Talia Hekata
Talia Hekata is a Hornhound woman and Imperial Personnel Director of the Avinadal Empire, a role that emerged naturally from what she was already doing before the empire existed: finding and developing exceptional people. Professionally, she was known in the BDSM community as a dominatrix and practicing sex therapist, with a reputation built on precision and psychological insight. The VTC brought her on specifically as a psychological consultant on negotiations — she attended most of Aries' business meetings in that capacity, reading counterparties for the room and debriefing Aries afterward.
Her transition into a de facto family therapist for the inner circle was not part of the original engagement. It happened because she fell for the group, and for Aries in particular, and chose to stay on as their counselor regardless of the conflict of interest the new role created. She is fully aware that loving her clients is not a clinically defensible basis for treating them, and she makes no excuse for the arrangement. She has stated, on more than one occasion, that she would rather give Aries' people imperfect care from someone who loves them than refer them to someone competent who does not.
She is physically striking — roughly 200cm tall, lithe and well-muscled, with long straight black hair, pale skin covered in purple tattoos, and narrow purple eyes that do not leave a subject once she has decided to watch it. In most situations, she is the one setting the tone.
Aries Villanite was not most situations.
She attempted to establish dominance over him during their initial interactions and got progressively further from success each time until she pushed a button that made him lash out and shift into his beast form. After that, her entire orientation toward him reversed. She submitted to him completely and has maintained that position ever since — while keeping her dominant approach intact with every other person she interacts with.
Her stated goal for the empire's staff is to produce people who are capable, beautiful, and unafraid of themselves. She pursues it with the same focused intensity she brings to everything else.
Talia Hekata reads people for a living, which means she walks into most situations already three steps ahead of where everyone else is. She is a therapist, a dominatrix, and an assessor of human behavior — the three things are not as distinct as they might seem, and the combination produces someone with an unusually precise understanding of what people want, what they are afraid of, and what they will do when pressed.
She is dominant in almost every interaction she has. This is not aggression; it is her natural operating register. She controls the tone of a room without effort and without apology. She builds situations that bring out specific responses in people, then observes what comes out. Her goal with the imperial staff is explicitly to produce people who are capable, beautiful, and unafraid of themselves — and she pursues that goal with the focused interest of someone who finds the project genuinely compelling.
Aries is the exception to everything. She attempted to establish the same dominance with him that she maintains with everyone else, pushed progressively harder when it didn't work, and eventually provoked his beast form. What she experienced in that moment reoriented her entirely. She does not find this embarrassing. She appears to find it clarifying.
Her submission to Aries is total and genuine, but it does not diminish her. She is still dominant with everyone else, still sharp and precise and analytically formidable. The dynamic with Aries occupies its own space — something she chose, with full understanding of what she was choosing.
She is stoic by default. Her emotional content, when it surfaces, is expressed through action rather than statement.
Aries Villanite's First Meeting with the Plasidian Delegation at VTC HQ ►
A Plasidian delegation arrived unannounced at VTC HQ requesting Aries Villanite by name. The group comprised Augustus Markov, Vynisian Atril (Crowned Prince of Atril), and Katalyn Atrilmed, Vynisian's primary handler, accompanied by guards. Talia Hekata attended as Aries' consultant. Katalyn deliberately allowed Aries to believe Vynisian was a woman, framing it as a test of character; Aries passed by handling the correction with humor and genuine respect, offering to follow Vynisian's lead on preferred address. The incident established an early rapport between Aries and Vynisian. The delegation's core purpose was to solicit outside assistance against Edith Markov, empress of Markovia, who was preparing a ritual to absorb all Plasidian memories into a single host body — her own granddaughter, held in stasis — and transfer her consciousness into it to seize control of Plasid. Vynisian had built what alliances he could on the island but required external support. Katalyn openly disclosed her opposition to Atril's involvement, identifying herself as an Atrilian Nationalist who considered the conflict Markovia's problem. Augustus, a former Markovian Nationalist in exile, could not contradict her. Aries declined to commit during the meeting, requesting a day to consider. After the delegation departed, Talia warned Aries not to dismiss Katalyn's political positions because of her levity, noting that her nationalism, her loyalty to Vynisian, and her flirtation were all equally sincere and deliberate. Aries departed for Plasid two days later, with Augustus accompanying him.
Formation of the Avinadal Empire and the Plasid Campaign ►
The Villanite Trading Company recruited Talia Hekata, a Hornhound dominatrix and sex therapist, as a mental health consultant. After a confrontation in which Aries shifted into beast form, Talia pledged loyalty to him and joined the team with a goal of building a capable imperial staff. Separately, Aries traveled to Plasid after Piper's crystal activated, where he learned of Empress Edith Markov's plan to transfer her consciousness into Enyxia Markov's body using a ritual that would absorb the memories of all Plasidian citizens. Trained in both Myst and Malei by Augustus Markov, Aries allied with Crowned Prince Vinisent Atril and Queen Lynia Yawlin to oppose Edith. The campaign involved liberating slaves in Harkul, surviving military assaults from Edith's forces, and the capture of Augustus and Apollo Regulus. Aries defeated Edith by using Piper's crystal to drive her from Enyxia's body, with Piper's essence expelling Edith before fading. Arielle killed Edith's physical body, trapping her in the Maleidic Realm. Following the victory, Aries and Enyxia founded the Avinadal Empire, named after Piper's middle name Avinadalia. Enyxia became Empress, and a formal imperial hierarchy was established encompassing the Regulus Sanguarchate and Plasidian Triumvirate. Lynia Yawlin and Arielle Villanite joined as High Imperial Consorts. Nyx Regulus and Aurelia Villanite also formed a romantic relationship during this period.
Founding of the Villanite Trading Company and Aries's Recovery Arc ►
Following a period of instability, Aries Villanite is summoned by Arielle Villanite to a derelict mansion in Napoli, where Apollo Regulus presents him with legal ownership of the newly formed Villanite Trading Company (VTC), a goods-and-services delivery organization. The VTC's founding client list includes the Waerrani Bounty Hunters' Guild, the Napolian Mercenary's Guild, the Regulus Sanguarchate, and Ensconce Technologies, granting it immediate legitimacy despite Napoli's notoriously strict Chamber of Commerce. Apollo manages administration with Arielle's support, while Nyx Regulus assumes leadership of the Regulus Sanguarchate aided by Aurelia Villanite. The mansion serves as both residence and headquarters. Aries initially resists the gesture through self-destructive behavior, culminating in a confrontation with Arielle that leads to a psychological breakthrough and his deeper involvement in VTC operations. He and Apollo develop a close personal relationship. Tamica joins as medical and biotech consultant, and following a long-delayed reconciliation with Kiriko, she joins as engineering and espionage consultant. Attempts to hire Trance Tauling are blocked by Napolian law prohibiting the hiring of executives from non-Napolian international firms. A legal caveat allows the hire if the executive is married to the company owner. Aries proposes marriage to Trance, who accepts, motivated primarily by personal affection for Aries and Lalith rather than professional interest. The marriage is formalized through paperwork only, with no ceremony.
Villanite Trading Company: Founding and Early Years (184–189 AF) ►
Between 184 and 189 AF, Aries Villanite is established as the nominal owner of the Villanite Trading Company (VTC), a Napoli-based goods and services organization. The true architects of the venture are Arielle Villanite and Apollo Regulus, with covert backing from Mickail Sidson, whose seed capital, political connections, and Chamber of Commerce introductions made the company's rapid founding possible. Mickail's involvement was deliberately concealed to preserve his usefulness as a quiet operator within the Federation's blind spots. The VTC's founding client list includes the Waerrani Bounty Hunters' Guild, the Napolian Mercenary's Guild, the Regulus Sanguarchate, and Ensconce Technologies. The company operates out of a repurposed residential mansion in a commercial district of Napoli. Aries initially resists involvement due to guilt, but a confrontation with Arielle marks a turning point in his emotional state and he becomes an active participant. Apollo and Aries develop a close personal relationship. Tamica joins as a medical and biotech consultant. Following a long-delayed reconciliation, Kiriko Kuransagi joins as engineering and espionage consultant. Attempts to hire Trance Tauling are blocked by Napolian law prohibiting the hiring of executives from non-Napolian international firms without their resignation. A legal exception for spouses of company owners leads Aries to propose marriage to Trance, which she accepts. The marriage is conducted as a paperwork arrangement only, with Trance motivated primarily by personal affection rather than corporate necessity.
Villanite Trading Company: Founding and Early Years (184–189 AF) ►
Between 184 and 189 AF, the Villanite Trading Company (VTC) was established in Napoli through a coordinated effort by Arielle Villanite, Apollo Regulus, and silent patron Mickail Sidson. Aries Villanite was installed as the nominal owner and sole proprietor, while Apollo served as the public face to conceal Mickail's involvement. Mickail provided seed capital, political cover, Chamber of Commerce access, and the deed to a derelict mansion in a commercial district, which became the VTC's home and operational base. Founding clients included the Waerrani Bounty Hunters' Guild, the Napolian Mercenary's Guild, the Regulus Sanguarchate, and Ensconce Technologies. Arielle managed operations alongside Apollo. Aries initially avoided involvement due to guilt, but a confrontational breakdown with Arielle marked a turning point, after which he became actively engaged with VTC affairs and developed a close personal and sexual relationship with Apollo. Tamica joined as a medical and biotech consultant. Following a long-delayed reconciliation, Kiriko Kuransagi joined as engineering and espionage consultant. Attempts to hire Trance Tauling were blocked by Napolian law prohibiting the hiring of executives from non-Napolian international firms without resignation. A legal caveat allowed the hire if the executive married the company owner. Aries proposed to Trance during a board meeting; she accepted, motivated by personal affection rather than professional interest. The marriage was formalized through paperwork only, with no ceremony. Nyx Regulus assumed leadership of the Regulus Sanguarchate with Aurelia Villanite's assistance during this period.
Years 190–193 AF: The Plasidian Campaign and Rise of the Villanite Coalition ►
Between 190–193 AF, Aries Villanite (age 30) expands the Villanite Trading Company by recruiting Talia Hekata, a Hornhound dominatrix and sex therapist, as mental health consultant. Talia submits to Aries after a confrontation triggers his beast form, thereafter dedicating herself to building an elite staff for him. A Plasidian delegation led by Augustus Markov, Crown Prince Vynisian Atril, and handler Katalyn Atrilmed arrives at VTC HQ requesting Aries' help to stop Edith Markov's ritual — a consciousness-transfer targeting Enyxia Markov's body, which would grant Edith control over all Plasidian memories. Aries agrees and travels to Plasid with Augustus and Apollo Regulus, receiving training in both Myst and Malei. The coalition secures alliances with Yawlin under Queen Rosalynia Yawlinitik and Atril, then liberates Harkul from a corrupt regime concealing a slave trade. Katalyn Atrilmed, manipulated by radical Atrilian Nationalists who were secretly poisoning Atril's king, attempts to assassinate Aries; Aries subdues her and executes her at Vynisian's reluctant direction. During the campaign against Edith's forces, Augustus and Apollo are captured. Aries defeats Edith by using Piper's crystal to expel her from Enyxia's body; Arielle kills Edith's physical form, trapping Edith in the Maleidic Realm. Enyxia, carrying the memories of all Plasidians and vast Mystic power, proposes assuming Edith's rule as a benevolent successor. Augustus recommends she rule jointly with Aries, whom Enyxia openly declares she loves.
Years 190–193 AF: The Plasidian Campaign and Rise of the Villanite Coalition ►
Between 190–193 AF, Aries Villanite (age 30) expands the Villanite Trading Company's influence by recruiting Talia Hekata, a Hornhound dominatrix and sex therapist, as a mental health consultant. After a confrontation in which Aries shifts into beast form, Talia swears loyalty to him and becomes a key advisor. A Plasidian delegation led by Augustus Markov, Crown Prince Vynisian Atril, and handler Katalyn Atrilmed arrives at VTC HQ requesting Aries' help to stop Edith Markov's ritual, which would transfer her consciousness into Enyxia Markov's body using consolidated Plasidian memories. Aries agrees and travels to Plasid with Augustus, where he, Apollo Regulus, and Vynisian train in both Myst and Malei under Augustus. The coalition secures alliances with Yawlin and Atril, liberates enslaved citizens in Harkul, and overthrows its corrupt government. Katalyn Atrilmed, manipulated by radical Atrilian Nationalists who were secretly poisoning Atril's king, attempts to assassinate Aries; Aries subdues her and Vynisian is forced to condemn her. In the final campaign against Edith, Augustus and Apollo are captured. Aries defeats Edith by using Piper's crystal to expel her from Enyxia's body; Arielle kills Edith's physical form, trapping Edith in the Maleidic Realm. Enyxia, carrying the memories of all Plasidians and vast Mystic power, proposes ruling Plasid benevolently. Augustus recommends she rule jointly with Aries, whom she loves. Augustus also reveals Piper is Persephone Avinadalia Markov, Amelie's missing first daughter.