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Post by aden on Nov 25, 2008 10:38:27 GMT -5
Aden lingered back a few moments as Pikatti and Desna were reunited, allowing them their moment before he came wandering over as well. In the meantime he looked over the boy she was with to see if he knew him at all, but nothing came to mind. Desna seemed to know half the city, though, so he wasn't surprised that their social circles didn't completely overlap.
"Hey," he called back once Desna summoned him, and he casually stepped around a few other people to approach them. He stopped a fair distance away, though, outside of hgging or handshake distance. Aden really didn't intend to stay long on the dance floor where there was still music playing and a whole lot of other people moving around. Sooner or later he'd get in somebody's way, and he didn't want to risk Desna badgering him for another dance.
"Just wanted to make sure Pikatti found you," he explained, "He ran off when he noticed you didn't come back." Aden shrugged slightly and then half-turned away, shifting his gaze back toward where he'd come.
"I'll leave you to your merriment," he remarked to Desna with a slight smirk, and as a polite gesture he gave her partner a friendly nod of acknowledgement.
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Post by desna on Nov 25, 2008 10:51:35 GMT -5
Desna smiled up at Aden and got back to her feet resting a hand on Pikatti's head. Suppressing what happened after she left, it was rather nice of him to come back over and make sure Pikatti found her again. Her dog wasn't stupid though, he could smell her father and he didn't like it but Desna seemed okay so he cheered right up. Qimmiq was giving Pikatti attention and tolerating the face licks that came along with them. He would have been a good owner for Tuli if his mother hadn't put her foot down.
" Thanks." She chimed to him but then he started to edge away, was she really that boring? Behind her Qimmiq waved, rather pleased the boy was heading off. " Nice meeting you." He added and then got up giving Pikatti a good pat on his neck. Desna wasn't quite as pleased through with his swift retreat.
."Hold up." Desna quirked talking quick strides to grab his hand and cast him a bright smile. " Why don't you come meet some of my friends." Honestly, they were her old friends, Ula and her husband were married, Desna generally avoided them but she needed a favor, there were other girls and boys alike that Desna was close with until she began to realize they had nothing in common but it occurred to her that Aden's social circle consisted of her and that weird perverted boy Pika
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Post by ryota on Nov 25, 2008 14:17:49 GMT -5
So that elderly man, apparently this Master 'Paco' who was so well-known and respected around the tribe, had told them exactly what they needed to know. Spirits knew why he was so respected though - even though the man was calm, Ryota got the feeling he and Misui weren't exactly wanted; like the man didn't want them standing around, interrupting his sacred conversation with fellow older men. While Ryota could respect that notion, he wouldn't feel right to overlook the man's rudeness. Then again, he wouldn't say anything about it to his face either - not without stuttering so much that it made his point invalid.
He just had to wonder what Misui would think, her being such a willful woman in the midst of a discriminatory man. His eyes drifted to her face to tnote her expression, but they quickly pulled over to the older man. If there was going to be a chance to return home and start on his dream early, he didn't want to miss out. It was a wide-open window of opportunity, despite what loose ends he may have to tie up afterward - there would no doubt be a lot of those, but Ryota only kept his eyes on the prize right beside him.
Stepping forward, toward the snarky old man, Ryota looked him right in the eye with confidence. Something about him struck certain chords, seeming a bit intimidating in ways the southerner couldn't even place. He still spoke firmly, but warmly as he pointed at his own chest; "Well...sign us up, then!" By now, he wouldn't back down and keep his mouth shut if he knew the reward. He pulled Misui close to his side, hand around her waist, and made sure to state her importance and relevance to the mission. "I'm from the South Pole and I'd love if me and my fiancée could help rebuild my home!"
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Post by misui on Nov 26, 2008 1:44:36 GMT -5
Misui kept her peace when Pakku was speaking about the women in the tribe, honestly Misui had no problems with the traditional roles of women, she did her best to stick to them but she felt she was allowed to speak her mind, words were hollow and could be taken back, actions were another thing entirely. She did nod in acknowledgment at the new information she was given, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Ryota and herself though it did bring to mind that the year long promise might not take a whole year. That time constraint was familure, she had some time to think things over, say good bye, but Ryota seemed too willing to jump ahead with their plans.
Looking at Ryota, Misui flushed a bit, it wasn't like she didn't want to go with him, just that it would be so soon... Though they may be waiting another week or so, for things to settle down, that would be alright. She hoped so anyway. Pakku regarded the two of them casually looking from the warrior to his 'fiancee' with a bit of interest. It wasn't like he care who came with him and who went back to the Southern chief, that was their own business but to have a woman along? Was that a good idea? Of course Katara had rattled his thinking on the matter but she was Kana's girl, it was different.
" If you two want to go then I don't see why not, though I will say I'm nervous about women on my vessels but that would be your problem now wouldn't it?" He dropped his hand from hsi face and crossed them over his chest looking a little smug. " We leave tomorrow afternoon, with Saghani's warriors leaving everyone else is moving out as well, I expect to see you at the docks. " Misui blanched a bit, tomorrow? So soon? She'd wanted the year to end so they could be together but now that it was handed to her on a plate why was she so nervous?
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Post by ryota on Nov 26, 2008 14:56:28 GMT -5
Tomorrow? Tomorrow? Ryota had been expecting to leave soon (really anticipating a sudden spurt of information alerting him of their departure and not inquiring for himself lest his nerves be worn upon), but the next day's afternoon was a whole other story in itself. Would he have time to pack all his treasured belongings? Probably - they were all at Chameleon Bay, more or less, since he'd also had so little time to pack before going north as well. Like a fading morning mist, it seemed his time of ethereal bliss spent in Shai City was quickly drawing to a complete close. He didn't have any regrets, though - despite how he passed out in battle and suffered a head wound, of all things, he'd still no doubt be regarded as a hero by his people and any of the other Water Tribes (considering that new populations of waterbenders appearing from nowhere seemed to keep being mentioned by people in the Earth Kingdom).
He looked to Misui in an instant after Paco mentioned the whole situation, sure to seek her opinion before saying anything else. Ryota knew she wanted to leave as much as he did, but he wondered if she was aware they would leave so quickly. Come to think of it, were the other southerners heading home the next day too? What broke his train of thought was Misui's facial expression, namely one of slight fear and apprehension. She seemed as unsure as he did, the closer he observed. Like so many things did not, the mishap made him feel tense. As if to comfort her, he moved his arm up from her waist to her shoulder. "We'll be there," Ryota said to Paco, nodding seriously, then slowly turning his back and taking Misui with him. They had a lot to discuss.
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Post by taartoq on Nov 26, 2008 15:07:15 GMT -5
"Yes..." Fuss and nonsense. Taartoq never knew quite what to say around the highest class of women in the tribe, especially when there was such a gap in age and when he had no reason to believe she was willing to discuss the latest intellectual topic that weigh upon her mind. As far as he knew, she was merely going to start gossiping with Nati and push him into the background, primarily by choice since Taartoq didn't want to be around to hear who had been seen cavorting with whom. Bah, it was tedious to hear such things over and over, which was a reason why the innermost chambers of the healing huts didn't merit his full attention when Padma needed her husband to escort her across the city.
"Quite," Taartoq said rather dryly, not intending to continue in any way whatsoever. If he was going to stay and at least partly involve himself in their words, he would at least wait and scope out the main body of their discussion. It was the very least he could do, instead of disappearing without a word - though that, when his restlessly wandering eyes were considered, seemed to be where the archivist was heading.
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Post by aden on Nov 26, 2008 17:23:15 GMT -5
Aden began to shift his weight onto his away foot to initiate his first step back towards his parents and perceived freedom, only to have Desna insist otherwise and drag him into her world again. He avoided cursing his manners out loud and simply said "Sure..."
It was strange how much he found himself being led around by the will of others these days. Aden could easily remember times in the last few years where he had no trouble obstinately standing his ground against being dragged into things in which he had no interest. Perhaps it was his newfound perspective on things that was allowing him to branch out a little more. Even so, his reclusive tendencies still lingered in his mind.
Aden wasn't sure exactly who Desna wanted him to meet, but when he cast a look at her male friend standing close by, the other young man seemed no less thrilled than he was to have him involved. Aden offered a helpless shrug, though, and simply followed Desna.
"Anyone I might know?" he asked, almost rhetorically. He knew quite a few people by name or general acquaintance, but there were very few people he actually knew.
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Post by ukaleq on Nov 27, 2008 1:20:49 GMT -5
The pleasant smile on her raspberry colored lips faded with each of his short, to the point replies from him. She blinked her eyes for a moment, trying to not show her.. well she wasn't really insulted.. perhaps disappointment. Of course, what else could she expect? Her eyes dropped for a moment to her neat, bi-colored gloved hands in her lap. She played gently with the tuffed fur along the inside of her sleeves, barely visible along the edge. "..I am glad to see you have returned and are safe. I was worried when I did not see you in the Archives recently..." Ukaleq spoke softly, genuine concern in her voice before she looked back up at him.
Her dark eyes flickered to Nati for a moment before dropping again. She felt a bit like a fool in front of them both. She had nothing to talk about.. She knew that his wife was expecting, her name was Padma. "Congratulations to you and your wife, Master Taartoq." Again, she tried to be pleasant, even if she found her stomach twisting in a knot while she looked at him and her cheeks warming.
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Post by misui on Nov 27, 2008 1:27:47 GMT -5
Misui nodded blankly to Pakku feeling herself become a little, nervous, it seemed to entertain the old man though, she knew him to be so coldhearted and callow that it was pointless to take him truly to heart but would she be able to say good bye to everything in her life tomorrow? Would she be back soon? Would she be back ever? How was she supposed to break this to everyone? She'd never been outside of the water tribes, going along with this plan maybe dangerous, and as Master Pakku said, boats were no place for women, would she be the only one headed south? It was so stressful and she didn't even know where to begin when it came to this. How would her family react? They were so supportive of the engagement but would they sit and accept that she had to leave so quickly? In all honesty she was second guessing herself, things up until now had been rather easy and seemed to fall into place, this was different.
She took what little comfort Ryota gave her and followed him quietly needing some space between herself and the bending master to digest this, all of the wind seemed to be taken out of her sails and now she felt she was grasping at icicles. Ryota was so sure of himself, he said they would be ready to go tomorrow, did he have any right to talk about her like she had no opinion of her own. They wanted to start their little family but they weren't married yet, traveling across the world? She supposed a wedding in the South would be alright, would they be getting married with this whole thing going on? Slowly Misui drew a breath in through her lips and let it out in a controlled pattern trying to get a grip and find some sort of sainity that seemed to be slipping from her grasp.
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Post by desna on Nov 27, 2008 1:40:20 GMT -5
Desna smiled at Aden pleased he gave in so easily to meeting people she used to bother before he came along and her friend Ula became a borring wife. Aden did need his social circle broadened slightly, but cracking away at the walls of his single mindedness she might forge him into an outgoing guy after all.
She tugged him over to the bench where she was being healed a few moments ago and gestured to the woman with the light purple slim parka with a white fur shawl about her shoulders and rich oak hair braided into a bun. " This is my friend Ula and that-" Desna gestured to the man beside her with a short hair cut and a braid on the left side of his head. " -is her husband." The man waved a bit, he wasn't any older than Aden or Desna, 17, married for a year to his sweet heart.
" Quiel." He added figuring he was expected to introduce himself, then he nodded his head to Aden respectfully with a bit of a smile. Ula smiled and snuggled up to Quiel's shoulder the picture of a happy couple. " Hi"
Desna turned back to Pikatti and pointed to the boy still rubbing her dogs neck. " That's Qimmiq."
After he nodded and forced a smile Desna tugged Aden's hand gently and gestured to everyone. " This is Aden, a friend of mine."
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Post by taartoq on Nov 27, 2008 2:41:13 GMT -5
It came as something of a surprise when Ukaleq commented on his three-day absence, and actually missing him as she visited the archival building. He did see Ukaleq bopping around the place more often than not, which made him reconsider his previous premonitions about the young lady. She did bury her nose in a few books from what he'd seen, and the subjects she delved into were often anything but simple. Not just healing, home care, clothing design, or perhaps those dealing with animals or folklore with plenty of pictures and not many words. She may have been more astute than he cared to recall.
"I thank you," Taartoq said, returning a jaunty bow of his head to the girl out of respect, "there was much I learned while I was away." Her bashful tone and wavering eyes made him perceive the shyness he knew well coming into play, but he found it impressive how she kept on speaking. If he were in that situation, he knew for certain he would just stop talking, in case he wound up embarassing himself considerably. There was no chance of that for someone so full of pride. Still, as he perceived every trace of body language hinted the girl, Taartoq still found time to tack on a thoughtful addition.
"And my wife and I thank you." Although, he knew there should be more. Not just some reply she'd expect, but an added thought to assure her he wasn't just saying things to make her shut her mouth. After all, he was no longer quite so afraid and depressed about his child's future birth. "Sincerely. We hope and pray for a girl as our firstborn."
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Post by aden on Nov 28, 2008 0:26:52 GMT -5
Aden nodded at each of the new faces in turn as Desna introduce them, making sure to offer a bow to the girl. After Desna introduced him by name, he said amicably, "Nice to meet all of you." He smiled a bit as he looked between them all, but tried not too seem too much like a grinning idiot.
It occurred to him that perhaps he should say something to initiate some sort of pleasant conversation, but nothing really came to mind. He didn't know any of these people, their history with Desna, or what they may have thought of him. Any wit he felt he possessed wasn't showing itself at the moment, and he shuffled uneasily on his feet for a moment. There was a strong desire to just excuse himself and retreat from the hostile territory of the dance floor.
Give him Fire Nation soldiers and he'll charge forward without fear... But unfamiliar faces in a social setting? Even Aden realized there was something wrong when he considered this the more serious threat...
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Post by desna on Nov 28, 2008 0:41:10 GMT -5
Desna noticed that it was kind of quiet, no one was speaking up anyway, she was about to speak up but Ula's husband, what was his name again? began to speak. He smiled at the new member of the little group and cleared his throat politely. " So.... how did you two meet?"
Although she'd already heard this annoying and assumptive question numerous times another one wouldn't hurt. She started with a roll of her eyes but honestly she felt her face flush slightly, hopefully not enough for anyone to notice. Ula nudged her husband lightly with a disapproving look and he frowned a bit. " It's just a question, Desna tends to run into people in the oddest fashions." The girl in question put her hands on her hips and tried her best not to laugh, at least they weren't assuming anything. " hey, that's so mean."
" You are a bit out of it." Qimmiq added with a bit of a playful smile. " We met in the docks one day and started talking about plants, I didn't even know your name."
Desna shrugged somewhat defensively though she was grinning like an idiot. " You were starring at me, I assumed you wanted some sort of conversation."
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Post by ryota on Nov 28, 2008 16:31:33 GMT -5
It was a spur-of-the-moment thought, when Ryota considered it more and more. He realized how much it was like he didn't even let Misui decide on this life-changing chance, even though he was certains she wanted to leave for a new life as much as he did. Was it too soon, though? For Ryota, who could uproot his stay in the north with no effort, it was an extreme difference between his circumstances and those of his lover. Here, she had family and a more defined existence, friends and a career, and likely much harder a time just leaving out of nowhere. Ryota felt like kicking himself.
Turning to his love, he wore a vague sorrow clearly upon his features. He really did feel sorry for what he did, but he felt something in their relationship might be jeopardized as a result. From Misui's silence, flurries of uncertainty and fear whipped up in Ryota's mind. He was very much aware of how this could cost him their promise. "Look, I'm sorry, I-I didn't think right there. I was too wrapped up thinking about...home. It's your decision." Well-placed stutters and pauses really drove home his point, but the jist of his statement probably wouldn't be the most comforting to his beloved healer. Where his hand once grasped her hand firmly, he let go and let her decide what to do next.
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Post by misui on Nov 28, 2008 16:58:55 GMT -5
She was still reeling, it was hard to think about it, leaving tomorrow. Was this really happening, she couldn't help but feel detached from everything, especially the reality of leaving home. It was fine in the future, that was a far away concept she didn't have to tackle until a year from now. She'd get to say her goodbyes and prepare but this was out of no where. Misui didn't even realize they were away from Pakku until Ryota took her hand. It snapped her out of it somewhat, enough that she could look at him in confusion trying to remember what he dai, she barely realized he was speaking.
After a few second had passed she put on a smile, her heart not really into it but she didn't want Ryota to be worried, the poor man stuttered like a fool and she knew how much his family meant to him, her decision to leave wasn't one she'd take back. What was important now was that they were both ready for tomorrow, she could deal with the stress later.. she'd have to. After all if she let herself get through this then there wasn't much stopping them and their new life together. She took Ryota's hand back and brought it over her heart closing her eyes. " I'm scared..." she admitted meekly trying not to sound as confused as she felt. " But this, we might not get another chance like this one..."
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