The City Markets <Omashu, Earth Kingdom>

[hikari]

It was a bright sunny day and the air was still. Hikari walked at a steady pace behind a group of travelers on the way to the gates of Omashu. She was anxious to get into the city, she never had visited Omashu before. Her grandfather suggested her to go and observe how some of the merchants there sell items and to learn more. Hikari felt like the path leading to the gate would never end until finally they reached the gate leading into the city. Hikari tried to brush away some of her excitement before facing the guard at the gate to get in.

"State your business," the guard said sternly as Hikari stood before the gate.

"I'm Hikari, a traveling merchant who accompanied these travelers to visit the city," she said in a serious manner.

The guard looked narrowed his eyes and looked over at Hikari for a minute deciding whether she should enter or not before coming to his decision.

"Very well," the guard replied and opened the gate to Hikari.

Hikari stood past the threshold of the gate and stood with awe, her eyes dazzling with wonder. The city was amazing, so many houses, shops, and streets filled with people! She stared and the mail shoots as they went up and down ramps, arriving at their destinations. The city was so much more exciting than the quiet little villages she was accustomed to.

"Simply wonderful," Hikari said in awe as she walked through the city.

Hikari walked around lively and excited as she went past the people in the streets, hearing bits and pieces of conversations about the city news, and about war. Hikari slowed her pace and thought Where are the main markets at? The city was so huge she wasn't sure where to look.

"Can anyone show me the where the main markets are?" Hikari shouted over the crowd and hoped for a response. With everyone in the streets so busy to get somewhere she wasn't sure if she would get a response.

[zen]

Beads of perspiration formed across Zen’s brow from the glare of the sun that settled beyond a deeply flushed horizon. Structures of pale stones with sharp tipped green tiled rooftops elevated towards the sky in complex formations with square gapping windows, a sea of voices swayed in the air, materialized by passing people, mostly those of the earth kingdom tribes that were clad by green garments. The city was no doubt engulfed by citizens with the coming of new vegetation, Zen himself ventured far from his village in search for a few items unattainable in his small town. He had arrived a day before, to exhausted from the journey, and settled in the closest inn within the vicinity without a chance to properly take a look around. Had he done just that Zen might had witnessed a quieter, more pleasant, side to Omanshu.

“Simply wonderful,” Someone besides him had voiced out, but it was only a passing notion that momentarily cut through Zen’s own train of thought. He wasn’t about to agree to that idea, the place was polluted with to many people, and he was having trouble deciding where to direct his line of vision without following another motion from the corner of his eye.

Zen found that the words were cast by a young dark toned girl that pressed forward down an aimless path, he didn’t think twice about her or why she was walking by herself, or at least he believed she was, it didn’t matter, Zen shifted to an invisible list in his mind. ’Basil, Artichoke plants, Nigella sativa……

"Can anyone show me the where the main markets are?"

The words shot like a silver light puncturing Zen’s thoughts all together and chattering the list of plants and herbs when he raised his head. Earth kingdom peasants obscured the image of the same girl that shouted the question, people that were an incoherent blurs to him, weaving in and out and cutting short the vision of her. It didn’t matter to him, let someone else do the helping, he was busy after all. Zen whirled around on his heels, one black deep sleeve, wiping away the sweat that plastered down his brown strands. His garments, eye-catching against the clashing of green as he was using Danzi’s trade mark uniform, did little to stop the process of dehydration. Three steps in the opposite direction, only once did he spared a sideways glance at the lost girl…

“Your going the wrong way,” Zen’s conscious had overruled his actions of just leaving her behind, and thinking twice about it he had turned around to catch up with the wonder, she had to be a wonder if she didn’t knew her way around the place, right? That was irrelevant, Zen was already a few inches behind her when he answered back in a flatter tone that accented his irritation.

“The market is that way,” Zen with a short thrust to his neck motioned towards a cluster of buildings, within the encircled network of narrowed gaps, the central market was located, and like the name suggested, it was tucked in the core of the Earth kingdom city. He turned around, “Feel free to follow me if you want a guide, I’m going their myself,” This time he managed to pave his words in with less annoyance, and without turning to check if he acknowledged his offer, Zen padded off towards the direction he had motioned to.

[hikari]

Hikari turned around and faced the young man. She then hurried to catch up with him. She breathed a sigh of relief, pleased that someone was going to help her. Hikari looked toward the area he was going toward and felt slightly embarrassed for going the wrong way.

"Thank you," she said from behind. "I was afraid that I was never going to find anyone to help me."

Hikari plodded behind the young man, she held up her hand and swiped a small amount of sweat from her forehead. With no clouds to shield blazing the sun it felt very hot, especially in the middle of the city with no roofs or coverings to get relief from sun's rays. Even under the unpleasant conditions, Hikari's heart beat with excitement for the fact she was going to a big city market for the first time in her life.

"Please excuse me, it's my first time in a large city. I'm here to observe the merchants here and learn more since I am a merchant myself," she called from behind, not entirely sure if he heard her or not.

Hikari gazed around as she headed toward the market before looking toward the young man in front of her. He could of waited for me to respond, she thought bitterly. She then shook off the thought and admitted to herself the truth. At least he did offer help, he could just moved on with his business, Hikari thought again as the markets came into close view.

[katuko]

Siihma squinted in the late sun and quietly observed the bustling market place below. A worn bamboo basket hung from her wrists and swung to the pattern of her footsteps as she gingerly made her way down the rutted path. At the base of the village, she dropped her pace and scanned the vendors for a reasonably supplied station.

The girl completed her purchase quickly and counted the amount she owed. Satisfied, she tucked the supplies safely under her arm and proceeded towards home. She passed by a cloaked man and inched aside to allow his pass. He dipped his head softly and stretched out his palm. Siihma looked up questioningly. "Yes sir?" The man's hand shot toward her groceries and snatched them from her. He turned and dashed down the hill, scurrying over the assorted branches.

Siihma darted after him (which was unwise had she thought carefully). "Gimme back my stuff! Ay! ROBBER!" she snarled. The girl could hear angry cries as she slammed from villager to villager. They were leaving the market area now and into a deserted street, generally prone to inhibitions. Siihma whipped around the corner and flung into a lengthy shadow. Slowly, she crawled from the ground and brushed off the dirt. Now she had a good view of the stranger. The girl was of strong build and had a tousled mess of hair hanging in a strip of cloth. "I'm sorry!" Siihma gasped, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

[hikari]

Hikari had about to step into the markets when she caught something from a corner of her eye, someone coming from that direction. In a matter of seconds it collided with her. Hikari grunted, her thoughts about the excitement of the markets quickly snapped away. She was taken off guard due to the impact. When she regained focus she stared down to see a girl below her.

She was a small girl, younger than Hikari in age. She had a frantic look on her face and had dark blue eyes. From the Water Tribe, Hikari thought, fascinated as she went to assure the girl.

"It's all right, I'm fine," Hikari said in a calm tone while picking up her bag off the ground. The bag had slipped off her shoulder when the small girl ran into her. "Are you okay?" she added while dusting some dirt off her bag, seeing that the girl looked fearful.

Where are her parents? Hikari wondered. A little girl shouldn't be alone in such a large city. Something must of scared her to run from the markets so quickly, she told herself. She then lowered herself, supporting her weight on her legs and smiled to the girl.

"You can walk with me, my name is Hikari," she said in a friendly tone. She decided that the girl might know something about this city and could help her. She also didn't like the idea of a young girl wandering the streets alone. "You really shouldn't be out here alone. Perhaps I can walk you back to your parents? I was on my way to the markets..." Hikari cut off her response not sure if the girl would agree to go with her.

[katuko]

Siihma nodded silently, wide eyed. "I'm okey, really." She squatted on the dirt to retrieve the few parcels that remained in her basket, sorry she could not spare more. Her eyes flicked towards the hut above and back to the stranger. "I don't need an escort home, it's only up there. Besides, I think ma's gonna throw a fit should I return home without supplies."

The girl hesitated and turned to the stranger. "You seem new around here. If you want, I can always show you around. It's not much here, but there's always those few great places. Plus, I know the best vendors. They always have free samples!" she licked her lips and puckered.

Siihma paused in her chattering. It was difficult to remember the last time she had spoken so much to a stranger, but this older girl seemed fairly harmless. Perhaps she'd like to join the healer hut - or maybe be adopted! She shook her head. Companion was good. Siihma slipped her hand over the stranger's and tugged softly. "Let's go, the second vendor is offering free samples on their bean paste cakes."

[hikari]

Hikari smiled and eagerly followed the girl. "Thanks! Yes, I am new here," Hikari admitted. She couldn't help but to smile though. The city so far was promising, she had already had two people to offer her help through the city. She felt relieved that the little girl didn't run away. Often when Hikari was selling items in villages she'd often seen little children cling to their mother's leg, frightened by the large crowd of strangers and the person who started it.

The little girl led Hikari through the markets, Hikari felt an enormous wave of happiness and excitement. The markets were a joy to a girl who has grown up in the world of marketing all of her life. The markets were huge, filled with activity and people. There were so many stands, heat and smells of food and people filled the air around in the markets. Hikari heard sounds of vendors calling out to costumers and people conversing. She even heard a women with at a produce stand complain about a price of an apple.

"Six copper pieces! Why that is two pieces more than last week!"

The little girl leading Hikari through the market finally arrived at the vendor selling bean paste cakes. Hikari's stomach growled with hunger as the aroma of the cakes filled her senses, she hadn't ate anything since early morning. To her dismay there was a large crowd swarmed around the stand. Oh, I hope there is some left when it is our turn, she thought hopefully as she decided to talk to the girl while waiting.

"So you know your way around here well," Hikari said to the girl with interest. "I wish I could stay here for a long while, sadly I'm only going be in Omashu for a short time," she sighed and her smile faded some.

Even when things made her feel sad, Hikari was always determined to cheer herself up, usually that meant talking a lot to new people.

"I didn't catch your name," she said, and suddenly perked up. Hikari always felt the need to learn someone's name when talking to people at times like this. "It is very nice of you to help me like this," she added while rubbing her hands together, waiting to get a bean paste cake.

[katuko]

Siihma grumbled as she squeezed through the gathering at the vendor. "I'm Siihma." The two stood patiently in line as the crowd of hungry villagers slowly dispersed. At last, they faced the stout merchant. "Two please." she requested distractedly. On one of the columns supporting the vendor was a highly official looking document embedded with the King's seal.

Siihma cocked her head in suspicion and scanned through the passage. Words like 'King' and 'no hope' jumped at her. Although she couldn't read, signs of warning were evident. Her eyes lingered from the large red words to the small Fire Nation insignia. Barely - just barely, she could make out the few words implying certain loss for her people.

The man quickly stuffed the sticky cakes into her grasp and pried the coins from her hand. "Thank you, have a nice day, next! Siihma was shoved from the long stretch of people and onto the dirt path. The Fire Nation never brought good onto them. The notice must have been something important, she decided. Siihma turned to Hikari and tugged onto her robes to catch her attention, "Hey you, what does that notice on the column say?"

[hikari]

Hikari sensed something was wrong. People were murmuring about something, something that had to do with the Fire Nation. Hikari felt Siihma tug at her kimono and asked her to read the notice. She peered over and found the notice with the little Fire Nation insignia. She then read to herself what the notice said.

By decree of the Fire Lord, the City of Omashu is now in possession of the Fire Nation. This city shall now be placed under rule of the Fire Nation and shall be affected immediatly...

She couldn't see the rest of it, people gathered around the notice and blocked her view. Nonetheless people were now speaking more of it. What? Hikari thought, shocked by this. After all how could Omashu be seized by the Fire Nation, surely the King wouldn't let it go that easily. She peered over and heard an angry man say that the King surrendered the city. Hikari looked down at Siihma, not sure how to tell it to her. She heard awful stories of the Fire Nation and couldn't believe that this was actually happening. It didn't make sense to her, everything was just fine one minute, and now everything was now changing.

A sick feeling hit her stomach and she no longer felt hungry. Her parents had lectured her so many times about the Fire Nation, who they are and what they have done to the world. Now the danger was here. Hikari's eyes widened with great concern, she raised never to underestimate the Fire Nation.

"The Fire Nation, it's going to sieze Omashu." Hikari said as calmly as she could to Siihma. "The King has surrendered the city." she added. Thoughts now swarmed through Hikari's head, and she didn't know how she was going to sort them out. Hikari let out a sigh to calm her nerves. "Things will be okay I'm sure" Hikari tried to say with a smile. In truth she really wasn't so sure if things will be okay.

[katuko]

The girl bobbed up and down among the chattering crowd and managed to catch quick glimpses of the notice before retiring. She turned to Hikari, who's face was etched with sympathy and perhaps.. concern? Quick phrases darted between clusters of people and she could not help but catch alarming phrases such as "Fire Nation" and "seize." Siihma shuddered, what could they possibly do? The Fire Nation was powerful, but Omashu had its share of power also.

Hikari turned from the poster and smiled sadly at her. "The Fire Nation, it's going to seize Omashu. The king has surrendered the city." Siihma froze. Her family and the people of the village trusted Bumi with their lives...what had he done? The girl clenched her fists, tears streaming down. King Bumi betrayed them. He offered their lives without a fight, and for what? Was it to save his own? "W-what?" It was a disbelieving what. "Things are not going to be okey, I'm going to let ma know..." she snapped hotly. Without a word of appreciation or thanks, Siihma turned to the hut.

Wasn't it the earthbenders that were suppose to take stand and not back down? She closed her eyes and flung the rice cake into a bush. Ma moved here because she trusted the place and its people. They were "LIARS!" she shrieked into the open sky. The markets were at a distance now, but it wouldn't have been surprising if the people below heard her..

[hikari]

Hikari watched as Siihma yelled and started to run away. "Siihma, wait!" she yelled out. Hikari then closed her eyes and let out a sad sigh. What am I going to do now? she wondered. She twisted her finger around her bracelet for a moment and noticed some of the green strands were coming loose. Everything is starting to fall apart, she thought and let out another sigh.

She quickly ran up to Siihma, weaving through the crowd of people before she got too far. Hikari was still new to the city and would be lost without any assistance, besides she should try to calm her down some. She finally got to her and went over to put her hand on Siihma's shoulder.

"Siihma, I'm sure whatever the King was thinking it was for the benefit of his people. I wouldn't lie to you," Hikari said calmly. "My grandfather told me about the King of this city, how old and wise he is. Things will somehow workout."

Hikari tried to smile but it wouldn't come. Her eyes had lost is usual shine and was clouded with concern. She wasn't sure how she was going to stay optimistic in this situation. It was a serious problem. Siihma was upset and her face showed her concern, her blue eyes big with fear. The air was still and hot, Hikari wiped more sweat from her forehead and thought once again What am I going to do now?

[katuko]

Siihma glared at Hikari before settling on silence. "Go...away." The hut was nearing now and she could see ma in their small garden patch, dutifully plucking the ripened plants from the ground. Her mother straightened as she approached and could not help but notice the older girl following. The woman raised a hand in quiet acknowledgment and turned to her daughter.

"Where's the supplies?" she inquired. Siihma knew that stern edge in her voice too well. "No ma, listen, LISTEN!" she persisted. "Omashu's gonna be taken by the Fire Nation. King Bumi let..let go. That's a lie, right ma? Right?" The girl peered hopefully at her mother. Her mother debated silently before answering, "No..the rumours are true." Siihma gaped. "Pack your belongings Siihma. Quickly now, we shall leave at dawn. Blending in with the travelers shan't be too difficult. I suggest you leave before they lock us in the city.." she said to Hikari.

Siihma glanced at Hikari and turned away for her belongings. Ma was bustling with the other healers.. would they leave as well? Silently, the girl threw her few hanfus, wraps and trousers in a heap. From there, she snatched each article and stuffed them into a small canvas sack. She was purposely ignoring Hikari. Hikari had no place here.

[hikari]

Hikari watched as Siihma and her mother pack to leave. She nodded when Siihma's mother told her to be going and turned back about to leave. She then stopped and decided for a brief moment to at least say goodbye to them.

"Farewell, best of luck to both of you," she said with a smile. Siihma did not bother to look, she seemed irritated at Hikari and wanted her to go. She looked hurt by what happened as she packed her belongings.

Hikari sighed and moved on. It was no different than some of the villages she had been to. Sometimes the residents would be too busy to even notice her, some just didn't want to be bothered. She quickly walked through the markets to get back to the gates to leave the city. She felt disappointed she didn't get the chance observe the merchants as she wanted to, but now there was no time. She saw as the merchants closed their shops and to pack up, everyone wanted to get out.

Hikari quickly ran down to the main square of the city to the gates. It was filled with people trying to leave the city. News sure spreads quickly around here. I bet most of them are travlers, Hikari thought. The guards were only letting a few travelers out at a time. She tried to push her way to the front but was ordered to go back.

"Who do you think you are trying to push ahead of me?" a tall man who looked of traveling said to her angrily. His brown eyes showed he was irritated. "Move back to where you were at!"

"Yes, sir," Hikari said apologetically. She shouldn't argue it was too hot and there was tensions all around. Hikari sighed went to the back of the crowd and stood waiting to leave. She tried to convince herself, Surely I'll get out of here, I have to stay optimistic. It was the only thing she could do.

Moments passed, and Hikari got tired of waiting. She was hardly getting any further from leaving the city. She scratched her boot across the dusty ground and thought Perhaps I could travel with Siihma and her mother? Hikari didn't want to burden them but some travelers to accompany her out of the city would certainly be helpful. Also, judging from the crowds she wasn't going anywhere soon.

Hikari dashed back through the markets trying to making her way out from the crowds of the city. When the huts Siihma was at came into view, Hikari stopped and gasped for air for a moment before moving on. She then ran a short distance to where Siihma and her mother were still at. She looked at Siihma's mother, her green eyes regained some of its shine.

"I hate to bother you with this question, but would you mind if I accompany you on traveling out of the city?" Hikari said in a polite manner. "The gates are crowded with too many people and I can't find anyone to accompany with. I will try not to be a burden to you in any way." Hikari let out a small smile and hoped that they would let her come along.

[katuko]

Hikari seemed ready to comply and she did. Turning quickly, she bid them a polite farewell and left the hut just as silently as she entered. Siihma pointedly averted her gaze but stood abruptly as soon as the older girl's back retreated from her sight. Siihma threw the last few of her belongings into the sack and headed towards their entrance.

The canvas sack was considerably light and Siihma managed it with considerable ease. Droplets of sweat fell from mother as she appeared in the hall. A small knapsack was strung over her back. "Let's go before we're locked in, come now." she said to Siihma gently. The girl nodded obediently. Just then, a heaving silhouette neared their hut, kicking up dust as it went. As the figure neared, Siihma could see it was Hikari. She is bad luck. Why won't she go away...

The earthbender mumbled something to mother and she nodded in return. Mother's darted to Siihma and drifted to Hikari. "I don't see why not.." she began. "I would be honoured for you to join us." Mother extended her hand, "You may refer to me as Ai Ling..and this is my daughter, Siihma." The girl turned from Hikari arrogantly and crossed her arms in contradiction. Though she remained silent, her message was clear - Go. Away.

[hikari]

Hikari let out a small smile of relief and thanked Ai Ling for letting her join them. "Thank you so much, I gratefully appreciate it. My name is Hikari," Hikari said gratefully. She was glad she found someone to travel out of the city with. She looked down and smiled at Siihma who looked very bitter at her with her eyes narrowed and her arms crossed.

Why does she keep looking angrily at me? Hikari thought curiously. If they were going to travel together at least they should try to get along. She couldn't stand to have someone with her glaring at her the whole time. I'll think of something, she thought.

"Siihma, I know you feel upset about this situation," Hikari spoke, her eyes looking sincere. "Whatever happens we have to make the best of it." Hikari tried to think of something else to say but she wasn't sure her optimism was working. "Well, I won't be with you for very long, just enough to get out of the city and find a path back to my home."

Hikari looked up and noticed that the sun had moved small distance. It was starting to get late in the afternoon and the air was still full with heat. "Well,we better get going," Hikari said and stood facing the direction of where the gate is. "Traveling can be quite fun actually, you can meet all sorts of new places and people!" Hikari said enthusiastically.