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Post by jialin on May 25, 2008 19:16:30 GMT -5
Little Meilan finally decided. Walking was no fun. The cart, on the other hand, was the better place for her to be while her family was travelling home from the markets in other cities. However, she had brought the discomfort of walking alongside the cart upon herself, trying to prove to her snobbish (to her) older brother Zan that she could walk the final leg of their journey home without complaining or asking to climb into the cart. The distance between Lun Yang, however, had proven to be large, and Meilan was feeling it in her legs. They ached horribly; Meilan had to bite her lips to keep from crying. Sure, the family stopped every night for a break, but the young daughter of a farming family could not stand the pain much longer.
As the pair of ostrich horses trudged along, pulling the cart behind them, Zan leaned over the edge of the cart.
"Hey, kid? Having fun?" he called to her, smirking. Their mother instantly turned to him and spoke sternly. While Meilan continued to walk, a frown started to develop on her face. Her father, who was walking with her, called to Fu Cheng to stop the cart and knelt down beside her to comfort her. Within a couple of minutes, Meilan felt better, and the family started to move again.
Their were many scents to smell as Meilan continued to walk. Flowers were in full bloom, and she could hardly contain herself from halting the steady procession of her family to start picking flowers. The occasional wild animal dung would appear in front of Meilan, and she would pinch her nose to block the nasty smell.
"We haven't seen people for a while. Where is everyone?" she asked herself, glancing around.
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Post by jialin on Jun 7, 2008 15:13:49 GMT -5
The sun shone brightly over Meilan's small figure. Continuing to walk, she glanced around at the flowers alongside the path. They seemed to dance in the wind, causing much delight in her. As she walked, she suddenly noticed that her family wasn't with her anymore. They had stopped a few metres back.
Her father was talking to Fu Cheng, and her mother was rapidly shaking her head. After a while of arguing, her mother seemed to consent. It was then that Meilan noticed a messenger hawk perched on the edge of the cart.
"What is it, Daddy?" she asked, running back to rejoin her family. Her father glanced down at her and sighed.
"I just got news of a good market in Hokage. We are going to head back," he told her. Meilan stopped dead in her tracks.
"Aw, why?" she asked, whining. Her father stared at her,and within a minute, the family was travelling back towards Lun Yang.
~~~
After a few days, the family had been past Lun Yang, and was on the road to Hokage.
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Post by azar on Jun 8, 2008 18:48:11 GMT -5
"Damn it!" Azar slammed his fist against the carriage's wooden body, sounding a hollow resonance. His eyes were repeatedly clinched tightly, head aimed to the floor as his anger got the best of him. Azar was quite angry, yet for good reason.
For one, the carriage carrying him and Ravi was now lying partly on its side, the wheel having broken off and sailed away, while the dragon-moose providing locomotion had run away in fright. Azar knew from the start that animal was trouble, but the cabby had long since gone off to find the beast. The entire situation wouldn't have been so bad if the two hadn't blown a bundle on renting the carriage, just for the sake of being 'alone' in a 'romantic' setting. He rued the fact over and over.
Adding to this was a great anxiety that he only caused for himself. Ravi had warned him, but for him to heed his lover's words now would have been so very useless. Now the two men were stranded in the middle of nowhere on the way to Hokage with a broken carriage, even though a friendly tree offered shade from the midday sun. The trip to that port city was for one reason and one alone. Azar was ready and willing to introduce his lover to his family. The thought made his heart rush, to do something so bold with people he hadn't seen in months, but there was no way he would back down now after sending a message aboard a dragon hawk to his mother. His older brother Hyun-Yoon would even be returning from his station in the Earth Kingdom for the handful of days the two would visit. But this wreckage - it had to happen!
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" he yelled as he slammed his fist again, anger making him fail to notice where Ravi was located. As his hand pressed against his forehead in frustration, he groaned. Current situations weren't going to make things easier.
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Post by ravi on Jun 8, 2008 19:26:07 GMT -5
Ravi was sitting on a stump fanning himself with large paper fan he had his large sunhat and his deep red chenosamg shirt with a madrine collar and baggy maroon pants.
"I told you so..you didn't listent to old Ravi now did you." Ravi childed fanning himself. Hot and tired he didn't like carriage rides but concented for the fact he was being introduced to Azar's family. Feeling like Chetan all over again. Ravi sighed and when along, planing to be extra extra charming to Azar's mother after all. He was Ravi...the most charming boy in Lun Yang. At least he thought so.
Watching Azar beat the crap out of the carriage Ravi sighed and rolled his eyes.
"I think it's dead now Azar, hurrah you slain the dreaded carraige beast." Figuring that they needed help he hand an idea. Getting up he walked on to the middle of the road and took off his shirt and waved around like a flag.
"We gotta attract somone for help."
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Post by jialin on Jun 9, 2008 20:25:56 GMT -5
Walking... Meilan was just about to scream. They had been walking for several days, and she was not about to lose her bet with Zan. Min had taken to walking with her, as her father took over driving the cart from Fu Cheng who was resting in the back of the cart.
In the distance, Meilan spotted a carriage on its side. Shocked, she strained her eyes to see better, and saw a man standing on the side of the road waving something around like a flag. Blushing in childlike innocence, she realized that he had taken off his shirt to wave around.
"Daddy! There's someone ahead! I think there was an accident!" she called up to her father. He glanced over the edge of the cart at her, and seemed to consider. After a few more paces, he nodded almost simultaneously with her mother.
"You go on ahead with Min and see if they need help. We will keep our eyes on you, and if you need us quicker, shout," her mother told Meilan. Meilan nodded with Min and the two set off at a quicker pace. However, Meilan was getting tired, so Min picked her up and held her as she jogged as quickly as she could towards the man.
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Post by azar on Jun 12, 2008 13:34:31 GMT -5
Slumped against the backside of the carriage, sun bearing down on his skin, the slightest thing could now set him off easily. Azar was angered, thirsty, and fatigued, but Ravi was making things a bit worse. Sarcastic comments wouldn't help now, but at lease he was wise to soon stay out of Azar's way and signal for help. The fact that Ravi took off his shirt raised Azar's spirits a bit, made certain by his lips pulling into a brief smirk. There would certainly be no better view.
To some extent, Azar wasn't about to do the same because of his nice clothing. Perhaps a bit showy for a day of travel, but he was ready to go anywhere in one of his new outfits. Along with trousers the color of elderberries and curled-toed maroon shoes in the signature style of the Fire Nation, he wore a sleeveless, collarless silk cheongsam shirt that extended just past his rear. It was a fine cerise material lined in amber and embossed with a texture almost like flames, though very abstract. Amber knotwork buttons tied it at the shoulder and below his underarm, and across his waist tied a rich carmine sash. He had intended to wear a pastel pink shirt with long sleeves under this, but forewent it due to the heat of that day.
Within a few minutes of brooding over their miserable circumstance, he soon heard a few voices far in the distance. Footsteps approaching quickly, he stepped out from behind the carriage to see. Though he accidentally knocked his shoulder on a corner in his haste, Azar narrowed his eyes to see the approaching figures. Noting the two unidentified girls were running toward them, he immediately felt a bit relieved. Edging toward the topless Ravi, he muttered; "Salvation at last."
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Post by ravi on Jun 14, 2008 15:39:19 GMT -5
After signaling for help, Ravi heard voices up ahead. His quick thinking worked. Good job Ravi old boy, you saved the day. Getting his shirt back on, he heard Azar's words.
"Salvation indeed, I glad one of us thought ahead." Ravi said getting his bags from the wreck he picked up his sun hat that was on the ground dusted off as he kissed his lover's cheek breifly and walked up ahead.
"Thank you so much you saw us" the dancer excliamed to the family ahead as well as the little girl running towards them. Ravi smiled at the little girl. He was ok with small children, but he had thing about them touchhing him anything younger then thirteen that touched him, will have the poor dance freeze up and pull the kid off of him. It didn't matter if it was baby, toddler or just child of five or six any kids that touched him made Ravi unconforable. So he didn't come too close to the girl but shouted ahead.
"Our carriaged got wreaked my friend and I are stranded!"
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Post by jialin on Jun 14, 2008 20:17:45 GMT -5
Once Min had reached the two men, she set Meilan down.
"Are you two okay, misters?" Meilan asked in an innocent voice. As she looked at the two men, she suddenly realized that one did not have a shirt on. Her childlike instincts kicked in, and she stared at the ground. Finally getting over the embarassment of seeing a man without a shirt (her father and brothers rarely went without shirts), she lifted her head again.
"Do you wanna come with us? We're going to Hokage for a huge market!" Meilan exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. She didn't notice that Ravi seemed to be uncomfortable; she walked right up to the man and extended her hand.
"I'm not allowed to tell you who I am because you're a stranger, but hi!" she said, sounding happy. The prospect of meeting new people made Meilan very excited, and her optimistic and extroverted personality helped her to make friends quickly.
Meilan smiled warmly and cocked her head to the side, holding her hands together down low in front of her; a position she had learned would make her irresitably cute to anyone who liked kids.
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Post by azar on Jun 16, 2008 12:57:56 GMT -5
Even though Azar allowed Ravi to go up ahead, he still listened to everything the little girl said. He merely leaned against the broken-down carriage, hoping the strangers would at least say something of use. Otherwise, they should just go away and leave him to sulk over unfortunate circumstances.
Needless to say, he sprung from his place when he heard where they were heading. The stroke of luck drove Azar to quietly praise the spirits, albeit in a way so sarcastic that it really afforded the spirits no honor whatsoever. Thankfully, no one else would hear his irreverance.
"Heck yeah," Azar spoke up, interrupting anything Ravi may have said before ducking into the carriage. Grabbing everything that belonged to him, the trunk holding his clothes and his sanxian inside its carrying case, while Ravi would be left to retrieve his own things. Predictably, he didn't thank the girl or return her greeting, instead walking past her and slowing his pace so Ravi could easily catch up. It was the least he could do.
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Post by ravi on Jul 2, 2008 17:44:07 GMT -5
The dancer already had his things with him and his shirt back on. The little girl was absolutely precious. She smiled up at the haughty dancer and cocked her head. Oh she’s was just too cute. However when she came right up to Ravi, he had to take a few steps back. Ravi did like kids; however, touching them was out of the question. If there is one thing that Ravi prided himself is that he was fastidious and well kept, kids on the other hand were filthy and Ravi disliked touching them. Azar seemed all for going with this little girl’s family to Hokage. Which was fine with Ravi since he didn’t mind travling with people unless they asked a lot of questions. Or if one of their filthy brats touches his nice clothes.
Ugh kids. If only he could hose them down and be done with them.
“Well we wouldn’t mind to tag along if your parents don’t mind. Oh I’m Ravi and his lovable lug is Azar.” Ravi said introducing his lover to the group. Mindful to keep away from the little girl.
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Post by jialin on Jul 20, 2008 21:27:51 GMT -5
Listening to the men talk, Meilan kept a wide grin on her face. However, when what Azar said sank in, the grin flipped and her face darkened. A small gust of wind blew her ponytail to one side as she tilted her head to her right shoulder, placed her hands on her hips, and tapped her left foot. Her tone suggested mock frustration.
"My daddy says that 'heck' is a bad word. You shouldn't say it, Mister Azar," she stated, tossing her head over to her other shoulder as she had once seen Min do. Then, she grinned again. Suddenly, she turned to the side and walked to the edge of the road where the flowers started. Bending down, she picked a flower.
"I might forgive you," she started, teasingly, "if you put this behind your ear," she held the flower out to Azar. While she held the flower out to the man, several thoughts ran through her head. Just about all of them had to do with her wondering why both men were keeping away from her
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Post by azar on Jul 22, 2008 14:29:13 GMT -5
Azar rolled his eyes a few times, but for plenty of good reasons. One, Ravi out of the blue introduced him as 'this loveable lug'. What was that even supposed to mean? Two, that little girl pretty much lectured him about 'bad words'. Like it'd kill her - or anyone - to speak like a normal human being and not a starched and pressed puppet of society. Third, the little girl offered him a flower to put behind his ear. However, the third time he rolled his eyes was out of sheer endearment, reflecting to himself how corny the moment seemed in its own cutesy way.
Dropping his luggage to the ground, kneeling, he gently took the flower from her hand, stayed quiet, smirked, and put it behind his ear just to satisfy her. That was it, though - no more nonsense. That, and he didn't even say a thing in return. Not a 'thank you', not even an 'aww'. What would she think? What did he care? Azar just wanted a ride back home to Hokage, and for the ordeal to be done with. Procuring his belongings, he headed back toward the cart owned by this family. "C'mon, Ravi...let's go..."
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Post by ravi on Aug 8, 2008 12:40:29 GMT -5
Ravi rolled his eyes and put his hand on his hip. “Hunny there are much worse words then heck. Bigot is one of them.” Said Ravi smirking. The dancer watched the little girl pick some flowers. He sighed at the act of innocent sweetness as the girl handed the flower to Azar to put behind his ear. When Azar did she didn’t give any reply but Ravi thought it was the sweetest gesture he ever seen.
“Awww Azzy you look so cute.” Squealed Ravi he wanted to plan a kiss on Ravi’s cheek but the girl will ask questions. Azar on the other hand stomped off beckoning him to follow. Ravi did with a huff before stating. “We should wait a little long to see if her parents arrive. Getting to Hokage is going to be harder alone, it’s best to always travel with company if you are on foot.
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Post by jialin on Aug 23, 2008 14:53:49 GMT -5
When Azar took the flower from her, Meilan gave a wide smile, not noticing his failure to respond. The smile remained on her face until the family cart caught up with them, and her father leaned out.
"Daddy? These two men are going to Hokage as well! Can they come with us?" she asked, her eyes pleading. She was told to stand by the cart as the man walked over to Azar and Ravi.
"So, uh..." he started to speak, but faltered when he realized that he didn't know their names. Meilan spoke up quickly, but was met with a look from her father.
"That one is Ravi, and he's Azar," she said, grinning meekly when her father turned to look at her.
"Azar and Ravi? I'm her father," he said, turning back to the two men.
Meilan stood quietly and hoped that the two would be allowed to travel with them. She was looking forward to talking with them more. Sure, Azar seemed a bit... she couldn't describe it, nor could she figure out what it was about Ravi, but they both seemed likable, at least.
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Post by azar on Aug 24, 2008 19:33:24 GMT -5
Clearly reddened around the cheek region, Azar wore his emotions plainly. How embarrassing. Ravi's cutesy little nickname wasn't making things any better, either. Not that he really cared, of course. In fact, what was to prevent him from taking the flower off? But, as he considered that, the little girl introduced the two to her father. Azar only huffed a bit, sizing up the man with his eyes, then responded rather plainly. "Hey."
Weighed down with luggage, he wasn't really in the mood to talk even for a few minutes. He just wanted to board the carriage without too many questions. Would he get his wish just this once? Although in the back of his mind, the lack of reply from her father made him a bit worrisome. Was he going to let them come along? Azar sure hoped so. That prevented him from storming past and sitting on the carriage, at least. Knowing maybe Ravi should do all the talking, he stayed quiet. In times like these, he actually didn't want to offend anyone.
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