Mei Tan
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{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 11, 2009 19:10:08 GMT -6
On a starlit night, within the walls of Ba Sing Se, in the nicest, most luxurious area, a giant manor was completely abuzz with festivities. The estate of Mei Tan, one of the richest people in Ba Sing Se, was hosting a party for her clients, and other members of aristocracy. The party was being hosted in her large, lavish dining room. The floors were a flat, yellowish marble, almost resembling gold, and the room was lit with many fires and candles. People were all about, conversing and whatnot. Many of them looked to be very high up in society, while others looked like they had just put on formal wear and were trying to fit in. A giant circular table in the middle of the room was covered with giant plates of meat, and other various types of food. Men walked around with serving trays, covered with drinks of various types, ranging from alcoholic, to just plain juice. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, but in the corner of the large room, a lone woman sat alone far away from the others, only accompanied by the glass she held in her hands. The woman was dressed in a beautiful green robe, making her look elegant. Her black hair seemed to shine while sitting next to a small fire, and her pale, silky skin seemed to only be complimented by the light. The woman was Mei Tan, the host of the party.
Mei sat, glaring at the other people, wandering about, chatting with people, it made her feel ill to have so many people in the same room at once. She hardly knew half of the people, but the other half were her crooked merchants that had flooded the streets of Ba Sing Se. Mei’s clients had wanted to meet the people they bought their goods from, face to face. Mei couldn’t help but laugh in her mind at the farce that was going on here. If these rich pompous people could see who they were really talking to then this entire charade would be over. Though she doubted that would happen, she threatened most of her merchants, making them learn the proper party etiquette fairly quickly. She also had to buy their clothing, which she wasn’t happy about in the least, but it let her play dress up, and she always enjoyed that.
“So boring…” Mei said leaning to one side in the comfortably soft chair. She slowly brought her drink to her lips and took a quick sip. He eyes scanned the party goers, noticing that a few men were staring at her; she shivered with the thought of this many men in one place staring at her. Most of the men at the party were fat, rich men, or extremely arrogant young men that were most likely rich only by their association with their family. She glanced around the room while taking another sip of her drink, the women at the party weren’t anything to speak of. All dolled up, standing next to their husbands, like trophies. She dreaded that existence and smiled knowing that she would never have to know what it would be like having to serve under a man. Her smile quickly faded though as she kept looking around the room, “So boring...” There were still a few more hours of this charade. She looked around the room, hoping to find something interesting going on.
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Kassa
Administrator
{S=7}The Dragoness
"I'm bringing the heat!"
Posts: 553
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Post by Kassa on Jan 11, 2009 20:34:50 GMT -6
As the elder fire sage rode in the carriage, he tried to ignore the furious glances being thrown at him from his young, red-headed companion. The girl, dressed to the hilt in a form-fitting black dress, patterned with red, was tapping her foot anxiously. Her usually somewhat wild red hair had been pinned up behind her head, and a touch of black around her eyes made the amber in them shimmer. But it was hard to look pretty when you continued to threaten people with your eyes.
Kassandra couldn't believe she had been pulled into this. There were many things wrong with this picture. First of all, and most importantly to her, she loathed rich get-togethers like the one she was about to attend. So many snobs stuck under one roof, bragging about their money, frowning on those who didn't have any, it angered her. Second of all, she was, once again, out of the fire nation. In truth, this didn't really bother her. She liked being away from home, exploring. But it did bother her morals. She had promised to stay in her respective nation, and here she was, breaking that promise, again.
Nonetheless, through her own status, as loath as she was to have it, and through the status of some of her friends, one of which just happened to be the fire sage sitting next to her, she had been dragged onto this carriage, and was now arriving at a rich party. The fire sage, new and thus nameless to her, shot her a warning look before exiting the carriage. The message was clear. 'Behave'.
With one last sigh, she got out of the carriage, stepping awkwardly in the long dress. She felt trapped, bottled up, and she feared that if need be, it would be hard to defend herself in such clothing. She hated the feeling. She followed dutifully behind her guardian, keeping her head up and eyes glaring at the building in front of her. The things she did for people.
As they entered the building, Kassa swerved away from the fire sage without a word, and without speaking to anyone, made her way to the nearest wall. She leaned against it, arms folded around her chest. Her amber eyes scanned the party, noticing that it was, indeed, full of rich people. Despite her position, she felt as if she was far from belonging. She came from humble origins, and she knew that few of those who were truly rich looked fondly on those like her, who had been boosted into power.
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Mei Tan
Member
{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 11, 2009 21:04:01 GMT -6
Mei had moved from her chair and was now wondering the dining room looking for something to occupy her time with. She saw a glimmer of hope as a new group walked into the party, a man and a young woman. Mei at first thought that the two were together, but she was relieved to find that the young woman left the side of her companion, which was uncommon for couples to do. She grinned and slowly approached the woman, who was now leaning against the wall. Mei couldn’t help but notice that the woman had red hair, something she didn’t see often, and she was quite attractive. The young woman could be the answer to Mei’s boredom. She was attractive, although short, well dressed in a very appealing black dress, and she had very interesting hair. Mei couldn’t help but take an interest. Mei slowly took a sip of her drink that she still hand in her hand and finally made her way in front of the young lady. She stared provocatively at the girl, “Well hello…” she said scanning the young woman’s figure. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” Mei’s eyes narrowed as she stared into the young woman’s, “I’m Mei Tan, and you are?” She asked trying to sound polite, and act sensual at the same time.
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Kassa
Administrator
{S=7}The Dragoness
"I'm bringing the heat!"
Posts: 553
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Post by Kassa on Jan 11, 2009 21:14:22 GMT -6
Kassa saw the older woman walking toward her out of the corner of her eyes. She glanced over, and watched as the black-haired woman walked in front of her before stopping. Kassa felt the hairs on the back her neck rise a bit as the woman seemed to look her over, almost with some sort of gleam in her amber eyes. Almost immediatly a scathing comment sprung to the younger avatar's tounge, but when the woman introduced herself, she swallowed it down. This was the host of the party, of this Kassa was sure. She had heard the name before, some sort of big shot in the Earth Kingdom, apperantly. It wouldn't do to insult the host of the party, now would it? Kassa silently sighed at her misfortune, before dipping her head just a bit in the woman's direction. Perhaps in this situation it would be more appropriate to bow, but, well, Kassa never bowed.
She straightened herself, trying to convey the things she couldn't say with her body language. "I don't believe we've met, no. Although I do know of you. Quite successful, from what I hear. My name is Kassandra Lore, of the Fire Nation." The small part in Kassa's mind that was always aware of her status wondered if the woman would know of her. Kassa's eyes darted away from Mei Tan's for a minute, and instead locked on the Fire Sage, who was now mingling among the guests. Some guardian. She scowled internally.
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Mei Tan
Member
{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 11, 2009 21:35:29 GMT -6
Mei couldn’t help but smirk as she saw the young girl’s dark amber eyes dart away from her. Mei took another sip of her almost finished drink and scanned the girl’s body again, almost shivering as she did so. Rare finds like this girl were hard to come by, especially in Ba Sing Se. “Kassandra, what a pretty name for a pretty girl,” Mei folded her arm under her other arm, propping up her arm that now held her glass. She thought she might have heard the name before, though she honestly couldn’t care who this girl was. The only thing Mei was interested in was how attractive the girl was, and that she wasn’t some run of the mill stooge. “So what brings you to my little party?” Mei gave the Kassandra her warmest smile she could muster, “Please don’t tell me you’re involved in business, not at your age.” She let out a haughty small laugh, “It would be unfortunate for a girl as pretty as you to get involved with the people I deal with.” She stopped her little laugh and got a little closer to the girl, staring at her intently, hoping to get a rise out of the young woman.
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Kassa
Administrator
{S=7}The Dragoness
"I'm bringing the heat!"
Posts: 553
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Post by Kassa on Jan 11, 2009 21:44:41 GMT -6
Kassa listened to the woman's words, each one making another hair on her neck stand straight up. It almost sounded as if the woman was...interested in her. And frankly, the attention Kassa was getting from Mei was troublesome, and a little creepy. She wanted to take the woman by surprise, and hopefully make her back off a little. And unfortunatly, Kassa wasnt know for decorum in such things. And so, she shot her fiercest glare at the woman, her amber eyes glittering. All decorum and subtly flew out the door as the avatar opened her mouth.
"I am here through invitation from a friend," She waved her hand in the direction of the elder Fire Sage, who was now imbimbing some sort of drink, "and allowed in through my own status as the Avatar of Fire." Almost as soon as she said it, a small warning went off in her head. She was supposed to be a bit more secretive of some things, but of course, here was her hot-headedness getting her into possible trouble once again.
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Mei Tan
Member
{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 12, 2009 2:56:38 GMT -6
((Wow…when I read this it sounds kinda bad. lol))
Mei stared curiously at the girl, “The Avatar of Fire, how interesting.” She smiled sweetly while staring provocatively at the girl, “You’re becoming more interesting by the second.” While staring at Kassandra, Mei slowly put her glass to her lips and finished the last of the sweet liquor that it was filled with. She was about to start speaking again, but she noticed a servant coming towards her with drinks. She quickly put the empty glass on the serving plate and grabbed two glasses of the clear liquid.
Mei returned her attention to the Avatar and extended her left arm, offering the young woman the drink in her hand. “Being the Fire Avatar must make you extremely… hot,” she said in a seductive tone, “maybe you should cool off? Care for a little drink?” She asked in a soft tone. Though Mei’s tone was soft, she was actually becoming a little annoyed. She wasn’t used to having to having someone glaring back at her, she was usually the one glaring, and talking fiercely. She’d let it slide this time though, the girl was certainly a rare find in terms of characteristics, and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a little fun with one of the Avatars. Mei hoped Kassandra would accept the sweet liquor; hopefully the young girl wouldn’t be able to withstand its intoxicating affect and become easier to converse with.
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Takumi
Member
{S=11}Fire Nation Royal Advisor/Diplomat
Drowning in the cold...
Posts: 72
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Post by Takumi on Jan 12, 2009 16:07:33 GMT -6
(Hope you won't mind. I just couldn't resist blundering in the middle of this, though. XD)
"Lady Kassa?"
The soft, surprised voice came from a young man standing just a few feet away, a glass in his own hand, dark red eyes slightly wide. An almost imperceptible wariness flashed across his visage, briefly, before a pleasant smile turned his lips and he bowed to the host. "An honor, Lady Tan. You've created an exquisite party, as expected, of course." He turned to grace the avatar with a smile. "And Lady Kassa, as well; I didn't expect your presence here."
He had easily caught sight of the couple while passing just yards away, and couldn't help but curiously intervene. He'd already taken notice of the drink Lady Tan was offering to Kassa and while he had heard rumors, he always did make it a point to never assume. Nevertheless however, it was clear whoever brought (or dragged, more likely, he was aware of her dislike of ritzy parties) the avatar here wasn't being as astute as he'd liked and Takumi wasn't about to leave her alone now.
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Kassa
Administrator
{S=7}The Dragoness
"I'm bringing the heat!"
Posts: 553
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Post by Kassa on Jan 12, 2009 19:25:52 GMT -6
Kassa eyed the drink wearily, loath to accept anything from this woman, and somewhat adverse to alchohol as it was. She wasn't sure if the woman was trying to be nice, was hinting at something, or was being manipulative. Personally, however, the firebender thought that it was some kind of mix of the last two. Whatever it was, it was making Kassa increasingly uncomfortable. She opened her mouth to politely refuse, and then not quite so politely give the woman a few other words, but before she could another softer voice joined in the conversation.
Kassa spun her head to face the direction of the voice, and with a rush of relief, recognized Takumi. She quickly approached him, adding a few feet between her and Mei. "Takumi, it's good to see you." The avatar said, dipping her head in greeting. She made sure to dip her head father than she had when she greeted Mei, and she even added a tiny curtsy. Yes, she was practically rubbing in the other woman's face that she respected Takumi more than her, but she could hardly pass up the chance. "Unfortunatly, I was drug here without much of a say. He," she gestured toward the old Fire Sage, "Made me. And is my guardian. I needn't ask whats brought you here, I assume it was your line of work?" She asked.
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Mei Tan
Member
{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 12, 2009 19:55:23 GMT -6
Mei watched as her intended prey moved away from her and greeted the young man that had greeted them both. She scowled at the young man, Takumi. She had heard of the young man, though vaguely. His name had come up several times when she discussed business with her Fire Nation connections. She honestly didn’t care who the polite young man was. She slowly took a sip of the drink she held in her right hand and then noticed that she was still holding the other drink, like a fool. She glared at the glass and dropped it immediately on the floor, causing it to shatter and cause a mess. She smiled wickedly and pulled her fan from her right sleeve and held it close to her face with her left, “Oops…” she said noticing the faces of the guests nearby looking at her in confusion. She shot the lingering stares with a glare of her own and they quickly went back to their business.
She slowly approached Takumi, and Kassandra, keeping her fan close to her face the entire time. She stood next to the left Kassandra, smiling as she moved only a few inches away from her. The girl thought she could escape so easily, but she was in for a rude awakening. When Mei Tan wants something, she gets it. Mei flicked her left hand lightly, fanning herself barely. She glared at Takumi passed the fan, “I wasn’t aware that a man such as you would do business with such a lowly merchant such as me.” She tried to sound flattering and bowed her head slightly, “You honor me by coming to this event. You must feel so out of place among these lowly people, I hope you’re not too uncomfortable for you…” Her cold eyes locked with his and she couldn’t help but feel immensely irritated by the smile on his face. She would have to devise some way to remove this male pest before she could claim her prize.
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Takumi
Member
{S=11}Fire Nation Royal Advisor/Diplomat
Drowning in the cold...
Posts: 72
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Post by Takumi on Jan 12, 2009 20:33:09 GMT -6
"Indeed. I hope you've been doing well, Lady Kassa." Takumi replied to Kassa's question before sighting the host drop her extra cup. "Watch the broken glass, Lady Kassa," he said, noting the broken glass and spilled wine with a light smile.
As Lady Tan moved closer, he noticed her glances at him and Kassa, particularly at him. "No, no, I believe the humble one should be me, Lady Tan. You're the most influential power in Ba Sing Se, I hear," Takumi chuckled. "The honor is all mine. Many of your guests as well all seem highly significant. Your modesty is quite refreshing. You needn't worry about me, especially with the lovely company of yourself and Lady Kassa. A familiar face is always a nice encounter," Takumi flashed a smile at the avatar, to show he hadn't forgotten her. Chuckling, he returned Mei Tan's stare with a benign tilt of his lips.
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Kio Ten Fong
Member
{S=2}
The Son Of A King, A Prodigy Prince
Posts: 13
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Post by Kio Ten Fong on Jan 12, 2009 20:52:03 GMT -6
Kio strode through the streets of bah sing se with a group of Dai Li at his back. He rather hated being followed by his father’s men everywhere but it was something he had grown accustomed to. He was on his way to a rather large party that his father had been asked to attended, and like the great king he was sent his son to be the emissary saying "I have to much to deal with to go to a silly party". He had goateed Kio with the only thing his father could even hold over him, his bending. He promised that if he went to this party that he would let Kio train in the under city of bah sing se un-protected, giving him a chance to really train his metal bending.
Arriving at the street that the large manor was on Kio turned to his guards and said “you guys might want to lay off now, if they see me with you the host may take it as an offense” smiling Kio knew that the guards wouldn’t be allowed to do anything that may cause his father grief. They nodded and dispersed into the streets, but Kio knew that they were still watching. Reaching the large house Kio took a deep breathe, this party was sure to be filled with rich snobs, oh god how he hated these popularity contests. Walking in he seen the lavish house and could only shake his head, how many poor were living on the streets of the grand city, just because of this one houses wealth.
As he made his way inside Kio seen two of the guards walking in behind him and laughed inside, “these guys are more persistent that the last bunch dad sent” shaking the hands of diplomats and the rich alike Kio was getting bored fast. This was why he never told anyone who his father was; he hated getting attention from strangers. Walking up to one of the men who worked for his father Kio said “nice to see you Telir, would you happen to know were the hostess is? My father asked me to send his apologies. Old fool couldn’t be bothered to come here himself” the senator turned around and greeted Kio warmly, telling him that the lady Mei tan was in the dinning room. Nodding Kio thanked him and made his way there, sighing all the wile as he seen all the rich of the earth kingdom flaunting their ill earned money and possessions.
Looking in the dining room he seen the woman he was looking for conversing with a rather nice looking lady and a diplomat from the fire nation. Putting his hands in his pockets Kio sighed and stated in a rather sluggish tone, “might as well get his over with so I can go home” Seeing Mei drop her glass on purpose Kio shook his head, “seducing already?” he thought as rumors of the woman came to mind. Approaching the group Kio introduced himself “Lady Mei, my father sends his best regards and is sorry to say that more pressing matters came up, he sent me in reply to this rather unfortunate circumstance.” Said Kio in the most polite manner he could, it almost made him puke as he made himself come off rather snobbish; this was why he didn’t converse with others that held a higher position in society, he was always forced to talk like a brat.
Turning to the two others he had seen the diplomat several times in the city but had never talked to him, he was sure he knew who he was however. “And you are?” he asked the other lady with a questioning tone as he nodded to the diplomat. “Oh and I don’t think we have ever met, I'm Kio Ten Fong. I believe you know my father?” he asked the man with a look of great distain of his face, he had only been putting on this charade for a few brief moments but already he was sick of it.
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Kassa
Administrator
{S=7}The Dragoness
"I'm bringing the heat!"
Posts: 553
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Post by Kassa on Jan 12, 2009 21:08:48 GMT -6
Kassa shot a glance back at Mei when a loud shatter rang across the floor. The woman was wearing any almost faux look about her face, as if she had dropped the glass on purpose. Somehow, Kassa didn't doubt it. Kassa sighed lightly, and turned back to face Takumi, acknowledging his warning about the glass with a grateful nod. When Mei Tan moved closer, even uncomfortably so, Kassa kept her eyes glued on Takumi's face. Deciding on the spur of the moment, she was going to attempt to ignore the other woman as much as possible. She smiled lightly, listening to Takumi's words.
Quite suddenly, they were approached by another man, and Kassa felt her comfort level turn up another notch. He didn't seem so bad, either. And the more people around, the better. At least she wasn't alone with Mei anymore, and that was a plus. Kassa wasn't sure who he was, but he seemed kind enough. She listened with little care to his words about his father and the party. Then he was introducing himself, and asking who she was. When the avatar heard his name, she recalled that he was, she believed, the prince of the Earth Kingdom.
She dipped her head in greeting. "Greetings, sir. I am Kassandra Lore, of the Fire Nation." She informed him, trying to hold back her displeasure at the formalities. Ah, the trials of greeting those of royal birth.
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Mei Tan
Member
{S=2}
"Money can do anything."
Posts: 15
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Post by Mei Tan on Jan 12, 2009 21:37:31 GMT -6
Mei glared at the young prince as he approached, she wasn’t expecting the young brat to make an appearance, she had actually hoped to discuss some things with his father, but getting an audience with the man was almost impossible due to her reputation of having immoral methods of completing things. She glared at the young prince past her fan as he greeted her, she didn’t care much for the royal family, especially not the prince. She now had to contend with the smiling Takumi, and the brat of a prince. At this rate she’d never get the Fire Avatar in her clutches. She kept fanning herself lightly as the prince conversed with the two, she was starting to get annoyed, and this was her party! She stopped fanning herself and lifted her glass to her lips and drank its contents in with a gulp, and placed the glass on a nearby servant’s tray, all while glaring at the trio.
She decided that she would break up this little group, before more started to join. She stepped towards the prince and held her fan in front of her face, “I didn’t know your father let you stay out so late, young prince.” She chuckled softly, and turned to Kassandra and Takumi, “I thought it was past the poor boy’s bed time.” She let out a haughty laugh, and kept her fan in front of her, “I’m sure you’d be much more suited dining with the children of the bureaucrats in the other room, I hear they have juice,” she laughed and glared at the prince. Hopefully he’d get offended and leave.
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Takumi
Member
{S=11}Fire Nation Royal Advisor/Diplomat
Drowning in the cold...
Posts: 72
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Post by Takumi on Jan 13, 2009 15:21:32 GMT -6
"Prince Fong, a pleasure to finally meet you," Takumi said with a complacent smile, quite used to mannerisms such as this boy's. There was an air about him that suggested he didn't exactly like it however. Takumi hid a knowing smile; he rather enjoyed the obstinate dislike this prince showed at the high and usually dishonest formality required of him and other nobles. The avatar standing next to him displayed the same righteous innocence. "And of course, I do hope your esteemed father is doing well. It's a pity he could not attend."
Mei Tan stepped forward to make a remark and Takumi glanced at the prince to watch his reaction. While he supposed he should at least try to prevent Mei Tan from insulting the prince of the Earth Kingdom, he was curious. He'd never personally met the boy; he assumed from the conversations he's had with his father was that the prince wasn't fond of formal events or meetings, which was the reason why they had never met. He always did plan to meet him one day, perhaps informally, on the streets, but he kept putting it off. Ba Sing Se was a busy town and he was always sidetracked by other associations in the area's many complaints of 'so-and-so was attacked' and 'so-and-so needed to disappear'. He suspected the host of this party was responsible for most of the trouble stirring in the city's underground; his contacts have informed him she was involved in a lot of shadowy dealings and it was possible hers and his were crossing.
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