eclecticwitch

The Sunstone and the Moonstone

Pari lay languidly in one of the inner courtyards. Her tiny body was sprawled over soft pillows and nearby a canter of incense burned. At the center of the courtyard was a gorgeous fountain with sirens singing and spilling water from upturned hands. All around was a magnificent garden of exotic and colorful flora. Beautiful tropical birds came to visit and sing their songs to each other. A slave held a huge umbrella over her while two others had large fans of bird feathers cooling the sleeping girl.

The young princess dreamed fitfully. The city was burning in her dream. Something was tearing it apart. She felt the fear of her people and the animals which lived there. There was death. Destruction. And blood. She was covered in blood. Something wet and rough rubbed against her face and woke her from her dream. Lavanya towered over her, licking her face. Pari giggled and pushed the beast away. "Stop, stop my darling heart. Please, I am fine." The tiger shifted and lay down next to her on the pillows. The Maharajani sat up and stroked the great beast, rubbing her ears and scratching beneath her chin.

"Thank you, my sweet sister. I did not dream well. Perhaps this new incense was not a good purchase, hmm?" She kissed Lavanya as the tiger chuffed and rubbed against her. The girl leaned back against the pillows and stared up into the blue, cloud-bespotted sky. She hoped the dream was not a sign of things to come.

"Maharajani!" a voice called from the halls leading to the courtyard. She did not move as a servant of her father appeared. "Most beautiful and precious of princesses, an Elven ship is approaching. Your excellent and gracious father wishes you to get ready should this be an envoy of good tidings." Pari sighed and sat up, looking the servant over.

"As he wishes," she responded. She was much too comfortable to want to move, but when father commanded all obeyed.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

She was shocked when Denar had lifted her up and held her beneath the knees and behind her back. Bridal style most would call this. But Fatima was no bride. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck out of fear and it crossed her features as she looked up at him. He seemed to pay her absolutely no mind. Wings beat and suddenly she was in the air. Her whimper was swept away by the wind. She buried her face against his neck. When she realized he had a tight grip on her and wasn’t about to let her fall, Fatima allowed herself to peek out from his neck. The world below was so small. She looked ahead and the wind made her close her eyes. It was absolutely exhilarating. Fatima could not help but laugh and let out a whoop of excitement as she clung to the man who held her. She looked at him and said, “If I had wings, if this was the way it always felt, I would never want to touch the ground.” She wasn’t sure the man heard her, the wind whisking away her voice nearly as quickly as it left her mouth.

Much too soon for Fatima’s liking they set feet on the ground. She could have flown forever. He set her down on the grass rather unceremoniously. She pouted a bit, having been accustomed to kinder treatment for quite a few years now. None the less she followed the men into the home. It was warm, dark, and lovely. Her eyes grew wide at the strange comfort that she would not have expected from the outside.

This did not last long as Denar, the man who had carried her, directed her down the hall. She made no move to remove her cloak and instead, with head held high, walked down the corridor. Beautiful tapestries and carpeting adorned the way. She let her eyes linger over them. It felt strangely homey. She came to the open door and paused. Fatima began to think, this was it. This was really the time of truth. Would she meet a black widow, or would she meet a healer with just stories? Somehow, she doubted it was stories. How else would a man who disliked her race decide to carry her here?

Sucking in a deep breath, she began through the doorway. As she walked through she noticed the chairs, the old woman, and the fire. Even as she noticed these things she recognized that she was looking through a veil. As if at a funeral, she peered through a strange gauze that muted lines and spaces. Everything seemed abnormal and she wasn’t sure what it was she was looking at.

Rather than call attention, she sat in the less comfortable chair as the old woman spoke. Her chilled body demanded the warmth of the tea so she lifted the teapot and the poured the liquid into both cups. She lifted her own to her lips and sipped delicately before leaning back. Her eyes studied the woman through the veil she forced the girl to see before she replied. “You are exactly what I expected to see, and that makes me have my doubts. However, I understand your need for secrecy for it makes sense with what I need to ask. I came here with the excuse of stories. What I need is truth. My people are slowly dying caused by my mother’s hand. And our ancestors. My land has become barren. Floods have left our sheep with little to feed upon. What I ask… No, what I beg, is a way to re-invigorate the land so that my people and my livestock may flourish again. Please.” Fatima slipped from the chair and placed the cup on the table between them before clasping her hands above a bowed head in a prayer like stance. “Please, I beg you, help me find a way to help my people thrive.”

The Sunstone and the Moonstone

Maharajani Pari

Name:
Vanya Parinaaz Myra
Called:
Pari
Title/Occupation:
The First Princess of the Third Wife Consort Saanvi
Nationality:
Usamolia
Age:
21
Gender:
Female
Sexuality:
Pansexual

Appearance:

The first thing, which would be the biggest difference between herself and her siblings, is that while they are towering and elven - she is small and fey-like. (She stands at about 4'11" due to a genetic disorder in Saanvi's family.) In all other aspects, she appears as the rest of her people should. Her skin is bronzed, her hair thick and wavy and dark. She has the slender hands which can speak stories as they move. Her eyes, on a well structured and high boned face, are almond shaped and the golden brown of burnt honey. Her clothing comes in a wide range of styles and colors, never settling for just one type or color.

Interests:

She is wild. She would rather spend a day flitting about the garden, running barefoot through grass fields, falconry, and riding horses than spend another day doing needlepoint and making small talk at court. She loves to feel the wind in her hair and the dirt between her toes. Dancing around a fire, drinking, and carnal delights are her preferred form of celebration. Climbing trees and getting dirty are second nature to her. Her existence was never well watched, save by her mother who did not mind her gathering all the skills she could, which allowed her to grow as a woman of the earth.

However, it is not to be said that she dislikes all aspects of court and learning. She is a skilled mathematician, running numbers through her head quickly and accurately. She can dance in the proper way of the world as well as the traditional dances of her people and recite poetry with guarded, but deep emotion. Pari can speak and charm in the royal style expected of her, though she may find it droll. Pari is not one to read fiction and prefers novels discussing the lives of past heroes and kings. She also has a keen interest in politics and the careful way one must step in such a dangerous atmosphere. It is like dancing with a wolf or charming a viper.

Personality:

Pari is a vivacious and outgoing individual. When it comes to those she knows well she will speak her mind, but knows better than to act out in any sort of court setting. She has strong opinions and a strong sense of self-control to go with them. She understands her place and knows how to slip little snakes here and there to make her ideas seem like someone else's. While she may smile, and flirt, and act as the silly daughter of the king she is not a fool. She listens and is more than willing to use any information to strike out against those who would be her enemy. Or to give support to those she deems worthy of her friendship. When to feed honey and when to twist the knife.

Outside of a court setting she is more relaxed and may behave somewhat childlike. She has a grand wonder of the world and each day is a new experience. Pari laughs easily, loves dancing, and can be found planting alongside the gardeners. She wishes to know many things, feel many emotions, and to visit every part of the world. Despite her twenty-one years, one might think she had not lived a single day in the world. Alas, as the tiny sixth child of the King she can expect little more than to be married off for an alliance's sake. She hopes to marry a stupid husband, at least then she could do something more than adorning a man's arm with fancy clothes and pretty smiles.

Magics:

Animal Empathy - Can feel the emotions of and speak with animals.

Wild Union - Can get into the head and share the brainspace with an animal. Easier with animals that know and trust her.

Heightened Senses - as long as there is magic, her senses are naturally heightened.

Tracking - able to track game and people naturally, as long as she has magic reserve.

Reinvigorate - Able to retun used up and unfarmable lands to their former or better splendor.

History:

She was born a cherished child. One of two princesses at this time. Not as valuable as princes, to be sure, but a princess was a grand bargaining chip. However, as she grew it became apparent that she did not gain her height as she should. It became somewhat of a scandal. Had the Third Consort slept outside of the King's chambers? The Fourth Consort began to whisper poisons in the ears of the court. Was Pari another man's daughter? It was during this time, for about two months during Pari's fourth year of life that she was let free to roam the palace as an unwanted and savage child.

However, her mother was clever and would not allow her name to be tarnished. Saanvi was a shrewd woman. She had not spent a night with another man and so it would only be a matter of time before she could figure out a way to prove that her daughter was a legitimate heir. It came in the form of a birthmark. In the flurry of emotions and accusations, it was forgotten that a child of the King often bore the same mark. It existed as a sun-like mark on the lower back. And Pari's was very distinct. Saanvi also took this time to accuse her accuser, the Fourth Consort, of cheating - for her son did not bear the mark.

The Fourth Consort was cast out, leaving a 'bastard' son behind. He was 10 years older than Pari at the time (14). He would never be more than perhaps a guard to one of his brothers or sisters. He and Pari became close and he indulged her wildness - teaching her how to hunt with the falcon and to ride horses like a man. For Pari was not much better than he, treated lowly due to her small stature. An oddity to be shown off but never taken seriously. But her mother helped her develop a sharp mind. No child of Saanvi would settle for second best. She was determined her girl would excel in all aspects of life. Even going so far as to feed her daughter low doses of poisons to build up an immunity. And though Pari found it boring, and the nights she would be sick horrible, she appreciated that her mother hoped to protect her and give her the skills she needed to live her life among vipers.

Blood's Jewels (Closed)

Either the men had understood her completely and were going to lead her to help. Or she was just going to get told some stories. In the end, she wasn't dead yet. At being told she would have to leave her Court behind, she stiffened and looked down into her mug as a frown tugged at the corners of her lips. That was dangerous. Beneth seemed to agree. She lifted her eyes from her drink to look the Warlord Prince over. A wry smile forming. "It would be more accurate to say you don't trust anyone, I should think." She teased him lightly. It was a good instinct to have in such a cruel world after all.

She took a few more beats to consider the offer. If they had wanted the trio dead it would likely be easier just to do it now. It was not as if leading her away from her people was going to make her any weaker than she was. Then again, there would be less resistance wouldn't there? Fatima sighed and glanced at Jassen. Poor thing. He was trying his hardest, wasn't he? From the folds of her dress, she pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his cheek. She kissed him there and pressed it into his hand. She kissed Beneth as well and gave him her coin purse. "I'll be back soon," she murmured to him. "Take care." Of yourselves. Of my people. Of my land.

The young Queen downed what was left of her mug, tapped it onto the table and stood. She accidentally let her facade fall as she clasped her hands in front of her and a regal air came over her form. "Gentlemen," Fatima said with her most gentle tone, "I would be quite pleased to meet your Healer. I shall take you up on your offer. Please lead the way." She tilted her head to the side slightly and a playful look came to her. "Unless, of course, it is much too late in the day. A woman needs her rest after all." She laughed softly.

The Five Senses

Millie should already be on the same rooftop, right?

The Five Senses

Millie

She huffed at his reaction to the rock. “I be a healer, not a fighter sonny. It ain’t sumthin’ in my blood to be doin’ these sorts o’ deeds.” She glowered at the man, crossed her arms beneath her bosom again and clicked her tongue in her mouth. He began speaking nonsense about intelligible beings or some shit and she clicked her tongue again. Only to find that his hands wrapped nicely about her hips and grasped the full of her in a way she never though imaginable. A mean blush spread over her cheeks as she reached for the wall.

Millie nearly shouted but caught herself. In a hushed hiss, she said, “Oi, who do you think you are? What right gives you with the touchin’?” Kitty snarled as quietly as he could and bared his teeth at the man. His hair stood on end and a mean glint entered his eyes. He was ready to rip the giant to shreds for putting his hands on the most important person in his life. “Stop yer hollerin beastie. You stay here with this coont.” Kitty closed his lips and sat back.

“Touch my mistress again, without permission, and I will have your family jewels and staff for supper.” The tiger licked his lips but settled back calmly. His eyes turned to the woman he had come to adore. He watched the way the weirdo manhandled her and his tail twitched in agitation. He wanted to, and quite rightly, show this man his intestines and then shit in his open wound. But Kitty would never disobey a direct order.

Then Turkey made the comment about her weight and she about lost it. She kicked backward with one of her legs in the hopes of hitting him in the chin, but he easily caught it and used it to booster her higher. “Fookin’ monster is what ye be. Didn’t yer mother teach ye nothin’? And don’t be takin’ this chance for self-pleasure, lookin’ up a lass’ skirt. You keep yer eyes to yer own.” She grumbled and grumped the whole way up until her hands touched the roof and she, with difficulty, pulled herself up.

With an acute lack of grace, she rolled onto the roof and made it to her hands and knees. She huffed and puffed, gasping for air. As she sat up she found people glaring at each other, glaring at her, and some sort of strange ice blades pointed in her direction. She began to stand slowly and watched as they bickered amongst themselves and ignored the ‘threat’. Roight fekkin’ fools they were. She huffed loudly but did not move. She waited. And waited. And waited. And waited some fekkin’ more while the idiots argued amongst themselves.

The someone gave a grandiose speech, full of words and pomp. And while she could appreciate such diction, now was certainly not the time. With a glare she said, “Oi now! Quit all yer fussin. Obviously, I ain’t cracked in the egg and ain’t wearin’ no fancy culty suit. In fact, if any of ye had half a brain ye’d have recognized healer garb. So what be yer reason for pointin’ weapons at me? Y’all stand here agruin’ and ain’t even asked me name or purpose. Just assumin’ shite while I be standin’. If I be a true threat, y’all would be dead, dead, dead. If ya had any sense like yer mothers taught ya, you would be outta here long before. And realized that some fekin’ agent o’ Chaos brought us all together. We got one more in our group down below. Get him a safe place and let’s get outta here before we are all roight fekked in the brainpan.” She scowled at them all, dropped her hands to her hips and said, “Well? We all gonna act like this be some great god forsaken surprise or are we gonna be safe. Speechy, make a ladder or some shite and get our last ally along.” Millie, having had quite enough, moved toward ,the group. Her scantily clad body held no weapons and she herself was rather non-threatening. Just a an angry caste over her face. And a deep desire to get this party finally moving. Obviously Speechy wasn’t getting it done.

Interactions

@Fetzen and, well, everyone else. @13org@Elevation@Pezz570@HokumPocus@SonofJET

The Five Senses

Millie will post today~. Just doing some reading to relax after work!

@Pezz570 sorry sorry sorry! She's just so bossy!!! I promise I'm not trying to be mean.

Palm Beach Royals: Senior Year

Reporting for duty!

Doing a collab with @Ejected and @Silence Sounds
Also doing a collab with the amazing @Dirty Pretty Lies

✢ Affairs of the Court ✢

@Lionhearted Ha! While she would never demean Lavanya by riding her she does have a Shire her pops gave her as a birthday present. Besides, Pari would rather do battle in the ballroom than on the killing field. (Plot twist, Alice and Pari end up together. pfft)

✢ Affairs of the Court ✢

Pari gave a little wave as her brother moved off and she couldn't help the small smirk that appeared on her lips as it seemed he had chosen to speak to none other than a Euhijan. Mai, a very pretty young lady. She approved and hoped the concourse would go well. However, the way they had parted made the princess doubt very much that it did. Knowing her brother, he could be rather coarse and she hoped he hadn't made them some enemies she would have to smoothe over. Perhaps it had something to do with the gift? It had been perhaps a little... cruel but she could see what they were aiming for if not poorly executed. Perhaps Mai could see that Rahman was a good man, even if he was rough around the edges.

Her attention kept getting drawn back to the King. He still held Lal in his arms and she glowed with pride at her well-chosen gift. She had to admit some disappointment that the Queen Regent had seemed rather bored of such a spectacular and rare beast. But that genuine smile that Theo had given her made her feel self-assured. Not to mention he said he would personally take care of the cub. She would be riding on that wave of self-satisfaction for the rest of the evening. Even as new guests offered their gifts, he still held the son of her heart in his arms. Even played with him. It broke the hardened rock around her heart just a bit and gave her a feeling she couldn't quite place.

All too soon her pride was slashed when a gorgeous and tall blonde appeared. Theo was obviously struck by her and the look on his face was one that she had seen on many of her own brothers. She stiffened imperceptibly and sipped from her glass of wine. The woman offered a jeweled necklace and Lal was finally given to servants. The rock wall around her heart hardened and grew just a bit bigger with her disappointment. She had been foolish to allow herself a moment to relax it, to think that he might actually be a good person who would love a creature that she cared for more than the stars and moon.

The gift of a jeweled necklace seemed a foolish thing to give to a rich man. Like giving a blacksmith a horseshoe though he could make them in an hours time. But, Pari came to realize that the true jewel was not within the necklace but the woman who offered it. Perhaps it was her appearance that drew him, in which case small and dark Pari was no comparison. She was gorgeous of course, she knew this. But her hair, her skin, and her eyes were all dark. And her stature more than diminutive. The more she thought about it, perhaps her gift had been lacking. Perhaps she should not have given up the little tiger prince in order to create an alliance. What if Theo mistreated her darling? What if the servants did? A twinge of regret crept through her stomach - a rare occurrence for the usually self-assured Pari. She would need to find out the relationship between the two. No need to ask though, in her experience a court, especially at a party where alcohol was served, tended to be quite free with information without a person needing to ask.

She took her eyes from the pair and instead moved to her brother. She wanted to bemoan the way he easily gave up Lal but now was not the time or place. Instead, she placed a hand on his arm and said, "I will speak to our servants and ensure that those who will now be caring for my darling tiger prince will know what to do." She offered him a small smile before she swept away to a small door along the wall. She probably was not allowed there, but this particular princess was not one to care. In her own home she was allowed anywhere she pleased. Besides, the safety and health of Lal were more important at that moment than propriety.

She let herself into that back room to find her servants were already dealing with the situation. This pleased her immensely. They had brought good men who could predict what it was their masters desired. She spoke with the head servant and he laid any of her fears to rest that they would allow any mistreatment of the tiger cub. She implored them to come and find her if Lal caused any mischief and the servant bowed. Pari downed the rest of her glass and offered the empty one to an Astarian servant to find it a home.

With a sigh, the Ursamolian princess swept back into the main room and grabbed a new glass of wine from a passing servant. She sipped it quietly as she began to think about the new strategies she should take to have any sort of chance at grabbing Theo's attention. He did seem the foolish sort of man that her needs dictated but it was quite silly for a girl to put all of her eggs into one basket. Pari moved about the room again until she came upon a member of this nation's own court. There, perhaps an ally or at least a helping hand... mayhaps even a friend in this strange land.

She approached the man called Pike, who walked with the air of a gentled predator. She thought about the lanky, muscular dogs her people used to herd cattle. Though this man had much more hair. Lightly, the small woman placed a hand on his arm to grab his attention before withdrawing it. "My most sincere apologies, sir. I know we have not been formally introduced but this seems the sort of party where that hardly matters. Please, do forgive me if I am mistaken about that. I must ask though, you are a member of this court, are you not?" She waited a moment for his response before a worried look crossed her features and she sipped lightly at the wine and looked down. "I'm afraid I do not know much of this country's social dance or the culture. My heart is heavy in thinking that I should make any sort of misstep. Would you be so kind as to teach me some of these steps so that I may better present myself to your excellent people?" She looked back up at him and offered one of her charming and kind smiles. It was not a lie that she was not familiar with Astarian customs and she was sincerely hoping this man, or any person, might teach her some of the things deemed important.

interaction

Interacting with: @The Wyrm briefly and @cerozer0