Xyaene and Na'ii are the two most beautiful and revered courtesans in the Imperial City, property of the Emperor. It is believed that he will eventually choose one to be his bride, and they are bitter rivals, full of loathing. Unknown to most, their rivalry is all in vain; the Emperor is a fool, who believes he has discovered the secret to eternal life, and is unconcered with choosing a bride or siring an heir.

Xyaene is a part-elven noble from a distant country, a little younger than Na'ii. She first came to the Imperial City under the guise of a diplomatic visit - though the many months of travel was not for mere curiosity. Her land was falling, and she deserted the people of it to seek better fortune in the capital. She soon found herself invited to an event at the Imperial Palace, during the time that Na'ii had risen to be known as one of the legendary palace beauties. The Emperor was so taken with her that he invited her to become a high-ranking imperial courtesan; though highly insulting to a noble, seeing this as a stepping stone to Empress, she accepted.

Xyaene is cold and steely, with little in her heart but conceit and disdain - masked behind a noble's impeccable and gracious presentation. Her colours are greens and turquioses, threaded with silver. Xyaene means 'orchid' in the native tongue, and she often adorns her hair with these. On her first night as an imperial courtesan, Na'ii left her a gift in her room of blood soaked orchids.

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Butterflies and make up very inspired by Linda Bergkvist, a great idol of mine. Maybe a little too inspired but I guess it's also sort of a tribute . Tutorial coming later today as soon as I have had time to write it up - for now here's a quick filmstrip of the WIP stages: [link]