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Post by fukurou on Mar 14, 2007 20:50:47 GMT -5
Fukurou groaned. He had to go WITH them? He'd been hoping for better news, like "You've been assigned KP duty again, Fukurou!", or maybe even "We need somebody to clean the goatmules!" But oh, please not the words, "Accompany Bai and Li!"
NOOOOOOO!
The others continued talking while he sighed heavily. Well, THIS changed things. He'd essentially be a tagalong with two idiots, a blushy girl, and a small family. WONDERFUL. He supposed that he'd be best off trying with the blushy girl, but he had no real idea. Groaning again, he fished around in his bag for his flute, and, as quietly as possible, played a few notes. He needed to get away from the situation, and this one was becoming rapidly worse. "When do we depart?" asked Xia, the blushy girl.
Why should I care? He continued playing, slightly louder now. His worries were leaving, and he was fine. He supposed he'd keep doing this until they all stopped talking so that they could leave, and get this (sure to be) terrible trip over!
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Post by kura on Mar 24, 2007 17:50:11 GMT -5
Kura helped Akio onto one of the ostrich-horses, who excitedly made a grab for the reins. “You be careful, now,” Kura warned the boy as she handed them over. “I don’t want you moving around too much.” Amaya was hesitant at first, perhaps somewhat in shock at the size of the ostrich-horse she was to ride, but eventually climbed on, if somewhat awkwardly. She remained stiff in the saddle, not quite sure what was expected of her. The girl stroked the ostrich-horse, and then took hold of the reins. With that, the caravan was off. *** It was a long journey, but the ostrich-horses and wagon were so much easier than walking, in Kura’s opinion. In time, Amaya and Akio became pretty decent riders, as they often rode for hours at a time during their traveling. The group of travelers was closing in on their destination. As she looked around her, Kura was surprised to find that she vaguely recognized the area, almost as if it were a case of déjà vu she were experiencing. And then she saw it – off in the distance, she could make out the many houses that comprised of the village Kura grew up in. She was home.
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The Lion Turtle
Ishvara Spirits
"Your own spirit must be unbendable."
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Post by The Lion Turtle on Mar 26, 2007 20:40:22 GMT -5
Cradling her babe as she clamoured out the second the wagon had stopped, Xia Feng looked around to the forgien surroundings that she knew must be dear to Kura. Sure, it was the Earth Kingdom, but as she had been raised near the Desert and lived in a rather remote area in the Earth Kingdom; she never knew how diverse her homeland really was until she had traveled.
It was a peaceful place, reminding her of her own native village.
"Miss Kura," Xia Feng called softly. She wanted to tell the older woman goodbye. She had been a great friend in the short time that they knew each other, and she was said to see the older girl and her children go. Still, she knew it must happen, and silently wished them luck and happiness. The village was a great spot for them, far from any known Fire Nation forts or armies.
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Post by whitecrow on Mar 27, 2007 23:41:59 GMT -5
The twins had made the trip alternating driver and walking beside the children as they rode the ostrich horses. Each one delighted the children with tales about the Flame Dancers, stories from the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom and even the Water Tribes. Like their 'clan', the twins were a melting pot. They sang songs too and somestimes played pranks on eachother, but never once took their eyes off the children.
The ostrich horses stayed calm and plodded on, screeching occasionally like always. The wagon, which was like a mini house on wheels, road surprisingly smoothly, though the boys' pots and pans hanging from the outside jangled with each bump in the road. The colorful flags and scarfs fluttered about the shutters, which were allowed to stay open during the trip due to the lack of any glass in the window frames.
The twins didn't play any pranks on Fukurou (if he had chosen to accompany him.. never really solved that), and indulged his flute playing at night when camp had settled. They of course let the women and children have the wagon, while they slept outside. Any bickering, was kept to nightfall and quiet ears.
As they approached the outskirts of the village, Li-Wu who had been watching the ostrich horses raced around to the rear of the wagon and ripped a Fire Nation banner off, throwing it inside the window.
"No need to get our selves or the ladies in hot water.."
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Post by fukurou on Mar 28, 2007 22:31:17 GMT -5
Surprisingly, nobody was dead yet. Indeed, nobody was injured, and no feelings were hurt. Not yet, anyway.
Fukurou had been expecting a prank fest to begin as soon as he'd left, one of the reasons he didn't enjoy traveling with the twins. The reason was that said pranks might happen to impress the blushy girl who was traveling with them. He was almost a bit annoyed that she wasn't following suit like most girls did. There was something different about her- she definately had something for him, if her flustery look had meant anything when he talked to her shortly before leaving, but she hadn't expressed any of this to Bai. Which most girls did. At least a little.
But it mattered little. She'd be leaving soon.
And they were already at the home of Kura, the other woman with the lively kids (who had mistaken his flute for a playtoy, must to Fukurou's consternation). The village was small. Li ripped the Fire Nation insignia off the back of the wagon and threw it inside. "No need to get our selves or the ladies in hot water..." said the twin. Fukurou had to agree, nodding slightly. Even the twins had their bright moments.
He sighed, adjusting his messenger bag as he walked along. He hadn't minded, and had walked most of the way, since the woman and children got the ostritch horses. He tried to look up and see the village itself in its entirety, but the sun's rays made his eyes squint shut so far that he couldn't see much anyway. He was thankful for his long sleeves out here- he might get sunburned otherwise.
He turned to Bai, and studied him a moment. "Well... we're here." He then grinned. "Not a bad little walk."
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Post by kura on Mar 29, 2007 1:25:16 GMT -5
Kura hopped out of the wagon, despite the fact that it was still moving. She wanted to walk the rest of the way. “It’s just up that way,” she said to no one in particular, pointing ahead.
The group made their way along a dirt path until arriving at a decent-sized village. Kura was so distracted she didn’t even notice Li-Wu yanking the Fire Nation insignia off the wagon. All she could do was look around, quietly soaking in the familiar while at the same time noting the few changes that had been made since her last visit.
Kura looked up at Amaya and Akio, still on the ostrich horses. She grinned. “Who remembers the way to Grandma and Grandpa’s house?”
“Uh…” Akio looked around, scrunching his face as he tried to remember. He had been five the last time they visited, and likely wouldn’t be able to recall their exact destination.
Amaya looked around for a few seconds, and then pointed off to the right. “That way?” Kura nodded.
“That’s what I was gonna say!” protested Akio.
“No you weren’t!” said Amaya.
“Alright, alright, let’s settle down now,” Kura warned the two. She turned around to the group of travelers behind her. “It’s not far now,” she smiled. They walked through the village, and as they rounded the corner, Kura spotted her parents’ house up ahead.
She could make out a woman through the window. As they approached, Kura saw that it was her sister, Nami. Nami’s house was a little further back, and she was able to see their parents a lot more often than Kura could.
Nami heard the sound of the wagon, and glanced out the window. At first she seemed confused, but then her eye caught Kura’s; if it were possible for one’s mouth to hang open and smile at the same time, that’s exactly what Nami's did.
As Nami ran to the door, Kura made sure Amaya and Akio safely got down from the Ostrich-horses. Once out the door, Nami beamed and opened her arms wide to her niece and nephew. She brought the two into a big hug, kissing the top of each of their heads. Kura was next and give her sister a hug along with a kiss on each cheek; they were both chatting away about how great it was for Kura to be here.
Nami turned to look behind her, where a little girl stood clutching the doorframe. No more than 4 years old, she seemed very much intimidated by the large group of people outside.
“Esha, come here sweetie,” coaxed Nami. She walked over and took the little girl by the hand. “Don’t you want to see your big cousins and Auntie Kura?” Esha clung to her mother’s dress, peering uncertainly around the woman’s legs.
Nami chuckled. “She’s shy.” Nami’s eyes then settled on the group of travelers. “I believe we have yet to meet,” she smiled.
“Oh, how rude of me,” exclaimed Kura, her hand momentarily shooting to cover her mouth in surprise. “Nami, this is Xia Feng, Fukurou, Li-Wu, and Bai-Wu,” pointing out each one in turn. “Everyone, this is my sister Nami.”
“So nice to meet you,” Nami said with a slight laugh. “You know, I’ve got to hand it to you, Kura, you sure know how to arrive in style.”
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Post by blackcrow on Apr 19, 2007 21:51:44 GMT -5
The two twins turned to face eachother, grins on their impish faces. Then, like perfect gentlemen, they crossed their arms across their torso (mirrored of course) and bowed forward at the waist perfectly, like they were princes. Their dark hair swung foward in identical arches, beads in each braid clinking together. The twins straightened, and each gave a laughable, comedic salute.
"Twin Transport at your service!" Chirped one. "Ensuring safe delivery of Mothers and Children since the Year of the pig!" Chirped the other.
Bai and Li both then grinned once more, dropping the mirror image act and each taking his own personality back. Bai knelt down to the height of the children and waved them over. " Now Akio, you behave and do what your mother tells you to, okay? Amaya, you are going to become a beeeeeeeeeeeeee-utiful little lady one day. Wait.. I'm wrong.. You already are beautiful." Bai smiled at the two, ruffling Akio's hair before standing up. Li crossed his arms and smirked at his brother, remaining silent while watching. Bai always was better with children than Li was. It was strange how neither of them really wanted children, and yet found themselves constantly picking on and playing with those in the caravan.
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The Lion Turtle
Ishvara Spirits
"Your own spirit must be unbendable."
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Post by The Lion Turtle on May 20, 2007 18:38:53 GMT -5
When she was introduced, Xia Feng bowed low, careful with Tarak still in her arms.
"You have a remarkable sister, Nami," Xia Feng said, giving a smile to Kura. "We will miss you, Kura." Tears began to sting her jade eyes, and Xia Feng tried to discretely wipe them; her cheeks flamed in embarassment. Tarak, though, looked as happy as ever; he giggled and wiggled in Xia Feng's arms as much as the babe could. He liked Kura a lot, and always had a giant smile on his face when he saw her.
The twins were saying goodbye to Akio and Amaya, and Xia Feng turned to Kura's children to bid them farewell, too. She bowed to them both, giving them warm smiles and letting Tarak share his giggles and wiggles with them, too.
Again, tears came to Xia Feng, and a lovely breeze picked up, ruffling her dress and musting Tarak's mahogany tussels. The month-long bonding of the two mothers was coming to an end...
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Post by blackcrow on May 23, 2007 1:34:55 GMT -5
The twins then bowed to Kura, and smiled at her. Each one with their own subtle differences. Li-Wu with his knowing gaze hardly cracked one to Kura, but he was sympathetic. He spoke softly, "May the wind always be at your back Kura. You and your children, and grand children and on and on will always be welcomed in the Caravan. We'll see to it." The young man nodded, brushing back his straight, raven hair which was in dire need of a wash.
Bai-Wu nodded, looking to Li and then back to Kura with his impish smile. "Mother will write I'm sure.. she has her ways of tracking down people. If you happen.." He had to choose his words carefully in this Earth Kingdom village "to hear about a a particular.. hot festival.. it's probably us. Visit anytime."
The two gentlemen turned to Xia and smiled.. "We'll go wait with the cart.. come when you've finished. No rush." Bai-Wu smiled at the woman with the baby, and Li remained as.. knowing. "Well, Miss Kura.. it was a pleasure. Our paths will cross again someday. Best of Luck." They lifted their worn hands in a wave gesture, years of labor taking a toll on the skin with callouses and scars beyond healing. Like a pair of matched horses, they turned on cue, and wandered off back towards the wood, in perfect step and alignment. There was quiet between them. In the Caravan they were the happy go-lucky, do anything, do anyone, not a care in the world princes. They had few true friends in the Caravan, and while they only served as guides and hosts to the women, they considered them all friends.. and the Twins had grown used to playing with the children, and making Miss Feng and Miss Kura laugh with their jokes and antics. That was always the hard part of being a gypsy.. learning to let go.
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Post by kura on Jun 6, 2007 0:26:15 GMT -5
Nami smiled at the twins as she picked up her daughter, a slight chuckle escaping her lips. Shifting Esha’s weight, she balanced the child on her hip and held her steady with one hand.
“I just hope your ‘Twin Transport’ will keep Miss Feng safe,” said Kura. She smiled warmly at the young woman; Kura was sure to miss her. “And Tarak, too,” she added.
The twins said their goodbyes to Amaya and Akio. Amaya giggled when Bai told her she was beautiful, and gave the man a quick hug. Akio had been pretty upset that the twins would no longer be with them. He gave a brave face, and offered a thumbs-up at Bai’s request.
As her children were making their goodbyes, Kura was doing the same with Xia Feng. She gave the young woman a hug, then kissed Tarak on his forehead. “Don’t you forget about me, now. I want to see Tarak here grow into a strong young man,” Kura smiled.
“Bai-Wu, Li-Wu” Kura nodded to each as she spoke their name. “I’m going to miss you two. And tell your mother I would be more than happy to hear from her again.”
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The Lion Turtle
Ishvara Spirits
"Your own spirit must be unbendable."
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Post by The Lion Turtle on Jun 10, 2007 16:18:09 GMT -5
“I just hope your ‘Twin Transport’ will keep Miss Feng safe. And Tarak, too,” Kura said. She hugged Xia Feng and pecked Tarak on the forehead, who gave her a big smile and a giggle. Xia Feng turned to Amaya and Akio and hugged either of them, agreeing with Bai that Amaya would be a beautiful young lady and telling Akio that she will think of him often. Kura asked Xia not to forget her and Xia Feng gave a bittersweet smile. "I could never... you helped me so much, I could never repay you. Thank you." Xia made a bow, not too low due to Tarak in her arms, who howled with giggles at being dipped like that. "I hope I will see you again one day..." She hesitated, not wanting to leave Kura but knew it was time. "Farewell." Before she realized it, she was back at the wagon with tears in her eyes. She couldn't even look back at Kura and her children -- it was like losing family. ------ Xia Feng has left this thread ---------
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Post by whitecrow on Jun 11, 2007 23:54:30 GMT -5
The two young men, along with Fukururo if he was still around, were leaning against the decorated wagon, streamers and colorful scarfs still flying from it's mud-stained sides. The twins were discussing giving it a new paintjob next time they were at a major city, perhaps making some repairs to the damaged wood decorations as well. Li-Wu examined the framing around one of the windows, which didn't contain any glass due to the rough roads the wagons traveled over. They simply opened the shutters in warm weather, closed them and hung thick blankets over the windows in the winter. It worked fairly well.. not that Firebenders needed to stay warm.. Bai-Wu lifted his golden eyes as Xia approached, cuddling Tarak so very close. He lifted a worn hair, before flipping his long, ebon hair over his shoulder.. channeling Fabio of course. "We'll leave whenever you're ready, Miss Feng. Just give us directions! You and Tarak can ride in the wagon snug as two bugs in a rug." Which would be partially true. The Twins had so many rugs, throws and blankets, along with pillows galore stacked on their beds.. and now with the hamocks out of the way.. the wagon seemed twice as roomy.. if one could even consider it roomy. Li-Wu too noticed Xia returning, and gave her a curt nod of his head. The Quieter twin had less to say.. but often semed to be the wiser of the two.
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