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Post by saghani on Jul 5, 2008 1:34:52 GMT -5
Saghani listened to the man’s reaction with interest. So, he had come he out of his own free will rather than a mission? That meant he was free to do what he pleased. Based on his words, Saghani also surmised that he was an experienced commander, though he had lost his last battle, apparently. Still, he showed fire and ingenuity by coming to the Water Tribe, and he likely had more battle experience than anyone in the entire Northern Water Tribe. He could be useful indeed.
“No, but apparently word about you has spread quickly, though that is unsurprising. Our tribe has been isolated for far too long, and foreigners are rare. Experienced warriors are even rarer,” Saghani replied in response to the man’s question. “You stick out like this Fire Nation frigate.”
At this, Saghani turned to gaze at the frigate. It was a massive ship, but hidden nearby were also two smaller Fire Nation ships. Utilizing the Firebenders they had captured and their own ingenuity, they could use the material from those ships to make the frigate even bigger and reinforce its hull, turning it into a true behemoth. There would be no other ship like it, but it would be useless if it just sat here.
“It’s monstrous, isn’t it?” Saghani asked rhetorically. “With some modifications, ship like that along with a small team of catamarans could be true thorn in the Fire Nation’s supply lines. It could truly help the war effort, don’t you agree?”
Though his voice carried little but its usual flatness, it wasn’t hard to see that Saghani was truly interested in putting the ship to use. Hopefully, this Bora Gan would see the same thing he did.
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Post by hotaru on Jul 5, 2008 7:18:35 GMT -5
" Hey, what are you doing?" Hotaru's eyes shot up at the guard near the top of the ship, where she was headed, it didn't seem like her plan of sneaking on and stowing away was going to work. Now that this was obvious Hotaru was panicked, what was she going to do? Paranoia told her that everyone already knew the wrong doings that she'd committed, that everyone was out looking for her. As she struggled to get away from the guard she couldn't help but think that this meant she was going to the gallows or somewhere worse.
Easily enough the man had hoisted her over his shoulder with Hotaru squirming in his grasp pulling at his parka and flailing her legs with constant cries of 'let me go'. Disgruntled the man rolled his eyes turning in attempt to look at the child. " This ain't no play place for toddlers, wheres your mommy."
Wide eyed Hotaru looked at the guard, he wasn't anyone she knew but the question added another log to the fire. Her struggling died down and she all but slumped over his shoulder letting herself be like a rag doll as she started once more to cry, or at least sob. Now it began to hurt, her eyes were already raw from crying so much earlier.
The guard hoisted her off his shoulder once she seemed calm and set her on the ground. Today was not one he wanted to spend baby sitting needless to say. " Hey is this anyones kid?!" Some might get her in more trouble for attempting to get on commandeered firenation ship but other than wasting a lot of his time there was no harm done. Walking over to the group of civilians and soldiers alike the man looked around, feeling more interested in pawning her off on someone then honestly helping the girl.
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Post by nati on Jul 5, 2008 13:12:49 GMT -5
Nati smiled, so much now that she found her cheeks to be hurting a little, and yet Chamir couldn’t stop the barrage of insults. She always wished to have been a little more charming or funny, her wit could be pushed at certain times, but she never had the gift of making an entire room of people laugh, unless she’d fallen over or something. Nati cast a quick glance over her shoulder to see where Saghani had gone, apparently talking to the man in armour now.
She laughed again, managed to reduce it to a quiet sort of giggle with one hand against her mouth, and her shoulders heaving a little.
“Shush! He might hear you and sentence you to cleaning out the barracks!”
It was true Saghani was probably in love with his own reflection, but Nati had to wonder what drove this man think up new ideas such as this. He should have been a Fire Bender with that drive of his, yet all the better he was on their side.
“It appears the cunning fiend is out trying to rally support, instead of our spirits.” She commented, and then spent a moment or so longer trying to find where Kian had wandered off to. Her tone became a little bitter. “I think my brother would be willing to go right now.” Nati uttered a small sigh; she could be overly protective when it came to her brother. Very protective, probably with herself and mother combined they could wrap him up in furs and never let him leave the house. Though Kian needed to grow at some point, and they were hoping for him to get married soon…
Her eyes drifted past the head of her brother, and up to the huge Fire Nation Frigate, and for a moment her mind played tricks on her, a small speck of blue was climbing up the gangplank. Her azure eyes narrow, hand pressed against her chin in wonder.
“Probably another bird” She said, and then smiled at Chamir, but her eyes went to look again. Brow creased and eyes taking on a searching look, she saw the small figure get carried down the gangplank. Feeling concern bubble in her chest, she half took a step forward, and just remembered it would be quite rude to abandon Chamir like that. “I think it’s a young person, probably want to explore to the boat or something.” This was accompanied by a slight shake of the head.
Suddenly, the guard carrying the young girl was pulling her over to the group of people, asking if anyone was her parent or guardian. Nati felt her heart soften, seeing the girl, probably no more than ten looked distressed and upset. She then smiled to Chamir.
“I’ll just sort this out..” She stepped forward, and exchanged greetings with the guard, said she would make sure the girl would get home safely. She placed her hand on Hotaru’s shoulder.
“Now what has you wanting to explore that boat so much?” She asked in a light, playful sort of tone. “It’s hardly the place for a young girl.”
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Post by boragan on Jul 10, 2008 15:05:29 GMT -5
“It is truly massive,” Bora added, “A ship like this could hold many troops. Also, it can withstand many attacks with the steel that made this.”
Saghani had a voice of a soldier. His flat tone made him sound more mature and professional in what he does.
“I’m trying to figure out what modifications it needs,” Bora said, “I mean, it’s good how it is in my opinion. What else does it need? Unless you are speaking that it needs repairs?”
The ship is something that Bora thought couldn’t exist. Then he thought about the battle that slaughtered his people. What kind of menace have a war that only involved the “unification” of all the nations? It was completely un-called for. There was no reason to have the continents unify. This could be a more bastardized version of “territorial gain”, something Bora Gan didn’t take any liking to. If only Bora knew what Fire Lord Ozai wanted to do.
“I suppose you have a plan for whatever you are doing with this?” Bora asked. He turned his body toward Saghani, “Cause if you do, I would like to pay tribute to this new slight we are going to bring upon our enemies.”
Bora’s eyes sparked a fire similar to the one just before his battalion went to charge against the Fire Nation forces. That spark was “threat”, and that fire was “ferocity”.
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Post by chamir on Jul 10, 2008 23:52:25 GMT -5
"Maybe not for little girls," Chamir smoothly interjected, tilting his head while he observed her in mild curiosity and confusion.
"But for a little adventurer, it would seem to be the right place," turning his head back to the armoured foreigner for a moment. Maybe the girl-child was his? As odd and out of place as she looked to him, such a conclusion was helpful enough in easing Chamir's mind.
Besides, he believed, neither of the Tribes still had quarrel with the Earth Kingdom. They were still welcome as much as they were allies to them against the Fire Naiton.
"Can't blame anyone for wanting to explore the ironclad," he shrugged. "Especially a child. Mmm?" Then taking a few moments to look about area.
No other children this close he could see. Anyone else hiding? "And it would appear you're quite the brave little adventurer, are you not Ms. Little-bit?"
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Post by hotaru on Jul 11, 2008 10:07:26 GMT -5
Hotaru pursed her lips as some tears managed to find their way down her cheeks, she looked down pathetically. They were treating her like she was a lost five year old, shouldn't they be carting her off to the chief or something by now for her death sentence? The girl was practically shaking partially with fear but mostly with loss. She wanted her mother and father, so much. It just hurt more that people were there that cared. Nothing made sense. What would her uncle and aunt do? Would they keep this quiet? Would she have to leave the water tribe?
" N-no, I want my Mommy~" More tears welled up in her eyes even though they were already sore and puffy. Why wouldn't the stupid gaurd just let her on the stupid boat so she could get out of here. She could go somewhere with other freaks like herself and live out her freak exsistance. Her throat was dry from crying so much and after a few sobs she broke into a coughing fit. Tightly Hotaru's eyes closed trying to block everything out, her hands went to cover her mouth just before another cough came, bright orange and red flames moved from her lips to her palms before extinguishing themselves. If not for the heat on her palms she wouldn't have noticed in the least.
With this her eyes grew wide and she stumbled back away from the pair who were attempting to cheer her up. She had to run, she had to jump into the water and drown, she needed to get away from here. The only problem was her feet weren't moving.
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Post by Nanuk on Jul 13, 2008 0:41:48 GMT -5
Hebirei was deep in thought as he wandered the streets of Shai. It was strange, not many people seemed to be out and about today. He had seen a few children running past him, and heard one of them say to the other, "I heard it's HUGE!" Hebirei didn't quite know what to make of it, but headed in that direction anyway. He had been walking for a good hour or so now, if he went any farther, he would hit the docks. He was so deep in thought, actually, that he didn't even notice the large Fire Nation frigate until it was looming over him and he had almost reached the crowd gathered around it.
At first, he paniced, thinking that maybe somehow the Fire Nation had returned, but he saw some blue specks on the deck of the ship, leading him to assume the Tribe had captured it. Keeping his eyes on the boat, he started to meander his way through the crowd. He could hear the mumbles and conversations, but it seemed most of the people knew just as much as he did. He recognized people here and there, but nobody worth talking to.
Eventually, he spied Miss Nati, one of the healers who had been helping during the siege, standing just by the gangplank onto the ship. Along with her he spied a few military looking men, one who was missing a hand, and another who was clad in very large armor and didn't look Water Tribe. They had to know what was going on with this ship. He made his way over to them, and he saw another familliar face, Hotaru. He approached the small grouping of people and saw Hotaru's terrified face.
He was not in the mood to beat around the bush, it seemed that these guards and soldiers were frightening Hotaru, a perfectly innocent girl. He asked nobody in particular, "What is going on here?"
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Post by nati on Jul 13, 2008 12:04:55 GMT -5
Hotaru started to well up in tears and give a very heart wrenching sob. And that was it, Nati’s nurturing instinct was in overdrive and nothing was going to stop her putting every wrong to right in the entire Tribe. She rubbed her shoulder, and gave her a quick reassuring hug.
“Alright then, we’ll get you back home.” Nati smiled as gently as she could, ready to take hold of Hotaru’s hand. “Where do you live?” The girl suddenly coughed, which would have been very cute if not for the quick burst of flames that appeared.
“Spirits!” Nati said, and felt herself draw back in the slightest, bumping into Chamir. The breath was caught in her throat, and she blinked slowly, to register what just happened. Had the girl just coughed fire, no her mind must have been playing tricks on her. She looked to Chamir, and then quickly around to see if anyone one else had seen her.
Nati then suddenly took hold of Hotaru’s hands, inspecting them for any burns; her palms were soft and pink, with no indication of damage. Gently she let go, and before she could ask anymore questions, a familiar voice suddenly called out.
She turned to see Hebirei, a rare young man who was a Healer instead of warrior.
With a bit of a choked laugh, she replied. “To be honest, I’m not sure.”
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Post by saghani on Jul 14, 2008 9:24:38 GMT -5
As Saghani gazed at the ship, he noticed a small commotion. The healer a small child had apparently caused a ruckus of some sort, and the healer from before seemed to have rushed to her aid. However, the situation mattered little to him. He was far more interested in the response Bora Gan gave. To say the least, it was satisfactory. He’d found his support, it seemed. Within hours, preparation for his campaign would be under way.
“I do indeed have a plan,” Saghani replied, turning his head back to Bora Gan. “However, the warcchiefs are reluctant to support me. I need another voice besides my own.”
At this point he turned fully and stared up into Bora Gan’s eyes. The gaze was flat, but there was a flicker of determination to it, barely detectable. Saghani was having trouble hiding his anticipation.
“Will you go before the war council and give me your support?” he asked.
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, in turning, Saghani had no chance to see any sort of pyrotechnics behind him, although they were so small, neither he or Bora Gan were likely to see it anyway.
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Post by chamir on Jul 15, 2008 1:52:51 GMT -5
Tilting his head towards the sudden newcomer, Chamir merely shrugged to him and waved his concern away with a nonchalant toss of his wrist.
"Nothing that you should worry about here," he said flatly without looking at him. "Unless the kid is howe--eff," almost toppling over as Nati suddenly bumped into him.
To the women, Hotaru and Nati, he gave them a queer look. Back and forth observing the both of them until Nati finally replied amidst a choked laugh.
“To be honest, I’m not sure,” she said.
"Meh, pretty harmless," Chamir causually interjected. "The kid here was just trying to explore the ironclad and wound up being caught is all. Sent her into a fright," rocking back and forth on his heels.
"That's to expected amongst the kids, or just anyone, with all the attention this thing is and will be getting," chin pointing towards the massive spoils of war the Northern Water Tribe had just recently obtained.
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Post by hotaru on Jul 15, 2008 10:57:45 GMT -5
Hotaru's heart beat was irratic, she was tense but when Nati looked at her hands she nearly set her ablaze. Being so tense and so scared was taking a toll on her, she couldn't really take much more of this. Streaming hot tears fell down her cheeks eventually dripping onto her clothing. Even her body was shaking at this point. The tension was too much, perhaps she should just tell everyone and let death come quickly. She was on the pier, she could run a short ways and jump into the water letting herself get snuffed out that way. No one would miss her, not when they knew what she really was.
Not only were there a lot of people, more were coming. She bit her lower lip a fraction away from drawing blood, her wild dark brown hair was in messy curls brought on by the odd layered cuts her mother had given her, to make her look water tribe. It made a lot of sense when one thought about it. Perhaps she was adopted, she didn't know, how did she get her blue eyes, maybe she was cursed she didn't know. None of that mattered as she was seconds away from signing onto her own funeral.
Quickly she darted over to Hebirei and hugged herself to his chest, being shorter than him she was able to hide herself against his parka. He was at least someone she knew, better than the couple who had stepped up to help in the first place. Her face was pressed firmly into his parka when she quietly whimpered out several strings of pleas and explanations, not but a few words could have possibly been audiable.
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Post by Nanuk on Jul 15, 2008 11:26:09 GMT -5
Hebirei was completely and utterly confused. He looked from the faces of Nati and this other man and both seemed to give him a big load of nothing as far as he was concerned. A shrug and a reassuring word? But, suddenly, Nati seemed to recoil at something unseen by Hebirei. Whatever this was concerned him, as did this whole situation, but all he could catch was a glimpse of a horribly sad, wet, and crying young girl before she had hurled herself at him.
He had seen Hotaru troubled in the shelter, and she seemed bad then, but this was a whole new level. She seemed, desperate, reckless, and overall, just plain upset. She was content with shoving her face into his parka it seemed, so he gave a dismissing wave to the other two and an assuring glance. "It's okay, Hotaru"
He patted her brown hair gently, something bad must have happened. He had been so wrapped up in his own things that he hadn't taken notice to any changes in the tribe or any whispers, so it was probably something very personal. But, because he was wrapped up, he could easily have missed something too. He could hear muffled noises, and a 'sorry' or 'help' every now and then, but overall, he could hear nothing. "Hey, Taru," He said, remembering his nickname for her, "Come on, look at me, what's the matter?" At this he attempted to pull her from his parka a bit, which was no doubt very soggy with tears by now.
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Post by nati on Jul 15, 2008 13:50:52 GMT -5
Nati calmed herself down, and watched Hotaru start to cry even more. She wasn’t doing very well at calming down this poor girl, Nati felt like she’s just managed to make the entire situation even worse. Hotaru buried herself into thickness of Hebirei’s coat, which soon became a shade darker. She was just confused now, what had at first been a simple task had complicated itself in a matter of seconds.
Shaking her head, and heopefully the image of the bright flame away from her mind, Nati adjusted her gloves a little, and moved closer to Hebirei and Hotaru.
“She said she wants her mother.” Nati cast a quick look around, and caught Chamir’s eye for a second, and gave something of a helpless shrug and a smile, it seemed their conversation had been put on hold for a while at least. There was a small twinge of annoyance underneath all the concern and pity for the girl, Nati hadn’t seen Chamir for a while, and her time had been disturbed. “I can’t see anyone looking for her though.”
“Calm her down a little bit, and see what the matter is.” She said to Hebirei, despite the fact he seemed to assure them he could handle things by himself, Nati’s smiled was a mix between warmth with a little confusion. She gently patted his shoulder.
“Come find me when she’s calmed down, we can walk her home together.” Nati offered, knowing Hebirei could manage pretty well, he was a man by Tribal standards, but she also wanted to question Hotaru quietly about the flames she had seen, they had been real, even if no one else had seen them. This set an uneasy feeling in her stomach.
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Post by chamir on Jul 17, 2008 3:12:20 GMT -5
Adoring as this scene is to watch, began to inch a hand towards Nati's shouldered as she lavished an nigh-motherly concern towards the girl--who was now identified to him as Hotaru.
Your smothering is likely making her panic even more than calm her.
But there was some thankability once the kid almost immediately darted for the newcomer's parka.
"Guess the kid's with you after all," Chamir dipped his head. "My apologies," conceding while the girl took a sobbing solace against the incoming boy's parka.
"Well...llll...," rolling his shoulders, Chamir began to ease a comment in towards Nati.
"On the bright side she is starting to sound like an adventurer," tilting as he surmised that the matter was possibly settled for the time being with the pale looking child.
"Of course we try to keep thoughts and comments such as that spoken only in our heads," he nodded. "Unless we're fleeing in terror however--and more in a witty, comedic sense," quickly adding as he half looked away from Nati.
Not that I've ever done such under actual emotions... much.
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Post by hotaru on Jul 17, 2008 8:44:49 GMT -5
An odd calm washed over her, up to this point she'd been sobbing and shaking but she had either snapped mentally now or she'd come to accept it leaving a dark numb in her chest. every few seconds she shuddered with a sniffle or a whimper. Her hands fell to her sides as he pulled her from his chest ever so gently, her eyes were completely covered by her messy bangs which was a good thing given the state her sore puffy most likely red eyes were in at that moment.
" My mom and dad won't ever come back..." The corner of her lips twitched lightly wanting to return to the sniffling ad crying but she wouldn't allow them to, her voice dropped a few tones now, her whole world had been rocked and she knew from watching Pakku that bending was partially tied to emotions, she was very emotional right now.
" Fire benders got them..." It was so hard to vocalize, a small sob managed to escape her lips and her hand came up to rub her eyes, it hurt, they were sore sore that the skin was wet and raw, painful to the touch but she didn't mind the pain, her stomach was already up in knots. She felt sick, there was this pressing feeling of doom, like nothing good would happen again, it was smothering. " And I-I'm-" Hotaru bit her lip sobbing softly and pathetically a few times. " I'm a fire bender!" She started to cry again, this time she didn't throw herself to Hebirei; she was too ashamed of the fact. She started rambling about how she was a killer and that she was better off dead, how firebenders were evil, all strung together it didn't make too much sense not that it mattered to her anyway.
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