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Post by aden on Aug 10, 2006 2:02:46 GMT -5
A night and a day had passed since the war party from the Northern Water Tribe began their march out of Zhy. The rather small force of warriors, bender and soldiers alike, numbered only two score maintained a swift pace long into the night and resumed it the next morning. They were making good time towards their destination where they would rendezvouz with a batallion of the Earth Kingdom army and held hold a crucial pass through the mountains. The men of the Water Tribe, their clothes almost unilaterally of shades of blue, resembled a river flowing down the path through the forest.
Aden was among the center of the train of soldiers. A hefty pack was on his back, containing a pair of bedrolls, a tarp, and several other supplies for the march. His eyes were downcast, staring blankly at the ground a short distance in front of him. It kept him aware of what was going on ahead, but allowed him not to focus on the distance they still had to travel. Instead he let his ears provide the primary sensory input for his mind.
Nearby in the long line of soldiers was an extra member of the group. Chamir, a storyteller and member of the Southern Water Tribe whom Aden had met during his brief stay in Zhy, had asked to join the war party for a while. With Aden vouching for his abilities, the leader, Hissun, allowed Chamir to accompany the troupe and entertain his men with stories and legends.
Aden glanced around, looking and listening for Chamir. The young waterbender had no doubts that the elder storyteller from the South could hold his own, but he still felt a certain obligation to make sure he was alright. This was still a war, after all, and death was always lurking nearby to claim anyone who let their guard drop.
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Post by chamir on Aug 10, 2006 10:53:19 GMT -5
”…for it’s a long long way to Bai Sing Sei Back to my darling Pei Ling~ And again this road I shall never roam With a place my heart shall call home~”
Tis a comforting feeling that had yet to depart, Chamir considered. It had been—what now—three or four years since he’d sighted anyone from either of the Water Tribes? Even the so called waterbenders that live in the Foggy Swamp; probably just earthbenders bending the shallow river bottoms he convinced himself.
But that had change since he met the young Aden, a Northerner, in Zhy. The youth was in fact traveling in the Earth Kingdom with a band of Northern warriors. Chamir had eagerly invited himself to join them at their camp for what intended to be a few hours but became a full night as he entertained them with music from their homeland along with music from his own home in the south pole. He adored the smells these men brought, the scent of artic plants and animal hides, of artic oils and fat swirling within their tents and draped about their skin and spilling from their sweat. And in his mind they still bore scents of snow and ice.
If only they brought women with them, he once scandalously mused.
The next day their chieftain had offered him a place with them once they left Zhy, a proposition that left Chamir indecisive. They were a war party after all and even he, entertainer though he had become, would eventually have to fight depending on circumstance. Easily enough he could decline the offer but accepted anyway. Aden’s leader gave him no pressure in extending the offer, in fact the other tribesmen did not look at Chamir when the offer was extended. It was his choice of whether or not to join them and he would not be a coward for declining.
"I’m on my way to Bai Sing Sei Oh how this soldier roams~ Over grass and sand and mud and stone Is the land a soldier roams~"
Rethinking his choice afterwards while returning to Wei Li and her lady Bao to retrieve his belongings (He regretted leaving Wei Li’s side though Bao did seem somewhat content with his departure, maybe more so after he embraced the old crone just to annoy her), he contemplated if his decision was a matter of pride. Both as a man and a Southern tribesman for the people of the South Pole were not relegated to one role in society. A man could be a warrior as well as a musician he was taught; the elders Akaroh and Sanjiv—Gods bless their souls if they’re gone—were two such men. Akaroh even complained that Sanjiv had a notorious habit of singing while he fought.
And if he didn’t have to fight he could just as well serve them as a scout along as well as entertainer. Besides, he had traveled through the Earth Kingdom on his way to the North Pole and has lived in the Earth Kingdom for nearly four years since leaving the North Pole. Surely his experience on these roads and with the local peoples and customs would be of some use to these Northerners.
But until such a time came he would be the war party’s entertainer. And for now, a day's march from the hill city of Zhy, he was teaching them a portion of one of the Earth Kingdom's more famous travelling songs, to which some of them began to sing as well once they remembered the lyrics. A ballad more than a song actually about a soldier named loveless or loving—take your pick—Bo... or Bao, or Bua, or Ee. It often depended on what region of the Kingdom you were in that depended on the name used.
The ballad's history was rather shoddy and confusing to being with anyway. Though the fact that it was about a soldier from Bai Sing Sei with a beloved named Pei Ling remained the same. Some said it was created by soldiers while others said one soldier. Some say it was created long before Chin the Conqueror while others said between Chin and before the General Iroh of the Fire Nation layed siege to it. Others say it was after General Iroh's defeat.
"A long long road to Bai Sing Sei To embrace the one I a~dore And at my back, to death I laugh for I return to the girl I love~"
He would like to stay with them as long as possible—how they reminded him of home—but that meant having to join them in battle. Chamir had never been in battle before, yes he had fought before: mainly drunken brawlers and the occasional roadside bandit. But this, fighting as a warrior meant life and death battles, actual killing. Chamir had killed animals before but being a warrior meant killing humans… which you did not skin and eat afterwards.
This thinking would threaten to cloud his sunny disposition. Until now there was never really the thought of actual combat in his life, the actions of killing and dying in battle. Ever since he left the South Pole for the North he had become something of a psuedo-Northerner, taking part in one class of society not like his traditional Southern roots where a man could perform multiple roles; hunter, warrior, entertainer.
Before his kinsmen he was becoming a true Southern Water tribesman, thinking: Chamir the South Pole’s proud azure singing warrior! Laughing his head fell back. From South, to Earth, to North, to Earth, to South, he reasoned.
“Cyclical! Cyclical,” his hands off his pipa and waving them circles as he shouted.
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Post by yasu on Aug 12, 2006 0:12:22 GMT -5
She sat there atop the branch, watching the Fire Nation soldiers walk around and talk. They weren't talking about anything important, and the young woman felt that this small mission wasn't anything but to keep her preoccupied. She hated how the Rebellion's leader did this to her. Why did he? He sent her on these silly, small missions that were for nothing. It was as if he disliked her, when she was sure they had not yet met. She blew out of her mouth, blowing a strand of black hair behind her ear. It was getting afternoon, not her time of day. While Yasu Al was from the Fire Nation, she didn't rise with the sun. She liked to sleep at day and wake at night. She did most of her work at night. She covered her mouth as she began to yawn. Her bow had a notched arrow, but it was loose at her side. Why had she even bothered to take it out?
She finally let her legs slip from each side of the branch so that she was sitting on the branch. She leaned against the trunk and set the bow in her lap. Might as well get some sleep, she thought, I've been here for four hours. I deserve the rest, and it doesn't look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. The Rebellion was lucky she was so loyal to them. Otherwise she wouldn't be here keeping an eye on the small group of soldiers. Slowly her eyes shut, and she was greeted by a song her mother used to sing to her.
'They didn't have you where I come from Never knew the best was yet to come Life began when I saw your face And I hear your laugh like a serenade
How long do you want to be loved Is forever enough, is forever enough How long do you want to be loved Is forever enough Cause I'm never, never giving you up'
Yasu Al shuddered awake at the sound of a rabbit-owl swooping past her head with a wild screech as it chased down a little mouse. It was brither out. How long had she slept for? She pulled her legs behind her and pushed up as if she were on a balancing beam. She crouched there, her bow balancing on her knees, as she tried to look for the soldiers. They were gone. Their fire was sizzled out. How long was I asleep? she feared. Slowly she swung both her legs over one side and jumped down from the branch. She un-notched the arrow and slipped it in her quiver, swinging her bow over her shoulder.
She began to run through the brush, blending in with the dark foliage. She searched for what seemed like days, when really it was only a few minutes. She could not find the soldiers. And then, something snapped behind her. A twig. She swung around, bow raised and an arrow swiftly notched onto the string. "Whose there?" she called. A small squirrel came from the brush. It blinked at her, grabbed an acorn, and scampered away. Oh... she thought. She sighed, slightly disappointed, as she turned nad began walking once more, keeping her bow and arrow out.
There was a sound. Yasu became silent, pushing her long, black hair over her shoulder cautiously. She crept forward just in time to hear someone cry, “Cyclical! Cyclical!” Her back muscles tightened, as they always did when she was following something or someone. She walked slower, watching her step as she neared the bushes. Crouching, she peered out with her golden eyes and spotted a long river of blue. No, it wasn't a river. Water tribe, she thought. She didn't want to bother them, they were probably just doing their job. She began to back up when her heel snapped something, loud. She looked down and cursed herself mentally; damn twig.
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Post by naru on Aug 17, 2006 20:15:30 GMT -5
Naru and his grandfather, Liung were once more on their journey traveling towards Ba Seng Se on a narrow mildly used path. On either side were large green leafed trees with brown gnarled roots that crisscrossed not only over each other but along the path as well. Large boulders were also scattered between the trees, many broken in half by the strength of the tree roots. At one point the even came across a large boulder in the paths way cleanly split and spread out down the middle by some previous traveler. Naru constantly ran ahead often even launching himself into the branches of trees hanging over the path to scout ahead.
He thought to himself of the great Earth city Ba Seng Se and what it must be like with its magnificent walls. Hed only heard about it from his grandfather who had told him stories of its greatness being the capital and currently the fire nations main target. Naru could only imagine what its inner city was like. Did it have chute systems similar to Omashu it was quite likely since it was the capital after all.
"Naru come here" Liung said. "I hear something we need to stick together it could be danger." Naru listened and heard a little ways ahead near a clearing: "Cyclical, Cyclical".......
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Post by aden on Aug 17, 2006 21:03:25 GMT -5
Aden wasn't surprised that his search for the bard lasted less than a heartbeat; Chamir's extravagant mannerisms were hard to overlook. He caught sight of his Southern kinsman a few paces behind him, keeping himself busy, so it seemed. As he called out the words, "Cyclical! Cyclical!" Aden could only wonder at what thoughts were running through the storyteller's mind. Regardless, the younger soldier couldn't help but let the corner of his mouth twitch in a slight smile. He and his people had been on the march for the past two weeks since they'd landed on the Northern shores of the Earth Kingdom. Since that time with the threat of attack ever-present, he'd had few occasions to smile.
And yet, even as he looked over his shoulder, something had alerted a pair of men just a few yards ahead of the young waterbender. The two warriors, a bender and a spearman, had turned toward the forest brush to their right and had assumed tense postures. The spearman had his whalebone spear gripped tightly and pointed toward the bushes while the bender had a hand on his waterskin, ready to unleash an elemental assault.
"Something's in the woods," the spearman called out loud, alerting the soldiers around him. He didn't sound particularly alarmed, owing to the fact that many harmless creatures inhabited the forest. A few soldiers approaching the pair stopped to watch, Aden included, and a few others from ahead turned back to see as well. If it was something dangerous there would be enough men ready to deal with the problem, but it wouldn't bring the whole tribe to a halt.
Aden had shifted his pack to the very edges of his shoulders, preparing to drop the heavy load in order to fight unhindered in the blink of an eye. Even as the two soldiers before him took a step closer to the bushes and demanded that anyone in hiding reveal themselves, his heart was beginning to race with the prospect of combat.
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Post by chamir on Aug 19, 2006 11:31:47 GMT -5
As they continued on the next verse of the ballad, Chamir’s fell back to his pipa. While they continued singing one of the warriors from further ahead stood outside the marching line and began signaling to everyone behind him. Looking over to where the man was pointing, Chamir saw a group of warriors, including Aden, inspecting the brush with weapons at ready.
“Now need for alarm,” one of the warriors marching next to him stopped singing to whisper into his ear. “But we’re to be ready,” he admonished, placing a hand on the hilt of his own iron machete.
Nodding, Chamir brought his pipa lower to his waist and slightly to the left; allowing his left hand to draw his own—Earth Kingdom made—machete if needed.
It may just be some animal, he thought optimistically. After all, they were marching about and around a woodland area. But he kept one eye on Aden and the others inspecting the brush as they marched by.
Further ahead Chamir spotted marching underbrush. Varied hues of green, with a mixture of brown and yellow. Shoulder nudging the warriors at each side of him, he then pointed with the neck of his pipa towards the forest. Noting the blotches of moving greenery the two Northern men began signaling to the other warriors about them.
All may be okay he considered. If they were people marching—Earth Kingdom people from the looks—then the brush sound was merely some animal scampering away from them.
No worries at all.
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Post by yasu on Aug 19, 2006 11:49:27 GMT -5
Yasu felt every muscle in her body tense up as the voices got closer. She was standing, but just barely and her back was hunched over slightly. She hadn't moved an inch since she had stepped on he twig. She could almost see the fear blocking her view, she could almost see her life flash behind her eyes. To her little sister, to her father's ill form, to her mother's kind and gentle face. Normally, she would have considered the situation at hand and choose the best form of action and move quickly and silently. However, this did not establish in this circumstance. She was surrounded by Water Tribe warriors, and she was a lone Fire Nation civilian. Though she wore the normal Earth Kingdom drab, her facial appearances would give anyone the idea that she was, indeed, from the Fire Nation. To her long, black hair to her pale white skin to her golden eyes, she was anything but Earth Kingdom. She cursed herself mentally for her damn stupidity. "Something's in the woods," one had called out. Someone nearby demanded for the intruder to step from the brush. Yasu could feel her knees shaking.
She was a shame to the Rebellion. She was terrified of what would happen to her if she was captured here, and then she was terrified of what would happen to her if she made it back to the Rebellion "head quarters". And then she heard another noise and she slowly lowered her head to see if she could see what it was. If it was Water Tribe warriors, she would bolt. But no, it was Earth Kingdom drab and she could feel her heart pounding in her ears. She cursed herself several times, before slowly she lifted her form to its full height. Now she could be seen from behind the bush, as she was not leaning over. Her golden eyes studied the faces of the Water Tribe soldiers before slowly she slipped her bow behind her back, wrapping it over one shoulder casually as she slipped an arrow back into her quiver. She looked at them a moment before clearing her throat. She stood there a moment, unable to actually speak. One of the Water Tribe men was holding a pipa in his hand, don't ask why she just so happened to notice this. Others were looking at her, curious as to why such a pale girl was in the forest.
And then as if it triggered in his mind, one of the soldiers pointed to her accusingly. He just realized she had a weapon (her bow and arrows). "Fire Nation!" Her heart fell and she felt like she should correct them. She was Fire Nation, but she wasn't exactly...err...Fire Nation. More like a traitorous Fire Nation noblewoman, but whatever floats their boat. She stood there a moment, stalk still, until someone else had asked her what her business was. She looked at him as if he was crazy, but stayed silent, even as someone grabbed her arm and brought her over. She glared at them. With her free hand, she tucked a loose strand of black hair behind her ear and her gaze lifted around her. She was just brought out from the brush, where they then released her and looked at her accusingly. She stayed silent, she didn't know what they would do. She was Fire Nation, after all. Anything she said could be put against her. So instead she lowered her head, shielded her eyes with her lashes, and awaited for what may come. Of course, if they chose to attack, she would do anything but let them. She did have her bow still, and her black arrows. She smirked quietly as more hair fell from her low ponytail into her face, like a veil.
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Post by naru on Aug 19, 2006 20:11:07 GMT -5
Keeping as quiet as possible, Naru and Liung looked through the trees to see a large group of people dressed in blue. "Water Tribe..." Liung stated in a low whisper, "we shouldn't just walk ou there,... they might think we're bandits and attack"
"Then what do we do?" Naru asked quietly. Liung looked back and forth through the trees then looked back at the Water Tribe soldiers.
"We could wait till they pass and then continue on their way..." Liung replied. Naru interrupted, "Your a grandmaster Earthbender if they attack us you could easily defeat them, couldnt you?"
Liung smiled at the boy and replied, "One thing you must learn if you ever wish to reach my level young one is how to avoid unnescesary conflict. True mastery comes from learning how not to fight."
"I understand..."Naru humbly replied, "but I dont think they're leaving I think there is something in the woods." The old man frowned and thought about the situation for a moment then replied, "I know what to do, follow my lead...slowly" Liung stood up raised his hands in the air and walked out of there hiding place, then turned to face the Water Tribe Soldiers. Naru followed his lead and exited the trees and stood next to his Grandfather.
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Post by aden on Aug 20, 2006 0:59:40 GMT -5
Even after the threat was revealed to be nothing more than a fire nation girl, Aden was still on high alert. His ears were attuned to the surrounding forest while his eyes remained locked on the stranger. Her attire was obviously geared to look like a typical citizen of the earth kingdom. The drab colors and simple outfit would fit right in at almost any town throughout the continent. However, her pale skin and gold-hued eyes easily betrayed her nationality. Aden imagined that she was likely a scout or spy for some nearby Fire Nation force. Her bow also wasn't the type used by common hunters. It's maroon coloring and gold plate bespoke of great expense and Fire nation influence. No... She was no member of the Earth Kingdom.
Aden kept his hand on his waterskin, thumbnail poised to pop off the cap that held the water at bay. One of his fellow soldiers had stepped up to the girl, who was now standing out in the open with her head low. "Who are you scouting for?" he asked forcefully, planting the butt of his spear in the ground and tilting the bladed end forward.
While the interrogation began, Aden was clapped on the shoulder by some one coming up from behind him. The young bender started slightly, turning his head to face the source of the hand that grabbed him with the quickness of startled deer. He calmed significantly, however, when he saw who it was that was passing him. The stern face of his war party's leader, Master Hissun, greeted his eyes, and put the young bender at ease. Aden stepped aside as Hissun stepped past him, offering a curt bow to his leader. As the other soldiers nearby noted the Master's presence, they took respectful steps back and allowed him to see the girl.
Standing confidently before the lone scout, Hissun observed her carefully for sseveral moments before saying simply, "State your name and business in these woods." It was said politely, but it was unmistakably a command. Aden's shifted back and forth between his tribal leader and the 'captive.'
At the front of the column of marching soldiers, a handful of the Water Tribe warriors became aware of the new pair of travelers who had crossed their path. The presence of an old man and a young woman was not as pressing as an armed Fire Nation girl trying to sneak up on them. The nearest soldier, still carrying a hefty pack over his shoulders, held up a hand to catch their attention and called out, "Stay where you are! There may be Fire Nation soldiers about..."
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Post by chamir on Aug 24, 2006 23:01:34 GMT -5
The pair of travelers Chamir had been tracking just ahead and to the side of the front column had stepped onto their path in the clearing. The old man and boy, not wanting to provoke the tribesmen, a few of whom were already drawing their weapons, stepped before them slowly with hands stretched skyward. Unlike the woman that was already being interrogated a few paces away; these two were dressed in proper Earth Kingdom attire.
Possibly, they were actually Earth Kingdom civilians. Many of those at the front reaching for their weapons were putting them back in scabbards, over shoulders or letting go waterbags and sword hilts. Chamir included.
One of the warrior nearest the two held up a halting hand. “Stay where you are,” he commanded, while a few spearmen broke from the column and began to circle around the two. “There may be Fire Nation soldiers about…,” he lowly muttered something to himself.
“Southerner,” he ejected with his back to Chamir, “Relate this to Hissun. Be quick about it! The rest of you fan out, we don’t want to present a large target.”
***
Within five minutes he made the jog back where Hissun and at least four others were interrogating the woman. He grinned to himself upon spotting Aden amidst the semi-circle of men, his posture striking him as tense or jumpy.
Coming to walk he began to slide his way into the group, but not before giving Aden a friendly little push between the shoulders. “Relax,” came his gingerly whisper as he moved pass Aden.
Receiving Hissun’s attention, or at least a sideways glance, Chamir clicked his leather boots together and began recalling the demeanor he usually saw of Earth Kingdom soldiers.
“Sir,” he began. “We found two more up ahead. Old man and boy in Earth Kingdom attire. They look legitimate to me at least,” he turned and pointed his chin at the two further down field. “Sir, if I may speak so freely as I’ve traveled these roads before; those two may have come from the side path just up ahead. A small, dirt footpath, that empties out into a four with three cart-size roads nearly half a day’s walk from our position. Two of those roads will lead us to a village with roads that’ll take us back into the direction of Zhy. The other is abandoned, falling apart with a road that leads to the direction of Kei Lan.”
He ended in a nod before falling into an at-ease position; hands behind his back and feet apart. But wait, he mentally winced, you don’t stand at ease until you’re told to do so.
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Post by yasu on Aug 24, 2006 23:27:10 GMT -5
Yasu's mind was racing as she stood there, strands of her long hair blocking her face from view. Suddenly, the butt of a spear came into her view sight, buried into the ground and she slowly raised her head, her eyes flashed for a moment as she looked at the point of the spear. The soldier asked her a question, but she just eyed him with her calm golden eyes, eyed the sharp point of the spear, and with the back of her hand she hit the spear out of her view sight. At least to where the point was not pointed at her. She smirked slightly. "Watch where you point that thing," she started, the first words she had said since being captured, "You could poke out an eye with it." Her voice was slightly mocking, and she ignored his question completely. The soldier's face looked to be contorted into a mix of anger and frustration with her, but Yasu just lowered her head once more and looked at the ground, a small smirk playing with her lips.
Suddenly, the questions she had been ignoring stopped and she lifted her head slightly. There was a stern faced man walking toward her, and she noted how one soldier, obviously a waterbender with his canteen, bowed to him out of respect. She scrunched up her nose slightly as the soldiers surrounding her backed up to give their leader room. At least, she guessed he was the leader in this outfit. He definitely held power of the soldiers, for how much respect they were showing to him. She looked down slightly, then moved her head to the side as he began to observe her. She hated the feeling, and she was instantly rubbed the wrong way with this guy. She clenched her jaw tightly as he spoke. It was polite, but it was unmistakably a command that he expected her to answer. For a long moment, she considered staying silent. Out of habit, she bit her lip silently, trying to remember what her mentor had told her what to do when or if she was caught. Not able to remember, she finally lifted her head and met the leader's eyes with her own without hesitation. She lifted her chin slightly in defiance, her jaw set.
"My name is Y--" Her attention was caught off-guard when someone yelled out to other travelers, saying that Fire Nation soldiers could be around. Her eyes widened when she was faintly reminded of why she had been in the forest to begin with. She needed to find those damn soldiers again. She tried to regain her calm attitude, but it was nearly impossible when being scrutinized and surrounded by Water Tribe warriors. She cleared her throat and began again, her eyes returning to that of the leader's. "My name is Ya--" she was interrupted once more as the young man with the pipa approached, speaking to the man in front of her. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as she listened. Her eyes widened at her realization. She was apart of a Rebellion, and she had been following Fire Nation soldiers. They could be heading anywhere, by the sounds of things. She was going to be in bigger trouble than she thought. She glared at the young man in front of her with all she could, even though she had no grudge against this man. Curiously, only the leader seemed to rub her the wrong way.
Finally the man fell into an at-ease position and she took the chance to continue on before she was distracted or interrupted again. "My name is Yasu Al," she paused before adding, through clenched teeth, the word 'sir'. She might as well show respect for the leader, for he was still in higher status than she. She itched to grab her bow and shoot the leader now, but it wasn't in her usual nature to just kill. And besides, she didn't have a bone to pick with him just yet. So she just kept it at her name and waited to see what he would do next, her eyes narrowed challengingly.
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Post by aden on Aug 28, 2006 21:01:02 GMT -5
Hissun had listened to Chamir's report with proper interest, but as soon as he'd stopped he raised two fingers in a gesture that told him to wait. The elder leader looked toward the girl before him and almost immediately she spoke her name after numerous attempts. "Yasu Al," she called herself. Hissun couldn't derive any useful information out of just her name, but he was well aware that she had neglected to state her business in the woods as he'd ordered. The leader of the war party let his gaze linger on her for a moment later before turning back to Chamir.
"If they are simply travelers then we have no reason to detain them," Hissun said, "But inform them of the possible danger and extend an invitation to travel under our protection." With a curt nod, he bid the story-teller to deliver the message and turned once more to regard Yasu Al.
Aden watchhed the events unfolding with a lingering sense of tension. The young warrior hated the Fire Nation with a deep-seated, almost irrational passion. His sensibilities generally kept those feelings in chack, but it still got the better of him sometimes. His inability to relax around Yasu was evidence of that now.
""Yasu Al..." Hissun said, repeating the girl's name out loud. "Interesting name," he commented, "But it hardly answers why you were out here alone and armed for combat. I have to insist you be more honest with us..." The middle-aged warrior paused mometarily, staring forcefully at the girl to assure that his seriousness was not overlooked. "Now what are you doing out in these woods?"
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Post by naru on Aug 29, 2006 19:25:23 GMT -5
Naru was a bit frightened to see that weapons were being unsheathed and pointed at them. "Grandpa..." Naru whispered nervously to the old man next to him.
"It's ok Naru just don't move and let me do the talking." He replied in a calm whisper. The soldiers contiued to point the weapons at them for a few moments, then, noticing that they didn't seem to be attacking they lowered them a little.
"State your name and business," One of the soldiers said just loud enough for them to hear. Liung calmly replied, "My name is Liung and this is my grandson, Naru...perhaps you have heard of me..." There was no reply so he continued, "We are headed to Ba Seng Se and we mean you no harm, we are simply passing through here." The soldiers lowered their weapons a little more, some even put them away. "How do we know you're not just thiefs?" The soldier said cautiously.
"You don't, I can tell you who I am but I must say I do not have any proof for you at this time, I am a General in the Earth Kingdom Army returning from my retirement." Liung replied. A few more of the soldiers put their weapons away. Liung smiled pleasantly and Naru followed his example as they both slowly lowered their arms. Finally, the soldier put away his wepon. Liung placed his hands in front of him a fist with the other hand on top and bowed, "Thank You" He said.
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Post by zukosfire on Aug 29, 2006 19:29:29 GMT -5
Li peered around from the boulder she was hiding behind. Her jade eyes took in the sight of the encampment of soldiers before her. They seemed to be Earth Kingdom, and perhaps a few Water Tribes, she wasn't entirely sure, but one could never tell. If Li had learned one thing from her life, it was that spies and traitors come in all sorts of apperances. Call her paranoid, but it had kept her alive this far, hadn't it?
Li brushed hair out of her eyes as she withdrew herself behind the large rock once more, and thought over her options. She could watch the group longer, wait here till they left, or just leave now.
Li immeadietly eliminated the first two choices, because as per her usual paranoia, she didn't want the possiblity of getting caught. Aside from her partner, Li really preferred to be alone when traveling. Growing up in a town full of Firebenders gave you little reason to trust anyone.
Deciding to try and find another spot to stay the night, Li grabbed her bag, and prepared to silently leave her hiding space. Using the cover of her trees, she quietly crept a few feet until her boot stepped down on a dry stick. It made an extremely loud CRACK as it broke, and Li knew that they sentires had probably heard her. Swearing under her breath, she glided into the shadows of the trees, and hoped the greens and browns of her outfit would keep her hidden until the coast was clear.
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Post by chamir on Aug 29, 2006 21:07:45 GMT -5
I believe, Chamir thought, I am a bit out of practice, running back to the front of the column. Sure he could walk on hours on end, had been used to doing this since residing in the Earth Kingdom. Running, however, for an extended period—at least without adrenaline pumping while running from bandits—was another matter.
He conversed with the lead warrior at the column’s head, in between catching his breath. Convincing the warrior to let him do the talking he then approached the Earth Kingdomites. Taking a few more lungful breaths as he did.
“We are sorry,” melodramatically drooping his head in shame. “Great August Liung,” he brought his head up. “Please forgive the manners and demeanor of my kinfolk and I, sire. But we have most recently stumbled upon a Fire Nation scout, and as a retired general to th—”
“General returning from retirement,” he kindly interrupted.
“Excuse me—as a ‘general returning from retirement’ I’m sure you understand the implications of finding even one scout,” he then chin pointed to where Hissun, Aden and few others were still interrogating the suspected scout. “As per orders from our war leader, you are allowed to be on your way but you are advised to be on guard for any Fire Nation soldiers quite possibly lurking amidst this region. Yet our war leader also extends an invite for you and your grandson to travel under our protection, sire Liung.”
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