[centre][h2]In Search of Luxury[/h2][/centre]

It was midday over the Branch of the World Tree. The many bird species of the Eye sang their thousand songs, supported by the gentle beat of waves on the beaches. A gentle waft of air tugged at the lengths of star-white hair hanging long over the light pink shoulders of Polyastera there where she sat on a small, flat rock underneath the beautiful canopy. Around her were several others of her kind, enjoying the fruits of the forest and the company of each other. It was a beautiful existence, in many ways - a life of peace, joy and pleasure. However, even now, merely days after their creation, an itch felt brave enough to pester her soul, an itch spurred on by the stories of their species’ moulds - specifically one of them.

“Polly? What’re you getting all lost in thought over?” came a voice and Polyastera snapped out of her trance to look one of her dear friends, a midnight blue man named Pallason. She gave him a smug smile and tilted her head to the side.

“Oh, I was just thinking, about Laurien.”

Pallason and two others shuffled a little closer to her and snickered. “Aren’t we all from time to time? What were you thinking about? You’re going to ask her again?”

Polyastera inspected some dirt underneath one of her nails and pursed her lips. “Mmm… Maybe, though that wasn’t what I was thinking about. Do any of you recall that story she told us?”

“Which one?” one of the others, a girl named Philia, asked curiously and brushed her comet-blue hair out of her glowing eyes. It fell right back, covering her jet black forehead.

“The one with that one god, oh, what was his-...” She snapped her fingers as she tried to remember. “Ah, yes, Shengshi - that was it. Yes, the story about him.”

Pallason tugged at his clean-shaved chin. “... Nnnooo, not particularly well--”

“She means the one about his ship, isn’t that right, Polly?” the third voice proposed, one belonging to Titanon, a well-groomed and handsome man with a near metallic sheen to his skin.

“Correct, Titanon,” Polyastera praised and caressed his cheek affectionately. Titanon snapped his teeth at her hand as she pulled it back, inciting an entrancing giggle. “It’s a wonderful story, when you think about it.”

“What’s so special about it?” Pallason replied absent-mindedly as he propped his cheek up on a fist. Polyastera lied down on her stomach and begun twisting a finger in his hair. 

“It was just something about the way she described it: An army of people who would do exactly what you want them to do at any time without any sort of backtalk or refusal; food worlds better than the scraps we’re eating here; and I have no idea what this ‘wine’ is, but it sounds heavenly from the way she described it.”

“Well, that ship -is- the house of a god, Polly,” Titanon reasoned. “One shouldn’t expect less than luxury, really.”

“That’s the thing, though,” Polyastera argued. “Our creator has no such house, and from what I’ve personally seen of the world, there are no magnificent feasts nor numerous servants for us to enjoy.”

“Well, what did you expect?” Pallason asked with a scoff. “It’s not like we were born to be kings and queens of this world.”

Polyastera reached out one hand and cupped Pallason’s chin in a somewhat firm grip, lifting his head to face her. She gave him a sly smile, at which the young man blushed. “Oh, my dear Pallason, I wholeheartedly disagree. We are the -children- of Orvus and Ohannakeloi, made in the image of heroines like Arya and Laurien. Our numbers are in the thousands and the world is ours to explore and govern as we see fit. Look.” She floated neatly off the ground and drifted gently forward to kiss Pallason on his somewhat shy lips. She glided upwards slowly and spun around as she gestured in every direction. “I could travel wherever I wish, without anyone telling me otherwise; I can settle myself down wherever I was, without anyone telling me otherwise.”

Pallason rolled his eyes and shook his head. Philia giggled and leaned her head onto Titanon’s shoulder, who simply kept a weak smile. “But what if you stumbled upon someone who tried to tell you otherwise?” Titanon asked. “For the sake of argument, I mean.”

Polyastera lowered herself back to the ground and crossed her legs so that the upper foot nearly kicked Pallason in the face. She ignored his scowl and went back to looking at her nails. “Who knows? This is why I would like to search for this Shengshi.”

“Oh? You think he can help?” Titanon snickered.

“A god whose existence is bathed in luxury? I think he would understand me perfectly.”

“Well, you might get a definite answer. Guess who just showed up.” Titanon thumbed over to the arrival of one particular individual, and Polyastera’s smile was immediately complemented by a ravenous look. She got to her feet, tossed her hair over her shoulders and made her way over with quick steps that seemed to move her whole lower body. She made her way somewhat forcefully through the crowds forming around the woman before her and emerged at the front with a wry smile.

“Hello, Laurien. Welcome back.”

The tall warrioress immediately turned to Polyastera and smiled hungrily. In two steps she was before Polly, and she ran a finger down her right cheek. [color=plum]”Hello Polly, looking delightful as always. Are you enjoying the tree?”[/color] she asked with a knowing smirk. Her hair was up in a loose bun, held together by a bone clip. She wore the simplest of garments, covering her body in white. She wore a leather belt around her waist, accenting her curvature. She smelled of roses today, not too overpowering but delightfully noticeable. With her came several more Nebulites, who gazed up at the tree and around them in awe.

“What’s not to enjoy,” Polyastera proposed, “though its power will have to be verified at a later date. After all, few of us have existed long enough to see the effects of its fertility blessing - although testing its effect is always fun.” She gave Laurien a wink.

[color=plum]”Good, good. I am glad you’re all enjoying yourselves.”[/color] she said, turning to the side to point at the three she brought. She pointed first a Nebulite of blue and purple swirls, his hair black hair was short and star riddled, [color=plum]”This is Aster,”[/color] she then pointed to a female Nebulite of deep red and black, her body riddled with stars and her frame small. She had long, flame red hair, tinged with yellow and orange swirls. [color=plum]”This is Cassieopoeia, or Cassie for short,”[/color] and then she pointed to the last Nebulite. A male of pitch black, riddled with no stars. His hair was the same stark white as Polly’s, and he held it in a bun. His face was the most curious of them all. [color=plum]”And this is Ion. They were interested in getting off Nebulan, so I brought them here for an adventure.”[/color] At the mention of their names, Cassie waved, Aster nodded, and Ion gazed up at the tree before being elbowed by Cassie. He then blinked, looking at Cassie angrily before looking around. Sheepishly he waved at Polly and the others. 

Polyastera eyed the three up and down with various degrees of interest. She took a few steps towards Aster and gently took him by the chin. She scrunched her nose a little and stared into his eyes for a moment before calmly asking, “Tell me, dear, when did you last bathe?”

Aster’s face grew bright blue at the remark and he held his arm limply as he avoided eye contact with Polly. “It’s uh… It’s been a bit.”

Polyastera hummed monotonously. “Yes, I can tell. Go down to the beach, have yourself a wash and come back after, thank you very much.” She pushed his face away with a soft, yet quite dismissive hand and moved on to Cassieopoeia, repeating the same grip about her chin. As she did, Aster sighed, looked at Laurien who was silently laughing and then began to quickly walk away, embarrassed. Polyastera, meanwhile, was running her hand up and down Cassie’s cheek with a gentle hum.

“I absolutely adore your colours, dear… However, I know of one who’d love them far more.” She stepped over next to her and pointed towards the trunk where Pallason, Philia and Titanon sat laughing among themselves and eating fruit. “You see that skinny little boy? He is very fond of deeper, more passionate colours. Oh, and he loves an assertive lover - are you assertive?”

Cassie tilted her head to look at Pallason and her eyes grew slightly larger, before shrinking when she looked back at Polly, tilting her head up. Her voice was rich and confident when she spoke. “He’ll do.”

Polyastera smiled and pecked her on the cheek. “He’ll like you.” She then walked past to the final male, as Cassie wandered over to the others, though she didn’t grab his chin. She eyed his hair instead with a mixture of annoyance and disappointment smeared across her face like an ointment. She pointed at the bun. “Loosen that, please.”

The man smirked and tilted his head at her before asking, “Why?” His voice cool.

“Your head shape does -not- complement any sort of form on top of your head; in fact, your wider jaw makes your head look a little like a pear.” She hummed. “If you try, you might be able to make it work with a ponytail.”

Ion crossed his arms and looked at her in annoyance, while eyeing her up and down. He then said smugly, “I’m quite fond of my shape, thank you very much. Maybe you should work on yourself first before commenting on others, especially with a chest like that.”

Polyastera was looking down at her nails. She gave him a glance past her eyebrows. “Hm? Sorry, I was busy not being interested - see, the rule here, at the tree, is the following --” She poked a finger on his chest and smiled smugly. “As long as make it in, you are free to do whatever you want, eat whatever you want and love whomever you want.” She looked at Laurien and sighed. “And the longer it takes for you to be a good little boy and undo that abominable hair-do, the smaller the chances are that I, Polyastera, will allow you to enter.”

Ion opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by Laurien whistling. [color=plum]”Now now children, play nice with one another. Ion, undo the hair. Polly darling, come here.”[/color] she said opening up her arms. Ion grumbled something under his breath, but obliged, and undid his hair, which fell down to his shoulders. 

Polyastera flashed Ion a smirk before walking into Laurien’s arms and embracing her lovingly. “Sorry about that, dear - I cannot help being so demanding. I am just so used to--...” She pecked at Laurien’s neck. “... Quality.” Ion simply frowned and walked off.

Laurien bent down with a giggle and whispered into her ear, [color=plum]”Play nice with the boy and you can stay with me tonight.”[/color] Laurien then kissed Polly a top her head, squeezed her tightly once more and then let her go. 

Polyastera held on for a little longer and gave Laurien a huff as she pulled away. “Oh, I don’t know… I’m promised to Hectore tonight.” She tapped her cheek with a finger pensively. “I might be persuaded, though, if you could tell me a story.”

Laurien raised her eyebrow slightly, as she put her hands on her hips. [color=plum]”A story?”[/color]

Polyastera nodded. “The one about the time aboard Shengshi’s ship, if you could - and please, make it as detailed as you remember it.” She ran a pair of fingers up and down the length of Laurien’s forearm and slowly laid her ear against her chest. “Please?” 

The surrounding Nebulites looked green with envy.

Laurien rolled her eyes for the others and smirked before placing a hand on the side of Polly’s head. She twirled her white hair on her finger. [color=plum]”So theatrical, darling. Whoever could have taught you such things.”[/color] she mused. [color=plum]”What are you planning little one?”[/color] Laurien asked softly. 

“Oh, a bit of this, a pinch of that.” Polyastera took Laurien’s hand and began to guide her through the crowd. The crowd parted before them, not necessarily out of respect, but simply because most of them understood by now that if anyone stood in front of Polyastera by the time she came to them, she would stop and wonder why there was a wall of air before her. “And,” she continued, “a large handful of ambitions, most of which are dependent on that lovely story of yours. Come, our spot is the best. Pallason, scoot.”

The skinny boy, who was interrupted mid-chat with Cassie, jerked to life and hopped to the side like a well-trained dog, though he did not seem happy about it.

Laurien sat down, leaning back on her hands. [color=plum]”Hello everyone. Are we enjoying ourselves today?”[/color] she said in a sing song voice.

“Immensely,” Titanon said in his gentle baritone voice as Philia drew circles on his chest with a finger. She flashed Laurien a smile. Pallason also gave Laurien a smile, though it had a slightly less enthusiastic air about it. [color=plum]”Good, very good. So, the story about his Holiness Shengshi huh. Haven’t I already told this one a thousand times?”[/color]

“Oh, but you’re so good at telling it, Laurien,” Polyastera pleaded. “Your voice is so wonderful to listen to - intoxicating, even.”

“She’s obsessed about what’s onboard Shengshi’s ship,” Pallason added, receiving a pout from Polly.

“To drop the tease so soon - I’m starting to see a pattern with you.”

“Wuh-! What’s that supposed to mean?!” Pallason demanded, but Polly’s eyes had already switched back to Laurien with an awed glint in them.

[color=plum]”With what’s on board…”[/color] Laurien said thoughtfully. [color=plum]”Ah, I see what this is about. Firstly, enough of this atrocious use of his name. If you were to ever meet his Lordship without addressing him properly, he would be most unamused. Deadly even. His Holiness or Lordship will suffice, and that my dears, will save your life and open wonderful things to you aboard the Jiangzhou. So,”[/color] she said turning to Polly, [color=plum]”What is it you really want to know? I must admit, I am not so studied as Arya. She’s lived there you know, but I can try my best.”[/color]

“How did you sleep?” Polyastera asked eagerly. “A-and with whom? How much food did you eat? What is wine again, describe it, would you?”

Laurien chuckled. [color=plum]”I slept in a bed twice the size of me, it was wonderful. But the servants… They are not like us and couldn’t do what you are thinking, darling. As for food, it is endless and comes in all sorts of sizes, and shapes and tastes. Wine is delicious and so relaxing, it tickles your insides and makes you feel, very, very good. But if you drink too much it can make your senses foggy.”[/color]

Titanon let out a hum. “What can these servants do, actually? You’ve told us that they bathed you, but did they do anything else?” 

Polyastera, meanwhile, seemed to be fantasising about what nature of ‘good’ this wine made you feel.

Laurien turned to Titanon and said, [color=plum]”They can do a variety of things, anything you ask really just not…”[/color] she looked around and pointed at a couple in the distance, [color=plum]”Just not like that.”[/color] Before turning back to Titanon. [color=plum]”They are very kind, and quite literally live to serve.”[/color] 

“Wow,” Titanon blurted out. “Hey, Polly, sounds like something for you.” Polyastera smirked back and giggled.

“Why, it absolutely does, I agree. See, Laurien, we were discussing something earlier.”

“You were telling us,” Pallason corrected before receiving an elbow in the shin. Polyastera recollected herself and continued, 

“Yes, we were -discussing- a place for ourselves, Nebulites, that would be something like Sheng-... Sorry, His Lordship’s boat. A place were servants would wait upon our every word and we could eat delectable food and enjoy each others’ company for eternity. Wouldn’t that be superb?”

Laurien narrowed her eyes and scrunched her nose before turning to Polly. [color=plum]”Ah, so that’s the real question is it. A lavish lifestyle with servants at every beck and call.”[/color] she said, stretching back with a yawn. [color=plum]”It does sound nice but tell me, does this really stem from my storytelling or is there more behind this still? What your asking… Hmm… It could possibly be done, but you’d have to know someone with the right connections. Someone who knows his Lordship perhaps?”[/color] she said, smiling devilishly. 

"Your storytelling inspired it, dear - most certainly so.” She winked and then lost a bit of the excitement in her expression. “I suppose you are about to suggest that I speak with Arya, then?" Polyastera said a little dryly. 

Laurien frowned, [Color=plum]"No, I'm talking about myself. Come on Polly."[/color] she said before pouting, [color=plum]"Bless her heart but Arya was always more so on the side of personal freedom. When she was with Shengshi, the servants did not exist as they do now, but still. She respects their culture out of her friendship with his Lordship however. I know you think of her a prude but this lifestyle isn't for everyone."[/color]

"I find it a little odd that someone would reject a world of pleasure, but I suppose -some- believe life to be about other things." Polyastera began to teasingly caress Laurien's thigh. "Ssssso, you think you could put in a good word with His Lordship for us? You know how grateful that would make us." In the background, Titanon, Philia, Pallason and Cassie made expressions of similar interests. 

[Color=plum]"Some do, others don't."[/color] Laurien mused as she watched Polly's fingers. [Color=plum]"I could help you, my dears. But are you prepared to sacrifice your lives here? And his Lordship will probably ask something of you as well. To get what you want would have a high price I'm sure."[/color] 

"Life here is fine, dear, but, ugh… We sleep on moss or stone; we eat nothing but fruit while we wait for the crops to grow; and we have to do everything ourselves here," Polyastera complained. 

"You hardly ever do anything, though," Pallason protested. 

"You know I am much too delicate for the fields, love," she answered, "Titanon is more suited for that kind of work." The muscular male pursed his lips and flexed, summoning a giggle and a kiss from Philia. 

Laurien chuckled heartily. [Color=plum]" Let me teach you a lesson, dears. To speak with the gods of this world, all you have to do is pray and they might talk to you back."[/color] she laughed before getting up and kneeling down in the center of them. She then closed her eyes and dipped her head forward. [Color=plum]"Oh your Holiness Shengshi, Lord of a Thousand Rivers, I your humble Servant Laurien, asks for an audience."[/color]

The air surrounding the Branch of the World Tree grew a little drier; the nutty smells of fresh grain and the sweet fragrance of ripe fruit permeated the immediate surroundings and several Nebulites looked around for the source with watering mouths; there came a distant trickle, like that of a small stream. A pair of invisible eyes fixated on Laurien and the Nebulites around her, followed by a deep hum.

“He Bo, how many cups have I had today? Only two? I swear, I am seeing multiple-... No, never mind, they’re different.” The voice cleared its throat. “Laurien, my dear - so nice to see you! I was wondering when you would come to me again. How have you been?”

[Color=plum]"I've been…"[/color] she hesitated for a moment opening her eyes. To any who noticed there was a hint of an underlying sadness in them before blinking away to a soft smile. [Color=plum]"Better now that I'm talking to you, your Holiness."[/color]

“Oh, you little flirt, you,” the snake teased back. “Now, uhm… If I may ask, who are these surrounding you? Did Orvus make more of you?”
Polyastera, Titanon, Pallason and Philia beamed in awe at the invisible, yet quite easily perceived pair of reptilian eyes. Polyastera in particular rose to her feet and reached out to touch them, looking extremely disappointed to find that there was nothing to grab onto. The snake grunted. “... And what is this one doing?”

Polyastera blinked and sat back down, looking beyond excited at all this. Laurien giggled at Polly's attempt before clearing her throat and saying, [color=plum]"Your Holiness, I am proud to announce that Orvus and the awe inspiring Ohannakeloi have created a species in Arya's and this servants image. They are called Nebulites and they have… Many gifts."[/color]

“Many gifts, you say?” the snake repeated. “Elaborate, if you would.”

[Color=plum]"Yes indeed. They have a longer lifespan, two forms to choose from, flight, and are capable of reproducing with most other sapients, with a few exceptions of course. The occurring offspring is something Orvus calls, 'human'. They've always been taught to farm, craft, and stone working. Masonry I think it was. Oh and they can go long periods of time without eating at the cost of their libidos, which are very, very high."[/color] Laurien paused, then said, [color=plum]"I believe Arya is teaching them how to hunt, read, and write among other things. I have, of course, taught them about the finer things in life."[/color] she said smoothly.

“Of course, you have,” the snake praised with a chuckle. “A lifeform capable of reproducing with most other sapient life, hmm? Sounds… Like an interesting quirk. I am not quite certain how it will work in practice, but, well… Either way, that is wonderful to hear - it is good to see that Orvus really has turned himself around and is furthering the goal towards prosperity.” There came a hum. “My dear, as much as I would love to talk with you until sundown and beyond, you caught me in a bit of a precarious moment. Therefore I must be so rude to ask if there is a motive behind this prayer of yours?”

[Color=plum]"Ah, of course your Holiness. Well you see, the fine Nebulites around me have taken to heart the story of my time aboard your Palace. They seek to have the same comforts in life, and asked if I would contact you. And so here we are. I believe Polyastera can explain better what she and the others want. Polly?"[/color] Laurien said, looking to her. 

Polyastera rose back up and curtsied with a wry smile. “O great Shengshi, Lord of the Thousand Rivers--”

“It’s ‘streams’, actually.”

“What?” Polly said, somewhat taken aback.

“Lord of the Thousand Streams,” Shengshi corrected. “Laurien said it wrong, but I did not wish to interrupt her.”

Polyastera scowled momentarily before calming herself again. Titanon and Pallason exchanged anxious looks. Laurien held a hand over her mouth, trying to keep herself from laughing. “Forgive me, Your Lordship,” Polyastera apologised, “it was not my intention to mispronounce your title.”

There came a flat hum. “That is nothing to concern yourself about. You heard wrong and repeated wrong - I corrected you. It is no longer a misunderstanding. Now, from what Laurien told me, you seek a life of luxury?”

“Yes, Your Lordship,” Polyastera replied with another curtsy. “We have heard Laurien’s stories about Your Lordship’s ship and her stay onboard, and we wish to live forever like that: servants waiting upon our every order; beds twice-thrice our own size; all the time in the world to enjoy one another’s company. Can… Can this be done?”

A silence chilled the mood, and Polyastera’s smile faded little by little. After a while, she turned to Laurien and asked, “Is-... Is he still here?”

[Color=plum]"Oh yes child. He's either thinking about what could be done, or planning to smite us all."[/color] she giggled.

Polyastera seemed unfamiliar with the idea of consequences and hummed. “I see,” she said curtly.

A pensive purr reverberated through the air. “That is quite a tall order, young Polyastera - do you have any way of paying for it?”

Polyastera made a frown. “I do,” she answered and tossed her hair over his shoulders once more. There came a monotonous hum.

“That would be?”

“My body, my life, my servitude - you may have all of it if I get to live as Laurien described,” Polyastera proclaimed. Pallason, Titanon and Philia rose to their feet and surrounded Polyastera from behind.

“Hey, hey, hey, Polly - let’s not get ahead of ourselves, alright?” Pallason cautioned. “Didn’t you just say earlier that we were meant to rule?”

“Yeah, at least take some time to think it over,” Philia agreed. “I’m as eager as you, Polly, but-... I don’t wanna give up my life for it.”

“Listen to your friends, Polyastera,” the snake warned. “Giving your life so easily for a lifestyle you have never experienced is quite reckless, and not in a good way. I will propose an alternative before we engage in any negotiations with your souls on the line, is that alright?”

Polyastera rolled her eyes at her friends and then bowed to the invisible eyes. “Of course, Your Lordship. What do you propose as an alternative?”
“You, as well as any who wishes to come along, are invited to stay at my ship for a single day. If you find afterwards that you cannot live anymore without this kind of lifestyle, we shall negotiate further.”

Polyastera gasped, as did her friends. She began to jump up and down screaming in joy and Titanon had to hold her shoulder to keep her excitement bottled up. “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” Polyastera shouted into the sky and started running around the Branch, shouting promises of a luxury stay onboard Shengshi’s boat. Her friends set off into a run after her and the snake let out a small groan.

“You have really made Jiangzhou seem like Paradise to them, haven’t you, Laurien?” the snake’s voice said wearily.

Laurien leaned back and watched the other's excitement. For the briefest moments she had a wicked smile upon her gave before it changed to that of smugness. [Color=plum]"I have found that mortal hearts are easily tempted, your Holiness. I simply provided them with a blueprint of luxury and they have added their own wants and desires. Polyastera wants nothing more than to live life deliciously, as do the others. You saw how far she was willing to go to get it. I find it fascinating, such depths of desire."[/color]

“Be careful, Laurien,” Shengshi whispered. “Children’s disappointment in parents who cannot deliver on their promises can be quite severe.”

Laurien scowled briefly before relaxing her face, [color=plum]"Oh I know all too well, Your Holiness. All too well."[/color] she said, a taste of bitterness leaking into her voice.

“As long as you do…” came a dry reply. “Very well. I will come by to pick you up in the near future. I cannot say exactly when, but keep them occupied while they wait, if you could. Oh, and please do tell Orvus I am coming to visit.”

[Color=plum]"It shall be done, your Holiness. We will look forward to your arrival."[/color] Laurien said curtly.

“Very good. Until then, be safe - and give Arya my regards.”

[Color=plum]"Of course, your Holiness. Farewell for now."[/color] she said quietly.

The presence faded out and the familiar scents of the Branch and Nebulite sweat returned. Polyastera had managed to rouse most of them into a wild celebration in honour of the snake’s promise, and laughter and kissing sounded left and right. 

Laurien stretched again and began to hum a little tune as she undid her bun. She then began to run her fingers through her hair, much like a harp playing. It was then that Aster returned, a grumpy look on his face as he sat down. He looked around with a curious look on his face and then asked, "Did I miss something?"

Laurien beamed a smile at him. [Color=plum]"More than you know, dear."[/color] she said with a lighthearted giggle.

[hider=summary]
A group of Nebulites talk about luxury and life underneath the World Tree branch. The monument has been converted into a pleasure spot with all sorts of niceties. This group of Nebulites, led by Polyastera are talking about one of Laurien’s stories, specifically the one where she was aboard Shengshi’s Palace. They want that for themselves, or something close to it, with servants to answer their every desire. Laurien shows up and you get to see how Polly acts with her, and how Laurien acts with the others. Eventually Laurien prays to Shengshi and they get the ball rolling on a luxury. Lots of love in this post, and lots of hidden agendas. wowowowowow
[/hider]