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Ishana
Statistics Name Ishana nó d'Essoms nó Valerian Status Alive Age 22 Class Nobility Rank Courtesan Affiliation House Valerian Themesong "Lithium" by Evanescence Quote "There's a fine line between love and hate, and I don't mind Just let me say that I like that, I like that." - The Diary of Jane Portrayed by  Riya Sen App Status Taken

Ishana nó d'Essoms nó Valerian is a Bhodistani adept of House Valerian, and is the foster-daughter of L'Agnacite nobleman Seif d'Essoms.

Contents 1 Background 2 Personality 3 Recent Events 4 Family, Friends, & Others 4.1 Family 4.2 Allies 5 Trivia 6 Soundtracks 7 Links

Background

If nothing else in Ishana's life had been right up until then, her profound luck at the impressionable age of eight years old had been.

For over a year, a drought-initiated famine had plagued her remote province of Bhodistan, leaving Ishana an orphan before she could even remember her parents' faces. She wasn't alone, however. Many other children, her age and even younger, were orphaned, and left to wander the devistated countryside in search of food or fortune. Fortune, however, rare as it was, eventually found Ishana.

Spring had finally come, and with it, a healthy amount of rain. This brought back many of the merchants and tourists that the drought had chased away the year before. One day, a small group of soldiers wearing the livery of House d'Essoms came through the village, on their way back to Terre d'Ange from an assignment to the east. As they passed through, their leader couldn't help but notice the small group of orphans, sprawled out and playing in the grass near the dirt road. It's still unknown to Ishana what drove the soldier to pick her out of the group-- whether it was for her exotic beauty, comparable to that of any d'Angeline's, or for the twinkle of shrewd intelligence in her eyes-- but before she knew it, she was resting behind the pomell of his saddle, bound for the distant Terre d'Ange.


Ishana nó d'Essoms was properly adopted by Seif d'Essoms shortly after her arrival into the holy City of Elua, upon the insistence of his soldiers. She was to be brought up like a true d'Angeline lady, taught in the ways of nobility, propriety, and, most importantly, love. Ishana enjoyed a happy childhood in the d'Essoms household. Being the only child in the house, she was very much spoiled by her foster-father, but hardly to a fault. Despite his favoritism, she was sure to always be mindful of her humble beginnings. If it had not been for her foster-family's generosity and love, she would probably still be wandering the over-crowded streets of Bhodistan, without a family or a home.

Howevever, raising a good child requires discipline, as well as love. One day, upon thoroughly chastising her with a lash for sneaking out at night, her foster-father realized, with both unease and a certain amount of pride, that Ishana would most certainly be well-suited for House Valerian. Using his political influence within the City, Seif d'Essoms won his foster-daughter a spot in Valerian as an adept.

"Here," he said, "is where my influence ends. Your talent and devotion alone can carry you further."

Never did any words make more sense to Ishana.

The Bhodistani had to work especially hard those first few years, since she had been dedicated to Valerian much later than what is usual in the Court of Night Blooming Flowers. She studied avidly as an adept, committing to memory every facet of knowledge pertaining to the House motto, "I yield". It was a hard lesson to learn, indeed, that pleasure is not without pain, and vice versa. However, Ishana nó Valerian, having mastered this lesson from the very start, started to raise the eyebrows of some House patrons, who said she possessed the perfect balance of fiery passion and unconditional obedience.

Ishana's debut was a quiet affair, the tastes of House Valerian not being as popular (at least publicly) as they are today under House de Morhban's rule. It was centered around the theme of 'A Tiger Among the Lilies', referring to the striking nature of Ishana's beauty when compared to her d'Angeline counter-parts. The salon was decorated in traditional d'Angeline fashion, with all the attending adepts dressed in their finest d'Angeline frippery. However, scattered all throughout the salon were domesticated beasts of the Orient-- tigers, panthers, monkeys, and even a camel, lending the affair an exotic flair. And when the raven-haired debutante made her appearance, the whole room gasped in unison at her other-worldly beauty, her sparkling ivory sari leaving little honey-hued skin to the imagination.

When the auction finally began in earnest for Ishana's virginity, the bids grew to profitable heights very quickly-- in fact, only three bids were made before her price was already up to one hundred and forty ducats: a sum not seen by Valerian in quite some time. This resulted in a memorable fist-fight between two younger noblemen-- brothers, actually-- who were quickly escorted out of the House, but are remembered fondly by the courtesan even to this day for their affections. The winner, who paid a sum of one hundred and fifty ducats, was a warlord of Aragonia, visiting Terre d'Ange for the winter. Needless to say, that evening Ishana became a woman at the hands of the passionate Aragonian (more than once, actually), and so began her true service to Naamah.

Today, Ishana is best known within the House for making her patrons feel as if she genuinely cares for them-- not in spite of their cruel misgivings, but rather, because of them. Perhaps she does? This makes her somewhat of an anomoly, which brings many patrons coming back for another piece of the puzzle.

Personality

At at glance, Ishana brings one to believe she is the poster child of propriety, always keeping in mind to act the part of esteemed courtesan and member of the City nobility.

However, to her friends and family, she is known for her wit and mirth, her humor and lilting laugh being a large part of her charm. She loves her foster-father dearly, wishing to bring him nothing but pride through her service to Namaah. It is of the utmost importance to her to repay him for the opportunity he gave her by adopting her, years ago.

And yet, behind closed doors with her patrons, she is different still... There is a sort of subtle resonance about her, which draws her patrons to her. Despite her independent exterior, she holds a place in her heart for every one of her assignations, loving each of them in her own way. She has a certain weakness for patrons who are controlling, demanding, and possessive of her, but at the same time, afford her the tenderness often shared between exclusive lovers.

Recent Events

Having been a courtesan proper for the last five years, Ishana has enjoyed a steady and reputable flow of patrons. Recently having made her marque, the Bhodistani has decided to continue to reside and entertain patrons in House Valerian as a courtesan proper. Rumor has it, she has her eyes set on the open Second's position, but Ishana has yet to admit anything of the sort.

Family, Friends, & Others

Family

Foster Father: Baron Seif d'Essoms (NPC) - To this man, and his soldiers who rescued her, Ishana owes her life. She'd rather die than disgrace him, and seeks to make him proud with her every accomplishment in the Night Court. During the winter, the baron resides in a quaint villa in the City, where his foster-daughter visits him often. In the summer, the he usually returns to his small estate just outside the City. - Portrayed by Jeff Goldblum

Birth Mother: (unknown name) Deceased.
Birth Father: (unknown name) Deceased.
No known siblings.

Allies

NIGHT COURT

Thomas nó Valerian - Friend and Dowayne. Ishana has finally met the Dowayne of House Valerian-- albeit, in her underwear. She finds him very amicable, as well as quite dashing, and hopes to build a close relationship upon the foundation that has already been laid.

Celine nó Cereus - Acquaintance and Superior. The newest Dowayne of Cereus House, Celine's cool and uneffected exterior might come off to some as haughty or self-absorbed. However, Ishana sees through this facade and thinks her a very pleasant and powerful woman, whose fleeting beauty is nearly unrivaled within House Cereus. If you need something done, and done well, Celine is the woman to do it.

Cypres Eld nó Cereus - Acquaintance and Superior. The then-new Dowayne of Cereus House, Ishana visited him on behalf of Valerian in hopes of striking an alliance between the House of fleeting beauty, and her own House of yielding. However, as she tried to learn more about this mysterious figure of Mont Nuit's history, she found herself intensely attracted to him, though nothing ever came of the romance. She was broken-hearted to hear that he had fled the City in the middle of the night. Every once in awhile, she'll walk the palace gardens at night to remind herself of him.

Ariana nó Valerian - Acquaintance and Second. Though Ishana's interraction with the Second of Valerian has been very limited (as she usually directs her business to their Dowayne), she has come to think of the courtesan as one of the most thoroughly dedicated members of the House. She was taken aback to learn of her abrupt departure from the House and the City, and is slightly unnerved by the absence of a Second in their House.

Genevieve nó Mandrake - Acquaintance and Superior. The courtesan first met Mandrake's formidable Dowayne on the hottest day of summer at the Corner Oak, where they enjoyed drinks together. Ishana expressed her interest in volunteering for showings at House Mandrake, but Genevieve made her /beg/ before she would accede... which Ishana finally did. Whenever the handsome Dowayne is mentioned in passing conversation, Ishana tends to appear a bit dreamy-eyed, though she never cares to elaborate. To date, Ishana has been an integral part of one Mandrake showing, featuring erotic asphyxiation.

Lise nó Cereus - Friend. A mutual acquaintance between herself and Cypres nó Cereus, Ishana met the fair-skinned blonde beauty in the winter-ridden palace gardens. She very much enjoys her company, finding the girl's quiet and amicable nature refreshing. Ishana also finds Lise's proficiency with the flute quite impressive, as the Valerian is a musician herself. If ever asked whom her closest confidant was on Mont Nuit, Ishana would reply 'Lise'.

Odette nó Valerian - Student and Friend. Ishana had a chance meeting with the lithe adept within the walls of House Valerian. After having the pleasure of giving the fiesty girl a few lessons, Odette is now debuted, and is certainly making a name for herself with the Valerian clientele.

Joanderis nó Valerian - Housemate. It seems Ishana has unwittingly found herself a role-model in someone's eyes. As one of the newest debuted adepts in the House, Ishana thinks the pretty girl Joanderis promises to afford Valerian a great deal of pride through her service to Naamah.

Aimee Bonnet nó Balm - Acquaintance. Ishana met the pretty Balm girl at the public baths on the first real day of summer. The two mused about the weather, and breifly considered forsaking their previous engagements to soak in the baths for a few days. In the end, they decided to keep to their regular tasks, but Ishana hopes to have made a friend out of the girl.

NOBILITY

Bastien de Morhban - Acquaintance. The King of Terre d'Ange visited Valerian on a spring night, accompanied by his maitress Anne. Though Ishana only attended to him a short while, she is more than interested in learning much more about the stoic monarch.

Donatien Shahrizai - Patron. If the Shahrizai are the personification of all that make a Valerian weak at the knees, the Duc is certainly no exception. Perhaps one of her most respectable patrons ever, this man knows his way around a fletchette.

Foulque d'Andronic - Patron. Ishana has been seen in House Valerian on more than one occasion at the polished boot of the Kusheline noble. She finds him intensely attractive, and great company, and counts him as being among her favorite patrons. She often claims his tenderness matches his cruelty. It is rumored among the House adepts that it was the viscomte whom gave Ishana a patron-gift large enough to finally complete her marque.

Gareth Levesque - Patron. Despite the odd circumstances under which the two met, Ishana seemed immediately drawn to the rakish nobleman, whom she later learned to be the Head of the Marquist's Guild. The marquist seems to be a regular patron of hers-- one she values highly for his eclectic tastes and spontaneity. Recently, the lord was seen accompanying Ishana to her father's estates in L'Agnace-- a special sort of sentiment for the courtesan.

Anne Shahrizai - Acquaintance. The Lady Shahrizai and the King entertained themselves in the Shahrizai Apartments recently, and Ishana was fortunate enough to attend to them. She looks forward to catering to the guests at the small party Anne plans on hosting at Valerian soon.

Antoine d'Ariège - Patron and Once-Paramour. As she is especially attracted to those patrons who hail from beyond the City wall, the Siovalese courtier Antoine offered both an exciting and pleasurable series of assignations. However, even at their conclusion, Ishana was happy to have succh a doting suitor as Antoine.

Prisca Belfours - Acquaintance. The wife of one of her favorite patrons, Ishana found the Peacock a very pleasant woman, with a veritable knack for humor to boot.

Eugene Renaud - Patron. The Comte Renaud, originally just an intriguing patron of hers, became more of a companion, than anything. The two shared a mutual dislike of dwelling in the past-- a feeling fostered by various tribulations they've each had to face.

FOREIGNERS

Sorin Iashescu - Friend. Ishana stumbled upon the drifter one cloudless night on her way back to Valerian. He was lying face-down in an alley, his horse and money apparently swiped from him by some thugs. Though their first interactions were tense (as Ishana was wary of his roguish nature, and Sorin had little respect for any woman who sold her body), the two are gradually becoming intimate friends.

Rafe Caradec - Patron. The blonde, handsome duke caught Ishana's eye the first time they met, having a certain taste for foreigners like herself. A recent patron of hers (rumor has it that she was under his contract for three days straight), Ishana immensely enjoys the man's company, fancying him a delectable taste of the far-off lands of Eire.

Antonius Stregazza - Patron. The epitome of a Valerian patron. Firm, demanding, desirable, and handsome to boot. Their assignation was one to be remembered for its unrelenting cruelty.

Christopher Sioneli - Acquaintance. He is an oddly infectious one-- making Ishana want to giggle and blush all at once. They had a chance meeting in the City theatre (although there was no show at the time), but now that the Serenissiman knows that she resides in House Valerian, she is sure it won't be too much longer before they meet again.

Emilio Gennaro - Acquaintance. A new acquaintance of Ishana's, the handsome baron from Milazza came to Valerian, not looking for an assignation, but chased in by a rainstorm. They kept each other company, flirting and drinking joie to fend off the cold.

Dominik Nordstat - Acquaintance. The Comte attended the most recent Valerian debut, at which Ishana served. The two only met briefly-- enough time for the courtesan to serve the Skaldi a glass of champagne, and get a boot in the face for it. According to the courtesan, however, a kick is better than a tip any day.

Lucivar de Aramente - Acquaintance. Ishana met the awkward (but handsome) scholar in Night's Doorstep, the two having bumped into each other to avoid colliding with a small child in the middle of the street. Both suffered a loss to the collision (she, a new suede hat and he, a prized Hanzu book), but were given the privelege of a new friend for it.

Trivia

Full Name: Ishana nó d'Essoms nó Valerian
Birthday: Septembre the 21st, 1165
Age: 22
Sexual Preference: Heterosexual
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 120
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Birthplace: Eastern Bhodistan
Hobbies: Studying, writing prose, gossip, and the harp
Identifying Marks: None, save a deep scar that runs
from her elbow, down the inside of her arm to her wrist.







Random Facts:
1. Ishana's signale is "serenas", meaning "light" in the ancient Tiberian language. To date, she has never had to use it.
2. It is her ambition to one day become the Dowayne of House Valerian.
3. During her training as an adept, she was taught how to play the harp by a maestro of House Eglantine. Her teacher practically begged Dowayne Valerian for Ishana's marque, claiming she would be much better suited filling the ears of kings with sweet music, than being lashed in the dungeon. In the end, Ishana preferred to stay in Valerian and keep her harp-playing as a hobby only.
4. Ishana's assignation contract does not ban the use of fletchettes, as many other courtesans' contracts do. However, a clause near the end does ban the use of fire, thanks to an incident during which an inexperienced patron seriously injured the courtesan, leaving the long thin scar evident on her arm.
7. OOC: According to Cherubim, Ishana sometimes prefers to be paid in monkeys, rather than moneys. :)

Soundtracks

1. Lacrymosa by Evanescence
Out on your own, cold and alone
Can this be what you really wanted, baby?

I'm willing to let you blame it on me
Set your guilt free
Nothing can hold you back now.

2. Lithium by Evanescence
Come to bed, don't make me sleep alone
Couldn't hide the emptiness, you let it show
Never wanted it to be so cold
Just didn't drink enough to say you love me

Don't want to let it lay me down this time
Drown my will to fly
Here in the darkness I know myself
Can't break free until I let it go
Let me go.

Darling, I forgive you after all
Anything is better than to be alone
And in the end, I guess I had to fall
I'll always find my place among the ashes

3. The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin
Try to find out what makes you tick as I lie down
Sore and sick, do you like that? Do you like that?
There's a fine line between love and hate, and I don't mind
Just let me say that I like that, I like that.

4. Pain by Three Days Grace
You're sick of feeling numb
You're not the only one
I'll take you by the hand
And I'll show you a world that you can understand
This life is filled with hurt
When happiness dies in words
Trust me, and take my hand
When the lights go out, you'll understand.

Links

1. Ishana's Diary at Livejournal
2. Riya Sen Photo Gallery
3. Humorous KushielMUX Comic

House Valerian
Dowayne
Thomas nó Valerian
Court of Valerian
Ariana nó Valerian • Edine nó Valerian • Simone nó Valerian • Ishana nó Valerian • Odette nó Valerian • Micheline nó Valerian
Alyssum • Balm • Bryony • Camellia • Cereus • Dahlia • Eglantine • Gentian • Heliotrope Jasmine • Mandrake • Orchis • Independent	v • e