Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all)

Subject: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 12:00 am

Shi-Hao Ni Kaihua	The gardens in the upper ring of Ba Sing Se were lush and beautiful this time of year. Many families, couples, and even single men and women gathered there during the early evenings, when the air had begun to cool. To accommodate them, lanterns were lit along walkways and in trees, giving the outdoor gardens a golden glow. A young woman entered the gardens, stepping along the first path. Her short hair - shorter than several of the men's hair - was at odds with the latest fashion, but her summer gown fit in perfectly with this crowd; cream colored fabric composed the base of the dress, and gold thread accented it, matching her bag as intended. Moving away from the largest of the groups, she walked slowly and carefully into the gardens proper, looking up at the flowering trees. Once she was able to step off the path, Shi-Hao gave a soft sigh, reaching up to brush a hand through her hair. Though she had no choice, she resented having to come here, tonight, when she could be at the Copper-Clawed Mole. Lamenting her lost bets for another moment, she continued along slowly, merely wandering within sight of those who were supposed to see her here.
Proper and Polite Healthy	N/A

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 1:52 am

Zhin Lyautey	The nobility of the Earth Kingdom was similar to that of the Fire Nation except perhaps slightly less posh. Fire Nation nobility was a serious matter. the Earth Kingdom seemed just a little bit more laid back about it. Then again, maybe this was just Zhin's perceptions of it. When she was alone, her mind tended to wander onto various subjects and thoughts. Zhin was a thinker. "it is very much the same in many ways, although the colors will forever stand out to me. green certainly serves as a contrast to red here... although I am sure I will not be the only one from the Fire Nation to attend this." she would certainly catch some eyes in her elegant red gown. Similar to the way she dressed on normal occasions, only her head and her hands were really exposed from it. It was not even necessarily that she was afraid of showing skin--she just thought that modest was hottest. It also left more to the imagination. Her long hair hid most of her exposed back, which was showing through the V-shaped back of the dress--or what little of a back it had. on the shoulders of this gown was a light crest of the Lyautey family emblazoned on each side, and some black lines ran down her red sleeves, which ended in golden hems around her wrists. A few elaborate gold and black designs graced the main body of her gown, trailing down a little past her waist, and down her skirts, where a golden-colored hem ended around her ankles. It was not tight, but it did fit a little snugly to her form, showing off some of her curvaceous features. Zhin held a prim and proper stride in her step, and she definitely enjoyed the beauties that these gardens had to provide. They may not have been the ones from the Fire Nation, but to try and compare the two was to try and compare apples and oranges. Both were too different to properly try to match them up. The expression on the pale-skinned woman's face as her elegant black hair cascaded behind her was one of comfort and calm content. She breathed in the air and sighed happily. "this place smells as wonderful as it looks. even the people here are pretty..." she mused to herself, "I should defintiely do this more often... or perhaps... hmm." Distancing herself away from most of the other people, but remaining in sight nonetheless, Zhin pulled put a pencil and paper that she almost always had on her person, and began sketching what she saw, adding her own flares here and there. Even by herself, the girl with the pale skin that nearly shimmered in the moonlight would be noticeable. Add that she was wearing a red dress in a sea of green (both Earth Kingdomers and the flora), and she would be easily spotted.
Mood: Happy Condition: Comfortable	Link:

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 4:53 pm

Shi-Hao Ni Kaihua	The woman in her scarlet dress did, in fact, stand out, even to the reluctant party-goer. The Ni Kaihua widow knew that she had never seen such a dress, or its wearer, in Ba Sing Se before. While her own gowns weren't exactly in the Earth Kingdom colors, they shared the same styles; this guest was very obviously visiting from the Fire Nation, judging by the sleek lines and cut of the red embroidered fabric. Curious, despite her remaining irritation at the event in general, Shi-Hao couldn't help but make her way slowly over to the elegant debutant. She wasn't worried, in the slightest, about some social hierarchy being threatened by this newcomer; if someone wanted to take her place in the standings, that was more than acceptable. No - speaking to this woman would be more interesting, at least, than listening to one of the other Lords prattle on about their heirs, and list all the reasons that made them eligible bachelors, particularly interested in courting the Ni Kaihua estate. Rather than speak immediately, as many of the other socialites would do in the same situation, Shi-Hao remained respectfully quiet, at a slight distance, watching the pencil glide and scratch across the thick fibrous paper.
Proper and Polite Healthy	N/A

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 5:41 pm

Zhin Lyautey	Zhin continued to sketch, using the scenery around her to build the background of her image. This meant that occasionally she would look up to see if there were any notable features. she glanced at the various people as well, although the people she was drawing in the image did not look like either of them. Perhaps there were elements of various suits or gowns in the man and the woman she was drawing, but nothing solely from one design or another. Also present in the image was a little girl in an elegant little gown as well, that almost resembled the one Zhin had on now. There were some of her features in the faces of the man and the woman, both of which had great detail applied to them. If an outsider was to take a guess, it was most likely Zhin's family. After all, she had one, and they were alive and well. It was just that, at nearly 28 years of age, Zhin was well enough on her own. Some called Zhin an introvert, and they were mostly right. She did not prefer huge crowds, but she did not mind small talk or mingling with people for social pleasantries. There were better things she would rather do, and she would rather have intimate conversation with close friends than idle conversation with a group of strangers. Even then though, getting to know someone was not too hard for her. Zhin looked up again to observe her surroundings, and noticed that an Earth Kingdom lady was watching her. It did not bother her, as Zhin was talented enough that she was not afraid to hide her work. She looked back up at the stranger and smiled. "Oh... did I bother you?" she asked. It was not a sarcastic tone, although Zhin was quite competent at such witticisms when she needed to be. She was generally polite though. "This is a beautiful place. I could not help but sketch it." "Call it something of a tradition if you want. I have whole sketchbooks dedicated to this sort of thing... Places I want to see my family in... or perhaps places that I should invite my future family to. I appreciate things of beauty, be they people, places, or things. What better way to capture them than to draw them in something that will last forever?" she stood up, offering her hand in friendly greeting. "I am Zhin Suzume Lyautey. Obviously you can probably tell that I am visiting from the Fire Nation. Are you from around here, by chance?" If the woman just wanted to see her finish the drawing, she would oblige. Otherwise, she might as well try and get to know her spectator. Zhin's Fire Nation heritage was quite clear, with one exception. instead of the brown or amber eyes usually possessed by those from her country (the latter usually only had by benders), Zhin's eyes sparkled a light, brilliant green.
Mood: Happy Condition: Comfortable	Link:

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:11 pm

Shi-Hao Ni Kaihua	"I am Shi-Hao, of the Ni Kaihua family," She answered easily, reaching out to take Zhin's hand gently, observing the social niceties, though she didn't shake, but released it a moment later, "I am born and raised of Ba Sing Se." Then, in answer to the previous question, "No, I was not bothered, merely curious; you have not attended the evening garden party before, and your dress is quite beautiful." Even while everything that she said was true, and her friendly smile remained in place, Shi-Hao couldn't stop her thoughts from wandering away from the conversation, and from the gathering entirely. An earthquake, perhaps, would have scattered the guests, but it was sure to be stopped quickly, by the Dai Li, whom would know that it was not a natural shift in the ground. So, she was stuck; but if that was true, she was glad to be conversing with someone new, who didn't know her as the others did. "I have been to the Fire Nation Capitol, only once before," She continued, having paused for only a moment, "It is a beautiful city. I can not imagine why you would journey here, rather than attending a cherry blossom viewing there?" It was phrased as a question, "If they could grow here in Ba Sing Se, I would have them planted all along my estate." The two women were still a little ways away from the largest gatherings, but the rest of the guests seemed to be branching out, now, heading further into the gardens to see the night-blooming flowers.
Mood: Proper and Polite Condition: Healthy	N/A

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:14 pm

Chiyo Tenshi	Reaching up on her tip toes, Chiyo planted a kiss on her father's chin, smiling. "I'll be fine; go on, have fun. Explore Ba Sing Se. I'll meet you back at the inn," she said, attempting to get rid of him. Akiyo hesitated for a moment, glancing around, and looked back at her with more words in his eyes than his mouth. "Go," Chiyo laughed. Her overprotective father sighed, kissing her forehead, and left without another word. Shaking her shoulders slightly, her flowing dress shook with the movement as well, settling when she did. The flowing silk and satin reached the tips of her toes, light blue in color. The design was simple; the collar of her dress was a large circle that rested on the edges of her shoulders, showing much of her back and a bit of cleavage as well. Her bronze skin was silky soft--if anyone dared to lose a hand to touch. The sleeves stopped at the wrists, draping slightly over her hands; the trim was a mixture of whites, grays, and green in a myriad of color. The skirt was almost plain, merely a cascade of fabric that draped elegantly. All in all, she looked very much like she was gliding as the edge flowed out and away from her with each step; her usual white boots were traded for a pair of white ballet flats. Her hair was very different from the way it was normally though; for once, it was down. No elaborate twist, no braids, no beads. The deep brunette color with undertones of red and light brown (courtesy of her recent exposure to much more sunlight) hung lightly down her back, reaching the middle of her calves; a few strands fell into her face and she moved them easily enough, tucking them behind one of her ears. Walking through the gardens was like being a child again; growing up in the Southern Water Tribe, she was not used to seeing beauty of this sort. Her fingers trailed over leaves and petals as she tried to capture the wonderful scent in the air. Chiyo had an extreme love for the South--everything about it was beautiful in a delicate and pristine way (like herself)--but something about being away from her homeland opened her eyes to just how much possibility existed in the world.
M: Delighted C: Healthy	Chiyo Tenshi

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:49 pm

Zhin Lyautey	instantly, Zhin was mentally analyzing everything she could observe about this woman, something she always did when confronting strangers, particularly nobles. Most of her thoughts were most likely just conjectures or theories with no place in truthfulness or reality, but occasionally she got a few good ideas of someone from these observations and mind-wanderings. Zhin gave it a brief shake, releasing the hand right around the same time that Shi-Hao did. "A pleasure to meet you then." she smiled politely. "The Fire Nation Capital is truly a beautiful place just as Ba Sing Se is. I was born in a city a little ways away from there. Some refer to it as the City of Shula's Fountain." She paused for a moment, further taking things in. "Perhaps it was simply for a change of pace." she said with a cute smile, "I have been to the Fire Nation Capital numerous times... but I have not been to this grand city enough. think of it as a change of scenery being in order. Either way, it was a pleasure meeting you" Zhin was quite okay with the separation from the majority of the crowds. Her final remarks were not necessarily even words of goodbye. "She seems uninterested in either me or simply being here. Perhaps the nobility life is not something she particularly enjoys. It would not be the first time I met someone of that calibur, and to me there is nothing wrong with it. the aristocratic society is one full of secrets and social pleasantries, to name but a few things. it almost sounds like she has something to hide... but perhaps we all do, with our skeletons in our closets..." Zhin glanced around as well, and suddenly noticed a face that she had become very familiar with over the last few months--an independent young girl that Zhin treated as her own daughter. Provided that Shi-Hao did not have any further questions or inquiries, Zhin began making her way towards the younger girl, whom she knew well. Outings like this were certainly more fun when there was someone you knew at them. She took a few steps towards her and away from Shi-Hao (as a natural result was all), and called out to her. "Chiyo!" she exclaimed, opening her arms as if to invite her in for a welcoming embrace, "what are you doing here?" Obviously her tone was not skeptical, but more of the surprised sense of happiness. After all, Zhin was quite pleased to see her here. It also meant that Akiyo was likely either nearby or at least in the city. However, Akiyo was not the only reason Zhin loved Chiyo. The two were very distinct, and Zhin loved them both for completely different and yet similar reasons. Assuming that Chiyo would approach Zhin upon seeing her, Zhin would wrap her arms around the younger girl in a friendly hug. "You certainly look gorgeous tonight." she said with a sincere smile.
Mood: Happy Condition: Comfortable	Link:

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:04 pm

Shi-Hao Ni Kaihua	At first, when Zhin stepped away, Shi-Hao actually felt an uncharacteristic stab of annoyance; her plan, however frail and simple, was falling down around her ears. If the woman left, her only choice would be to go and mingle with the rest of the crowd, and she wasn't sure that she could keep her temper nor mind her manners, this night. She stopped, however, when she noticed the second young lady that Zhin had hailed. The plastered on smile became genuine once again - another new arrival. Again, her origins were very clear; this 'Chiyo' was from one of the two Water Tribes. Her dress was also beautiful, though different from both Shi-Hao's own, and Zhin's too. Deciding to wait nearby, at least for the two women to greet one another, Shi-Hao found herself thinking, a bit more seriously, about her situation. If she was so miserable now, how could she stand ten or twenty more years of this? - Or even longer? Something would have to be done... but not tonight.
Mood: Proper and Polite Condition: Healthy	N/A

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:28 pm

Chiyo Tenshi	Humming a light tune that was perfectly Chiyo-ey (although she caught a few people glancing in her direction more than once) she was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice. "Chiyo!" She immediately looked in the direction, seeing a splendidly beautiful Zhin opening her arms. She rushed forward happily, embracing her. "what are you doing here?" she asked, a little surprised. Chiyo smiled, pulling away. "Well, it's my first time outside of the 'Tribes and I heard about this whole shebang. Dad didn't want to come "meet a bunch of fancy-pants" so I came alone," Chiyo said with a wide smile as her hair fell into her face. She tucked it behind an ear once more, already a little irritated with it. There was a reason she usually left it up. "You certainly look gorgeous tonight." Zhin complimented, and Chiyo blushed deeply. "Thank you! You do too... oh man, if my dad could see you..." she said with a smile, circling her father's beautiful other half. "I like the open back. Subtly sedu'ctive, like you," Chiyo winked when she had finished her examination. Noticing another woman in the background, she nodded towards her. "Is she your friend?" she asked curiously, with a polite smile at the pretty lady with short hair.
M: Delighted C: Healthy	Chiyo Tenshi

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Mon Sep 09, 2013 10:35 pm

Zhin Lyautey	During the moments that Chiyo was in her embrace, Zhin rubbed her back briefly but lovingly the way a mother would rub the back of her child. Pulling back with an equally-sized smile, she could not help but chuckle at Chiyo's witty quip. "Oh, that man..." she shook her head, "he probably would have changed his mind if he knew who you would run into..." "then again, he has not seen me in this dress. perhaps it would be a lovely way to surprise him after Chiyo and I are done with our business here." she thought to herself, "Besides... I do not think that he would be wearing the same thick heavy furs of the 'Tribes up here in the upper ring of Ba Sing Se. He is not the only one that would see visual appeal in the two of us meeting... that is for sure." Zhin kept her thoughts (mostly) civil though, especially because of where she was. That, and Chiyo helped bring her back to reality--although it was not a very big help given the subject. "Goodness... well, perhaps we will have to arrange that then, shall we?" she giggled with a playful wink, "let me know where and when he plans to meet you and I'll be there, unless the two of you had something special planned." It was certainly not that Zhin was looking for a way out of it (quite the contrary in fact), but she knew that until they were fully "official", that there might be a chance at the two wanting some father-daughter time or something. She did not count on it, but did not want to just push herself into the picture without at least an invitation. she smiled at Chiyo's mention of her back. "I like it. most of it is hidden by my hair too, so it stays mostly classy." Zhin did not wear her hair up at all, really. it went a little bit more than halfway down her back, covering most of the exposed. skin. "perhaps it is best that I did not wear the dress with the s.lit on the side." she mentally chuckled to herself, "it might have given Akiyo a nosebl.eed... well, this early in our relationship anyways..." "I don't think friend is the right word just meant. She is a new acquaintance that I just met by the name of Shi-Hao." Zhin explained in response to the other short-haired woman. She did not mean to be rude with this remark, but they had hardly said more than a few sentences to each other, and so it was certainly not enough to magically become friends over. It did not mean that their relationship was negative either though. She too glanced back at the Earth Kingdom woman to see if she was listening in on them or doing something else altogether.
Mood: Happy Condition: Comfortable	Link:

Subject: Re: Beneath the Upper Ring (open to all) Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:17 pm

Shi-Hao Ni Kaihua	"Friend is a strong word," She agreed, "I was simply trying to engage in conversation with one I did not recognize. You, as well, are new to the event, yes? Welcome; and should you be new to the city itself, welcome to Ba Sing Se." Shi-Hao offered an Earth Kingdom style bow to both of the young women, "I hope that you are enjoying yourselves?" She wasn't sure what she felt about these two, but - again - it was better than listening to more of the same old thing from the other party guests. "As I have you at a disadvantage of introduction, Miss Chiyo, my name is Shi-Hao. Pleasure to meet you - the both of you."
Mood: Interested Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

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