Leukos is lean and muscled, years of labor and performing making him toned and strong. He has an incredible sense of balance and flexibility; a strong core and muscle isolation letting him hold poses for extended periods of time. A few scars from his youth and animal attacks mark his body, in addition to lashes across his back from being whipped during slavery. He's very tall, with golden eyes topped by long curled lashes. With a cupid-bow mouth, delicate straight nose, angular jaw, and high cheekbones, Leukos can’t help but be described as beautiful. His hair is a shade of blue so dark it appears black, which shimmers a lovely periwinkle luster when the light hits it. He has been growing it out since it was all forcibly shaved off years ago, lovingly caring for it, so that now it reaches his thighs when let loose. The thick hair is mostly straight, with gentle curls at the tips. Usually likes to integrate elaborate braids and accessories into it, resulting in some truly marvelous hairstyles.
Clothing:
Having been surrounded by the styles of Oba his whole life, Leukos has found it difficult to adopt the garments of his native people. He prefers to follow the trends of the Oban elite. He loves silks, embellishments, and jeweled golden accessories. Limitations in life have forced him to imitate more often than emulate: substituting silks for lightweight cotton, and jewel studded gold for polished brass and glass. But he still uses whatever chance he gets to splurge on the real-deal.
Accessories:
Leukos wears a wide range of various jewelry and ornate scarves he has been able to acquire over the years: all classy, rather than garish. He likes to think he is a man of good taste, with a personal style that reflects this. His hair always comes with at least one shiny ornament holding it in lace, never one to leave the house without something lavish on his person; he'd just feel naked without it.
One item he has been able to hold onto since his childhood is a spiral shaped shell pin, given to him by his only true friend during his years of slavery, Xewai. He learned that the piece was more than just decorative, being a symbol the members of a secret underground anti-slavery resistance use to identify each other. He used to wear it on his person, but has since removed it, not wanting to draw unneeded attention from unsavory sources. Leukos still holds onto it however, unable to part with the sentimental token from his troubled past...
MissMisnomer
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MissMisnomer
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 12:13 am
Personality Summary:
✦ Dramatic disposition ✦ Natural magnetism ✦ Loves to perform ✦ Bold and assertive ✦ Master of inuendo ✦ Aims to be a people pleaser ✦ Polite demeanor ✦ Silver tongued ✦ Promiscuous and flirty ✦ A perfectionist by nature ✦ Reliable and trustworthy, a good listener ✦ A bit of a brat, liking to tease people playfully ✦ Has expensive tastes, even if he can't afford it (materialistic) ✦ Attachment issues stemming from a history of abandonment ✦ Often feels the need to overcompensate for his flaws ✦ Strong drive to prove himself hardworking and successful ✦ Reluctant to truly and honestly open up to people ✦ Often too prideful to ask for help, even if he needs it ✦ Tends to keep negative feelings bottled up inside ✦ Prefers to not bother other people with his personal problems
Personality Extended:
Having survived the nightmare of slavery in his younger years, and given the chance to flourish during his adolescence in freedom, Leukos’ true personality was able to grow and develop. Being trained to perform at a young age, and living in a circus now, has left him with a dramatic disposition. He has been blessed with a phenomenal sense of balance and flexibility, able to stand on running beasts and perform tricks at the same time. After being suppressed for so long, and being told what to wear and what to do, there is nothing Leukos values more than his freedom to do whatever he wants. He paid a high price for his independence; he was going to savor every moment of it.
His years under the control of his slaver master taught him how to speak in just the right way and say just the right things in order to please people. Much of his confidence comes from reassurance through his actions and the compliments of others, valuing himself based on people’s perception of him. So maintaining appearances is of paramount importance. With a naturally sweet smile and blessed with charming looks, many find it hard to not warm up to him. But he can be a bit of a brat, loving to playfully tease people to get reactions out of them.
However, he does have issues forming lasting bonds with others. This may come off as shallow or detached to people who see him as noncommittal. But in truth, this stems from his fear of abandonment. His parents gave him away (in his eyes), his mistress and master tossed him away when they were displeased with him, fellow slaves were sold off, animals he cared for shipped away, friends died in war, and members of the caravans he has grown up in leave to make lives of their own. This has all compounded to him having issues connecting on a deep level with people. He also finds it hard to open up and lay his heart bare, afraid someone will see something they don’t like and leave him. Showing weakness isn’t an option.
That isn’t to say he doesn’t know how to make friends, or enter trysts with young earthlings: he just keeps it superficial and tries to restrain himself from getting too attached. He does however, see the importance of being reliable; living in a large group of some kind for most of his life has taught him that teamwork is important. Has a strong drive to prove that he is capable, hardworking, and successful. He doesn't want to have to rely on others to get what he wants, leading to some situations where he can get into real trouble because he doesn't want to have to ask for help. If he makes a promise, he will try his best to keep it. He never goes back on his word, and refuses to snitch or reveal another’s secret given to him in confidence. A good listener, he is ready to let you lean on him if you need a break from your troubles.
Truth be told, being praised for his natural beauty since the day he was born has taken its toll on his humility. He spent most of his years as a slave as a “pet” for a spoiled Oban noble, so finery and beautiful things are important to him. He takes great pride in how he looks and presents himself, devoting precious time and energy into his appearance, panicking when something falls amiss. As a child, perfection in all aspects of his life was expected and enforced, the aftereffects of that mentality lingering to this day. He knows he is handsome, athletic, and talented, using these strengths to climb higher in life.
While this is great for his confidence, it has made him a bit of a flirt, leading to words like “shallow” and “vain” being used to describe him on more than one occasion by jilted romantic interests. When he was a child, repeated sexual and mental abuse was a part of his daily life for years, giving him an unrealistic understanding of what intercourse is meant to be for. Reacted to what happened to him by distancing himself from it all, then diving back in with an almost reckless manner, perusing sexual partners and hookups to prove to himself that he was in control of his own body. Being something that must be desirable has become a part of his identity. He can seem almost robotic and detached when it comes to physical contact from people; it’s an obligation to respond to it, but has a hard time deriving strong, positive emotions from touch. He received few hugs. No one offered a hand to hold if he needed it, so he’s learned to not ask for one. Never having known what real, honest, uncorrupted love from another person is supposed to feel like, he finds himself scared by the idea of it, of falling in love. It’s always just hurt him in the past.
After living a life of relative luxury as a child, then having that all ripped away by circumstances, he has grown overly attached to possessions. In fact, he is rather materialistic. He uses his money to buy nice things, even if they are beyond his means or seem frivolous. Traveling across the country has kept him up to date on the latest luxury styles, and unfortunately, this has only fueled his addiction to fashion. He sees it as a way of proving his own freedom: if he can afford the same things as the rich that once treated him like their pretty little plaything, it means he doesn’t need them anymore. He is his own man.
Some Quick Tidbits:
✦ He's ambidextrous ✦ Spot patterns more decorative and orderly than normal
Habits: ✦ Twisting his hair between his hands when he is nervous ✦ Smacking his forehead against things when upset with himself ✦ Checking his appearance every time he passes a reflective object
Likes ✦ Exploring marketplaces ✦ The smell of fresh linens ✦ When others brush his hair ✦ Feeling gentle rain ✦ Enjoying poetry ✦ The color purple ✦ Blushing cheeks ✦ Giving neck kisses ✦ Laying on cool rocks ✦ The soft tinkling of bells ✦ Playing instruments ✦ Stories from foreigners ✦ Admiring flowers alone ✦ Handling silky fabric ✦ Teaching animals new tricks ✦ Proving people wrong ✦ Dancing barefoot on moonlit nights ✦ Running his fingers across smooth stones
Dislikes ✦ Getting sand in his shoes ✦ Biting into sour fruit ✦ Being made to wait for too long ✦ People who hurt animals ✦ When his hair gets tangled ✦ Too much handling of his neck ✦ Catching movement in the dark ✦ Feeling helpless ✦ Losing control of situations ✦ The feeling of dry grass ✦ All insects ✦ Hot cobblestones ✦ Being dirty for too long ✦ Overhearing heated arguments ✦ People underestimating him ✦ Failing at new tasks
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:02 am
Main Plot Points:For anyone looking for the cliff notes version of his life so far:
✦ Used to be a slave for a high ranking noble family in the capital of Oba, as an entertainer and pet companion. ✦ Adored his owner, completely devoted to her and willing to do anything to please her. ✦ Met a free Matoran boy, Xewai, who made him realize how messed up his life was and desire freedom instead. ✦ Tried to run away with this boy, but got caught and sent off to a beast training facility in the desert. ✦ Spent a year getting mistreated in harsh conditions he was not used to, then fled with the other slaves when they started a riot after Oba lost the war with Tendaji. ✦ Wandered the desert with xaaran from the facility, until he was found near death by a group of former slaves. ✦ They helped rehabilitate him and work through the repercussions of years of mental and physical trauma. ✦ Eventually they formed a roaming circus that performed across Oba, Leukos helping as a performer and apprentice beast tamer. ✦ After years apart, he and Xewai meet again by chance, who invites him to come stay with him in Matori to meet his own people for the first time. ✦ Leukos takes a break from the circus troupe to have a vacation in Matori, staying with his childhood friend part of the time, then venturing off to explore more of the country on his own. ✦ While in Nated, he gets into a drunken night of fun with a Matoran named Sajahka, who leaves him the next morning with all of his money stolen. ✦ After it becomes clear he is not getting any of his funds back, Leukos turns to street performing to support himself and a return trip back home to Oba. ✦ Meets Niamh, the son of a prominent merchant, and they hit it off for a few days, before Leukos leaves town without notice when he gets offered a job by Reevus Dullaney as a beast tamer at his facility in Edrao. ✦ Much to his surprise, Niamh follows him to his new job, where he discovers him becoming intimately involved with a new coworker (fists start flying and the boy is none too happy with him). ✦ After that gets smoothed over, they officially become boyfriends while the dust settles at his new job. ✦ In the meantime, Sajahka, whom Leukos had previously become sexually involved with, has a major falling out with his best friend, and having no one else to turn to for help, finds his way north to surprise Leukos by asking if he can help him find a job. ✦ After agreeing to help him, Saj starts working with Leukos at the same place and stays with him as a roommate. ✦ After months of rehabilitating, Leukos comes to grips with his feelings for the other man, and they officially become an item. ✦ Gets a new client with a temperamental young Janarim caught in the wild, and after discovering he is involved in an illegal animal smuggling operation, he and Sajahka make plans to steal the evidence they need to get the man arrested.
Early History Summary:
Bred for Excellence
✦ Conceived as a breeding project between two equally beautiful slaves of the entertainment sector. ✦ When old enough to be weaned, he was sold off and taken away to his new masters. ✦ Became the property of the Kashian household, one of the wealthiest and grandest in Sulburi. ✦ His duty was to entertain Lady Kashian, to serve as a project for pouring her interest into and sculpting into the perfect pet. ✦ His time was spent perfecting various art forms: gymnastics, dancing, playing instruments, and singing. ✦ Was ordered to address her as "My Lady", to become as pleasing to her eye and tastes as possible. ✦ Lived under a strict, demanding house, devoting hours of his time and energy into learning and practicing. ✦ Though he was pampered in many regards, flaws on his person were not permitted: if any were discovered, swift and decisive punishment was doled out. ✦ But despite it all, he was happy to serve and please, thoroughly brainwashed into believing that he was worthless on his own, and if he could not please others, then he deserved every pain brought upon him.
Planting the Seed of Discent
✦ One day, he happened to meet Xewai, a young Matoran boy, on the other side of the gate leading into the estate's gardens. ✦ This encounter introduced Leukos to the idea of what freedom was like, becoming thoroughly seduced by the prospect. ✦ After months of meeting together, it was decided Xewai would help Leukos escape once and for all. ✦ One night, they chopped the gate down, and took off into the city hand in hand. ✦ Despite their best efforts, they were discovered, and Leukos gave himself up so that his only true friend could escape. ✦ He was dragged back to the home of his masters, who greeted him like the traitor he was. ✦ It was decided that he had become too cocky in his position in the household, and needed to be made to realize what being a slave was really like. ✦ So at the age of 12, he was blindfolded and taken away from the only place he'd ever called home.
A Whole New Kind of Hell
✦ The Kashians had made their money by entertaining people, in whatever form that took: both legal and illegal. ✦ Leukos was taken to the facility he used to buy, breed, train, and break the animals used in his many business ventures. ✦ For a month, Leukos was kept inside a small cage alongside the new Janarims brought to the compound, denied any human contact besides that necessary to keep him alive, and left to wallow in his own fear and misery. ✦ But despite the absolute 180 his life had taken, Leukos did not succumb to complete depression and insanity, developing a special bond with the monsters caged alongside him. ✦ After a month of this, he was retrieved by the Oban managers of the facility, hoping to make an example out of him in front of the other slaves. ✦ To their disappointment, he was not as broken as they had hoped, still of sound mind inside his malnourished body. ✦ They decided to put him to work rather than killing him: his disgusting tangle of hair was shaved off, old clothes burned as new ones were issued, and body scrubbed down with lye. ✦ He was assigned as the assistant for the veterinarian on duty, helping clean up after and care for the animals housed at the facility. ✦ While there, Leukos learned how hard things could really get, experiencing hunger, cold, illness, and scarring pain for the first time in his life. ✦ His only comfort came with bonding with the animals under his care, who were far kinder than the men ruling his life. ✦ After war was declared on Tendaji and Oba lost the war, the slaves of the facility staged a coup, slaughtering the foremen and setting fire to the buildings. ✦ Almost claimed as another casualty during the chaos, Leukos was saved by a rogue Xaaran, whose back he climbed onto as he fled the burning facility into the vast Oban desert. Picking Up the Pieces
✦ Rode the Xaaran longer than he can remember, eventually found at death's door by an impromptu encampment of former slaves and nursed back to health. ✦ When he finally came to, they got a real taste of just how completely and utterly he had been ******** up by his life so far. ✦ He had gone practically mute, didn't trust people, scared easily, lost all ability to emote, and functioned almost entirely without a free will. ✦ But through kindness, patience, and compassion, they were able to help Leukos come out of his shell, encouraging him to move past the hardships that had made him the way he was, and try becoming who he wanted to be instead. ✦ The group became the closest thing to a family Leukos had ever had, showing him what it felt like to be a real human for the first time in his life.
Stars Forged from Chains
✦ Eventually, their group grew too large to be sustained by the small oasis they were encamped at, making the tough decision to pack up and journey to the nearest city. ✦ While there, they rented their labor out to whoever would pay, anything to help pay for supplies and keep some form of a roof over their heads. ✦ Some of the group put together a ram-shackled performance to entertain the people of the city: to everyone's surprise, people really seemed to like it. ✦ So they worked on getting some form of an act put together, Leukos hesitantly offering up his skills if they'd like to use him. ✦ His talent as a performer became invaluable, helping them figure out what they needed to do to make their whole crazy idea work. ✦ Eventually, they became a full fledged band of gypsies, moving from city to city as coffers grew slim. ✦ After years of perfecting their craft, their band became a legitimate, respected circus, famous across Oba for their excellence and daring feats. ✦ Leukos grew into his own while under their wing, helping with choreography, performing, and training beasts to work alongside the other circus members.
The Whole Story:
Leukos’ life was decided for him before he was even born. His mother and father were two Matoran slaves of the entertainment sector, bred together to create a child just as uniquely beautiful as they were. His conception was not of love, but at least the two slaves knew each other on friendly terms, which was more than many others could hope for. From this connection came an adorable baby boy, who from an early age carried a quiet, inquisitive disposition. His mother was allowed to care for him until he was old enough to be weaned, when he was then taken to the interested party that wished to purchase him.
The estate he was to call home was one of the most opulent in Sulburi, owned by a powerful noble man and his spoiled wife, the Lord and Lady Kashian. The woman had many pets she tried to use to fill her need for a small-something to occupy her time and attention with, since her children were grown and had already left home by now. Leukos became that something. Raising a child comes with its struggles, but she was not troubled by them; she enjoyed the child’s company when she wished, passing him off to be cared for whenever he started fussing or grew weary of his presence. In this way, Leukos grew with a strange relationship with his owners; he was more than just another animal, but never treated like a real son. Just an interesting project to keep the woman busy and entertained. The lord of the house let his wife throw herself into her newest obsession, keeping a wary eye to make sure the little boy never believed himself to be more than just another slave of the household. And never knowing anything else, Leukos accepted this situation without question, raised to understand that he was there to make her happy. Which he did wholeheartedly, addressing the woman as 'My Lady’ as per her request, and striving to win her scarce affection.
Being the favorite, Leukos never had to go without, afforded more luxuries and comfort than many other slaves could hope to dream of. Beautiful clothes, delicious food, his own room: all of it the finest money could buy. But none of it was his. Nothing was his own: even his life. His outfits were so fine because that was what The Lady wanted, dressing him up in the latest fashions much as you would a living doll, brushing and braiding his long hair just like she used to do with her own daughters. His speech was clean and refined, because it pleased her to see the surprise on other’s faces when the young slave child spoke with such intelligent clarity. It would be difficult to be an interesting form of entertainment if he was ill prepared to do just that: so tutors and instructors were hired, teaching the boy all of the manners and etiquette he would need to survive in the perilous world of the aristocracy. He became a shadow to the woman, joining her on social outings and drifting through mansions on her whims, amusing her guests and friends with his charming banter and performances.
His time was spent perfecting various art forms: gymnastics, dancing, playing instruments, singing. Whatever she was in the mood for, he was prepared to handle it. The incentive to try his hardest was simple: whenever he did something right, everyone praised him. And when he failed...harsh punishment followed. The fact that he was a child did not matter: tarnishes were not to be allowed or forgiven on any of the treasures of the Kashian household. And that was what he was: another valuable possession. But it behooved Leukos to succeed: the more he went beyond the expectations set for him, the more people would be pleasantly surprised. So he kept his head low and mouth shut, despite the abuses he encountered, saying whatever people wanted to hear whenever he actually spoke. And as he grew, this mentality became an obsession: if he just pushed through the pain, sculpted himself into the image others wanted, then they would be pleased. And if they were pleased, then he could be happy.
For years, this was the course of Leukos’ life, an endless cycle of pushing himself past his limits and sanity in the pursuit of perfection. And perhaps that would have gone on forever until he ran himself into an early grave, were it not for a chance occurrence that only the gods themselves could have planned.
While walking amongst the expansive garden of the estate eating his lunch, Leukos happened to wander closer to the outer walls, following the path a fluttering butterfly made in the sky. His attendant had long ago grown lenient and complacent in her duty of watching him, the boy having never once tried to escape the confines of his home. So while he meandered, she conversed with the guard serving in the garden, confident that he couldn’t get into much trouble while she kept herself amused. While stooping to pick a flower for his hair, a fruit fell out of his arms, rolling across the garden pavers; Leukos followed, knowing that any food given to him was never allowed to be wasted or turned away. As it rolled under wooden slats, he reached for it, only to be stunned to find that he was at the side gate leaving the estate. He wasn’t supposed to be there.
Leukos was petrified, thinking the fruit would surely be found as evidence of his treachery. But to his surprise, it was picked up by a young Matori boy that had been walking by. What he was doing in the noble section of the city with hair so unkept and clothes of such low quality was beyond Leukos’ comprehension, having had little exposure to those more impoverished than himself. He was too stunned to speak, staring at this strange boy as his mind raced through the possible scenarios that might crop up because he was here, many of them ending poorly for himself. He wasn’t supposed to talk to new people, not unless he was instructed to.
But the boy came over, whether invited or not, offering the fruit back to him with a smile. Again, Leukos said nothing, made no indication that he was anything more than a pretty blue statue. As if catching someone calling for his attention, the boy pushed the fruit into Leukos’ hands, told him to meet him at this same spot tomorrow, and ran off. Leukos wasn’t sure what to make of the encounter, being in a bit of a bind: he wasn’t supposed to come here. He knew nothing about this boy, had not planned on meeting him that day. But he had. And if there was one thing he knew, sometimes people liked to play games with him, games that didn’t make sense. That got him in trouble. But in the end, one thing stood out, making his mind up for him: he had been ordered to come back. And Leukos always obeyed his orders.
So the next day, abandoning his guardian to her gossiping, he returned to the gate, on guard but treacherously curious. And there the boy was, waiting for him. He introduced himself as Xewai, and before he knew what was happening, Leukos found himself caught in a long one sided conversation with the energetic youngling, who seemed to talk about everything and nothing all at once. Just as suddenly as before, the boy left, telling Leukos to join him again. And despite the risks, Leukos did.
This continued for a time, the two boys meeting at the gate until either had to leave. Eventually, Xewai was able to coax a name out of Leukos, then a few words, then more and more. It was unlike anything Leukos had ever experienced before: this boy ACTUALLY seemed genuinely interested in what he was thinking, what his day had been like. How he felt. He wasn’t just being polite, or needed a way to pass the time; he ACTUALLY wanted to talk to Leukos. It sparked something inside of him, something he had never even realized he really wanted, what he desperately needed: a real friend.
This spark became a flame, eating up at Leukos from the inside as his two worlds came to war with each other. That of servitude, silence, pushing his own wants aside in the hopes of pleasing people enough to not have to endure any further suffering. And that of a different kind of life, a life where he was free to do and say whatever he wanted, to cary dreams of his own, to see the world beyond the gilded birdcage he lived in. Before he knew it, he had been seduced by this idea, desperate to taste even a moment of it, taking risks he never would have even dreamed of trying to pull. They arranged for him to sneak out of the house at night, to talk together alone among the stars, through the slats of that fence. They developed a system of leaving messages for each other, when they would be away, when they’d come back. And as a final stroke of madness, they planned the impossible, the one thing no slave was EVER supposed to speak of: Leukos was going to run away.
Xewai assured him that he had friends who could help Leukos escape, give him somewhere to live where no one would be able to find him. But events out of their control came into play, leading the boys to make the foolish decision to attempt the escape without any adult help. And one dark night, Xewai chopped down the fence, held Leukos by the hand, and took off to freedom. Blunders along the way and youthful ignorance led to them being discovered. Realizing that they were only coming after him, not Xewai, Leukos made the terrible decision that this was the end of the line for him. Bidding his friend farewell and stashing the spiral shaped shell pin Xewai had given him in his hair, Leukos gave himself up to guarantee his friend’s freedom as he got away. He would never see the boy again.
He was dragged back to his masters’ home, and everything changed. Shocked that her Favorite - the one she'd thought was devoted body and soul to her - had chosen some dirty street urchin over the pampered life she'd given him, had dared to lie and sneak behind her back, Lady Kashian flew into a betrayal fueled rage. The Master’s anger was much quieter, but more dangerous. He had been made to look like a fool, something that was inexcusable. To discourage the other slaves and make an example of him, Leukos was stripped of his prestige and taken away from The Lady. The boy had gotten too confident in his position in life, lost sight of what he was: just another slave. An animal. Something the Leukos needed to be reminded of.
Lord Kashian had made his fortune dealing in all manner of ventures, both in the light of the public eye, and in it's dark underbelly. He was in the business of entertaining people, in whatever manner they were most willing to part with large sums of their money. So at the age of twelve, Leukos was taken from the only place he'd come close to calling his home, sent off to the training facilities where beasts used in races and ring fights were bought, bred, and broken. Led blindfolded to the building they housed the new Janarim in, and thrown into an empty cage, his new life started as abruptly as the old had ended. Large shadowy beasts paced in their cramped cages, with nothing but darkness, filth, and hunger surrounding him. He tried to keep up hopes that Xewai, or The Lady, would come to save him from this hell he had been thrown into. But no amount of talking changed anything, the workers deaf to his apologies and begging. Hours turned to days, days turned to weeks, and slowly he lost hope of ever being relieved from his new prison.
Leukos surely would have lost his mind under the crushing weight of fear and despair, were it not for the inescapable need to endure and survive that had been forced into him since his life began. He was no stranger to hardships. This was just another hurdle, and if he learned what he needed to do in order to succeed, then things would work out in the end. To weather the hours of boredom that threatened to devour him, he took to reciting everything he'd ever learned, practiced his letters, and sang every song he could remember.
Eventually, he fell into a warped form of normalcy, crafting patterns to follow and itineraries for his days. He began to notice that when he rambled to himself and sang softly, the moaning of the monsters would often quiet, and the atmosphere of the dark seemed not as stifling. So he learned to comfort the janarim when they were in distress, sharing what meager scraps he could with them, growing to see them as kindred spirits rather than lurking monsters. They were just animals after all, they had feelings too. He could tell them apart by the cadence of their breathing, the tenor of their snorts; he came to giving them nicknames, conversing with the beasts as one might a coworker. And whenever one was eventually taken away, it felt like losing a friend.
A month that felt like forever passed in the dank place, until the managers at the compound came to retrieve the boy. They had hoped to find a broken mess they could flaunt before the other slaves; what they got instead was a dirty little thing that had grown to accept his new conditions. Rather than kill the impudent boy outright and make a martyr out of him, it was decided he should be put to work alongside everyone else. They shaved his filthy hair off, cleaned him up a bit, and put him to work.
Finding something for him to do turned out to be a bit of a task, as the lofty skills required to entertain perfumed ladies was of little use out in the dirt and dust of the facility. But as it turned out, he carried a certain affinity for working with the animals, who responded well to the soft spoken boy. So he was handed off to assist the veterinarian on staff, cleaning up and helping medicate any injured or sickly animals. It was hard work for a small boy unused to manual labor, given beatings for the many mistakes he made; there was no longer any need to spare his skin from blemishes and scarring, experiencing at last the excruciating pain that comes with a whip. In that place, Leukos learned for the first time how hunger and the cold could seep their way into your very bones, finally appreciating how good he'd had it before. No one was there to protect him any more, falling prey to a whole new brand of torment from the foremen.
The one comfort he could drag from this hell was the time he was able to spend with the beasts of the facility; no matter how fiercely they bit or growled at him, he knew none of them really meant the cruelty. They were simply scared and upset: just like he was. And more often than not, they were appreciative of the tender touch he used on them, giving just as much affection in return. His soul surely would have withered up and died completely were it not for this simple kindness. He retreated further into himself, speaking barely a word to anyone, keeping his heart and voice locked up along with the beasts in the corals. He knew it'd be safe with them; people were the ones you should be afraid of.
Half a year after he had arrived, war was declared with the alien races of Tendaji, and all the energy at the compound went into training war beasts and mounts. Time wore on, and news began to trickle in that Oba had lost the war. With the freedom of the slaves rumored to be at hand, the large population of slaves at the facility rallied together to execute a daring escape, not waiting to learn whether their freedom was guaranteed. Animals were released from their pens, slavers slaughtered, and in the chaos, the workers scattered to the wind. Leukos was unsure of what to do amidst all the chaos, never having seen this level of unbridled anarchy before. He almost became another victim of the violence, but at the last second, a rogue Xaaran came to his aide. Without receiving orders or instructions, he climbed atop its back, clinging to the creature as it ran off into the desert with its brethren. Even as the smell of smoke followed their footsteps in the wind, he never looked back: let the place burn. There was surely nowhere else on the earth quite as wretched. He doubted he, or anyone else, would shed a tear to see it go. Even death in the scorching expanse of the open desert would be more merciful.
Exactly how long he rode atop the lumbering animal, Leukos could not recall; time in the desert had a tendency to slip through your fingers, like the immeasurable grains of sand that choked lungs and blinded eyes. The next thing he could remember, he woke up lying on something soft, looking up at a patchwork canopy. He learned that a ramshackle group of former slaves had found his near lifeless body alongside a group of starving Xaarans, bringing the whole lot of them into their impromptu encampment constructed near a small oasis. They’d barely managed to get to him in time, forcing food and water into the frail boy any moment he happened to be conscious during his week long slumber. It was only after he woke up for good that the others began to realize just how damaged the boy really was, in more than just the toll the desert had taken upon his body.
He was skittish in ways you might expect a wild animal to be, distrustful of people and wary on his feet, constantly poised as if ready to vanish whenever a threat came near. It was hard to read any emotions behind his stoic mask of a face, large golden eyes always hinting that he was somewhere else, even when he looked right at you. Even though they offered him a place to sleep with the group to stave off the desert chill, he was always inevitably found the next morning curled up with the mounts instead. Though he was a waif of a thing, he was never idle for very long, taking to hovering near people until they told him what to do. And for the longest time everyone just assumed he was a mute, until one day a girl happened to stumble upon Leukos singing to the Xaaran that had saved him. Her surprise was so profound, she actually wrangled another person into listening with her, just to prove that she wasn't lying when she said she’d heard him actually saying something. Even after being started back into his familiar den of silence, the jig was up: everyone knew he could talk now. And with that came the question: why wasn't he?
Now, there’s nothing more tempting than a good mystery, and Leukos had long since become the tastiest morsel in the small group, whose numbers had grown incrementally as others happened upon their encampment. This newest riddle only made the prospect of finally cracking him open even more tantalizing, everyone working together to help find the boy hiding inside his thick shell. Eventually, someone was able to coax a few words out of him. Someone else got his name. Their efforts paid off, day by day luring him further out of silence with their patience and kindness; something Leukos was starving for, but wary to accept. The first time he told a joke, people actually clapped, sending him running away in an embarrassed tissy.
Though there was little food and resources to go around, the group was rich in vitality, the joy of finally being free people lifting their souls and welcoming their fellow Matorans with open arms. Leukos had never seen or experienced anything quite like it: they had no money, no grand marble halls, no elegantly carved tables overflowing with indulgent feasts. Yet these people, in all their bedraggled squalor, were happier than any perfumed noble he’d ever met, who for all their riches, never seemed truly satisfied. They were a people with shady histories, deep scars, and heavy baggage; but in this, they were all equal. Everyone shared the pain. And in doing so, they were able to help lessen it. The healing could begin.
And that was something Leukos desperately needed.
Though it went against every fibre of his being, he hesitantly started opening himself up, letting people peak inside at the person he had become, and who he wanted to be. To his surprise, though many were repulsed by the things he had done, their anger was not directed at him, but at the enemy they all shared: the Obans. And with the right encouragement, and plenty of hand holding, Leukos finally tried something he had been discouraged from his whole life: he let himself really cry. Once he started, it seemed like he couldn’t stop, unloading so many untapped feelings all at once that the first time, he actually made himself pass out. After that, though he was still reluctant to share everything he was feeling, Leukos began to grow as a real person. He was allowed to have a personality. And strangely enough, people seemed to like it.
And maybe...he started to like himself as well.
As Leukos blossomed into a young man, circumstances led to a serious change needing to happen for their group. Wth a steadily growing population, the encampment had finally grown too large for their little oasis to support, leading to the tough decision to pack up and move on. Using everyone’s shared knowledge, they were able to navigate the desert, setting themselves up at a city again. Once there, the former slaves used whatever skills they had to earn whatever money they could, renting out their hands to complete the tasks they were once forced upon. As luck would have it, quite a few of them actually possessed some flair, piecing together a ramshackled collection of various acts they performed on the streets for the amusement and coin of the people. Surprisingly, enough people enjoyed it that they earned quite a bit of money, more than anyone had expected. Driven by the success, they tried it another time, again earning the applause and coin of appreciative onlookers. This was starting to seem like a good idea.
They got everyone in the encampment in on it, using whatever anyone had to bring to the table. Former housemaids helped sew makeshift costumes, laborers put their heads together to assemble a stage, cooks made interesting confections to sell before and after the show. If you had a unique talent, even a weird one, there was surely some way they could exploit it...right? Ever hesitant, but desperate to make himself useful for the people that had done so much for him, Leukos offered his own entertainment skills that had fallen out of use. What no one had seen coming was just how exceptionally talented the quiet boy was, showing such intensity and perfection in his craft that it became clear he had undergone rigorous training under only the most elite of instructors. His experience became invaluable, offering the group some helpful insight into just what sort of preparation went into executing a flawless performance.
Before they knew it, their collection of misfits had become a bona-fide troupe of gypsies, along with a name and everything. When the money became scarce in the city, they packed up and moved to the next, surprising and delighting many more eager customers. As this cycle continued, their systems became more streamlined, scheduling accurate, sets well crafted, and choreography more daring. Everywhere they went, they’d pick up individuals looking for a better life, bringing their own talents with them as well. And over time, at which point it was hard to be clear, they became a real circus. Their name had grown to become famous in Oba, people excited and eager to invite them into their cities as they made their rounds of the country. There was a certain prestige and respect shown to the group; additionally amazing in the fact that the whole troupe was staffed, managed, and owned entirely by Matorans. From the chains of slavery, to the heights of stardom, they’d risen past anyone’s expectations, the whole cycle coming in a surreal circle: now, Obans were paying THEM for something spectacular. And they were more than happy to prove just how amazing Matorans could be.
As for Leukos’ place in all this: he was no longer the pretty little boy, now a beautiful young man with a strong mind and stronger body, toned once again by the rigors of daily performing. He was there every blistered step of the way, contributing everything he had learned to helping the troupe grow and succeed. Working with musicians, he and others designed choreography, sharing ideas in how to make every move, every moment, really count. His affinity for beasts never diminished, helping serve as an animal handler for the troupe: contributing to the show with amazing feats of acrobatics atop a mount and assisting with the training of beasts to perform alongside the other circus members. He’d long ago found his voice, quick to laugh and smile with friends. The devotion he’d once poured upon the unappreciative feet of his masters was now lavished upon his co-workers, staying up into all hours of the night and going hungry as he challenged himself to perfect the latest routines. His intensity in that regard has not diminished, still hungry as ever to win the approval of others, and dedicated to the pursuit of crafting himself into the best Leukos he can be.
But at least, this time around...he was doing this because he wanted to.
Not because he had to.
MissMisnomer
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MissMisnomer
Omnipresent Browser
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:22 am
Loves:
✦ Sajahka: In the strangest collection of misunderstandings and coincidences possible, fate has kept bringing these two back together time and time again. Accepting the way he felt about this mute young man was not an easy task for Leukos, who has always had issues with trusting people and himself when it came to real relationships. But even after opening himself up for attacks, and dancing around the landmine filled chaos that is his past, Sajahka has only ever shown Leukos respect and patient understanding. It took some time, but Leukos can say without a shadow of a doubt that he truly loves this man, and for once in his life, he is hopeful for what the future might bring, together.
Likes:
✦ Reevus Dullaney: He offered Leukos a job as one of his assistants in his beast training facility as a spur of the moment decision. Though Leukos hasn't had much time with this man yet, he's already grown fond of his no-nonsense attitude and brusque honesty.
✦ Xewai: They were very close friends as children, but after a failed attempt to set Leukos free, they never saw each other again. They have finally reunited, and after visiting Matori for the first time to see him again, they're keeping in touch.
✦ Arima: A sweet young woman he met in a rather humorous series of events. She's fun to be around, and a real looker to boot!
✦ Niamh: For once things seemed to be going in his favor when Leukos happened to meet this young man. He's cute, charming, and polite, but after some misunderstandings and trying to make things work as boyfriends, Leukos broke up with him. He hopes for all the best in his life, and did not part with any hard feelings for the young man.
Neutral:
✦ Chrysanthe She's a hybrid he met on the streets of Matori after having his money temporarily filched by a local pickpocket. In a series of events and miscommunications, they are on relatively steady ground in regards to each other.
✦ Draven He's got a nice little menagerie of animals he's toting around with him, including a rather ill-tempered Janarim. He's heading north to Zena; perhaps Leukos will meet him again some day.
✦ Mano A chance encounter with this flirtatious Matoran while Leukos was shopping led to a fun and fleeting sexual affair. He can't say whether he likes him or not, but the man definitely provided ample entertainment for a short time.
Dislikes:
✦ Nyko Some preening, puffy little peacock boy that dropped his best friend like a sack of hot potatoes in a country neither of them were familiar with to go chase his own dreams on another continent. Leukos is still salty, and does not think very highly of Sajahka's childhood friend.
✦ His Birth Parents Every once and a while, his troupe goes to the city where he came from. At first he was tempted to find his parents. The problem is, he was so young when he was taken away, he doesn't even remember who they really were. And he still holds animosity towards his parents, believing they had simply given him away. Maybe when he is older he'll get over his teenage angst and seek the truth, but for now, he doesn't have any desire to rekindle his old life.
Hates:
✦ The Lady and her Family After enough time has passed, he sees now that he was not someone that was loved, just flaunted around and looked down to. Any good feelings he harbored for them have crumbled away.
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:33 am
~Prentice Roleplay Log~
Solo/Journal:
✦ |Finished| |Oba| |WE| |5pts| |Mysterious Wreckage | Leukos finds himself intrigued by a strange metal item a wandering traveler has been flaunting.
✦ |Finished| |Oba| |7pts| |The Price of Courage | A terrifying encounter with a Janarim that had been trying to make two small children its meal leads Leukos to discover that he's not as strong as he thinks he is. It leads him to becoming a beast tamer.
✦ |Finished| |Oba| |0pts| |The Weight of a Promise | After receiving a letter Leukos had been waiting upon from his long lost friend, he gathers the courage to gain permission to leave the group of travelers that have been the closest thing to a real family he's ever had.
Private:
✦ |Finished| |Xewai and Leukos| |Oba| |5pts| | And So It Continues...| The reunion of two childhood friends, torn apart by slavery, and reunited by a circus!
✦ |Finished| |Arima and Leukos| |Oba| |WE| |5pts| | CreepyCrawlies | The appearance of a huge insect foreign to Oba stirs up some trouble for Leukos, and a pretty albino girl who gets dragged along for the ride.
✦ |Finished| |Arima and Leukos| |Oba| |5pts| | A Private Tour | Leukos treats the girl he met at an oasis to an after hours tour of the circus grounds.
~Stage 2 Roleplay Log~
Solo/Journal:
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |2pts| |Alone at Last | Having completed his visit with his long lost friend from childhood, Xewai, Leukos heads off on his own to explore Matori for himself.
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |6pts| |The Hidden Cost | Leukos learns the hard way that being indiscriminate in the partners you choose can have unforeseen monetary consequences.
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |4pts| |Just A Minor Inconvenience | Dark memories from Leukos' childhood come back to haunt him in an entirely inconvenient public space.
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |3pts| |Flying Colors | While taking his new Alol out to test its performing prowess, Leukos reflects on the events that have happened since he came to Matori.
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |2pts| |Let These Words Be My Last | With the appearance of the Dretch in the world of Tendaji, Leukos takes the time to write a message to the only people who might miss him.
✦ |Finished| |Matori| |13pts| |Taking the Reigns | When Leukos sees a situation getting dangerously out of hand, he has no choice but to step in.
Private:
✦ |Finished| |Chrysanthe and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | You Stole My Attention | After having his money stolen by a pickpocket, Leukos meets a hybrid girl under rather stressful circumstances.
✦ |Finished| |Draven and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | A Temperamental Beast | Not all Janarim are friendly. Luckily, it's owner is a bit more well behaved.
✦ |Finished| |Sajahka and Leukos| |Matori| |10pts| | Looking For Trouble | What happens when you drop a mute thief and a frisky-fish into a bar? Well, add a little bit of alcohol into the mix, and you've got a recipe for massive miscommunication.
✦ |Finished| |Chrysanthe and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | Entertainment on the Street | Leukos needs some help from an unexpected source after rather unsavory men give him a hard time after another street performance.
✦ |Finished| |Mano and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | Rugged Good Looks | Leukos goes shopping for a new rug, but ends up seeing something else that gets him far more excited~
✦ |Finished| |Sajahka and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | The Butterfly Chaser | Sajahka would not leave Leukos alone. Which he used as the perfect opportunity to teach the thief a hard lesson.
✦ |Finished| |Sajahka and Leukos| |Matori| |10pts| | Things That Go Bump in the Night | After their last encounter in which Leukos took some things that were precious to Sajahka, the thief decided to take matters into his own hands, breaking into Leukos' room to get them back. Both got a little more than they had bargained for.
✦ |Finished| |Sajahka and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | Right Where We Are | After another night spent together in convoluted sexual confusion, Leukos draws the line in the sand for the parameters of his relationship with Sajahka
✦ |Finished| |Niamh and Leukos| |Matori| |10pts| | Do You Like Fish Sticks? | Leukos meets a young man who treats him to more than a few surprises on an impromptu first date.
✦ |Finished| |Niamh and Leukos| |Matori| |10pts| | How About Brunch? | Leukos and Niamh were supposed to enjoy breakfast together after their first date. But after forgetting all about his guest, through no fault of his own, Niamh proposes he treats Leukos to brunch instead.
✦ |Finished| |Sajahka, Nyko, and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | Meeting of the Queens | Leukos is forced to endure sass from the mute guy who took all of his money and a boy who just might be even more of a diva than he is.
~Stage 3 Roleplay Log~
Solo/Journal:
✦ |Matori| |5pts| |A Storm of His Own Making | Before leaving the city he's been trapped in for most of his stay in Matori, Leukos makes the decision that he's not prepared to just disappear this time. So he leaves a paper trail for the boy on his mind, Niamh.
✦ |Matori| |7pts| |The Trappings of a Warrior | Starting a new job more hazardous than life as a street performer, Leukos makes a trip to suit up in some armor.
✦ |Matori| |8pts| |Ride It Till You Fall Off the Saddle | Leukos' first morning on the job grants him the opportunity to get to know one of his coworkers, in ways he wasn't quite expecting.
✦ |Matori| |9pts| |Pining In Vain | While enjoying his lunch break, Leukos learns more about the people he works with. And while he's at it, they learn more about him.
✦ |Matori| |7pts| |In the Lines of His Face | After the misunderstanding with Niamh, Leukos feels he has no choice but to confront the other man he'd gotten involved.
✦ |Matori| |10pts| |Better Than Perfect | While soaking in a much needed bath, an old memory creeps up on Leukos, of times when he was in much more regal, yet toxic, conditions.
✦ |Matori| |9pts| |Butterfly Wings and Beautiful Things | After overcoming a serious bout of self-depreciation, Leukos makes the spur of the moment decision to just chase the things, and people, that make him happy.
Private:
✦ |DONE| |Niamh and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | Sometimes, Even Smart Men Are Stupid | Growing doubtful of Niamh's arrival, Leukos makes the mistake of trying to hook up with another man at work. When Niamh DOES arrive, let's just say he is more than displeased about the turn of events.
✦ |In Progress| |Niamh and Leukos| |Matori| |5pts| | An Overwhelming Declaration | Leukos is surprised to find his hotel room decked out in lavish bouquets, and wastes little time in tracking down the boy responsible so that he can thank him personally.
Prentice ---> Stage 2: |✦| Set-up Journal |✦|1 Month's Time (September 18th) |25| 25 RP Growth Points (one 900 word minimum solo is required to show class affinity) |✦| Completed Class Quest
Stage 3 ---> Stage 4: | | 2 Month's Time | | 50 RP Growth Reqs | | 10 EXP Growth Reqs | | Completed Class Quest Stage 4 ---> Legendary: | | 4 Month's Time | | 80 RP Growth Reqs | | 20 EXP Growth Points | | Completed Legendary Quest (THIS QUEST IS PROMPTED BY STAFF! It is the only req that is not completed before posting for growth.)
- - - - ✦ Growth Points Breakdown ✦ - - - -
RP Growth Points: || 300 word solo = 1 point || 10 post RP = 5 points || 7 posts in meta = 5 points
EXP Growth Points: || 1 crafting solo = 1 point || 1 beast battle = 1 point || 1 battle = 2 points
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:38 am
~ Stage 2 ~
Beasts:
✦ |21 EXP| |Matori| |vs. Alol| |An Uninvited Guest| Leukos helps a damsel in distress deal with an unwanted reptilian intruder.
✦ |17.5 EXP| |Matori| |vs. Kehtra(x3)| |Peeping Toms| Leukos learns the hard way that skinny dipping in unfamiliar territory can attract uninvited guests.
✦ |4.5 EXP| |Matori| |vs. Sirenns(x3)| |Deep Waters, Deeper Fears| Endeavoring to remedy his rocky relationship with water, Leukos seeks out a deep pool to conquer. He was not prepared.
✦ |21 EXP| |Matori| |vs. Alol| |One Step Closer| Executing a plan he had spent weeks cultivating, Leukos lands his first official tamed beast.
✦ |2 EXP| |Matori| |vs. Alol| |Mistakes Made| When an opening is exploited, Leukos sees for himself how his mistakes don't just hurt him anymore. ~ Stage 3~
Special Attacks: Moracker Tail: Allows +3 to rolls for one turn and can cause the opponent to flinch. Opponent must roll 1d20.If their roll is lower than 15 the opponent has flinched and can only use a half turn action for their turn.If roll is above 15 the opponent can use their full turn as normal. || Can be used once every 3 turns. || Considered a half turn action.
Radaku Fangs: This attack causes the opponent to trip, but can be dodged as normal. If the opponent chooses not to dodge, they are tripped and can only use one half action that turn. The opponent also bleeds for two turns (-2 HP per turn).If the opponent takes full dmg (dodge was unsuccessful) then they are tripped and their turn is over (in addition to bleeding for two turns: -2 HP per turn).If they take half dmg, they avoid being tripped so they have their second half action to use, but they still incur bleeding for two turns (-2 HP per turn). If dodge is successful (no dmg) the opponent can continue their turn as normal.|| Can be used once every 5 turns.|| Considered a full turn action.
These character stats are:
|| Your character's base stats (in brown). || Your stat bonus (in blue). || Your weapon bonus (in green).
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:47 am
Name: Kyro [Keer-o]
Species: Alol
Gender: Male
History: Kyro is the very first wild animal that Leukos has ever trained without any assistance during his unplanned-for extended stay in Matori. For that reason, he is holds a special place in the Matoran's heart.
Personality: Like so many of his kind, Kyro has an amiable temperament, even as a wild beast. Perhaps being too adaptive and trustful is what led to his downfall, but be that as it may, the truth stands that the Alol is a good natured creature. He is rather vocal with his feelings, hissing and spitting vehemently when upset, and chirping pleasantly when content. The reptile is quick to learn and very easily motivated by food, being a bit of a glutton. Although he is so docile when in a good mood, make no doubt, he is a feisty one that will fight back until he has nothing left to give.
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