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Post by Nanuk on Mar 28, 2008 8:00:51 GMT -5
Hebirei slowly shifted the water from his left hand to his right. He looked down at the dummy on the ground and, with a sigh, began to practice on it. He was really bored, now that the city was safe once again, things were getting very repetitive. He couldn’t help but think that something interesting was going to happen today, but he shooed away the notion, dismissing it as idle fantasy. He had been here for a few hours, and must be getting home soon, so he tried closing the dummy’s fake wounds, packed it up, and left. As he stepped out of the threshold and into the evening sun, he waved and shouted a quick farewell to the healers still inside. He then pulled up his hood and stepped out into the city. He didn’t have a long way to go to get home, so he wandered about for awhile. The city really was magnificent in the right light, and tonight’s light was exactly that, right. He merely strolled down the canals, admiring the beauty of the city. He couldn’t help but wonder what boredom awaited him, but he tried not to think about it as he finally headed toward home.
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Post by haukea on Mar 28, 2008 22:24:04 GMT -5
A girl garbed in a sapphire shaded parka came tearing out of the archives at a high rate of speed. The white tuft of fur attached to the top of her pointed hood bobbed as her sealskin boots hit the curving byway that led from the building housing all the great tomes of the Northern Water Tribe into the residential district. She was late...veeeery late. Her mother had wanted her home before dark, because she had something important she wished to discuss with her. The sun had set nearly an hour ago. Honestly, could she help it that she'd been given last minute transcribing work? Well...if she'd actually done the work when Master Taartoq had given Haukea in the late afternoon, she would've been out on time to begin with.
The parka hood fell back as she rounded a corner, the four braids she kept her sepia shaded locks plaited into bouncing along behind her. Her breath came out in puffs of vapor. Her mind wasn't really on what was going on around her. She was focused on how irritated her mother would be over her tardiness. Of course, Haukea's mind wasn't reaching out to think about why her mother wanted her home at a specific time, when most nights it didn't matter...
...okay, let's face it...Haukea wasn't really thinking at this point...
She didn't notice the boy in cerulean blue until she was right on him, and by then it was too late to really stop herself. She barrelled right into him, sending the pair of them tumbling to the ground, with Haukea on top of him.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 28, 2008 22:51:54 GMT -5
Hebirei was just about to take the turn that would lead him back home when he was suddenly on the ground. He was so confused, he didn’t open his eyes until about ten seconds after he fell. When he finally did open his eyes, however, he stared back into the eyes of a girl that seemed about his age, though he didn’t know her. It was possible that he had seen her around the city now and then, but he didn’t know her name at all. He had never been in this position before, and really had no clue what to say. All he could spout was stupidity, so he merely said, “Um.. Hi, could you please get off of me?”
He had never been this close to a girl, needless to say, he was blushing, and in a horrible attempt to hide it, he pulled his hood down over his eyes. He actually found her attractive, but, he had a feeling he would never act upon it. That was how he always worked, he just couldn’t face the risk of being rejected. As he felt the heat in his face die down a little, he figured he could take down his hood, so he did, and looked back into the face of the girl, waiting for her to get off of him.
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Post by haukea on Mar 28, 2008 23:25:01 GMT -5
The minute Haukea's petite body made contact with the boy, she had squeezed her eyes tightly shut. While it took Hebirei a bit to open his eyes, Haukea's carolina blue eyes snapped open as soon as they had landed. Apologies danced on the tip of her tongue, ready to rush out in a confusing babbling sort of litany. They never managed to make it out though, as she stared down at a...well...a very good looking young boy, whose eyes were closed tight at the moment. It was as if the words were stuck at her throat and simply couldn't get out. His hair was styled unsually, with sepia hair spiked out, save for a wolftail styled so that it was above his right ear, rather than high in the back as was the fashion among most of the men of the tribe.
Finally she was able to speak, and out came a jumble of apologies, all run together...all in all, making it hard to understand that she was actually apologizing in the first place. His eyes opened, revealing them to be a striking shade of blue-green.
"Um.. Hi, could you please get off of me?"
"Huh? OH!"
The small girl got off of the boy, a blush now creeping across her face. He'd pulled his hood down, so she couldn't see him all that well.
"I'm really sorry, I wasn't paying attention, I'm running late, I had a lot to do at the archives, I didn't see you there, It's all my fault..."
...if she wasn't stopped, the babbling would go on for awhile.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 29, 2008 12:41:40 GMT -5
As his embarrassment faded, he allowed himself to study her features. She was very petite, and had long sepia hair. He scanned her outfit, and realized almost at once that it was not of Northern Water Tribe make. "Huh? OH!" As he heard her say this, he was surprised, was she in such a hurry that she forgot that she was on top of him? He dismissed it, and as she stood up, he heard her start spewing excuse after excuse. He merely stood up and said, “Shhh… it’s fine, I understand, I accept your apology. I’m Hebirei, by the way. Who are you?”
As she was talking, he saw her blush, raising his suspicions. Why would she be blushing? Was she just very embarrassed, or did she actually think he looked good? No, that couldn’t be it, why would anyone like him? He looked up, noticing that the sun had set awhile ago, and suddenly got nervous. Kouza was going to chap his hide if he wasn’t home yesterday, so he chose to get her name as he was running away. As he was running, he shouted back, “Just yell your name to me, I have to get home now.” He kept a brisk pace as he waited for her name.
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Post by haukea on Mar 29, 2008 13:05:56 GMT -5
Hebirei...she'd heard the name before, but she couldn't place where. He was dashing off though, apparently in a hurry as well. She blinked, sitting there a bit. She was wondering why he was in a hurry. In fact, by the time she thought to even respond, the boy was almost out of earshot.
"Oh! It's Haukea!" the scrawny girl replied.
And then, Hebirei was out of sight. Speaking of being late, she was going to be in for it if she didn't pick up the pace. She rose to her feet, using her gloved hands to brushing off the skirt of her brocade gown and parka. And then? Once again, seal skin boots hit the packed ice and snow.
When she arrived home, she was surprised to see her brothers there...all of them...as well as her father. She'd thought that they would've put out to sea this morning, as the seige was over and vessels were once again allowed out of the port. Yet here they were. It wasn't an unpleasant prospect...it was just surprising to her.
"Haukea, you're late!" Noelani exclaimed, coming up to her daughter, before ushering the girl toward her room.
"Go, get ready! We were supposed to be at the Dangan's an hour ago!"
Haukea didn't get a chance to really argue, simply allowing her mom to push her onward....
(( Tiiiiiiiime skipping!! ))
A half hour later, Noelani, Kaimana and Haukea Harta were arriving at the Dangan residence. The Dangan's saw them in, motioning for them to take a seat. Haukea fidgeted with her hands and glanced around. For some reason she was nervous. There was no reason to be though, right? It was all in her head. She was wrapped up in her own thoughts though, paying little attention as the Harta's made small talk with the Dangan's.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 30, 2008 0:20:24 GMT -5
Hrm… Haukea, he didn’t really recognize it, but it did seem somewhat familiar. He dismissed it, figuring that he wouldn’t see her much anyway. After all, she did say that she worked in the archives, and Hebirei hardly ever went there. The sound of his boots scratching against the snow and ice echoed off the walls as he passed by them all, rushing to get home. He arrived home in merely a few minutes, and, like he had expected, his parents were mad at him. Kouza mentioned that the reason they wanted him home was because they were having company over, apparently a family named Harta.
(Time-skippy)
Just before the family arrived about a half-hour later, his parents told him to wait in his room. He was suspicious, but he did as he was told, he didn’t want them even more angry with him. From his room, where he was sitting on his bed, he could hear people enter. He didn’t want them angry, but he was getting very impatient. His parents had been acting suspiciously lately, and this was unusual behavior for just company coming over. His impatience eventually got the best of him and he went into the main room where two older people and his parents were talking, and as he scanned the room, he saw… Haukea? What was she doing here? He figured that the situation would explain itself in due time, so he merely introduced himself to the two he didn’t know. “Hello, I’m Hebirei.”
Kouza and Hayashi were both conversing with Noelani and Kaimana when Hebirei came into the room. Hayashi merely shook her head, and Kouza said, "What are you doing here? I told you to wait."
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Post by haukea on Mar 30, 2008 9:27:21 GMT -5
"Hello, I'm Hebirei."
Haukea's head shot up from where it had started drooping from boredom. What an odd coincidence! She'd just run into Hebirei just a little while ago, and now here he was!
While Kouza and Hayashi were scolding their son, Kaimana simply laughed, his voice deep and rough sounding. Noelani simply smiled, bring her hand up to politely cover her mouth.
"It's alright, Kouza," Kaimana managed as his laughter subsided. "He should be in here to hear the news. Afterall, it does concern him too."
Carolina blue eyes shifted to look at Kaimana. Haukea could only guess what this 'news' was about. She wasn't all that good at connecting the dots so to speak though. An uncomfortable moment or two would pass...and once Hebirei took his seat (that is if he takes a seat at all), Kaimana spoke again. Deep prussian blue eyes moved to gaze at Haukea.
"Haukea, you probably don't remember. You were probably 3 at the time. Your mother and I met the Dangans for the first time, discussing some trade business. You and Hebirei hit it off it seemed, playing while we discussed particulars."
Haukea just blinked....she wasn't drawing a conclusion from the statement. Her mind was wondering just what the story had to do with this news her father had. Her facial expression was blank, and clearly indicated she simply didn't get it.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 30, 2008 12:46:51 GMT -5
Hebirei was grateful for the people he assumed were Haukea’s parents. If it weren’t for them, he would have been in big trouble. He couldn’t help but be concerned at this ‘news’, mainly because his parents wouldn’t be acting this way unless it was bad. He merely took a seat next to Haukea and listened to her father. He nodded while Kaimana spoke, he did remember Haukea now, if only just. He had a few second-long memories of a small girl that he used to play with.
This didn’t seem like light chatter though, there seemed to be an reason to this explanation, some reason why Haukea and Hebirei were both there. Hebirei pieced it together in his mind, ideas fluttering back and forth, until a logical idea passed behind his eyes. No. That couldn’t be it. Just as he was thinking this, Kouza spoke to his son. “Hebi, son, I think you have figured it out, by the look on your face, and I’m telling you it’s true. But for Haukea’s sake, I will say it out loud. Hebirei Dangan, and Haukea Harta, you two are to be married.”
A look of utter surprise crossed Hebirei’s face, he was totally and utterly speechless. He couldn’t believe his ears, were they deceiving him? The only thing he could think to say was, “WHAT?”
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Post by haukea on Mar 30, 2008 13:00:48 GMT -5
With the delicacy of a stampeding caribou, Kouza stated, "Hebirei Dangan, and Haukea Harta, you two are to be married."
Haukea just sat there, stock still. The words didn't sink in immediately...hell, a lot of things didn't usually sink in immediately with this girl. Noelani and Kaimana began talking again, trying to smooth things over.
"The way the two of you carried on," Kaimana said quickly. "We felt it would be a good match."
Noelani nodded, speaking up in a soft and gentle voice, "I know the news must come as a shock. We had intended to discuss this with you sooner and give the two of you a chance to get to know one another..."
...Married? Haukea thought, her ochre skin paling slightly.
Kaimana picked up where his wife had left off. "Between the first seige and the latest attack...well, there just wasn't much time..."
...Married??
A queasy knot formed in the pit of the girl's stomach. She had known she would be marrying eventually...EVENTUALLY. But to marry now? With someone she didn't know in the slightest? She wasn't even capable of carrying on a conversation with any guy her own age without babbling like a moron! She felt sick to her stomach, and knew if she didn't hurry out, there would be a colorful addition to the Dangan's floor. Haukea quickly rose to her feet, her hands coming up to cover her mouth as she dashed outside.
And the minute she got out of the house, she fell to her knees and threw up right there in the street.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 30, 2008 13:24:37 GMT -5
He could still not believe his ears, he could only sit with his jaw dropped. He had never even thought about marriage, he always viewed it as some far-off prospect that would happen when he was ready. He never thought that his parents could keep such a secret from him, nonetheless actually arranging him to be married to an almost complete stranger. He could see Haukea’s parents’ lips moving, but he couldn’t hear what they were saying. He felt like he was going to black out, but before he had the chance, his fiance suddenly got up and ran out the door. Was he that repulsive that she would just run away? He was worried and about to follow her, until he heard the sickening sound. He finally came to his senses and meandered his way out the door, and once he got outside, he bent down next to Haukea. “Are you okay?” He figured that she might throw up again, so with his usual gentlemanly composure, he held back her hair in case of a second expulsion.
Kouza and Hayashi merely watched as their soon-to-be daughter-in-law ran out the door, and their son followed. They knew he was mature enough to handle this, but now they had to talk formalities with Kaimana and Noelani. Kouza approached Kaimana and, with his usual bluntness, asked, “So, now that that is over with, do you have the dowry?”
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Post by haukea on Mar 30, 2008 14:01:32 GMT -5
Haukea felt someone pull her braids back away from her face, and a voice asked if she was okay. She glanced up and saw it to be Hebirei, her newly announced fiancee.
Fiancee...
And down her head went again as she threw up once more. She wasn't ready for this! She was too young, right? She hadn't even thought about a guy in a romantic way yet, not really. Oh sure, maybe a couple of child-hood crushes...but nothing serious! She'd never even had a boyfriend.
She threw up...yet again...as the thoughts continued to swirl in her head.
Haukea coughed, then managed to croak out, "I'm not ready for this..."
Inside the Dangan home, Kaimana and Noelani began discussing the particulars of the marriage.
"The dowry will be delivered here at the end of the week. Fine silks from the Earth Kingdom, as well as jewelry and ivory," Kaimana replied.
Noelani glanced towards the door. She knew that things would be rough for both Haukea and Hebirei for awhile. Eventually they would grow to be friends...and if they were lucky, perhaps grow to love one another.
"The Harta ships will be putting out to sea at the end of the month. I would like to have the wedding before then. Perhaps in 2 or 3 weeks from now?" Kaimana continued.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 30, 2008 18:01:25 GMT -5
Hebirei honestly had no clue what to say, he merely looked away from the growing puddle of sick on the ground. Then, as he heard her say she wasn’t ready for this, he merely replied in a soft voice, “I don’t see how you could be. Do you think I am ready? Of course not, but I’m pretty sure there is nothing we can do about it…” He couldn’t look at the puddle of vomit anymore, or he would lose his lunch as well, so he bent some snow around and on top of it, moving the pile off to the side of the house, out of the way. He didn’t think at all, he couldn’t, it was all too overwhelming. He was sure that a few hours later though, he would probably black out or just break down. For now, though, all he could think about was comforting his soon-to-be wife.
While the two were talking, and puking for that matter, outside, Kouza and Hayashi were talking times of the marriage. They really would have liked the marriage to have been farther away, but they couldn’t hinder the Harta’s business just for their comfort. Hayashi merely replied, “That is fine, but we will have to start planning right away, and I will be sure that Hebirei makes Haukea a betrothal necklace in that time.”
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Post by haukea on Mar 30, 2008 22:19:38 GMT -5
“I don’t see how you could be. Do you think I am ready? Of course not, but I’m pretty sure there is nothing we can do about it…”
Haukea closed her eyes, bring a hand up to cover her mouth as she coughed again. While she couldn't see the mess getting cleaned up, she assumed Hebirei had taken care of it. When her eyes opened, she let out a bit of a dramatic sigh as she straightened. She was still on her knees in the snow, but now she leaned back, so that her head was resting against the side of the house. She was doing her best to ignore the horrible taste in her mouth, to ignore the din of voices that could be barely heard from inside. Hebirei was right. There wasn't anything they could do about it. Their parents were in there, discussing everything without them. She let out a moan, closing her carolina blue eyes again.
"No, it's...it's not like I thought you were ready. Or weren't ready? It's just. I mean. I haven't even had a boyfriend yet! This isn't how things are supposed to happen. I should at least know the person I'm supposed to marry! We should meet, fall in love, have romantic adventures!" Haukea complained, her words coming out in a quick jumble.
Her lips turned down in a pout, as she opened her eyes again. Her gaze was directed up at the sky, where the moon was shining brightly down on Shai City.
"This isn't how its supposed to be..."
Inside the home, Noelani smiled at Hayashi. "Yes, we'll need to contact the temple, to find a sage to officiate. There's a matter of invitations, the reception..."
And soon, the women were setting the plans. Kaimana was content to let his wife handle the particulars of the ceremony.
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Post by Nanuk on Mar 31, 2008 8:00:39 GMT -5
Hebirei looked down, concerned for Haukea, who was still coughing, but for the moment, it seemed her stomach had settled. He imagined that the taste must be horrible, so in a moment, he would bring her out something to drink, but for now, it seemed that she had something to say. He nodded while she spoke, but he couldn’t say he wholeheartedly agreed. Any other day, he probably would have argued the point, but, she didn’t need anymore trouble than she had. Seriously, though… fall in love? Have romantic adventures? It all seemed a bit idealistic to him. He did agree, however, to the point that this isn’t the way it’s supposed to happen. He knew that arranged marriages happened, but others also married out of love too, and he supposed that was the one he always wanted. Maybe, just maybe, he could grow to love this girl, but for now, all he could do was comfort her like a friend. “Here, hold on a moment and I’ll get you something to wash that taste out of your mouth.” He strolled back inside the house silently, hoping nobody took notice of him, but they probably just ignored him, because he wasn’t hard to see. He grabbed a small cup from the cupboard and bent some water into it, then retreated back outside to give it to Haukea.
Kouza let his wife handle the technicalities, he really didn’t know much about it anyway, for it had been a long time since he had a wedding. His eyes merely followed his son’s path to the cupboard and back outside. He knew they would have a long talk about what it means to be a husband later, for Hebirei wasn’t exactly ready to protect a family, he was only a healer. He also knew he would have to be enrolled in the warrior training once again, which he knew Hebirei would detest and reject, but it had to be done. Hayashi was getting very caught up in planning the wedding, jabbering on and on, until she was just reminiscing about her own wedding. Kouza just rolled his eyes, every time this subject was brought up, Hayashi always started talking about their wedding and how lovely it was and blah blah blah. He excluded himself from the conversation, and just stared striking up meaningless small talk with Kaimana.
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