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Post by FlyingPanther on Nov 3, 2007 20:27:44 GMT -5
Viviane slithered a little closer to the pond, craning his head to get a better look at some of the fishes that were a little deeper into the pond then just at the surface. He hoped that now that he had been staying so close to them they wouldn't splash about like they had done before. Forunately for him, they had grown slightly accustomed to his presence, recognizing somewhere in their tiny little fish brains that the feminine serpent ment them no harm. At most they swam a little closer to the bottom of the pond.
He was about to make a comment on how the bandersnatches must have had "A rather expencive dinner", when out of the corner of his eye he saw one of the most magnificent Yamabuki Hariwake he had ever seen. "Excellent breeding, indeed! That must be one of Hiro's offspring!" he said pointing to it almost feveriously, as if very good memories were flooding back to him. "She didn't have very many Koi that she named, to many to count with her being a breeder and all. But she had one Hariwake that rivaled all the others...champion show quality he was! Unless he has passed on...I garentee thats one of his offspring...his markings are unmistakibly similar! You could probably win tons and tons of shows! If your into that sort of thing." his last sentence was said with a bit of an appoligetic tone, for speaking with such unbridled excitement. It would be evident that he had been very close with the Pantheress in question, possibly learned a thing or two about koi from her, but unless people were truely interested in the world of Koi...he doubted his excitement came off anything more then childish. He became slightly nervous again...unsure weather to continue the conversation...but there was something that seemed to compell him to speak about it more...
"I'm a fan of the Shusui myself...their slate blue scales are so lovely against the orangey red. Though from the looks of your pond...I get the impression that you are not a fan of blue scaled koi?" he looked back at the pond from the Queen, looking at the rather large amounts of yellow and red. They certainly were lovely...his old friend must have felt horrible about the bandersnatch incident...it looked as if she had truely given him the best of the best....unless her stock had gotten astronomically better since he last saw her.
Then came a question from left feild....well...not completely, but still he had not expected it with all their talk of koi. He looked down at his breast, the bright red 5 stared back at him. He cocked his head a bit. He had never really thought much on the subject before. Most people made him feel so worthless, it would have probably never crossed his mind until the Queen mentioned it this very minute. Could he even increase his rank? Of course he could, but he didn't feel like he could exactly. He had been put down so much that sometimes he felt as lowly as an Ace. It was hard to imagine his rank increasing. "I never really thought of it before....to be honest." he tried to formulate a better answer, thinking hard for a moment before speaking again. "But....now that you've brought it up....it might not be a bad idea. People would treat me better....and I'd get more money from my....erm....job. But...I don't even know how I'd begin to start doing that..." he scratched the top of his head absently with the tip of his tail. He blushed slightly as he looked at the Queen, "How would one go about doing that? Would you...." he didn't finish his last question...he wasn't sure if he should either. He wasn't really friends with the Queen at all...the question seemed kind of stupid to him. He blushed a little redder. "...help me?" he said softly, almost wanting to retreat into his coils. The question was definately stupid....why would a QUEEN want anything to do with helping a lowly five?
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Post by The Jenn on Nov 3, 2007 20:54:08 GMT -5
Fino watched the koi in question as he swam circles around the outer edges, his yellow scales gleaming against the white. "I've never thought about showing them. I didn't even realize they were showed, actually. How does one show a fish?" They didn't really do much beyond act as ornaments, did they? He hadn't noticed anything. Perhaps it was a purely visual competition, whichever fish was 'prettiest'. If that was the case, he would probably disagree with the judges and there would be Problems. Hmm.
"The blue is pretty enough in its own right, but not to my tastes, no. Our space for these fish is limited, and I tend to prefer the warmer colors, both as a personal choice and to blend well with the general color scheme of the palace. That particular Yamabuki Hariwake is... probably my favorite, actually. His name is Genji. The only one of two that I've actually bothered to name."
As the serpent began to consider his rank, the Queen looked up from his contemplation of the fish to watch. Most people considered this question at least once in their lives - am I content where I am, or should I try for more? Many chose the former option, as gaining a rank beyond the one given at birth could prove to be challenging and require a certain strength of will or determination. The tentative question made him stare.
Help him? Had this creature, a Five and of another suit, really just asked him for help in raising his rank?
...well. If you were going to ask anyone, a Queen probably knew more about it than most. Though he'd had his own from birth, he had watched many, many others struggle through the process. Or breeze through, depending. "Ah. Well. Perhaps I could give you a few suggestions, if nothing else." He blinked and thought about it for a moment. "You have to actually want it, for one thing. Decide that you're willing to go through the necessary steps to obtain it. Sometimes these steps are nothing more than falling asleep one night with the desire, and waking up the next morning with a sudden increase. Other times, and especially for any face cards, it involves a magical influence."
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Post by FlyingPanther on Nov 3, 2007 21:57:58 GMT -5
Viviane had to admit a certain amount of excitement when it seemed like the Queen was interested in continueing to talk about Koi. Even more exciting was that the Queen seemed interested in showing, or at least what showing entailed. "Oh yes, there are always shows going on! Or at least, when I was young there were many frequently. Ususally it comes in the form of a Koi Convention or a Scheduled Show...though sometimes you can have smaller shows going on at any time, or during really big festivals. Basically each breeder brings their koi in large circular pool like containers, and the judges go around and judge. They judge based on coloration, size, physic, breed, and a bunch of other things I'm not compeltely sure of myself. I only really went to one show actually, my mother forbade me go to any more after that..." his tail coiled nervously around itself. "Isn't lady-like, she said." he blushed, giving away a little more then he really wanted to, and more then he thought the Queen cared about, but he had to explain why he hadn't gone to more then one...
Viviane looked around, at the surrounding area of the pond. He was right, the yellow and red did go alot better then blue ever would, what with all the roses being of those colors as well. The blue would tone it down to much. He looked back at the fish, watching it swim around. "Genji...thats a pretty name...what is the other one you named?" he asked with a smile, finding himself intregued. He had always been curious about his friend's named koi. After all, with so many...there usually was a reason why they were named...either because they won alot of prizes...or because they held a certain sentimental value.
He grew slightly anxious once again when he looked to the Queen to see blinking eyes of astonishment. Had he been out of line? Should he leave? He was suprised not to recieve any sort of verbal punishment for such a stupid question, and instead, met with an actual answer. "You mean....you can really....go to sleep...and wake up a different rank?" he felt childish for asking, but it really did amaze him. Was it really that easy? To just want it badly enough that you could litterally wake up with a different rank? Now he wanted to increase rank, just because he was curious as to if this could actually occur...but could he really do it? He had been supressed for so long...did he really have it in him to attempt to gain rank? He simply wondered, his tail stroking the bottom of his chin subconsciously in thought. "I think I might try....I mean...life could only get better right?" he said with a snakey smile. He began to wonder how much better a life of a whore could get though. Less chances of being rough housed in bed? He could certainly request more money as he grew in rank...that was one plus he was sure of. Hell....why not?
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Post by The Jenn on Nov 4, 2007 13:44:26 GMT -5
Thoroughly distracted now from thoughts of the fish, Fino looked down at the serpent with a bit more interest. He pointed to the largest fish in the pond, swimming near the middle of the bunch, its black, white, and red scales gleaming with health. "Ryo is the only fish to survive the previous assault, and as such, I thought him deserving of a proper name," the Queen remarked. "I don't think I would ever want to show them. I'll leave that to the breeders and enthusiasts. I'd rather simply... watch, and raise my banders. Hopefully without another buffet 'accident' in the near future."
He paused and considered the hesitantly delivered questions, the slow writhe of a serpentine body sparking memories in the back of his mind. Whenever his mother worried, the restless shifting of her coils was the best indication of degree. Of course, she hadn't had fur to muffle the sound. "With rank often comes privilege, yes, or at least increased recognition. Depending on where you live, I'd imagine it could also bring about hostility from those jealous of your good fortune. Of course, you shouldn't be living in such a place as that anyway if you have the need and desire to raise your rank." He shrugged, opinion of the poorer parts of the world quite low. He'd never had to live in such a place, though the courts held their own perils and pitfalls, and were arguably more vicious if you were in the true upper echelon. It all depended on your point of view.
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Post by FlyingPanther on Nov 8, 2007 15:15:43 GMT -5
Viviane watched the fat tricolored Koi as the Queen spoke, feeling a bit of sorrow for it. It seemed so unenthusiastic compared to the other fish, or maybe he was just imagining it. "Ryo must be sad that his old friends are gone." he said with a bit of a snakey frown. Maybe Viviane cared about Koi a little to much, that or submerced in so many memories of his childhood he was regressing slightly. Or maybe his comment was valid enough. Who knew? He seemed to snap out of his trance suddenly and noded his head, "Showing them can be alot of work. It also means you have to pay alot more attention to them, make sure they don't get sick or accidently hurt themselves and damage their scales and the like. It can get very stressful."
With a small smile he looked back to the pond, watching the fish before once again turning his head back to the Queen. Again his tail coiled around itself. "Well...if you would like....I can always come by every now and again and make sure no one gets to them on my free time? I'm afraid my job is....eh....engaging...but I get breaks every now and again! I wouldn't want them to get eaten by your banders again." he gave a small hopeful smile. It didn't take very much for Viviane to like anyone. He was a kind soul. He had to admit to himself that he didn't really have very many friends, and a world full of possible enemies and/or aggressors. While he truely wanted to come and take care of the fish, there was a part of him that wanted also to see the Queen again, maybe become better friends?
When the subject came back to rank...he began to wonder. A great deal of his friends were those within the gang. They all tended to be of a lower rank...except maybe Mehen...who could easily attempt to join this very court if she wanted to. Despite being a whore...she had a great deal of class to. It was her that he was thinking about when he thought about raising his rank. She got a hefty sum of money from her...employeers...and she was a charitible person despite the way she acted. Alot of her money went into helping Roxanne gain that strip joint. But the question was.....were his friends going to be jealous of his achievements? He couldn't imagine they would be, the gang was like a family, they all supported eachother. But still...there was a bit of lingering doubt. "I hope that where I live is not as you say. It would be....very upsetting." he said simply...looking back at the koi and trying not to think upsetting thoughts.
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Post by The Jenn on Nov 12, 2007 7:27:17 GMT -5
"I... haven't the faintest," Fino replied to the unusual comment. Sad that his friends were gone. Could fish feel sad? He watched the large, fat koi swim for a moment and saw no difference, other than a slightly more languid motion. That could just as easily have been due to size or age, however, couldn't it? "And that sounds like far too much work for someone with other hobbies outside of fish."
For all that he seemed a little strange, at least the snake acted genuine in his kindness. Perhaps he was a bit simple? It wouldn't surprise the Queen. Everything pretty had its flaws, and being so low in rank might only be one of the serpent's. "You are welcome on the grounds whenever you wish, of course, provided that you don't cause any disturbances. If it amuses you to check in on the fish, then I'm certainly not going to say anything to hinder you. I don't exactly have time to do so as often as I would wish."
He didn't know about the snake's circumstances and certainly wouldn't have guessed correctly if asked. Such occupations rarely crossed his mind as being true 'jobs'. "Wherever it is you stay, these gardens are always open to visitors during the daylight hours. What should I call you should I happen to run across you again?"
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Post by The Jenn on Nov 21, 2007 15:19:33 GMT -5
Jenn and FP both receive 1 token each, to be redeemed in Ashwin's Shoppe.
This will automatically be added to your recorded totals in the shoppe.
Congratulations, and keep up the good RP!
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Post by FlyingPanther on Dec 1, 2007 17:15:02 GMT -5
The snake noded. It Koi keeping generally was a lot of work if it was more then just pretty fishies in the pond for anyone. It could get very stressful and consuming. He didn't blame the Queen at all for not taking more interest in it, though he did have absolutely marvelous fish. That one offspring of Hiro he was sure would bring in tons of awards if the Queen only had the time or the want. Though he supposed that the Queen got lots of things anyway. What would he need an award that said his fish was the best for? Simply knowing that he had the best was probably enough, and Viviane could see that it was secretly satisfying.
He could have leaped in happiness, when the Queen said he was welcome to come and check on the fish periodically, and the glee showed clearly on his features, well maybe to a fellow reptile anyway. He knew that the ponds were open to anyone and everyone, but helping to take care of them was a different matter all together. "I won't let you down." the serpent said in his excitement, though the Queen hadn't even really given him a job so much as offered to allow him to do so if he really wanted to. Nonetheless, the snake was glad to be of service to someone like Fino.
He suddenly realized he had never said his name. He blushed a furious crimson in his utter humiliation. "Oh! How rude of me! My name is..." he stopped suddenly in midsentence. How was he going to explain his name? He looked at the bushes where he came from, then back to the Queen. Maybe it was best...just to take his leave after he gave the man his name...that way...he wouldn't have to worry about being asked about it. "It's Viviane." he said, inching his way backward. "I'm afraid I have to go...but...It was...the greatest pleasure meeting you...Your Majesty. he bowed his head and nervously slithered through the bushes. He would come another day...
Or night.
Ever since that one cat had come and eaten that fish, he had grown worried. He hadn't seen the queen since, but he hoped that the Queen wouldn't be to cross with him. He had, afterall promised to take care of the fishes, and...failed. He was so embarrassed, and now he was coming at night. Didn't he say that at night it was not ok for him to come? Or maybe he had been imagining he said that. After all...it wouldn't hurt to just check on them right?
He slithered through the bushy gates as he usually did, unknowning what he would find on the other side, other then maybe the pond.
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Post by The Jenn on Dec 1, 2007 17:32:10 GMT -5
Though he didn't often venture out of the palace walls at night, preferring the warmth and security of his bed or the body of another, Serafino felt uneasy and restless this evening. Normally at such a time he would seek out one of his Kings, but really, that was part of the problem, wasn't it? Damn it.
Instead he stood by the small pond nearest the palace walls, watching his fish swim around beneath the moonlight and holding a tired Sultana in his arms. She was heavy, but that was fine. He was more than used to hefting Marie and if he could swing a double-sided axe for as long as he could, holding up a heavy bander for a little while would be fine. Besides, she was warm in the crisp night air, a comforting weight against his chest, and he didn't mind the small effort of hefting her from one side to the other every so often.
He'd been outside for perhaps fifteen minutes when he heard a rustling in the bushes not far off and raised his head, silent contemplation pushed to the side in a moment's curiosity. When a spiked serpentine head appeared, distinctly familiar despite it being some time since he last spied it, he raised his eyebrows and tried to remember the name the snake had given him right before slithering off. 'Snake' simply wouldn't do if he could place the male. It had started with a 'V'. Viv... Vivi? Viviane? Yes, he thought that was in.
Tucking his bander more securely in place, he narrowed his eyes to see better in the gloom. "Viviane."
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Post by FlyingPanther on Dec 1, 2007 22:14:37 GMT -5
Viviane went through the bushes, to find the Queen on the other side, staring into the darkened moonlicked pond. Did the Queen go out to see the fishes often at night? He seemed a little...upset possibly? Troubled, maybe. But that couldn't be could it? Sure, the Queen probably had a lot of troubles in the court, what with being the ruler and all, but enough to send him out into the night's chill? Viviane couldn't help but feel a bit concerned. Though his worried look turned into a smile once the Queen had spoken his name. He actually remembered? They had only really met once and he remembered? He hadn't expected the queen to remember his name, after all, he was a lowly five. He probably would have expected him to say 'snake' far sooner then Viviane.
He slithered his way closer, the fur along his belly sighing with his s-curve movements along the grass. "Good Night, Your Majesty...I hope you are doing well?" he said, hinting that had seen the Queen slightly upset moments before, and was hoping to ask him what was wrong without outrightly pointing it out. He slithered close by, giveing enough space between himself and the Queen, looking into the pond, then back at the Queen. "They have been doing lovely by the way...except one." he cringed slightly. "Which I regret to inform you about..."
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