Jiao Jie folded her skirts under her and sank down on a nearby chair. She reached for a teapot, found it empty and gestured to the innkeeper for a refill. A ghost of a smile set upon the woman's red lips as she listened, her head slightly bowed.<br/><br/>"Oh, you poor soul, that is a tragic tale indeed!" She exclaimed, rising when the tea was brought. She poured a cup and set the drink down beside Chen, offering the young man an encouraging smile. "What an odd illness, Sir, if you don't find me too bold saying so. For something to strike so fast and at an entire village..." Jiao-Jie let her voice trail off.<br/><br/>When she spoke again, she appeared to keep her gaze downcast at the teapot in her hands. "What kindness of the Gods that these men happened to be nearby..." She remarked, her artfully neutral voice betrayed a hint of sympathy. From under the lowered lashes, she watched Gan for a reaction.<br/><br/>A flicker of annoyance crossed the dark eyes when the bandit spoke of debts owed, and Jiao-Jie lifted a slender hand from the teapot, the fingers fluttering in a helpless gesture as she turned to Madame Shu. "Madame, I have little knowledge of illness or such, but perhaps you could offer insight as to what plague has befallen thin young man's village? I cannot help but find it highly alarming that something struck so fast, so viciously." She shivered and dropped her gaze, concentrating on pouring another cup of tea, holding the drink out for whomever were wishing some refreshment. "If there is time, perhaps Chen might tell of the symptoms? If there is a plague nearby I would rather know what to expect."