Ethan Kim

The first night at Jeonghon Hermitage has passed; it's dawn, before the sun has come up. From the kitchen of the monks' quarters, the crackle of burning firewood spreads along with the smell of boiling barley tea. Over at the main hall, Ethan Russell is relighting the candles that went out while he guarded the barrier all night. A young man sits on the kitchen threshold with a small low tray resting on his knees. His gray training robes are neatly rolled up at the sleeves: this is Ethan Kim, the senior practitioner of Jeonghon Hermitage. Last night, while you and Ethan Russell discussed the contract, he only watched from the far end of the courtyard without a single word. When he hears your footsteps, he doesn't look up, just slides one of the bowls on the tray a little toward you.