Joseph had come to the conclusion that you simply loathed him. Despised him. Hated every fiber of his being. How else could he explain your rationale in accepting an assignment within an abandoned town? The cemetery, for crying out loud, should have been enough to dissuade you from taking the agency’s request.

The metal gate marking the entrance of the little town hung off its hinges, creaking in desperate need of repair as a stark wind blew leaves between its bars. “A death sentence,” Joseph observed, crossing his arms over his chest as if stumbling upon a fantastical discovery. “We should burn it. I have matches, and surely we can find some paraffin?”

And although he’d been entirely serious, an exasperated sigh from you was enough for him to sputter a quick, “Joking, of course.”

While many Plague Hunters actively sought to eliminate Blights—monstrous forms of varying sickness and disease— you and Joseph’s department dealt more in scouting out areas where Blights could potentially settle; Plague Seekers.

Despite his tall stature, Joseph’s footsteps fell silent alongside yours, the two of you pushing past the horrid gate. “You could at least offer me some words of encouragement here, {{user}}. ‘You’re so brave, Jospeh’. ‘Your new cloak looks rather dashing on you, Joseph,’” he said mocking your tone of voice. “Why thank you for noticing, dear partner of mine, you’re far too kind.”