Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 15, 2008 18:04:49 GMT -5
[[OOC: Joint post Kyakou and Avelen]]
Avelen swallowed hard as she watched Kyakou remove his haori. His soft voice along with his simple acceptance of her apology eased her hypersensitive nerves. With a slow shuffling movement, her wet clothing rubbing together with each step, she lowered herself to kneel by his side. “It’s kind of funny really…I was coming out to look at your wound..before Shee ..ummm ..brought me here.” Her hand formed a small arch and steaming water from the hot spring rose in a thread like stream to hover about her hand. “When I’ve finished…if you don’t mind…I would like to …get cleaned up. “ A wet strand of hair flopped in front of her eye and she hastily shoved it back behind her ear.
Kyakou watched as she took slow steps over to him before kneeling next to him. Both were dripping, drenched from being suddenly tossed into the hot spring. "Oh...well it feels a lot better than it did. I hardly feel the pain any more. Maybe a few pinches every now and then but its much better now." The white-haired boy smiled for a moment. His emerald eyes watched as the Water Bender brought a small stream of water to herself, ready to finish up her job. He nodded as he removed his top again. It dropped heavily to the floor as it was entirely soaked still.
"Yeah...its fine. I'll...just clean up on the other side so...we...well you know." He waited as to feel the magic touch of water he had felt earlier. Then it was there. It was a cool and soothing feeling. He could barely feel the pinch of pain on his back anymore. Kyakou was glad that his friend was better than she had thought herself to be.
She waited patiently as he removed his soaked shirt and threw it next to his haori. Closing her eyes, she focused on shifting her energy into the swirling liquid. The glow of her chi radiated a bright blue above his wound. A few minutes passed and her eyes opened. The water then traveled about her drenched body before sinking back to where it had come. Her soft hand touched his bare shoulder as she rose to her feet. “Oh! Right! Umm.. You on one side …. .and me . on the other!”
Nodding, she looked over to his dirty ash spattered clothing and her brows furrowed. ‘Something was missing …but what?’ Turning back to Kyakou, her eyes lingered on his half naked body until finally rising to meet his bright green eyes. Her cheeks grew warm and she’d been just about to hastily move to the other side of the rock when it hit her…”Your sword…” spinning back around she licked her lips. “Kyakou…where’s your sword?”
He noticed her rise to a standing position as she had beforehand, agreeing with his idea to clean up separately behind the rock dividers. Kyakou was just about to submerge himself back into the relaxing spring when he heard her voice again. He blinked for a moment to register what she had just asked. His sword. His eyes widened as his head zipped quickly left and right looking for his sword. It didn't take long before he noticed that it had landed neatly on a few rocks that seemed to look like a table near the edge of the hot spring. He let out a deep sigh before jumping into the hot spring. "Ah...it must have gotten separated when we were so suddenly dunked in." Kyakou waded over to the rock divider and took the liberty of moving to the other side to let Avelen take the other. He slowly dipped his head back into the warm water and relaxed, letting his arms float peacefully.
Following his gaze, she saw the glint of the katana’s hilt glinting back at them. “Oh..right.” she stuttered before giving one last glance at him while he lay floating atop the water. " I’m just heading over there now.” she called out while striding to the other side of the large slab of granite. Taking off her very grimy overcoat, she threw it to the side and her pants quickly followed. Avelen was a bit slower at taking off her shirt. In truth she’d been in pain for quite some time from her bindings but…she’d never have told Kyakou about something so awkward. Taking short breaths, the water bender pulled the top off and added it to her growing pile. There was a lump in her throat as she unfastened the pins that held the long piece of muslin about her upper body. Once undone, she began unwrapping it with gentle hands. She gasped as it fell away and she saw the raw rub burns just below her ribs as well as under her arms.
The young girl slowly lowered herself into the water and let out a long sigh of pleasure. “I’ve forgotten how good it felt to take a bath.” she said aloud. She leaned against the wall and looked upward at the glowing stones in the ceiling. “It’s beautiful here but…I miss the stars and especially the moon.” Avy dipped below the surface and ran her fingers through her growing tresses. Popping back up to the surface, she gave a small laugh. She could hear some splashing but little else from the other side of the wall. “Kyakou? I realize..your sharing those things about yourself was ..probably hard.…I mean really hard. And ..I should tell you something…about me …that is bad..and could be dangerous for you. “ Not having to look the handsome boy in the eye gave her the courage to say the things that she knew he should know.
Kyakou brushed the warm water across his slightly pale skin, removing any ash stains upon his face and arms. It was comforting to be able to relax for once like this. He didn't remember the last time this had ever happened. Actually he didn't remember it at all. The royal palace was nice...but he was never granted access to any of its facilities. It was always just business when it came to that. He listened to the ruffle of clothes as he realized that Avelen was most likely shedding the dirt stained disguise she had worn. It comforted him slightly that his friend would be a bit more free after telling the truth finally. Perhaps she could act a bit more normal around everyone and perhaps even him. The white-haired boy could only imagine how cooped up she must have been in that disguise of her's.
He listened as the girl waded into the water and joined on the other side of the rock barrier. It was probably something neither of them had the chance to indulge in. The splash of water was a sign that she had decided to submerge herself fully. A few seconds later he heard the water again as she surfaced, letting out a laugh. He smiled slightly on the other side of the wall laughing a little to. It was then that he looked up at the glowing ceiling. "Yeah...maybe we could go outside again after this...that is if they'll let us." Kyakou shifted slightly as he laid his head back into the water again, his spiky white hair submerging in the water.
He paused for a moment as he let the water carry his body afloat for a moment. Avelen began again with his name first. He swallowed a lump slightly as she began talking about what he had revealed to her early before going outside to get some 'fresh air'.
"It wasn't anything big...its not like my past means anything." The boy paused for a moment as he dipped his cupped hand into the water and drizzled the water across his face. A refreshing feeling. "What might be so bad for me? I doubt my life can get any worse." A small laugh released from the boy's mouth as he once again relaxed in the warm comforts of the hot spring. "Besides...how can it be bad for me? I have...you." His voice lowered almost to a whisper as if he didn't want her to hear it. He had just admitted that he...well to put it simply, liked her. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that he just revealed the words to the girl. He coughed slightly, hoping to draw attention away from his comment, however it was quite easily a fake cough.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 16, 2008 10:50:27 GMT -5
[[OOC: Joint Post Kyakou and Avalen]]
All Avelen could hear for the longest time was the soft spattering of droplets from the other side of the barrier. It was strange how the diminutive sound resonated about the lowly lit cavity and held her attention. Cupping her hands, the water bender lowered her head to scrub the dust, dirt and ash from their long trek from her face. She was preparing to share her secret when his warm baritone voice vibrated along with the water which trickled off either side of her face and back into the steaming pool.
Hearing his dismissal of his youth sent all logical thought from the water bender’s mind as she swam just around the edge of the large rock and began treading water. She was just about to speak when she heard his response to her confession. Her eyes began to water and she fought to swallow the lump in her throat. “Oh Kyakou…” she whispered as her eyes met his. The young girl tred atop the water for quite some time before the realization of her rash behavior sank in and she spun about to look the other way. ’I can’t believe I just did that!! What must he think? Ahhhh!! I couldn’t stand hearing him think that no one cares …’
"It does matter, Kyakou. Your past ..who you are..it …it all matters ..to me.“ There was a long uncomfortable pause before she added in a hushed voice. “I care ..a lot” ‘That sounded so dumb! He won’t ever want to talk to me again! ‘
Kyakou held his breath waiting to see if Avelen had caught what he said and how much it weighed on her own emotions. He wondered if she would hate him after saying such a thing. The splash and ripples of water caught his senses as he looked at the corner of the rock wall that divided the two areas. Avelen had emerged around the corner with almost tear filled eyes. It was a sight that he could barely seem to look at. His emerald eyes watche her sparkling eyes for quite some time. The reflection of the light glinted off the water's surface as the torches continued to flicker. In an instant she turned around with a disturbance of water to speak again, obviously nervous and not wanting to look at him.
He waded there slightly dumbfounded at first as he heard the rest of what she wanted to say. He relaxed his shoulders slightly as she admitted to...caring about him in a different tone a voice. Something that wasn't mean nor cruel. It wasn't the voice he had heard before either, it was more comforting. Concerned. Like that of someone who would be a family member...a close family member. "Avelen..." He began as he waded over to her. Her back still turned to him. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I don't know how I can say this...I mean...we've only known each other for what...a few days?" He paused for a moment trying to feel if she was shaking at all. Above all else he didn't want her to be nervous about their conversation. "But...to tell you the truth...I've..." Kyakoku couldn't finish his sentence as he felt the butterflies in his stomach begin to act up. He opened his mouth and then promptly closed it without saying a word in their silence.
She took small shallow breaths and her heart began pounding in her ears when she heard the low yet caring timber of Kykou’s voice softly speaking her name. Why was it that her whole body tingled at her name ? All the mixed feelings swirled within the girl. She cared about him …but not like her mother. Avy’s head moved just the slightest back and forth at the comparison. No this as far different. While the young girl tried to decipher her feelings, she felt his hands touch her tan shoulders. Inhaling sharply, she was startled at first but soon the presence of his touch made her feel warm all over. The water bender listened intently to every word hoping that he would not take his hands away because …she liked it. ‘Is this bad? What I’m feeling? ‘ she wondered as he reminded her of how short a time they’d spent together. “It seems so much longer…” she replied softly.
"But...to tell you the truth...I've..." His unfinished sentence hung in the air and she panicked. ‘Was he thinking of leaving her? Was he tired of being with her?’ Taking two flustered breaths, she spun about, her eyes wide and tear-filled. "Don’t leave, Kyakou. Please…“ She choked out. “I don’t understand all these strange feelings you bring about whenever you’re around …I .. I’ve never felt like this for anyone. It’s kind of scary but…I like to too.. “ Shaking her head in confusion, she looked up to add in a whisper, “I only know…I hate the idea of you not being with me…” Her voice drifted off as one slow silvery tear slipped down her right cheek.
For a moment Kyakou thought he felt the girl shaking, however he soon realized that she was simply turning around to face him. His heart did a bit of a jump seeing her face so close to his. It was beautiful...her face, her hair. Everything. He swallowed the lump in his throat as she to was feeling something similar. His normally cold emerald eyes were soft now, caring and confused. This was something new to him...a feeling he hadn't felt except once or twice. He watched as a single glistening tear dripped down her face. The warmth of the hot springs still steamed around the room. He gazed at her eyes for what seemed like an eternity before it hit him.
"Avelen...this feeling...I have it to." He whispered as he smiled back at her. He waded a bit closer to her until only a few inches separated their faces. "I know its been just a few days but...maybe...we can make it more." He whispered into her ear with care and concern. A few seconds past before Kyakou let out a slight sigh from the side of his mouth and placed his head gently against Avelen's. Their drenched hair cushioning each other as Kyakou shakily removed his hands as he felt nervous all over. He then embraced Avelen in a small hug at first. "Our differences...have brought us together I think." His voice swept over in a whisper. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you...I want to take care of you." The white-haired boy let his head slip and rest on Avelen's shoulder. There was a pause. "This is...a bit strange to me though...I mean...I never really felt like this..." He lifted his head up from her shoulder and gazed at her sparkling eyes.
For the longest time they stared at each other in silence. Time simply stopped. All that could be heard was the dripping moisture from the stalactites from the ceiling back into the hot water. She took in every angle of his face as well as the damp shock of hair which hung over his right eye. Avelen swore she could hear every inhale and exhale they made. The two stared at one another while their feet brushed beneath the surface as they worked to keep from going under.
"Avelen...this feeling...I have it to." He whispered as he smiled back at her. She couldn’t ever remember feeling so happy. Not even when she was able to stand on top of her first wave…no never anything like this. The young girl never tired of looking into his bright green eyes. His smile caused her heart to turn over and she couldn‘t stop her lips from rising even if she tried. It was instantaneous. Comfort, excitement, warmth… so many sensations rushed through her as his breath danced across her cheek and into her ear with words that spoke in hope of something more between them. As his sopping snow white hair lay against her coppery curls, she reached out to gently touch his cheek. “I want that too Kyakou….and… though I wasn’t happy at the time, I’m really glad that you arrested me that day.” she gave a small laugh but it quickly changed when he pulled her into a gentle embrace whilel sharing his feelings in a small whispering voice.
When he lifted his eyes to meet hers once more, she nodded slowly her damp hair bushing his hand. “Me either. It feels like butterflies are fluttering in my stomach and for the first time like…I’m home. “ She didn’t know what made her move closer. Perhaps it was the warmth of his smiling eyes or his husky voice but…she leaned close and brushed her lips against his. They barely touched, when a voice echoed just off to their right.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU TWO ARE DOING?” Mata shrieked her foot sweeping the rocky ground and sending a mall stone upward to land only a few feet from where they stood.
Avy jerked back with a small squeal in surprise, her face turning bright red. She turned to see the older woman holding some cloths by the edge of the pool.
“You” she pointed to Avy. “Over there.” She gestured toward the other side of the slab of granite.
“And you young man, over that way.” The earth nation woman sighed and then began muttering. ”I told Shee to bring only the water bender! No he brings them both! Lands, couldn’t he tell there was fire between these two…and not the bending sort.”
Giving a small snort, she dropped a set of earth nation garments for Kyakou and gave him a stern look. “Get dressed and head up the stairs over there. Don’t worry I’ll take good care of her!”
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Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 16, 2008 19:59:25 GMT -5
The white-haired boy listened to his friend as she admitted to the fluttering objects that turned their stomachs upside down. The only thing he felt other than the bubbles from the hot spring water was the movement of his companion closer to him as he embraced her in his arms. She wasn't shaking...nor was he. He didn't feel as nervous with her so close to him now. His emerald eyes watched as she slowly leaned closer to him. Then closer and closer until the next thing he knew his eyes were closed. He blinked his eyes for a moment and then went wide-eyed as he realized what had happened.
Their lips were locked briefly and lightly. It was something he never experienced before. Right when the white-haired boy was about to close his eyes again to enjoy the moment, a female voice boomed from the other side of the room. Kyakou's eyes burst open as he almost jumped into the air at the sudden sight of a stone been flung in their direction.
Kyakou quickly let go of Avelen as the two immediately shot away from each other in shock and surprise. Her face turned a bright red as he realized his face was heating up as well and not just from the hot springs they were enjoying. He slowly brought his hand up to the back of his head rubbing the damp, yet still slightly spiky hair. "Uh....." Was all he could mutter before the woman promptly ordered them back to their respective sides of the hot springs. Kyakou complied slightly disappointed that the feeling he had was abruptly put to an end. "Wait...how did you know...that she was..." Kyakou was cut off immediately by the woman. The commanding voice of the mother immediately made Kyakou feel slightly guilty, yet it was...a funny feeling. He smiled slightly to Avelen before slowly wading out to the edge of the springs and removed himself. The water gushed off his body as he emerged. "Yes Ma'am..."
He muttered lowly as he wandered to where the clothes had been placed. The white-haired boy slowly took the few cloths that the mother-figure had brought down to dry himself off before placing his haori that seemed to have dried off back on. The Earth Kingdom clothing fit loosely over everything else, covering his former clothing, albeit it was something that not even Fire Nation people saw often let alone anyone from another nation. Slumping his head slightly in defeat that they wouldn't be spending any more time together at the present made him feel sad, yet he knew that they finally got everything they wanted to say to each other since day one off their chests. "I'll see you in a bit then Avelen." He spoke as he turned his back to the friend who he just became attached to even more. Lifting one arm in acknowledgement, Mata ‘s friend lifted him back to the main floor where he noticed most of everyone was sleeping.
The eerie glow of the torches flickered shadows against the wall. Sighing slightly Kyakou wandered over to a set of two beds in the corner that seemed to have been prepared just for them. He smiled slightly at the generosity of the people, hoping they knew that the two weren't there to cause them trouble. Laying down on it, he began to shut his eyes before they shot open again. He had forgotten something very important to him! His sword! He hurriedly got up from the makeshift bed, however quickly laid back down. Yeah...he wouldn't be let back down there after what the mother-like woman found...yeah. Heaving another sigh, Kyakou could only wait.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 16, 2008 20:14:20 GMT -5
The young girl instinctively wrapped her arms around herself and looked from Mata to Kyakou. “I…we …” she started only to have the older woman point once more. With a flutter of her arms and small kicks, Avy made her way behind the gray and black hunk of granite that nearly reached the top of the cavern but not without meeting the white haired boy’s green eyes and smiled when he said that he would see her shortly.
“Now my dear, I thinks it’s time to get you ‘properly’ dressed. Running around with a young man dressed in men’s clothing!? No wonder you’ve forgotten how to act appropriately. Come over here and let me clean your hair. “ Avy moved to the edge of the hot tub. While the older woman rubbed some sort of flowery scented liquid into her tresses, she heard the familiar groan of the earth as Kyakou was lifted back up to the floor above. The teen slowly ran her finger tip across her lower lip recalling how it felt to feel his lips pressed gently against hers.
“..now there are ways to court and bathing with one another is NOT proper. Are you listening to me?” Mata huffed.
“Oh .ummm ..yes Mam.” She replied only to find her head soon shoved beneath the surface.
“…I should have had Shee take you to the cold stream nearby! That certainly would have been a much better idea..” Avy heard as she popped back up to suck in a huge lungful of air.
It seemed like an eternity passed as the runaway dried herself and was given numerous different bits of feminine clothing to put on. When she was finished, Mata grinned widely and hastily rubbed the last of the water from the young girl’s locks. “That’s much better! You look so lovely wearing green!! Now that you are dressed befitting a young woman, I’m betting you will act like one as well.”
The water bender slipped on the small leather sandals still somewhat dazed by the wonderful things Kyakou had said and moved to stand next to Mata’s earth bending friend. Shortly after, the chunk of ground ascended extremely slowly. It was then that she saw his blade still setting on the long table like slab. “Wait!!“ she cried out but still the earth carried them upward. Shaking her head in frustration, the water bender focused on the pool of water surrounding the sword and with a graceful upsweep of her arms, the steaming liquid swept beneath the blade. She shifted her hands and made a lifting movement with her right hand. The shining hilt glistened as a pillar of water rose upward until it hovered before her. Reaching forward, Avy grasped it in her right hand and gave the Mata and her friend an shy smile. “He forgot his sword.” Mata just shook her head and snorted.
One of her mother’s tales about the water nations flashed through the teen’s mind as they continued to rise.
“ Mama, why are you weaving a piece of your hair into the string of my bow?” The Thirteen year old asked her mother with a puzzled expression on her face.
Akitaka patted her shoulder and gave her child a grin. “It’s an old tradition of the water tribes. Usually it’s done by the wife or sweetheart of the young man going off to hunt. The woman weaves her hair into his blade hilt or bow string so that they remember to keep safe as they put their lives in danger for the tribe. That they are loved and will be missed if they do not return.” [/i] Looking down at Kyakou’s sword, Avy struggled to pull the blade from its sheath. “What are you doing?” The earth bender asked when she saw the glistening steel. Lifting it, the auburn haired girl pulled out a small strand outward and ran the hair along the sharp edge. Now holding the silky tress in her hand, the young girl slipped the katana back into its casing. With deft hands, Avy quickly slipped her hair within the hilts fancy woven grip. “Hopefully, bringing Kyakou luck.” she replied with a definitive nod.
“You water bender’s are certainly a great deal different than people of the earth nation.”
No sooner had the earth bender spoken when they stood within the upper chamber. “You remember what I’ve told you, Avelen. And ..you look quite lovely wearing one of our dresses and your hair.... my...it looks like a flame itself!” Mata said softly before laughing along with her friend as they slipped away. Licking her lips, her eyes aqua eyes shining at the thought of seeing Kyakou again, Avy carried the blade awkwardly across the gravel floor. It was then that she saw him lying on one of the beds set off in a small corner where the flickering flames danced across his white hair and cheek. Tugging at the hem of her dress, that now revealed her curves, the water bender moved to stand at his feet.
“Kyakou?” she started softly. “You forgot something.”
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Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 16, 2008 21:16:40 GMT -5
Humming lowly to himself, the white-haired boy tried to pass the time as he waited for Avelen to come back up from the hot springs. He could only imagine what the woman could have given her a speech on let alone how embarrassed both of them must have been. The torch light flickered against his face and hair casting a gentle shadow across the wall he was situated near. It certainly did seem like a long time she was down there. He was about to get up from his slightly comfortable position and see if he could go back and check on Avelen, however right as he thought about this, the floor began to rumble slightly as the rock began to rise up again.
His eyes watched as the rock rose from the ground, waking up a few of the people already asleep, however most of the group was still up telling stories near their beds. Only the children seemed to be able to sleep through the noise. Kyakou reminisced slightly how well he remembered sleeping as a child. Nearly nothing could wake him, save for the loudest sound. Shaking his head slightly, he watched as the familiar figure of Avelen began to approach the corner with something in hand. Squinting to try to see in the slight darkness that she had stepped into, his emerald eyes soon realized she was carrying his sword.
He lifted his head up and then propped himself up with his hands as he heard his name whispered from Avelen. Swinging himself around the edge of the bed, Kyakou slowly grasped one hand on the sheath and the other on the hilt of the sword, carefully taking it from Avelen's hands. She still seemed a bit nervous about carrying the weapon, although he could fully understand why. He brushed off a few speckles of dust and dirt on the sheath before gently placing it against the rock wall. A low click could be heard echoing through the room as the metal from the hilt gently hit against the hard rock wall.
"I had just remembered it when I came back up but...I was a bit scared to go back down." He laughed slightly as he glanced up at Avelen's eyes. She still looked the same even though she had a different set of clothes that were of similar colors. He wondered what Avelen had been lectured on, however pushed the thought out of his head. He was quite tired still from the events of the day. "I want to say...sorry...I mean that is if you didn't want that to happen...I mean...it just kind of happened." Kyakou bunched up a small portion of the shirt he wore over his normal clothing. All of a sudden the butterflies came back.
Pausing for a moment, he glanced over to see Mata again who had just finished tucking in a few children for bed who still seemed restless. She stood there with hands on her hips for a moment staring at the two before shaking her head slightly and leaving their sight. Kyakou thought it was a bit funny, however knew that the woman only interrupted them for their own good. It was an odd feeling Kyakou was still trying to figure out the odd feelings. Yawning slightly, Kyakou leaned back down on the makeshift bed. Taking Avelen's hand gently, he pulled her down to the bed next to his in the corner. Leaning to the side he simply gazed at Avelen's beautiful face. A smile crossed his face. "I won't leave you." He kept his hand interlocked with hers as he lay there.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 17, 2008 13:32:18 GMT -5
“…Yes..a GIRL!! Can you believe it ? How could we have missed…“ Avelen heard whispered about from various areas of the cave as she stood looking down at Kyakou who was now lifting himself upward from his reclined position. She stood feeling ever more conspicuous as others passed by and commented on her new form of dress. Leaning forward, she gave a small sigh of relief when the weapon had been taken from her hands. Her eyes locked onto the hilt for a moment and a small secret smile formed on her lips as it was set against the solid stone wall.
A small chuckle escaped when he mentioned his fear of meeting up with the formidable young mother if he’d tried to return. “Well…I was a bit jealous that you were so quickly free and missed the lesson on how young women should dress and behave. Although, “ she paused blushing just a bit. “.. I suppose your being a man detracted from the lectures benefits.”
Plucking at the skirt with her eyes looking downward at what she’d realized was a stupid comment, Avelen was caught by surprise when Kyakou did much the same with his shirt while stuttering out an apology for what they‘d done in the warm water below.
“No!..Please don‘t be sorry Kyakou. It was …special…really special. Anyway..I ..it was me..oh.” she stuttered somewhat flustered at how to express herself. “I’m the one who ..kissed you. I know, as Mata told me, that proper young girls don’t do that but. ..it felt right…and I’m not sorry for it. I guess that makes me bad.” Avy had heard the names that they called her mother and women like her. Following the white haired boy's eyes, she saw Mata ‘s focused gaze on them before she gave a disgusted snort and then hustled away.
Returning her aqua eyes to his, she watched as he laid back on the rough hewn bed and reached out to take her hand. It amazed her how the innocent hand holding made her heart beat even louder in her ears. She slowly sat on the bed and then pulled her feet up to lay facing him; their fingers still entwined. They both laid there for sometime staring into each other’s eyes, when he smiled and said softly.,” I won't leave you."
“I won’t leave you either Kyakou…not if I can help it..” she whispered back, her small pearl like teeth showing in a dimpled grin. But no matter how long she tried to keep her eyes open , the long day took its toll on the two weary travelers. The sounds of chirping bugs echoing along with the dispersed mummers of hushed voices faded as her eyes finally slipped close yet still her hand remained grasped tightly within the warrior’s blade hand.
Avelen wasn’t sure what pulled her from her sleep, the bouncing boyat her side or the childish giggle which shortly followed. With a soft exhale, she opened her eyes to find Mata’s one year old boy grasping one of her fiery curls in his chubby fist while he stood between the young couple's joined hands. ‘She did this on purpose…somehow I know it!!’ The teenager thought as she regretfully released her hold on Kyakou’s hand so that she could use both of her own to extract the trapped lock before the boy pulled on it yet again. Wincing, she leaned up on her elbow to meet the hazel eyed toddler’s bright smile. “Ouch!…Okay…come on sweetie…. Let go. Hair doesn’t really taste that good. If you let go I’ll try to find you something you'll like much better. “ she said softly, trying to bribe the child while hoping that the handsome boy by her side could continue his rest.
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Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 18, 2008 9:49:10 GMT -5
Kyakou hadn't known it but he was fast asleep. The last thing he saw was Avelen's smiling face gazing back at him. This night, he didn't have a nightmare at all while dreaming. He felt warmth this time, love, and belonging for once. It wasn't until the world around him began to move that he would be disturbed from his sleep. Feeling slowly came back as his senses became aware of their surroundings again. He could hear the familiar crackle of the torches and the low whispers of voices of those who had already apparently awoke from their slumber. No voice was quite as clear as the one next to him. The white-haired boy boy furrowed his eyebrows for a moment before opening his eyes slowly. Blinking a few times he rubbed his eyes as he slowly rose from the bed, noticing Avelen and one of the little boy's that they had helped the day before.
He only heard the tail end of Avelen's soft voice to the boy as he continually jumped up and down. A set of footsteps began to echo closer to them as Kyakou took a rather lazy look as he was still trying to wake up a bit. He could make out that it was Mata coming to get her child. "Oh dear, I'm sorry if he woke you two up. I was just fixing the morning meal for everyone before I noticed he had slipped away." The child giggled slightly as he retreated back behind his mother and clung to the sides of her dress. "Now you two come over with the rest of us and we'll fix you up something to eat." Mata hurried off with the little boy towards the center of the room which was filled with a circle of members.
Kyakou rose from the makeshift bed that had been rather comfortable and glanced to the wall where his sword lay neatly against. Taking one hand, he pulled the sash towards him and wrapped it over himself as he had worn it before. Kyakou nodded his head over in the direction of the group as the duo made their way slowly and slightly sleepily over. A voice of laughter and other loud voices could be heard echoing throughout the chamber as they approached. It seemed that a few of the men that were on patrol last night were telling stories, especially ones that ended up in their friends falling for some of their own traps they had setup on the perimeter.
Kyakou and Avelen took an open spot in the circle, although they caught a few glances from the others. It still didn't feel like they really fit in, however they were just visitors right? Mata appeared once again with two plates as well as clay cups in hand. She gently placed them in front of the two before smiling and walking off to pick up a few plates from others who were finished with their morning meal. "Th...Thank you." Kyakou kindly spoke as the plate was laid in front of him. Kyakou's eyes glanced at the plate with a small helping of bread and a steaming cup of tea. Sure it wasn't much, however he was grateful for it anyways.
He did always hear that Earth Kingdom tea was a delicacy nearly. The young boy only remember sneaking a few of the imported goods for himself once and remembered the rich spices and other sensations from the liquid drink. Slowly reaching over, Kyakou took the cup and held it in both hands as he let the steaming cup warm his hands and body. He closed his eyes for a moment reveling in the comfort before opening his emerald eyes again. "So...what exactly are we going to do now?" He glanced over to Avelen before fixing his eyes on the steam once again that sprouted from the cup.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 19, 2008 6:45:41 GMT -5
"Oh..no he was fine Mata…really. Your little one just seemed to think my hair was…something to eat. Guess it must be due to that sweet smelling stuff you washed my hair with last night.” she smiled. “Thank you for offering us a meal..” she added as the mother and child walked back to the middle of the room. She cut a inquisitive glance toward Kyakou and found him strapping his sword to his back once more. She was a bit confused that he hadn’t addressed her but figured it was due to the numerous stares they were getting as they crossed the cool chamber to join the rest of the inhabitants.
After the loud roar of laughter due to a particular tale from the previous night's watch, it suddenly became silent as they all stared openly at Avelen, some even with mouths agape. The young girl noticed Mata elbowing her husband and glaring at the rest of the group. “Come ..please sit down and eat. “ she said while placing a plate before each of them.
The runway nodded as Kyakou gave his thanks and added softly after. “Yes…thank you. It smells wonderful!” The corner’s of her mouth lifted slowly at the small earthenware cup that reminded her of a previous tea party which she’d shared with the boy by her side. Tracing the lip of the cup with her forefinger, she became lost in her thoughts but soon caught a whiff of the tea and lifted the steaming herbal beverage to her lips. She blew across the rim, took a tentative sip and smiled in delight. It was then that she noticed that Shee was still staring at her. Avy moved the cup higher to try and block his perusal but still the boy’s eyes remained locked on her every move.
Trying to ignore his gaze, the water bender shifted slightly to only find others staring at her as well. She turned to look at Kyakou and found him enjoying his tea . She was never more happy to hear him speak up and draw the other’s eyes in his direction. . "So...what exactly are we going to do now?"
Gonzo looked over at the young man and nodded in recognition of his query. “We are going on a hunting expedition if you care to join us. Some of us will be heading out to Gaoling in the morning but we need food for the journey and we must of course provide for those who will remain. “
Swallowing the mouthful of the warm beverage, Avy gave the old man a dimpled grin. “I’d love to help. Are we after hunting after breakfast?”
The whole group was silent for a second or two before they began laughing in earnest; some elbowing each other at the hilarity of her words. The auburn haired girl frowned and looked about the group. "What’s so funny? I don’t understand. Are you laughing because you think I can’t hunt? I’m actually pretty good with my bow and I‘ve hunted a great deal for some of the families in our small village.” She added her eyes narrowing as many of them roared once again.
Mata could see Avy’s agitation and began to move to her side when Toru put his arm out to stop her progress. “Well my dear, men here do the hunting while women tend to safer and much needed chores like washing, cooking and working the gardens. But we thank you for your offer. “
Wide incredulous eyes glanced about at the small group before looking to Kyakou. She didn’t want to insult their hosts but she also didn’t like how they followed much of her father’s beliefs. Beliefs which placed the choices of a young girl’s life within hands of males. Wasn’t that what the General wanted for her now? To be handed off to some stranger as a concubine like her mother for some gain within the court? Her only value as chattel. The healer’s eyes turned stormy and she hastily lifted her tea cup to her lips and took a sip before replying for she knew by their looks and laughter that her views would go unheard. “ It would probably be best …” she gave Kyakou a disappointed t look before continuing, “…if Kyakou and I traveled along with you tomorrow. We need to be moving and...it would be safer if we all traveled together. If it bothers you to have a girl hunt with you…I'll remain here to check over the ill oncemore and help Mata.”
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Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 19, 2008 15:47:43 GMT -5
Kyakou sat quietly as he took a sip from the warm cup in his hands. The taste of the tea was delightful as the warm liquid soothed his throat. Reaching to his plate, Kyakou ate the piece of bread that was on his plate. It was enough to keep him going for the time being, although he wished there was something more. Really he should've been used to eating such a low amount of food. He never really had enough money to ever purchase more than a meal or two a day and that would be at the cheapest place around. Kyakou glanced to the man who had just cut a glance at him. It was the man that had threatened them from the day before, although now he hoped everyone was on good terms with their company.
Blinking for a moment, Kyakou took the last sip from his tea. A hunting expedition in the city? Wasn't that the direction that the fighting was going on? They had to be crazy to go that way. Kyakou was about to open his mouth until Avelen piped up beside him. She was sure excited and perhaps enthused to help them. There was only the crackle of the torches and occasional cough from one of the men before a loud roar of laughter ensued. Kyakou cut a glance to Avelen who was seemed quite disappointed by the laughter. He placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment to console her a bit.
He listened to her refute the laughter from the men and still urge them to let her go. Perhaps they didn't know much about them, but they sure were pushing their habits upon both of them. The white-haired boy could tell that Avelen was growing displeased by the behavior of the men. Removing his hand from her shoulder, Kyakou passed the cup in between his hands as he listened to the slightly heated debate going on. It was all a bit new to him how these people worked and more so disturbing that Avelen seemed agitated by it.
Catching the cup in his right hand and placing it on the ground, Kyakou rose slowly as the murmurs from the group stopped to watch the boy rise. "I'm not about to hear what you think my friend can and cannot do, however I can understand that you may have certain traditions." Kyakou kicked at the dirt floor beneath him with his sandals for a moment thinking of something. Come on Kyakou...you have to think of something. You saw how good of a shot she was with that bow. Then it hit him. With a bit of inspiration, Kyakou's eyes brightened up as he looked down at Avelen who had rather dismal and disappointed eyes.
"I'll tell all of you what...how about if Avelen here can hit..." Kyakou paused for a moment as he knelt down to the ground and picked up a rock no bigger than his fist. Tossing the rock up and catching it for a moment, Kyakou continued. "This rock from lets say...fifty paces in mid air...she can come with us. If not...then you can have it your way." There was another long drawn silence as one of the men who had a piece of bread lodged in his mouth had it slowly drop back to his plate. Gonzo cleared his throat for a moment and eyed his companions who quickly gathered around him. There was a moment of whispers and head nods back and forth before the group seperated. "Well young man, you have put quite a...." Gonzo chuckled for a moment. "ridiculous feat before this young lady. But if it will please ya...sure we can give her a 'chance'." There was another chuckle amongst the men as Kyakou smiled slightly. The white-haired boy gave a small smile as he held a hand down to Avelen. "Well, this is your chance to show them right? Its just a rock so don't get queasy." He laughed slightly giving her a playful punch on her shoulder.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 20, 2008 10:17:24 GMT -5
Placing her earthenware cup on the table, Avy ‘s eyes went from one face to the next as they looked down at her. She felt a warm touch on her shoulder and turned to meet Kyakou’s emerald eyes. It was strange, but in that moment she realized that he'd never belittled her even when he found out that she was a girl. Things had changed between them since her little secret had been revealed but the fire bender had never tried to place her within gender confines which most of the boys and men here most assuredly believed.
The connection she felt around Kyakou was strengthened by his outlook of these elements which defined her as her own person and reaffirmed her own self worth. He accepted her for who and what she was without derision or inane platitudes.
Avy picked up the piece of bread on her plate and began to nibble at it. She saw how meager the supplies these people had and was feeling a bit guilty at even taking the small hard crusted morsel. In truth, all she had wanted was to help these people who’d been harmed so badly by her nation. Her right eyebrow rose at the thought. Did she belong to the fire nation or was she truly of the water nation since she’d been given the gift to bend that element? All the teenage girl knew was that she felt like she belonged in neither.
Taking another small sip of the delicious tea, she watched with some surprise as her companion rose from his seat and told those milling about that he didn’t want to listen to them discuss her lack of abilities. His words warmed her heart and her lips rose in a small smile. There were a few men who continued to mumble about listening to a fire bender but the majority remained silent and gave the boy their undivided attention. Avy reached over to touch Kyakou’s hand shortly in thanks for his support.
The water bender had been just about to rise from her stone seat and get to work in the room with the injured when the warrior knelt down and picked up a rock that was lying by her foot. A puzzled look came over Avy’s face as he tossed the stone up in the air while he spoke to the men about testing her ability to shoot . Her aqua eyes lit up as he spoke and an honest smile appeared on her face as she gave her total attention to Kyakou. She was stunned by the proposal he put forth whereby Avy was to prove her skills as a marksman by shooting the rock in the fire bender’s hand from fifty paces away.
Scanning the faces of those gathered about, she could see they were more than a little skeptical that she could accomplish such a task. Avelen shifted nervously back and forth by the white haired boy’s side while whispers and mumbles grew steadily louder until finally the leader of the refugees stepped forward laughing. “Well young man, you have put quite a....ridiculous feat before this young lady. But if it will please ya...sure we can give her a 'chance'." Avy didn’t know if it was the laughter or the smug ’know it all’ looks on their arrogant faces that caused her eyes to narrow sharply and her chin to lift but she took Kyakou's hand and nodded as he teased her about being anxious enough to get sick at the prospect that had been presented. Taking a deep cleansing breath, the young girl walked steadily to the side of her bed where her battered bag and cape had been placed. She pulled out her bow and walked back to stand by her friend’s side. “Who’s going to throw the stone?” she asked softly while a few of the boys continued to grin at one another.
"Well..I don’t think it should be your friend here…or some might say he helped you..perhaps with bending. I’ll have Reiko here do the throwing. He’s got quite an arm on him.” Gonzo replied. "Lets take this outside shall we?”
“Okay.” The water bender agreed and nervously followed after the older man. Once outside, the earth nation boy strutted up to Kyakou and took the stone from his hand. He then moved, jesting al the way, to stand fifty paces away from the quiet young lady. The auburn haired girl looked over her shoulder and gave her friend a quick smile before nodding to the boy who was still making gestures to the rest of his friends.
“Get ready.” Gonzo ordered. The runaway plucked one of the darts from the holder that had been carved into smooth chesnut. Placing it on the string, she pulled the thin sinew back tight and waited.
"NOW!” The shout echoed and she jerked a bit at his loud voice but her azure eyes watched as the rock soared upward. Avy bit her lower lip and at it’s apex, she released the small sharp pointed oak shaft. "Pwang” the string sang while the voices grew hushed in anticipation. Just as the point clipped the edge of the stone, it moved. Astounded, the girl cut a glance to the boy beneath and saw that his hand was moving. She gave a small huff as the stone now fell quickly toward the ground and hastily grabed another bolt. Releasing this one, it hit dead center; driving the shist backward and to the ground.
Avelen turned and walked slowly back to stand in front of Kyakou. "Thank you.” The words were softly spoken but the tone of her voice carried with it a deeper message. For the thanks she was giving had little to do with her being able to show her worth but more to do with his faith in her.
Meanwhile, Gonzo strode across the yard to glare at the boy whom he’d given an honorable task to. “You disappoint me Reiko as well as your people. She will now take your place on the hunt.” with a snarling glare in Avy and Kyakou’s direction, he raced away down a nearby path.
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Kyakou
Fire Nation
Fire Blade Bender
Posts: 47
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Post by Kyakou on Nov 20, 2008 23:58:29 GMT -5
Kyakou stood solemn willed as the men soon stopped their laughter and realized he was actually being serious. A few throats were cleared and coughs were made as Avelen left his side to travel to their corner and retrieve her bow. She came back within a few moments with her weapon in hand and question at the tongue. Who would throw the stone was quite the question and he knew better to not volunteer otherwise when she did succeed they may accuse him of rigging the trial. Of course she would succeed, he had no doubt in his mind after seeing her abilities only yesterday.
The man Gonzo volunteered a young boy like themselves to throw the stone which was understandable. The boy simply smiled his eyes followed the rock that Kyakou tossed into the air sporadically. The group of men as well as Kyakou and Avelen soon found themselves outside in the morning flow of the sunlight. He handed the rock over to the boy as Kyakou simply gave him a complacent smile while the boy chuckled slightly to himself. The white-haired boy took a spot to the sidelines behind Avelen with arms folded. He had full confidence in her ability and would so like to see the looks on the men's faces. Emerald eyes met those aqua eyes once again as a smile crept across both their lips.
Kyakou stood still and watched as Gonzo rose his hand. Avelen withdrew a bolt from her quiver and watched her with curiosity as her eyes intensified on the task at hand. The shout made Kyakou's eyes quickly change from Avelen to her hand motions as she tracked the rock up into the air. It was a graceful move as it seemed to happen in slow motion. Some men were already looking away and already beginning to walk back thinking that it was over. His eyes quickly fixed to that of the tiny object in air before realizing that she had missed. His eyes widened at first no believing it, however his friend caught what was going on quicker than he had. His eyes soon traveled down to notice the boy toying with the stone, bending it with his abilities. "What a cheater." He muttered under his breath before his attention was brought back with a distinct clash of rock against the head of the arrow. The sound let silence fall upon the group while some of the men gaped in awe at what had happened.
Kyakou soon grinned to the side as Avelen turned around and thanked him, although it wasn't the typical thanks he had heard. It felt heavier, perhaps more with faith. It wasn't just a set of words, but a message. Kyakou simply nodded before turning his attention to Gonzo who was simply shaking his head. Reprimanding the young boy, he was disbanded from the party and sent back to the cave. He turned around to sneer at both of them, however Kyakou knew better to accuse the boy of trying to cheat his friend. He simply smiled back and waved ever so slightly. Gonzo and his men soon gathered around the two. "I wish to apologize for doubting your capabilities. Today you have shown us the skill you possess and it would be an honor for you to join us." Gonzo's eyes flashed to the men around them. "Usual place today." The men nodded and mumbled agreements as they quickly dispersed, taking a scattered formation. Gonzo pushed the teens, Kyakou and Avelen towards the center of the group.
To Kyakou it seemed as if it was battlefield tactics. Something he had seen and studied on before. If you were to put it in more practical terms of course, he realized that they were caring for them. His emerald eyes glanced to see the formation. The older and seemingly more experienced were on the outer rim of their formation while the younger and most likely less experienced were protected in the center. Kyakou felt a bit more comfortable with the Earth Kingdom refugees, realizing that they began to accept them for who they were, however there was still quite a bit of prejudice against them.
The younger members of the group tended to keep their distance as Kyakou and Avelen traveled side by side. It was only a few minutes through the small forest that they emerged at a small clearing. The first thing that caught Kyakou's senses was that of trickling water. No it wasn't just trickling. It was splashing. The group of hunters soon cleared through a thick brush to reveal a waterfall. That must have been where they had been getting their water supply. The older hunters quickly spread out around the waterfall before giving a few hand signals to the rest of the group. Apparently it was the 'all clear' sign as the rest of the members moved in towards the body of water with canteens and other storage pouches. Kyakou fumbled underneath the layers of clothing to get to his canteen which he barely pulled from his top. Uncapping the top, he made his way to the crystal clear water crashing over the rocks. The precious contents soon poured into the bottle before filling it to the brim. "I bet with all this water you could do something fancy with that bending of yours." Kyakou grinned slightly as he capped his canteen and looked up at Avelen.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 23, 2008 12:45:12 GMT -5
Avelen was really oblivious to the murmurs and hushed exclamation.s going on about her. All she really found rewarding was Kyakou’s smile. She gave the white haired boy a puzzled look as he waved to someone over her shoulder. The water bender pivoted just in time to see the young man who’d used his bending to move the stone earlier sneering back.
Her attention was soon brought back to Gonzo and a few of the older men as they stomped up next to them. The more experienced fighters then apologized for doubting her and offered them to join in their hunting expedition Avy shyly cut a look to her new found friend and then to the ground before rising to meet the old man’s kaki eyes. “I..we’d like that , sir.” she replied respectively with a small bow.
The other men swiftly repositioned into a strange formation around them. Avy had never done this in a group before. She’d only really ever gone hunting with Tai Pei, who’d given her the intricately carved bow she now held and taught her patiently how to use it. Most times, the water bender had gone off on her own to practice her marksmanship on distant leaves and tree branches.
When her mother had told of their need for money in order to escape, the young girl began hunting for actual creatures to sell to the townsfolk for food. She was excited about going on this expedition yet frightened at the prospect of committing a faux paux due to her ignorance. Taking her cue from Kyakou, the auburn haired girl walked by his side while running a tentative finger across the last three bolts on the bridge of her bow.
“I’m going to have to go to a fetcher for more bolts. Perhaps I'll be lucky and they’ll have one in Gaoling.” she softly said to the swordsman. As the sun flickered through the evergreen canopy as they walked , Avy looked intently about for any rustling in the bushes or strange sounds which might be an indication of a nearby rabbit or fox. The group walked for a short time and eventually the tree line gave way to an open grassy knoll. She stepped onto the moist spidergrass which were littered with tiny lemon colored flowers no bigger than the young girl’s thumbnail.
The runaway didn’t need to hear the sound of the water cascading against the rocks to know that the element was near. The sense of the liquid’s presence had been one of her first realizations that it was not just her looks that made her different than the other’s on the island. The sea spoke to her …constantly calling her to its side.
She stared up at the crystalline droplets that fell like sparkling jewels, pelting the granite outcropping of granite, some turning to mist while others landed in the huge clear pool below. Avy watched as Kyakou stepped up to the edge of the trickling falls to fill his canteen. "I bet with all this water you could do something fancy with that bending of yours." Kyakou grinned slightly as he capped his canteen and looked up at Avelen. Giving the handsome boy a dimpled grin, she nodded. She opened her own water pouch and with a small curving wave the liquid rose upward with a snake like movement to fill hers to the top. Sticking the cork back on, she took in the beauty of the small cove yet still let her eyes scan the area for nearby game.
The young woman was enjoying the watching the sun glinting of the top of the water when she caught sight of a shrub shaking at the top of the cliff. “Kyakou!” she called softly and pointed upward. “I could try to use the water to carry us both to the top but…” she paused biting her lip. “…last time I tried to lift you …you went under pretty deep…. Course you were unconscious. Maybe it would be different now that you are ..awake. Or ..I could go up on my own and you could catch up by climbing..”
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Reita
Fire Nation
The Bard
Posts: 7
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Post by Reita on Nov 25, 2008 14:57:50 GMT -5
Reita was sitting quietly upon a large, yet lightly faded stone stablet that stretched across the ground in-between a group of tall tree's with few leaves. The tablet itself was laced with leaves where Reita had brushed them aside and taken his seat, his rich yellow blond hair cascading softly in an elegant and beautiful manner, down unto his chin. The bangs were at chin length, and as you proceed from the end of his bang strips up, at the roof of his head, under and mixed in with the black hair is an underlying of black hair, adding a unique and delicate mixture and layering into it. His appearence was stunning as the white cloth was stretched over his cheecks and nose, over his ears and tied in the back, covering a unique and wretched scar. Brown and yellow leaves fell from the sky around Reita, as he was seated cross legged with an opening between his legs, where he sat the Shamisen so that the neck rested on his shoulder and he could play it efficiantly; and he did, letting out a soft breezey tune that resonated soundly throughout the land, light and evanscent at times, strong and deep at others, creating a hazey melody of love and harmony.
As Reita say silently playing the shamisen, his dreep grey eyes seemed to reflect all other light in a fluorescent manner; under the sunlight it was a crystal like bluish hue. His eyes were slight slanted, his eyelashes were long, thick, and a dark black, while his eyebrows rested as a thin black and blond. His skin was of pale complexion, and his lips are slightly purplish along with a slim tan and pinkish shade mixed into them. He held no body hair except for his head hair, and as the leaves fell it created a majestic and almost fantasy like romantic scene, one that would only be seen in pictures or fiction. His face was emotionless and blank, holding no appeal to the surrounding beauty that encased him into a glittering caricature.
A branch before Reita snapped, and he quickly glanced up, however the stream of music did not stop, yet continued with a same graceful elegence. A young doe fondles the leaves with her hooves, two dark orbs perring forth from her face, pearly white, yet peaceful looking teeth gleeming out from under her dark thin lips that sat flatly. The doe gave a slight tremor with its head, snorting slightly at the sight of Reita's movement, however it did not flee, but remain still. Sniffing the air slowly, the doe began to work forth, the music pulling it in. After a few moments, its shoulders relaxed and it trodded forth, sniffing Reita in wonder. He smiled, but did not make sudden movements except for his fingers which handled the shamisen with great care.
The doe laid down next to him, a leave catching upon her forehead as she did. Her white chest hair pressed gently across the ground, and her hooves and legs folded in neatly, taking a compressed and contained visual. Reita did not halt to pet her, although he wanted to oh so badly; to touch her gentle hair and run his fingers through the wonder of life. It would be treat so delicate that he would trade almost anything for it, but he knew that the doe was not so content with him yet as to allow him to embrace her, and on the other hand his music seemed to sooth the doe and lighten her up. Stopping the music may cuase her to leave, and that was not something he wished.
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Post by Avaleen on Nov 25, 2008 22:03:47 GMT -5
[[OOC: Joint post Kyakou and Avelen]]
Kyakou had his hands cupped under the brisk and cool water of the water fall. The liquid washed over his hands before he splashed the cupped water onto his face before holding his hands in the same fashion again and taking a drink from the refreshing water. Kyakou's emerald eyes soon glanced to Avelen as he heard his name. Blinking for a moment while he let the rest of the water in his hands drip away. "Up there? You think something is up there?" Kyakou glanced up as he raised one hand to block the sun's radiance as he still needed to squint.
He shrugged for a moment before listening to the rest of her idea. His eyes widened slightly and he immediately grew nervous. "Umm...well I wouldn't mind but...I don't know...Isn't it kind of...dangerous?" Kyakou cast his glance back at the water. "Actually...I'm just nervous about being carried up there like that."
He smiled as he rubbed the back of his white spiky hair. "Are you suuuure you saw something up there?" Kyakou gave a bit of a dry chuckle still looking all the way up there. Come to think of it, he never realized he was a bit nervous about heights perhaps. Maybe it was because he didn't understand the concept of how water could keep you from falling, or he just didn't want to get soaked in water all over again. He blinked his emerald greens once again before shrugging. "I guess...I could try. You'll be there to catch me if I pass out though I hope." The teen smiled again at Avelen as he met her sparkling eyes in the glistening sun.
Nodding at the white haired boy, Avelen used her forearm to block the glare as she tilted her head and looked upward once more. She stood with her eyes focused on the area where she’d seen the bush move earlier but could see now that it remained completely still. The young girl lowered head to peer down at her new friend once more and instantly noticed that he was rather nervous at the prospect of having water bear him to the top of the high cliff. Actually, she couldn’t blame him. The last time she’d tried to do something similar he’d quite literally died. Luckily, she was able to pull the water from his lungs and through the moon’s guidance, he’d survived. ‘Maybe he’s right. It might not be a good idea to try it. What if I couldn’t carry us both to the top?’
Pivoting around, Avy noticed a few of them men chatting with each other as they gathered some water into canisters they created from the soft mud about the edge of the pool. She gave the swordsman a small smile, looking earnestly into his bright green eyes before replying. “I really did see something but…maybe your right. Maybe …maybe you should hike up. I spoke without thinking. I mean…I haven’t had any training and I wouldn’t forgive myself if you were hurt. “
The teenager took a few tentative steps to the water’s edge and squatted down to brush her fingers ever so lightly across the surface sending ripples growing ever larger while the sun’s golden rays turned her hair to flame. A few seconds later, the water began to spin clockwise within the pool. “I..I can wait for you at the top if you like…or just check around and come back down.“ It was recalling his nearly colorless skin and blue lips that had the girl changing her mind. Shaking her head to send the image from her thoughts, she stood and gently touched his shoulder. “I’ll always be there if you need me Kaykou. Not only when you get a bit light headed from heights “
The white-haired boy fiddled with the collar of his Earth Kingdom clothing before glancing back over to Avelen who could understand his nervousness. He was glad to have someone care for him rather than order him around. It was a bit of an odd feeling to be honest, although he was still trying to get used to it. The men that had accompanied them were soon earth bending small bowls and jars to hold the precious clean water that was at their finger tips. A few men strapped the jars and bowls to their hips, placing caps on top of them with rocks that they also had Earth Bended.
"Avy, I trust you...so...lets go up there." Kyakou looked up nervously still. "I mean...I might be a little...umm..." Kyakou paused for a moment as he brushed his sandals against the dirt beneath him. The dust lightly drifted up into the air for a moment. "Well a little...clingy." Kyakou blushed slightly knowing it wasn't like him to exhibit a childish and perhaps fearful behavior. Kyakou simply took a deep breath while the mist from the waterfall filled his lungs. It was refreshing although he let out a bit of a cough as a bit too much of the fine mist was inhaled. His eyes watered slightly as he coughed at the fine mist before placing one arm around into Avelen's arm. "Just...don't drop me." He smiled back at her waiting to travel. The boy wanted to close his eyes, however he only kept them open while waiting.
Her aqua eyes brightened at his trust, however tentative. As his arm went around her back, the water bender shifted her bow for comfort before moving her hand in a small wiping movement which brought the liquid into a pool beneath their feet. Unwilling to loose hold of Kyakou, she pulled him close to her left side while raising her right arm in a rounded arc above head. Instantly , the water began rising like that from the spout of a seal whale. Up ..up ..up they rose . The earth benders voices murmuring as they spurted higher and higher. Avy was concentrating so hard small beads of perspiration formed on her brow, but still the gorgeous view below was something she swore never to forget. Soon, the men below looked so small while the ragged mountains miles and miles away looked majestic against the azure sky where white fluffy clouds crept slowly forward.
For one short moment, she felt the liquid beneath them shift slightly and Avy pulled Kyakou as tightly to her as she could. She swallowed hard and with a fluttering hand movement , the two were held merely a foot from the top ledge. “Sorry about this Kyakou. “ she said a bit huskily before lifting upward and pushing him to the rocky ground. Gasping , eyes nearly transparent, the water bender dove onto the dirt beside him and rolled flat onto her back, her bow of course now prodding into her backside. “Ahhh..” she cried out on impact but soon began laughing in exhilaration at being successful. She rose up on her elbow with a few leaves now plastered to her head and smiled over at the handsome young man. “I think I need some work on getting us … onto land.”
Kyakou clung to the fabric of Avelen as he kept his eyes up to their destination He soon felt their bodies being lifted as the gushes of water flowed beneath them. He huddled his head into her shoulder and clung even tighter to her out of slight fright. He had never experienced this before and was quite afraid of falling. His emerald eyes shut as he felt them being lifted higher and higher. Kyakou didn't want to look now, although he realized he was getting sick by closing his eyes. No sooner had he opened them again, they were landing on the ledge above them.
Patting the ground with a few taps from his hand, he realized it was nice and solid. His heart that was beating a few miles a minute had begun to slow down as he looked over to find his friend who had begun to burst out in a laugh. He couldn't help but also burst out laughing a bit as well. "Never again..." He paused for a moment. "Well...maybe one more time..." He smiled as he locked with her eyes again. Then he heard something. A noise that seemed muffled, although it was still in the air. His ears perked up as he tried to listen. It was faint but it sounded like music. An instrument of some sort, however he couldn't tell what exactly. "Do you hear that?" He whispered as he slowly rose and lent a hand down to Avelen
Avy’s teal eyes widened and she listened intently for a few moments, trying to ignore the sound of the water as it gushed over the outcropping and into, she heard the soft hum coming from somewhere within the thick wood up ahead. Nodding, the girl’s brow furrowed as she thought on their last encounter with the fire nation where they'd ventured in a different grouping of trees not so long ago. Pulling her bow from her back, the water bender gave her friend a troubled look before plucking a bolt from the built in quiver and locking it into place. “It could be soldiers again.” she whispered before stepping quietly forward.
The young girl moved with great care from the rock strewn ledge with smatterings of grass and moss over to the edge of the forest. Taking small light steps, she followed the sweet almost haunting melody. The music brought flashes of memories of times she’d spent as a small girl with her mother walking by the beach while the sun beamed down on them with its golden white warmth. Shaking her head to keep focused on her task, Avaleen soon caught sight of a young man..or woman, she couldn’t quite tell with the white scrap of cloth across their face. Still, the bright golden hair was impossible to miss but what was even stranger yet was the doe laying like a hunting dog at the person’s feet. Avelen had been about to turn and ask Kyakou what they should do when she heard a grunting , snorting sound coming from within the bushes just off to the left of the musician.
With a focused stare, the runaway turned her bow and caught sight of a boar charging toward them. "Kyakou!!…” No sooner were the words from her lips than she released her bolt. A sharp squeal was heard but the hoof beats did not halt .
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Reita
Fire Nation
The Bard
Posts: 7
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Post by Reita on Nov 26, 2008 10:25:25 GMT -5
A haze of shifting darkness spiralled over Reita's emotions, a mixture of rage and sorrow, of confusion and dismay, the feeling of peace and such had escaped him like an abused dog fleeing from it master. The hooves beat heavily his way, attacking at his flank; simutaniously a female with distinct appearences of broad, apprehensive aspects came bustling through the wood, disturbing the nature with a disrespect and lack of comprehension for beauty. She was quick to draw her weapon, lifting the bow and to strike at the boar without question; he knew her intentions, to aid one whom she beleived to be in need. However he disputed these intentions with feelings of anger and disrespect for her. It was a somewhat selfish act, considering that she was portraying a kindness rarely showed in such times, but this boar took a heavy blow to the stomach; its death was now almost inevitable. At the same time though, he was endangered of becaming gravely hurt, thus he knew his actions and reflexes must be of the upmost speed.
As soon as the hooves began, and as the female drew her bow, Reita shot his head upwards, twin orbs of pulpish grey striking forth like two fangs of a wolf, a fiery passion burning deep within them. The boar neared, and Reita quickly arose, the doe also rising, and quickly leaping back, but not fleeing. The shamisen was now placed firmly within his left hand, and he swung over his head, and rested it softly over his shoulder, continuing to mantain its balance with his thin, fingerless gloved hands. He stretched his knee's into a perfectly erected body form, his shoulders straight and his posture nearly perfect. The boar gave a slight leap, rising about two feet from the ground and twisting slightly in the air, his teeth showing and his body ready strike and kill.
Stepping back, Reita lowered his hand and gripped the sheathed katana strapped to his waist and yanked it forth; the blade did not come out though, due to a tight cloth wrapped around the grips guard and the actual sheath. This was not a mistake, but done in purpose; although odd, he had done this to the katana due to his past and an oath he constructed to himself. The boar almost clipped his flank when Reita swung the sheathed blade upward as he had pulled it forth, nailing the boars jaw and off centering it, cuasing the animal to turn into a perfect ellipse of motion. After striking once, he knew the boar was still awake and willing to fight, thus Reita made a graceful and smooth spin which was chained to his prevouis strike.
As he came around, Reita nailed the animal once more atop the head with a downward strike from behind, sending it to the ground, and incapacitating it. As it crashed, a spur of leaves and dirt bolted up into the air, the dirt quickly returning to the ground and covering the boars nose, the leaves floating gently in the air. Placing the sword back at his side, Reita quickly latched the shamisen over his back using two leather straps, and burshed off his shoulder with his hand before turning around to face the girl and the other one whom had trailed along with her. "Why did you shoot him? He is not but confused and hungry, to try and kill such a wonder of nature is a sin....Please, if you know a water bender, on my behalf, retrieve them to heal this wounded beauty." His words were soft-spoken, hiding any hatred and holding an immaculate calmness; his left hand swung freely, his right rested upon the blades grip, his body still uneasy from the burst of adrenaline.
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