Nari Zeung

NARI ZEUNG

GENDER: Male

SPECIES: Elf

AGE: 2900

SEXUALITY: Homosexual/Demisexual

OCCUPATION: Head Groundskeeper at Vievecor City Park & Owner of Zeung Apothecary | Elf Elder

DISTRICT: Garond

BACKGROUND:

Nari was born alongside nature, into the Elven cities built harmoniously into the sides of towering mountains and nestled amongst the never ending span of flourishing trees. Nari found that as he aged, his passion was to find ways of using the nature around them to discover how it could be used to heal.

The humans began to advance with time, but it wasn’t until their cities really began to take shape and their inventions spread across the world, that the Elves began to feel the shift of the natural world as they knew it. Nari watched as their species adapted to what the humans had created around them but at first, Nari was happy to remain close to his clan, his father was their leader, and with that Nari had grown up used to the comfort of an entire Elven clan around him, that would one day expect him to follow his father into leadership. The familiarity of their world was not one he was willing to part from just yet, it was an easy place to stay and to fall in love. But with age came confidence and Nari eventually began to branch out into the world with his love to see see what life was like among the humans. Leaving what would be known as South Korea today, there were several careers that kept Nari busy, but he stayed loyal to his roots and acted as a healer for much of his long life. Growing into his own abilities, it allowed him to journey the world acting as a nurse, an apothecary, a doctor, and a surgeon. He watched and served as the human and supernatural world descended into war and conflict time and time again, but Nari’s focus remained to heal soldiers and civilians while his lover fought as a soldier. Later, he would continue to travel the world to provide help. He would provide things such as the stimulation of plant growth to help others survive harsh winters, provide them with clean water and cultivate ingredients to improve their health, and from time to time shape or calm the weather to help those who were vulnerable from further devastation. These acts contributed to many fairytale stories that would evolve amongst the humans throughout the years.

Time passed and eventually Nari and his fellow clan members were called back to his home when another interspecies war broke out. This time, his own clan had been caught in the cross-fire of war and the vampires bloodlust had left them in a state of devastation. It was said at one time they had been sent from the Underworld to balance the forces of darkness and light. His father had perished and with him, much of Nari’s family, their elders and defensive wards. His heartbreak was only increased further when his lover died in battle in a brutal show of vampire dominance. Injured, Nari was presumed dead along with much of his clan and was tossed to sea with them, to float upon driftwood with his departed. It was there, hopeless, that the eerie mass was discovered by a ship of witches, who at first thought it was another unpleasant but familiar sight, before spotting someone alive on the driftwood. Nari was taken aboard and healed by the witches who were attacking from the sea and set upon creating new kinds of magic.

Over time spent on the ship, Nari befriended the Captain and his crew, though at first he had been hard to reach through his crushing grief. He eventually returned to their homeland with them, where he was taught many skills, including how to fight proficiently like his soldier counterparts and numerous languages. He grew to have many friends within the community, and would set out to sail with their soldiers to help aid in the warfare from the sea. They developed new medicines, gained new magics, but most of all many years later Nari gained a romance with the ships captain and the covens leader. It was an unexpected and beautiful romance that would span many years. They later chose to marry aboard the ship. Over the years, Nari would set out to find other Elves and eventually formed a small clan of his own, mainly of survivors from clans that had been decimated by numerous wars over the centuries. Protected by the witches, they were able to heal and build in numbers. Eventually, Nari’s husband sadly passed from old age. They continued to live peacefully for a long time, before eventually moving away from the coven to form their own separate clan, living in areas that were of low vampire population.

The pact to live harmoniously and secretly amongst the humans came at a good time. Their clan was small and in need of more Elven company after their traumatic pasts and Nari eventually put his trust in Adaire Westwood as they joined the Westwood Clan to settle in Vievecor City. They remained in touch with their family of witches for many years to come.

In the two hundred years since that moment, Nari had joined the Council. With his advanced age, it made sense that he should take the spot to help guide the supernatural decision making of their city. While politics grow tiresome for him these days, he still has a fierce sense of protectiveness for Elven kind. Nari hopes he can at least help to protect future generations and see them flourish.

Nari settled as Head Groundskeeper at Vievecor City Park around this time too. In his older years, Nari appreciated the peace and tranquility of getting to tend to the gardens, reminding him of his time as a far younger elf. He lives in Garond and owns a small health foods shop that also sells herbal remedies. He enjoys a peaceful corner to read in, watching period dramas and attending the theatre. There is also an extremely large, beautiful aviary at this Garond property, where he tends dutifully to the birds inside.

Over the past two years he has been absent from Vievecor city to recover from the possible future events that were uncovered by the Effendi coven. In the uncovered timeline, the events lead to Nari’s death. But, he has recently returned to his former positions with a new outlook on life.

PERSONALITY: Protective, Wise, Loyal, Determined, Attentive, Loving, Thoughtful, Jealous

CHARACTER TYPE: Original

Elio paused to take his turn, quickly moving a chess piece in the board without much thought. He always played wild and loose until mid game where he often found himself trying to work himself out of whatever mess he’d made on the board.

While Elio was more blasé about the game, Nari couldn’t help but to think through each movement carefully, weighing the potential outcomes methodically before he moved.

The elf watched curiously and straightened his back as Kiran assembled everything in front of him, forgetting the pastry to the side for the moment. “Interesting… What kind of benefits did you have in mind for the other species?” He asked with a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, “it’s definitely compelling.” Nari agreed. Given his background in medicine too, it was natural that this would ignite something in him. “This could be helpful for the elves… if it could be amplified enough, it would help us. The natural world has been diminishing for a long time and with it, our ability to live at our fullest, to create more of our kind. Maybe that’s quite an optimistic first look at an experiment and a selfish one on my behalf.” confessed, “But still, I like the premise. I’d be interested to hear the benefits from your point of view.” Nari had worked with humans for much of his life, even known to influence the weather and help to stimulate crop growth, when it seemed that things would not flourish on their own in order to support those relying on it.

"Well, there's a multitude of benefits - possibilities only, at this stage, of course. Solar magic is known for its healing benefits. Not just for plants, but for others too - imagine if we could harness that to help people, of any species." He pauses, brows furrowing for a moment. "With everything going on at the moment, Artemis... everyone, from all walks of life, have a sense of fear, or know a loved one that's been hurt. Perhaps once we can figure out how to heal plants, enhance their growth - who knows how else we may be able to apply that to walking and talking creatures, too. A way to heal minor injuries, cuts and scrapes, maybe even more. The theory is there, it's the application that's a little harder."

Kiran listens to Nari closely with a serious glance, nodding as the elf speaks. "Yes. That's just the kind of thing I was thinking. Imagine if we managed to create something like this, on a much larger scale. Disguised as street lamps somewhere like the park, so humans don't detect something amiss. It could enhance the growth of the plants there, a constant beam of energy to provide them with warmth and the nutrients they need."

One of the positives to being possibly the eldest elf in the city was that his powers were enhanced. Elves didn’t often reach Nari’s lifespan due to the decline of the natural world, so their powers were often limited to the capacity of their age. It wasn’t something Nari took any happiness in knowing, but in this instance perhaps he could be useful in a way that was beyond keeping the park looking abundant.

“Good. It’s difficult to have a father in a position of power. I think I was lucky that my younger brother and my father had so much in common. Otherwise, I don’t know that my father would have been so content to let me become a healer instead of his future leader.” Nari confided. In the end, it hadn’t mattered. They had all lost their lives before anyone had gotten the chance to pass on the baton, the vampires had made sure of that. But, he understood having a father who was a good man, that was sometimes clouded by expectation. “Besides, the best things tend to happen when you’re going under somebody’s radar. Like being far too distracted by someone in our army, at the time.” Nari confided, breathing a faint laugh. “I’m just saying, just because it’s not strictly what’s expected of you, doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing.”

“Hm,” Nari hummed quietly, “Though I think there was a time your brother might have agreed with him. At least on the part where he found someone suitable to have a family with.” Nari paused, “What about you? Artus mentioned a long time ago you were happy with a spirit?”

Atlas was grateful that her brother was a good leader. They didn't think they would know how to lead the clan, they had no answers for the troubles they faced and would continue to face as their numbers dwindled. She knew that Nari understood that pain as well and maybe they were in that same position. "Thank the gods for Artus," she chuckled. "Ooh, a hot soldier boy! Please tell me all the details, especially the forbidden love parts and heroic saves," the elf said, resting her head in her hands as she fluttered her lashes towards him. It was going to be nice having another brother to tease and annoy like the youngest sibling the were.

"Maybe but there's no guarantee it would work and Artus shouldn't have to be the guinea pig for this experiment. He should be in love and be happy instead of trying to hold the weight of the world on his shoulder's. That's my namesake, not his," she said, shrugging her own shoulders. The spirit's mention made her flush, which was probably the right reaction. "Oh right, yeah I was dating Ayumu Nakatomi," she admitted. "But I also left town without telling them so they might hate me now."

“Thank God for Artus.” Nari repeated, smiling fondly, before breathing a faint laugh. He wasn’t sure if Atlas was actually serious or not, but he found himself divulging anyway, “I don’t know about forbidden, but I think first love is always all-consuming. The sun rose and fell with them and I spent most of my time wishing he would come by with a paper cut I could patch up instead of actually concentrating.” Nari confessed, lowering his gaze for a moment. He didn’t want it to be strange for Atlas to listen to him go on and on about a love that wasn’t her brother, so the older elf quickly offered something else. “But, you might miss your performance if I kept you here with those stories.”

“I’m meeting Artus shortly. I think he was catching up with some friends. Besides, I make him endure enough walks and I was planning on wandering around the ice sculptures for a while.” He breathed a small laugh. “Good luck with the hockey match.”

He breathed a quiet laugh, “I’m glad you were so observant during your time there.” He teased, his humour fading once Halloween was mentioned, “Yes, it was certainly… an interesting insight.” Was all Nari could muster and he was relieved when they could divert to something else. He’d never much considered another life beyond the one he already had, so for it to unfold in such a way was unsettling.

"I took a bunch of photos," they assured. Atlas had been having a difficult time thinking about her trip so they were grateful to change the subject to something else. "I guess one good take away is that life continues on one way or another," they said. The earth would eventually take them all and they were all on borrowed time in the end. When the trees called her home, she was sure she would welcome it with open arms. "And you two were still together and loved each other. I think that's another positive."

Adaire was a strange enigma to the young elf, he'd always been a terrifying imposing figure but he was still her dad. While she wouldn't put it past him to figure out someway to breed more elfs through cocoons or something insane, she was still hoping he would just take a hint and retire and let Artus take over as leader. "Don't worry, I stopped listening about a hundred years ago," she said, waving her hand dismissively. The comments stung a little less with each passing year but only because she knew her father was right in a lot of ways. Artus was the special son. "Luckily, not everything is genetic but me and Artus seemed to figure it out for ourselves," the assured. "And don't let him get in your head either, especially about elves and continuing the clan or whatever else he likes to say. The world will keep moving, with or without us."

“Good. It’s difficult to have a father in a position of power. I think I was lucky that my younger brother and my father had so much in common. Otherwise, I don’t know that my father would have been so content to let me become a healer instead of his future leader.” Nari confided. In the end, it hadn’t mattered. They had all lost their lives before anyone had gotten the chance to pass on the baton, the vampires had made sure of that. But, he understood having a father who was a good man, that was sometimes clouded by expectation. “Besides, the best things tend to happen when you’re going under somebody’s radar. Like being far too distracted by someone in our army, at the time.” Nari confided, breathing a faint laugh. “I’m just saying, just because it’s not strictly what’s expected of you, doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing.”

“Hm,” Nari hummed quietly, “Though I think there was a time your brother might have agreed with him. At least on the part where he found someone suitable to have a family with.” Nari paused, “What about you? Artus mentioned a long time ago you were happy with a spirit?”

“I met him a while ago. Astrid persuaded me to go there a while ago. I’m still not entirely sure how that was supposed to be of any benefit to me…” His brow crinkled slightly irritably, before it relaxed again, “Anyway…” he waved the thought off, “we had a brief conversation whilst I was there and ever since then he won’t stop texting me.”

“I have been good.” The elf nodded, about to return the question when Kiran launched into his explanation. It made Nari’s smile widen to see someone so passionate about something. “Of course. Usually when I use my powers it’s often to do with my work at the park, or Earth day celebrations, so it would be nice to be able to get stuck into a project. How about you talk me through your ideas?” Nari suggested.

Pausing after his quick speech, Kiran's grin widens at Nari's response. It was rare for someone to listen to his ramblings, much less take an interest. "I could talk you through them. Or I could just show you. Wait here." Without awaiting a response, Kiran takes off to one of the rooms down the corridor of his apartment. The door shuts abruptly behind him, some chaotic sounds of metal clanking and boxes falling escaping, before Kiran returns moments later with his arms full of wires and equipment - a singular potted plant balanced atop the mismatched pile.

He rushes back to the kitchen, dumping his carried objects onto the surface of the island. He takes a moment to set things up more neatly - the potted plant (looking a little sad and withered) at one end. Beside it, he balances the machine he'd been working on - it almost looks like an intricate lamp, but no power cable was attached, only haphazardly fused pieces of metal, a large plane of glass at the top which he angled towards the browned leaves of the plant.

"Technopaganism is all about enhancing magic. I can't create magical energies, but I create things that can make them greater, bring out its best potential." Kiran nods, finally taking a seat now he'd set everything up to his liking. "Elves can manipulate plants, they can use energy from the sun. Imagine the good this could do other species, too, if such magic could be captured and spread." Kiran glances briefly to Nari to look for a response, before continuing.

"This is just a prototype, of course. But the idea is that some of your solar magic could be captured here." Kiran points to a small, gem-like structure at the base of the lamp, from which a few wires travel upward to the glass circle. "Then, while the magic lasts, we can use this to shed light toward this rather sickly looking plant here, amplify the power you bestow within. And, hopefully, bring it back to life."

The elf watched curiously and straightened his back as Kiran assembled everything in front of him, forgetting the pastry to the side for the moment. “Interesting… What kind of benefits did you have in mind for the other species?” He asked with a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, “it’s definitely compelling.” Nari agreed. Given his background in medicine too, it was natural that this would ignite something in him. “This could be helpful for the elves… if it could be amplified enough, it would help us. The natural world has been diminishing for a long time and with it, our ability to live at our fullest, to create more of our kind. Maybe that’s quite an optimistic first look at an experiment and a selfish one on my behalf.” confessed, “But still, I like the premise. I’d be interested to hear the benefits from your point of view.” Nari had worked with humans for much of his life, even known to influence the weather and help to stimulate crop growth, when it seemed that things would not flourish on their own in order to support those relying on it.

“I know it’s hypocritical of me to say, but I think your happiness is worth something too. You have time to worry about the longevity of the pack, I don’t think you have to sacrifice every happiness for that.” Nari realised perhaps they weren’t close enough for this conversation, so he offered a sympathetic smile and then diverted course. “What are your plans for the rest of the evening?”

“I’m meeting Artus shortly. I think he was catching up with some friends. Besides, I make him endure enough walks and I was planning on wandering around the ice sculptures for a while.” He breathed a small laugh. “Good luck with the hockey match.”

Location: Nari’s Home

Nari ran his fingers gently through Artus’ hair, his eyes trained on the movie they were watching together, but occasionally flicking sideways as his phone continued to buzz off and on where it sat on the sidetable. Eventually, he seemed to lose patience with the notifications and glanced over to unlock it. After a few seconds he let out a slightly annoyed sounding huff from his nose and ignored it again.

His gaze flickered down to where Artus had his head resting in his lap and asked what he knew would be a bit of an obscure question. “Do you know the owner of Vicium?”

The question seemed a little strange, but he knew there was a reason, Nari always had a reason. "I've met him in passing, but I've heard many things. Why do you ask?"

“I met him a while ago. Astrid persuaded me to go there a while ago. I’m still not entirely sure how that was supposed to be of any benefit to me…” His brow crinkled slightly irritably, before it relaxed again, “Anyway…” he waved the thought off, “we had a brief conversation whilst I was there and ever since then he won’t stop texting me.”

"Nari." Kiran smiles warmly as he opens the door to his apartment, stepping back so the elf had free entry into his home. "Thank you so much for coming, I do appreciate you making the trekk all this way on my behalf."

Just a few steps from the front door a steaming pot of coffee sits atop a kitchen island, a plate lined with an array of pastries from the bakery next door by its side. "I didn't know which you'd like, so I just got them all." He chuckles, moving to pour some of the coffee into a pair of mugs, pushing one in Nari's direction. "Please, make yourself at home. How have you been keeping, my friend?"

Kiran takes a seat himself on one of the kitchen stools, waiting for Nari to get settled before he dove right into the real reason for his visit. He couldn't help his excitement, though, that never-ending pursuit of knowledge. So, he only allows the elf a very brief moment of respite before he begins his ramblings.

"I know I explained a little bit to you about my, uh, passion project shall we say. It's been a while since I've been properly able to use my technopagan training, there's very little need for that with the PD. But, I miss it, sometimes. Channelling magic, being a conduit for something great, useful." His eyes look faraway, for a moment, before he focuses in back on Nari with a lopsided grin.

"Gardening was hardly the kind of thing I had time to use my skills on when I worked at Remington Tower. But, I've been thinking over some prototypes. More of a hobby, really. The only thing I'm missing is... well, the magic." His head tilts, shrugging softly. "That's where I thought you may come in, if you were open to the idea, of course. A collaboration."

“I have been good.” The elf nodded, about to return the question when Kiran launched into his explanation. It made Nari’s smile widen to see someone so passionate about something. “Of course. Usually when I use my powers it’s often to do with my work at the park, or Earth day celebrations, so it would be nice to be able to get stuck into a project. How about you talk me through your ideas?” Nari suggested.