The Kite Festival <Lun Yang, Fire Nation>

[sekar]

After agreeing to flying Jericho's kite, Sekar was pulled into a great hug with an even greater thank you. From slap of anger to hug of gratitued, Sekar was feeling confused.

It didn't end as Jericho showed her mother her "Newest catch." Sekar bowed to Ai as she smiled warmly some how happy that Sekar will fly the family kite.

Sekar spoke back. "Thank you...It's is an honor to met you as well." Sekar said almost sheepishly. Sekar looked up at the clock tower as the bell rang, Everyone's kite's were in the air. Sekar looked Jericho and saw the dragon kite in her hands. He took the kite and started to run with it. Carrying it into the air. Sekar smiled brightly as the dragon "beats" his wings and flew into the blue.

"This is kinda fun," Sekar commented as he did a barrel roll, with the kite. He looked at Jericho smiling, well a least she forgave him for the kiss.

[jericho]

A gasp escaped Jericho's lips as the kite festival began. Sekar took the reigns and her family's kite took to the air as he began running. Laughter flooded the air, and not only the young woman but those around her, as she ran along side Sekar. Everyone cheered and called as dozens of other kites took to the skies, possibly hundreds, far more intricate then the recreational kites that were out before the start of the competition. These had taken the shapes of great beast- komodo rhinos and messenger hawks, ribbon tailed birds and butterflies, and as the others danced the Xanin Spit Fire couldn't help but feel a spark of competitiveness within her. She wanted to win, it was simple as that. There may not have been much at stake in the silly tradition but she still wanted to win, or at least have her family's Kite last until the near end. Would Sekar be able to keep it up in the air that long? Would the weather permit it? A slight crease formed on Jericho's brow as the questions began to taunt her.

A smirk slid into place where Jericho's once bright grin was. Her amber eyes held the same competitive spark as her thoughts she she finally thought of an incentive for Sekar- something that would assure her kite staying up until at least the very end. "If my family's kite is the last one in the air." Even while running her voice held all the enticement of a flame, and Dr. Praaghi was the moth. "You won't have to steal a kiss this time."

[Teiú]

The young lady nodded to Teiú, reaffirming her invite to her house. Doctor Praagi agreed to with Teiú taking Xin home. Even if all seemed to be alright Teiú hadn’t liked much of the decision. For the deserter, seemed that the doctor should have been more cautious about the girl’s situation. The man seemed to be anxious. That, however, Teiú could understand, middle of the holiday and the doctor was watching for a break. Hard life this of a doctor.

For a moment Teiú got lost in his considerations. This lucky opportunity brought back Teiú’s hope. His mission could still be accomplished. The deserter got back to his senses when the medic delivered a small pack to Xin. After a diagnostic on her doctor Praagi came to Teiú. He spoke about a bath and food… and proteins too. The deserter was feeling happy, he found people to help him at least…

“[…] I’m pretty cheap Tenma, I’ll charge you later…” The doctor spoke

“WHAT?” Teiú thought “Man, how this country is wrong. Medical assistance should be something public in every city, town or village. Well, at least I have money here with me.”

It was not that Teiú didn’t want to pay the tax. But for the young man, public medical assistance, as well as food, should be something the government should take care of. Meanwhile, Xin stood up to her feet. Though she seemed rather younger than Teiú she almost reached his stature. For a moment she reminded him of Seung-Ha, his lost love. That was something Teiú got hold of, the feeling that she should be dead now… and for helping him.

"Well I guess that would be our cue to leave then..." The girl spoke, with a smile on her face. Got by surprise with this sudden act of kindness, the firebender was not able to hold repaying a smile back.

“Sure milady.” Teiú offered his arm to Xin “Would you mind to lead the way?”

[xin]

Xin looked at Tenma noticing him starring at her, she blushed a bit feeling rather self conscious suddenly, she knew she was tall, some boys shorter than she was, the rest around her height. It was odd such a timid person was so tall, it made her stand out a bit, it must even things out some how she assumed. She kept a small smile on her face to not make him feel uneasy, she was feeling that enough for thr both of them. Taking the mans arm she leaned on him just enough to support herself, her mind still a little busy and tipsy.

Her light brown eyes glanced at him as she nodded, of course he wouldn't know where she lived, it'd be silly of her to think that he would. He looked a little messy, had he been traveling, perhaps gotten into a fight? She wasn't too sure, and she didn't want to ask, it would be rude to poke into peoples personal affairs instead she walked with him out of the building.

She Smiled to the women still wandering around graciously, she didn't know if they had helped her specifically but she was greatful all the same, they no doubt did their best to help the doctor. Now out in the open air of the street Xin's eyes narrowed trying to keep the light out until her eyes were able to adjust themselves.

A glance at the sky told her the main event of the festival was underway. As she took a moment to collect herself she smiled wistfully at the sky, still wishing her brothers and parents were here, this would be one of the few occasions the family would be together, the Phoenix Kite would grace the sky with it's brilliant gold papers and sheer translucent reds and yellows.

Sorrowfully she knew it would be a long while before the Che' Shi kite would fly. It was a shame but there was little she could do about it. Comming back to the current situation she nodded towards the right and helped to lead Tenma in the direction of her home, they'd pass the vendors, head up the hill aways to the regal homes, hers would be merely a street over from the palace in one direction, a street from the Fire Nation Capital Library in the other.

The path was so familiar to her, she'd been walking it since she was able to stand on two feet. Yet sadly she'd never gone into the poorer parts of town. It was nearly a world away, like it didn't even exist in her land of balls, diplomacy and beauty.

[Teiú]

The blinding sun made Teiú close his eyes for an instant. The young girl stepped forward and Teiú followed her through the mass of people. The kite festival had started. It was a magnificent view indeed. On the vivid blue sky innumerous kites were flying, with gracious style. The sunlight reflected the vibrant colors of the kites and a umbrella of colors was made upon the crowd’s head. A beautiful view, “indeed” indeed.

But prudence made Teiú watch over his surroundings. Providence had made Teiú leave the clinic in the middle of the festival. The deserter could see some soldiers in the distance, every one of them looking at the skies. Seemed like there would be no problems in the way to Xin’s house

After certifying the place was safe Teiú turned his attention to his benefactress. But the young lady seemed to be unaware of her surrounding. Teiú suspected that the path was correct but Xin was tracing it automatically, a place that she trailed since as a kid. Her face transmitted a sadness the deserter rarely had seen on someone else. The deserter could not distinguish what was bringing her to that state but, for that moment, she seemed to be the most lost and lonely person in the world. “Well, who said rich people don’t suffer too hein?” Teiú considered to himself.

Trying to make her mood a good one Teiú spoke with the girl “Anh, I… Well, so, is your house really that big? Sorry for my impertinence but I mean… you may have noticed I’m not the noble one type. As doctor Praagi spoke a while back the… Che’Shi? The Che-Shi family seemed to be quite wealthy. Is it a truth?” His speech as clumsy as his behavior.

[sekar]

Sekar kept running doing his best to keep the kite in the air, his long hair waving the breeze as the Xanin kite soared higher and higher. Sekar heard Jericho offer to kiss him if he wins. Feeling competitive Sekar added more line as a breeze lifted the kite high once more.

The healer reeled the slack as he found statue to scramble up and pearch on it as the kite still flew in the air. However because the raven healer hasn't eaten all day. His stomach decided to complain.

After hearing the loud growl, and that ache. Sekar looked down at Jericho from his perch and asked.
"Miss Jericho...will you please...umm get me some dumplings? Ermm I haven't eaten today." Sekar stomach made another opertuned growl. He smiled pleasingly at Jericho as he tried to keep the kite air born, a gust rushed by and took it up again. Sekar still had controle he and another were dogfighting first place

[xin]

The kites gracing the skies were beautiful, as to be expected of this festival, of course the Fire Lords Kite would keep to the skies the longest, as was tradition, but the flighted companion of the sky who lasted past all the others would receive bragging rights for the year. Idly she remembered that there had only been one year she'd seen her houses kite win, flown by her father the phoenix stayed in the sky with the Fire lord's Agni until the sun set. She was young, perhaps five, her brother only a baby, she'd been so proud, she wouldn't stop talking about it for weeks. Back then things seemed simple. It was a pleasant thought.

Dragging herself back to the present she heard speech, coming from her side, Tenma no doubt, it sounded like it was directed towards her. Xin looked to him taking a few moments for her vision to stabilize, she was half aware he asked her some questions yet her mind was bogged down with numerous other things. Looking back to the path ahead she simply nodded, collecting her thoughts, it was never good for a lady to run her tounge, still he seemed interested enough to make conversation, no doubt this would shorten the duration of the trip at least mentally.

" Well, my father is a scribe, he runs the capital library. We're of the upper class but in contrast to some other families our home and fortune is rather modest." She smiled at him kindly, noble or not they were humans, their backgrounds were without a doubt different but they didn't live on different planets. Her smile faded slowly as she turned onto the proper street lined with estates, hers was down a bit but she didn't mind the walk, it was pleasant.

" What about you, any family? Friends?" She wanted to ask more specifically how he'd gotten himself hurt, a bit about his past but once more she didn't desire to be intrusive in that manner, whatever he wanted to tell her she'd except. Even if it was all made up. As long as he didn't turn out to be a thief or a murderer he had not reason to worry with her.

[jericho]

Jericho stared up at Sekar admirably as he scrambled atop the statue in attempts to push the kite further. He was doing well to earn the kiss he had previously stolen, and if her kite was the last besides the Fire Lord's she would gladly give him another. Determination welled within her, she was going to win for her family this year, even if she couldn't fly the kite herself. "Wonderful Sekar!" The young woman couldn't help but grin and cheer, calling up to the Doctor to keep going.

When the Doctor called down for food, Jericho froze. Dumplings? At a time like this? She was just about to question him when she heard a loud growl. Neither beast nor man created it, it was Sekar's stomach and if it were that hungry that it cried out so audibly then she could see why Sekar needed food, and direly. If Jericho wanted to win, she would have to find some dumplings for Sekar as well as a way to feed him without disturbing the kite or his position atop the stone statue. The young woman- looking up to Sekar with a new spark in her eye- nodded sharply. "I'll be right back. Don't move unless it's necessary!"

With that Jericho began pushing through the crowds, searching for one of the bountiful food vendors that always seemed to populate these sort of festivities. Frantically she searched, her heart thumping against her chest. Being away from her family's kite and the man flying it was stressing enough, but given the task of trying to find anything- even something as wide spread as someone selling food- in these crowd didn't make matters any easier on the young woman. Her amber eyes flickered to the sky, making sure her kite was still battling the breeze.

Jericho soon found a vendor and quickly bartered some food off the gentlemen. She turned and ran off without saying thank you. Her feet pounded on the ground and sent a shudder through the nerves in her legs. A gust swept through the crowd, and the sky, nearly causing Jericho to stumble as the bottom of her yukata swept up to about her knees. She regained her composure quickly and found the statue where Sekar was still perched. Her amber eyes turned from the dumplings to him several times, trying to figure out the best possible course of action. A reluctant sigh escaped Jericho's lips. She was going to have to climb up and feed him.

[Teiú]

Teiú felt happy that his try of a conversation managed to engage. Though all the sorrowfulness he had seen in the girl she was kindly to the most with him. Not only was she offering him shelter as she was getting along with him. For a moment the deserter thought it could be her noble education but he could see truth on her actions. Then Xin asked about Teiú’s family and friends. That was something the deserter had thought of for days but hadn’t managed to find what to say about them. In fact, for his family, friends and love two suppositions could be made: They would be arrested or dead. For the members of the Rebellion that faced the army, including his best friend Kai, the higher probability was arrestment. For his family and Seung-Ha, that even being the daughter of the military base’s captain helped crucially on Teiú’s getaway, the most correct assumption was death.

Even trying to avoid his sadness to be apparent Teiú couldn’t hold the sorrowfulness that was mixed with his voice. “My family… and friends… I guess they are no longer here. They were slain by criminals. Criminals that can kill without getting arrested. Criminals that claim to be the “undisputed truth”.” Even a small touch of anger mixed in Teiú’s words.

Perceiving his incivility Teiú quickly changed his way “Oh, please, I’m sorry milady… I became lost in my thoughts for a while, please forgive me. If so you wanna know, I have been traveling about now. I was in doctor’s Praagi clinic for a cut on my thigh. It was gain in a fight on the road. I guess I don’t have much else to tell about now. Oh, as so you may have perceived I’m not the noble type. I always lived on a small village on the south. My family was not a rich one but we always had lots of love at home. And love from my dear friends too. It was a good time… oh for sure.”

The friendly tone of voice had returned to Teiú and Xin was the first person with he spoke since he left his village. He stood afraid of being too open with her but speaking with someone was something the deserter needed more than rest or food. The street was going unnoticed for Teiú

[xin]

Xin nodded soaking in everything he was telling her, she took it in stride not reading into most of it, parts going over her head which still was mildly clouded. The point hit home though, he seemed to be just as alone as she was. Criminals, it sounded like something tragic, she pouted slightly feeling her heart go out to him. It must have been horrible to be separated in such a way from his family, hers though currently not in the vicinity were alive at least, she knew they were safe and sound. Aside from her youngest brother she doubted they even thought of her. Happily moving on with their lives in the city of new Ozai. Lang enjoyed tormenting the earth kingdom citizens, following the soldiers about like a little duck, he'd be a ruthless killer someday, she hated that.

Her eyes followed his chest up to his jaw quietly finally settling on his eyes, it was no wonder he was upset. In an odd way they were very much alike. " I'm sorry...." She whispered quietly meaning it in the most honest sense of the word. With a pout she found herself looking back at the ground, still she felt bad, by comparison his life was much harder than hers, yet she found it so easy to let other people destroy her self image and bring her down.

Finally she stopped along the street at a walled courtyard, black and gold engraving spelled out Che' Shi in neat calligraphy. This was her house. Her parents always did their best to make themselves look the part of nobility. She was treated like a princess and raised to be one, every lesson beaten into her head. A proper lady in every sense of the word. She no longer leaned on Tenma for support instead she walked on her own down the cobblestone path the the house nodding to the man that it was alright to follow. The front garden sported a blossom tree, the land scape was carefully trimmed to look natural though it was primmed once a week at least.

When she reached the door it was held open by a man in his thrities, Xin offered him a smile and in turn her a bow, with a cold look he turned his eyes onto Tenma but she was quick to speak up. " This is Mister Tenma, he assisted me today when I visited Doctor Praagi's office... I found myself in a bit of an incident..." Tenitivly she raised her hand to the cut on her forehead, careful not to harm it further. The older mans attention went back to the girl with mild concern. Her nodded urging the young adults inside without another concern for the young man. Once they were inside Xin smiled to the ragged man. " Make yourself at home, I'll be right back." Turning her gaze to an old woman she made her way into the sitting room to speak with her.

She was the house keeper, she skimmed over the circumstances, just out of ear shot she gave instructions for his care, also passing off the medicinal herbs she was given. A few moments past before she came back into the hall nodding her head respectfully to Tenma. " Your room will be the last in the east wing, the bathroom is next door, it's being prepared, once your finished with that we can make sure you're fed, is this alright?"

[set]

The little girl's head faced upward, her chin tilted almost to a horizontal point trying to take in the view of all the kites. Trying to see over a taller child's head, she stood on the heels of her toes to view the kites flying there. Becoming irritated, she tipped her head side to side, but there were people much larger than her blocking the windows in between the heads of the people in front of her, obscuring her view even further. A slight buzz ringed in her head, a furious whine wanting to escape the back of her throat.

She landed back on her heels and pouted, her arms crossing and her head sinking in between her shoulders. This always happened to her when people crowded around something interesting at the marketplace back at Hokage, and they always blocked her way. It infuriated her how short she was compared to other girls years younger than her. Her smallness even had strangers mistakening her to be much younger of the age than she actually was!

"Daddy, I can't see, can I--"
She squeezed her hand. Nothing. She looked at her hand and opened her fingers wide to reveal her palm. Nothing.

"Daddy...?" she glanced around nervously, her heart taking on a faster pace. She looked side to side, seeing only the arms and backs of many strangers. No one's arms or hands were familiar to her, and she knew her father's well. Her eyes flickered back and forth, trying to catch a sight of any of her family. "Daddy? Momma?" she called in a higher pitch, her face beginning to pinch from the fear of losing them. Panicked, she pushed herself through the crowd of people, completely forgetting about the kites.

I didn't lose them, I'll find them. If I look around hard enough I'll find them. Setsuko managed to bring herself to the edge of the crowd of people, and from there her head swung frantically left and right. "Daddy? Momma? Shichiro?!" replaced by a shrill of anxiety, the angering buzz in her head went away like blowing out a candle in one quick breath. Her breathing quickened, her eyes wide, and her legs carrying herself forward. She turned around, standing on her toes again not to see the kites, but to at least catch a glimpse of any of them. Why hadn't she been paying attention? How come she had been so careless as to let go of her father's arm and lose sight of them by getting so easily distracted?

[sekar]

Sekar kept the kite in the air as Jericho scurried off to get the doctor some food.

Sekar contiued battle the kite for first place, not wanting to loose when Jericho returned, Sekar had another problem. How was he going to eat?

The doctor estimated that he had to get off the statue to the food...but he had an idea, a risky one, but it would work. he wedge the reel between the ear and the horn of the dragon staue he was perched on as he slid his belly over the snout of the dragon. Now upside down and revealing the smooth and tone exspance of this stomach. Sekar grabbed the bento box of the dumplings and handed Jericho a gold peice.

"Thanks so much Jericho!" Sekar said greatfully as he took the kite and nibbled on the hot morsles as he continue to dog the fire lord's kite of first place. Eventually as Sekar ate his last dumpling he sighed as his kite continue to drop steadly lower. Realizing that he lost Sekar reeled back the kite, making the fire lord the winner.

"I'm sorry Jericho...looks like the Fire Lord won this one but thanks for the f ood." Sekar added he climbed down the dragon statue

[jericho]

Jericho's lips slightly parted in astonishment as the doctor literally bent over backwards to retrieve the food from her. She had known that Sekar had to be an accomplished Doctor from the stories that spread, she had known him to possess the precious gift of Firebending that she admired and craved, but she hadn't realized how incredibly resourceful and- an eyebrow quirked at the thought- limber Dr. Praaghi was. Her amber eyes became fixated on the lean exposure of his torso and she couldn't help but blush. It wasn't that she hadn't seen a man's naked chest before, it was the fact that the young woman couldn't help but stare that caused her to blush. She hadn't even noticed that Sekar had handed her a gold piece.

"You're welcome." Jericho snapped back to the situation without missing a beat, answering the Doctor's gratitude a bit too quickly. Somewhere inside she had hoped he hadn't caught her stare.

As he family's kite slowly descended and giant cheer rose up from the crowd. Her's was the last in the air against the Fire Lord's meaning that the competition was over. The young woman's lips parted once more in astonishment. Sekar had flown her kite to the bitter end, he was the last one to paint the sky- other then the Fie Lord's but that's what tradition intoned. She couldn't believe it. As Sekar climbed down from the dragon statue that so many had crowded around, others- strangers to the Doctor- began to congratulate him. "A job well done!" and older gentleman said clapping Sekar on the shoulder. "A worthy effort!" called another.

Jericho stepped through the crowd as if it were water, moving as her mother had before. She made a promise, and had every intention of keeping it. Without waiting for the others to finish congratulating the Doctor Jericho slid her arms about his neck, rose her self up on her toes, and pressed her lips to his.

[Teiú]

Heavenly

That was what Teiú thought when his body did sink in the tub, filled with warm water. The temperature was at the threshold of being painful and yet it was so relaxing that Teiú lost several minutes staying immobile.

Teiú left the bathroom coated in a large robe. A servant that was waiting by the bathroom’s door accompanied Teiú to the room Xin offered to him. By the bed was some clean clothes, very alike the ones Teiú was using. Teiú quickly put the clothes on and left the room. After Xin, Teiú got lost in the minor corridors of the manor. However, the place was not so big inside than it seemed to be from the outside.

Suddenly, then, the man who had attended at the door, earlier, appeared in front of Teiú, giving the deserter a straight look. “May I know what you want sir?” The butler said with a hard voice. “Ann, I’m… I’m looking for lady Xin… is she around?” The deserter said with a confused accent on his speech.

After a rapid nod the butler said with the same hard voice “I will lead you there, come.” Te preconception was clear on the air. It wasn’t something that could bug Teiú so hard though. The deserter did showed a gentle smile in answer and both left to meet Xin.

[xin]

Xin took the free time to check on Xue and gather herself, with a proper mirror she was finally able to access the damage she did to her head. With a small sigh she ran the pads of her fingers over the cut, this wold be irritating, especially if she had some suiters set up to meet in the next few days, a flaw would set them off, as if she didn't have enough problems. A pout formed on her lips and she shook her head, not much she could do about it now. Slipping out of her stuffy robes she pulled herself into a more casual yutaka fixing her hair back up into a top knot fastening her phoenix pin in place. No makeup was added since hers was still in place, hardly smudged by her encounter.

scooping her hamster kitty up into her hands she smiled and softly placed a kiss on his forehead, the small furry white animal squeaked in delight at the attention curling into her palms. At least something was still normal in this house. Carrying the rodent with her to the sitting room she made herself comfortable at the low sitting table. The tea the doctor prescribed her was set out for her along with a tray of pastries and steamed buns. Delicately the young lady lifted the tea to her lips taking a small sip. Xue settled in her lap nibbling on a rice cracker he was given, while Xue hated other people he did as Xin asked, she could trust him not to run off.

Her eyes fluttered up as Tenma entered the room. Offering him a smile she motioned towards the seat across from her at the table, she knew how to be a gracious host. Despite her housekeepers reluctances to give him room and board. " How was your bath? I hope the clothing fits alright..... we don't have much in the way of mens clothing." Modestly she looked down worried it may not have been enough. Quietly she remembered that Dr. Praaghi instructed he eat so with a blush she glanced back up at him offering a weak smile this time. " Feel free to eat what you'd like.... the main course isn't prepaired yet."