Wild Heart | XIII & Nemopedia

[XIII]

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Hera Cardairil

Gender|Female
Age|Twenty-Two
Birthday|April 13
Birthplace|Seaweth Kingdom, Khailon Empire
Hair Color|Ash Blonde
Eye Color|Blue
Height|5'8"
Build|Slender; toned
Skin Details|Soft as satin and blemish-free. Pale as the moon.
Personality|Hera is a force in itself, head strong and determined, but deceivingly so. The first words used to describe Hera would be 'timid' and 'quiet.' She's more of a calculating type, preferring to watch and listen from the sidelines, but get involved when necessary. She isn't afraid to get down and dirty, happy to pick up a sword to spar with her father, or grab a bag of seed to help replenish the land. Hera is fiercely loyal to those who have proven themselves to her, but is incredibly untrusting to those she first meets.

The girl is always ready for a good adventure, which is exactly what brought her to this foreign land with her father and eventually mother. Her sense of adventure has gotten the girl into trouble one too many times, but her overwhelming sense of justice always brings her back to the present.

Face Claim|Maria Amanda Schuab

Face claim: Zhu Yilong

Rong Zenghui

The youngest brother of the late emperor, and uncle to the current reigning emperor, Zenghui is a man born within the palace intrigue of the empire of Dahai. Born too late to compete with his brothers, but not early enough to be spared the intrigues in competition with his nephews. Zenghui has early on decided to bow out of the politics and devoted himself as a scholar and artisan, much to the displeasure of his mother, the royal concubine. Not that it stopped him from moving out as soon as he came of age.

Gender: Male
Age: 28
Birthday: the 15th day of the 8th month
Birthplace: Yumeng capital city, Dahai empire

Height: 185 cm
Build: Muscular but lean

Title: Duke Rong of the first rank, royal uncle
Occupation: Magnate of the Hualin region

Personality: Loyal to a fault, some would say. Born into the intricate and complicated imperial family, Zenghui just happened to be born too late to make a run for the imperial throne, but not too old to be seen as a threat to the following heir. This is a man who understands the finer plots of life, but keeps away from the waves at large, having long chosen to obey and to maintain the peace. A man who understood that only by pleading and performing complete loyalty his life could be persevered alongside that of all who he cares about.

A learned scholar who hasn't made a name for himself on the military field as a conscious decision, and a much sought after senior by his junior. As a Duke Zenghui is granted a region to manage for his emperor, as he still is the offspring of the imperial line, expected to pay tribute to the emperor and appear in court when summoned. His peers call him soft at hand, not understanding that their pursuit to leave a name behind is exactly what brought so many their downfall before.

Zenghui often makes himself smaller than he actually is, acting amicable and smiling calmly. Notorious by a pleasant reputation, but a honest individual in overall that will not tolerate any blemish in his region such as corruption and greed. Everything to avoid calamity to befall over him. A master chess player that will not allow himself to be caught in a trap, or be read.

 

[Nemopedia]

The Hualin region was, while not a political central place, an area of importance for trade and artisans. With an inspirational shoreline and lush forests, as well as its rock formations in the mountains accompanied with the needed water trickling about in the form of rivers, lakes, ponds and waterfalls. It was quite the romantic setting to settle within for one who made their livelihood by dedicating it to the arts. Music, poetry, painting, dance, it all came here, with embroidery houses between to produce the latest fashion. It was a fitting region for the scholarly Zenghui who was known to indulge himself in the literary arts and more rather than war and politics.

Yet, today seemed to bring dark clouds to the otherwise mild and gentle weathers of his beloved region. The news of foreigners docking the harbours of Hualin was as much exciting news as one that could be a potential headache, the experiences from his peers varying. Zenghui just hoped that he struck lucky and that the people he met with weren't too offensive, or here with ulterior motives other than to set up trade.

"Duke Rong, how good of you to arrive," the master of the harbour greeted him, a deep bow following before the man quickly led him towards the rendezvous point.

"I must say, my honourable duke, if I can be so audacious, the thought of foreigners entering this harbour worries me," the master told him, and Zenghui knew what was to follow, an encouraging smile and a nod giving the man leave to continue;

"After all, we know what happened in Jinzhou and the duke there."

To the mention of Jinzhou, Zenghui didn't need a reminder of what had happened there. It had been one of his half brothers after all who ended up on the gallows, given a dishonourable death to the crowd by the order of the emperor, his dearest nephew. The reason for it simply being a dose of paranoia, a fear that the Jinzhou magnate was building up rapport with relations overseas to strengthen his own army. The foreigners that the Jinzhou lord had allowed to come in heaps were simply an excuse, for there were signs in all border regions that they were strengtening their lines.

"Thank you for the reminder, harbour master," Zenghui spoke, head nodding as he breathed in the salty air of the seaside, a muddling scent, the man believed, as proven now with the words of the harbour master. Hualin was well-positioned, Zenghui knew. Not for war, or politics, it was neither a border area, nor did it belong to the central area, but it wasn't too secluded either to prevent international relations to build. He likened to compare Hualin to a flower, after which the place was aptly named; and flowers didn't do harm other than invite bugs to pollinate them.

"I do believe we shall be fine. I have reported everything accordingly to my royal nephew, and received directions as per his approval. No blame can be laid upon us, other than mismanagement."

The warning was slight and hidden, but the harbour master understood, not having come across such language for the first time as he bowed his head once more, falling quiet after a short apology.

The Hualin region was an area known for its beautiful sceneries that attracted artisans like butterflies to a flower. An area of peace that was more often likened to a paradise for enlightenment. Zenghui hoped to keep it that way for as long as he was Duke Rong, magnate of Hualin, though he knew that unrest was rising in the neighbouring areas with rumours of expansion going rampant. The foreigners arriving in such turbulent times was definitely not an auspicious sign, or even well-timed, but that wasn't going to prevent Zenghui from being a good host.

"Tell the kitchens to warm up," Zenghui ordered to a servant behind him when he stared off over the broad waters, the sight of a foreign ship heading for his harbour nearing closer. "I want dinner set as soon as we enter my manor."

Speech colour: #8da3a8

 

[XIII]

The Khailon Empire was never much of a home to the young woman. With it's bustling cities filled with people who simply out to ruin the lives of others. Hera never much cared for any of it, which was why the idea of an adventurer was so fascinating. But still, it was the only place she had ever known, for twenty-two years of her life, she was forced to call that place home. Silver eyes watched from the back of the ship as the Seaweth Kingdom faded from sight, and even as it was gone from sight, the golden haired femme stood and stared behind. It wasn't until her father approached did her eyes tear away from the sea behind, and with a smile, she moved about the ship. It was her first time on a ship, and Hera imagined it wasn't going to be fun.

The petite femme found her sea legs quickly, though. helping out the crew whenever she could. Blonde tresses stayed pinned back to prevent the wind from forcing it into her face, hoisting sails and practicing with a sword whenever she could. Even the crew found her to be a joy- a strange thing among sailors. Women were rarely seen as a blessing, but this young thing kept the men on their toes.

They had been at sea for what felt like days, and the young woman was growing restless.
"When will we be arriving, father?" Her voice was soft as she spoke, looking to the older man for guidance. He responded to her with a smile, offering a playful nudge as he put his arms over the shoulders of his daughter.
"Soon, my darling. Very soon."
The two looked nothing like, his hair the color of the night sky on a moonless night, and his eyes the color of a stormy sea. His skin was much darker, although Hera suspected that was due to his years on the road. He was a traveling merchant, and Hera yearned for that adventure. Her mother had passed away only a few short years ago, leaving the two by themselves. And while it hurt the young woman to even look at herself because of the resemblance, it also made her smile. Whenever she went, she felt as if her mother was with her.

The seventh day approached, and by the time the woman pulled on her clothing and prepared for the day, she could see the foreign land approaching. Her heart fluttered and inside, she was screaming in excitement. But the only thing that showed her curiosity was the cocked brow that sat upon her pale face.
"What is it like in Hualin?" Hera asked once again, although her father had already offered her dozens of stories. But back then, it didn't feel real. Now, the shores of the new place were so close. The man chuckled at her, his aged eyes meeting her fresh ones, only exhaling a hopeless sigh.
"Why don't you decide for yourself?"

And so, the ship arrived in port, and as it finally docked, Hera bit her lip as they two of them stepped off. She took in the sights and smells, the people who appeared so much different than herself and her father. Most of the people sported dark hair and dark eyes, a stark change from the Seawethian. While her features weren't much common there, either, it was certainly more common than what she saw there.

Her father approached a man, Hera simply following with a serious expression plastered upon her features, watching curiously as they greeted each other. "Come along, little bird." He said, which she obliged as they began making their way through the town. Her took in the sights as she did her best to remain close, but it was all so very curious. The girl noted where she would have to explore first, after she figured out how the currency worked. Eventually, however, the group of three approached a large manse, who's architecture was vastly different than what she was used to. The two foreigners stopped as they neared the gates, waiting for an invitation of sorts to enter.

 

[Nemopedia]

"Master Cardairil and his daughter Hera," the eunuch that had come with told Zenghui when the two foreigners got off the boat. He had read the reports on the entourage that was to come in, but the introduction of 'master' was what tipped Zenghui on how to adjust himself as the man gave the pair a nod in acknowledgement.

"Duke Rong," the same translator would introduce him to the pair, though Zenghui could tell that neither of them seemed to know what to do with that information. A lack of propriety, or a lack of understanding of the culture, he assumed. He left it at that, not one to go too hard on proper customs from the get go as he had the eunuch with them do most of the talking. A diplomatic choice, for it wasn't that Zenghui didn't speak the language, but it wasn't expected from him either to adjust himself to visitors of his country and make his country lose in prestige.

Yet, he could hear some of the inaccuracies the translator fed to the visitors, making a mental note to switch out the translator soon and run a firmer background check. It seemed that, even if Hualin was a safe haven, there were those with ill intent amongst them. Expected, when someone of the royal family was involved, no matter how much Zenghui tried to keep himself out of the in-house fighting.

"The duke Rong invites you both to his dining table, he has ordered the kitchen to prepare several delicacies that are hopefully to your taste," the translator told the pair, hands wringing as a sly eye was thrown into the direction of the magnate. Zenghui didn't give out any hint of understanding or a lack thereof, instead flashing a gentle smile to the master and his daughter as he made a gesture into the direction of his dining room.

"If you please, he spoke in his own tongue, and the translator faithfully transcribed the words before Zenghui made a gesture towards a guard, whispering an order in the ear before straightening up once more as he lead the group to a round table, taking a seat at the north of the table before he gestured at the rest of the seats.

As per custom the eunuch stood behind Zenghui, his head angled towards the floor along with the rest of the servants who stood ready with cans of water, or bottles of wine in fine porcelain, or to ready the tea should that be preferred.

On the table fine dishes were set. A light soup to start off with, savoury and bright in flavour, accompanied with vegetables and meats that accentuated the freshness of their produce. All delicate in flavour, but bright in colour just as Zenghui wished to represent Hualin, delicate, but refreshing, an oasis of rest and health as much as it was a melting pot of culture.

Speech colour: #8da3a8

 

[XIII]

As the duo entered into what she could only assume was the meeting hall, Hera did her best to refrain from exploring with her eyes. It was considered rude where she was from, and Hera looked towards the man and listened to the foreign conversation. While she observed the treasures in the room out of her peripheral vision, the young woman listened to the foreign conversation, understanding only bits and pieces of it. During the trip, she had studied it as best as she could, and wondered if the discrepancies in the conversation were from her misunderstanding, or from the translator himself. Perhaps he did not speak their language as properly as he suspected.

"We thank the Duke for his generosity." Her father stated with a smile, nodding once as the translator spoke. Hera followed both of their gazes to the man at the head of the room, giving a curtsey when her father gave a bow. Something the translator said, however, didn't sit right with Hera, or perhaps it was the way he spoke it. Perhaps it was custom there? A simply flick of the tongue to speak in such sly manners. Hera simply sat back and listened, suspicious, but noting the translator's strange demeanor. The girl was a fast learner though, and every word the Duke spoke that she didn't understand, she quickly linked to the words of the translator.

Following the Duke and eunuch into the dining hall, Hera glanced around at the table, taking in the sights and smells which wafter through their around around them. The scents were tantalizing, and it wasn't until that moment that the girl realized how hungry she was. With a deep inhale, she watched as the Duke took his seat, following suit only after she was directed to.

The soup that was served first had interesting notes, her senses curious as to which herbs were which. They were as foreign as the land, and Hera simply sat back while she took in the flavors. "What sort of herbs and spices are incorporated in this dish?" Hera questioned in the native tongue, a bit slowly as she tried her best at figuring out which words meant what. Her father looked at her and gave a hearty laugh before he turned to the translator.
"Please tell the Duke I apologize for my daughter's outburst." But Hera didn't understand, and simply looked at her father with a raised brow. She noted the inaccurate way the eunuch translated what her father said, but wondered yet again if it was her own learning or purposely done on his part. "I apologize if I spoke out of turn." She said once again, slowly, in the native tongue, bowing her head and returning to her soup.

 

[Nemopedia]

"The lady speaks the language," Zenghui exclaimed in mild surprise, though the surprise could only be seen in the way his eyes flickered whilst the rest of his face remained as pleasant and calm as it had always been.

Before the translator could translate the father's words Zenghui raised his arm, halting the eunuch with a mild smile as he gave a nod.

"No offence taken," he responded in kind, making sure to do so in the language native to the visitors so that the father would know as well. "I'm delighted to know the lady has studied up so well on our language," he continued, turning his attention to the female whom he guessed was more than just a pretty picture and as an accessory to accompany men.

"Language is taught, culture immersed," Zenghui continued, never scolding as he reached for one of the cold side dishes presented on the table, "we don't spice our soup, but the herbs used can be found in these cold plates," the duke explained as he picked up a mouthful of vegetable and root mixture, his other hand holding his wide sleeve out of the plates of food he had to cross for that before he placed the bite on the lady's plate.

"Try it," he encouraged her before gesturing to one of the servants to run off to the kitchen, to tell them to prepare more of the herb in case the guests wanted to take some with.

"Duke Rong," another servant rushed into the room just as one exited, a hasty kowtow given before Zenghui motioned for him to come, leaning in to hear what whispers had come about.

"Jinzhou has sent a missive to Han, it seems they wish to ally," the servant spoke and once more Zenghui kept his face perfectly placid as he nodded, the eternal tranquil smile etched onto his face before he dismissed the man with a wave.

"Once we finish our meal I wish to talk about your purpose here," Zenghui spoke in one smooth line, his expression never faltering when he turned towards the duo, not allowing the eunuch the opportunity to mistranslate this, "for now, let's get to know each other as friends," he says, once more gliding into his own native tongue when he signals for the wine to be poured, three small cups for each of them as Zenghui rose his cup in front of his face, both of his hands folded around the porcelain as decorum described as if to cheer, waiting for the other two to follow along.

The eunuch, intelligent enough to understand the situation and his position, but also much too startled to react elsewise, translated the words faithfully for the first time that day.

Speech colour: #8da3a8

 

[XIII]

Hera watched the two exchange words, and the compliment made her pale cheeks darken ever so slightly. She wasn't used to compliments, no matter how small. She was a scholar in many ways, preferring to sit in her room and study, or go out and see the world with curious eyes. "I certainly would not say I know it well, but I-" she paused, eyes going distant and face contorting only briefly while she tried to find the correct word in the native language. "-appreciate the compliment."

The young woman listened to him speak, a soft smile playing on her features as she took in the information he was presenting her with, glancing down at the herbs as they were placed in front of her. Unlike anything she had seen, and the roots and plants were things she had only read about in field journals. To say she was excited to try these things was an understatement, but Hera held her composure, bringing a small bit first to her nose to inhale the aromas, then delicately placing it on her tongue to study the flavor. Certainly unique, with notes she had never experienced. Sweet but earthy, and something the woman could have over and over. "It's quite delicious." Her voice was soft, mouth instantly watering for more. But she was proper, and she would remain as such, keeping her wanting to herself.

Blue-silver eyes watched as the figure entered into the room, seeming to be in a rush. Rushes were good for only two things; excellent news or terrible news, and Hera wondered which one it was. She watched the Duke's facial expression, waiting for it to hint at something, but his features remained as soft as a marble statue, unwilling to give any of his thoughts or emotions away. A skill Hera certainly would have to learn, and one she was quite envious of. But just as quickly as the servant arrived, he was gone, and the woman and her father were left to raise the cups in a cheers. "Yes, as friends." She repeated, taking a brief sip of the liquid.

Hera, however, had no idea how to begin the conversation. "We appreciate you letting us come here, Duke Rong. I know Hera here is certainly excited to explore the area." She smiled up at her father, nodding once. "Yes, your culture seems so rich, I'm excited to learn about not just Hualin region, but the entirety of the world." The scholar in her could go on and on about how excited she was to learn everything she could, but she let the curiosity in her eyes relax a bit, hoping to not offend anyone in the room.

 

[Nemopedia]

Truthfully spoken, the main concern of the matter now was to make sure the foreigners wouldn't catch wind of the conflict looming over their heads. It was easy to stir trouble with such rare guests in their presence, able to carry away a story off to a neighbouring country, or their own, to speak of either a weak duke, or a weak emperor and sowing discord.

Though distasteful, Zenghui knew that he had no choice but to avoid a political storm from happening, which may just have been the reason why his nephew had chosen him; the pacifist uncle born too late.

"And you wish to set up business, not?" Zenghui replied after that the meal was finished and he lead the pair towards his tea room, his eyes taking on a curious and mischievous glint when he flipped the conversation over. It was only natural for the foreigners to be curious about the culture of his country, faraway as they came from, and that they were interested in exploring Hualin as a region itself; beautiful as it was and named a gem of the empire itself. It was all natural, but he wasn't here to be a host just, the emperor hadn't assigned the task to his royal-uncle just to play host.

"I would be delighted to give you a tour of Hualin,but I believe we will have to discuss your purpose first and what you will bring to Hualin, if not to the empire itself," Zenghui continued as the eunuch had interpreted his words faithfully, the words filling in the pauses and silence the duke allowed to exist.

It was unfortunate, but the duke Rong couldn't allow the foreigners to roam around freely, or even alone. They were his exotic birds.

"In the meanwhile, I welcome you as my guests in my residence. The servants have already set up your quarters in my side-yard," the man continued, knowing how to dress up something like captivity nicely for those who didn't know better.

Speech colour: #8da3a8