I am [NOT] Fearless

[Xiāo Lan]

A Mantis and The Emperor... One day, the a great emperor went out hunting with his men. His carriages were going along when suddenly, a mantis was spoted standing in the middle of the road. Before the carriage it stood, sickle-like forelegs extended, waving martially. The Emperor and all of his men stared at the strange creature and it became obvious he was trying to fight against the carriage, to hold it back from continuing along the road. “What is this creature?” The Emperor asked. “Merely a Mantis” His guards replied. And one of the Emperor's warriors stood before the Mantis. He waved his mighty club before the small creature, threatening to crush it. Yet the Mantis would not move. Secondly, another of the Emperor's gaurds aimed to taunt the Mantis, and tossed pebble after pebble before the petite inscet. The Mantis would move out of the way of each stone, then return to his spot, waving it's claws at the carriage once more. Finally, the largest of the Emperor's guards rose up, lifted his massive foot to stomp upon the Mantis. Yet, the Emperor barked an order. “Leave it alone,” he shouted. “It is a great pity that it is not more than an insect. If it were a man, it would have been the bravest warrior in all the world.” Thinking for a moment, he suddenly ordered the rest of his men to turn around, moved by the insects bravery. When the rest of the nation heard this tale, it inspired all of the emperor’s subjects. If a Mantis could stand before the carriage and armies of a ruler, what was a man not to stand to defend his country? Since then the saying “A mantis trying to stop a chariot” has come to refer to anyone who overworks themselves trying to hold back an overwhelmingly superior force. But it also inspires courage. To always stand firm, ready, and to not falter regardless of the odds."

[Xiāo Lan]

宵蘭 Xiāo Lan  AGE: Thirty-One GENDER: Female VILLAGE: Iwagakure RANK: Jonin NATURE MANIPULATION: Katon-Doton RELATIONS: Fujisawa Toshiro-Lover PERSONALITY: Her demeanor is laid back and relaxed while all the while casually swift, quiet, and unconsciously dexterous, never seeming to step with an iota of sound or to make an impression on the world about her, but at the same time the stance and walk is strong with confidence evident of the military background and the copious battles this one has endured-even if she is minus of the amount of scars typical of one with equal experience. Her voice mirrors this all the same, lower in tone to reflect a level of age and maturity giving hint of disciplined upbringing unnervingly smooth as well as light and charming. Perpetually radiating with motherly softness whilst still firm in mannerisms and self-esteem. Considering her appearance that doesn't quite reflect her age Xiāo Lan is at the blunt of many of the jokes from her peers, taking note of her younger physique and somewhat child-like disposition at times especially with her terrible luck in romance. Her students refer to her as Old Maid Lan in lieu of her terrible dating experiences and the supposed invietibility of remaining single. Being self conscious about her age, her coin phase has become "Don't call me old." resulting in a multitude of comical mishaps and violent retaliation. Xiāo Lan is an excellent cook, although she's notable mostly for her tea making, ranging from able to perfectly blend Cherry White Tea and Waster Black Teas from scratch, a custom noted for royal attendees.  STORY: -Link Threads Here- HOLDING: -Link Holding Here-