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 Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 11:43 pm
Hitory:
The Canine Empire is populated mainly by people who, as the name implies, have canine characteristics. Among these are wolves, dogs, foxes(kitsunes), coyotes, even a few bears. They have the ability to morph into the animal whose characteristics they posess. The entire region is well organized into small towns and cities and is one of the most economically stable countries of the Underground. The empire is ruled by dynasties following an asian approach as opposed to the more medieval governments surrounding it. Status and class are more rigidly enforced within their society and a pack-like loyalty towards their rulers is considered essential for a prosperous nation.
Selective breeding is commonplace amogst the noble families. The emperors chose their brides depending on what hereditary skill they can pass on to the next generation. As such the Hakurou dynasty has ensured that it has a physically and magically powerful emperor on the throne throughout the ages.
At one point in the Empire's history, they were allies of the Tea Cup Queen, but they became neutral when the previous emperor died in battle. Since the crown prince was much too young to take the throne, the royal counsel took it upon itself to draw up peace treaties with it's neighbors the Feline Kingdom and the Labyrinth among others. Because of this stabalization of power, the Canine Empire's glory and opulence remains complete even with the tensions between itself and the Feline Kingdom.
Luxurious and decorated to the gills with any and every kind of precious stone imaginable. Wolven guards stand at every doorway symbols of power and control. Tuck in your shirt and keep your tongue in your mouth lest you offend the nobles. Under NO circumstances are you to make eye contact with the emperor unless he allows it. Just mind your manners and you might only insult half of the royal court. sweatdrop
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Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 11:09 pm
Emperor Toushou stared down coldly from his lavish throne at the chained men being brought in. They were felines who had once been part of the Royal Feline army. Although a truce had been written between both Feline and Canine, this band of renegades had formed guerillas and had continued the fight. Though King Damien publicly denounced the bands, he had done nothing to stop them. The emperor knew this was the feline's way of perpetuating the war. The emperor had enough nonsense from the barbarian king. He would make an example out of these instigators truce or not.
Wolven guards dragged the prisoners before the throne and shoved them to their knees.
"General Lyon," Toushou rumbled softly his silver eyes focusing on the leader, "how kind of you to meet me. I presume you know the charges."
The once general was a large ginger feline peppered with scars. He remained defiantly silent. One of the guard beat him with the butt of his spear.
"You will speak when spoken to feline trash!" he barked.
"Aye," the ragged feline stated glaring at the wolf emperor, "that I know the charges."
Toushou geve him a condescending smile, "And I'm sure you are aware that due to your treasonous behaviour, you are no longer covered under the truce's clause for prisoners of war."
"You don't scare me, pup," the seasoned general hissed, "we all know you can't execute us. You are to hand us over to King Damien himself and he is to pass judgement."
"Indeed. But my dear general, whoever said anything about an execution? No, you are correct, Damien will want you alive. You are his close friend are you not Lyon?" Toushou gave the feline a cold smile. Turning to the captain of the guard the emperor stated, "Linwe, take our guests to th dungeons to be declawed. Then inform the counsel I shall be visiting our new ally today to drop off his vermin..."
The captain saluted as the horrified prisoners were dragged off.
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Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 2:29 pm
A young maid came in, her ears back and her tail limp as she submissivly knelt and averted her gaze to his lordship. "Master....the noon day meal has been served." Usually she was quiet but she also sent by the canine chef to play 'fetch' to the king. She was scared of even being in his presence though she did her best to be calm.
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Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 8:14 pm
Toushou nodded absently. "Send my apologies to the Master chef, business shall delay me."
He rose and proceeded to walk towards his chambers.
"That will be all Miss..."
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Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 8:16 pm
She curtsied before leaving to give his apologies to the chef who seemed to blow off some steam. The young girl simply scurried out of his way, fearing the chef more than the king himself....
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Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:06 pm
Sable on the other hand, wandered the hallways, her head held high as her tail swished. She wanted to do something but hadn't a clue to what she wanted. She traced the wall's patterns with her fingertips, looking at them without seeing them.
She had a bored expression on her face. A small thought of where her brother was crossed her mind. "Where is my brother? He promised he'd take me horseback riding..." She pouted softly.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:06 pm
Toushou appeared in his bedchambers idly tossing his satin tunic aside with disgust. He would reek of cat until he had a proper bath. He stormed into his bathing room and quickly drew a bath, not wishing to wait for a servant to come and do it for him. Removing the rest of his lavish clothing he tossed them at his manservant who was just then walking through the door.
"Burn them," he woofed as he let himself sink into his vast marble tub. He picked a mild sandalwood essence to soak in and closed his eyes. The scent of cat was now almost non-existent. He had promised Sable something that day though he couldn't quite remember what. "Eh, she can wait until I'm done," he huffed quietly as he released his dark gray hair from it's bond and let the water penetrate it.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:11 pm
Sable waltzed to her brother's rooms only to be stopped by his guards there. She frowned. "I want to see my brother."
One of the guards apologized, explained he was currently bathing and apologized again. Sable frowned harder. "TOUSHOU!"
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:16 pm
Toushou's ears fell at the sound of his sister's yell.
"Apparently she can't," he grumbled. Attempting to stall for time since he was barely getting to enjoy himself he call back, "Be with you in a few minutes Sable."
Though he knew asking Sable to wait was a lot like asking a brick to float, Toushou gave it a try. Perhaps a miracle would happen.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:22 pm
Her own ears folded back as she folded her arms. Her tail swished in her impatience as her foot tapped the ground. He better hurry up, she thought.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:31 pm
Toushou could hear the sharp tapping just beyond the door. He moaned and submerged his head underwater. Truth be told he could just order her to wait, but then he would feel guilty and Sable would inevitably make a big emotional scene and either way he'd end up taking her shopping or to the theater just to make things better. As much as he'd hate to admit, his younger sister knew exactly how to manipulate him.
He sighed and rinsed his skin of excess oil before putting on a robe. He shook his waist-long hair in a canine manner before stepping out to face his sister.
"What is it now Sable?" he asked putting up a long suffering front.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:33 pm
"You promised to take me horseback riding." She stated in a matter-of-fact voice. All she was was a female version of him and she knew she could get her brother to yes to just about anything she wanted.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:36 pm
Toushou shrugged.
"So I did, and I will. The horses aren't going anywhere," he replied, "besides I had business to attend with our dear kitty neighbor."
He made a playful clawing motion at Sable as he walked towards his closet.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:38 pm
She followed him. It wouldn't have been the first time she caught him out of a bath. "And what's the cat got to do with anything?"
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:44 pm
The emperor walked in to the closet which might as well have been a guest room.
"Well little vix, for starters his little pets have been annoying the troops at the border," he said picking out an outfit, "and being the good neighbors that we are, we collared them and returned them to him. That's where I've been all this time."
He stepped behind an alabaster and ivory screen to dress.
"Things are stable at the very least," he smiled over the screen at Sable and teased, "who knows maybe we'll seal the deal by marrying you off to that cat prince son of his."
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