The Road to Kei Lan <Kei Lan, Earth Kingdom>

[tali]

Tali continued to stroke the Kiwi affectionately, the bird was enjoyable company, not that the assembled party was horrible. Her large hazel eyes flitted up at the brown haired earthbender more than once. He, like the acrobat was less than horrid looking, in fact... Blushing Tali glanced at the taller earthbender who spoke up, she looked back down at the bird hiding her irrelevant musings. " Zhy hm? I'll visit it some day"

---

The tea was wonderful and it was nice to have someone to talk to, sharing stories and laughing with her new friends, it was relaxing. Such a long time out on the road had left her a little socially deprived. One tea was finished the group journied the last few miles to the town together. Almost moment after arriving in town a member of their group made himself scarce.

Arai had gone off to do something, Tali only caught the last snippet of his departure notice, it was his home town after all. He'd said that if he had time that he would meet back up with them. There were a few things she needed to do anyway. Resupplying and finding a place to sleep topped the list, along with a bath and a change of clothes. Together with Sunil an inn was found, regrettably there was only one room available. With the promise of two futons and a divider Tali settled for sharing the room.

Walking down the hall to the the room Tali glanced back at Sunil smiling apologetically. " Hey.... would you mind waiting out here for a bit?" Turning puppy eyes on the boy she clasped her hands together with a small smile, she didn't wait for him to agree though, instead she went into the room closing the door behind her.

Quickly she began to disrobe dropping her bag onto the floor. A few minutes of shuffling through her things settled her back into the dress she wore when she left home nearly a month ago, the green fabric was familiar against her skin and the tight yellow sash tucked neatly against her firm stomach, much firmer than it was leaving home. Her old brown pants hiked around her hips were easy enough to settle with. Out of her wet clothes she felt a lot better.

[sunil]

So now that Arai had returned to his home, the Water Tribe stranger and his troupe had all but vanished from their presence, Sunil found himself having to share a room at the inn with Tali. He didn't really wish to interfere with things, and when the prospect of staying in the same room as the girl came along, he decided it was better than sleeping outside under the stars.

Sunil would gladly have taken the latter of the two choices just as much so as the former if necessary, but the girl's polite offer was perfectly acceptable in his eyes. Really, it was up to her if she felt comfortable with the plan, as Sunil didn't much care one way or the other. If people assumed things about him sharing a room with a younger girl, then they'd be better to get their filthy minds out of the gutter. Sunil was honorable, and planned to keep it that way.

Tali herself had retreated to the room to change her clothing, but Sunil was content to wait it out. He would merely lean against the wall until she opened the door and welcomed him in. Standing in wait, hands behind his back and eyes to the ceiling, he passed time by drumming his fingers against the wall and whistling a lively tune.

[tali]

Now that she was dry and in clean clothes it would be a lie to say she didn't feel a lot better. Raking a bone comb almost painfully through her hair she attempted to smooth out the mess she'd made traveling for so long. Falling in the river didn't exactly prevent snarls either. Now with her long chocolate locks smooth around her shoulders she made her way over to the door opening it and allowing her companion inside. While there was still light out she had things she needed to do. Re supplying being the top of her list now.

With a bit of a smile she looked up to Sunil as she attempted to settle her hair back into it's former braid, since she'd left home it must have grown a bit, she didn't remember it being as long as it was now. Perhaps a hair cut would be in order for the rest of it, she kept her bangs trimmed least they fall in her eyes.

" So what are you up to?" It didn't bother her, much, that she was sharing a room with him, it wasn't like she found him overly attractive or that he seemed like a bad guy. Quite the opposite, he seemed respectable and kind. Then again she was always trusting of people, it was odd and slightly stupid, but she was niave like that.

[sunil]

Unsure of whether or not he'd exceed the girl's comfort level in time, Sunil swiftly located the dividing screen that was loosely folded at the back of the room. Outright, she seemed able to tolerate a thing or two without freaking out, but maybe sharing a room with a man she'd met that day would make her a bit tense. However, seeing her plainly brush her hair without any visible tensions, judged only by a quick survey of her body language, Sunil arrived at the conclusion that Tali didn't much care one way or another. That was a relief.

Hence, he took his time unfolding the ricepaper screen to its full width. His backpack had been placed on the floor minutes earlier, but a familiar beak pointed out from under the flap, followed soon by a brown, feathery head with beady black eyes and copious whiskers. Yes, the unnamed kiwi had been sleeping in Sunil's backpack ever since it had fallen asleep in Tali's arms. No doubt the creature found the innards of Sunil's bag comfortable, but it would surely spend a good deal of time bobbing around the room while the two were trying to sleep.

"I was just waiting for you," Sunil said nonchalantly, his skinny fingers pulling the edges of the screen outward. Its full size depicted, against a beige background, images of sprawling plains and high mountains painted in delicate strokes. "No big deal. I'm pretty patient."

[tali]

" Well I think I should go stock up on supplies." Her eyes followed the Kiwi as he journeyed around the room, a smile came to her face watching the creature, he was just too cute. She returned her gaze to Sunil, he seemed like a nice guy but given the circumstances it didn't seem fitting to tell him everything, she was just sharing a room for conveniences sake, half the fee for a room was better than all of it. Company wasn't always a bad thing. Dropping to her knees she ruffled the Kiwi's feathers happily before pulling the tiny bird into a hug. " Fu~ you're so cute!" She squealed out before releasing the creature back to it's own devices.

" Did you want to come or... " Tali blinked a bit, there was was again assuming things, she rubbed the back of her head with a nervous laugh, fighting was a lot easier than dealing with people, especially ones she just met, if she wasn't smothering them with her naive optimism she was rambling on about this and that, perhaps she should bring it back a little bit. " Well I'll be shopping for a bit, so I might see you around the city, or if not I guess I'll meet you back here later huh?" Quickly she located her smaller bag within her massive back pack and loaded it with the things she thought she'd need or didn't want to leave. She slung it over her shoulder and grabbed her staff. Before giving Sunil a short wave and heading out for the city.

Perhaps she could find where the flame dancers would be preforming and watch a bit but she hadn't seen much of them around. Either way she was going to have some down time which was always nice with her traveling like she was.

[shuzu]

Shu-zu wandered into the town, he had been traveling for days now. He had left his shop in Ba-Seng-Se to seek out the leader of the Rebellion. He had some issues that needed to be adressed in person, and so, here he was, on the way to Tachi Dai. He silently pulled on the reigns of the Ostrich-horse, and took a turn down a small road. He needed two things, something to eat, and a place to stay. Directing his Ostrich-horse down a bit of a crowded lane, he saw a few stands and shops. He hoped they were selling food, he hadn't been able to find a town in a few days, and he was a bit spoiled by living in the city for so long, he had forgotten just how to survive away from it. One couldn't really buy a meal in the middle of a forest...

He looked from stall to stall, seeing some meat and breads for sale, but not really anything looked appetizing. He had hoped he might be able to find some sort of restaraunt, but it seemed those hopes were being killed quickly. Then, he spied a small cart of what seemed to be full of cabbages at the end of the lane. He figured he could make something of it and maybe some meat or bread, so he had the Ostrich-horse trot down to the end of the lane.

Just as he approached the cart, he heard a bit of a rumbling, and suddenly, a spire of rock erupted below the cart, sending it flying away. Turning his head a bit, he saw a couple of teens who had apparently been having an earthbending fight, and shook his head. Then he heard the merchant who had been selling them yell out, "MY CABBAGES!!" and proceed to chastise the two boys. He merely sat on the Ostrich-horse and sighed, wondering if he would find anything good to eat.

[sunil]

"Have fun," Sunil said, waving meekly before Tali left and shut the door. Slowly, he lay on his futon and looked at the ceiling, mulling over a few things that crossed his mind. None of these proved a burden, but mere fleeting matters of contemplation that were neither urgent nor important - at least in his opinion. One thing he wondered was the matter of naming his feathery companion. Was Tali really suggesting something by the name, or rather, onomatopoeia, of 'Fu'...?

A few minutes of heavy eyelids sinking shut and blissful rest - which didn't quite venture to actual sleep - brought Sunil to stare at the ceiling lazily once more. Resting, hands behind his head, legs crossed with his calf resting on the opposite knee, Sunil batted his foot a bit in boredom. In reality, he didn't quite know what to do with himself, but figured a quick jaunt around town would be more productive than the oh-so-enjoyable feat of laying around all day. Especially since he had a room, he could easily have fallen asleep and not wake until the next day. It was so much better than sleeping in the wilderness under a tent of earthen walls...

Needless to say, he soon found himself strolling around this small village of Kei Lan, casually glancing at anything that caught his eye as his kiwi skittered beside him. Lanky arms swaying with each step, it wasn't long before his beaked little friend got the notion to run a few steps ahead frantically for no apparent reason, veering beyond a nearby cart up ahead. Eyes widening, Sunil had to wonder if it even noticed the ostrich-horse carrying a black-haired young man who turned the corner. Sunil was driven to fetch the bird before it was too late.

"Wait!" he shouted, stomping his foot to the ground. Doing so, he was able to move the kiwi away at a dizzying speed, which incidentally may have startled the horse and rider. Embarrassed a bit as he walked toward the little bird, he picked up the creature and rubbed the back of his head. Looking up to the ponytailed fellow aboard his mount, he shrugged his shoulders. "Heh, sorry...'Fu' here got in your way."

Thus, his kiwi had a name after all...

[tali]

It was a very nice town as far as Tali was concerned. The shops were nice, not as nice in her home town and yet the quaint feel of the place seemed all too attractive. Briskly Tali walked down the street, her hazel eyes darted from shop to shop scanning the goods contained by each one. Her bag was partially full with dried foods and grains for her travels, it seemed to be things that she used the most of anyway. More often then not she used rice and lived off of what she could find. Crossing a fruit vendor Tali's eyes followed some of the juicy looking apples, she wanted to stop but she didn't figure that the treat would factor into her currently dwindling finances.

" Miss? Would you like one?" Tali paused looking at the young man with the fruit stalls, he smiled brightly and gestured for her to come over. In slight confusion Tali wandered over her feet plodding along the ground, her eyes met the mans curiously and he laughed in a calm manner to her but for him it was slightly nervous. " Go on, you can have one on me." A bright smile spread across her face and she picked one of the red apples from the stand holding it to her lips looking at him over it. " Thank you, thats sweet."

She was about to turn and walk off when the man grinned a little wider. "So? You're not from around here I guess?" Tali nodded playing the apple between her hands idly making sure to pay attention to the man, he was being nice to her after all. " Nope, I'm from Gaoling."

Nodding the man glanced off nervously attempting to think of something to say without making himself seem boring. " Well I've never been there but I bet it's nice." With a smile and a simple sway of her hips Tali laughed a little. " Well I like this town, it's nice." Tali's eyes widened slightly hearing someone shout, her head turned and she looked over towards the street where she noticed Sunil and an ostrich horse in some manner of incident. " Sorry I have to go!" Quickly she jogged off leaving the vendor to stare after her cursing himself.

[shuzu]

Shu-zu merely glanced down from his mount at a larger-built man who had adressed him. Fu? Oh, it seems the man has a pet bird... Waving his hand dismissively, he casually spoke to the man, while watching the cabbage merchant attempt to recover his lost wares, "Well, to tell you the truth, I didn't see the bird at all!" With a bit of a chuckle, he wondered if this man was a native of the town, and perhaps a man who could help him with his troubles.

Looking down at the small kiwi in the man's hands, he suddenly saw a bit of motion out of his periphreal vision. He then turned his head away from the man a bit to see a girl that seemed to need to reach them urgently. He allowed his brow to lift, very visibly, as she approched. Now, who is she? It seemed that this whole ordeal was going to get complicated before he could leave to find something to eat...

[sunil]

The small bird was returned to the ground almost as soon as he was risen to Sunil's arms, though its fearful shaking had yet to subside. Quickly did the kiwi run behind Sunil's legs as its feet touched the ground, only to peek out from betwen his master's stringy calves at the imposing sight of the man and the large - to Fu, anyway - creature he rode upon. Fu was both scared and fascinated by this newcomer, but had to wonder if he would pay much attention to him as did that girl.

Sunil, ignoring the plight of his kiwi, merely smiled at the man in return, but was a bit confused when he didn't say anything more back to him. He just...stood there. Well, sat there on his ostrich-horse, but he nonetheless seemed distracted. Curious, Sunil looked off in the same general direction as the young man only to see Tali headed toward them. No doubt she heard Sunil capture the man's attention when trying to reclaim Fu from being stomped on, but there was no need to worry. He felt he had to assure her of that. "No problem here! Everything's okay."

[tali]

Tali moved over to Sunil rather quickly, a small glance at the situation pretty much told her all she needed to know, it seemed the man on the ostrich horse nearly trampled the poor kiwi. She watched the little bird bounce around, he seemed a little shaken but other wise alright. It was a comfort to know the bird didn't hurt himself. Settling her pack over her shoulder she looked up at the rider curiously before glancing back to Sunil. " Is the kiwi alright"

Sunil replied quickly enough and Tali nodded letting out a small breath, it was good nothing bad happened. The trip over here managed to brush the pleated portions of her hair behind her shoulder, the rest, kept in a braid was still neat and orderly as it usually was. She brought the apple to her lips taking a bite as she shook her head. Perhaps she shouldn't have been in a rush to get over here since it seemed to be calm now. Kneeling down to the small bird she pet his head happily. " Glad your alright little guy. " Tali stood up taking a closer look at the boy on the ostrich horse, he was cute, a bit older looking than she was.

[shuzu]

Shu-zu looked down at the pair, or trio, really, if you counted the bird. They seemed to know each other, and the way that the girl seemed to brood over the Kiwi made the reason why she sprinted to him clear. She was obviously concerned for that little bird. For a moment, Shu-zu allowed his eyes to scan the two, the man, tall and a bit lanky, and the girl, with a narrow frame. He figured he should get on his way, but then paused for a moment. Maybe these two can help me...

The ostrich-horse pawed at the ground a bit, for it was impatient and ready to move again. He had been merely purchased from a farmer for a worth sum, and even had no name. Shu-zu planned to sell him on his return home. The man's jade eyes lazily moved between the two as he formed his question, "Hey, I'm new to town and I was wondering if you guys knew if there was a restaurant somewhere near here? I am from the city and a bit spoiled, plus I have been traveling for awhile and missing fine cuisine." Then, remembering his plight that would come after the food situation had been dealt with, he added, "Also, if you know a place to stay the night, that would be very helpful as well."

[sunil]

How could he put it pleasantly, he wondered. Sunil was just as clueless about the town as this newcomer, unaware of the best restaurants and hotels the place had to offer, and he was sure Tali wasn't much better a tour guide. The only thing that weigh upon his mind now was the best way to let down the stranger without a hitch. Who knew how he would react, though?

Shrugging his shoulders, Sunil replied plainly. Really, was there any other way to phrase it? "Uh, sorry. I'm not from here, I'm just passing through. You could ask someone who lives in town, but I can't help. Sorry."

That moment, he quickly surveyed the area and laid his eyes upon Tali. Perhaps she too should be included, lest this stranger waste his breath for no reason. Gesturing toward the girl, he continued. "Tali here isn't from these parts either," he said, pausing to chuckle. "I guess this town gets a lot of visitors, eh?"

[tali]

Tali glanced from the man on the ostrich horse to Sunil in turn, she put a hand to her lips blinking quite innocently at the two of them. " Didn't we take the last room at the inn?" Tali's expression turned into a slight flush, that was awfully rude of her, she settled her hands behind her back. One of them was still tracing the smooth waxy flesh of the apple, it took her mind off her own little slip up.

" Well I've never been here before, but I'm sure there are other inns in town.... and lots of resteraunts." Now that just sounded silly, she wanted to offer to split the room she was sharing with Sunil but he might have some problems allowing strangers into their midst, at least more so than she did.

In all honesty her apple was nice, but she could stand for some real food, maybe it was time to go get something to eat. To distract herself from her stomach and the awkwardness of the situation Tali took to watching the kiwi bounce about the dirt road merrily, the little guy seemed to have it easy.

[shuzu]

The ostrich-horse started to paw the ground in front of the small kiwi, attempting to learn about this small animal. This wasn't known by Shu-zu, nor did he care, he was too busy being let down. Letting out a small sigh, he looked up at the sun for a moment. He supposed he had an hour or so before the matter was urgent anyway. He really did miss his shop, it was so cozy and familiar. But, he had to see the Rebellion leader in Tachi Dai about the recent Fire Nation activities near the shop, among other issues as well.

Glancing down at the two, he extended his greetings to them, now that his question had been answered. "Well, thanks for the help anyway. I'm Shu-zu, by the way. I believe you already mentioned the young lady's name, but what might be yours?" At this Shu-zu extended his hand down to the man for a shake. He seemed a nice enough fellow, but the girl seemed to be avoiding his gaze. Shu-zu mentally shrugged, Some people are like that, I suppose...