The applause dies down as the final curtain falls across the stage at the Bard's Theatre. The play is over, but the crowd seems in no hurry to leave, basking as they are, in the aftermath of another excellent Bard's production. Your reverie is finally broken however, as you are elbowed rudely in the ribs by your neighbor, standing up to make a hasty beeline toward the exit and presumably the restroom. Eventually, your tour guide stands up to collect everyone's attention, as you rub your abused side. "This way everyone, we can head back stage now."

The old lenny leads everyone from their seats, and you all file quietly up the side stairs of the stage and through the wings. The theatre tickets and backstage tour are just another perk of the seeing Merridel package that you won in a radio contest, and it's turning out to be one of the better prizes in the pack. Certainly it's better than that cheese tasting horror. Who knew they still fed people the cheese they used in cheeseroller!

Your party comes to a stop in front of a dressing room with a gleaming gold star baring the name Aki nailed to the door. The door stands slightly ajar, revealing a handsome pirate kougra talking to the star of today's performance. The actor notices your group, and smiles, saying a few more words to the pirate before coming to meet your group.

The lenny sweeps out his arm in a grand gesture in his direction. "Everyone, I'm very pleased to introduce you to a good friend of mine, and the star of today's performance, Aki."

Aki just bobs his head slightly, and smiles kindly, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Statistics Name: Akir Nickname: Aki Birthday: Age: 22 Height: 3' at Shoulder Color: Red with Maroon Markings Painted Color: Red Eyes: Sea Green Parents: Alive, somewhere in Brightnville pursuing their craft Siblings: None by blood Mate: ... Children: None Personality: Friendly, sweet, stuborn, dramatic Hobbies: Reading, sailing, pondering Job: Stage Actor

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Act I
My life began and God willing will end on the stage. My parents were both members of a prestigious if slightly odd theatre troupe headquartered in central Merridel. They met while performing Hamlet, were married during their run of Cats and managed to fit my birth in between Nothing On and Sound Off. Some of my earliest memories are of standing in the wings of the old playhouse and watching my parents at work. Growing up I was practically the group's unofficial mascot. Sitting in on rehearsals, following the performers from makeup to costuming to the greenroom, I found my self enthralled by the entire process of the production.

Despite being allowed to tag along backstage, as a child I was never allowed to actually perform with the troupe at their theatre but I still managed to spend quite a lot of time in the spot light. Local plays, school skits, it didn't matter. If it had a stage and an audience I was there. For a long time that was enough for me but eventually I realized it was time for me to take the next step. When I was fourteen I joined a traveling theatre company called the Second Stop Group. It was a small, ragtag bunch of actors who traveled up and down the coast of Merridel performing in local theatres and such. The audiences were never large and the venues rarely spectacular but I was on stage, so I was happy.

I stayed with the group for one wonderful season but halfway into our second; my time with them came to a screeching halt. None of us had joined this group to make our fortunes, and luckily so. Traveling actors rarely make more than enough to just get by, and in the end that was our downfall. It started in Caverntown with a series of mechanical failures and ended in Charleston with the death of the engine to our transport trailer. We were already in debt to mechanics up and down the coast so paying for such a costly repair simply wasn't feasible. It was with a heavy heart that Jim, the old lupe who owned the small company, announced that we simply couldn't continue and that for the foreseeable future he would be making Charleston his home. This meant two things for us actors. One, we were out of a job and income and two, we were stranded in this tiny town; most of us far from our homes.

Charleston, where our tour breathed its last breath, was a small port town on the eastern coast of Merridel. For a few weeks twice a year it bustled with life as merchant ships invaded its harbor to put in for supplies and trade their wares, but otherwise it remained quiet and empty save for the few residents and occasional fisherman. Unfortunately because of all the time we spent dealing with repairs in various towns along the way, we had managed to miss most of the merchants with whom we could have bartered with for a ride home.

Our choices were limited, either stay for the season until the next influx of ships or attempt to gain passage with one of the three remaining and rather unpromising looking ones in the marina. Most of the members got on with an old fishing boat that would make the journey about half way up the coast, but I, needing to go all the way north was left with the choice of a merchant ship captained by a man who had spent far to many days out at sea and was waiting for a particular seagull to instruct him on the perfect time to leave (last I heard he was still there) and what at the time I thought to be another merchant ship that simply hadn't set sail yet. It was with this ship that I asked for passage though in hindsight, the crazy captain might have been a better choice.

The captain of the Mermaid's Song, a friendly slightly portly lupe named Loh, agreed to give me passage north and in exchange I would work in the galley assisting his wife who served as their cook. We had just completed our bargaining when the one person who would prove to make my life at sea infinitely more complicated appeared on deck. His name was Baestien, a grey kougra whose place among the crew was never quite explained. He was young, perhaps only a year older than me, but he spoke to the rest of his shipmates with an authority that could come only from age or position. He was genial enough with the rest of the crew, but seemed to take a dislike to me immediately. When he was told that I was to be a cabin boy he objected quite vehemently. Saying someone like me had no business being on the ship. But the captain over ruled him, insisting that his wife wanted the help and if he chased me off, she'd never let him hear the end of it. And that was that. My place among the crew and Baestien's displeasure was cemented.

Act II
Life at sea I found suited me well. Working in the galley was hard work, but the captain's wife Mary was a kind lupess who mothered me endlessly and I was no stranger to kitchen duty (having been assigned it often with my acting troupe) so it was enjoyable enough. The lure of the salt air and sea breeze called me on deck any time I had a moment to spare and it was there that I would often encounter Baestien. He could usually be found at the helm with the captain when I emerged, but like magic he would always eventually appear at my side. I was never quite sure what to make of him in those first few weeks. Some days he was mocking and aloof, never letting me forget that I was not wanted there, urging me to jump ship at the next port; and the next friendly and accommodating, pointing out landmarks and telling funny stories of their adventures at sea. That became the basis of our relationship, and I learned to anticipate his moods so that I could avoid him when he was in a foul one.

In the end, Baestien had been right about one thing though, someone like me didn't belong on that ship. Three weeks into our voyage the lookout spotted another large merchant ship on the horizon. I watched curiously as every member of the crew grew turned towards it, growing still like a wolf scenting its prey. One by one they let out a yell and began cheering before quieting quickly as the captain started barking orders. Everyone seemed to be moving at once, some of the crew took off below the deck, others worked adjusting the sails and rigging and two of them could be seen pulling down the colors they usually flew in preparation of hoisting something else up. I moved to the railing in an attempt, to stay out of the way and see what it was they were putting up, but the dark flag hadn't made it off the ground before someone grabbed my arm, demanding my attention. It was Baestien. I yelped as he half dragged me towards the galley, ignoring my irritated questioning. He shoved me in and hissed at me to stay there until he came to get me before slamming the door and running off.

Arrogant and bossy as he was Baestien didn't give orders without good reason, so I stayed there and waited. I waited while I listened to the hustle and bustle continue outside the door. I waited while I felt the ship toss as sails were let out and while the entire ship shuddered as though it had crashed into something. I even waited after I heard those first few terrified screams. But when I heard the first shot of a gun, I could wait no longer. I rushed onto deck, only to find it nearly deserted. The majority of the crew was on a ship pulled alongside ours. Some stood, guns raised around its crew and passengers while others could be seen routing through cargo and bringing chests up from below. Above me the flag I had curiously watched them run up unfurled on the wind, exposing a white skull and crossbones. They weren't merchants. They were pirates!

I was horrified and made to rush back to the safety of the galley where Baestien had left me. But in my haste I collided with one of the crew members returning to the ship with a coffer full of heavy gold coins. I bounced off his chest, causing him to drop his cargo on one of his large booted feet. I watched in horror as pain spread across his face and with a curse lifted his beefy hand to strike me. I can't say what would have happened that day if Baestien hadn't come across the gangplank at that moment. Charlie was the one crew member I was always careful not to cross. He was mean spirited and quick to anger with an explosive and dangerous temper. More then one man had been seriously wounded while on the receiving end of it. Perhaps I would have gotten off with little more then a cuff across the head. Perhaps not. I can only tell you what did happen.

The moment he saw Charlie raising his hand, Baestien stepped in and with that mysterious power he had among the crew, made the techno twice his age and size back down with nothing more than a threatening growl and a promise to return the favor. When he had collected his treasure and hobbled off, Baestien helped me to my feet and led me back to his quarters, a small room opposite the captain's; another mystery. Why he had his own space while the rest of the crew shared was curious. But I was too preoccupied to worry about trivial things such as room assignments at that moment. I sat in shock for a few minutes before Baestien interrupted the silence, looking me in the eye and saying gently, "Do you understand now why I didn't want you on the ship?"

The remaining weeks of the voyage were spent either in Baestien's room or the small galley. Charlie hadn't forgotten his grudge against me and took every opportunity to remind me of it; so I did my best to stay out off his way, using the cook and Baestien as shields. Baestien's attitude toward me after that day didn't change much. He still seemed to wander between that same surly antagonism and disarming amiability that had so confused me early on. He was my bane, but also my protector and friend.

Loh's and his crew hit seven more ships before we made it into harbor. He was ruthless in his work, but never bloodthirsty or vicious. I learned to stay hidden, huddled in the crew quarters or galley during the attacks and the time after while the crew was drunk on their own victory. Those were hard times, but in the days in-between, it was almost as though I could pretend they really were simple merchants, friendly and outgoing as most of them were.

The final night before we set into my home port Baestien gave me a parting gift. It was a small earring in the shape of a sword which dangled from a tiny gold hoop. I hesitated to accept it at first, thinking it was a piece pirated from someone along the way, but he insisted (with a rather rueful smile) that it was indeed his and he had come by it honestly. So I took the offering of friendship, and after yowling loud enough to wake up the captain across the hall when he pierced my ear, I wore his gift proudly.

The following morning I left the ship the moment the gangplank was lowered, making time only to say a quick goodbye to cook, the captain and the members of the crew who weren't looking to wring my neck. When time came for me to say good bye to Baestien however, I searched all over but he was nowhere to be found, so I hesitantly left with out bidding him farewell. But when I turned to take one last look at the ship, there he was at the rail, watching me leave, a sad smile on his face and an identical sword shaped earring hanging from his left ear.

Perhaps I should have reported to the local authorities the moment I stepped off the ship that the notorious pirate ship the Mermaid's Song was harbored right under their noses, disguised as a simple merchant vessel. But I couldn't bring myself to do so, concerned as I was that a certain arrogant friend might be caught in the crossfire.

Act III
After arriving home, my life returned to normal. No more sailing the ocean with pirates, cooking their meals while they were off thieving and stealing at the end of a gun. No, I was back to being simple Aki, the actor. I spent some time with the same theatre company as my parents. Having never acted with them on stage, and been on my own for two years, it was an adjustment. But I found it a welcome change to the danger of the high seas.

I had been home for a little over six months when I met the man who single handedly would change my career forever. His name was Jonathan Son, owner of the Bard's Theatre Company. One of the largest production companies in Neopia, they not only had their hands in the theatre world, but the movie and music business as well. They had theatres all over the world, cruise ships which acted as floating stages and connections with everyone in the business. To perform on one of their stages was a dream come true for any actor, but to be accepted as a member of the Bard's theatre troupe was beyond dreaming about. Members of the troupe were practically given free choice of any theatre role anywhere, such was their reputation. So when John approached me and offered me a spot, I was shocked.

Apparently I had come to his notice during the tour up and down Merridel. He had lost track of me during my sojourn on the ocean, but when he heard of a talent fitting my description at my parent's theatre he had flown out personally in hopes of finding me and offering me a spot. I happily, if somewhat dazedly accepted, and just days before my sixteenth birthday found my self standing in the main theatre of the Bard's theatre company, the newest member of their prestigious troupe.

Because I was so young, Jon and I agreed that I shouldn't live on my own. He insisted I stay with his twelve year old goddaughter Khestrel who had just come to Neopia and was staying in one of his large neohomes with her pet kougra, Raz. After I moved in, the three of us got on well together. Each busy with our own lives but happy for the company. That was six years ago. Since then, the Bard's Theatre has proven to be everything I could have hoped for. Thanks to the recognition I received as one of its members, I am now one of the most well know stage actors in Neopia. I have performed in hundreds of venues across the world for kings and common men alike. I have accomplished every thing I dreamed of doing along with a few things I didn't along the way.



Khestrel
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Khestrel is the god daughter of my benefactor. When she was twelve, and I sixteen I came to live with her and her kougra Raz. She enjoys theatre nearly as much as I do, and always insists that she is my number one fan.


Baestien
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I never thought I would see Baestien again, but apparently he had other plans. After a six year absence Baestien is back, exactly as I last saw him; arrogant as ever. Khestrel helped bail him out of quite a bit of trouble a little while ago, so he's now her responsibility and is staying with us for what looks like good. My life has been considerably more complicated since he came back into it and I can't decide if I like it that way or not.


Sin
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I get along well with Sintaex. He came to live with Kestrel a couple years after I arrived, but his personality is such that it only took him a few days before it seemed as though he'd been there forever.


Razsile
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Razzle was Khestrel's first pet. He is the most level headed member of the family, and often gets caught in the middle of our troubles, but it rarely seems to faze him. A couple years ago he adopted Nym, a sweet little Nuk whom one can't help but adore.

Luekah
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Luekah is a newer member of the family. He has a vicious sense of humor, and a soft spot for Nym. Something about his character doesn't seem to fit however, so it is difficult to give him my complete trust.


Daezzelle
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Elle is Baestien's younger sister. She's very much like her older brother, despite her refusing to admit it, but her disposition is infinitely sweeter. I had heard stories about her from Baestien for years, and when I finally met her, she more than lived up to his praise.




Khestrel's Kougras I
Quite an old picture of Baestien, Raz and me. *smiles*


Khestrel's Kougras II
New picture, not long after Elle arrived.


Cheese
Khe tried to get us all together for a family photo, including our cousins Ali and Kirai, but all the shots ended up like this.


Khe & Me
Raz took this snapshot of Khe and me. She does not look it but she is surprisingly strong!



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By Baby_everything2 Baby_everything2 was sweet enough to draw a picture of me. Didn't it turn out lovely?

By Ratchet ratchet.deviantart.com/ A beautiful piece of fanart from the very kind Ratchet. Thank you!

By Merian Meriaun.deviantart.com Meriaun's half of a trade with Khe. She captured my likeness well, don't you think?

By Sketchable candies.deviantart.com/ Sketchable drew the wonderful lineart for this picture, and Khe did the flat colors. Isn't it pretty?

By Baby_everything2 Baby_everything2 did an updated picture of me in paint to show off her new skills. Pretty impressive I would say.

Adoptables Requests: Closed Trades: Open A Note From Khe These are not makeables. If you would like a trade, neomail me and we will see what we can do. It would be great if you could send in this form when you do because it makes my life so much easier: A Link to Your Adoptables: Kougra's Full Name: Kougra's Nick Name: Reference Picture: Description (anything extra I should know): Mask Color: Pick up Replace YOURKOUGRASNAME with your kougra's FULL name. <a href="http://home.neopets.com/templates/homepage.phtml?pet_name=Akir"><img src="http://boomspeed.com/demileo/Khestrel/Adoptables/Kougras/Set1/CCYOURKOUGRA'SNAME.gif" border="0"></a> Dohous

Quizzes I... 1. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Toast and jam. 2. What is your least favorite piercing on others? Anything other than the face. 3. How old are you & how old do you wish you were? I enjoy being my own age. 5. Are you registered to vote? Yes. 6. How do you get your caffeine? I try to stay away from caffeine. *smile* 7. Any addictions? No. 8. Any hidden talents? I make a mean brisket. 9. Any near death experiences? I spent several months on a pirate ship growing up, so yes, I've had a fair few. 10. How many dead bodies have you seen? More than I'd like, not as many as some. 11. What are you most afraid of? Not being able to keep the people I love out of trouble. 12. Have you ever seen the ocean? Yes. More times than I'd like. 13. Have you ever flown a kite? A number of times as a child. 14. Who was your first friend? Casey, one of my school mates. 15. Your first childhood crush? Someone who would never let me hear the end of it if they ever found out. 16. As a child, who did you try to emulate? Everyone. 17. Are you a cuddler? Not by nature, but my significant other is, so yes. 18. How many houses have you lived in in your lifetime? One, this one. I grew up in theatres, travel trailors, tents and ships. I didn't live in a house until I moved in with Khe and her lot. 19. What was something you wanted as a child, but never received? Nothing. 20. Have you ever broken a bone? I broke my wrist when I fell off stage during a dress rehersal when I was 10. 21. Have you ever been arrested? No, unlike other members of this family. 22. Are you a morning person? I am flexible. 23. What is your guilty pleasure? Sailing. 24. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? An actor. 25. What do you want right now that you can't afford? Nothing really. 26. Can you fall asleep best with noise or silence? Either. 27. Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? I sleep on my stomach. 28. What time do you go to bed usually? Whenever I am tired. 29. Complete this sentence: Tomorrow, I will try to... Find the perfect gifts for Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can my pet date Aki? A: I generally don't like to let my pets date other people's pets as it makes their continuing stories rather difficult to execute. And Aki already has someone. Q: May I have Aki? A: No. Q: Can my pet be friends with Aki? A: No. Aki only makes friends through RPs and I rarely (I mean RARELY) role play. Hence the lack of friends. Q: Can we RP? A: Due to lack of time (and experience) I don't role play often. However, if you really want to and are an experienced role player feel free to request one of me but I'll probably have to decline. Q: May I draw Aki fanart? A: Of course you may. We love fanart! Q: How did you come up with Aki's story? A: Well, I wanted a theatre pet because I was very into acting when I was younger and I wanted him to have a few misadventures growing up, so the pirate encounter and the rest of it just developed from there. Q: Will Aki ever appear in 'Razzle Dazzle'? A: I'd like him to but pets with custom designs aren't allowed in the NT, so if he ever does I'll have to do some serious finagling to hide some things. Aki has now appeared in a number of episodes of RD. He is somewhat unrecognizable but there none the less. Q: Can I be your neofriend? A: Sorry I don't accept neofriend requests unless I've had at least a few conversations with a person via neomail or know them well from DA or the DC. Q: Do you accept art requests or trades? A: I never do requests and rarely, due to time do trades. To see if my trades are open check the status on my user page. It is the most up to date. Also check DA (khestrel.deviantart.com). Occasionally I will accept sketch requests and trades there. Q: How do you draw your art? A: I sketch my pictures pretty small on (about) a 450x450 px canvas in either Photoshop CS or Open Canvas then blow it up to 200-300xs the original size and Ink and color in Photoshop. I then shrink it back down and I'm done. ^^ Q: How long have you been drawing? A: I've always loved to doodle, but I didn't start drawing seriously until a little less then four years ago.

88 x 31	50 x 50
<a href="http://home.neopets.com/templates/homepage.phtml?pet_name=Akir"><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/demileo/Khestrel/Akir/LnkBackB1.gif" border="0"></a>	<a href="http://home.neopets.com/templates/homepage.phtml?pet_name=Akir"><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/demileo/Khestrel/Akir/LnkBackP1.gif" border="0"></a>

Neomail Khe if you'd like to trade 88 x 31 or 50 x 50 links.







Last Updated: May 31, 2008, 09:42:00 pm NST