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Post by saghani on Oct 18, 2008 1:15:09 GMT -5
[Note: This thread will not count against your thread limit. IE it can be joined by people in other threads without leaving their current one, and when in it, you could join another thread without leaving so long as you are only in one other thread besides it. Please do keep it sensible, however. Permission for this granted by Jialing.]
Saghani was awed by very few things, yet even he couldn’t but find a small bit of wonder staring up at the massive ship before him. Using the other captured ships as material, the frigate had been expanded by about forty percent, making the already massive ship undisputedly the largest one ever built. Virtually all of the captured trebuchets and catapaults that Saghani could scrounge up had been fitted to the colossal vessal and the boat hangars on the side had been expanded and modified to fit water tribe longboats, several squads of which would be aboard the ship. Its hull had been reinforced, its engines doubled, everything about it had been upgraded to make it more powerful, more effective. With this as his sword, Saghani would cut wound after wound into the Fire Nation war machine, and it would all start today.
Turning from the ship, Saghani turned his eyes to the festival occurring in the streets. It was, in effect, a celebration of the victory over the Fire Nation during the second siege, a commemoration of the rebuilding of the city being finished, and a send off for Saghani and his crew at the same time. Saghani himself cared little for it all. Frivolous, that’s all it was. Its only importance was that it would begin his campaign…well, that, and name the vessel he would be traveling on.
He gave the ship another glance and wandered towards the festival. He may as well eat something before he left, he supposed.
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Post by desna on Oct 19, 2008 13:04:27 GMT -5
The morning was quick, quicker than usual, it helped that she came later in the day, spending most of the morning obsessively caring for her plants, they'd need to survive until tomorrow so she had to make sure they had everything they needed and more. Today she was staying in Shai with purpose, Desna was never one to miss a party, after all. She'd taken a moment in the healing huts to tug on a new clean parka, different from the poncho and pants she usually wore. She'd made it a bit too big but it fit alright. When she was younger her grandmother put her hair up into a bun, now she didn't have enough to do it, the bun came out with tufts of hair falling from it annoyingly but there wasn't time for much else. Stashing her clothes in her bag she left it in the small back room she'd been loaned and patted the side of her hip gently.
" Come on Pikatti," The dog sat up and looked at her, in a couple strides the dog was alongside her and the girl was barreling out the door. Desna moved through the streets toward the commotion, drums could be heard resounding through the air and water bending performers were practicing their craft on a large stage. The girl couldn't have been happier with her polar bear dog trotting behind her trying to keep pace as she darted through the crowds.
It was a rare occasions to have a celebration like this that wasn't the moon festival or something sacntioned by decades of customs.
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Post by ukaleq on Oct 19, 2008 13:38:46 GMT -5
The round faced young woman weaved her way through the crowd, her face beaming with a shy smile that made her cheeks turn a rosy red. Around her were crowds singing folk songs about great warriors and their gods and spirits, clapping in tune to the drums beaten by the players. Newly constructed buildings were strung with fabric tapestries and banners.. a rarity in the city which had lost many of it's trading partners to the war. The plaza before the docks was filled with swirling, pulsating crowds, all cheering on the warriors who were to depart on a captured Fire Nation Frigate. It was a great victory spoil from the second siege and a sense of pride that taken over the Northern Water Tribe since. They were sending aid to their sister tribe and the North was hoping to rekindle relationships with the lost tribe.
Ukaleq beamed as she walked, keeping her chin up with pride. She was with her Father, chieftain Qillaq Ulloriaq who was still recovering from his injuries suffered during the second siege. Umber brown hair was swept back from her face, save for thin, tiny strands that curled away from her forehead and back, brushing her cheeks. Crisp tulle flowers were pinned on either side of her head, hiding her ears, but also securing the looped braids that fell stiffly over her shoulder with dark navy blue ribbons of velvet wrapped around half the braid. The white fur that lined her parka's hood encircled her face like a frame, soft to the girl's touch. A silver curl of metal had been added at her throat on the parka, elegant, dark curls of stitchery sewn into the maya blue velveteen like fabric of her parka. Small 'tails' of white fur were sewn onto her shoulders, and they were decorating with tiny silver clips. Similiar curls decorative her chest, sewn on over the decorative geometric pattern of dark eggplant and and midnight blue, a v-shaped banner on her bosom. A wide, halaya ube colored obi, bare of any decorative was wrapped around her waist,though with the tick parka, it only gave the hint of a curve. The long skirt of the parka was without decoration, but it did halt at her knees, revealing the cream, linen and box-pleated layers of her skirts. The hem arched back, becoming a draping train that trailed just a bit on the dusty snow, of course, edged in bright, freshly bleached white fur with a ribbon of eggplate at the hem.
Her father, standing tall and hiding his injuries well was also beaming proudly, his salt and pepper beard hiding much of his smile. Dressed in an equally impressive parka, his best one, he led his young daughter at his side. His wife, Naylee and youngest daughter, Naira had stayed home to care for his still injured son, Quanah. However, Ukaleq was always so intrigued by history and by events within the tribe that he brought her with him to witness this momentous occasion. Through the crowds, he saw the young, youthful yet battle hardened face of the warrior, Saghani, who was one of the leaders on this expedition. He stepped forward, his boisterous voice praising the young man. "Warrior Saghani! It is good to see you well." Qillag spoke, as he stopped in front of the warrior, bowing his head to him. Ukaleq followed, staying a step behind her father's side. She studied the warriors face for a moment, before she too bowed her head to him, lower than her father's of course and with greater respect. Qillaq spoke again, "My family and myself pray the spirits will be with you and your warriors."
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Post by aden on Oct 22, 2008 22:47:33 GMT -5
"I wonder how they managed all this so quick," Kojaq mused out loud as he stood on the edge of the dock where the massive warship was anchored.
Aden cast a glance over at his father, tearing his own gaze away from the impressive feat of technical ingenuity. "I wonder how they overlooked you to be on the project," Aden replied, casting a small smile his way.
"Nah," Kojaq responded immediately, waving away the suggestion with his hand, "I'd have liked to watch, but this isn't my area of expertise. Truly amazing they managed to modify it like they did... And it looks seaworthy too."
Aden nodded sagely. "It is the nature of water to adapt to the needs of its course," he quoted from an old philosophy of waterbending. It earned him a smirk and a raised eyebrow from his father, to which he shrugged in response. "Seemed appropriate," the young warrior explained.
"Right," Kojaq said as he turned away from the ship and began to walk back toward the main body of the crowd, "Now let's find your mother and get some food."
The two began sifting their way through the throngs of people who had filed out to see the grand send-off of Saghani's warship. After a little searching, they found Jula speaking with a cluster of other women from their neighborhood. Aden and his father exchanged a few pleasantries with them and then split off to go grab some food as a family.
The three of them partook of the offered meal provided at the Chief's expense and then took a seat among the rows of benches that had been constructed just for the festivities. From where they sat, Aden could hear the drummers and see the performing benders if he stood up a little. But for the moment he was content to just soak in the festive atmosphere and sit with his parents... Even though he found himself scanning the crowd for familiar faces.
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Post by desna on Oct 22, 2008 23:15:41 GMT -5
She found herself in the middle of too many couples, some girls dancing in their little clusters and boys doing the same, honestly she was too old to be with the girls and too feminine to mix in with the boys. It was a pain to try ans stay the same while her friends were moving on, she didn't let it slow down her day though. She twirled around in her boots and grinned at Pikatti holding her hands out. The dog looked up at her curiously and she giggled. " Up, up Pikatti, lets dance."
Grudgingly the polar bear dog pushed onto his hind legs with his large paws going past Desna's hands onto her shoulders. She'd forgotten he was so big, tightly she smiled at the dog but she laughed and attempted to squirm away when a large wet tounge went for her face. " Okay okay! no dancing!" Somewhat pleased the beat returned to all fours and shook his fur out as Desna was resigned to fixing her clothing. By the time she looked up the dog was gone and Desna found herself alone in the crowd of people.
" Pikatti?" She questioned to no one in particular, her head swiveling around curiously trying to find her lost pet. It was rude for someone to leave a girl out on the dance floor. Slightly miffed she began to wander off in hopes of finding the animal.
Meanwhile the dog was more than pleased to get away from the dancing idiots, with the scent of food wafting through the air Pikatti began to make his way towards it at a brisk loping pace. His ears perked up, seeing familur faces that he could mooch food off of..
With his stubby tail wagging the dog wandered right up to Aden hoping for a hand out. Not too long after Desna came up behind him, her face was set into a small frown. "Pikatti! There you are." She didn't seem to notice the people he'd wandered up to until she was just a few feet away. Her eyes glanced up at Aden's family a little taken back, just a couple weeks ago Pikatti was growling at Aden for the sake of it and now he was looking to him for a treat.
The dog looked at her a little ashamed of himself, as apparent by his lowered ears. Desna pat him on the head nonchalantly unsure of what to do. With her gloved hand she moved some stray hair from her face " Hello ..."
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Post by aden on Oct 23, 2008 9:41:54 GMT -5
Aden didnt have to look for long before it seemed like familiar faces found him. The sight of the lumbering polar bear-dog making his way through the rows of benches brought a slight smile to his face.He nudged his father lightly on the arm and pointed in the direction of the incoming animal while his mouth was full of a bite of seaweed-wrapped kelp cakes.
"Hm?" Kojaq questioned, and then followed his son's gaze over to Pikatti. "Is that your lady friend's bear-dog?" That quip earned him a slightly harder nudge from Aden, and the old bender laughed slightly.
"Be nice," Aden's mother, Jula, scolded her husband. As Pikatti reached the family of three and began to solicit some food from Aden, Jula was looking out into the crowd. Where is Desna, though? I don't see- Oh! There she is." Aden looked up from feeding Pikatti a piece of meat and managed to catch a glimpse of Desna's small frame picking her way towards them from the crowd. "Aden, lean here...." Jula ordered.
"What?" Aden asked without looking immediately, "Why-Hey!" His mother had licked her thumb and grabbed one of his side-braids, pinching the tufted end and pulling it straight. "What was that for?" he demanded in a hushed voice as he pulled away and rubbed the side of his head.
"Your hair's all frayed," Jula explained, "Let me get he other one."
"It's fine," Aden grumbled, and thankfully his father managed to put a steadying hand on his mother's shoulder to keep her from going after the second side-braid.
Desna reached them a few moments later, and despite the embarassing bit of motherly attention just before, Aden managed a genuinely friendly smile when he greeted her. "Hello, Desna."
His father and mother responded immediately after with a respective, "Good afternoon," and "Pleasure to see you here."
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Post by desna on Oct 23, 2008 10:20:15 GMT -5
With his masters attention off of him the polar bear dog returned to licking the remnants of his treat from his jowls happily. His stubby tail wagged back and forth and he sat himself down next to Desna watching the humans, very contented that they were no longer struggling through the groups of dancing couples. The movement was bothering him but here where people were eating and not moving as much, it was calmer. His head inclined towards Desna then Aden and his patents curious what he'd need to do in order to get some more scraps of meat.
Initial shock finally wearing off Desna gave the trio a bright smile and bowed a little bit in keeping with the festive feel of the arrangement. Her hands went behind her back, in the large cumbersome sleeves she wound up grabbing fabric instead of her hands for a second, large sleeves always annoyed her but she didn't have many options for a festival attire without throwing her poncho over it.
" Sorry if Pikatti was bothering you, he thinks with his stomach too much. " The dog sent her a look and rolled his eyes, though he did wind up looking towards a man with a large hunk of meat, a gloved hand on his head brought him around to his masters attention though he whimpered wanting to go get the food instead of sit here exchanging pleasantries.
" Enjoying the send off?" She added glancing at Aden mostly, they were such a nice family, it almost made her a little jealous to see people like this, she was used to it though. All of her friends had one or both parents who doted on them until they went off and settled down for themselves.
People generally didn't ask about her, knowing it was a moot point. She still never knew how to respond when the question finally arose. "so where are your folks?" It usually marked the end of the friendship, as a result leaving her with fewer and fewer acquaintances. It was easier than to attempt and explain that she was weird and alone.
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Post by saghani on Oct 24, 2008 1:21:49 GMT -5
“Warrior Saghani! It is good to see you well."
Warrior? How odd to be addressed as such. Saghani tuned his head towards the speaker, and the reason for this out of character title was clear. Though he recognized the speaker as Qillaq Ulloriaq, an important chieftain, he did not know him personally, nor did Qillaq know him. Anyone who knew Saghani well knew that ‘warrior’ was not an apt description of him, and not simply for his middling to poor personal combat skills. He did not carry the pomp or tradition that the word “warrior” employed, nor the honor codes or the showmanship. Soldier was a better word, cold, efficient, and unburdened by emotions. Though Saghani did not mind being called a warrior, as he cared not what others chose to call him, it was simply misleading.
"My family and myself pray the spirits will be with you and your warriors."
Saghani turned himself more fully towards the man, nodding his head slightly. He was with a young woman, most likely a daughter. Though she was dressed elegantly and had many of the standard features that one may attribute to traditional beauty, Saghani’s eyes merely flicked over to her quickly before returning to her father. Even if he weren’t upset with his family’s push to have him…settle down, he had no time to look at women, not on this destined day.
“I prefer to think that we will have no need of spirits or prayers, Chieftain,” Saghani replied, his voice ever calm and cool. “Should we, then I will have failed as a commander.”
The words were not meant to be insulting, as was perhaps indicated by Saghani’s level tone, but it was possible that the Chieftan may take offense nonetheless given the sheer confidence of the statement. Saghani simply didn’t care. He did not care for talk of spirits, as though they were some crutch that would carry his weight. Why ever walk with a crutch when you can walk on your own? Besides, he was too confident in his abilities, in this campaign, to think that he would have need of any outside help, much less from spirits.
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Post by sokka on Oct 24, 2008 7:03:58 GMT -5
The crunching of snow was caused by human and animal as Shona pulled on his animal's halter guiding it through the crowds. Sitqa head shook in slight irriatation as he tried follow his human through the mass of people. Finally one of the fishermen got the halter and lead Sitqa to the docks where the buffaloyak would work leaving Shona to enjoy the festival
The older man walked through the streets watching several of the men being sent off. He half wondered if he will see that young man Ryota. Maybe he finally had his girl bethrothed. Won't that be nice. He should be heading to work but this caught his attention more so than fishing. He noticed a few folks he was trapt with in the bunkers and he saw Sagh- something or other. The snappy man. He hoped that Hotaru would be around, he like that little girl, she reminded him of Kokomi when she was little.
Shona wasn't watching where he was going and nearly bumped into someone as he weaved around to get a better look
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Post by aden on Oct 26, 2008 9:27:08 GMT -5
"Having fun so far," Aden replied to Desna's question, and at that the young warrior glanced around at the festivities as if searching for something more specific to comment on. He'd done it just to avoid awkwardly prolonged eye contact, rally, but after a moment he managed to catch sight of a familiar face not too deep into the crowd. His former commander Hissun was speaking with some other well-dressed members of society. Part of him felt like going over and saying hello, but he supposed that could wait til later.
In the meantime, his pause in continuing the conversation seemed to be license for his mother to fill in.
"That's a lovely dress you're wearing," Jula said, smiling kindly, "Did you sew it yourself?" Aden tore his attention away from the crowd after hearing the conversation going on without him, and for the first time he actually seemed to look at Desna. She wasn't wearing her usual shapeless poncho or practical slacks. Today she was fancied up on par with the daughter of any wealthy house.
...It almost made him feel self-conscious that his 'nice' parka was nearly indistinguishable from his usual one, except for the addition of a single wave pattern across the chest and perhaps a few less frayed edges.
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Post by desna on Oct 26, 2008 12:17:10 GMT -5
" Thats good." Desna beamed at Aden but his attention wandered off. Not that it wasn't completely unexpected, after all she was an odd little girl and he was a boy, perhaps he wasn't yet past the cooties stage, she remembered it well. A time when she'd hide behind her grandmothers skirt if any boy relatively close to her age passed by. The boys were the same way, avoiding girls and all but ignoring them. Who could blame them after all? Girls are scary frightening little creatures with doeyak eyes and wiley ways.
His mother on the other hand was all but willing to pick up the conversation. In the past she'd been so friendly it would make some people cry and proclaim the world to be a good and righteous place. Perhaps that was a bit of exaggeration.
" Yes, I mostly did it on my own, The design is mine anyway." She beamed a little proudly, if the herb business ever went sour perhaps she could be a designer, that would be odd enough to keep her satisfied. " I was a bit rushed when the send came up, I was making it for the moon festival, hopefully by then I can let up the skirt a bit"
She tugged at the skirt lifting it up some what only to her calf where her ankle was, it was a bit too long but it was managable after all.
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Post by aden on Oct 26, 2008 16:39:06 GMT -5
"You did a great job," Jula complemented Desna on her sewing skills, "I just love that sash."
Aden brought his attention back from the crowd and glanced over Desna as well, nodding slightly as though to agree with his mother's assessment and to show that he was following the conversation. The dress was nice indeed, but Aden had never been one to focus on appearances. If his mother hadn't mentioned it, he probably still would not have registered any major change about the way Desna looked today.
"Would you like a seat?" his father asked a moment later, gesturing to the end of the bench on which they sat and then to the one across from them to point out the free spots to sit. "Aden, scoot over a bit to make some room," he added, at which Aden casually slid a bit closer to his mother to open up some space on the end of the bench where Desna could likely fit without feeling too pressed.
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Post by desna on Oct 26, 2008 16:54:01 GMT -5
Aden's mother's complement was greeted with a smile and she smoothed down her skirt settling it back in order. Before she could speak again it seemed that his parents were all too ready to include her in their little family time and as honored as she was there was somewhere else she wanted to be. Desna smiled a bit shaking her head and bowing slightly to Aden's father. " Thank you but I was going to head back to the dance floor."
Her eyes grazed over Aden for a moment, she debated asking him along, it might not be proper to ask him when they were just friends but friends could dance. There was also the question of stealing their son away from them for spirits knows how long but it couldn't hurt to ask, it'd be better than dancing with Pikatti, he had two left paws on his back feet. Aden seemed a little uncomfortable with her around his parents.
" Aden mind if I borrow you for a dance or two?" The question was open ended, directed towards Aden but she was looking at Kojaq and Jula to see if they would be alright with it.
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Post by ukaleq on Oct 26, 2008 21:56:19 GMT -5
Qillaq inhaled deeply. He did not expect the young man's words to be as such. He pressed his lips together, trying to erase the surprise that raised his eyebrows and wrinkled his forehead even more. Such talk from a young person! Did they have no respect for the spirits anymore? He pushed out his chest for a moment, folding his arms in their thick sleeves behind his back as he looked above the man's head for a moment, to the blue skies above them with the sun hovering above them. Quietly, he said a prayer for the foolishness of youth before lowering his eyes back to the young man, Saghani's dark blue ones. "..Well then. A safe voyage for you and the other warriors.." He spoke, bowing his head to the warrior with all due respect.
Ukaleq spoke not a word, her gaze steadily on her father except.. I prefer to think that we will have no need of spirits or prayers, Chieftain". She bit her lip then, her bright midnight blue eyes flickering to the warrior in that moment. Uh oh.. Her father was a firm believer in the spirits, as was Ukaleq, and she was expecting him to scold the man. And Yet, he didn't. Qillaq often scolded younger members of society for wavering faith in the spirits and lectured his own daughters about the importance of honoring the ancestors and the spirits. Looking back to her father, she watched his face carefully.. it did not seem like Saghani would have to hear her father lecture. She carefully folded her arms in front of her, slipping one arm inside the long, draping sleeve of the other, quickly bowing her head when she saw her father start to lean foreward. As always, her bow was lower than her father's.
"Again, our best wishes.." Qillaq spoke as he lifted his head. He turned his gaze towards his daughter, "Let's not keep him any longer, Ukaleq." Extending a hand, he directed his daughter away, a hand on her shoulders. They had many more young warriors to wish well, the ships to see and the celebration to enjoy after all. Ukaleq was quick though, speaking swiftly and quietly before stepping away. "Yes, be safe. All of you."
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Post by aden on Oct 28, 2008 21:00:39 GMT -5
Aden hummed slightly with polite interest when Desna mentioned going back to the dance floor and then lifted a pieace of kelp cake to his mouth. However, he nearly choked when she then asked if he would like to go dance with her. The young warrior attempted to cover up his startled reaction by clearing his throat and raising a closed hand to cover his mouth.
"Dance?" he managed to ask with a raspy voice, and for another few moments he patted his chest and tried to swallow his mouthful of food. Aden's father couldn't suppress a slight chuckle, and his mother couldn't suppress a bright smile.
"I don't usually dance," Aden eventually managed to say, and he looked at Desna with a sort of apolgetic half-shrug.
"Oh, you can stomach one dance," Jula said, pushing a hand on her son's back to try and force him up off the bench. "It'll be fun."
Aden was pressed forward, though he attempted to remain seated. He cast a plaintive glance at his father, but the older waterbender could only shrug his shoulders as if you say 'You're on your own.'
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