Post by nati on Aug 26, 2007 17:02:36 GMT -5
Name: Lady Mingzhu Shihong Yubi
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Group: Fire Nation Citizen
Nation: Fire Nation
Bender?: No
Physical Appearance: Mingzhu stands tall for a woman of her nation, perhaps only an two inches taller than the normal height, she is able to stand nearly eye to eye with the slightly shorter men. Her skin the typical Fire Nation pale but the status of a noble woman has allowed the use of creams and scrubs to make her skin creamy, almost white in a bright light . Her body is one of natural beauty, long soft limbs which would be perfect if she had chosen to be a dancer. Her arms are long and slender, toned from years of yoga and gentle exercise, delicate wrists connect to a elegant womanly hands, nails manicured showing un-laboured hands. Her breasts are small, her stomach flat and the curve of her waist alluring attractive, with slender hips, it can give the misconception this woman perhaps isn't suited for childbirth. Her slim thighs lead to long legs, though the only personal bug bear Mingzhu has about her body is how large her feet are, compared to the fashionable dainty feet preferred in the capital of the fire nation.
Mingzhu's face does not also disappoint -if only slightly to the a true critic-, her face is a oval shape, her eyes slanted eyes sit centrally in her face, coloured a strong gold by pure blood of Fire Nation nobility. Her cheeks bones are high set, her jaw line in addition is sharp, creating a severe look to her face, which is balanced out by her soft lips and rounded chin. Mingzhu approaches the aspect of her hair with a mixture of practically and decoration, which leads to her half of her ebony hair to swept up into a top knot, resting at the back of her head, and the rest of it to hang loose, though this still gets in the way, so the ends are pulled under the nape of her neck and pinned in place.
Clothing/Armor: Mingzhu is garbed in clean linen underclothes, followed by a long under robe falling to the feet, and finishing in at her wrists, the sleeves loose and comfortable. The body of the under-robe is close fitting to her torso, and flares out on the hips, it is a pale ruby, a phoenix rising from her hem is noticeable in delicate gold thread.
Worn on top of this is a sleeves crimson robe, made of good silk, a gold waist band about her wait, then tied with a thin strip of cord, this over robe opens past the waist band, revealing the floating material of her under robe. Adorning her shoulders is a single mantel worn by many of her nation, though simple the elegant cut and way it sits on her shoulder belies her noble status.
Finally on her wrist are covered by removable red cuffs, starting at the middle of her forearm and slanting down to a point from her wrist to the back of her hand. The top and bottom borders at gold, a small fire symbol sitting in the point. Her feet are mostly in the curling toed shoes of her nation, but on hotter days she may swap them for sandals or perhaps dare to go bare foot.
When out on walks or riding her emu-horse, her pale red under-robe is swapped for loose maroon trousers with knee high curled toed boots.
Weapons: Trained formally in hand to hand combat, a more calmed down version of northern Shoalin King fu, using the same techniques the fire benders are trained, Mingzhu is trained to use more defensive moves rather then many quick ferrous jabs and punches. She has attained a level of not quiet a master (closer to a black belt) but her ability depends who the size of her attacker.
In the case of ever getting overwhelmed, Mingzhu is able to take up sword and fight efficiently. Her training in both arts begun from a young age, nearly 20 years of training lessons makes her a worthy opponent, but her skill is in most case only ever used in sparring matches, it is unclear how she would fare in a real fight.
Her jian, a double edged sword of 36 inches, made of a light alloy is kept on her person in a dark wooden sheath. The hand is made of polished mahogany and a red tassel is threaded through the pommel. This is sword is more decoration, she rarely finds the occasion to wear it.
For court meetings she has a small dagger than is disguised to look like a closed fan. She has only to slip the blade from the hollowed out casing to defend herself along with disarming kicks and punches. This blade is normally tucked into her waist band along with a real fan to look more convincing. It is made of pine wood, carefully painted red to look more authentic.
Personality: Mingzhu normally holds herself in a manner which is controlled and very calm, radiating a sense of tranquillity, and she has been likened to a serene statue. But it is clear, that glimpsing into her eyes there lies an active mind, with drive and ambition, but a slight restraint held in place. Mingzhu's nobility is central to her being, her wealth and status have influenced most key areas in her life, and many aspects of her personality. She could be in essence likened to a scholar, always learning, watching and gleaning information to be put into use for the future. She comes across as charming and pleasant, but also calculating and perhaps even a little manipulating, but she is not cold-blooded as some may expect.
Mingzhu is also a passionate theatre and opera lover, attending events as often as possible, she knows by heart many pieces of songs and poetry. If a person can determine her interests, and find common ground, Mingzhu's noble demeanour drops away, revealing a relaxed young woman, free from strict rules of society, which maybe be smothering her, rather than improving her. But a glimpse of this Mingzhu is rare, only for close family and friends.
Mingzhu's other main interest is falconry, a very self indulged hobby, encouraged from a young age by her father -in the hopes his bored daughter could find something to entertain herself with- she can spend an entire day flying her birds and attending to them, without realizing. Her interest is almost obsessive, if it wasn't balanced out with regular mediation sessions, sparring practice and meetings with political figures.
Mingzhu never needs to raise her voice, it is the tone that she uses to make her point made, but perhaps the only time when she may ever raise her voice, or loose her composure, is when the Earth kingdom and earth bending comes into topic -which thankfully is rare-, Mingzhu is likely to drop all manners, curse and insult the Earth kingdom with harsh language. Since the death of her mother, her tolerance of the Earth kingdom has declined drastically, leaving her father wondering what this young woman would do if she ever faced a earth bender in combat.
Over all, Mingzhu is a young noblewoman with a little too much free time on her hands and a worrying interest in political affairs.
Background: Mingzhu's somewhat colourful history starts with her family. The Shihong Yubi family is one of great wealth and nobility, generations involved in political matters, and traditional supporters of the Fire Lord. Mingzhu was born in the height of summer, on a hot, dry day, a great sign of luck to the parents, and hints of a great firebender in such a lucky birth.
The birth of a first born daughter born no disappointment to the father, as was a little expected by the mother, but because of Lord Leuisheng's great desire for an heir and the fact a woman could be just as successful and influential as any man. Mingzhu, (bright pearl) the little baby was called, and was promptly handed over to a nanny, because it wasn't proper for a noble woman to raise offspring herself. Mingzhu was cared for by various nannies until about the age of a year, when the still birth of a baby boy made her mother realise how much she missed having a child in her arms. It was then on that her mother was an important figure in her young life.
Some of Mingzhu's earliest memories are of spending evening sitting in her mother's lap, listening to music and poetry. She was demanding of attention as a young toddler and quite spoiled by her mother, who would give into any demand -still carrying guilt of neglect- and for Mingzhu it appeared she would grow into a selfish child, until her father decided his heir needed a strict upbringing and severe punishment to mould her into a strong character.
It was then at the age of 4 her tutoring in basic writing, maths and reading begun, her progress monitored carefully by her father. She would not at first settle into the lessons (how could a child of 4?) and as a result a harsh message was given in the form of 10 lashes. Little Mingzhu's temper was quite literally beaten out of her, and from then on the young child learnt about life was repeating what her tutors had taught her, learning strict manors and becoming less of a happy child. Though much as it annoyed Lord Leuisheng, her mother still kept a firm hand in the rearing of Mingzhu, taking the little girl out on walks, talking freely and not so intensity focused on studies.
After a couple years, nearing the age of 7, Mingzhu started to become bored, with only studies and strict training to look forward too, the girl's pent up frustration was taken out on the servants, pranks played on the night guard and vandalism in the garden. At first it was easy to blame young maids, but gradually as the rebellion became worse, Lord Leuisheng was keen to give the girl another beating to set her straight, Lady Mingxia managed to convince her husband that the girl's boredom needed channelling, suggesting bird rearing or such a hobby.
The girl's lessons were stopped for a few days, and Lady Mingxia involved the girl in a number of suitable pastimes, such as dance or music. The girl could perform very well at any of these, but her eyes remained glazed over, until one day out in a large field, a small falcon was placed on her arm, and the girl's eyes seemed to swell with joy and interest, and finally her destructive energy was put into flying birds. It was then a balance was placed in the girl's life, the strict teaching lifted, mediation introduced and free time for her to explore her hobby.
It was in the meantime that Lord Leuisheng was deeply involved in political matters in the Court of the Fire Lord, and was starting to be promoted up through the ranks (by means unknown), until he was on a small council of advisors, his drive for ambition however, would not be allowed to climb any higher, for whilst he was not as power hungry as other men, his ideas where a little radical, even for the Fire Nation.
As Mingzhu began to grow into a beauty, her father’s continual grooming carried on, books on political history left on her bedside table, and even on some occasions she could come to court meeting, but had to be veiled behind a screen with her mother, and forbidden to utter a word, but made to listen. These rare times she found utterly boring, and could not rouse herself to become interested in such matters.
Standing at the high rank of Governor’s daughter, heads of other families now came for long meetings, on the idea of settling a union between two great families, but her father was adamant that Mingzhu would be thrown away on marriage, and turned away all suitors, it would be for her to decide when she was older. Time for Mingzhu carried on flowing forward like a river, steady on it’s course, never sidetracking, until a visit to a conquered Earth Kingdom town was due when she was 13.
The long journey was made in comfort; it was the first time Mingzhu had ever left her home, she felt little, only some sea sickness. Her mother however, seemed to be unsettled, standing for a long time at night, staring into the distance. When asked, her mother only replied that she felt something strange in the distance, a bad feeling about the trip. Mingzhu thought it only to be sea sickness, and everything would be fine once they landed.
They spent nearly 3 months in the Earth Kingdom town, tours made in the country, the introduction of taxes and a militia occupied much of the family’s time. Mingzhu even enjoyed capturing new types of bird to study and keep. During a routine ride in a carriage through small woodland, the family was ambushed by a small group of angry earth benders, with the intent of assassinating Lord Leuisheng. The carriage managed to make a get away, but Lord Leuisheng decided he would make an example of these rebellious earth benders and fight them himself.
As he leapt of the carriage, Mingxia tried to stop him, jumping out after him to call him back, that a she was struck down with a small boulder to the chest area, crushing her lungs and suffocating her. Mingzhu watched her mother die, still huddled in the carriage with fear as her enraged rather killed some of the earth benders, leaving the rest to flee.
Mingzhu finds the events after her mother’s death sketchy, and painful to recall, even to this day. At first there was only sadness and weeping, guilt, and finally, anger. It was formed in her young mind that all earth benders were evil, with intention to kill, and it would be her to strike first. Even during Lord Leuisheng’s grief, he couldn’t help but he proud of his daughters sudden change of interest, she trained hard in marshal arts, took avid interest in Earth Kingdom geography, and methods of invasion. Worryingly, she was becoming what her father wanted.
Time again flew by, her monthly bleedings began, and curves of womanhood started to show, and her beauty bloomed. At the age of 17, it could no longer be denied she may want to enter into marriage, and so her social circle started to widen, young women of her age introduced, expecting to be close friends, but she found them hard to get along with. It was at a large party, did Mingzhu lock eyes with a young captain, and felt something electrifying happen. But he was forbidden from her, too lower class to consider marriage. Mingzhu didn’t care, she felt love and passion for this man, and schemed ways to meet and talk.
Conversation wasn’t the most thrilling thing between them, but their sexual chemistry was. Gradually their secret affair lengthened into months, he promised elopement, and she so blind to his real intentions, and consented to sleep with him.
It wasn’t Mingzhu who guessed she was pregnant, but her oldest servant, a prudish woman who recognised the signs of morning sickness. Mingzhu was horrified, and broke off any attachment to the Captain. Her father was never to know, and still in the early weeks of her pregnancy, Mingzhu suggested that she went to study with some fire sages in a remote temple for a year. These sages had been connected to her family for generations, and welcomed Mingzhu to the temple with her servant. Her father was more than happy to let her go.
Her pregnancy was swore to absolute secrecy. As her stomach swelled with life, Mingzhu felt something strange happening; she was bonding with the unborn baby, and all thoughts of abortion went out of the window. She laboured for hours, to birth a healthy boy. She spent another 3 months training to gain back her figure, and hide any signs of childbirth. The young boy was never to know of his heritage, but to be brought up as a Sage.
She returned home at the age of 18, still young, but mature and filled with desire to forget her child –the pain of separation too much at time- and driven ambition to leave a small mark on Fire Nation history.
Now, Mingzhu is 25 and getting older, and yet she still hasn’t achieved her vague aims.
RP Sample: Mingzhu rubbed her temples, blearily opening her eyes to gaze at the low table in front of her. For a moment she chose to admire the inlay of wood and semi-precious stones before averting her gaze to the scattered papers, scribed with her hand. How long had she been working? Her hand ached from holding the brush so stiffly, the start of her letters looking precise and neat, but now she held the brush loosely, the characters spaced out more and a little sloppy. She thought for a moment, what her old tutor would say and do.
"Sit up straight! Do not slouch! Hold your brush higher!" He would have said, before pressing his cane into her back to get his point across. She didn't think of him very fondly, despite what her father said about her heart growing fonder of old teachers. This little slacking of writing style was her little pleasure, a slight rebellion against all those years. But, after she'd slept better her writing would be perfect, and she would throw away some papers and start again. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, she wasn't expecting any visitors, and the hour was drawing later when any visitor would be deemed rude to come knocking. She rose elegantly from her kneeling position on the lush silk cushion, feeling her robe swish around her legs.
Her lips curved into a fond smile, as she shuffled to the large gilded bird cage in small steps. Several small birds twittered and flew about the large cage, hopping from one perch to the next. Her hands slid open the small door, reaching in with spread out fingers to grasp one the unsuspecting birds. The others started to fly about in alarm, their small shrill notes becoming cries of alarm. She lifted the small bird to her eyes, studying the fine plumage and small bobbing head as it tried to escape. Mingzhu then pursed her lips, only allowing a small space for a whistle. She whistled a similar tune to the birds in the cage, and the small one in her closed hand start to relax, and finally she let her hand open, and have it rest on one finger. Mingzhu stroked its tiny head, admiring the small beady eyes before letting the small red coloured bird back into the cage.
With a sigh, Mingzhu gathered up the papers, stacking them neatly in the corner of her desk and blew out the small candle on the table.
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Group: Fire Nation Citizen
Nation: Fire Nation
Bender?: No
Physical Appearance: Mingzhu stands tall for a woman of her nation, perhaps only an two inches taller than the normal height, she is able to stand nearly eye to eye with the slightly shorter men. Her skin the typical Fire Nation pale but the status of a noble woman has allowed the use of creams and scrubs to make her skin creamy, almost white in a bright light . Her body is one of natural beauty, long soft limbs which would be perfect if she had chosen to be a dancer. Her arms are long and slender, toned from years of yoga and gentle exercise, delicate wrists connect to a elegant womanly hands, nails manicured showing un-laboured hands. Her breasts are small, her stomach flat and the curve of her waist alluring attractive, with slender hips, it can give the misconception this woman perhaps isn't suited for childbirth. Her slim thighs lead to long legs, though the only personal bug bear Mingzhu has about her body is how large her feet are, compared to the fashionable dainty feet preferred in the capital of the fire nation.
Mingzhu's face does not also disappoint -if only slightly to the a true critic-, her face is a oval shape, her eyes slanted eyes sit centrally in her face, coloured a strong gold by pure blood of Fire Nation nobility. Her cheeks bones are high set, her jaw line in addition is sharp, creating a severe look to her face, which is balanced out by her soft lips and rounded chin. Mingzhu approaches the aspect of her hair with a mixture of practically and decoration, which leads to her half of her ebony hair to swept up into a top knot, resting at the back of her head, and the rest of it to hang loose, though this still gets in the way, so the ends are pulled under the nape of her neck and pinned in place.
Clothing/Armor: Mingzhu is garbed in clean linen underclothes, followed by a long under robe falling to the feet, and finishing in at her wrists, the sleeves loose and comfortable. The body of the under-robe is close fitting to her torso, and flares out on the hips, it is a pale ruby, a phoenix rising from her hem is noticeable in delicate gold thread.
Worn on top of this is a sleeves crimson robe, made of good silk, a gold waist band about her wait, then tied with a thin strip of cord, this over robe opens past the waist band, revealing the floating material of her under robe. Adorning her shoulders is a single mantel worn by many of her nation, though simple the elegant cut and way it sits on her shoulder belies her noble status.
Finally on her wrist are covered by removable red cuffs, starting at the middle of her forearm and slanting down to a point from her wrist to the back of her hand. The top and bottom borders at gold, a small fire symbol sitting in the point. Her feet are mostly in the curling toed shoes of her nation, but on hotter days she may swap them for sandals or perhaps dare to go bare foot.
When out on walks or riding her emu-horse, her pale red under-robe is swapped for loose maroon trousers with knee high curled toed boots.
Weapons: Trained formally in hand to hand combat, a more calmed down version of northern Shoalin King fu, using the same techniques the fire benders are trained, Mingzhu is trained to use more defensive moves rather then many quick ferrous jabs and punches. She has attained a level of not quiet a master (closer to a black belt) but her ability depends who the size of her attacker.
In the case of ever getting overwhelmed, Mingzhu is able to take up sword and fight efficiently. Her training in both arts begun from a young age, nearly 20 years of training lessons makes her a worthy opponent, but her skill is in most case only ever used in sparring matches, it is unclear how she would fare in a real fight.
Her jian, a double edged sword of 36 inches, made of a light alloy is kept on her person in a dark wooden sheath. The hand is made of polished mahogany and a red tassel is threaded through the pommel. This is sword is more decoration, she rarely finds the occasion to wear it.
For court meetings she has a small dagger than is disguised to look like a closed fan. She has only to slip the blade from the hollowed out casing to defend herself along with disarming kicks and punches. This blade is normally tucked into her waist band along with a real fan to look more convincing. It is made of pine wood, carefully painted red to look more authentic.
Personality: Mingzhu normally holds herself in a manner which is controlled and very calm, radiating a sense of tranquillity, and she has been likened to a serene statue. But it is clear, that glimpsing into her eyes there lies an active mind, with drive and ambition, but a slight restraint held in place. Mingzhu's nobility is central to her being, her wealth and status have influenced most key areas in her life, and many aspects of her personality. She could be in essence likened to a scholar, always learning, watching and gleaning information to be put into use for the future. She comes across as charming and pleasant, but also calculating and perhaps even a little manipulating, but she is not cold-blooded as some may expect.
Mingzhu is also a passionate theatre and opera lover, attending events as often as possible, she knows by heart many pieces of songs and poetry. If a person can determine her interests, and find common ground, Mingzhu's noble demeanour drops away, revealing a relaxed young woman, free from strict rules of society, which maybe be smothering her, rather than improving her. But a glimpse of this Mingzhu is rare, only for close family and friends.
Mingzhu's other main interest is falconry, a very self indulged hobby, encouraged from a young age by her father -in the hopes his bored daughter could find something to entertain herself with- she can spend an entire day flying her birds and attending to them, without realizing. Her interest is almost obsessive, if it wasn't balanced out with regular mediation sessions, sparring practice and meetings with political figures.
Mingzhu never needs to raise her voice, it is the tone that she uses to make her point made, but perhaps the only time when she may ever raise her voice, or loose her composure, is when the Earth kingdom and earth bending comes into topic -which thankfully is rare-, Mingzhu is likely to drop all manners, curse and insult the Earth kingdom with harsh language. Since the death of her mother, her tolerance of the Earth kingdom has declined drastically, leaving her father wondering what this young woman would do if she ever faced a earth bender in combat.
Over all, Mingzhu is a young noblewoman with a little too much free time on her hands and a worrying interest in political affairs.
Background: Mingzhu's somewhat colourful history starts with her family. The Shihong Yubi family is one of great wealth and nobility, generations involved in political matters, and traditional supporters of the Fire Lord. Mingzhu was born in the height of summer, on a hot, dry day, a great sign of luck to the parents, and hints of a great firebender in such a lucky birth.
The birth of a first born daughter born no disappointment to the father, as was a little expected by the mother, but because of Lord Leuisheng's great desire for an heir and the fact a woman could be just as successful and influential as any man. Mingzhu, (bright pearl) the little baby was called, and was promptly handed over to a nanny, because it wasn't proper for a noble woman to raise offspring herself. Mingzhu was cared for by various nannies until about the age of a year, when the still birth of a baby boy made her mother realise how much she missed having a child in her arms. It was then on that her mother was an important figure in her young life.
Some of Mingzhu's earliest memories are of spending evening sitting in her mother's lap, listening to music and poetry. She was demanding of attention as a young toddler and quite spoiled by her mother, who would give into any demand -still carrying guilt of neglect- and for Mingzhu it appeared she would grow into a selfish child, until her father decided his heir needed a strict upbringing and severe punishment to mould her into a strong character.
It was then at the age of 4 her tutoring in basic writing, maths and reading begun, her progress monitored carefully by her father. She would not at first settle into the lessons (how could a child of 4?) and as a result a harsh message was given in the form of 10 lashes. Little Mingzhu's temper was quite literally beaten out of her, and from then on the young child learnt about life was repeating what her tutors had taught her, learning strict manors and becoming less of a happy child. Though much as it annoyed Lord Leuisheng, her mother still kept a firm hand in the rearing of Mingzhu, taking the little girl out on walks, talking freely and not so intensity focused on studies.
After a couple years, nearing the age of 7, Mingzhu started to become bored, with only studies and strict training to look forward too, the girl's pent up frustration was taken out on the servants, pranks played on the night guard and vandalism in the garden. At first it was easy to blame young maids, but gradually as the rebellion became worse, Lord Leuisheng was keen to give the girl another beating to set her straight, Lady Mingxia managed to convince her husband that the girl's boredom needed channelling, suggesting bird rearing or such a hobby.
The girl's lessons were stopped for a few days, and Lady Mingxia involved the girl in a number of suitable pastimes, such as dance or music. The girl could perform very well at any of these, but her eyes remained glazed over, until one day out in a large field, a small falcon was placed on her arm, and the girl's eyes seemed to swell with joy and interest, and finally her destructive energy was put into flying birds. It was then a balance was placed in the girl's life, the strict teaching lifted, mediation introduced and free time for her to explore her hobby.
It was in the meantime that Lord Leuisheng was deeply involved in political matters in the Court of the Fire Lord, and was starting to be promoted up through the ranks (by means unknown), until he was on a small council of advisors, his drive for ambition however, would not be allowed to climb any higher, for whilst he was not as power hungry as other men, his ideas where a little radical, even for the Fire Nation.
As Mingzhu began to grow into a beauty, her father’s continual grooming carried on, books on political history left on her bedside table, and even on some occasions she could come to court meeting, but had to be veiled behind a screen with her mother, and forbidden to utter a word, but made to listen. These rare times she found utterly boring, and could not rouse herself to become interested in such matters.
Standing at the high rank of Governor’s daughter, heads of other families now came for long meetings, on the idea of settling a union between two great families, but her father was adamant that Mingzhu would be thrown away on marriage, and turned away all suitors, it would be for her to decide when she was older. Time for Mingzhu carried on flowing forward like a river, steady on it’s course, never sidetracking, until a visit to a conquered Earth Kingdom town was due when she was 13.
The long journey was made in comfort; it was the first time Mingzhu had ever left her home, she felt little, only some sea sickness. Her mother however, seemed to be unsettled, standing for a long time at night, staring into the distance. When asked, her mother only replied that she felt something strange in the distance, a bad feeling about the trip. Mingzhu thought it only to be sea sickness, and everything would be fine once they landed.
They spent nearly 3 months in the Earth Kingdom town, tours made in the country, the introduction of taxes and a militia occupied much of the family’s time. Mingzhu even enjoyed capturing new types of bird to study and keep. During a routine ride in a carriage through small woodland, the family was ambushed by a small group of angry earth benders, with the intent of assassinating Lord Leuisheng. The carriage managed to make a get away, but Lord Leuisheng decided he would make an example of these rebellious earth benders and fight them himself.
As he leapt of the carriage, Mingxia tried to stop him, jumping out after him to call him back, that a she was struck down with a small boulder to the chest area, crushing her lungs and suffocating her. Mingzhu watched her mother die, still huddled in the carriage with fear as her enraged rather killed some of the earth benders, leaving the rest to flee.
Mingzhu finds the events after her mother’s death sketchy, and painful to recall, even to this day. At first there was only sadness and weeping, guilt, and finally, anger. It was formed in her young mind that all earth benders were evil, with intention to kill, and it would be her to strike first. Even during Lord Leuisheng’s grief, he couldn’t help but he proud of his daughters sudden change of interest, she trained hard in marshal arts, took avid interest in Earth Kingdom geography, and methods of invasion. Worryingly, she was becoming what her father wanted.
Time again flew by, her monthly bleedings began, and curves of womanhood started to show, and her beauty bloomed. At the age of 17, it could no longer be denied she may want to enter into marriage, and so her social circle started to widen, young women of her age introduced, expecting to be close friends, but she found them hard to get along with. It was at a large party, did Mingzhu lock eyes with a young captain, and felt something electrifying happen. But he was forbidden from her, too lower class to consider marriage. Mingzhu didn’t care, she felt love and passion for this man, and schemed ways to meet and talk.
Conversation wasn’t the most thrilling thing between them, but their sexual chemistry was. Gradually their secret affair lengthened into months, he promised elopement, and she so blind to his real intentions, and consented to sleep with him.
It wasn’t Mingzhu who guessed she was pregnant, but her oldest servant, a prudish woman who recognised the signs of morning sickness. Mingzhu was horrified, and broke off any attachment to the Captain. Her father was never to know, and still in the early weeks of her pregnancy, Mingzhu suggested that she went to study with some fire sages in a remote temple for a year. These sages had been connected to her family for generations, and welcomed Mingzhu to the temple with her servant. Her father was more than happy to let her go.
Her pregnancy was swore to absolute secrecy. As her stomach swelled with life, Mingzhu felt something strange happening; she was bonding with the unborn baby, and all thoughts of abortion went out of the window. She laboured for hours, to birth a healthy boy. She spent another 3 months training to gain back her figure, and hide any signs of childbirth. The young boy was never to know of his heritage, but to be brought up as a Sage.
She returned home at the age of 18, still young, but mature and filled with desire to forget her child –the pain of separation too much at time- and driven ambition to leave a small mark on Fire Nation history.
Now, Mingzhu is 25 and getting older, and yet she still hasn’t achieved her vague aims.
RP Sample: Mingzhu rubbed her temples, blearily opening her eyes to gaze at the low table in front of her. For a moment she chose to admire the inlay of wood and semi-precious stones before averting her gaze to the scattered papers, scribed with her hand. How long had she been working? Her hand ached from holding the brush so stiffly, the start of her letters looking precise and neat, but now she held the brush loosely, the characters spaced out more and a little sloppy. She thought for a moment, what her old tutor would say and do.
"Sit up straight! Do not slouch! Hold your brush higher!" He would have said, before pressing his cane into her back to get his point across. She didn't think of him very fondly, despite what her father said about her heart growing fonder of old teachers. This little slacking of writing style was her little pleasure, a slight rebellion against all those years. But, after she'd slept better her writing would be perfect, and she would throw away some papers and start again. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, she wasn't expecting any visitors, and the hour was drawing later when any visitor would be deemed rude to come knocking. She rose elegantly from her kneeling position on the lush silk cushion, feeling her robe swish around her legs.
Her lips curved into a fond smile, as she shuffled to the large gilded bird cage in small steps. Several small birds twittered and flew about the large cage, hopping from one perch to the next. Her hands slid open the small door, reaching in with spread out fingers to grasp one the unsuspecting birds. The others started to fly about in alarm, their small shrill notes becoming cries of alarm. She lifted the small bird to her eyes, studying the fine plumage and small bobbing head as it tried to escape. Mingzhu then pursed her lips, only allowing a small space for a whistle. She whistled a similar tune to the birds in the cage, and the small one in her closed hand start to relax, and finally she let her hand open, and have it rest on one finger. Mingzhu stroked its tiny head, admiring the small beady eyes before letting the small red coloured bird back into the cage.
With a sigh, Mingzhu gathered up the papers, stacking them neatly in the corner of her desk and blew out the small candle on the table.
