Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Nov 1, 2019 16:53:06 GMT -8
“Not just for looking good, then,” Empress Naoki remarks, considering what her guest’s wingspan might be. They have an exceedingly… paticular set of features that are very much exactly that: features. It’s more than a little bit distracting; though the slightest bit beastlike, she’s gorgeous by all conventional standards, and Naoki suspects that she tends to be very successful in her ventures — much like a certain someone.
One, two beats.
“But come, sit!” Gesturing, Empress Naoki turns to go back down the stairs. “Introduce yourself, have some brownies, tell me why you’re here and what you have to say!”
“You strike me as a likable sort,” she adds as she seats herself, “And you have my full attention. ... Prove me right.”
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Nov 8, 2019 13:24:33 GMT -8
The Empress' comment curled a smile onto Khepri's face- one she barely fought to suppress. She had met few, if any, on her travels who could speak the same language. At last.
As she was urged to sit and converse, the courtesan did so, steps light and fluid. She pulled her wings close around her hips as she sat, then spoke:
"I am Khepri Goldenfeather from the island of Paradise. From the rumors going around and the creation of Chimera Commons, I believe you know what that means." She paused and lifted her eyes to meet Naoki's.
"Perhaps you also know... that it is gone now, into the mists."
Briefly, all the confidence in her speech disappeared, replaced with a hollowness. The daylight colors in her eyes dimmed.
"I served the Gilded Aerie as one of its courtesans- a position with more influence than true power, but it was respectable. I intended to return there."
Her hand clenched at her heart.
"That is no longer an option. I am lost. There is no road ahead anymore, as there once was. Here, however, there is a court- your own- and it is grander than the Aeries. I feel that I can find a purpose here once again. Your Highness, I was hoping if you could feel the same."
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Nov 13, 2019 21:56:47 GMT -8
Mention of Paradise sparks recognition in the eyes of The Empress. She nods in confirmation: she certainly does know of Paradise, and the recent news of its disappearance occurs to her just as Khepri mentions it.
Despite the fact that Paradise was not a de jure territory of Isra and her life is no different for it being gone, Naoki developed a certain fondness for its residents, similar to that she has for her own citizens. Some — like Kauri — were, prior to being stranded on the island, and many now are, having been rescued and resettled into Chimera Commons. So Naoki was disappointed to hear Paradise disappeared but must be nothing in comparison to what Khepri must be feeling.
To have lost her home, and to be adrift in such a manner… It’s horrible — Naoki knows. It’s not a topic she raises in discussion, but she’s older than The Free City, and it will suffice to say that she knows. That, on top of the Paradise bit, compounded by how much Khepri reminds The Empress of herself, makes a play toward her compassion trivially easy to pull off.
Though she’s momentarily taken aback, Empress Naoki quickly nods. “... I certainly do,” she responds, giving the matter no further thought.
“If you’d like (and we will, later), we could go through the song and dance of asking about your skills, figuring out what you can offer me, working out an agreement, and all of that, but I won’t hold you in suspense for a moment longer: you needn’t worry if The Empress will have you — she will.”
“By my power as Empress of The Isran Empire, I will see to it that you are found an appropriate position. If one does not exist within my court, I will create it,” The Empress declares, pressing her finger into the tabletop.
“You’ll not leave here without a purpose and home that suit you,” she says, leveling the same finger at Khepri. By the tone of her voice, it’s unclear if that’s intended an assurance or a threat. The Empress seems all but incensed about what she sees as a great injustice, to an extent she rarely is driven to. The last time she was bothered to such an extent resulted in the invasion of Goraia, but hopefully, this matter will be relatively enjoyable by comparison.
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Nov 16, 2019 15:10:33 GMT -8
Khepri's eyes grew wide.
When the Empress spoke, there was a stirring in her chest- fluttering, twitching, gasping- but so briefly before the woman grappled with it, held it within the fist that curled within her lap. She was desperate, yes, plentifully, but not so much to toss everything into Naoki's lap. Desperate. But not stupid.
A steely blue dawn swam around in her eyes as she gazed at the empress, brows now knitted, betraying the pleasantness of her smile. Two voices spoke to her, but the loudest one today was lecturing. "So convincing you are, my, could I count how many would blindly fling themselves at your offers?"
The other voice chirped:
"All said with respect. It's a power earned through practice. Through wit."
Her brows softened.
"I have little doubt that you will see my skills in high regard, but if you do not evaluate me as such... what will become of me?"
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Nov 18, 2019 19:34:53 GMT -8
“... That depends on your skill in arithmetic,” The Empress supposes, “Though you could count how many I find deserving of such offers on one hand.”
The Smirk returns.
“You’ll have food and a bed regardless, but if it turns out you’re not suitable for any position in my court, utterly inept, and unable to learn…” Trailing off, Empress Naoki shrugs.
“There are plenty of vacancies for fine art, if you fancy sitting on a pedestal. Failing that, you could deliver messages, brew tea, serve as an Imperial Praegustator, feed me grapes one by one as I luxuriate in the shade of my box at the arena watching gladiators compete in bloodsport for my amusement — or any number of other things. I employ children of twelve; we’ll find something for you to do,” Naoki assures Khepri.
“But that would be a waste of your talents,” she continues, waving the thought away. “Whatever they may be. Tell me what you can do, about what you’re good at already.”
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Nov 20, 2019 13:02:34 GMT -8
So she would be taken care of either way. Such a thought was comforting, though Khepri was not so fond of being the fancy sidepiece that fed the Empress grapes; she wanted to be the fancy sidepiece that occupied the Empress' bed, among other things. There were two voices in her head, after all. While one was content with being a courtesan, the other wanted so much more.
When asked about her talents, she mused briefly. "Back in the aerie, I was famous for my talents as a courtesan. Influential, smart, alluring, as the Gilded should be. In my experience, culturally, we do not have as many... taboos within the subject of pleasure. In my travels, I have not met any with the knowledge to surpass my own. I've also not met anyone who can fly, which deprives us of so many possibilities, but I cannot fault others for that." She tapped her bottom lip.
"I do have magic. I've been called a skjald in Taingaard when I helped win the Hunt for Isra alongside a Fletcher and a knight errant. Here, one would call me a bard, I believe. I'm not a fighter, but I can give generous help to those who do. My songs convince people of many things- that they're abnormally strong, or perceptive, or that they would want to tell me things that they'd otherwise keep secret."
She would have continued, but anything else that Khepri would have to say would have been wasted words, as they were assumed by the Empress already. Flight, golden feathers, her silver tongue- she knew, and Khepri knew she knew.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Nov 23, 2019 23:02:42 GMT -8
Listening, The Empress nods knowingly, filing away a few things to be followed up on later. She would rather like to hear of Khepri’s participation in The Hunt, and the prospect of hearing the golden bird sing is an attractive one — but not now. Instead, The Empress murmurs approval. “It is regrettable that I have no courtesans, and you will grace my court by being the first.” Intended as a genuine compliment.
“...Of course, you have a fine idea of what your responsibilities will consist of,” she continues, “and I will be looking forward to a demonstration of your knowledge.” The look Empress Naoki gives Khepri at this point leaves little doubt as to exactly what she’s signing up for.
But she does not suggest Khepri begin immediately, as there’s more to be discussed.
“But I will caution you: I don’t hold court daily. I’m unsure what sort of arrangement there may have been in your Aerie, but I have not so much a court of advisors as a cabinet of ministers. I am an administrator as much as I am a leader of men, and The Citadel is the brain coordinating the entire Great Isran Empire — not just the seat of my power.”
“... Which is not to say that all the frivolous practices of royalty are shirked,” Naoki clarifies, “But you will be left with a great deal of free time. There will be significant stretches, perhaps sometimes days at a time, when I practice the less glamorous aspects of statecraft and will ask nothing of you."
"While I have no issue with you lazing about my living spaces — you will have earned it — I am led to wonder what you might do with your time.”
A pause. They both know that Khepri is more than just an expert bedwarmer, but The Empress aims to figure what.
“Do you have a particular hobby," she asks, "Greater aspirations, or other ideas as to what you might get up to in that time?”
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Nov 30, 2019 19:15:50 GMT -8
Khepri tapped her lips with her nails, giving the query some real thought. She could ask for a real position at the citadel other than just occupying Naoki's bed, but she did not know the people of Isra that well. Not yet. She doubted the Empress would trust her so readily with such matters anyway.
"... I'm rather excellent with people," she replied at last. "I worked as an entertainer for a bar some time ago. I could change the mood with a little magic to suit the music. Though I played the harp for them the barmaid did teach me a few concoctions when business was slow."
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Dec 4, 2019 19:45:17 GMT -8
“Work as an entertainer?” The Empress repeats, seemingly surprised that Khepri would choose such a thing, but not overly judgemental. “... That’s easily arranged.”
“The Starlight Dawn opened a few weeks ago, down by the Bazaar. It’s a combination bar/tavern/inn, catering to the people of and visitors to the city. It’s a fairly extravagant affair befitting of its owner,” The Empress says, laying a hand on her chest.
“I happen to know that there is a small stage in the back corner, where someone such as yourself might stand to serenade patrons. I’m not personally involved in the management, it’s sort of running itself, but they would be happy to have you, I’m sure. When it suits you, you could even stay in my suite there — most nights that bed goes cold.” Empress Naoki again smirks, pleased with her wordplay.
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Dec 5, 2019 20:43:24 GMT -8
Khepri raised her brows and slid her tongue across her teeth. "More than happy to solve that problem for you."
Knowing that the moment where she would be demonstrating her talents was close, she leaned forward and lifted two fingers.
"There are a few things I'll need to know first. One: does my title of courtesan limit myself to only you, and two: will my position be as such and no more?"
The second voice wanted to know that one more than anything else. Even if it was a slow burn, to acquire power was the goal- at least, for him. The first was eager to stop talking and start working the way Naoki intended her to.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Dec 11, 2019 20:50:52 GMT -8
“Hmm. … For one, I should think so,” The Empress replies. “Your expenses will be coming out of my purse, not the public-works budget. If it’s my lap of luxury that you’re to be living in, I wouldn’t like to be receiving seconds.”
With a vague hand gesture, The Empress feels like that's a fair ask. She doesn’t want her new birbslut to go touring the fine beds of Isra whenever she’s busy with Imperial business; The Empress’s Courestean should be exactly that — The Empress’s, and she shouldn’t have to share with anyone.
“That said, it’s not something I would toss you out over. Sometimes, people are concerned that I’ll have them fired or jailed over minor infractions, but not so in this case. I wouldn’t be happy, but I wouldn’t be angry, either. … Well... Actually, it might mean a few nights in the dungeon,” she admits, “But I promise you’d enjoy it.”
Naoki’s tongue peeks out from between her lips as she smirks. It’s far too easy to work in that sort of wordplay, and she’s very much looking forward to what comes next.
“For two… It doesn’t need to be, no. What do you have in mind? Do you mean widening the scope of your duties to include other things? Singing and dancing, making tea, or managing other courtesans? … Or do you mean something else?”
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Dec 12, 2019 15:21:01 GMT -8
Khepri thought about this for a good moment. Never once had she been consigned to one and only one person in her life, but the Empress had a point. Royalty here was different than the Aeries, a memory that became blurrier and blurrier the more she tried to solidify it. It was time to go forward. Furthermore, it would seem she had a few chances to bend the rules.
"Fair," she told the Empress. "As for what I'm thinking, well, head courtesan does sound enticing. As for duties pertaining to that..." She leaned in further, hands on her knees. "In the Aerie, there was a ruler, much like yourself, who managed it. Sometimes people did not tell whole truths. Now and again, my part was to reveal them. Where someone such as yourself might be too intimidating- and aren't you? In so many ways- someone like myself could disarm these kinds of people. It would not be public, nor does it have to be official. I just thought it would be useful to place upon the perch."
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Dec 22, 2019 4:55:35 GMT -8
“You have a talent for persuasion,” as The Empress phrases it. “I see.”
She considers for a moment, sizing up Khepri with a hand on her chin.
“The ‘usual’ methods of persuasion have proven as effective as I’ve needed them to be so far,” she begins, leaving the methods themselves unnamed, “But yours is a gentler touch. If there arises a situation in the future where such talent may be applicable, I’ll keep you in mind, thank you.”
“Perhaps if I hold another summit,” Naoki supposes, though she’s unsure if such a thing would ever come to pass.
“As for the possibility of there being more courtiers and courtesans in the future, I’m not going to open applications. The line would stretch all the way down the stairs, as it did when I asked for suitors. Instead, why don’t you take it upon yourself to scout for talent as it were? Somehow, I suspect you’d be good at that — and I don’t mean that as a slight.”
The task is not one that The Empress herself would be found doing, but Khepri seems a discerning sort, capable of vetting candidates on her own. Delegating the task in such a manner is ideal.
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
________________________________________________
Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
_________________________________________________
Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Dec 27, 2019 20:17:51 GMT -8
The courtesan quirked a brow. So she was permitted to do so after all. She wasn't expecting it, given that the position here in the Lands Below was so different. This pleased her.
Furthermore, Khepri was also given the responsibility to find other courtesans. This was also surprising but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. She would be privy to the Empress' specific tastes, quirks, and all. The Bird nodded, satisfied with this as well.
"I would be honored," she said with a grin. "I can't say I find an issue with anything we have discussed."
Well, well, this was everything she knew she deserved and more. This should have been the plan from the start! But she didn't earn it quite yet.
Rising gently from her seat, she placed her hands on her hips, stretched out her wings, and called the sunlight to her, wrapping her form in a warm, dreamy light.
"So how about we get to finding out how much I can secure this position with your Highness? I think I have my appeal laid out splendidly."
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Jan 3, 2020 19:22:14 GMT -8
“Ooh... I don’t know,” Naoki says, coyly feigning skepticism. “I can’t see it very well from all the way over here.”
It seems as though the opposite is true, but Naoki doesn’t waste any more time. Swiftly rising from her seat, Naoki steps barefoot up onto the table and closes the distance between them in a single stride. The height advantage puts Khepri's face at chest-level — exactly the right height to do what she has wanted to do since their meeting began! Slowly, gently, with every ounce of skill and finesse she’s accumulated in her years, Naoki strokes Khepri’s outstretched wing.
Once. Twice! Then the other one — to see if it’s as soft as the first.
After the third stroke, Naoki realizes what she’s doing and steps back just as swiftly, nearly sticking her foot in the brownie tray. After a moment, she clears her throat and mumbles a half-apology; she probably should have asked.
“Regardless,” Naoki continues, “There’s a bed back there.”
Stepping off the table and starting toward the curtains in the rear, she calls over her shoulder. “And you can leave your dress there!”
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Khepri
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 173
Physical Description: Smattered in golden feathers, Khepri glimmers from dawn to dusk. Vast, dark wings spread outward from her broad hips, supporting an otherwise petite frame.
Black hair, straight as a waterfall, surrounds a round face. She has sharp, dangerous eyes that mimic the time of day, plump lips that tell you what you want to hear, and honey-sweet skin to ease her features.
Though the woman seems like a nubile goddess, fingers that end in claws and feet ending in talons do add a frighteningly harsh reality to her image.
When the sun vanishes from the sky, all that is not human about the woman departs, leaving a small, defenseless dame behind.
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Clothes and Equipment: Khepri carries little, save for the string around her neck that holds a round gemstone absorbing sunlight.
When out of sunlight and without the gem, her wings become a heavy cloak.
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Registered: Nov 20, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -8
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Post by Khepri on Jan 11, 2020 21:00:18 GMT -8
As Naoki would find, they were quite soft, but also smooth like finely woven fabric. Khepri stretched them out further for the Empress, but a moment too late. Her coyness- the real one- was met with a chuckle.
The courtesan was quick to follow Naoki, hands grasping at the ringlet around her waist. It relinquished its grip with ease, bringing the rest of the white fabric with it, catching on her ankles and her hair, which waterfalled through the collar in slithery strands. Golden feathers freckled the chimera’s body, catching the sun’s rays and casting them onto the walls.
She took a confident strut toward the Empress, but oh, there it was! A little eager bounce in her step as she approached. Slowing only once she was upon her, Khepri lifted a hand to brush against Naoki’s thigh, up, up, up until she reached the buckle, thumbing it loose while keeping her eyes locked with her patron. When it fell to the floor with a light thump, she seized the hem and pulled the dress away, using her other hand to push against her stomach until she was laying on the bed, disappearing behind the curtains.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 8, 2020 21:10:38 GMT -8
In this case, Naoki allows herself to be led. It is a strange feeling, not because of the feathers, but because it is usually she who does the leading. All but never does she allow her partner to set the pace or push her around like this, but in this case, it’s just so… easy.
It’s easy to have her dress slipped off, to be disrobed in such a manner. It’s easy to be pushed back onto the bed, to be set upon, and to be led to the heights of ecstasy by one who, by every estimation, is entirely qualified for the position that she has just secured.
It will not always be as such, and there are still surprises in store for dear Khepri, but for now… with the lazy afternoon sunlight streaming in the window, warming Naoki’s bare skin and reflecting every which way off the feathers of her new newest friend, it all seems very right.
One could grow used to this sort of treatment very easily, and Naoki has every intention to. Getting a courtesan was the best idea she hasn’t had in at least a month. Some days as The Empress are difficult, filled with difficult choices, bureaucracy, death, and so on. On other days, beautiful women come to her door to request the honor and privilege of serving her. The latter makes the former bearable, and on blessed days such as these, Naoki finds that it’s good to be the king.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 15, 2020 22:21:09 GMT -8
Ulfang arrives at the Den behind Timothy. He steps in, and starts a bit as the door is shut quite loudly behind him following a quiet, "The Empress will be with you shortly." from Timothy.
He gazes about the room with his singular eye, looking over the space scrupulously. It's a touch gaudy, by Ulfang's reckoning. Surely it is a beautiful space, but it reeks of overindulgence. Of course, his entire throne room had been carved from a single piece of obsidian in ancient times and that could hardly have been cheap, but this isn't even a place of consequence. It's a place of luxury.
It's something of a culture shock to Ulfang to have such opulence so readily available. In the Black Vale places of relaxation are generally simple spaces of calm and comfort, serving their purpose to the highest degree of efficiency possible, like all things Vale-made. But this.
Ulfang shakes his head, clearing his thoughts for the moment as walks up the steps to the panoramic windows, gazing out over the city proper. It's such a...massive place, and the hum of the life force buzzing about so frenetically would be enough to drive a lesser man mad. It is fortunate, then, that Ulfang is not a lesser man.
Ulfang pulls a comfortable chair up to the window, and then slides a small pipe from his jacket, before thinking better of it and spiriting it away back into the hidden pocket from which it came. In the Vale, smoking pipeweed is done at every occasion, from the casual meeting at the pub to the formal dinner to the quiet evening alone, and it is allowed everywhere. Since coming to Isra, though, Ulfang's seen nary a sprig of the stuff. He figures he ought to ask the Empress if it's alright to smoke first.
Still, even without the pleasant relaxation the pipe offers, it's certainly a splendid view. The place could be improved by removing all the pomp and gold filigree and just leaving the windows and chairs, he concludes.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Feb 16, 2020 18:40:04 GMT -8
An indeterminate amount of time later, Naoki arrives. She has traded her towels for a robe of a deep crimson hue, which looks quite warm. It comes down past her knees and does admirably to cover her, but remains an aggressively informal garment. Along with this, her hair has been styled impeccably, drawn back into an elaborate braid of similar shape and color as her tail.
She shuts the door gingerly behind her, and it clicks shut, locked. Ulfang isn’t hard to spot in amongst the warm colors of The Den, so in her matching slippers, Naoki meanders over.
Standing next to him, she looks out the window. The city continues to hustle and bustle below them, wholly unaware. She asks, “Thoughts?”
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 16, 2020 19:11:03 GMT -8
Ulfang favors Naoki with a nod of greeting and a long glance, examining her new dress and hairstyle approvingly. His eyes return to the cityscape and his left hand draws up to his beard to stroke it pensively, his brows furrowed and jaw set as he thinks of what to say. Surely saying exactly what he thought of the room -- or the city, for that matter -- would be seen as rude. He's unused to having to clip his words so, as he is required to in Isra in order to avoid stepping on any toes. Valemen say what they mean and only what they mean and damn the feelings of the weak, where Israns seem to veil their intent behind pretty words meant to soften the blow of hard truth. Neither way is inherently better, he supposes, but he surely prefers his own.
After several long moments, he finally speaks. "That depends upon which thoughts you wish to hear, my lady. My thoughts on the city are that there are many, many more people than I am used to here, and the flow of life feels...well, wrong, to my attuned senses. Still, this view is resplendent, there is no doubt," he rumbles ponderously. "My thoughts on this room are that it is clearly very...ah, lavish, although I think its best feature is this panoramic window of yours. I could do without the purposeless gold filigree and cushions so plush that I fear I may drown within them, but this vista! It is likely the grandest thing I've seen in Isra yet."
Ulfang pauses for a breath, and then follows with a mirthful intonation, "Aside from Your Imperial Majesty, of course."
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