Strange Circumstances <Earth Kingdom>

[than]

Than carefully moved the teapot, upon its metal stand, away from the hottest coals using his old poker stick, a small piece of leftover kindling. He then set the stick aside and began to warm his hands by the fire once again, the cool night air wasn’t exactly helping his shaky hands and it definitely felt good to warm up.

Sitting quietly, he watched as Ti handed off the frying pan and retreated to the cart to retrieve another component of the meal, or at least, Than figured as much. He looked up, acknowledging Miss Yen, “Ahh, whatever’s easiest for you folks,” he said nodding. The Rebel had always enjoyed scrambled eggs, but that might be too much trouble for the travelers, even if they were nobles, he felt. It wouldn’t matter too much, food was food and if cooked long enough, most eggs came out just fine in Than’s opinion.

No sooner had he finished his sentence, then the noblewoman raced away from the fire, sick in the nearby bushes. Than was a bit startled by the woman’s sudden departure and peered over at the bushes, a confused look upon his face that he made an effort to replace with a different expression. When Miss Yen returned to the fire, he quickly looked back into the flames.

Was she ill or something? Worse, was she contagious? Than began to feel less and less certain of things, his mind began to fabricate explanations. Perhaps this whole group had some sort of terrible disease and that was their reason for leaving from Ba Sing Se. It struck him as odd that a noblewoman and her children would travel in a little cart with no escort on what were generally known to be dangerous roads and the like.

"I'm sorry about that," said Miss Yen, after taking a sip of something offered by Ti. Than nodded slowly, trying to remain calm, “It’s alright.” The Rebel wasn’t about to let on that he was becoming somewhat worried, it seemed the noblefolks were friendly so far, and Than didn’t want to ruin things. They couldn’t all be sick or something, right? Right, Than concluded, trying to put his suspicious thoughts aside.

When little Jiang spoke, everything became clear to the Rebel, “Oh… I see. Well, that explains the..” Than trailed off, holding a hand out, gesturing to the bush. He cleared his throat and set his hands in his lap, “Are you excited to have a new sibling?” he asked the little girl, managing a smile. He began to think back to his own family, his less-than-pleasant relationship with Kanya, his oldest sister, conjured only bad memories, but at least he’d had Ae Cha and Cho Hee, both older than he, to protect him. Those older sisters would always have respect and admiration from their younger brother, though Than rarely got the chance to visit them.

Turning for a moment to Xuan Yen, Than felt rather compelled to ask, “How long have you folks been traveling, anyhow? These roads are, at times, patrolled by bandits and gangsters, you know what I mean?” Some of the shadier folks Than had met on his travels, on behalf of the Rebel and Resistance forces, would likely think nothing of stealing everything the noblefolks had, leaving them stranded, or worse. Than couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned for the little group, there were dangers to be found on the open road.

[xuan]

Jiang nodded rapidly at the man's question, though she didn't say more, but she did copy his pose of sticking her hands near the fire. Her large eyes watching his hands very carefully as if she were studying exactly how they moved, a very serious look on her chubby little face.

“How long have you folks been traveling, anyhow? These roads are, at times, patrolled by bandits and gangsters, you know what I mean?” Looking at him Than looked actually worried about the small group and now that Xuan knew about these bandits she herself was a little worried.

"We've only been traveling for a day or so," Xuan handed Ti the frying pan and she stuck it over the fire, poking the eggs this way and that, "I didn't know about bandits, This road looked so traveled I was sure those kind of people only took the back routes," Xuan rubbed her hand over her flat stomach, trying to easy her sickness, though she could feel Ti's medicine working rapidly which also meant she was going to very drowsy soon. She didn't necessarily want to fall asleep with the stranger around especially with the mention of bandites, but what was done was done.

"Grubs up," Ti said, pulling the pan from the fire and setting it on the ground as she went to fetch some wooden plates. Bo, who had been sitting quietly with Tson in hand, let the kitten go, but snatched her up again when she headed for the pan.

"Tson, that's people food, here," he held out his cup of milk and water. There was only alittle left in the bottom of the cup, but the kitten seemed content licking the cup dry.

[than]

Noting, out of the corner of his eye, that the little girl beside him was matching his movements and the like, Than found it rather amusing. He caught the little nod as well, remembering how excited he’d felt when his mother had announced a new child, his younger sister and the only child under him in the Kim-Pyun family, Minu.

“Ooh, don’t hold them too close to the fire,” said the Rebel, pointing to the little girl’s hands. His attention was drawn back to the girl’s mother, however, when she spoke up to answer his question. Than nodded slowly, “You’d think it, but even the most well traveled road has its shady spots,” he said shrugging, “This road winds west then north, mostly contested territory between the Fire Nation and our forces, pretty much lawless as no side really has anyone around to enforce it,” he said, pointing up the road.

“It’s really the early mornings and late in the evening when you’ll run into folks…” Than trailed off, not wanting to frighten Xuan Yen’s children, or the noblewoman herself, for that matter. Hoping to drop the topic of bandits cleanly, he turned his attention to the older woman who’d just pulled the pan from the fire, “Food looks great,” he said, trying to give the woman a smile.

Watching as she set the pan aside, Than saw the kitten make her move at the food, but little Bo held her tightly. The Rebel cringed at the thought of the kitten reaching the hot metal, surely she would have burned her little nose or paws trying to get at the food. As Ti returned, Than began to wonder just how long he’d be able to stick around, after this little meal, the group would likely wish to head back into their cart for the night.

Ready to eat, Than turned back to Xuan Yen, she was quite the accommodating hostess. “Thank you again for offering me food, I can be on my way again if you wish, once we’re finished,” though he felt compelled to, at least, stay the night and keep an eye out for bandits and the like, if they wanted him to head off, he would without complaint, Than was never one to overstay his welcome.

Part of him wished to see the group safely along, at least until they were farther north and nearer to the coast, they were, after all, headed to the same destination. He would have to slow up to stick with them, but the prospect of a steady food supply and the urge to see that the family was safe would likely be enough to keep the Rebel around.

[xuan]

Ti nodded, her face still stuck in a somewhat unpleasent frown, divvying up the eggs and suasage between three plates. A majority of it was split between Than's and Xuan plate, but Xuan had three pairs of delicately carved chopsticks where as the mans only had one. The small bit that was left was piled onto Ti's plate and she passed the other two to there respective persons.

"Enjoy, I'm glad you decided to join us for a rather early breakfast," She smiled and lifted a small bit of egg to her mouth. Reluctantly Jiang eft Than's side to sit by her mother and Bo scooted a bit closer, the boy trying to position the kitten on his lap so he could eat and Tson couldn't bat at the plate.

"I don't see why you should leave," Xuan looked directly across the fire at the man, "We are going in the same direction and you look like you could use a good meal on a steady bases, Why not travel together, unless you have other business," She tilted her head a bit as if silently making her statment a question.

"Yes," Jiang piped in, quickly swollowing her mouthful of eggs as Ti gave her a stern look for talking with her mouth full, "Come, I teach you to sit still," Jiang gave a big grin, it hadn't taken anytime at all for her to be throughly attached to the stranger and wholly intrigued by his twitchy nature.

[than]

Like a hungry dog might watch one pour food into his bowl, Than watched intently as Ti placed the food upon the wooden plates before passing them out, one for each adult member of the little group. Taking his carefully, the Rebel made certain not to drop any of the precious meal. He set the plate upon his knee and held it with one hand while the other, his right, took the carved chopsticks in an attempt at an equally steady grip.

With the noblewoman’s words, Than nodded quickly. He felt the urge to devour the food, but he knew that would be rude, especially in front of noblefolk, also, if he were to eat quickly he’d likely drop the food or loose a chopstick to his shaky hands. Than first sampled the sausage, delicious and very lean, the eggs were also excellent, he made certain to pace himself, however, and looked over to the noblefolks, “Splendid meal,” he said simply, giving them and shaky grin.

Looking up from his meal for a moment, as Miss Yen spoke, Than quickly swallowed down a bit of egg. She was willing to let him stick with the group; the Rebel was pleased to hear this, though he would still remain wary. He was uncertain of how well Ti would take the offer from her employer. He couldn’t blame her for being suspicious of him, had the roles been reversed, Than would have, no doubt, been reluctant to allow a veritable stranger into a group… though Than was Than.

Taking the plate in his left hand, Than accidentally knocked a small piece of sausage into the dirt, but didn’t notice as he spoke, “I’d be more than honored to travel along with you folks, at least… until we reach the turn off for Lochan,” he said, bowing his head slightly in respect. As trustworthy as these people seemed, Than would not reveal any information regarding the Rebel and Resistance forces in Tachi Dai. “I’ve got maps and a sleeping mat amongst my things,” he said with a nod, “this should all work out just fine. Unless someone might have doubts, in that case, I would understand,” Than gave Ti a nervous look, hoping the woman would approve.

When the little girl spoke up, Than couldn’t help but return the grin, she was a cute little thing and reminded him of Minu back when she was young. With a quick glance down, Than noticed the lost bit of sausage and frowned. He picked it up, however and pulled a handkerchief out of the folds of his waist sash and began to brush off the dust and dirt. When the little piece of sausage seemed clean enough, he held it out in his hand, “Perhaps Tson would like a little treat?”

[xuan]

Xuan smiled and looked to Ti, "That would alright, don't you think?" Ti look less than pleased, but she nodded her head, Ti was loyal to Xuan and she wouldn't go against her wishes, but Xuan was almost glad she was against Than since she would keep an extra watchful eye out for anything fishy.

"Thank's" Bo stood from his mothers side to sit next to Than, taking the small bit of suasage in his own hand and holding it out for Tson, "Here you go, girl," the kitten sniffed at the piece of meat, then licked it cuatiously, sticking out her tiny piny tongue. It didn't take her long to decide it was good and she took the whole bit in her tiny mouth trying to chew it all at once with apparent difficulty.

"Lochan it is then, that almost halfway isn't it? I'm not terribly familiar with the area as you might guess," Xuan was finished with her portion of the meal and she handed the plate carefully to Jiang who set it on the ground and continued picking at the leftover food with her chopstick that were much to big for her tiny hands.

Bo silently took the bit of suasage from the kittens mouth, a worried look on his face, and held it tightly for her to pull smaller pieces from. Sone the small bit was gone and Bo let Tson off his lap to sniff at the almost empty place. He looked up at his mother briefly, but she didn't seem to notice and he watched as the kitten licked the empty space on the wooden plate.

Ti noticed that the light of the fire was beginning to look dim as the horizon brightened. It was still dark, but she knew the sun would be up within the hour and they would be back on the road again. She moved silently around, cleaning up the pots and dishes and setting them aside in the cart, she would have to wash them when they came to a stream.

[than]

Than had watched and listened carefully as Miss Yen addressed the older woman, asking for her approval and the like regarding his acceptance into the little group. The road weary Rebel was pleased to hear that they were willing to have him along, though Ti didn’t seem too pleased with her employer’s decision. Than made up his mind that it might be wise to watch himself around the frying pan wielding woman, just incase.

When little Bo walked over, Than offered the bit of sausage to the boy, then wiped his hand clean of the oil from the meat with his handkerchief before bundling it up and tucking it back into his waist sash. The Rebel watched as Bo offered the Sausage to Tson, hoping that the piece was not too large for the kitten to handle. Than’s eyes soon wandered over onto the flickering fire again, he picked up his chopsticks and, with only a quick glance or two down at the plate, began to eat.

Though Than was quite used to being out and about with Burcu as his only companion, he found being accepted, at least for a time, by this little family, was rather nice. It had been nearly two weeks since he had last spoken with someone, not simply a vendor or the like, in trade, but really had a conversation with somebody. He’d been back near Chameleon Bay then, with a Rebel Cell for a month and a half before setting out for Tachi Dai.

When Miss Yen spoke up, asking about Lochan and the like, Than’s shifty brown eyes rose instantly to look upon the woman, “Mmm, it’s a relatively small town,” said the Rebel, “here, I’ll go fetch one of my maps and show you,” he said with a nod and quickly finished off the last of his meal, setting the plate and chopsticks upon the ground for a moment as he rose.

The Rebel tip-toed quietly over toward Burcu, he’d left her saddle bags upon the ground beside her and made an effort to remain silent as he knelt and began searching through one of the packs for an unmarked map. He found several, but they all had been modified with sensitive information, particularly the locations of various Rebel Cells operating around the country. He soon found an unmarked traveler’s map, however, and quietly returned to the fire, pleased that he had not disturbed his dear Ostrich Horse from her slumber.

Than picked up his plate and chopsticks and offered them to Ti, before sitting down beside Xuan Yen to show her the map, though not too close. He was still a bit nervous and uncertain of the noblefolks and didn’t want to cause them to become any more suspicious of him. Pointing to the map, illuminated by the firelight, Than traced a finger along the length of the large river that ran west from the western Great Lake, stopping at the mouth of the river where a bit of land stuck out near the coastline.

“Lochan is right here,” he said with a nod, “northwest of Kei Lan and due south of Tachi Dai. More than halfway from here to your destination,” said Than, looking to Miss Yen. If all worked out, the Rebel could stay with the group until the were safely on the north side of the large river, away from the majority of the Fire Nation’s patrols and the typical routes that bandits liked to work. When he would eventually leave the group “for Lochan”, he could go with a clear conscious, confident that they were, for the most part, out of harm’s way.

Near to suggesting several routes to take on the map, Than noticed, with a quick look up, that the sky was beginning to lighten, morning was coming. “I suppose we’ll be moving out shortly?” he asked, looking back to the noblewoman. The Rebel couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty; he’d kept the family up that night.

[xuan]

Xuan watched as he pointed along a river. She wasn't much of a map reader, she never really had a need to be, but she understood well enough the more important markings.

"That sounds wonderful, what do you estimate our travel time will be?" she looked at Than, she felt as though her attempt at eye contact made him nervous, but she had been tuaght to look people in the eye when speaking to them so they know their being addressed.

Ti fluffed some of the bags they had been using as pillows and beckoned for the children to get in the cart. Bo left first, Tson held closely to his chest, the nanny hoisted him into the cart and he tucked himself to oneside with ayawn that was mimicked by the kitten. Jiang gave a last look at Than, but the weariness was evident in her large green eyes. She went to Ti and was lifted into the cart, she crawled to the otherside to make herself comforable, both children knew Xuan would be seated in the middle between them, so they made sure to leave room.

"I suppose we should be on our way, I hope you don't mind, but my medicine makes me rather drowsy, Ti will be riding the second Ostrich-horse though so she'll be awake. Dispite what you might think at the moment she can be quite the conversationalist," Xuan smiled, she would wait until Than was ready to pack up his things before she crawled into the cart herself.

After she had tightened the saddle on her Ostrich-horse, Ti went over to the fire; ready to put dirt on the fire when everyone was ready to leave. She seemed antsy to be back on the road, but Xuan could understand that feeling, she still wasn't entirely sure of what was happening back in Ba Sing Se, how Tsuki was dealing with his father, but if she knew the General he was in a terrible mood and his decisions were probably fairly rash.

"Shall we?" Xuan motioned her hand as if to say -'shall we be on our way' and waited for Than to stand first, another thing she had tuaght was unless she was fetching something she should always wait for the men to stand first.

[than]

Than had always enjoyed maps, they held such a wealth of information and could be extremely useful, especially the exceptionally detailed ones that showed every little nook and alleyway of a town or city. When the noblewoman spoke up, the Rebel watched her out of the corner of his eye; it was a bit unnerving having her looking right at him, perhaps she was studying him.

Though he understood it polite to make eye contact, the Rebel was still not so sure, and direct eye contact struck him as rather revealing, perhaps the noblewoman would call him on his little lie about Lochan, perhaps not. Either way, he turned his attention back to the map, inspecting the route they would take, “Hmm…” Than paused for a moment, considering things, “two and a half weeks to Lochan, little shy of four to Tachi Dai, depending on our pace,” he said, cautiously looking over to Miss Yen.

The Rebel began to realize the group was preparing to break camp, he watched for a moment as Ti fluffed “pillows” and helped Bo and Tson into the back of the cart for the ride. He gave little Jiang a friendly nod as she too, moved over and was helped into the cart with her brother. Turning back to the noblewoman, Than gave her his attention once again, listening as she explained things.

“That’s alright,” he said, in an understanding tone, “I didn’t let you folks get much sleep anyway,” a forced chuckle accompanied his words. He’d be traveling along with Ti for, what would likely be the rest of the day, until they decided to pull over and make camp again, and Than wasn’t exactly certain how enjoyable that would be. It seemed Miss Yen was trying to ease the tension between the two, though Than would still likely find things awkward, even if the noblewoman’s words were true.

He snuck a nervous glance at the older woman, observing as she prepared the camp for their departure and the like, eventually moving over to put the fire out. "Shall we?" said Miss Yen gesturing. “Sure,” replied Than, rising. He carefully folded up his map and strode over toward Burcu before returning the map to its place in the saddle bag. Than carefully approached the sleeping Ostrich Horse, setting a hand upon her head to wake her, he quietly spoke, making certain not to startle her as she awoke.

Burcu’s dark brown eyes opened lazily and she gave a snort before slowly rising. Than smiled and gave her a pat before placing the saddle bags back in place and securing them tightly. He made certain everything was where it ought to be and that his sword was at the ready in its sheath, attached to Burcu’s saddle. Satisfied, Than pulled himself up into the saddle, settling into the position he’d become accustomed to over the last few weeks. “Well, we’re all set,” he said, nodding to Miss Yen and Ti. The ‘we’ referring to Than and his Ostrich Horse companion.

Burcu slowly moved forward and came to a halt beside the wagon, the sun would start to peek over the horizon within the hour and, hopefully, the road ahead would be clear and safe for the little group.

[xuan]

Xuan nodded with a smile and as Than went to wake his ostrich horse she made her way back to the cart. Climbing up on bed of the cart, Xuan settled between her children, Jiang laying her head upon Xuan's lap. Both Jiang and Bo were out like a light in a matter of minutes and when they were all ready to go Xuan was drifting in and out of focus.

"Rest, ma'am," Ti said, she had already mounted her ostrich horse and she had the others reins in her free hand to lead the cart, "We'll stop for a bit to eat wehen you wake up," the older woman gave a caring smile and then clicked her tongue to get the small caravan moving.

Ti traveled in silence next to Than, the passengers of the cart all far away in dreamland. She wasn't sure if she was uncomfortable around Than or if she just felt something off about him. She wasn't as naive as Xuan, she was too old for that and she found the mans twitchy nature a bit unsettling, but she had lived with nobility long enough that she knew it would be completely disrespectful to ignore their company.

"So you say your family lives in Ba Sing Se?" She didn't look at him well she spoke, unlike Xuan she didn't feel the need to keep eye contact.

[than]

Turning back to the wagon for a moment, Than addressed the noblewoman and her children within, “Sleep well,” he said, before turning back, waiting for Ti to give the signal to move out. With a click of the nanny’s tongue, Burcu knew what to do and fell in beside Ti upon her mount, matching speeds.

The Rebel was beginning to feel the effects of sleep deprivation now; he’d not slept in over seventy-two hours. Than wasn’t exactly one to sleep much, he was often too nervous or wired to sleep, staying up on nerves alone to keep an eye out for some sort of danger that may or may not even exist. He knew his eyes much have been badly blood-shot with dark circles beneath them, if that didn’t tip anyone off, then surely his slouched posture in the saddle would.

How he wished to lean forward and put his arms around Burcu’s neck to rest some, though he imagined it would likely bother her and there was always the chance that he would fall off if he fell asleep. Shaking his head and taking several deep breaths to try to clear his head and wake himself up, Than began to feel he was vulnerable to attack… from… wherever. If he let himself slip into a drowsy state, he’d loose his edge, something could sneak up, catch him off guard.

The sun began to peak up over the horizon and the Rebel found its presence to be both helpful and harmful to his tired state. On one hand, the light helped to illuminate the road and surrounding area, making it easier for Than to keep an eye out for trouble. On the other, the sun’s warm rays cut away the cold morning air that had helped to sharpen the Rebel’s senses, it seemed he would just have to suffer until the group stopped for the night; at least he wasn’t one to complain.

They’d moved along in silence for a time, before Ti spoke up, "So you say your family lives in Ba Sing Se?" she asked, seeming to keep her eyes upon the road ahead. Than hadn’t exactly been expecting the older woman to break the silence like that, he’d considered saying something but felt it likely wouldn’t have been the best idea.

Turning his head slowly to look at her, he was, for a moment, uncertain if she had truly spoken or if he had just imagined it. “Yes,” said Than, nodding slowly, “my Mother, Chi and Father, Arun, operate a tailoring and design shop in the middle ring, near the gates to the upper. They get a lot noble customers, like Miss Yen’s family,” he said with a sleepy grin.

“My sisters still live in the city as well,” he added. “Did you.. or your family call Ba Sing Se home before you began working for Miss Yen?” the Rebel asked, hoping to keep the conversation going, at the very least it would help to keep him focused and awake. He idly considered asking if the woman knew of the war, Than was quite aware that the Dai Li were limiting the spread of information behind the great walls of the city.

[xuan]

Ti kept a tight eye on there surroundings, she didn't want to be cuaght off guard especially with the threat of bandits looming over the groups head. The sun had done well to brighten the path ahead and any movement in the area, but Ti didn't let down her guard.

It took the man a a few moments to respond and Ti spared the briefest glimpse at him. He seemed weighed down by weariness, his shoulders hunched and his eyes sagging, even his twitch seemed to be slowed by his weariness. "my Mother, Chi and Father, Arun, operate a tailoring and design shop in the middle ring, near the gates to the upper. They get a lot noble customers, like Miss Yen’s family,"

She had heard this bit earlier, she had to admit she was a little relieved to her him tell the same story since it gave a better chance of it not being a lie. It was easy to tell a lie once, but to tell it again with the same details can be difficult.

"Did you.. or your family call Ba Sing Se home before you began working for Miss Yen?” She thought about how much she should tell him, she had lived in Ba Sing Se for so long she knew to leave her knowledge of the war well enough alone.

"My family was born in Omashu," She knew it was now known as 'New Ozai' but that title was irrelivant to her, she had always known it as Omashu, "We didn't have much money and when my sister and I were old enough to work we weren't sent off to help an older noble couple that lived in the upper levels. The Win Le's were kind to us and we said as their maids for many years. As they got older they moved out to the country and they took us with them, to look after them in ther old age. I took care of Xuan when she was just a baby, she lived with her grandparents for the first of her years and when it was time for her to return to her parents in Ba Sing Se I was honored to accompany her and continue as her nanny. Xuan's grandfather died last year and her grandmother is well on her way to follow him, but my sister is still taking care of the house and probably will long after she is gone," Ti gave a small chuckle, a rather unexpected one and it startled even her a bit, "Not very exciting, eh? Though I suppose you're probably wondering more on what I know of the Fire Nation. Being from Ba Sing Se yourself you know that isn't usually talked about in the open," her tight and wrinkled lips gave a small, mischivious smile, "but we're not in Ba Sing Se any more and i would be glad to speak of it if you wish,"

She left the decision up to him, if Than was against speaking of the war like many citizens of Ba Sing Se were she wouldn't press the matter, but it had been so long since she even dared to think of it that she was almost tickled by the idea of hearing recent news.

[than]

The Rebel blinked and shook his head, trying to clear away his drowsiness, but to no avail. For a time he thought over what he had said to the older woman, had he mixed anything up? Than began to feel worried that he might have switched things up some.. his mother was the designer, his father the tailor. That’s right.. I’m good.. thought Than to himself, sleep deprivation was dulling the poor man’s usually sharp mind.

Peering over at Ti, he was somewhat relieved that she seemed wide awake and alert. Had Than been any less paranoid or suspicious, he might have considered trying to lean on Burcu’s neck and rest some, but there was no way he would allow himself to doze when there could be trouble afoot. The Rebel would sleep when he either knew he was safe, or when he passed out in the saddle.

Than rubbed his tired eyes and listened as best he could as the woman told him of her life in Omashu, the countryside and Ba Sing Se, working for Xuan Yen’s family and the like. When she’d mentioned the great city of Omashu, the Rebel cringed a bit. He’d never been there himself, though he knew that the city was under occupation and sincerely hoped neither Ti nor Miss Yen had family still living there under the Fire Lord’s rule.

He was a bit surprised when the woman admitted she had been Miss Yen’s Nanny when she was young and the Rebel had to reconsider his age estimate for the older woman. He knew it would have been rude to ask, so Than decided to just let that issue go, it didn’t really matter that much anyway. Though, it did start him off wondering about Miss Yen’s own age some.

The Rebel continued to listen to the woman’s words, remaining silent as she spoke. He felt sorry for the younger woman when Ti mentioned the loss of Miss Yen’s grandfather and the decline of her grandmother as well. Than’s grandparents were still around, only his grandfather on his mother’s side seemed to be fading some, though he was the oldest of the bunch at age eighty nine.

When Ti asked is he found her life and the like unexciting, Than did speak up, “No, not at all..” he trailed off as she brought up the Fire Nation. The Rebel turned his head to look upon the woman, his eyes widening somewhat. With the change of topics, he felt a bit more awake. Than was a bit taken aback as well, had Ti read him well? Could she tell what was on his mind? No, he was just being paranoid, though when wasn’t he?

Nodding frantically, Than responded, “Indeed, indeed we are not in Ba Sing Se. I know well of the war with the Fire Nation, yes. And… yes… I was wondering,” he said taking a deep breath. “They’ve cut a bloody swath into our country from the Chin Peninsula in the south to as far north as the Great Lake River and as far west as the western Great Lake.. I have to deal with their patrols and the like regularly on my... business trips around the country,” said Than, considering what he would say should the woman ask about his “business”.

To keep things moving, he posed a more personal question, something that had been nagging at him from before, “You said you lived in Omashu.. do you still have family there? Or Miss Yen, for that matter?” Hopefully, they had managed to escape the Fire Nation’s occupying forces, though Than knew little of the exact conditions that Earth Kingdom folks lived with there. Life under occupation may not have been as terrible as Than had heard and, though skeptical, he still wondered.

[xuan]

Ti couldn't help but be a little excited over finally being able to speak of the Fire Nation. It had been a common topic when she had lived with Xuan's grandparents, but they had warned her silence would be vital once in Ba Sing Se and she hadn't spoke of it since. Ti gave short glance into the cart to be sure everyone was well and asleep, which they were, before she continued to speak.

"My parents died in Omashu a few years ago, before it had been taken over, but Yen has a cousin there," She hadn't thought of those family memebers in a long time, last she had heard they were doing well, it seemed as though money, power and compliance got a noble family far even in Fire Nation territory.

Though she was more comfortable with the silence gone she still kept her voice low so as to be able to hear anything suspicious. She kept her eyes on the road, scanning each side every few minutes. She saw nothing that suggested bandits would jumo from behind any rock or bush, but she kept her guard up all the same.

"I have seen much of the war in my age, it started less than thirty years before I was born and in so much time I find it hard to imagine the world being any other way," She sighed, a sad tone to her voice, "I get weary thinking about it sometimes and I wonder how deep those scars would be if the Earth Kingdom had simply let in there enemy. What a horrible thing to say, but when your my age you can't help but wonder if it would have hurt less to just let them take our homes," Though she had thought these things she would never have wanted them to pass. True casualties may have been less, maybe the Fire Nation wouldn't have been so ruthless if the Earth Kingdom had bent to its will, but she would never want that. She herself would rather be beat mercilessly rather then just let them walk into her home and rule her land.

"What am I saying, I've lost my tongue in my old age, I would do anything to see the Earth Kingdom restored under its rightful name," She gave a small cackle, checking the wagon again as the little ones shifted in their sleep.

[than]

Somehow, as the countryside passed by, Than found some sort of deep reserve of energy within him, enough to maintain for at least a while longer. Perhaps it was the engaging topic of the conversation or maybe something else, but whatever the case, the Rebel began to feel his sleepiness abate to an extent. His eyes were no longer so “closey” and he felt a bit more alert, this was most certainly reassuring.

His head bobbed a bit with each step Burcu took, he was still worn out, but directed his attention to his new travel companion, dare he think of her as such? Ti seemed to be opening up a bit more to him and that was pleasing to the Rebel, it meant she had nothing to hide from him that might be threatening. Still, he felt it wise to keep an eye upon the others of the little group, as unlikely a it was that a mother, her two children, their nanny and kitten would try to harm him, Than would not fully let his guard down until he was truly comfortable.

As the older woman began to speak again, Than listened. “I’m sorry about your parents,” said the Rebel, nodding solemnly, “And I hope Miss Yen’s cousins are well, I’ve heard mixed news from the occupied territories, honestly.” Than bit his lip for a moment, he’d spoken casually at a volume that could have disrupted the little family curled up in the cart and he felt a bit guilty. Giving Burcu a gentle nudge with his left knee, the Ostrich Horse moved over a bit, closer to Ti so the two could speak at a more suitable volume level.

It seemed the older woman had already picked up on this, or perhaps she didn’t wish to announce the presence of the group to anyone who might be lurking about in the brush along the sides of the road with malicious intent. Either way, Than was somewhat impressed by the woman’s caution and this helped him to develop a bit of personal respect for her. As she continued to speak, the Rebel nodded, acknowledging her.

For a time, Than stared at the woman, her words were, rather frightening, to say the least. She felt the country should have rolled over to the Fire Nation? Just let them in? Than was most decidedly not the image of an Earth Kingdom nationalist, in fact, he had first joined the Rebellion only for his friend Shu-zu and for the potential opportunity to indulge in the thrill of theft for a noble goal. Over time, however, through traveling the great besieged nation and working with other Rebels, Than had developed a bit of a patriotic side as well.

Before he could speak, before he could voice the “What?” that sat poised upon the tip of his tongue, the woman spoke once more. Than was noticeably relieved by Ti’s quick turnaround. He gave a hesitant chuckle, “Wasn’t certain if you were really serious there…” feeling he’d been rather rude, Than switched the direction of the conversation slightly, “I mean… I understand where you’re coming from.. but, you can’t just… roll over, you know? You have to stand up to a bully and face them,” giving the woman a nervous grin, a light blush surfaced in his cheeks. Than could clearly remember when he’d stood up to a schoolyard bully and proved the other boy a fool in his youth - that had had mixed results.

“I’m pretty confident we’ll.. turn this war around. I mean.. there’re a lot of folks all over the Earth Kingdom who’re very committed to seeing our country restored to its former glory and freedom. I know some of them,” said Than with a nod and a look of relative certainty. For a moment, he feared he had said too much, though the woman would likely not assume anything that may tie him to the Rebels or the like.

“I mean, you’ve heard the Avatar is back, haven’t you?” Than asked, curious as to how much the woman knew of the young Airbender who had already done good throughout the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribes.