Private Barracks/Imperial Condos Chevalier Exotique

[Tal'Rakan]

Tal'Rakan was suddenly very popular after the events at the Opera. Apparently a lot of beasts of various social strata were thrilled to have such exotic guests and with his fighting he was also mystified among many. He loved the attention and it also did apparently help a lot with getting information and talking with more and more officials. He still awaited invitation to Ministry of War, one where he would politely put down his offer of strategic alliance. One that Land of Phoenixes needed but couldn't show that it was because they were backwards nation.

It was a surprise that one day, a mouse with a cloak and a bow awaited him in front of the boat of his expedition by the morning. She gave him an invitation to meet a minister of Niceties. He had not too much knowledge about what this one did exactly as he had focused on War and Misanthropy first. All he knew was that they were leading entertainers. Of course, in this land it could mean anything, but considering that their leader was just exploded in the Opera? Definitely there was something shady going on.

Donning his most elaborate clothing, his silver plumed crown, feathery cloak of blue and red held by golden wire, loincloth made of red silk and a lot of jewellery on his arms and legs alike. He dressed to impress, as a Diplomat should've. He felt after all it would be most appropriate to show flamboyance to the potential High Priestess that managed local Entertainers.

Both his size and his outfit turned heads as he passed the streets assisted by the rat archer. She too was throwing glances at him which the lynx had spotted, albeit wasn't sure what was their cause in her case. Not too long of a walk later, he was already at the doors of the Minister of Niceties, Orina Emberkin. He boldly entered her office after the rat, who promptly left.

And spotting the Squirrel, he have his most elaborate bow, one that used his cloak to form an illusion of wings under his arms, head kept low in a position of a predatory bird diving at their prey. "In the name of Phoenixes, I Tal'Rakan, first claw of the Phoenixes. Their Tlamatki iuiistemeh and appointed diplomat to this land stand at your call. I prow my head to you Hikh Priestess."

@Orina Emberkin

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Summoning the diplomat had been a strategic move on Orina's part, both one for her Ministry and for potential personal gain. His actions at the Opera had not gone unnoticed, nor had his movements and various meetings throughout the Harbor. It was difficult for a cat of his size and appearance to not draw attention. Her Stealthblades had provided her with a report on him, and what Dusk had told her of her own meeting with the cat had piqued her interest.

Despite that her life had been a whirlwind since Kilaris was killed, she had made preparations for it, having put a great deal of work into ensuring as smooth a transition as possible into the Ministerial position. Though her schedule was filled to the brim with meetings and paperwork, she had made it one of her priorities to solidify connections with foreign agents who had the potential to bolster her own power and interests. Additionally, there were several particular rumors about this particular diplomat she was personally interested in finding out the veracity of.

When he entered her office, his presence filled the space. It was not just his size, but his bearing and style that Orina could not help but find herself intrigued by. Time and interaction would tell where that intrigue led, however.

She stepped out from behind her desk and returned his bow with her own. "Tal'Rakan, you honor me with your presence. I am Orina Emberkin, Minister of Niceties. I have heard about you from the Minister of Misanthropy, and your actions at the Opera have already become well-known amongst my Unsmudgables. I regret I did not get to fight alongside you that night. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today. I look forward to our discourse."

 

[Tal'Rakan]

The Lynx was positively surprised to talk to someone militarily inclined. Sure, some Entertainers back home were training arts like blade or spear-dancing. Some also used bows in very artistic ways. In the recent civil war they took actual part in fighting but they were usually not to willing to do so. Hence why words that this "Minister" wished to fight alongside him was rather surprising and Tal'Rakan responded to them with confident smile as he rose up and moved closer to the desk with feline and avian grace alike.

"I too look towards it. Entertainer's caste, Mauisoyotlatlayentin, are ones I enjoy my time with. If you, Hikh Priestess Orina, lead them, I am assured our discussion will pre most splendid." He then put a brought casket on the table. "Pry the Phoenixes will, I offer your holiness a few khifts from my homeland." He opened the lid to reveal fruits preserved in chocolate, honeyed nuts, cigars, opium vial and a flute, made of silver and casted to look like the Phoenix.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina did not often feel small. Tall and strongly-built, with some softness that had come about since she had left the field years prior, the squirrel was usually taller or at least equal to beasts around her. As Tal'Rakan approached and came alongside her, she took in his impressive stature and frame from the edge of her vision, leaning over to view the contents of the casket.

"Such a generous offering, thank you." She ran a paw over the silver flute, taking in the fine details of the ornate instrument. "This is a beautiful piece. I am not a flutist myself, my skill lies in the keyboard and pipe organ, but I look forward to hearing the music this produces. I expect it produces a sound as stunning as its appearance."

Opening a paw to one of the cushioned chairs in front of her desk, Orina went to a cabinet on the wall. "Please, sit. I have an offering of my own for our meeting." The squirrel withdrew a glass bottle of amber liquid and two snifters. She set the bottle and glasses on the desk beside the open casket and partially filled each snifter. Offering one to Tal'Rakan, she said, "This is a twelve year vintage from a famed distillery in Amarone."

She swirled the contents of her glass and inhaled the scent of the smooth liquor before taking a sip, eyebrows raised as she watched the lynx overtop the glass.

 

[Tal'Rakan]

After taking a sit, sprawling himself over the chair like the cat he was to get into most comfortable position, taking a sniff, Rakan recognised the drink. It was called Brandy here and he couldn't say a bad word about it. As expected, leader of Entertainers caste was laid-back, not as pompous or formal as the religious leader Dusk. He thus didn't hesitate to take a generous sip himself to please his palate. "Ahhh, a fine drink indeed. And apolotchies for prinkhinkh an inadequate instrument. We have no pipe orkhans as you call them. I saw the first ones at the opera. I shall rectify this after I khet to come prack to my homeland. The flute however, I hope will pre enjoyaprle. We seem to have different tuninkh than you do so it may pre unusual to use." The lynx elaborated, knowing that cat music was an idiom in his homeland for a reason.

He noticed how the Squirrel was observing him, as per usual he liked the attention. However, even if he got to find enjoyment in this land of anarchy, he was still here with a job. Straightening himself up a bit, he cleared his throat before warmly asking. "How do you wish to commence? I am open to lettinkh this informal atmosphere last, prut I do know you propraprly had summoned me for a fair reason. Of course unless, you have questions prefore that. I am always happy to answer and do some cultural exchantche."

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina leaned back in her chair, smiling. She raised her glass towards the cat. "Cultural exchange is exactly what I summoned you here for. It is the business of my Ministry to understand and be able to navigate the complexities of culture. As the Imperium has expanded its reach, we have come into contact with a variety of cultures, yours included. I regret that the initial contact of our beasts with yours was a contentious one. I am glad, however, that you made the choice to reach out to us in a spirit of learning and exchange so that we can find a mutually beneficial existence." The squirrel took another sip of brandy, mulling her next words.

"You will find me less formal and more straightforward than Minister Rainblade, so please, let us continue with our informalities." Her smile took on a mischievous character as she quirked a brow. "Tell me more about the Entertainer's caste that you compare my Ministry to; I'm curious to know the parallels that exist in another land."

 

[Tal'Rakan]

Tal'Rakan was glad to hear the desirable way of conducting this conversation. Straightforward, informal and it being an exchange. After a one long sip again and relaxing his posture again fully, he chuckled at the request just as much as the mischievous curiosity that flashed in Minister's smile. Definitely he was at the right place today.

"Prut of course. I do know not how much of the overlap there is, so excuse me if I am statinkh what is oprvious to you." He remarked and took a sip to moisturise his maw for the longer explanation. "The Entertainer caste consists of families and preasts who were khifted pry the Phoenixes with understandinkh of the art and joy alike. Third Incarnation of Phoenixes estaprlished it out of various entertainers who at the time served them personally. Musicians, actors, acroprats, duellists, athletes, escorts, puppeteers, comedians, jesters, dancers, poets... and any other function that you can imatchine that prinkhs preauty and joy to eyes, ears or flesh. Those all were made into a caste with one solemn duty. To provide freely their services to all. Entertain the masses and the elites with their work. Pre accessiprle and availaprle at any time to any preast. It is their responsiprility to ensure no preast walks khloomy or upset as they often to provide welfare when needed. Truly endless are their coffers as ones like me pay tchenerously for their services, equalisinkh the costs they take to serve the poor. Prut I personally take no offence. Phoenixes call for each preast to enjoy themselves, thus I never stint on the pleasures of mind and flesh this caste has to offer."

After a soft sigh, followed by the last sip that emptied his glass, he changed his position to be more forward with the Minister. "Prut I would pre a fool to not mention also that they are a political tool and powerful khroup. They are loved pry the masses and thus hold khreat influence upon them. Also, providinkh joy to all, means they also khet to keep a close contacts with all. Those at the top like me, know that they are keepinkh an eye on the whole society. Priefly dealinkh with minor dissent, pre it persuasively or not as well as spyinkh on all important preasts. They are keepinkh everyone occupied with pread and circuses, while also knowinkh who is causinkh proprlems and swiftly dealinkh with them. Hence why I cooperate with Entertainers so khreatly. Their service to the Phoenixes khoes far preyond their oritchinal duty now and I would never oppose Phoenixes... nor would want to wake up with a knife in my throat from a courtesan." He finally finished, his smile never dropping. After all, nothing was really just a positive. The lynx however, in their knowledge, knew how to play the game the caste of entertainers was.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina flicked her tail and nodded at the tomcat's conclusion. "Wise of you to respect such beasts, really. It is a powerful class of beasts who holds such sway over the culture of a country, much less has a paw on the pulse of the masses. My Ministry has many parallels, it seems. We do uphold the value of many of the finer things in life, for if we did not, it's likely the Imperium would not be where it was today in terms of cultural and technological advancement. Ensuring the existence of the state is more than simply wielding military might, after all. A great deal of progress can be made without wielding a weapon, but rather through other means such as a well-placed monologue in a play or the gentle words of an escort." She pushed the bottle of brandy towards Tal'Rakan, noting his empty glass.

"You say you are at the top of the systems of power in your lands. How did you come to be in that position?"

 

[Tal'Rakan]

Tal'Rakan gladly poured more brandy, first to fill the High Priestess Orina's glass before refilling his own again. "Well said really, Phoenixes hesitate not to use their talons to cut down their enemies, yet staprility of the realm was pruilt on making an orderly system where each of their children could fit." He took a sip and moved his paw to fix his long headfur, gathered into a ponytail and hidden with the crown and feathers attached to it.

"I am a khreat example of this. I was prorn a serf, to family of serfs. Yet I cannot say I ever knew poverty as I seen in those lands. I khot educated, had enoukh food and water, access to amenities, entertainment, sports, medicine. All while livinkh in a small villatche of few hundred that khrew rice. Most of it comes from the communal ties much stronkher than what I saw here. I cannot say I knew the meaninkh of private property durinkh those years after all. Prut it was the work, at the time, memprers of castes aprove mine that allowed it." The lynx spoke resolutely to explain his origins and to boast about his homeland.

"When the war came, I was levied to fikht for the Phoenixes at atche of thirty four equinoxes and I did so with no hesitation. As it turned out, I was pretty khood at the comprat itself. So much so that I survived and inspired those around me to press on. It was the prattle at Tonatiu Kaxitl where I, the humprle serf, denied the call to retreat and cut throukh enemies to save our leader. I khot elevated to Miktookichtli, warrior caste, khettinkh access to armour, weapons and respect alike. In those eikht years of war, I climpred the ranks. First pry showinkh prowess in comprat and then in tactics and stratetchy as I led my people akhainst the enemies in harsh terrain of my homeland's junkhles, mountains and deserts. Many did call me the sharpest talon in Phoenixes' forces and even prefore the end of the war, I was khiven the title of Tlamatki iuiistemeh, khiven command of the, Ahmiki, first army, makinkh me the most important military fikhure in the whole Land pry their will. At that atchee of just fifty equinoxes, I've reached the peak of what I could in the society the Phoenixes lead." Tal'Rakan finally ended, he avoided giving away that it was civil war that lasted this long as well as avoided mentioning anything he would consider dangerous to his situation. Over all he was quite glad with his own presentation so far, especially as it was a great reason to boast. However, he decided to play nice and not steal all the spotlight for himself out of respect.

"And you If I may ask? Amonkh the entertainers I fikhure you would pre the prest at your art or the one who has many preasts willinkh to act in your name at a sway of your paw accented with a sultry wink. Thoukh, the way you speak of fikhtinkh makes me think if your art isn't one of prladedancinkh, duellinkh or prow artistry." The Lynx mused with interest, leaning in and gazing upon the squirrel with admiration for her physique.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina appreciated a beast who deserved to carry themselves as Tal'Rakan did--not simply all talk and swagger, but with the experience to back up the confidence. That he did not even attempt humility as he listed off his achievements was refreshing. This was a beast who knew himself and his value. Orina found herself becoming increasingly intrigued by him.

She pondered how best to answer his question, not missing his open appraisal of her. Fair was fair, after all, she had not been subtle in how she watched him ever since he had entered the room.

"I was a Rangeblade during my time as an Unsmudgable for Niceties. I suppose you could consider the Unsmudgables the outreach branch of the Ministry of Niceties. Rangeblades are the members of the faction most skilled with the bow, though we have a variety of skills we employ." She leaned down and lifted her pantleg to expose the complex prosthetic leg beneath. "A catastrophic injury took me out of the field, and so I began to learn different arts in the Ministry, namely those necessary to succeed as a political figure and climb the ranks within the various levels of administration."

Orina chuckled, shaking her head. She took a sip of brandy. "Honestly, despite that I was frequently risking my life as a Rangeblade in the field, I found being a politician much more difficult. The games of politics took some learning, but I'm a fast learner."

 

[Tal'Rakan]

The lynx took the revelation with an approving chuckle then followed by observing the metal leg and paw. It was very elaborate, and he was very impressed by it, knowing that his land could offer prettier replacements, but definitely not ones working as well to allow for normal walking. However, it was the beast in front of him that interested him more so he didn't bother much with this line of thought for now. Instead he took on her later words with understanding.

Another sip of brandy later, he had leaned back and inspected his claws on the other paw. "I can't deny I know that feelinkh! Ever since I khot to the top, I sure cannot complain aprout my life, prut I lack the comprat in the fields. I am the only Tlamatki Iuiistemeh who leads while fikhhtinkh alonkhside their own troops. Still, the peace, while khood, left me seekinkh ecstasy elsewhere. I cannot deny that preinkh here, in a land where deadly comprat seems to pre... a daily activity, I am enjoyinkh myself more than when I spent my time repeatedly traininkh myself and my troops. Politics are somethinkh I did learn pry necessity of preinkh the most important military fikhure, second only to Phoenixes. Yet I am khlad that, compared to what I saw here, the political khame is much more... quaint and sturdy. Assassinatinkh someone for their position would pre aprsolutely unthinkaprle in my homeland for it is an affront to those chosen pry Phoenixes to lead. Yet I can see the effectiveness of such methods in this land of anarchy."

He then turned to the squirrel with a wide grin, showing off his fangs, including the one made from metal, it was definitely silver but with a visible blue sheen to it. "Prut now I am intrikhued, I fikhht with the warclaws and can easily keep myself occupied at least with the traininkh, seekinkh fun elsewhere. How is it for you Hikh Priestess? It definitely doesn't sound pleasant to pre fully unaprle to do what one loves the most."

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina could not help but let a flicker of a smile cross her lips at the description of Imperial politics as quaint. She supposed in a place where religion was intertwined with politics, such machinations as what took place in the Imperium would be unheard of. At his question, the squirrel lifted her brow and considered her answer.

"Well, I am not completely cut off from utilizing my talents that I gained with the Unsmudgables. What happened at the Opera House was a notable example of where such skills came into good use. A place like Bully Harbor, one never knows when conflict may arise." She leaned back in her chair, regarding the lynx with a slight tilt to her head, gaze sliding over the glinting fang on full display with his open grin. "However, I would say there are other avenues in which I have found great enjoyment over the years. I am not only a fighting beast--that is merely one of the ways I find joy in life. Music is a passion of mine: I am the preeminent pipe organist in Bully Harbor and among the top pawful in all of the Imperium. Beyond that, let us just say that I have found great enjoyment in a variety of the more carnal pleasures a beast can seek out."

She lifted her glass to her lips and took a long sip. "Niceties does not shy away from such things. A great deal of our politics happens behind closed doors at various events that have a very different and more pleasurable sort of conflict than what was on display at the Opera." The squirrel grinned. "A parallel, perhaps, to what you have described your Entertainer's caste is capable of."

 

[Tal'Rakan]

Tal'Rakan was a bold beast. Not unapologetic, but he was in no way meek. Thus he finished the glass of brandy and put it on the desk that separated him and the High Priestess, leaning in closer. With a dashing smile he mused playfully while brushing his paw through his sideburns. "You aren't wronkh Hikh Priestess and I think you would find yourself at home in the Land of Phoenixes in that rekhard. Amonkh the entertainers that serve me as courtesans in my mansion, I am sure most of them have orders to spy on me. One of my mates too I suspect of it... prut I have nothinkh to hide before the eyes of Phoenixes, thus i just let them enjoy me, as I enjoy them." There was a glint in the lynx's eye, his hedonistic nature spoke now in his place.

"I was sure to an extent, that it would pre somethinkh I should pre wary of in those lands. Yet so far I don't think I have encountered that here. Was it that you don't see me as worthy spyinkh on? Or is that why you did call me here today..?" He added with velvety voice, flutter of eyes and coyest grin he could make.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

"There are many methods of spying, my friend." Orina smirked with a sultry quirk of her brow to match his coy grin. "Who's to say I didn't ask you here already with the full knowledge of your proclivities? Perhaps, having learned of your tastes through my network of Stealthblades, I thought it would be simple to play with you a bit and learn what I needed."

She leaned forward towards the cat, a conspiratorial glint in her sparkling blue eye. "The question is, are you willing to play, pitting your will and body against mine, knowing that perhaps I have a motive other than just enjoyment of your--" she made a show of looking him up and down, "--exemplary qualities?"

 

[Tal'Rakan]

Standing up and padding around the desk, Tal'rakan was showing no hesitation or shyness at all. After all, he was raised in culture that was, in principle, open to such things. He had more than two parents himself and even then he saw them looking for fun elsewhere at times. Not all children of the Phoenixes did that, but it was his personal preference and as per their decree, Phoenixes allowed for each beast to love in any way they wanted.

Here however, he wasn't at home. He was at foreign, anarchic land. There was little he knew about it still, but there were exactly two languages he found universal between any beasts.

One of violence and one of lust.

"Am I willinkh to play you ask? I think you know the answer already Hikh Priestess... Prut I am to warn you. I am a prattle-tired stratetchist. Try all you can, prut I am difficult to outmanoeuvre..." He added with voice dripping with unrestrained hunger, towering over the squirrel with predatory gaze.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

Orina stood. While she came only to the big cat's chest, the squirrel did not back down from his posturing. She felt the thrill of being so close to a predator such as him coursing through her. It was something she discovered when she was much younger: the sensation of being hunted was altogether thrilling and arousing, what ought to have been primal terror churning inside her turning into an entirely different experience that was altogether pleasurable and intoxicating. They were both right where she wanted them.

"I am a squirrel, Tal'Rakan," she said, looking up with a smirk. "Agility and maneuvering is our specialty."

Stepping back from him, she reached out to the bookcase and pressed in against one of the volumes. There was a click, and a portion of the shelves swung inward. Orina pushed on it, opening a hidden door into a room lit warmly with hanging lanterns. The room had a very clear purpose, what with its various cushioned surfaces and implements adorning the curtain-draped walls.

Orina opened her paw to the room, allowing room for the lynx to pass her by, eyes alight with heat. "After you, Tal'Rakan, first claw of the Phoenixes."

 

[Tal'Rakan]

You needed not to say such things to Tal'Rakan twice.

In fact, after hearing those words and seeing the room, The Lynx needed not to even hear it once. Not that he even could properly understand it. Not in his current state at least.

His mind shut off, allowing for all base instincts of a beast to take over. Glancing upon the room with eyes of a hunter, Rakan knew one things only. That he would explore this place thoroughly. Feel each curtain and silk, test each surface and spot, try each item in the room.

But he would not do this alone, with a primal growl he picked up the beast he would normally revere under the rules of courtesy.

And moving inside the room with them, The lynx was set on ensuring that said reverence would be much more his style.

 

[Orina Emberkin]

This was the kind of diplomacy Orina enjoyed the most. There was a great deal to learn about a beast in such circumstances, and she was keen on learning as much about Tal'Rakan as she possibly could. As she suspected, she was in no way disappointed by the big cat. He was every bit what she expected and then some. And when they finally reached the conclusion of that particular phase of diplomatic relations, the squirrel found herself resting her head upon his shoulder, the dense fur of his face tickling at her ear as they lay together, sated for the time being.

"Well," she began, her tone wry. "I thought I'd experienced most maneuvers under the sun, but you weren't wrong, you are certainly a skilled strategist."