Cosmos Spread Out Before Us
For Nephele
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#1

Jiao

Despite the fact that she loved it, Jiao rarely came to the observatory. Maybe it was to keep it special, a rare treat that made the days she visited feel like periods of inspiration rather than simple routine. For she truly did love it; to see the stars was to feel the only inklings of spirituality she ever did - the only place she regularly prayed was the shrine here.

After her prayers she had sat, staring up at the sky. She didn't really know what she was waiting for - a sky whale, perhaps. But she was content to just sit and stare, mind for once blissfully blank. No ideas for dresses, no judgements for her neighbours or thoughts on the humans.

Just...staring, and sitting, and staring....and...

Jiao fell asleep so gradually she didn't realise it was happening, but sure enough she eventually was laid on the floor of the observatory, starlight illuminating the green shine on her dress (which was beautiful enough to almost distract from the fact she had her mouth open, a soft snoring echoing around the serene enviroment).

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#2
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
Twilight grips the world in its embrace, and with its descent comes Nephele. The night is clear and beautiful, snowclouds absent and stars shining brilliantly down upon their Village. The air is still chilled with the promise of worsening weather, but for now the world is a still lake, and she merely a singular vessel traversing its unbroken surface. The sky welcomes her, the soft beat of her wings accompanying her into the night as she lazily circles over the village. Aimless, but too deeply entrenched in her insomnia to get anything done in the sleepless hours that await her.

So she flies higher, to the tree that towers over everyone and everything in their little home. Reaches out and wraps her hands around the prickling needles that embrace her palm as she sways with the tip of the tree, letting the wind dance with them both. Only when she rips her eyes from the heavens and gazes downward does she become aware of the other lost soul seeking harmony from the tree. Nephele releases the bough she is clinging to, lets gravity pull her body down as she jumps, wings only slowing her descent at the last moment to soften the tap of her feet on the landing of the Observatory.

It's a last moment kindness, a mischievous and amused grin coming to her mouth at the view before her. They've never crossed paths before, but their Village is small, and Neph recognizes the woman sprawled out and snoring beneath the starlight. She hops down from the railing, slinking over to the dark-haired Fae on muffled footsteps, wingbeats sporadic as she sneaks up on the sleeping woman. Only then does she lean down as close as she can get, and whispers; "You're going to catch your deeeaaath," voice singsong and teasing. Perhaps it will awaken her, perhaps not. Nephele would not object to the company, the simplicity of a presence at her side no matter what level of consciousness.
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#3

Jiao

Jiao dreamt of nothing much inparticular, things that she would only remember later as flickers of her shop, dresses, fabrics she couldn't quite pin down the pattern of. At first, the whisper appeared in her mind, a sudden sound breaking the slow and mixed images of her dreams, but she woke up for the latter half. Wide eyes took in the face above her, shocked for two reasons:

1. She had quite literally just woken up.

2. The face staring at her own was rather pretty.

It had been a while since Jiao had been presented with a girl that made her heart skip a beat, but this one certainly did, even after she had woken her up (oh no, had she been sleeping in an embarrassing way? She straightened up and pulled her dress into a more flattering shape, as if it would help to do it now). "Oh, um-- hello! I..ah..it's not that cold." Usually confident, Jiao laughed awkwardly and sat up, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Did you...want to use the Shrine?" Maybe she could make a swift getaway if the other Fae was just here to pray.

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#4
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
Dark lashes flutter on pale cheeks, and Nephele braces her hands on her hips as she leans over the beautiful woman, lips curled in a mischievous smile as consciousness pulls Jiao from her dreams. Dark eyes open, and then open wider. Neph peers down at the other Fae, curtain of copper locks blocking out all but the face of the one laying beneath her, and greatly enjoying the disoriented, sleep-slow surprise that her words inspire. She hops back on nimble feet, wings fluttering in a hum that underlines her bubbling laughter as the dark-haired maiden sits up swiftly, adjusting her dress and stuttering out a response. Her voice is fair and lovely, and Nephele drifts closer, alighting on the balls of her feet for a moment before deciding to sink down and join Jiao on the floor of the observatory. Crosses her legs and leans into Jiao's space, flexible and sinuous, intrigued by this girl before her.

"Darn, you stole my opportunity to ask if you wanted to huddle for warmth," she says sweetly, coyly. Laughter curls under her tone, clearly teasing, but her hazel eyes are appraising and her cheeks perhaps a tad pink. Jiao is not the only one taken in by the beauty of the woman before her. Humming at the silent offer to make way for Nephele to pray, the Fae hums and tilts her head up to gaze at the distant stars for a moment. Then she cuts her gaze back to Jiao, biting her lip and smiling perhaps a tad shyly.

"Not tonight." Nephele was not the most faithful of the Fae, either because of her scientific proclivities or because she had never really been raised to pray 'officially'. It was more of an individual act for her. Plus, Jiao was far more interesting and appealing than religious inclinations. One leg unfurls from where she sits, stretching out boldly to barely graze past the other woman's closest leg. "Say, what's your name? I'm Nephele," she breathes, enamored by the colorful decoration the woman wears, the easily flustered countenance. Her eyes gleam with interest, with the desire to poke and prod and dissect, to see what other delightful reactions she can cause.
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#5

Jiao

Nephele seemed to want to stay around her, not go to the shrine; Jiao, who had very few friends in Sidhe, was surprised by this. When Nephele spoke of huddling for warmth she let out a very undignified, embarrassed laugh, one that spoke very plainly of her sudden crush. "Maybe...if it gets colder."

It had been a long time since Jiao had met someone she was instantly attracted to, and it seemed like all her usual pomp and confidence flew out of the window. She smiled and looked away as Nephele's leg touched her own. The interest was returned, it seemed, which made the situation all the more wonderful but terrifying.

"Jiao. You might have seen my shop, down in the Bodega. The one with the nice clothes." She pointed out. Not the one a few doors down that seemed to specialise in boring things coloured like dung. "What do you do around here, Nephele? ...You have a pretty name." Jiao smiled, trying not to make it too obvious she was trying to flirt.

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#6
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
The beautiful girl's surprised laughter makes Nephele preen a little, pleased with the reaction. She admits to being a little too scientific with how she pushes buttons and plays with reactions, but there is sincerity behind her curiosity here. She is quite attractive, making Neph's own cheeks take on a soft rosey hue, and her simplistic kindness settles the more competitive part of the taller Fae. Her hesitant flirtations only make the deal all the sweeter, and her eyes go half-lidded, tongue darting out to wet her suddenly dry lips at the idea. "Then let's hope for more snow," she hums softly.

And though she hasn't waited long, it seems like a victory to be told her name. Hazel eyes drag slowly, intentionally, down the beautiful fabric Jiao is wearing, before turning an appraising look to her face. "They are quite beautiful. I'll have to come and let you outfit me, I may know my way around hair but I'm hopeless with clothes." She preferred utility over fashion in her line of work, but the idea of being as beautiful and eye-catching as Jiao was certainly appealing. And if it meant letting the seamstress touch her gratuitously in order to get Neph's measurements well...that would just be a bonus.

The compliment catches her entirely off guard, and her confidence in the situation rattles as her cheeks darken and she shifts her gaze away. Eriadne had always been her delightful competitor, compliments were few and generally teasing, she'd certainly never experienced a sincere one. And from a truly gorgeous stranger at that. "Ah, thank you," she murmurs shyly, one hand lifting to fuss with her braid habitually. "I'm a botanist and I've been dabbling with engineering. I haven't set up a shop yet, but I'd like to someday. Offer tinctures and salves, perhaps make some environmentally friendly structures and machines." Nephele's voice goes a little dreamy, imagining all the things she has wanted to build and create but hasn't yet dared to.

But Jiao is here now, and far more intriguing, and so she adjusts her priorities back to getting to know her better. "Do you pray here often?" Perhaps it would be a good reason to come here more often, if she would be able to see Jiao.
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#7

Jiao

"I heard someone say there was going to be plenty this week." Jiao smiled, tucking her skirts neatly beneath her legs, very pleased indeed with how this conversation was going.

Nephele's hair was indeed beautiful; Jiao had always had hair that looked fine without her doing anything to it, so she was accustomed to leaving it be, long black lines framing her face. Perhaps they could have an equal exchange, Jiao measuring Nephele for intimately fitting clothes if Nephele would run her fingers through Jiao's hair. "You could come by anytime. With such a pretty face I think I'll have plenty that'll suit you."

"Oh, a botanist? That must be interesting. Sell a tincture to me." She requested, chin in her hands and a cheeky smile on her lips.

As for praying... "No. I don't pray much at all. But I did just speak to Safrin." Jiao told Nephele proudly, clearly thrilled at having spoken to the Goddess.

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#8
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
"Lucky us," Nephele says, voice going soft and low as she lets the words curl in the disappearing space between them. She is a scientist, and she desperately wants to get her hands on this lovely specimen. Whether it's curiosity, or the romantic notions she has buried of love at first sight, or simply lust of an untouched woman in her prime Nephele isn't sure. Doesn't care enough to consider it just yet lest she appear uninterested.

Not that Jiao was only interesting in appearance, her wit returning to her as the time passed, and soon it was Nephele being pushed back onto unsteady ground at the smooth compliments passing through fair lips. "I'll trust you to dress me in whatever you'd like," she assures, ignoring her darkening cheeks. Her smile is more sincere, her posture loosening as comfort and relaxation seep into her limbs. There's no threat here, merely gentle flirtations and pleasant shared company. The Blight has made her edgier than she normally is, and it's nice to settle into the playful rapport they've created.

"There's nothing I could sell you that would perfect you more than you already are." A winsome grin, a twirl of hair around her finger, idle expenditure of energy that hums in her veins at this teasing. It's true however - Jiao is quite beautiful, and seems in perfect health. No cream, lotion, or salve could improve upon her natural charm and attractiveness in Nephele's opinion.

But a goddess. Now that's interesting. Nephele sucks in a swift breath and leans forward, heedless of the space she is invading, and reaches to boldly clasp at both of Jiao's hands if she will let it happen. "Oh, you can't leave me hanging like that! Tell me about it!" Neph was not particularly religious, but she desperately wanted to know about the Gods nonetheless.
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#9

Jiao

"I think I'd choose something in a soft, dark green, with a golden highlight." Jiao thought out loud, looking Nephele over. "It would compliment your hair - and with all Fae I try to make clothes that would look good when flying; I suppose if I do start making clothes for humans I don't need to do that..." The little tangent made her frown, the first time she'd thought about the actual logistics of making human clothing.

She huffed out an embarrassed laugh as Nephele complimented her. "Well thanks, but don't you have anything that'll just make me feel nice or relaxed? Or do you only sell to ugly people?"

Her hands were suddenly clasped and Nephele leaned in and Jiao felt a little rise in her chest, delight at the enthusiasm shown by the woman. "Okay, okay! I asked her about other races - you know, other than human or Fae. And she said there are Giants, and Mermaids and Devils and Ogres! Isn't that exciting? She wouldn't tell me if I'm going to meet any, though."

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#10
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
"I'll take your word on it. I'm sure it'll be lovely, you'll have to tear it off me to get me into anything else if what you're wearing is an example." And if her words are intentionally pointed, there's nobody but Jiao here to judge her for the blatant come-on. But the mention of humans intrigues her, flirtations temporarily forgotten as she leans forward into the grips of her curiosity. "What do you think of them? The humans." Her own feelings are convoluted at best, but Nephele is far more curious about them than most Fae. She knows it's dangerous, but they are a puzzle she desperately wants to get her hands on. And each person is just a jigsaw of their own creation. Annoying or interesting, kind or cruel. As mottled and varied as the Fae.

Her laughter rocks her back, out of Jiao's personal bubble. "Ugly people certainly make me more profit!" Her smile is bright and amused, bereft of the usual glamor and shine that blinds and distracts people away from her sincerity. "I can definitely give you something to relax. Moisturizers, bath additives, steaming packs...just say the word." Nephele would happily gift them to Jiao, but bartering for beautiful clothes is definitely an avenue to explore.

Nephele listens, enraptured, as Jiao recounts what the Goddess had told her. So many different races! Species? What were the physiological differences? Where did they exist? There was so much outside the Greatwood, and in spite of the blasphemy her thoughts would constitute as, Neph can't help but long to explore those untouched realms. "Amazing," she breathes, awed and excited in equal measure. "You're so lucky!" Perhaps she should change her stance on prayer...
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#11

Jiao

"I don't ever rip my own dresses. Not even for you." Jiao replied, firm but with a smile, having fun with the banter.

As for the humans... "I don't know. At first I thought they all kind of sucked." She laughed, hand over her mouth, a little embarrassed at the callous admission in front of someone she wanted to impress. "But I've met quite a lot of them now...and while some of them definitely do, I don't know...one of them let me do his hair and makeup and he looked better for it. One of them tried to impress me with a flying horse...even if he fell off."

She studied Nephele's features as she spoke, trying to gauge a reaction. "Safrin said there are good humans. She mentioned...Ronin, I think? But the Ascended...they're the ones who started the Blight. I don't think I've met any. Have you?" Jiao imagined them to be evil looking monsters, bent over and fanged.

"You think I need moisturiser?! She gasped with fake offence, touching at her cheeks to make sure they weren't flaking off. "Something relaxing though...that might be nice."

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#12
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
Nephele's lip pushes out in a pout at the rebuke, though her hazel eyes are still bright with mirth. "I suppose I'll just have to strip for you myself then," she purrs, feeling bold with this beautiful girl promising her wonderful gowns and keeping her company beneath the stars. It's quite romantic, and while Nephele is only so confident when she's the one initiating, she can't help but be glad she found her way here tonight regardless of how flustered she may eventually become.

"I understand. I've met a few good ones, which is...perplexing. But if Safrin says there are good ones, maybe we were wrong?" A frown here, contemplating the idea that perhaps their prejudices were ill-placed. It's scarcely believable, but that's probably to be expected with how long they've lived in isolation, keeping all others at great distance. She still can't help how her skin crawls when she remembers the Blight, the infection that nearly stole her sister and her home. All because of the Ascended, but so easily lumped into a generalized category of humans. Perhaps she's not so ready to forgive yet. "No, I don't think I've met an Ascended yet. And probably a good thing, if they are the source of something as terrible as the Blight."

It's a dark turn to the conversation between them, and one Neph doesn't want to continue. So when Jiao gasps and touches her cheek, dramatic and charming, Nephele laughs and takes the distraction in hand. Lifting one hand slowly, allowing Jiao to lean away if she desires, and reaching to stroke the backs of her fingers across the woman's cheek. An impish smile, a slow caress of her hand, and then she withdraws. "Hmm, nope, still soft! But I can help you keep it that way." And if she'd prefer a relaxing blend of herbs and oils, well, Nephele would deliver on that as well.
Jiao Chen
Seamstress

Age: 53 | Height: 4'6" | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 3 - Strg: 12 - Dext: 12 - Endr: 11 - Luck: 14 - Int:
Played by: lancydulac Offline
Change author:
Posts: 271 | Total: 8,707
MP: 0
#13

Jiao

Well. That was definitely more forward than they'd been so far. Jiao placed fingers to her lips, which bent into a smirk. "I can't wait." She replied, through her giggles; all confidence flew out of the window when a cute girl was actually offering to strip for her.

"...Probably. It's just...with Delah and everyone else, sometimes I feel like it would be very unpopular in Sidhe to say you like some of the humans." She spoke quietly, looking around as if she was going to be jumped on by hundreds of angry Fae right that second. "Though some things about them have to be right, if some of them caused the Blight. It's hard to know." Jiao shrugged.

The hand on her face was a markedly further progression of what was happening between them. Jiao didn't know if this was all rather too fast, but she had so missed this kind of attention. Her fingers came up to trace where Nephele had touched and she looked down to the ground, cheeks flushed. "Maybe I could come and see you sometime soon. Whereabouts in the village could I find you?"

Tired little laughs,
gold lie promises,
We'll always win at this,
I don't ever think about death
Nephele Amoret
the Meadowhawk


Age: 60 | Height: 5'0 | Race: Fae | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Greatwood
Level: 3 - Strg: 11 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 3 - Int:
Played by: Brit Offline
Change author:
Posts: 248 | Total: 6,168
MP: 0
#14
NEPHELE
down in the forest we'll sing chorus
Nephele's grin is wide and bright as Jiao's giggles flow forth, effervescent and enrapturing. Her own cheeks are a little pink, but she can excuse them and their outward betrayal. The risk had been worth it, and perhaps Jiao would be willing to see her again after tonight. Put that particular plan into action.

Of course, mentioning Delah isn't exactly the sexiest thing in the world - she's absolutely gorgeous don't get her wrong - but she doesn't mind the change in tone. "Mmm, unpopular probably. But Arduinna was of an opposite mind, for example. I think, so long as we're cautious, there's no harm in trying to determine the good from the bad." A healthy dose of skepticism could go a long way of course, but perhaps...they weren't all bad. Just as Nephele couldn't stand some of the Fae, surely there were humans out there who were redeemable. Victims of circumstance instead of active threats against the Sidhe.

"I don't have a store set up - not yet at least - but you can usually find me in the Undercroft. I've been transcribing the old books there, adding new information from my research..." A shy look crosses her pretty features, gaze dropping from Jiao. It's not nearly so fanciful and immediate as what Jiao does for the Fae, but at least it's promising that the woman would like to seek her out again.


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


RPG-D