Sorry it took so long to post but I got...

Spoiler

Nephero!

I knew I wanted to draw some skeleton / lich with a world in its clutches and wearing a galaxy... accompanied by some sort of horror terror creepy critters but... lol I tried. For the colors I just went with what came to me. Hope you like it!

[close]

Mahvash rolled the tooth in his palm as he waited for his excitement to ebb before leaving his booth. Even though most of the other boxes were empty today he didn't need to wander out into the halls to have another errant merchant prince notice the propping of his garments. The back halls of the upper levels were quiet today, those who had come were watching the next match. Mahvash's personal guard was the only one in sight as he passed through the curtain that separated his private booth. There was no doubt that these familiar halls could be easily traversed even with closed eyes, the paths had been paced so often. Even as a child he had run them, back and forth stopping only to try and peek a glimpse of the bloodshed through the curtains.

His father hated the arena, but it was often a good setting for business. Besides, anyone who was anyone had a private booth. His father was a fool of a man.

As he became lost in glimpses of nostalgia Mahvash gripped the tooth he still clutched in his hand a bit too tightly and the root stuck him. He opened his clenched fist and peered down at the tooth and the small trickle of blood. It should have hurt, but it only made him smile. How strange.

He wanted so badly to visit the beast again but that would have to wait for another day. Unfortunately he had business to attend to but he would make arrangements. After all the beast would be his. It would be a meager matter to purchase his debts and own him. By the morning the beast would be placed with the other owned gladiators. The barracks, while still guarded, would be a step up at least from the holding cells. Though Mahvash's gladiators rarely were housed there. It wouldn't be wise to bring someone like that man to his home. Champions were different, they were often giving private quarters if they performed well. Mahvash Samara was known for being extra accommodating to his gladiators as well. Rumor had it they were kept in the same quarters as his concubines.

The rumors weren't quite true, though Hawk was in a room across from Mahvash's harem. He wanted to lie in Hawk's bed and hold the man's calloused hands after his matches. There was no risk in that situation however because the foreigner could not disobey him. Sadir however...

Mahvash thought back to Sadir's hands as he licked the blood off his own palm. Would he ever be able to hold the beast's hand?

Of course the gossip monger found himself just happening to walk past Mahvash's box as he started into the hall. Mahvash stopped and smiled softly at the other man, both the guard and Jinan stopped as soon as Mahvash did, standing silently a few paces behind the merchant princes.

Information was always a valuable commodity, but Emyr Kasabian had a gift at utilizing and spinning information to his benefit. Mahvash had to admit there was something impressive about Emyr... or he would if he had not become an object of the other merchant prince's interest.

"Of course I am. Though I had no doubts regarding his skill and eagerness to prove himself." Mahvash said with a smile and a nod of his head. He took Emyr's extended hand and shook it. "I hope you enjoyed the match. Who was that you were watching the fight with?" His soft handsome face retained that simple smile.

@Eckhart_Von_Musel LOL That is so funny cause I got you and had the same problem!!! I love mine thank you so much! I hope you like yours... the info I got lead me to draw you a Butter Witch in a lovely basket of Exotic Butters.

I got Draconian!!! So I decided to draw a Kulshedra pokemon!



Pokedex Entries!

Kulshedra
The Flame Keeper Pokemon

It uses its tail to light the flame on it's head. Large amounts of copper compounds in Kulshedra's scales cause this pokemon's flames to be a bright blue-green.

While it's scale colors vary by region, Kulshedra's flames are always a bright blue-green due to copper compounds in the scales.

Kulshedra hatches with it's tail flame lit. Since this pokemon can not breathe fire it cannot relight the flame if it is extinguished. It light's it's head on fire as a back up for it's tail flame.

If Kulshedra's flames are extinguished it cannot relight them and it's evolutionary path changes.

OMG I LOVE IT SO MUCH NEPH!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH! <33333333333333333333333 TY TY TY!!!!

Mahvash smiled back at that knowing grin, nodding his head as to except the congratulations from the other, playing dumb that he had no idea he had been caught. He had done this many a time and never had anyone gleaned a thing from him. It was infuriating to think he had been caught by a gossip monger like Emyr Kasabian.

The crowd began to file out and Mahvash kicked Jinan, a not so subtle command to crawl to the curtain. Jinan recoiled from the blow but crawled on hands and knees around the perimeter of the booth. It was not their first time having to do this. They fixed their hair and slave's veil before parting the curtain, not from the center, but from the wall. It was there that the slave stood behind Mahvash's bodyguard, as was often the case, waiting for the merchant prince to emerge from the booth. The guard turned to look at Jinan, not saying a word. The large man knew what went on but was as silent as a statue.

Mahvash emerged a few minutes later, appearance flawless and smelling sweet from his perfumes. He smiled to the guard but paid Maram-Jinan no mind as the started to walk through the back halls, Mahvash, Jinan and the guard.

Teach him? There was so much even he did not yet know. He did not know what would become of the Library- of generations of Juris Ataraxia work. Work that he was sworn to continue. Secrets he was bound to protect. "I'm sorry. I cannot teach outsiders."

Jaibah said as he pulled away from Imogene. A small twinge of regret present on his face before he turned away from the other mage. "You can read whatever you'd like while you are here. But you won't remember any of this in the morning."

Once he stepped back up from the underground pens Mahvash was met by his own guard who he had requested wait for him there. He barely acknowledged the taller man as he made his way back to his box in silence, smiling softly the whole way.

His thoughts remained on the beast; on his hands, on the crusted blood and flesh under his thumb nails. Mahvash sat down in his seat and folded his hands on his lap. He ran his thumb over his own hands, too soft too small. He wondered what Sadir's hands felt like in his own. They were clearly more brutal than Hawk's and just as deadly, maybe more so. Still... he wouldn't be able to lie on Sadir's bed and hold his hand. No. Hawk was under his control, Sadir would never be; but it hardly stopped him from wanting the gladiator.

He stopped tracing his own thumbs when the names for the next bout were called, and he was pleased that his bribe had not gone to waste. He sadly did not have the whole day to spend here, and he wanted to make sure he saw another of Sadir's fights.

Mahvash noted Sadir scanning the crowd and his head tilted as an amused smile spread across his lips. It was not lost on him that Sadir stopped searching when his gaze fell on Mahvash. "You won't disappoint me will you beast?" Mahvash muttered to the privacy of his empty box.

The match was a thing of beauty. The way Sadir moved, predatory, hungry. It was different from the way Mahvash's champions moved out of pride and a sense of accomplishment, or fear and desire. Sadir relished this. Not to be the best... but for the kill itself. It was so poetic. He longed to be closer. To hear every beat of movement and every breath from that twisted mouth. He needed this beast to be his.

It was taking all of Mahvash's will power not to enjoy this match too much. He certainly wished he had brought Jinan along today. Sadir was making him ache. As the opponent fell to the ground Mahvash knew it was over. It had been over long before, but this was where he would get to bask in Sadir's creativity. Many would simply retrieve the spear and stab the poor bastard. But instead Sadir was unbuckling his shield...

Mahvash's breath hitched in his throat and his member twitched beneath the sheer cloth of his loosely wrapped clothing. Sadir didn't stop until the whistle blew and the crowd was roaring with hunger, frothing at the mouths at the beautiful carnage. Mahvash could see how satisfied and tired Sadir looked now, as if the beast had reached completion. He stood and pressed his lower half against the brick of his box to try and urge it away as the gladiator turned to him and saluted. The merchant prince smiled sweetly and applauded Sadir.

He certainly did not disappoint.

I HAVE AN IDEA!!!!!!!!!! In Halloween Costumes... XD

A private match. That was an interesting idea.

Mahvash tucked the tooth into the pocket like folds of his clothing. He watched this beast examine the cage, he wondered what the creature's first move would be if he were freed. Perhaps the idea should have scared him but it only excited him; something he concealed well.

That purr and wild grin were both so appealing but he could not be reeled in so easily. "Tell me after you win you next match. If you lose and die it will leave me to despair the rest my days not knowing your story, Sadir." Mahvash smiled sweetly back at the gladiator before looking over at the guard. "Give this one fresh water." He instructed the guard as he moved to leave the gladiator pens, stealing one last look at Sadir's hands as he thumbed the tooth in his pocket.

Mahvash moved to the side just a bit as the tooth was flicked at his feet, but there was no fear to the movement, no jump of surprise. The grace with which he side stepped the molar gave away his fancy background in dance. He eyed the tooth for a moment before kneeling to pick it from the dirt, eyes on Sadir the entire time. As he rose he turned the tooth over in his palm while the other returned to the bucket. The root was sharp and just a little bloody still. "You sure you don't want to keep it for the next match? It could make that bout more interesting too."

The smile had left the merchant's lips but his eyes still gleamed with delight as he watched the gladiator. This man had no idea who he was other than his apparent status, and it was wonderful. There was no pandering or trying to appeal to Mahvash's favor. This man was a beast, caged but untamed, who hungered for carnage. And how Mahvash wanted him...

"I highly doubt you are a slave. Criminal or indebted?" He said, not leaving even though the gladiator seemed done with him for now. All the dregs that were fighting in today's bouts were fodder slaves who no one expected to make much of themselves in the arena, criminals and those in debt trying to earn wages- either voluntary or compulsary.

My sketch of Hakua

__________________QUICK STATS
Name
Crown Hakuamatani, though they don't mind being called King or Queen either. Those close to them call them Hakua or Haku.
Age
32
Gender
maha
Species
Human
Ethnicity
Yoreiqi
Height
5'11
Occupation
The Crown of Yoreiq
Residence
Yoreiq
__________________IN-DEPTH STUFF

Physical Description
Hakuamatani is considered an attractive maha by common Yoreiq standards. They have long, straight black hair with red streaks through it. Their dark skin is adorned with many tattoos, particularly on their face; the forehead, under the eyes, the sides of their cheeks, along part of the jaw line and on their chin. They also have more across their body, all of which are abstract in design as is the case with Yoreiqi tattoos.

Haku has large beautiful wings, mostly dark teal and kelly green in color, but a streak of red run through their feather coloring as well and the base of the wings have a bit of an orange hue to them. Their eyes are a lovely amber shade and Hakua's frame is slender but not as toned as most.

Personality
Hakua is very trusting, bordering on being naive. They are not entirely blinded by compliments but they do appreciate them greatly. Hakuamatani is just as quick to compliment others and the concept of flattering someone to get something is a bit lost on them so any compliments from them are sincere and they assume the same of received complements. Despite being a grown adult in their early 30s Hakua is a bit immature. Part of this is attributed to the fact that they never expected to be Crown. Before being crowned Hakua was a spiritual advisor and still acts a bit more like that than a true Crown and leader.

Hakuamatani LOVES jokes and humorous stories but doesn't always... get them. Their sense of humor is just... not sharp and sometimes they laugh at things they think are jokes but aren't.

Magic/Abilities
Hakuamatani can fly from island to island distance wise but only in fair weather as they are not particularly skilled at navigating through more treacherous winds and conditions.

Hakua can dance and throw a spear but that's about it.

Relationships

Hakuamatani currently has no children or lovers! They need some maybe? 8D

Hakua is the middle child of five. Their eldest sibling was Queen but she was lost at sea about eight years ago and is presumed dead. Their older brother had to be removed from power and their younger siblings were too young, so Hakuamatani had to take the crown. Not that they really minded too much, they never had aspirations for it though.

History

Hakuamatani knew from an early age that 'he' was not a 'he'. When they made this realization they originally thought they might be a she, as women's clothing and roles made them more comfortable and parts of the male anatomy felt strange to have. As Hakua grew however, they realized they were maha. Part of the realization was made when their friend, a shaman named Hekelani, offered to use his magic to help Hakua transition physically into a woman. Hakuamatani realized they didn't want to change their body, and that they didn't quite feel like a woman either.

As a maha and a royal Hakua felt their role was a spiritual adviser and that was plenty for them. They spent much of their time with their friend and would help with various tasks for their family as well as give advice (often in the form of veiled and almost nonsensical metaphor) to any who needed it. Hakua liked their life. There was not much to worry about. Things were simple.

When Hakuamatani reached their early twenties a storm beached foreign ships on the shores of Yoreiq for the first time. Everyone was fascinated by the new and very different people. They spoke a strange language and dressed weirdly. Their ships were much bigger and just seemed entirely different. Still, they were welcomed and provided for- even repairs to their ships were made so that they could return to their voyage when ready. Since then foreigners have visited Yoreiq, trading with the people and the port village of Ainu expanded as a result.

Hakua was enamored with almost every foreigner to come to Yoreiq. They wanted to meet all the people, hear all the stories (as best as the language barrier could allow), those huge ships held promise for Hakuamatani. They longed to visit these other worlds.

But then two years later tragedy hit his family hard. His sister, Queen Leinami, was assisting a fishing expedition when a storm took the small fishing boats. Leinami was never found, and having no children the crown was given to Hakuamatani's older brother Matanoa. Matanoa was King for all three moons before he was exiled by his family. Matanoa was mad in the head and would chatter on to coconut trees of how the foreigners were bringing darkness with them to Yoreiq and they would destroy the island nation. His behavior was frightening and unsettling but when he set fire to part of the palace to appeal to Rokalele for help, the royal family knew they had to depose him.

Hakuamatani never wanted or expected to be Crown of Yoreiq, but he could not let his people down. They have been leading the people for eight years now.

__________________THREAD TRACKER
Current Threads

Complete Threads

Mahvash made sure to stay just out of arm's reach of the cell. He knew most of these men were criminals, but he found he rather liked most criminals. He found himself watching Sadir's hand's closely. The splayed fingers, the slight curve to the one hand as both of the gladiator's palms pressed against the bars. Experience told him that the man was concealing something between the bars and his palm. Mahvash had spent enough time watching killers' hands to notice small things like the slight forward curve of those fingers...

As long as he stayed out of reach whatever the other was concealing was of no consequence to him. His eyes trailed to Sadir's thumbs though. Those digits had done sure heinous work... how much force was necessary for that? There was no fear or dread in Mahvash's gaze, but a shiver of excitement ran down his spine and a small tug at the corner of his lips said everything. "Ready indeed. I just wanted to congratulate your win. It was a truly inspired match."

There was no need to comment on the 'sweet fig' remark. It neither phased nor upset him, and he was still a bit transfixed by those powerful hands.

It was rare that one of the gladiators of no standing caught Mahvash's eye like this. Criminal and ruffian matches were entertaining, especially for Mahvash's tastes, but these gladiators rarely found patrons; even if they were skilled. It was more a matter of not stooping to scrape from the bottom of the barrel. Fighters of this caliber needed to prove themselves and work up the rankings in the general populace before private owners would seek them out.

It was rare to even see a merchant prince visit the holding cells on a day like this. Perhaps it was because he did not find any of Hespu's new gladiator slaves to his liking. Mahvash was still in the market for a new champion but he was far from desperate.

"You seem antsy." Mahvash said softly but loud enough to be heard by the fighter whose cage he stopped in front of. Sadir, that was the gladiator's name wasn't it? "Anxious for your next fight?"

Mahvash kept his eyes fixed on the arena. The two gladiators were quite skilled indeed, the drive to not only survive, but to win for pride and glory was so appealing. The shame of defeat would sting such men more than that of death.

His cock twitched in Jinan's mouth as he watched his gladiator impale his opponent in the gut with his sword. It was so beautiful to see. He jerked his hips forward slightly and pressed the back of Jinan's head further onto his cock, ignoring her soft gasp for air. He held her there, making her take more of him into her mouth as he came down her throat. All the while the run-through gladiator struggled to remove the blade still stuck inside him... still trying to survive... still trying to stay on his feet and win.

Mahvash's gladiator pulled his sword out of his competitor and a gush of blood came with the newly freed blade as the other fell to the ground bleeding out. Mahvash finally released his grip on the back of Jinan's head and the concubine coughed and sputtered some, staying on her knees as the crowd cheered it's victor. Mahvash grinned and clapped, nodding his head at his champion but he did not stand. Owner's rarely stood when cheering their fighters. His eyes roamed the crowd now, looking for the merchant whose gladiator now laid in a pool of his own blood but his eyes caught a different merchant prince's instead. It was just for a moment, and then Mahvash returned to scanning for the other though it seemed the fool had left in shame. His eyes drew back to the other then, Emyr Kasabian was the man's name. He was sure of that. What he was not sure of was why the other seemed to be looking at him.

((I hope that's ok if not I can change it!))

"How thoughtless of me. I had forgotten your loss as well forgive my impertinence. Neither passage of time, nor the fact that I am a soldier at heart, excuse my lack of propriety regarding your circumstance." Kiaal offered, his mouth turning downwards even more. How inconsiderate. He should have remembered House Orlov's own tragedies.

He made sure their glasses were still full of brandy and tried finally to steer the conversation away from the subject of illness and death, odd for him since it consumed him as of late. "You seem to have done well with your house. I can make no claim to any courtly expertise, especially as of this conversation but my briefings have told me you and making great strides for your house."

Perhaps it was out of genuine interest rather than mere conversation that the next sentence fell from Kiaal's lips but they were said with no indication of either. "Tell me, what are your aspirations Dimitri? Personally and for House Orlov."

Jaibah paused on the stairs and looked the the other man. He had only told Imogene as much as he had, only let him see it because he still planned to wipe it all from the mage's memory. He would still have to... so what harm would telling him more- no.

No he could not reveal to much.

"No. It isn't mine." He turned away from Imogene's gaze and finished his descent of the staircase and headed towards his room.

This stranger, no, this trespasser had to leave. He had to be dealt with and he had to leave the Library. Cijii would return soon and they would deal with this Imogene and return to work as usual.

"I do not believe so. Even if we were lower and it were easier to see into the Library... the windows are enchanted from both sides." He muttered looking down upon the city from their perch.

It was obvious that the Library was part of some larger building from their height. Perhaps the palace or a church? It looked to be grand from what Jaibah could tell. And it was hidden but in plain sight so it must be in a building or part of a building few would have access to.

"I am sorry." He said softly as he pulled himself away from the window and headed for the staircase.

The city was revealed to Imogene as it would be to any who looked out side for more than a mere glance. The windows were long ago enchanted to seem innocuous and therefore made guests of the Library pay no mind to them or the view outside and a simple glance would make the viewer believe that what lie outside the Library was whatever they were expecting to see out there. But if one were to truly look outside... well that was another story.

"No game." Jaibah said as he moved to stand beside Imogene, also looking out at their real surroundings. "This Library exists within the city. However the Library is not reachable from the city itself and we cannot reach the city from in here. Only observe. Only watch the people go about their daily lives as their society that has been isolated from us for so long starts to finally dwindle." He said with a sincerely heavy heart. He could tell by Imogene's reaction that the motivation behind finding this place at least came from a source of good intent. Perhaps he had been cold and hasty earlier.

"There are good reasons why things that belong to the Library need to stay in the Library Imogene. I am sorry that our views differ, but I cannot afford to waiver on these matters."