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Post by atalanta on Jan 29, 2007 18:22:17 GMT -5
Mesheiko sighed- it was such a relief to tell his story. It had haunted him ever since he had regained conciousness. By telling it to someone, even if only the skeleton of it, he felt as if a giant weight had been lifted from his chest. Of course, it would take much time to recover mentally from the battle as he thought it would physically. War was an incredibly brutal thing, and to participate in one was to risk your sanity. Mesheiko had risked it, however, and though he still had his sanity, he thought he might have lost other vital things in the process.
"What for?" Mesheiko asked curiously. He honestly didn't know what Midori was thanking him for. This was what he had volunteered for, crazy as it may have seemed. Perhaps he wasn't sane to begin with. He was slightly surprised by her affectionate action The feel of her hand gripping his was indeed a comfort, but he dreaded the way Cheng would take it and what he would say later, when the two of them were alone together. Knowing Cheng, though, he wouldn't wait until they were alone. He could very well bring in front of just Mesheiko as well as a crowd of people. Normally, if he and some other soldiers were talking and the subject drifted to women and romance, he didn't say much. As far as he knew, no soldier besides his tentmates and the other patients knew of Midori. It was a daunting prospect to suddenly have so many buzzing about his personal life.
"Yeah, Midori, what for? This is our job; it's what we do. We signed up to protect the Earth Kingdom. Mesheiko just did an exceptional job of it." Cheng said, and Mesheiko nodded in agreement. It was one of the few times he had seen Cheng serious. War did funny things to people. When he could be serious, though, Cheng could be rather intelligent and was often right about things. Cheng tried to contain a grin at their contact, though. If he made jokes, then the relationship could be hindered by his actions. He was a comedian, not a fool.
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Post by midori on Jan 30, 2007 18:48:10 GMT -5
“You two are much too modest.” Midori sighed, shaking her head. Soldiers! They talked about risking their lives as if it was a simple day job! Well, perhaps it was to them, but not everyone spent everyday with their lives on the line just out of a sense of duty. It took a lot of heart and bravery to partake in the life a soldier, Midori decided. It was something to be deeply respected for. It was something to admire.
“Don’t you think that being so loyal and risking so much deserves, at the very least, a little appreciation?” Midori said, a smile tugging on the edge of her lips. “I’m thanking you both for being so brave and doing so much, for protecting all the people here. It takes a lot of heart to do what you two do.”
Midori casually observed Cheng after she said this, relieved yet surprised at his serious comment; it had been the opposite of what she suspected from the man who had been nudging her about her relationship with Mesheiko ever since she had arrived. Not that she was complaining by any means.
“So… how long do you think you’re going to be here?” Midori asked suddenly, glancing at Mesheiko, keeping her tone light. As much as she wanted to stay by his side, a part of her still held a dark pit of worry for being away from home so long. Her “occupation” never did settle well with her mother, who fretted every time she left, and she had been gone for a good long time now. She really should be getting back… but she dearly wished she could keep stalling. It would be worth the punishment later to savor a few last hours, or even days with him, for Midori found even the thought of leaving him again twice as painful as it had been the first time, especially with all that had happened.
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Post by atalanta on Feb 3, 2007 19:45:59 GMT -5
Mesheiko couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful at Midori's praise. Their commanding officers always told them to do their job, praise or no praise, thanks or no thanks, but it was a satisfying feeling nontheless. It was comforting to have someone thank him personally rather than the snippets of praise he got from passing people's conversations. That was one quality he liked about Midori; she was direct about her feelings. She had never beat around the bush with him. "It does, but we don't often get it, so we don't often expect it." Cheng said. Mesheiko picked up with,
"Besides, it's a job; we get money, assuming we live to the next paycheck, which isn't too much of a worry anymore. There have been a few skirmishes, but the battle I got mixed up in was one of the biggest we've had in quite a long time. A lot of the men here signed up just for a means of supporting their families." Cheng nodded, and elaborated with "The Fire Nation's made a lot of industries difficult to earn a living in."
Midori's question unsettled Mesheiko. How long would he be in here? The best of his wounds, bruises and cuts, would heal in a matter of days, but his ankle would not. How soon would he be able to leave the infirmary? They couldn't keep him in the infirmary for months for his ankle if it was never going to heal entirely. Perhaps they would discharge him, although Mesheiko desperately hoped against it. If he was discharged, he would have nowhere to go. He was unsure of his family's whereabouts, and without the Army as a source income, he had no means to support himself. He was in quite a predicament indeed.
Hung Yong appeared behind him without warning. How long had the older man been there? Apparently, he had been there long enough to hear Midori speak. "That depends on what you mean, Midori. If you mean how soon the simpler of his wounds will heal, then at the most it will only be a few weeks. His greater wounds will take months, if not a year. As for how soon he is released, however," Hung Yong said, scratching his short, gray beard undecisively, "is uncertain. They cannot keep Mesheiko here when he is strong enough to move again, but it is a dilemma as to where he will go." Mesheiko nodded in agreement. Hung Yong always seemed to speak the thoughts that troubled Mesheiko.
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Post by midori on Feb 5, 2007 22:17:13 GMT -5
Midori was confused for just a brief moment at Hung Yong’s words. It had not occurred to her that Mesheiko would not be heading back to war; she had just readily assumed that since Mesheiko had energetically returned to the army, he was going to stay, regardless of any event; that was just the kind of person he was. But now that Midori reviewed the circumstances, it was obvious that Mesheiko would be unable to participate, at least for a few months longer. It was not his heart that was holding him back, it was his injury.
Her musings brought her back to Hung Yong’s statement and concern, which immediately became her own. In Kei Lan, so long ago it seemed, Mesheiko had expressed his uncertainty about the whereabouts and wellbeing of his family. Would he be able to find them? What if he found or contacted his village and no one was there? Surely there could be someplace he could go. However, another painful thought struck her; when Mesheiko left, he would leave her alone once more, and, again, their friendship would be put on hold. It would be pure agony all over again.
Midori pouted for a moment, thinking desperately for a solution. Suddenly, a brilliant thought came to mind - a plan that would solve Mesheiko’s problem, and stray her away from her own sorrow. There were some loose ends that might be in need of tying, but if it could be done. . . It would be perfect.
Trying to keep her voice as mellow as possible, evening though she was nearly bursting with excitement, Midori spoke.
“If all else fails… Mesheiko could come with me.”
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Post by atalanta on Feb 13, 2007 17:01:32 GMT -5
Mesheiko sighed. With wounds as bad as his, there would be no way he could physically fight again. He knew he would probably be discharged as soon as he was well enough to leave, now. It was inevitable. He couldn't stay, but where could he go? Everyone he knew would still be serving, and he didn't know about his family's whereabouts. If he couldn't stay with friends or family, where could he go? Surely with his newfound status, someone would take him in, but he would only be a burden. He couldn't contribute anything now. His last paycheck wouldn't last long if he needed to travel.
Mesheiko's eyes went wide at Midori's words. He had considered many options as to where to go, but it had never occurred to him to return with Midori. It was a strange thought. He didn't know about it. One part of him, the part of him that his father had taught well, said it would dishonorable and he would only be a burden. The part secluded in his mind, the part that was developing feelings for Midori, took great joy in it. It was a internal struggle for Mesheiko. "I.." he paused for a moment, trying to put into words what he wanted to say. "I can't do that. It wouldn't be right."
Hung Yong seemed to be as stunned as Mesheiko. He too had grown up, many years ago, in a conservative family. It never occured to him to live with a woman before being married. However, he trusted Mesheiko. Hung Yong knew the young man was similarily conservative. Cheng was somewhat glad. Mesheiko, if he went with her, might finally understand why the fairer sex was indeed fairer. Although Midori wasn't really his own type, she was perfect for Mesheiko. However, Cheng was somewhat alarmed. Cheng's family was in poverty and had been since the Fire Nation burned their farmed and killed his brothers. He had been forming a plan in the back of his mind that when Mesheiko was discharged and Cheng's service was over, Mesheiko could go back with him. They needed another set of hands desperately. Cheng stayed silent, though. Mesheiko was refusing.
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Post by midori on Feb 13, 2007 17:52:23 GMT -5
A light pinkness dusted Midori’s cheeks as she realized how abrupt her proposal must have sounded to the others. Not to mention a tad out of character if someone examined her words differently then she had intended, which was very possible and even more likely. Mesheiko obviously felt a bit baffled by her statement, but Midori couldn’t blame him at all; she should have known he would have kept his conservative outlook, as he probably expected her to, and her suggestion had been quite unexpected. Though, a small part of her inner-self winced at Mesheiko’s rejection. Didn’t he want to stay as close to her as she did to him? Or had his action held entirely different meaning?
“But you have to stay somewhere.” Midori replied slowly, her gaze soft at him. She thought, choosing her words very carefully, so it was unmistakably clear that her intentions were completely innocent. “I’m not sure I could leave peacefully if I didn’t know if you had a place to stay; you could find work in my village. And even housing there soon after.”
Midori hoped her argument was convincing, even though she was leaving out more intimate reasons for the two remaining near one another, for sake of what the others would think of her comment. She looked at him fixedly, her eyes pleading for him to accept. Their first parting had been so painful, so wouldn’t it be obvious to Mesheiko that the very thought of them being separated again brought on a firm reluctance? Or did he see, but not feel the same?
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Post by atalanta on Feb 18, 2007 21:43:28 GMT -5
Midori's proposal was still so shocking he wasn't quite sure what to say. Of course, he should've known her proposition was innocent, but still he wasn't sure he could accept. He would regret having to leave Midori again, but he didn't know if Midori's village would be right for him. He had never been there, and his sudden status would no doubt follow him. Mesheiko could not suppress a desire to see his family once again, even his sisters. He did not even know if they were alive, but it was a dream he had held in his heart ever since he had been separated from his father. He wanted to go with Midori desperately, but blood was thicker than water.
Then, he remembered a conversation with Cheng before his injuries that might excuse him from both awkward situations. Cheng had mentioned once that his family was very poor, and it was because of that he had joined the Army. Cheng's mother and father farmed, but the Fire Nation had burned their fields and salted them so they could no longer grow crops, and they had killed his two older brothers. Mesheiko mentioned that he had probably nowhere to go after he was discharged, so he and Cheng had talked about Mesheiko coming to live and work with him so Cheng's family could have more money and Mesheiko could have somewhere to stay. Of course, circumstances had changed, but Cheng still could use financial help.
"I understand, Midori, but I don't think I would belong in your village. Besides, Cheng and I planned that I would go back with him once our time was up." Mesheiko said, feeling guilty and relieved simultaneously. Cheng, meanwhile, was stunned. He had nearly forgotten about he and Mesheiko's plans. He had never written his parents about Mesheiko staying with them. He felt somewhat guilty for unintentionally coming in between the two. It was still months until his service was up, also. What would Mesheiko do during that time? Then, an idea suddenly came to Cheng.
"Look, Mesheiko, I'm not done for a few months anyway. Why don't you go back with Midori until then? We can all figure out where you're going when my time is up." Cheng said, hoping he had reconciled things between them. It seemed like a good solution. Hung Yong grinned at the young man just slightly. This seemed a sign to Hung Yong that Cheng was indeed maturing. He was becoming more serious and more desicive, which was good, since he was already in his early twenties. Cheng didn't know what they were going to know when his time actually was up. It put the situation at bay for now. He just hoped that Mesheiko liked Midori and her village enough to stay to keep from rocking their boat.
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Post by midori on Feb 20, 2007 21:01:22 GMT -5
Instant, optimistic joy replaced the strong disappointment Midori had felt only a few seconds earlier. Cheng’s suggestion was absolutely brilliant, at least to her, as well as sensible; she couldn’t possibly see how Mesheiko could refuse. Even if they could only remain in close contact for a few months, at least she could enjoy that time, and maybe he would come visit her again? Unless, of course, he chose to stay… But one step at a time.
“That sounds perfect, Cheng.” Midori praised, her smile radiant. She then turned to Mesheiko, her perkiness obvious in her posture; it appeared as if she was having a problem sitting down for she was so bursting with excitement, and her smile was still broad. However, her tone quickly melted into one of sincerity as she addressed Mesheiko. “It would be no problem if you stayed in my village for awhile. My mom’s a vicious gossip - I’ll bet you ten gold pieces she knows about you already – and my family would be ecstatic at the chance to host you for a few months, I’m sure…”
How could her war-scarred grandfather not appreciate a battered war hero? And Mesheiko was a gentleman; her father would have no trouble at all accepting him. As for her mother… Even if she did not see Mesheiko for the conservative gentleman he was, she wasn’t heartless enough to leave him out in the cold, and she would be outvoted anyway.
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Post by atalanta on Feb 23, 2007 21:40:22 GMT -5
Mesheiko's mood dipped with Midori's brief disappointment. He did not like seeing her disappointed, and felt terribly guilty that he had caused it but. Like Midori, though, he suddenly brightened with Cheng's suggestion. He knew Cheng was actually intelligent and sensible, it was simply a side rarely seen of him. Mesheiko had seen Cheng fight; his fellow soldier and tentmate was incredibly strategic and decisive, and he could uproot the earth so quickly Fire Nation soldiers hardly knew what had hit them. He felt so groggy and in pain, it was as if he were drugged and filled with lead. "That's absolutely brilliant, Cheng," Mesheiko praised. Cheng beamed, but said nothing. He didn't need to say anything.
Hung Yong nodded. "It's a surprise you two are only privates," Hung Yong praised the young soldiers. Hung Yong himself was a sergeant, but he remained among the much younger privates to keep order, which in fact he was very good at. Mesheiko and Cheng simply grinned at one another. Mesheiko, however, had a grim thought. Since he was maimed somewhat, he probably couldn't stay or fight, meaning he couldn't stay to get promoted. Despite all the honors he would receive, he regretted the chance to at least never increase in rank. However, he concealed this from three friends, although he didn't quite know what to call Midori anymore.
"It sounds like a good plan, Cheng. Midori, we can go over it after I can rest and sleep for a little while. I've been up most of the day," Mesheiko said, his voice revealing truly just how weary he was. He had hardly done anything by normal standards, but when one was recovering, the slightest things could tire you to the point of exhaustion. He was slightly afraid of the reaction he would receive upon coming to a village. He hadn't ventured outside of the camp since the battle, much less around the Earth Kingdom. The response would generally be welcoming, he was sure, although there were still people who refused to support the war, but Mesheiko wasn't sure if he liked this celebrity like status.
His head had just come into contact with the comforting surface of the bedding when Kun Tu dashed in through the front entrance of the infirmary. He squinted and could see through the ajar door that the sun in the sky was dimming, and the clouds were taking on a spectacular array of colors. He couldn't believe that it was sunset already; so much had happened within the day, but it seemed there was more to come. Kun Tu looked somewhat out of breath as he approached Mesheiko's cot. Hung Yong and Cheng looked at the other soldier inquisitively. Kun Tu took a moment to regain his breath, then stated, "Mesheiko, Major Jin-Ho wants to speak with you immediately." Mesheiko felt stunned, as did Cheng.
Major Jin-Ho was most likely the highest ranked officer they knew and encountered often. The generals generally stayed in more prestigious areas of the camp, planning and commanding. Major Jin-Ho had often drilled them, and though he was an incredibly tough as a commander, he often talked to the lower ranked men about their lives, how they felt, and their lives before joining up. Mesheiko had never had such a conversation with the Major, so he felt this to be a great privilege. "Well," Cheng said, amused, "I guess you're just going have to go sleep at the same time of the rest of us, Mesheiko."
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Post by midori on Feb 24, 2007 15:58:35 GMT -5
Midori simply did not know what to say as Kun Tu arrived and gave what must have been very important news; the soldier’s simple statement had little impact on her, or at least tinier than the one the other soldiers seemed to receive, for she had little to no clue who this Major was or what significance he held. However, both Cheng and Mesheiko’s reaction clued her in enough so she could see that this meeting would be very crucial.
“I’m sure he’ll be brief.” Midori said reassuringly. “It’s common knowledge that you still need sometime to heal.”
With this, Midori stood and placed herself a short, but careful distance from Mesheiko’s cot near Cheng. If Mesheiko was going to have a meeting with someone he obviously held at high respect, it was best not to interfere. Or give anyone else a wrong impression for that matter. It wasn’t like she had any authority to debate with this Major over anything he might have to say anyway, so, for this once, it seemed appropriate to take the position of a typical, young woman and stay out of the discussion. Midori did smile encouragingly, however, at Mesheiko, for support on whatever he was about to hear.
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Post by atalanta on Mar 2, 2007 21:28:50 GMT -5
In a flood of memories, etiquette lessons from Hung Yong on how to address those in higher rank came back to him. It had happened after a particularly intense drill where he had not addressed the commanding officer as "sir". It had been fairly miserable until the drill was over and Hung Yong took him aside. "Midori, Major Jin-Ho will hear what he needs to hear, common knowledge or not. He's generally considerate, though, so I doubt it will take too long." Mesheiko said, careful not to expend too much energy on his words.
Cheng nodded in agreement, while Hung Yong looked around as if he was waiting for Major Jin-Ho to magically appear at any moment. Kun Tu rested against a nearby post, his breathing slowing more. Mesheiko chanced an affectionate glance at Midori while Cheng wasn't looking, and returned her smile pleasantly. The moment was cut short, however, when Cheng's eyes went wide, as did his grin, but fortunately in an opposite direction of Mesheiko and Midori. His gaze was fixed on a man striding toward Mesheiko's cot confidently, but stopped momentarily to converse with the other wounded and maimed soldiers. Mesheiko and his tentmates recognized the man immediately upon sight of him.
Major Jin-Ho towered above the cots at his full height. He was a tall man, but not stretched like some. Muscles were built permanently on him from the intense training and battles. He was very popular among the soldiers, for he was one man that despite his rank still held compassion for the many soldiers below. He walked with a certain kind of elegance, and his armor was somewhat adorned and decorated, with the Earth Kingdom insignia elaborately engraved in a gold color in the middle of his chestplate, but otherwise you could not tell by his armor his rank. The Major approached rapidly, and Mesheiko's stomach seemed to racked with nervousness.
"Ah, Private Mesheiko," Major Jin-Ho said casually. Mesheiko nodded in awe and respect, which was really the only sort of bow he could do in his current state. "Sergeant Hung Yong, it is good to see you well," he said. "And you as well, Major," Hung Yong replied. Major Jin-Ho then looked to Cheng and Kun Tu, but he assumed for the moment Midori was simply a nurse. "And you two are?" he asked. It was obvious the Major was on official business, because his words were friendly, but brisk and brief. Cheng and Kun Tu stated their name and rank simultaneously. Major Jin-Ho chuckled. "So you are Private Cheng and you are Lieutenant Kun Tu?" he asked, pointing to them each in turn. They nodded and answered, "Yes, sir."
The Major, after greetings had been exchanged, turned again to Mesheiko. "Private Mesheiko, I would like to stay and talk with you but you need rest and I am here on business. The first thing I need to know is, did you kill the Fire Nation general? I have heard wild rumors, but we must know the truth." Mesheiko paused for a moment before answering. He did not want to confuse Major Jin-Ho, but as a soldier he was under oath and his conscience would not allow him to blur the facts without undue need. "Well, sir, I can't quite remember. You see, I was rendered unconscious before the boulder actually struck him, but Cheng saw it," Mesheiko said, and Cheng nodded and acknowledged him in agreement. Major Jin-Ho took notes briefly.
"What is your condition?" he inquired. This question Mesheiko could answer clearly. "Most of my wounds will heal in a matter of time, but my foot is paralyzed, sir," Again Major Jin-Ho scribbled unseen notes on a piece of parchment. "So then I can confirm your present state in the Army. Private Mesheiko, you will be on paid leave while you continue to heal and until you can fully do the tasks you were previously able to. If your wounds are so severe, however, that they render you unable to fight and train, you will have to be discharged," the Major said sympathetically, "I'm sorry, but of course it will not be without honors and awards for your bravery." Mesheiko nodded; he expected such. He was disappointed to hear the news, but not surprised. He sighed, partly out of relief for no longer did he have to wonder his fate, but partly out of disappointment. It was simply too much to bear in one day.
Major Jin-Ho smiled at Mesheiko, and then said, "Well done, Mesheiko. You have made the Earth Kingdom Army and myself proud." Mesheiko felt a surge of pride that entirely covered the more bitter emotions of that day. Major Jin-Ho had complimented and congratulated him! The Major nearly turned to leave when he realized that the young woman had stood all through the interview, and it was apparent that she was more than simply a nurse. "And who are you, miss?" he inquired, addressing Midori.
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Post by midori on Mar 3, 2007 21:53:51 GMT -5
Midori straightened, a bit surprised she had even been noticed, let alone confronted. However, her casual smile didn’t falter, and she quickly dipped her head into a polite, respectful nod with her hands folded neatly at her front, taking after Mesheiko’s small example. Her mind quickly raced for an appropriate way to address herself after remembering the other soldiers’ somewhat comical introductions, though, it turned out to be a difficult question actually; just what was her rank? Should she just be a guest, visitor? A messenger? A friend? For a brief moment her mind replayed Mesheiko’s short, tender glance, and the satisfying warmth that had spread through her did so again. A very good friend, perhaps?
“My name is Midori, sir.” She said carefully, lifting her head and courageously meeting the major’s gaze. “I’m a close friend of Mesheiko’s.”
With this, she returned to full height, hoping her expression remained light and charming, or at least that she was maintaining some level of a decent impression. Though surely nothing compared to Mesheiko’s, she was a bit nervous on why he had taken an interest in her. Was she disregarding some obvious but unspoken rule of honorability by listening in? Did she strike some serious military code by intruding in upon the camp? She was a bit filthy, really… but he’d surely seen worse hadn’t he? Did she and Mesheiko have some suggestive way of interacting that she was just plain blind to?
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Post by atalanta on Mar 9, 2007 18:52:12 GMT -5
The Major smiled pleasantly. He had a deep concern for the soldiers, and it was good to see Mesheiko well supported. Every fighting man deserved the support of a good friend, or a good woman, or in Mesheiko's case, both. He was still pressed for time, however, and wasted no more time for pleasantries. "Good to meet you." Major Jin-Ho said simply but in an approving manner. "I trust I will see you at the meeting tomorrow, Hung Yong?" he inquired, and Hung Yong nodded. He was often required to come to such meetings. Even though his rank wasn't particuarly high, his advice was highly valued. "Good evening to you all." he said elegantly, and strode in the oppostie direction as quickly as he had came.
Mesheiko breathed a sigh of relief. At least his fate was clear now. He knew, despite the fact that Major Jin-Ho said that he could stay if he could continue with normal, he couldn't stay. The wounds were too devastating for him to ever fully recover from. While he still resented that fact, he now accepted it. He couldn't go back and change things. Now, as Mesheiko looked back on the battle, he felt a sense of pride. He had given his leg for the Earth Kingdom and would have given his life if necessary like so many before him. Mesheiko looked around at his surrounding soldiers, all veterans of war. Some wounds were far worse than his own. Mesheiko realized now what Hung Yong had meant when he said they were lucky earlier. His wounds paled in comparison to those of so many others, not to mention those of the thousands of lives lost.
Still, his sacrifice was a great one, and a life changing one at that, but it was not in vain. How could so much occur in so little a amount of time? It was all too much to think about, and he was terribly tired. Mesheiko hoped the doctors would not be angry with him for not taking a nap the entire day. He was thorougly exhausted. "Midori, I think you'll need to make arrangements. I'll go with you," he said feebly. His voice was giving way along with the rest of his body. He closed his eyes, and for once since awaking far early in the day, fell into sleep.
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Post by midori on Mar 10, 2007 14:49:07 GMT -5
Midori could not help but look to Mesheiko with a soft, admiring glance as he closed his eyes. She felt slightly guilty for keeping him up for so long, and it was good to see he was finally going to get some well-deserved rest.
“Goodnight, Mesheiko.” She said quietly, though Midori wasn’t quite sure if he was still awake to hear her. For a few moments she paused, silently observing him as he slept, letting her own thoughts wander, which soon brought her to her current predicament. Now that Mesheiko was asleep and she had plans to stay, where would she reside until Mesheiko was healed enough to leave with her?
It would probably not be to her or the patients’ best interest if she was to remain hanging about the infirmary, but she knew of no other place. Staying somewhere in the city itself would no doubt be too much of a hassle, and Midori also doubted she would be welcomed with open arms to a soldier’s quarters. Nor would she feel completely relaxed if she was greeted upon so favorably. So just where could she stay?
The young woman crossed her arms and sighed, casually looking around the infirmary, searching for whatever sort of inspiration she could find. It was then that Midori noticed another young woman standing nearby, scribbling dutifully on one of a rather large stack of documents. She seemed a bit older than the nurses that Midori had been given the pleasure of meeting earlier and much more mature as well; at least she didn’t seem to be passing frequent glances in Mesheiko’s direction.
Feeling another’s stare, the nurse looked up from her work and met Midori gaze, seeming a bit puzzled at first; however, her expression soon melted into one warming and welcoming. Midori noticed the nurse had kind eyes, motherly eyes.
“Do you need something, dear?” the nurse asked politely, her voice equally warm as her expression.
Midori hesitated. Yes, she needed a place to stay, but was it appropriate to ask so much of a simple nurse? Surely the staff had homes nearby, but it would be awfully rude to intrude on someone wouldn’t it? Yet… she didn’t have many choices, and the lady seemed kind enough.
“Um… Yes, actually.” Midori said, her voice shy, almost regretful. “I’ve come to stay with a friend until he is released, but I don’t have anywhere to go in the meantime. Do you know of some place nearby where I can stay for awhile?”
Still somewhat embarrassed for asking, Midori slipped her hands into her pockets, relieved that a small, cool sensation still gently shocked her fingers. At least she had money if she lodged in some kind of Inn. The nurse, meanwhile, broke into a beam.
“Oh, of course, dear - the staff has a building out back; when a rare young woman, such as yourself, comes to visit, we let her stay there with us.” There was a brief pause, which was just enough time for a relieved smile to spread into Midori’s cheeks. “You ready now then?”
Midori took a moment and glanced back at Mesheiko, sleeping, then turned and nodded curtly to the nurse. The nurse seemed to take a great deal interest in this for a moment, but quickly cleared her expression and touched Midori’s shoulder as she began to guide the young woman away into the halls.
“Thank you so much.” Midori replied gratefully.
“Don’t go thanking me yet.” The lady began, glancing sideways at Midori. “You’re in for it.”
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Post by atalanta on Mar 11, 2007 16:50:46 GMT -5
Sleep claimed him quickly and easily. It was a tranquil sort of sleep at first, quiet and deep. It wasn't long before dreams began to plague him, however. They began as simple, short dreams that were generally pleasant. He later recalled one after awaking of Midori and of him. It was very sweet, but also quite romantic. It almost frightened him how deep he discovered his feelings for Midori were. His subconcious wandered for time that was unmeasured to him before settling on a new topic and dream.
It was as if the battle was replaying itself. There was the single soldier, clad entirely in red armor. He was charging the soldier exactly as he had done not long before, but inside his mind he was screaming to stop this madness because now he knew the outcome of it. Mesheiko thought if he could somehow change the course of events in his dream, perhaps he would awake fully healed. That dreaded Fire Nation army approached and charged, and Banshee screeched with all the power in his vocal cords. They were thrown into the midst of a gruesome battle as Earth Kingdoms soldiers arrived and joined the fray. He was in the heart, having to beat off and kill Fire Nation soldiers on every side. In his dream, he could sense new details, like Banshee's tension and fear. He could hear a slight squawk as a Fire Nation soldier attempted to frighten the ostrich-horse with fire, but Banshee simply crushed the man under his claws.
He was drawing closer and closer to the moment that changed his life. The battle was intense and brutal, and Mesheiko had already sustained a number of minor wounds. He had spotted the general, had a boulder levitating for a moment then forced it to fly toward the general. Then a searing, unbearable, excruciatingly pain erupted in his ankle for a moment, and then all became dark. Mesheiko awoke then. He kept his eyes closed for a moment, trying to forget the horrific dream. His breathing stilled to a normal pace and his heart rate slowed. Mesheiko then noticed that his body was covered in a cold sweat. He knew that he had gotten off too easy with only physical wounds. Now the battle was going to haunt him in his dreams.
He tried to close his eyes in sleep again, but it was no use. He was fully awake now, and thanks to the dream, he did not want to return to sleep. It was too traumatic. Mesheiko sat up in his cot, and looked around. The infirmary was supposed to be dark at night, but moonlight spilled through and illuminated it enough that he could make out the outlines of soldiers, cots, and cabinets. All was quiet now except for the slight coughing and groaning of wounded men, and of course snoring. He felt rested enough now, and it wasn't likely that he would return to sleep soon. Mesheiko grabbed the bed post of his cot and shakily rose to his feet. The last time he had stood, he had kissed Midori, which was a pleasant thought. He used this to fuel his desire to move. Luckily, there was a small window not far from his cot. He used the bed posts of other cots as sorts of crutches as he hopped along. Mesheiko could still balance rather well, and held on to the windowsill as he stared out at the moonlit landscape below. Mesheiko had looked at this scenery many times in the moonlight, but he never thought he would look at the same picture from the infirmary window.
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