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Post by Teiú on Dec 11, 2007 15:06:49 GMT -5
(Teiú’s last thread: Teiú’s Profile) It had been three days since Teiú left his house and the people he loved behind. Through these days Teiú perceived, however, that staying with them would mean kill his ideals and that was not going to happen. He knew what he wanted and he knew that he wouldn’t fall without accomplish his self-given tasks or he would die trying. Unfortunately, Teiú's supplies were running low and the ostrich-horse he was riding needed some rest. Another problem that the young man was facing was his total lack of localization’s sense, he sure was in need of a guide or a map. Teiú stopped by a small piece of forest and hided the animal nears a lake. Yin Rei itself was not far away and small villages at the city’s outskirts could provide food and information. However, Teiú’s lack of experience made him chose a city near a ferry station with lots of people coming forth and through. When near the station, distracted with his own considerations about his trip, Teiú noticed a soothing sound coming from a square. His ears took him to a slightly fat man playing a strange instrument. The people, however, seemed to ignore him. Teiú came closer and let a small coin fall into the small bowl lying at the feet of the musician. Teiú was short in money it was sure but the musician could feed him some good information, it was what the firebender thought. “Hi my friend” Said Teiú from inside his hooded dark red cloak “Seems like people here aren’t paying much for art isn’t? Say, could you point me a place where I could buy some food and a map?”…
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Post by azar on Dec 11, 2007 16:03:06 GMT -5
The ferry trip across the bay was long and peaceful, part of the meaningless journey Azar hoped would clear his head. On the days it took to cross the water, they encountered pleasant weather, though Azar's stomach was hardly accustomed to the bobbing waves. Sea sickness was no fun, and it left him little opportunity to entertain the ferry's patrons with a song or two. He merely would lay on a seat most of the time, wrapped in a blanket. Not to mention the times when queasiness would take its toll, interrupting his rest...
But now, he was on dry ground. The ferry had settled on the dock earlier that day, and he had recovered. Meaty fingers adeptly running up and down the strings of his sanxian, he played an upbeat and artful song to the crowds. Few stopped to listen, while even fewer donated toward his cause. Especially the types of people he was meaning to attract.
Even though he was dressed in burnt umber pants and a plum-colored vest over a salmon-pink shirt, he hoped no one mistook him for a vagabond. His legs were crossed as he leaned against a column, with his nearby simple wooden bowl with two or three coins meant for donations. A brief intermission punctuated his song-playing, at which point he quickly tugged at his robe's mandarin collar and sighed. As he resumed playing, he wondered if it would be another of those days rought with disappointment, like so many others since the start of his journey.
But a shady young man dressed in a hooded cloak soon glided through the crowds, stopping to drop a donation in the bowl. Azar stopped playing to thank the fellow, his silver eyes trying to make out the face hidden by the cloak's cowl. The hood did well to serve its purpose, he supposed, but the suspicious fellow posed another question. Azar rubbed the short goatee on his chin as he rose from the floor, soon gathering his belongings and putting them in his purple-taupe bag. "Good question. I should probably also find a place like that. I'm a little hungry, and I think I'll hit the road soon. But still, I'm as lost as you are..."
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Post by Teiú on Dec 12, 2007 10:39:30 GMT -5
Teiú got surprised for an instant. For him, the answer of the musician not only showed that the artist couldn’t answer his question as it appeared that the man invited himself to join Teiú in a quest for a food store. Not that Teiú disliked that but he was unaccustomed with this reaction.
The man was standing in Teiú’s front, with all his belongings packed, waiting for a reaction. Teiú pondered for a while if that couldn’t bring more harm than good but so, the young firebender never was the one who used to choose easiness over happiness. Teiú had not spoke with someone in a few days and he never did like of that. “Perhaps…” Thought Teiú, selfishly “…the company of this man can ease my soul a bit. But anyway, he soon will have to know who I’m or I could bring problems to him… But then, let’s see where we can get with it”.
“Let’s say that is better for me not to show much of myself in public now so I will not low my hood, hope you understand… But don’t worry, I don’t mean harm to you. If you wish, we could go search for a supplies store together… What do you say?” Said Teiú trying to make a kind voice, his face hidden in his hood. However, after he finished speaking, he couldn’t let of perceive that his speech seemed a lot mysterious and even a bit threatening.
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Post by azar on Dec 12, 2007 15:30:00 GMT -5
Okay...? The large young man pondered, his furry eyebrow quirked at the hooded fellow. Bad vibes echoed with each of his peer's actions, but he also couldn't help but think the cloaked man was trying to pull the proverbial wool over his eyes. And of course, being Azar, he never hesitated to voice his opinion. "You know, you've done a great job of making me suspicious. The big ol' cloak, the cryptic statement, the weird threats. You're lucky I'm desperate or I'd think you were a madman."
He took two steps ahead after his crass statement, hoping the young man hidden in the hooded cloak would follow. He slid across his chest the cord holding his sanxian's hardened leather case, while his large purple-taupe traveling bag dangled at his side. Whistling the tune he just played, his warm gray eyes flittered around the area, trying to detect a supply store in the vicinity. Since he saw a building resembling what they were looking for, he turned to his newfound traveling companion and said, "Are you coming?"
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Post by Teiú on Dec 12, 2007 19:28:01 GMT -5
"Are you coming?" Said the musician…
This strange meeting was something that surprised Teiú real hard. The musician seemed so alike as the deserter in his looseness. Both were alone and excluded from the world they belonged, it was what Teiú managed to consider about the situation. Perhaps this was what led both to this strange meeting and even this strange partnership.
And above all that Teiú was happy knowing that his cloak did fit its purpose. He just hoped, however, that the cloak didn’t come to be a reason for a possible arrest, making soldiers considering him a madman – As did Azar-.
Teiú then gave a short sprint, forcing passage through the people, to reach the bard and, as he made it, he started to follow him, not even knowing where he was going.
Marveled for this unusual gathering and for the chance of spending some words with someone Teiú made an appointment to the street artist: “Perhaps, being madman is what is normal in these days” At after every phrase Teiú spoke his image as a madman was growing bigger and that was not his intention…
“I mean… I’m sorry, please don’t think I’m crazy… I'm just… a bit lost now, it is all” said Teiú, considering this a good excuse for his strange mood. “By the way, my name is Tei…” Teiú remembered that now the Fire Nation army was chasing him and he could not reveal his real name, at least not now… But his way to change his speech came bad as bad could be “…Tei… Ling… Tei-Ling…”
Teiú brought his hand to face in embarrassment for his clumsiness and for choosing such a girly name, he should have thought about a name before. Considering that he needed to hold his excitement and control his speech the young ex-soldier, still with his hand in face, spoke, “Would you grant me… your name?”
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Post by azar on Dec 14, 2007 17:29:14 GMT -5
As he bumped and moved his way through the crowds, making sure no greedy hands slipped inside his pocket or bag, he was soon met by the cloaked fellow. Sighing at the man's enigmatic remark, his notion that his peer was insane flourished even more. Of course, the comment following this showed the young man was well aware of this. Smirking as the fellow apologized for seeming crazy, Azar replied, "Too late."
But the man in the cloak continued, informing the musician of his name - Tei-Ling. The musician's name was next asked, at which Azar's dark taupe eyebrows furrowed. He had no objection to telling folks his name, but the name given by the mysterious fellow seemed rather...off. It was said hesitantly, and the name itself seemed rather feminine. Nonetheless, he told Tei-Ling his name. "My name is Azar," he said while his silvery eyes examined the plaza, before his tone sunk into a cold insincerity, "Nice to meet you..."
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Post by Teiú on Dec 17, 2007 11:39:19 GMT -5
Even for Teiú, that always was a bit naive, the bard’s compliment seemed cold. Teiú perceived that he shouldn’t expect a warm reception from the part of the musician. And, in fact, there were no reasons for such a thing. Teiú just demonstrated how fake he could be to a stranger and the man got well aware of this, is what Teiú thought.
This went good to low Teiú’s excitement. The young firebender soon recovered the sense of his quest: food and a map. Finally realizing that his new companion lead then to a so seemed shop Teiú tried to catch the handle of the situation.
“So Azar, nice to meet you too…” Said Teiú trying to seem indifferent but not managing to do so like the artist did, but still quite well “Shall we get inside?”.
And after this appointment Teiú entered the building. At first glimpse Teiú found himself in the middle of a crowded and busy shop. It was a great room with lots of shelves, sacks of food onto and hanging out of them. Food was not a problem anymore, the place seemed like a great supplies store. His sole problem now was a map. However, the crowded place made Teiú feel uneasy. It was but three days that he fled from the army but he was quite aware of the military’s capabilities. He but hoped that none poster of him has been made.
Teiú only got away of his thoughts when thinking about Azar. Teiú just wished that the musician were discreet enough to not make someone notice himself…
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Post by azar on Dec 18, 2007 15:09:11 GMT -5
The racks and shelves of food solved one problem, which brought a smile to Azar's face. Grabbing two full sacks of the shelf, he observed what sort of variety the store had in stock. The sacks he held were emblazoned with simple script in black ink, the characters informing him the pouches were full of dried ash bananas and salted komodo-rhino meat. He supposed either would do, but he still continued down the aisle to see what else he could find. Seeing nothing else of interest, other than a bag of fire flakes that he promptly scooped into his hand, he lumbered over to the merchant's desk and dropped the sacks onto the counter.
"Uh...I guess he's with me?" Azar said as he gestured back at the cloaked Tei-Ling, pointing with the thumb of his closed hand. The merchant observed the wares he was about to sell and nodded. The burly musician then reached into his bag, moving his hand around inside and eventually pulling out a few copper and silver coins. Dropping them onto the wooden desk, he asked, "Will this cover it?"
The merchant shrugged his shoulders, but his sparrow-brown eyes drifted over toward the cloaked lad as he casually grabbed the coins off the counter. "You said he's with you? Might as well wait until he's ready."
Azar pursed his lips and looked back at Tei-Ling. Reaching the same conclusion, he moved aside on the desk to let other rushed customers through. The young man was entirely unaware of whether or not the cloaked fellow had money, of if he would mooch off of Azar the entire time. In fact, it was quickly assumed that Tei-Ling would take the latter course. Picking up the sacks of food and putting them in his travel bag, he muttered to himself, "Yeah, I suppose..."
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Post by Teiú on Dec 18, 2007 17:23:41 GMT -5
Teiú was still standing near the shelves, immobile, when he realized that his newfound companion made his shopping already. Teiú opted for a sack of dry rice and a sack of dry komodo-rhino meat. Dry food was not his favorite but it was good and, still, it was the better choice for storing food for long runs.
He achieved the merchant’s stand and stopped side-to-side with Azar. Teiú then opened a small leather bag, from where a large amount of copper coins fell. “Guess that this will do it”, Teiú spoke. The merchant looked suspiciously at Teiú. In such a closed space it was really strange to see someone with that kind of clothing. Teiú got in touch that he was calling more attention than wanted but, till so, he didn’t intended to lower his hood.
“Say my good man, would you have a Fire Nation map or a guide to sell me… I mean, us?” The firebender was speaking with the merchant and turned his hooded head to Azar at last time of the speech. “If you don’t, then could you point us a place where we could get one?”.
However, before the man could answer Teiú’s question a bunch of 5 soldiers entered the place. They seemed to be out of service and looked like they entered intending to have lunch. Caught by a suddenly apprehension, Teiú decided that, at the time, the better was to avoid suspicion. In a rapid way he lowered his hood, letting his long smooth hair fall to his back.
Looking forward, with his back turned to the soldiers, Teiú was sweating cold. He prayed to the spirits that none image of him has been made and delivered in towns yet…
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Post by azar on Dec 21, 2007 15:59:16 GMT -5
At Tei-Ling's request, the merchant nodded and placed a rolled-up scroll of a map on the desk. The musician dropped a couple of bronze coins and grabbed the map, which served its purpose despite its less-than-satisfactory texture and faded color. Clearly, it was a map made by someone inexperienced.
The scowl that blazed across Azar's face softened when Tei-Ling lowered his hood, revealing long hair and rather pleasing face. It struck him as odd how fearful the young man suddenly appeared, but, trying to stifle an smile of carnal attraction from gracing his lips, he quickly looked away. But what caught his eye was perhaps the reason for his peer's anxiety - The five soldiers who had just walked in. Azar quickly realized the fellow may not have been as crazy as he once thought, but the musician still thought plenty of things about him were peculiar. Looking straight in Tei-Ling's eye, he motioned his head toward the door. "Come on, follow me."
Then, putting his hands in his pockets, Azar casually sauntered out the door and into the busy street. He whistled a few notes, trying to appear nonchalant, which wound up rather convincing. Any given one of the soldiers hardly made any sort of glance at the duo, especially one that would give reason to worry. He next turned to his peer and said, "Look, if you're in trouble with the law, that's fine with me, but can I suggest one thing? Lose the cloak. It makes you stick out even more."
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Post by Teiú on Dec 21, 2007 19:21:49 GMT -5
If not by Azar’s rapid reactions Teiú would stay in the place frozen as a statue. As the musician spoke Teiú fast reacted by following him to outside the shop.
Outside the place Teiú breathed deeply like fighting with the air itself. He never thought that the sudden appearance of soldiers would bring this fear into his heart. If he was going to travel through the Fire Nation, he considered, it would be better to bring more guts with him.
When he finally turned to Azar he found the musician peering into his eyes…
"Look, if you're in trouble with the law, that's fine with me, but can I suggest one thing? Lose the cloak. It makes you stick out even more."
Already a bit shaken, Teiú got absorbed by the musician’s commentary. Teiú saw in the speech more than social compliments and fake comments... It was the first time that the musician treated Teiú as an equal and not as a madman.
Letting a fast smile come across the firebender’s face when he slightly recovered from the situation. Teiú replied: “Thanks Azar. If it was not for you I... Well, I need to go... we hadn’t managed to get a map...– Teiú got so nervous with the situation that he hadn’t managed to see Azar get the map and pay for it –... but I cant stay here any longer.”
At the time the deserter peered deeply in Azar’s eyes... “Well, you found it... I... I’m with... I’m with serious problems with the army. I fear I may put you in danger... Are you still willing on pressing on with me? If yes then, please, we shall go...”
Teiú headed three steps to the direction to where laid the hidden ostrich-horse. He stopped, standing a few steps far from Azar, waiting for a reply of the artist...
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Post by azar on Dec 25, 2007 1:35:46 GMT -5
Azar saw that Tei-Ling was jarred, almost frantic at the stirring events. He cared little, but knew the map he held was probably better suited for the cloaked fellow. Reaching into his bag, he pulled it out just in time to see Tei-Ling staring his straight in the eye. His heart skipping a beat, he resisted a goofish smile with all his might. Now was not the time for puppy love, childish attraction, but to take things seriously.
His peer's next statement only made things more difficult...
"In trouble with the...?" Silvery eyes widened as he expressed his grief. Why would he hang around a deserter, one who seemed a defector to the almighty Fire Lord and his beloved nation? He mumbled softly to himself, with a few prolonged blinks. "Oh, spirits..."
The map still in his hand, he looked at it and sighed. Tei-Ling needed it more so than he, that much was obvious. But Azar felt that he needed it just as much. He had no clue what trouble the young man had gotten into, but he heard tales of how it was not wise to mess with the Fire Nation forces. Swiping his hand across his own forehead, Azar took a deep breath before furnishing a reply. "I think I'll hold on to the map. Why not just tell me where you're headed, and I'll lead us there. Then you're on your own."
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Post by Teiú on Dec 26, 2007 11:58:17 GMT -5
Azar hadn’t looked interested on going on with Teiú, that was clear
Laying eyes on Azar’s map Teiú got surprised that the musician managed to get it without the deserter’s science. A fast and fun thought passed by Teiú’s head… He was now an enemy of the Fire Nation. Under the crime of desertion the crime of stealing some documents from a wanderer was nothing.
That, however, was something that the firebender wasn’t going to do, principally with a person that just helped him. Most important therefore, this showed to the firebender how the musician could feel about the situation. Teiú was a criminal after all…
Packed with courage Teiú resolved to tell Azar everything. This could put the young ex-military in danger in case of Azar running to warn the guards in the store but so, that was a risk that Teiú was ready to take on…
Teiú got serious, still peering into Azar’s eyes, … “Look Azar, I will be straight on my story so please, pay attention in my words. You may have perceived that Tei-Ling isn’t my real name. I’m called Teiú.” At this point he stopped to perform a deep breath before going on ”Believe me, I hadn’t killed anyone. For motives that I won’t name now I’m what should be called a deserter and so I’m running away from the army. I have an ostrich-horse hidden over those trees over there and I’m heading to the north…” … Thinking that was better not to expose the name of the place he was going to Teiú decided that he had told enough.
“I think that is better for me not to reveal anymore of my quest for now. I don’t know what you think about, if you despise me or want to help, but I really need to leave and if you are not going with me then we need to leave one each other now. The map is yours, seems like you need it a lot too. Anyway, I just hope you meet luck on your journey”
Teiú’s heart was pumping strongly waiting for Azar’s reaction. Anyway, he couldn’t wait any longer. Letting a fast and friendly smile run across his face he turned his back to the musician and headed to the forest…
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Post by azar on Dec 29, 2007 14:57:26 GMT -5
In a pinch, it had to happen. Blood rushed to Azar's head at Tei-Ling, or rather, Teiú's outburst, and the musician felt twce as anxious as before. Teiú was clearly not as crazy as he once thought, but Azar's first inclination was to turn and run away. However, at that point, all he did was grasp his short hair in his fingers and contort his face in frustration.
"Damn it," Azar said, hands falling to his sides. Drawing in a deep breath, he looked at Teiú again. "Look, Tei-Ling - or Teiú or whatever the hell your name is. I don't know why you think I'll help you, but forget about it. I'm not going to be seen with a deserter like you. No way."
Crossing his arms, he looked away from Teiú, his heart still beating rapidly. Azar was no fool. He woud never be caught dead with someone who got in such huge trouble. There was no inclination toward assisting or accompanying the young man dressed in a cloak.
Offering an overly sarcastic salute, Azar offered a simple, "Goodbye," and turned away from Teiú. Rolling his eyes, he wondered why he even said hello to that guy in the first place. The cloak was a dead giveaway, after all.
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Post by Teiú on Jan 2, 2008 9:43:03 GMT -5
As the musician started shouting Teiú’s chest seemed to explode with the hard beat his heart was taking on. But till there nothing outside what he thought, Teiú would just keep walking...
”...I’m not going to be seen with a deserter like you...”
But upon hearing these words Teiú’s feel came from fear to anger. His blood boiling into his veins, his cheeks became red and his eyes widened open. He turned himself to Azar, the artist walking away from the place after his cold “Goodbye”. Teiú was angered to the most and he started shouting, even forgeting that that could call unwanted attention...
“A deserter like me? A DESERTER LIKE ME? You know nothing of me, nor what a deserter is. You dont know how it is to be obligated to start a military training with a 10 years age. You dont know what is to see mere robbers or even beggars, something you are very alike, being forced to work day and night in a hot and dangerous coal mine, you dont know what is to see officers talking about war and how they would do to smash the “low-level scum” that filled the world. And for going against these things I lost everyone I love. It is almost sure that my parents are arrested. It is almost sure that my best friend and his family are dead, those not slaughtered arrested too, and I dont have idea if the girl I love more than myself is well or not. And all this was for fighting to try to end this war, to fight for poor people, people like you...”
Teiú’s monologue was resounding and fiery. Then, finally regaining his senses, he realized that he lost his control. A tear fell from his eye. He dried his face and rushed to the trees.
When reaching the base of a big tree Teiú fell sitted under the huge plant... Breathless and scared he started fighting bravely to recover the self control he needed at the time...
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