Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a lady her age?
The woman before you shifts in her seat, leaning forward as a hand comes to rest under her chin.
I suppose on this occasion, I’ll let it slide. I just celebrated my twenty-fourth birthday, and- what? You expected something younger? Oh please, no need for the flattery. I am… five foot four, but that varies with my footwear. My weight, however, will remain a mystery. And, of course, my name is Ophelia Poncha.
My story?
My family is as normal as they come, aside from the whole shapeshifter thing. I suppose I forgot to mention that, huh? We’ve held various jobs over the years - mainly dirty work, to be frank. Our forms were well for intimidation and execution. Times have changed, however, and so did we. If I remember correctly, my grandfather was the first to bring us to the business side of things - clean business. My father would follow in his place, making him the current owner.
She hums softly, tapping her jaw idly as she attempts to think of what to say.
Let’s see… I am the youngest of three. My childhood was pretty normal, aside from the uncontrollable shifts. I’ve scared a date or two away with that one. My brothers and I were rowdy, always picking fights with each other. I suppose I received a bit more attention, being the only daughter and all, but it wasn’t bad. I wasn’t spoiled rotten or had everything handed to me on a silver platter. I still had to work for everything I wanted, and I did - I just had more of my father’s favor than my brothers.
They were never interested in the business. I, for some unknown reason, always have. After completing my schooling, I became an intern. It’s not glamour work, I assure you. Answering phone calls, paperwork, running people’s lunch orders… Despite all that, I suppose I naturally have the perk for being the owner’s daughter. Employees tend not to mess with me too much, or at least act pleasant around me.
Her shoulders lift in an idle shrug, a small smile forming.
Not that I mind. I had been quite surprised when I had been invited here - to Trinity Castle. At first I thought of just declining the offer, but the more I thought on the matter, I couldn’t find a reason not to. Especially if I’m going to take over my father’s business someday, I might as well enjoy myself in the meantime. And so, here I am for now, hoping to get my stay’s worth. If you wish to learn more, then I suppose you'll have to ask me.
How would I describe myself?
She finally leans back in her chair and directs a sly expression at you, a thin brow raised in silent inquiry.
Well, how do I come off? I like to think I’m fairly pleasant, even if it doesn’t always come across that way. I don’t like to prolong things - I’m a to-the-point person. Direct as you will, though, earning my friendship can be quite hard. In fact, I might go out of my way to make it even more so. My father likes to often remind me that I possess a sassy lip, but that can be quite the curse and the blessing. If you can meet those “standards,” you and I should get along just fine… just be prepared for a bit of a challenge.
I suppose I’m capable of a few things.
I’m able to alter my form, obviously. My father taught and stressed several forms, to cover any kind of situation I might find myself in, though it seems a bit ludicrous if you ask me. I’m a business woman, I hardly need any form, but it was exciting at the time. My family’s name is traced back to the jaguar, and that is the form I am most comfortable in. Some refer to me as a were-panther, but the name sounds a bit distasteful, don’t you think?
I suppose it’s not all bad. My family has inherited quite a few traits through the many generations… a few feline traits. Our arms and legs are quite strong albeit a bit short, and trust me, it makes the transitions even easier. Our jaws are quite impressive, as well. I’d say that you have nothing to fear, that I don’t bite, but I can’t make that promise.
Her brow twitches again, as full lips part to reveal sharp incisors - which are silently pointed to with the tip of her tongue. As her mouth closes again, the corner rises in a smirk.
It isn’t much of an ability, per se, but my senses are above average especially my hearing and eyesight. Little passes by me without notice. Ah, and of course, the best saved for last. Much like a wild predator, I can track someone down no matter how far they are. I can obviously smell in short distances
or hear someone approach, but if I get to know a person well enough, those things are dull in comparison. It doesn’t always work, but the stronger the
connection, the stronger the possibility of success.
Just to make things clear…
I can be a bit strong-willed and outspoken, but I am still of the submissive class. I simply like a little game of chase, that’s all. Plus, I think I’m the type to pull off collars… wouldn’t you agree?
