|
Post by sokka on Aug 25, 2008 9:53:45 GMT -5
Shona picked apart the fine flesh of his dinner. The fish was delicious and he was glad he cought this "too big" sucker however he heard Ryota's response to his statement.
"I don't think that'd be a good idea to leave the tribe. If you stayed here, he'd at least know where to find you when he came back. Just my opinion..." Shona chew slowly as Nezumi was preparing a small basket of mussles that was sitting in the snow to keep fresh.
"You're probably right, we don't need to loose one more clansmen. If Kavik wants to come home he can, my door is always open for him, I just wonder whats keeping him back? Is he still upset at me? Or has he-" Nezumi tapped his head with a spoon. "Yer thinking out loud love, better keep those thoughts locked up." Shona bowed his head. "I am sorry Ryota that was rude of me." He noticed that Ryota was looking at his tattoo finding it perfect subject change he smiled. "My brother Ikaiq did that when I was on ship for a few months heading down Earth Kingdom waters. You like it...it's my totem."
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Aug 26, 2008 13:32:44 GMT -5
If Ryota could perceive one thing about the man, it was that Shona liked to talk - about himself or Kavik, either way he was intent on saying much that was on his mind. That wasn't quite a problem for the warrior, since he would much rather be around someone like that then the sort who hides their emotions and acts all passive. He could only wonder, while eating his delicious fish and occasionally catching a brief glance at Shona's tattoo, how he'd react when angry. Ryota wasn't about to test that one limit anytime soon. He greatly appreciated when people kept the peace.
Then, after Nezumi snapped him back into reality, Shona mentioned his tattoo. It kept dawning on him how it would be such a great symbol of trust and devotion to Misui if he went for something so permanent. He already knew she was willing to go that extra mile. "It's nice...but," breaking eye contact, he looked off to the side briefly, "I was thinking of doing something like that for...well, you know who I mean. For my 'promise'..."
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 4, 2008 21:38:17 GMT -5
Nezumi began to prepare the mussels mixing snow in container she was planning to steam them. Shona leaned back and watched her as she did. He liked Ryota, he seemed like a really nice kid. And out-going, Shona watched Nezumi steam the mussels until the shells were wide open and ready to eat. Shona got one and popped it in his mouth tossing the shell aside he ate another, he moved the shellfish to Ryota for him sample. Listening to the young man’s words he took a swing of the water that Nezumi purified.
“Well if you want a tattoo then I’m your man, Ikaiq taught me when I was kid, and I’ve been doing some for my family and fisherman if you want one then I’ll be more then happy to give you one.” Shona said wiping his lips. “You want it with the word promise on it?” He said scratching his head trying to read the young man.
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 5, 2008 14:32:03 GMT -5
Enjoying the meal wasn't quite his priority at that point, but he did take a moment or two to savor the delicious food that Nezumi so kindly made for him and Shona. However, as his curious face could portray, he was much more concerned with this tattoo. He was grateful that Shona complied, even if he had no idea how it would end up. Thinking more on the matter, Ryota couldn't help but think it wasn't that bad. How painful could it be for a needle to permanently sear something into your skin?
"Sure, that's what I want," Ryota said, breaking eye contact for a split-second, then peering right back at Shona. It was kind of odd how Shona practically read his mind, but at least it saved him from explaining too much more than was necessary. Promise. He looked around for a bit before continuing, reassuring himself that Shona knew what he was doing. He saw no reason to mistrust a total stranger who invited him into his home. Then, he patted his hand on his upper right pectoral region, as though he'd wear the tattoo proudly like a badge. "I'd like it right here."
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 10, 2008 10:47:49 GMT -5
The fisherman ate a few more mussels as his wife got up and cleaned up. When Ryota confirmed where he wanted, Shona nodded, "Alright I can do that, though we can't do it tonight, I have to get up early to fish and it will take hours to do, however come by the house tommarrow my wife will be there we can do it then. I'll have the ink and needle ready." Nezumi chuckled and looked outsided. "Here come's Halona and your brother." Shona got up and open the flap to let in Chulyin and Halona. The pregnant woman walked passed Ryota without giving him a glance. Shona thanked his older brother who waved at Shona before turning around. "Sorry to interup you and your guest. little brother." Chulyin said before leaving. Shona got up and added another log on the fire. "Sorry about that Ryota that was my brother and sister in law.."
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 10, 2008 13:57:30 GMT -5
Ryota started to have second thoughts when Shona mentioned the lengthy time it would take to make a suitable tattoo, but knew it would be stupid not to go along with it. He wasn't entirely sure one way or another, but by the time he came up with his final decision the next day, he'd look like an idiot if he came back to Shona's house after the man had prepared, then brushed him off completely.
Ryota nodded in recognition, but not before everything was interrupted by a man and woman carousing their way into Shona's house and changing the subject entirely. Ryota was left in the background, and though he didn't greatly care, he figured it was time to leave. He had finished eating, and it was getting late from what he could tell, anyway. Still, he waited patiently until the couple left within minutes. It was something of a surprise, their short stay.
Nodding to Shona again, Ryota's replied. "Sure, I understand," he brushed a pesky lock of hair away from his eye, "I'll be back tomorrow."
And he made his way to the door.
***
The next morning, after spending most of it in anticipation at the warriors' barracks, Ryota had dutifully carved the word 'promise into that slab of stone. The writing was sloppy and poor, considering his lack of finesse in carving stone or ice, but he knew she would appreciate it. Sliding into his lapel, he looked to his feet again and sighed, slumped over at the edge of his bed. The wait would be too long.
***
Hours of anticipation were going to come to an end. Ryota, dressed in his parka, was now back on his way to Shona's house. He had a vague memory of its location, if only by landmarks alone, but took to leaving the barracks early just in case. It was after the noontime hour, like Shona said, so he fully expected the man to be there. When he came to - presumeably - the correct house, he stood at the door and waited. It was only proper to barge right in, but he felt like waiting until he was invited. He had to wonder how that needle would feel, pressed against his skin.
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 13, 2008 10:29:42 GMT -5
Door flapped open and Kokomi smiled. "Oh you're that guy daddy was telling me about. Come in..daddy is waiting, oh I'm Kokomi by the way." Koko walked back in to the main house and pinned the flap to let Ryota in.
Shona was sitting on a mat and had a few cusions set out for Ryota and bowl of ink and long bone spines were wrapped in soft leather. Shona beckoned Ryota in. "Come in Ryota you have great timing we just got everything ready." Ikaiq was sitting on cushion himself. His crooked leg was propped up and a crutch made out of drift wood was next to him. He smiled at Ryota and waved. "Don't mine me son, I'm just watchin, I'm Shona's big brother." Kokomi was making tea for her father, uncle and now Ryota. She also wanted to watch everything herself, she never seen a tattooing before and she was quite curious after knowing her father did them for sometime.
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 15, 2008 1:08:59 GMT -5
Ryota hadn't expected quite so much...well, viewership during the whole process. He'd honestly pictured him and Shona alone in a small room, perfectly peaceful, nothing out of the ordinary. But if this other man (Shona's brother), and a younger girl (probably Kavik's sister) were so apt to watch, he felt like quivering in his boots like a scared cabbit. No sense turning back, though. Ryota wasn't really afraid of much in the grand scheme of things, so he knew his fear would fade in no time. There was nothing to beware, he knew.
"Okay," the southerner mumbled, "Go ahead. Lead me where you want to." Ryota stood in wait for Shona to show him the way. He smelled the heated air of tea somewhere behind him, but didn't hesitate to look and see what was going on. Maybe it was part of the ceremony? The only thing he knew about tattooing was how it involved needles, and dye. Nothing else. Was something supposed to be boiled? Then, when his suspicions came to a peak, the girl handed him a cup of tea. Just that - a cup of tea, nothing more. She did the same for the two older men as well, with a gracious bow of her head, but Ryota felt rather confused. Looking at his reflection in the carved ivory cup, he wondered just what would come next. He had to wait.
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 20, 2008 10:22:12 GMT -5
Shona could tell he was very nervous. Sighing he drank his tea relaxing. "You need to be relax for this to work, whats what the tea is for. If you're calm it won't hurt as much when you're tense." Ikaiq laughed and thumb Shona. "He should know! Man shakin' all over the place." Ikaiq laughed as Shona gave him in the glare from side. "I was fifteen Ikaiq." He drank finished his tea and turned to Kokomi. "Go and bring the buffaloyaks in and get them groomed." She huffed and had her hands on her hips. "But I want to see the process." She protested but Shona shook his head, "Do as your told you still have chores to do." Kokomi stomped her foot and protested as she left the hut..
"Anyway once your are read sit next to me and take off your shirt and we can begin."
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 20, 2008 13:46:07 GMT -5
Ryota was fine until all attention was turned on him. It wasn't his typical 'element' to be surrounded by people wanting to see something imprinted on his skin, but he managed to keep his fears under wraps. Shona was right about the relaxing quality of that tea, but he had to wonder how shaky he would be if he hadn't drank it down seconds before. Nodding slightly, Ryota sat beside Shona, sidled up slowly, and loosened his sash. Then, pulling off his hanfu, a nervous grin ushered Shona to get started.
Darting his eyes off to the side, Ryota took in the fact that it was silent - almost uncomfortably so - inside that home. Everyone present probably wanted to watch quietly, but Ryota typically saw the buzz of people's voices as a tranquilizing factor. A sort of 'white noise', really, as opposed to a deafening absence of sound. Then, breaking the silence, he sighed. "Go ahead..."
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 20, 2008 20:45:57 GMT -5
Getting one of his bone needles he looked at the characters he wrote on scrap of skin taking a deep breath and inciated by Ryota's words he started the process of imprinting the characters for promise on the warrior's chest.
Having done a good number of tattoos before, Shona hand was steady from practice, of course he has done simple characters and words as well as intricate patterns and totem symbols. This is was relitlivly easy.
Ikaiq decided to destract Ryota from the tattooing mosly as way to keep him not focusing on the pain. "So whats the tattoo for son? Got a pretty lady friend to show it off fer?" Shona concentrated as he pricked the ink into Ryota's chest keeping a steady steady left hand on Ryota's shoulder.
"Ikaiq please don't distract me." Muttered Shona as he dipped the needle in the squid and ash ink. Ikaiq gave a throaty laugh. "I wasn't talking to you Owl I was talking to the kid.." Shona frowned.
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 22, 2008 16:08:04 GMT -5
Even though it hurt (needles generally did), Ryota didn't think it was nearly as bad as he anticipated. The feel of a sharp object piercing into the flesh of his chest was, at this point, rather easy to ignore. Would it get worse? He had no idea. Yet, he never had a single reason to assume otherwise. Maybe, just maybe by nature, he had a high pain tolerance...
That changed when Ikiaq drew his attention elsewhere. Where his mind may have focused on the needle imprinting that image onto his skin and eventually started to hurt, Ikiaq's voice would keep his mind elsewhere. And what an appealing question it was! How often didn't Ryota want to talk about Misui? "Yeah, kind of...it's for a girl I met. Her name is Misui. I promised her I'd come back from the war in a year whether it was over or not, then marry her."
It occurred to him how that might not make sense, since he hadn't heard much about the northerners going back to the Earth Kingdom any time soon. He and the southerners would doubtless return, but would this Ikiaq fellow realize that? Looking at him, Ryota noted he looked rather confused. "Oh, I'm from the Southern Tribe, by the way. That's kind of why I was in the Earth Kingdom..."
He hated when he left out details like that...
"But that's why it'll say 'promise'..."
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 23, 2008 10:56:33 GMT -5
The older man cackled and bent over to rubbed his crooked leg before replying. "Kekeke, Young love how sweet that is, I am sure this Misui pick a fine man to be her husband, too bad Nezumi's choice was way off." Shona heard the quip as he dabbed his needle in ink and started the second characters. "Yeah Yeah kai we know." He continued to mark Ryota as Ikaiq made converstation.
"Mmmm from the Southr'n Tribe and you were in the Earth Kingdom, haha oh you might not know this but Kokomi has a twin brother out roaming around the Earth Kingdom, been driving Shona mad in worry" Shona made a clearing cough, Ikaiq waved it aside.
"So thats nifty way to seal an engagment, did you put the same characters on the pendant and when you giver her the pendant are you gonna show he your tattoo?" Asked Ikaiq
|
|
|
Post by ryota on Sept 23, 2008 13:48:37 GMT -5
Ryota somehow managed to loosen up enough to chuckle a bit at Ikaiq's witty retort. It wasn't the most hilarious thing ever, but Ryota wasn't hard to please when humor was involved. Even if it was at Shona's expense, he readily assumed Shona to be the type of man who shrugged it off in no time - it was his brother, so there was no surprise to his reaction.
Ryota looked back at Ikaiq right when he mentioned Kavik, much like Shona did when they met the day before. Was he really known that well for fleeing the tribe? It wasn't like the south, Ryota realized, where all the menfolk headed to the Earth Kingdom, so maybe a departure from the city was a far cry from the norm. Still, if Shona didn't take the time to reply, Ryota would.
"Oh, yeah. Kavik. I met him when I was in the Earth Kingdom. Nice kid," Ryota stifled himself a bit, preventing himself from saying 'sort of', not to mention adding a needed correction for the meager age difference between them - would 'kid' be appropriate? "Er, guy. I guess he's okay now."
What Ikaiq said after that was odd in every way. Sure, the symbol on his pendant for Misui may have differed, but why wouldn't he show her his tattoo once it was done? Was Ikaiq trying to pull fuel for a conversation out of thin air or something? There was really need to think so rudely of another person, Ryota came to realize.
Although, now would be an excellent chance to show off his work, no matter how poorly-made the necklace's inscription was. "Yeah," he gestured toward his robe, which now lay loosely on the seat, somewhere by his side and hip. "The stone is in my robe. I carved it this morning for her, but I still don't know what else I need to do to make a necklace, really..."
|
|
|
Post by sokka on Sept 23, 2008 19:35:32 GMT -5
Ikaiq seemed surprised when Ryota said he met Kavik he as going to make a crack on his nephew's homosexuality but realized his younger brother would probably kicked him out. Shona was still blaming himself for Kavik's disappearance. Ryota seemed to like him and at that he decided just to end the topice there.
Shona was almost done with the second character as he dipped his needle continously ink. Ikaiq heard Ryota mentioning about the engagment stone as well as what he needed next. "Well Shona used skin for the band, but my older brother Chu he braided a prettly leather band with tiny beads of fire worked glass and stone. I guess you should just find something that you know your girl would like and would fit....her Yaknow?" Shona finally finished and cleaned off the needle. "It's done." He held out a polished stone mirror and handed it to Ryota so he could see it better. "Its gonna be sore for few days. But I think I did pretty good job."
The characters 誓言 "Shi Yan" promise or pledge stood out boldly on Ryota's chest which was starting to swell and bleed a little." Ikaiq leaned over to see. "Nicely done Sho."
|
|