Post by Sayuri on Oct 5, 2008 0:36:01 GMT -5
Contact Information: gred_and_forges_girl@yahoo.com
Roleplaying Experience: 3 years
How did you find us?: Fates Embrace
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Is He/She a Canon?: nope
Nationality: Earth Kingdom
Location: Earth Kingdom
Alliance: Earth Kingdom
Is He/She a Bender?: no
Character's Name: Sayuri
Gender: female
Age: 16
Height: 5 foot 6 inches
Appearance:
Slanted jade green eyes are set behind her dark chocolate bangs, soft, deep, and observant. Feathery eyelashes fan out above, and light untouched eyebrows mark her forehead. Her small nose is barely pronounced, and her lips full but not an eye catching shade of rouge. She could hardly be called exotic, despite her affiliation to Kyoshi Island. But her soft oval face holds her simple, pleasant beauty with grace. Leaving her almost hidden and unnoticed by most. But she was more than grateful, out of her shyness, that she was not given a strikingly beautiful face.
There are many expressions and gestures that giveaway her timid nature, depending on the reader. Her eyes are often downcast, sometimes even in conversation if she feels to intimidated by the person before her. She often holds back, keeping her own thoughts to herself. Something evident in the way she opens her mouth suddenly, regrettably, and immediately closes it. Traces of her restraint could be found in her brow, constantly furrowed in frustration and concentration, wishing she could find a way to get past all of it. And her smile, as often as she does flash her teeth it always comes to fast and hardly full, lacking sincerity and warmth. It being only the same smile given to everyone, in an attempt to please. But it is amazing how when with her fellow warriors that all changes. Her face, whether behind paint or not glows, beams with excitement and warmth. A flood of fierce faith, assurance, and determination suddenly bursts forth, making her look prepared to apprehend any enemy.
There are also things that mark her as a warrior, and hard worker. From her calloused hands to her seemingly thin and sinewy arms and legs no one could doubt the amount of time and sweat she puts into her job, and everything else she does. Even her clothes, the basic Kyoshi Warrior uniform have a worn and traveled look, but are carefully designed and tailored for protection and maneuverability. Her thick, long sleeved, pine green and gold embroidered, warrior robes are cut only a few inches below her knee. Underneath are a pair of olive trousers made of light cotton, giving her enough room to move around comfortable. Tied over her tunic is the dark brown leather chest armor. From below her collar bone the leather armor wraps snugly around her form almost resembling the scales of a dragon. The armor continues a few inches below her waist and is tied off in the middle with a thick rope that holds her katana. Other armor includes two wrist guards made out of the same dark material as her chest armor. As well as two leg guards, made of the same material again, that are fastened over her slate grey Unagi hide boots and end above her knees in a diamond-like shape. A golden headband is fastened above her dark brown locks, which pushes her bangs from her eyes.
History:
It was early spring when I was born. The entire island was in an uproar, not for my birth of course, but in celebration of the New Year. I bet to them it all seemed like the perfect day. It was the season of life and renewal, of bright skies and blossoming flowers and trees. No tragedies to over shadow the sunshine that filled the air and everyone's heart. But nature is a stubborn thing, and hardly follows the rules or expectations us humans plot out for it. And I guess it was nature who figured I should grow up without a mother. Tragic as it may seem I know there is a reason. The spirits always have a reason for leading our lives down a certain path, and good intentions behind every obstacle you are met with. But it took me a long time to believe that her death was not my fault. Especially when every look into my father eyes confirmed that fear.
Do not lead me to let you think that the spirits were cruel enough to leave me alone. I was blessed with a good sized family, all who made an effort to keep a constant presence around my house. They took care of the duties my father couldn't, with extra love to make up for the loss. But at the end of the day it was just me and my father. My father, Oyagi was a serious, quiet man with great conviction to his religion. Even the death of my mother did little to shatter his faith, it only seemed to strengthen it. And that strong faithfulness was something he passed on to me, something I was brought up with. The spirits were my best friends, wise, loving, omnipresent. They understood me better than I did. Protecting me and guiding me, so I could live the life they planned for me. And when times were at their worst it was them that I looked to for help and hope.
My first memories are dim and grey. Life in my home wasn't that colorful, probably the reason why my immature mind failed to grasp hold of those older memories. I didn't have many friends. My father hardly ever invited company over. Being the caretaker and counselor of spirituality at the shrine of Avatar Kyoshi introduced him to many of the Island's people, but he was a very private man who did not like to bring anything from his work into his home, aside from his faith. However still, when he did invite friends over it was never with their children. Another thing that didn't help was most of my closest cousins were also much older then I was. It was their smiling faces I grew up with, but despite their best efforts I could tell that there was always somewhere they would rather be. Who really wants to be stuck watching their baby cousin after all?
I was quiet, obedient and tolerable, able to entertain myself without complaint. All I ever needed was a lift outside, and once I was out I could spend the entire day out exploring and admiring the nature around me. As a part of my religion I was taught to recognize the presence of the spirits all around me, in the earth, the trees, and plants. I respected every living thing I came in contact with, from the breathing animals from the leafy life that popped up from the brown earth. I espcially loved flowers and plants. I had a small garden in the front of my house, which I alone tended to. Nothing could compare to the joy of watching the small saplings and sprouts that I delicately cared for grow and grow. Or the beauty they revealed once they had fully grown, no longer dependent on my constant care. Communication with my silent friends was simple, and uncomplicated. Words didn't need to describe the love I felt for them, because words meant nothing to them, very much how words hold little meaning for me now. But aside from my trivial hobbies, ironically it was those traits mentioned above, the ones that marked me as a the 'perfect' child, that made me so awkward around everyone else that was not an adult. That misplaced serenity, and peace was what made me the odd ball.
As I mentioned before, words mean little to me. Talking was not something I saw necessary as a little child, and my quiet disposition was something my father strongly supported and enforced. Silence was golden, especially to my father who hated distractions while meditating. But as I got older my simple, untroubling, and undisturbing way of life backfired on me, when I was forced to attend school. Speaking just didn't come easy to me. Perhaps from my lack of practice or some sort of defect, the reason hardly matters, I only remember the constant mortification I went through every day. I would stutter uncontrollably, being hardly able to speak one sentence without it being broken up into constant pauses as I stumbled over the simple words. My pronunciation was so weak that my words would get horribly messy, jumbled, and lost as I tried to spit them out in one quick breath, hoping that the less I spoke the better I would sound. But that didn't help. I sounded like a baby, immature and weak. Sure it was something acceptable when you were two or five, but at age eight, nine, and ten? And the kids in my village were hardly understanding of my problem. I still have no sure idea how my speech impediment made me sound, but their response every time I spoke gave me a good enough answer, one good enough to keep me quiet from than on.
Silence just seemed like the perfect answer to the problem. In retrospect, allowing those kids to control me was worse than enduring their teasing and taunting, but I needed a way out. Silence had its own problems though, everyone had a different way of perceiving it. There were some, who began to believe that I was too full of myself to talk to anyone. My father had an important job and it had finally gotten to my head. And there were others, more upsettingly, who believed my vocal silence only mirrored the silence in my head. I had so many people telling me what I was, from being a snob to being brainless… I began to wonder who I was. Was I really a snob, did I feel that I was better than everyone else? And was I really stupid? Could that explain why I couldn't speak, why I never could make any friends. Was something wrong with me? I prayed constantly to The Spirits asking for the help, asking them to change me and make me normal. I prayed even more to Avatar Kyoshi, because she was my hero. I prayed that I would be blessed with her strength to endure my current struggles. I begged to be gifted with her fortitude and courage to stand obstinate to the teases of the village kids, to find my identity and not be afraid of showing it to the world. And I pleaded to find love and acceptance, to be a part of something, a strong solid fellowship, a family.
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It was in that year that the rumors began going around. The Kyoshi Warriors were recruiting the next generation of girls between the ages of 10 and 12 to join their ranks. You couldn't possibly imagine how much I wanted to be a part of them. Aside from my hero worship of their founder, it was what they represented that drew me in. They were everything I ever wanted to be. Strong and confident, with the courage to back it up. They were noble and just, an icon of self riotousness, heroes. And most of all they were a team, a family of sisters who fought together and were closer than any family I had ever known. But in the beginning there were so many things that held me back from my dream, or rather that I was willing to let hold me back from my dream. They were mostly my fears, of stumbling, appearing stupid, not being able to work as a team or become close to any of the girls. All incurable problems I had that could keep me from being accepted. I was scared to hope as well, could it really be easier to just face the facts and realize I could not ever be a part of the Kyoshi Warriors instead of raising my expectations too high? Well, it wasn't easier. Out of facing all my fears this was the one I could not step down to. And for the first time I pushed myself to accomplish something, because I had hope for myself and faith in myself.
Since my father was the caretaker of Avatar Kyoshi's shrine, he had numerous scrolls on Avatar Kyoshi herself and her warriors tucked away in his private study. I read constantly, taking notes on their history, fighting style, and principles. Those scrolls became my bible, as I began to discipline myself to become a warrior. Their fighting style required flexibility and speed, so I began running and swimming (only in the shallow end) around the Island to get into better shape. I wouldn't stop until my heart hammered against my rib cage, until my throat tasted like blood, and until my muscles were on fire, because then I knew I had pushed myself far enough. The scrolls even held pictures of their basic fighting forms, an exercise I practiced religiously every day, teaching my body to bend into each position with speed and grace, building up endurance by maintaining that position. It was months before I could notice any progress. I cannot say I was naturally gifted with speed, grace, or any essential traits of a fighter. But I was willing to work at it more than anyone, until I performed with what looked like natural talent, until I looked like a prodigy.
It was half a year later that the rumors that started my obsession with the Kyoshi Warriors came true. I was ten at the time, and when that day finally came I was overwhelmed with questions, not sure what to expect. Apprehension filled me as I entered the small hut, where the lessons were to take place. It was filled with so many girls, faces I knew, faces who resented me, and those completely new, complete strangers, comparing, judging. I was immediately overwhelmed, my head kept bent over, eyes directed to the ground, doing everything I could to make them disappear. And then the older warriors entered and we started. First with basic warm ups and exercises, mixed with the traditional fighting style of the warriors. They even gave us fighting fans, teaching us their technique as they stood aside and watched us perform our synchronized fan dance. In the beginning I struggled, not being able to pick up the moves as instantaneous as the other more talented girls, but I didn't let that intimidate me. Although I was slower I worked hard to catch up, and through my perseverance managed to execute all the formations without falling down. At the end of the day I felt confidence with my performance on the floor, but not with the girls. Of course, it did not matter how I felt about it, it all came down to the opinions of the elder Kyoshi Warriors. As it turns out they noticed just what I did. They were impressed with the amount of effort I put into learning the moves, and despite being a little slower than some of the other girls they agreed to take me on for more lessons. Surprisingly throughout the entire conversation I remained composed, even as they mentioned my shy nature and how I would need to open up more if I wanted to be a part of their group. And they were correct, it was something I had put off for a long time that needed to be taken care of.
The lessons continued and the group of girls grew smaller as the lessons progressed. In the smaller group people began noticing me more. A few outgoing girls invited me into their group during the lessons and even to hang out after. I was still nervous and quiet, but they were kind and welcoming, constantly trying to include me into the conversation, getting me to speak my opinions. It took some times but soon enough I was able to open up, speak my feelings, and innermost secrets and dreams. I finally had friends, best friends.
Half a year later the group shrunk down to an even six, and I was still a part of it. Over the next six years our training intensified and branched off into three different weapons. Hand to hand combat and fans were the first to be taught, each relative to the other, as by the teachings of the Kyoshi Warriors. Last was an optional weapon, the katana. Despite the incredible amount of effort I put into learning, and the amount of skill and control I had when fighting with fans and my hands I was not much of an acrobat. Flips and obscure twists and bends, anything that had me in the air for more than five seconds I lacked control with. So the katana seemed like a necessary weapon for me.
Inventory:
Warrior fans
Warrior face paint
katana
prayer book
Personality:
Talking was always a problem for Sayuri. No matter how hard she tried the words always just came out wrong. It seemed the harder she tried the worst she stuttered and screwed up, making it undesirable to talk any more. Despite her comfort with talking to her fellow Kyoshi Warriors she is still awkward around any one else, especially boys her age. Her speech has much improved since she took her vow of silence at age eight, but she has been held back a lot socially for the past eight years. Aside from her inability to start or hold a conversation with anyone but her best friends, she is still embarrassed about a speech problem she no longer has.
In her silence though Sayuri developed a keen skill for observation, picking up the intricate and minute details of the environment and people around her. She has an eye for the small expressions and idiosyncrasies that can define a person, or a situation. With her patience and near invisibility she is a strong asset to her team when it comes to retrieving information.
When Sayuri joined the Kyoshi Warriors she was hardly a naturally talented fighter. And that was something they knew, because during their classes she was not the first to learn a new move or position, but once she came back the next day for the next lesson she performed it strongly and confidently. That was because she worked and worked and worked at it. From fighting forms to just keeping in form through running and swimming Sayuri was constantly training and practicing. She was strongly disciplined, allowing nothing to distract her from her goal, and that is what she owes her success to, her fierce determination and discipline.
They Kyoshi Warriors were the first to see Sayuri let her guard down, and the first to have her friendship. Since she doesn't easily trust anyone the people that she does trust have her complete faith and loyalty. She would do anything for anyone who she called a friend, no matter how crazy and no matter how much courage it would take, she could muster it up for them. She is also a very sensitive person, willing to listen to anyone's troubles and offer her patience, any advice or help that she could. She hates to see anyone suffer, anyone that she didn't believe should. And takes it upon herself to see that they no longer do.
Between her crippling shyness and strong attachment to her only friends the Kyoshi Warriors she is nearly connected to the hip to each of them. She always fears being left alone the most, without one of them at her side. Even when they were out in public conversing with merchants or visitors she would constantly follow at least one of her sisters around, to not be alone. Her dependence on her fellow warriors is something she leaned on, like a crutch. Something that she needed to break away from before she didn't have the choice.
Even when she is left alone without her friends she never believes herself to be truly alone. Sayuri has deep faith in the Earth Spirits, especially Avatar Kyoshi, who she respects more than anyone. In the darkest of times she looks to them for help. She knows they have the answers she wants, knowing they will give her some sort of sign that it would all be alright. There was a reason for everything she believes, and she always stays optimistic never losing faith or hope.
Strengths:
[x]Observant
[x]Compassionate
[x]Loyal
[x]Close Connection to The Spirits, very faithful and optimistic
[x]Disciplined and hard working
Weaknesses:
[x]Easily intimidated, has low self confidence
[x]Is not comfortable on her own, very dependent.
[x]Sometimes holds back.
[x]Could be talked into anything by the people she trusts, puts her total faith into the people she trusts and cares about
Sample Roleplay:
A resounding crack sounded as Sayuri's shoulder blades rammed against the wooden floor of the small bedroom. She gritted her teeth, wincing with pain, her eyes closed tight for that one fraction of a second. But then she couldn't help but keep them open, her sage irises widened in amazement at the girl above her, THE GIRL! He is a she, the waterbender is a girl., repeated Sayuri in her head over and over out of complete disbelief. She had memorized her waterbender's face so well, it was him. She was indeed the boy Sayuri had been stalking since her time on the ship. But how to explain herself? She was thankful for the dark bangs that swooped over her forehead and eyes, grateful for their protection from her attacker's piercing blue gaze. But through the thin strands she could still see the two of them clearly, glaring, each waiting for her to make one wrong move.
"Where did you come from?"
"I…I…", she tried to begin, fought to explain herself, but it was no use. She had lost all of her breath in her fall, and her mind seemed to have also lost all connection to her mouth. "I… I thought you were… a... a boy", muttered Sayuri dumbly. She immediately cringed at the stupidity of her words. Brilliant, they'll either slit your throat now or think you’re a prostitute who landed herself in the wrong room. She let her gaze flash to the white haired man spotting the blade visible over his shoulder, a groan escaped her mouth.
"These aren't my clothes, I'm really from the Earth Kingdom", answered Sayuri, the anxiety in her voice easily detectable.
"I'm a Kyoshi Warrior, I can show you.", pleaded Sayuri, wrestling against the auburn haired girl's hold, trying to reach for her fans. IDIOT! Sayuri immediately paused, rendered speechless again. "I…I'm so. I wasn't trying to... I just wanted to show… I just wanted to prove that I was… That I wasn't what you think I am. What ever you think I am", Sayuri whispered her last sentence. Her stomach twisted unpleasantly, and she could feel a strange hollowness growing in her chest. How did I ever think I could make it on my own… Oh spirits please help me! Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them hard, widening her thin optics as far as she could. For all she knew crying could just make her appear more fake, less trustable.
She took a deep breath, savoring the relief it brought to her lungs. She wasn't going to mess up this time. "I first saw you on the ship. Waterbending off the ship. It was then thought I knew I would need her help, I figured I could trust you.", began Sayuri, slowly, less nervously. Starting at the beginning was the most honest approach and the easiest, telling the truth left less opportunities for her to mess up. "I was captured by the Fire Nation Princess Azula atleast a month ago, and imprisoned in Ba Sing Sae. They then separated us from our leader, and put us onto a ship headed towards the Fire Nation." The tears began to spill over her glossy moss colored eyes, much to her frustration, but she didn't let it stop her. "I was kept with my friend Masami, and we planned to escape together. One night as we neared the harbor, the guards began to trust us too much, believing none of us would be stupid enough to try to escape so close to the mainland. We were able to quickly gather some of our weapons before getting noticed, and then we just jumped."
Sayuri paused as the memories rushed back, she was able to pull up every detail. "It was so dark, and I was so lost and confused. The current separated us, and I was too worried about drowning to try to find Masami. I made it to shore and hid out there till the morning. I couldn't find her.", Sayuri gulped, trying not to give in to the tears stinging her eyes. "But… But I did find something else. And that's why I had to follow you, once I discovered what you are."
Lowering her voice to a whisper Sayuri continued. "Fire Nation men disguised as Earth Kingdom citizens were aboard that ship, and are now staying in this town. They're planning on capturing all the Earth Benders! Sneaking into every village, and stealing the only hope we have left!." Hot tears of anger streaked her face as she balled her hands into fists. "And I just couldn't sit there and watch it all happen. Not as an Earth Kingdom citizen and not as a Kyoshi Warrior. I have already failed to protect my leader, and my warriors, I couldn't allow my self to fail one more time. But I couldn't do it alone." Sayuri looked up again into the girl's angered face. "Please, please believe. Please tell me you'll do something to help." Despite her pleading words she spoke them strongly, her voice unwavering and confident. She didn't care what they did with her now… well she did. But by the grace of the spirits she had managed to tell her story. And it was the truth, what more could they expect from her.
Roleplaying Experience: 3 years
How did you find us?: Fates Embrace
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Is He/She a Canon?: nope
Nationality: Earth Kingdom
Location: Earth Kingdom
Alliance: Earth Kingdom
Is He/She a Bender?: no
Character's Name: Sayuri
Gender: female
Age: 16
Height: 5 foot 6 inches
Appearance:
Slanted jade green eyes are set behind her dark chocolate bangs, soft, deep, and observant. Feathery eyelashes fan out above, and light untouched eyebrows mark her forehead. Her small nose is barely pronounced, and her lips full but not an eye catching shade of rouge. She could hardly be called exotic, despite her affiliation to Kyoshi Island. But her soft oval face holds her simple, pleasant beauty with grace. Leaving her almost hidden and unnoticed by most. But she was more than grateful, out of her shyness, that she was not given a strikingly beautiful face.
There are many expressions and gestures that giveaway her timid nature, depending on the reader. Her eyes are often downcast, sometimes even in conversation if she feels to intimidated by the person before her. She often holds back, keeping her own thoughts to herself. Something evident in the way she opens her mouth suddenly, regrettably, and immediately closes it. Traces of her restraint could be found in her brow, constantly furrowed in frustration and concentration, wishing she could find a way to get past all of it. And her smile, as often as she does flash her teeth it always comes to fast and hardly full, lacking sincerity and warmth. It being only the same smile given to everyone, in an attempt to please. But it is amazing how when with her fellow warriors that all changes. Her face, whether behind paint or not glows, beams with excitement and warmth. A flood of fierce faith, assurance, and determination suddenly bursts forth, making her look prepared to apprehend any enemy.
There are also things that mark her as a warrior, and hard worker. From her calloused hands to her seemingly thin and sinewy arms and legs no one could doubt the amount of time and sweat she puts into her job, and everything else she does. Even her clothes, the basic Kyoshi Warrior uniform have a worn and traveled look, but are carefully designed and tailored for protection and maneuverability. Her thick, long sleeved, pine green and gold embroidered, warrior robes are cut only a few inches below her knee. Underneath are a pair of olive trousers made of light cotton, giving her enough room to move around comfortable. Tied over her tunic is the dark brown leather chest armor. From below her collar bone the leather armor wraps snugly around her form almost resembling the scales of a dragon. The armor continues a few inches below her waist and is tied off in the middle with a thick rope that holds her katana. Other armor includes two wrist guards made out of the same dark material as her chest armor. As well as two leg guards, made of the same material again, that are fastened over her slate grey Unagi hide boots and end above her knees in a diamond-like shape. A golden headband is fastened above her dark brown locks, which pushes her bangs from her eyes.
History:
It was early spring when I was born. The entire island was in an uproar, not for my birth of course, but in celebration of the New Year. I bet to them it all seemed like the perfect day. It was the season of life and renewal, of bright skies and blossoming flowers and trees. No tragedies to over shadow the sunshine that filled the air and everyone's heart. But nature is a stubborn thing, and hardly follows the rules or expectations us humans plot out for it. And I guess it was nature who figured I should grow up without a mother. Tragic as it may seem I know there is a reason. The spirits always have a reason for leading our lives down a certain path, and good intentions behind every obstacle you are met with. But it took me a long time to believe that her death was not my fault. Especially when every look into my father eyes confirmed that fear.
Do not lead me to let you think that the spirits were cruel enough to leave me alone. I was blessed with a good sized family, all who made an effort to keep a constant presence around my house. They took care of the duties my father couldn't, with extra love to make up for the loss. But at the end of the day it was just me and my father. My father, Oyagi was a serious, quiet man with great conviction to his religion. Even the death of my mother did little to shatter his faith, it only seemed to strengthen it. And that strong faithfulness was something he passed on to me, something I was brought up with. The spirits were my best friends, wise, loving, omnipresent. They understood me better than I did. Protecting me and guiding me, so I could live the life they planned for me. And when times were at their worst it was them that I looked to for help and hope.
My first memories are dim and grey. Life in my home wasn't that colorful, probably the reason why my immature mind failed to grasp hold of those older memories. I didn't have many friends. My father hardly ever invited company over. Being the caretaker and counselor of spirituality at the shrine of Avatar Kyoshi introduced him to many of the Island's people, but he was a very private man who did not like to bring anything from his work into his home, aside from his faith. However still, when he did invite friends over it was never with their children. Another thing that didn't help was most of my closest cousins were also much older then I was. It was their smiling faces I grew up with, but despite their best efforts I could tell that there was always somewhere they would rather be. Who really wants to be stuck watching their baby cousin after all?
I was quiet, obedient and tolerable, able to entertain myself without complaint. All I ever needed was a lift outside, and once I was out I could spend the entire day out exploring and admiring the nature around me. As a part of my religion I was taught to recognize the presence of the spirits all around me, in the earth, the trees, and plants. I respected every living thing I came in contact with, from the breathing animals from the leafy life that popped up from the brown earth. I espcially loved flowers and plants. I had a small garden in the front of my house, which I alone tended to. Nothing could compare to the joy of watching the small saplings and sprouts that I delicately cared for grow and grow. Or the beauty they revealed once they had fully grown, no longer dependent on my constant care. Communication with my silent friends was simple, and uncomplicated. Words didn't need to describe the love I felt for them, because words meant nothing to them, very much how words hold little meaning for me now. But aside from my trivial hobbies, ironically it was those traits mentioned above, the ones that marked me as a the 'perfect' child, that made me so awkward around everyone else that was not an adult. That misplaced serenity, and peace was what made me the odd ball.
As I mentioned before, words mean little to me. Talking was not something I saw necessary as a little child, and my quiet disposition was something my father strongly supported and enforced. Silence was golden, especially to my father who hated distractions while meditating. But as I got older my simple, untroubling, and undisturbing way of life backfired on me, when I was forced to attend school. Speaking just didn't come easy to me. Perhaps from my lack of practice or some sort of defect, the reason hardly matters, I only remember the constant mortification I went through every day. I would stutter uncontrollably, being hardly able to speak one sentence without it being broken up into constant pauses as I stumbled over the simple words. My pronunciation was so weak that my words would get horribly messy, jumbled, and lost as I tried to spit them out in one quick breath, hoping that the less I spoke the better I would sound. But that didn't help. I sounded like a baby, immature and weak. Sure it was something acceptable when you were two or five, but at age eight, nine, and ten? And the kids in my village were hardly understanding of my problem. I still have no sure idea how my speech impediment made me sound, but their response every time I spoke gave me a good enough answer, one good enough to keep me quiet from than on.
Silence just seemed like the perfect answer to the problem. In retrospect, allowing those kids to control me was worse than enduring their teasing and taunting, but I needed a way out. Silence had its own problems though, everyone had a different way of perceiving it. There were some, who began to believe that I was too full of myself to talk to anyone. My father had an important job and it had finally gotten to my head. And there were others, more upsettingly, who believed my vocal silence only mirrored the silence in my head. I had so many people telling me what I was, from being a snob to being brainless… I began to wonder who I was. Was I really a snob, did I feel that I was better than everyone else? And was I really stupid? Could that explain why I couldn't speak, why I never could make any friends. Was something wrong with me? I prayed constantly to The Spirits asking for the help, asking them to change me and make me normal. I prayed even more to Avatar Kyoshi, because she was my hero. I prayed that I would be blessed with her strength to endure my current struggles. I begged to be gifted with her fortitude and courage to stand obstinate to the teases of the village kids, to find my identity and not be afraid of showing it to the world. And I pleaded to find love and acceptance, to be a part of something, a strong solid fellowship, a family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was in that year that the rumors began going around. The Kyoshi Warriors were recruiting the next generation of girls between the ages of 10 and 12 to join their ranks. You couldn't possibly imagine how much I wanted to be a part of them. Aside from my hero worship of their founder, it was what they represented that drew me in. They were everything I ever wanted to be. Strong and confident, with the courage to back it up. They were noble and just, an icon of self riotousness, heroes. And most of all they were a team, a family of sisters who fought together and were closer than any family I had ever known. But in the beginning there were so many things that held me back from my dream, or rather that I was willing to let hold me back from my dream. They were mostly my fears, of stumbling, appearing stupid, not being able to work as a team or become close to any of the girls. All incurable problems I had that could keep me from being accepted. I was scared to hope as well, could it really be easier to just face the facts and realize I could not ever be a part of the Kyoshi Warriors instead of raising my expectations too high? Well, it wasn't easier. Out of facing all my fears this was the one I could not step down to. And for the first time I pushed myself to accomplish something, because I had hope for myself and faith in myself.
Since my father was the caretaker of Avatar Kyoshi's shrine, he had numerous scrolls on Avatar Kyoshi herself and her warriors tucked away in his private study. I read constantly, taking notes on their history, fighting style, and principles. Those scrolls became my bible, as I began to discipline myself to become a warrior. Their fighting style required flexibility and speed, so I began running and swimming (only in the shallow end) around the Island to get into better shape. I wouldn't stop until my heart hammered against my rib cage, until my throat tasted like blood, and until my muscles were on fire, because then I knew I had pushed myself far enough. The scrolls even held pictures of their basic fighting forms, an exercise I practiced religiously every day, teaching my body to bend into each position with speed and grace, building up endurance by maintaining that position. It was months before I could notice any progress. I cannot say I was naturally gifted with speed, grace, or any essential traits of a fighter. But I was willing to work at it more than anyone, until I performed with what looked like natural talent, until I looked like a prodigy.
It was half a year later that the rumors that started my obsession with the Kyoshi Warriors came true. I was ten at the time, and when that day finally came I was overwhelmed with questions, not sure what to expect. Apprehension filled me as I entered the small hut, where the lessons were to take place. It was filled with so many girls, faces I knew, faces who resented me, and those completely new, complete strangers, comparing, judging. I was immediately overwhelmed, my head kept bent over, eyes directed to the ground, doing everything I could to make them disappear. And then the older warriors entered and we started. First with basic warm ups and exercises, mixed with the traditional fighting style of the warriors. They even gave us fighting fans, teaching us their technique as they stood aside and watched us perform our synchronized fan dance. In the beginning I struggled, not being able to pick up the moves as instantaneous as the other more talented girls, but I didn't let that intimidate me. Although I was slower I worked hard to catch up, and through my perseverance managed to execute all the formations without falling down. At the end of the day I felt confidence with my performance on the floor, but not with the girls. Of course, it did not matter how I felt about it, it all came down to the opinions of the elder Kyoshi Warriors. As it turns out they noticed just what I did. They were impressed with the amount of effort I put into learning the moves, and despite being a little slower than some of the other girls they agreed to take me on for more lessons. Surprisingly throughout the entire conversation I remained composed, even as they mentioned my shy nature and how I would need to open up more if I wanted to be a part of their group. And they were correct, it was something I had put off for a long time that needed to be taken care of.
The lessons continued and the group of girls grew smaller as the lessons progressed. In the smaller group people began noticing me more. A few outgoing girls invited me into their group during the lessons and even to hang out after. I was still nervous and quiet, but they were kind and welcoming, constantly trying to include me into the conversation, getting me to speak my opinions. It took some times but soon enough I was able to open up, speak my feelings, and innermost secrets and dreams. I finally had friends, best friends.
Half a year later the group shrunk down to an even six, and I was still a part of it. Over the next six years our training intensified and branched off into three different weapons. Hand to hand combat and fans were the first to be taught, each relative to the other, as by the teachings of the Kyoshi Warriors. Last was an optional weapon, the katana. Despite the incredible amount of effort I put into learning, and the amount of skill and control I had when fighting with fans and my hands I was not much of an acrobat. Flips and obscure twists and bends, anything that had me in the air for more than five seconds I lacked control with. So the katana seemed like a necessary weapon for me.
Inventory:
Warrior fans
Warrior face paint
katana
prayer book
Personality:
Talking was always a problem for Sayuri. No matter how hard she tried the words always just came out wrong. It seemed the harder she tried the worst she stuttered and screwed up, making it undesirable to talk any more. Despite her comfort with talking to her fellow Kyoshi Warriors she is still awkward around any one else, especially boys her age. Her speech has much improved since she took her vow of silence at age eight, but she has been held back a lot socially for the past eight years. Aside from her inability to start or hold a conversation with anyone but her best friends, she is still embarrassed about a speech problem she no longer has.
In her silence though Sayuri developed a keen skill for observation, picking up the intricate and minute details of the environment and people around her. She has an eye for the small expressions and idiosyncrasies that can define a person, or a situation. With her patience and near invisibility she is a strong asset to her team when it comes to retrieving information.
When Sayuri joined the Kyoshi Warriors she was hardly a naturally talented fighter. And that was something they knew, because during their classes she was not the first to learn a new move or position, but once she came back the next day for the next lesson she performed it strongly and confidently. That was because she worked and worked and worked at it. From fighting forms to just keeping in form through running and swimming Sayuri was constantly training and practicing. She was strongly disciplined, allowing nothing to distract her from her goal, and that is what she owes her success to, her fierce determination and discipline.
They Kyoshi Warriors were the first to see Sayuri let her guard down, and the first to have her friendship. Since she doesn't easily trust anyone the people that she does trust have her complete faith and loyalty. She would do anything for anyone who she called a friend, no matter how crazy and no matter how much courage it would take, she could muster it up for them. She is also a very sensitive person, willing to listen to anyone's troubles and offer her patience, any advice or help that she could. She hates to see anyone suffer, anyone that she didn't believe should. And takes it upon herself to see that they no longer do.
Between her crippling shyness and strong attachment to her only friends the Kyoshi Warriors she is nearly connected to the hip to each of them. She always fears being left alone the most, without one of them at her side. Even when they were out in public conversing with merchants or visitors she would constantly follow at least one of her sisters around, to not be alone. Her dependence on her fellow warriors is something she leaned on, like a crutch. Something that she needed to break away from before she didn't have the choice.
Even when she is left alone without her friends she never believes herself to be truly alone. Sayuri has deep faith in the Earth Spirits, especially Avatar Kyoshi, who she respects more than anyone. In the darkest of times she looks to them for help. She knows they have the answers she wants, knowing they will give her some sort of sign that it would all be alright. There was a reason for everything she believes, and she always stays optimistic never losing faith or hope.
Strengths:
[x]Observant
[x]Compassionate
[x]Loyal
[x]Close Connection to The Spirits, very faithful and optimistic
[x]Disciplined and hard working
Weaknesses:
[x]Easily intimidated, has low self confidence
[x]Is not comfortable on her own, very dependent.
[x]Sometimes holds back.
[x]Could be talked into anything by the people she trusts, puts her total faith into the people she trusts and cares about
Sample Roleplay:
A resounding crack sounded as Sayuri's shoulder blades rammed against the wooden floor of the small bedroom. She gritted her teeth, wincing with pain, her eyes closed tight for that one fraction of a second. But then she couldn't help but keep them open, her sage irises widened in amazement at the girl above her, THE GIRL! He is a she, the waterbender is a girl., repeated Sayuri in her head over and over out of complete disbelief. She had memorized her waterbender's face so well, it was him. She was indeed the boy Sayuri had been stalking since her time on the ship. But how to explain herself? She was thankful for the dark bangs that swooped over her forehead and eyes, grateful for their protection from her attacker's piercing blue gaze. But through the thin strands she could still see the two of them clearly, glaring, each waiting for her to make one wrong move.
"Where did you come from?"
"I…I…", she tried to begin, fought to explain herself, but it was no use. She had lost all of her breath in her fall, and her mind seemed to have also lost all connection to her mouth. "I… I thought you were… a... a boy", muttered Sayuri dumbly. She immediately cringed at the stupidity of her words. Brilliant, they'll either slit your throat now or think you’re a prostitute who landed herself in the wrong room. She let her gaze flash to the white haired man spotting the blade visible over his shoulder, a groan escaped her mouth.
"These aren't my clothes, I'm really from the Earth Kingdom", answered Sayuri, the anxiety in her voice easily detectable.
"I'm a Kyoshi Warrior, I can show you.", pleaded Sayuri, wrestling against the auburn haired girl's hold, trying to reach for her fans. IDIOT! Sayuri immediately paused, rendered speechless again. "I…I'm so. I wasn't trying to... I just wanted to show… I just wanted to prove that I was… That I wasn't what you think I am. What ever you think I am", Sayuri whispered her last sentence. Her stomach twisted unpleasantly, and she could feel a strange hollowness growing in her chest. How did I ever think I could make it on my own… Oh spirits please help me! Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them hard, widening her thin optics as far as she could. For all she knew crying could just make her appear more fake, less trustable.
She took a deep breath, savoring the relief it brought to her lungs. She wasn't going to mess up this time. "I first saw you on the ship. Waterbending off the ship. It was then thought I knew I would need her help, I figured I could trust you.", began Sayuri, slowly, less nervously. Starting at the beginning was the most honest approach and the easiest, telling the truth left less opportunities for her to mess up. "I was captured by the Fire Nation Princess Azula atleast a month ago, and imprisoned in Ba Sing Sae. They then separated us from our leader, and put us onto a ship headed towards the Fire Nation." The tears began to spill over her glossy moss colored eyes, much to her frustration, but she didn't let it stop her. "I was kept with my friend Masami, and we planned to escape together. One night as we neared the harbor, the guards began to trust us too much, believing none of us would be stupid enough to try to escape so close to the mainland. We were able to quickly gather some of our weapons before getting noticed, and then we just jumped."
Sayuri paused as the memories rushed back, she was able to pull up every detail. "It was so dark, and I was so lost and confused. The current separated us, and I was too worried about drowning to try to find Masami. I made it to shore and hid out there till the morning. I couldn't find her.", Sayuri gulped, trying not to give in to the tears stinging her eyes. "But… But I did find something else. And that's why I had to follow you, once I discovered what you are."
Lowering her voice to a whisper Sayuri continued. "Fire Nation men disguised as Earth Kingdom citizens were aboard that ship, and are now staying in this town. They're planning on capturing all the Earth Benders! Sneaking into every village, and stealing the only hope we have left!." Hot tears of anger streaked her face as she balled her hands into fists. "And I just couldn't sit there and watch it all happen. Not as an Earth Kingdom citizen and not as a Kyoshi Warrior. I have already failed to protect my leader, and my warriors, I couldn't allow my self to fail one more time. But I couldn't do it alone." Sayuri looked up again into the girl's angered face. "Please, please believe. Please tell me you'll do something to help." Despite her pleading words she spoke them strongly, her voice unwavering and confident. She didn't care what they did with her now… well she did. But by the grace of the spirits she had managed to tell her story. And it was the truth, what more could they expect from her.
