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backstory. ♪(^∇^*)

Chenhua was born in Cathant as the bastard child of a minor military official and a courtesan—her mother. At the time of her birth, her mother believed the official would buy her contract and take her as his wife, but he never returned. Whether by cowardice or circumstance, he vanished from their lives entirely. Still, Chenhua was a loved child, raised in the brothel, surrounded by women who refused to let her feel unwanted. They kept her well fed, dressed her in finery, and loved her fiercely. Chenhua being of mixed descent, had darker skin and lighter hair than the women who raised her, stood out from the rest at the very beginning. 

At five, she began her education, and it quickly became clear that dance was where she thrived. She was trained meticulously, her movements refined alongside her speech, posture, and etiquette. Grace was not so much a talent as it was a requirement, and Chenhua learned this early. She understood how to hold herself before she understood why such things mattered. As she grew, poise settled into her bones. By the time she reached adolescence, her talent had become mastery, and when she finally reached adulthood mastery became armor. Growing up surrounded by courtesans taught her how kindness should be deliberate and affection carefully given. Love revealed itself to her as something conditional—bestowed in exchange for obedience, beauty, and grand performances. While Chenhua remained an empathetic individual, her trust was scarce and calculated. Chenhua’s mother had ensured that her heart would be more guarded than hers ever was—no one would take advantage of her. Now, at age twenty two, Chenhua has begun working as a pearl hostess for an massive jewel house owned by a Li-Ren noblewoman. 

roleplay scenario. ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

Your character has just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As they look around, their gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. They duck and step into a tattered tent, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the tent, an old hag raises her head, “What brings you to this dingy town? She begins, then pauses to study your face—”Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestures at a cushion, “Tell me your story.”

((How do you respond?))
Chenhua sits down gracefully, a pool of silk and gossamer pouring around her as she lowers herself to the floor. “I have received good fortune, as you foretold,” she begins, her head tilting ever so slightly, a gold, jewel-encrusted hairpin glinting against the dark ruby of her hair. “The pearl house I work for promoted me, and I received the favor of the other hostesses.” Chenhua’s gaze trails away from the Hag as she finishes, her long lashes obscuring whatever thoughts were swirling in her eyes. The musk of the tattered tent tickles her nose, and her lips curl ever so slightly as she turns back to the hag, a small, polite smile gracing her face. "The guests appreciate my performances, I've attained a reputation for my elegance." Silence falls as Chenhua voice falls silent, her placed gaze serenely scrutinizing the old woman. Not much about her had changed since she last convened with her, except perhaps, her frequenting this drab location.