"She's excelling a a rapid rate, as you expected. She's already mastered things that to.. would take most angels weeks." Isaac reported.

Jin smiled, "Once she's at an elite level I'll return to teach her dark magic." He looked to Carol, "If you aren't angry, then what are you?" he asked, surprised she wasn't furious with him.

"Frustrated," she answered with a sigh. "Depressed, resigned...But not angry."

"What would cheer you up?"

She looked up at him, looking very tired. "If you could be around me, and if I didn't care so much that you couldn't."

"Personally, I think Jin's being a fool about this whole thing. He can't help what his feelings do, and if he loves you it'll only ensure he keeps you safe." Annet said as she passed around tea.

"You now she's been sharing a bed with Diah, those two are joined at the hip." Isaac said airily.

Jin cast him a glare but said nothing about it.

Diah and Carol both blushed, each for their own reason.
"He doesn't love me."
"Don't make it sound indecent."

"You sound so certain. Have you asked him?" Anett asked as she sipped her tea.

Her blush deepened. "If he has any feelings for me, it's simply because he can't have me. Someone like him, so spoiled and used to getting his way, of course the one thing he couldn't have would interest him. Take away that appeal...and he wouldn't care anymore." There was a hint of sadness to her voice, and it was hard to tell if he was trying to convince them or herself.

"I don't think that has anything to do with it." Jin said with a sigh. "Or at least, not much. Anett, weren't you going to find her a decent weapon?"

"You aren't getting out of the conversation that easy." Anett said, interested now.

With a snap, Jin vanished.

"I guess he is." Isaac said with a smirk. "I'm sure he'll be back before we leave. Go with Anett, Carol."

Taking her tea, and relieved the conversation was over, Carol got to her feet and followed Annet. She sipped at the drink, her eyes roaming over the area around her.

"You know, he's changed a lot sine he found you. I wouldn't be surprised if there was something there that could qualify as more than friendly." she said with a soft smile.