Dignity [on the road]

[earthking]

"Maybe... maybe he was merely captured is all," His Majesty, the 52nd and former Earth King consolingly decided as he pressed a hand into Bosco's fur and leaned against the bear. More an effort to comfort himself as they turned behind them for the umpteenth time to gaze down the dirt paved road. They were beginning to look behind them less, pause less often in hope of him catching up. Daily it grew less likely that Sun would find them or was even victorious.

This was the last time he would wait on his random guardian and unlikely hero.

The confrontation and attempted captured by the firebenders that intruded the hot springs continued to replay in his mind, watching himself as an outside spectator rather than just reliving it. And every time as much as he wanted to, he was forced to believe that there was nothing he could have done to help. The firebenders wanted him and doing anything other than fleeing would have been an added burden to Sun. There was no other choice no matter how often he told himself or imagined otherwise.

His Majesty reluctantly granted Sun a place as another link in the chain of his ineptitude as ruler of the continent spanning Earth Kingdom. Among the other links were his loss of the Mandate of Heaven and Earth that allowed him to oversee the land, his ignorance of a century long war with the Fire Nation and being manipulated by his power hungry Grand Secretariat Long Feng. And the Fire Nation not only emerged victorious in this war for his follies but now gripped control of the entire world, with his own people at their malicious mercy.

Standing here in close to rags for his failings, His Majesty found nothing but error within himself.

[mastabenda]

How will I help the young Prince find his way ... when I am lost in the Earth Kingdom wilderness?

Iroh had been tracking young Zuko for some time now. He had visited many villages and small towns. In each location Iroh never passed up an opportunity to shop for new wares. The craftsmanship of the Earth Kingdom artisans was superb. He found many perfectly widdled wooden flutes and expertly carved stone statues. He enjoyed the teahouses as well. However it was always his first duty to query the townsfolk, wondering if anyone matching Zuko's appearance had traveled through recently.

As the war continued, fewer people recognized Zuko and Iroh. Iroh looked well enough like any old man from any Earth Kindgom village. Many who set eyes on Zuko's large scar viewed it as a wound inflicted by some Fire Nation soldier. It was becoming less dangerous traveling throughout the wilderness. However, it was not ideal for Zuko to be traveling solo.

Iroh knew he had to catch up to Zuko, but maybe still, the timing was not right. Zuko was still tempermental and impatient and full of angst. Maybe a solo journey would result in a little growth. This journey would no doubt intail certain dangers.

Iroh was contemplating these many thoughts as he meditated on a lush hill speckled with wildflowers. His thoughts transcended into visions. His conciousness reached toward the spirit world. He knew great events were still ahead.

Iroh opened his eyes. It seemed like he rested for hours. The sun shined bright, eroding his vision of much else. His amber eyes adjusted and everything seemed to glow shades of yellow and green. Until finally his vision was completely clear. The wilderness was beautiful. Lush green fields with light brown trails and blue rivers. Snow white mountain peaks touching the skyline. The Earth Kingdom was full of beauty where everyday, such alluring landscapes were burnt to shades of black and grey.

Iroh had wept many tears for the evil perpatrated by the hands of his Nation, his home.

A smile creeped upon Iroh's visage. He knew his nephew was the key. Through Zuko, the Fire Nation would regain it's honor and it's dignity.

Without Zuko's ambitous nature fueling me, I have not traveled fast enough. At this pace I will never catch him ... until he stops running from his destiny...

Iroh gathered his belongings. Then, with a light strectch he continued down the road. His pace was slow. Iroh took in every site of the countryside. He noticed when he left that there was a traveller a small distance behind him. It wouldn't take long for the stranger to catch up with Iroh's small stride.

[earthking]

“Things are so different here on the ground, are they not Bosco,” His former Majesty queried. “On a map everything is so identifiable. Distances quantifiable and minimal despite their vastness—but now and here,” he shook his head as they trudged along. “I tell you Bosco this is far far different than looking at any map or even diorama.”

In reply there came a growling sort of whine from the Brown Bear walking beside him, either in agreement or complaint as the human companion judged it. But seconds later His former Majesty interpreted it as Bosco’s announcing the appearance of another traveler who had just suddenly appeared onto the road ahead of them. The figure did not match Sun in any shape or form, nor did it appear immediately confrontational as it continued to walk some distance ahead of them, yet the former Earth King attempted to slow his own pace just in case.

Bosco meanwhile continued moving ahead at his steady pace, forcing his master to catch up and eventually overtake the stranger they were sharing the road with. His former Majesty observed the man with trepidation, fearing the man would turn out to be more foe or assassin than opportunist if he meant them harm. And yet he also found pity for the elderly looking man who was clothed in true rags. His former Majesty in comparison was silk from his own wardrobe actually. Other than a pair of spectacles that rested at the bridge of his nose, the former Earth King attired himself in a pair of calf length pantaloons died in a pale, fading tint of green with a wrap around vest in a dead shade of yellow with flashes of dirty green squares, a faded mustard coloured kamarbandh or draped waistband while wrapped atop his head was a scarf of yellow, green and orange. Intentionally all of his clothing was wrinkled, dirtied, cut and torn in order to appear anything but a vagabond and beggar. How believable his appearance as such however is wholly debatable.

His former Majesty swallowed loudly, opening and closing his mouth in practice as his and Bosco gained ever closer to the old vagabond. “W…wh—well…” the word came almost soundlessly from his throat then he tried again. “Well met kind sir!” Loudly announcing his and Bosco’s presence. “Salutations!”

[mastabenda]

A refreshing breeze met Iroh's aged face as little sweatdrops traveled through the deep wrinkles like a stream through rocky canyons. Iroh had a content look upon his face as he continued along. He made sure to slow his pace everytime he reached a little shade. He watched closely as a butterfly moth floated nearby. Suddenly he heard someone approaching from behind so he turned to the man and his companion which appeared to be a bear. Not a platypus bear or even an armadillo bear. It was just a plain bear. This animal was quite rare.

As the stranger called out to Iroh, he returned the gesture.

"Well met traveler. It is a lovely day for a long walk, don't you agree?"

Iroh noticed that the bear was obviously a trained pet. He did not have a wild look to him. First of all he was walking with a man, but more than that the bear even looked groomed. The man however appeared in inexpensive and ragged clothing, much like Iroh, except more colorful. The two companions didn't seem to fit together totally, however Iroh brushed off that thought.

[earthking]

"Indeed it is, I must agree." Said His former Majesty, pausing a moment to slide off his one, dusty yellow shoe and slip his other foot into it. "No matter what else, this day is lovely," his voice resigned.

In agreement there came a low, throaty rumble from Bosco who patiently lumbered on as the two men paused, hardly even observing the stranger. Maybe this elderly man was mostly harmless, he could only assume.

"However we are uncertain if the walk is long on account of the destination or lack of one."The ousted Earth King could only surmise that somewhere along this road, or even at the end of it if it had one, there would be some sort of habitat; a farm or village or town surely. What he and Bosco would do from there however was an absolute mystery.

"And of you good sir? Have you somewhere to be or see?"

[mastabenda]

"I am following my nephew. We left Ba Sing Se some time ago, when the troubles began, and have become seperated. He is a day or two up the road. We will probably meet up at the next village."

In the background were hills and those hills rolled eventually into rocky peaks further in the distance. Then there were higher peaks still behind those, yet there was some distance between them, which suggested a river or stream ran inbetween. The trail he was on was a good ways from the apparent river, however they both flowed the same way. Surely there was a fishing village ahead. It would probably only take a day or two to reach this town.

"I must say I have never seen a animal like this ... is he dangerous at all?"

Iroh inquired as the bear let out a low grumble.

[earthking]

His former Highness huffed air from his throat and tried to restrain a look of offense on his face. “Absurd,” he strongly announced while placing a protective hand upon Bosco’s hide. “My friend he has always been of a genteel sort, my good fellow. The only harm one may face is if they intend such, themselves dangerous.” Assertively retorting then cleared his throat.

“But please; pardon us and our lack of introduction. I am… Kuei,” pursuing his lips after saying it. How long ago it was since he heard that name—his name—taken from him ever since he had ascended the throne a score of years ago. Yet it came to him so readily. “And this gentle bear here is my dear Bosco.” While they continued, Bosco’s head swung to one side, greeting Iroh with an acknowledged rumble and dip of his snout.

“Much like yourself we have also fled the recent troubles of Ba Sing Se,” his head tilting and his feet almost dragging for a moment. “Yet from there, beyond wishful desire, our destination has no one and no place.”

[mastabenda]

"It is a pleasure to meet you Kuei, and a rare honor to meet you honorable Bosco." Iroh smiled largely as he petted Bosco lightly on the back of his broad fluffy neck. "I am Lu Ten." He responded solemly. It was not usual for Iroh to use his son's name as an alias, however in the absence of Zuko, Iroh had been thinking alot about his lost son.

Still with an upbeat demeanor Iroh trotted along with his new companions. It was certainly a better alternative than traveling alone. Despite the beautiful weather, Iroh didn't enjoy the long treks from town to town.

"I swear that my body was not meant to travel so harshly. I am much more adjusted to playing pai-sho and drinking tea."

Iroh said in a joking manner before letting out a booming chuckle.

Neither Iroh nor Kuei had noticed the small plume of dark smoke rising up in the distance ahead of them down the trail.

[earthking]

For a moment His former Maj… Kuei frowned, wrinkles creasing his brow.

“Yes. It is an immense shame the roads have been allowed into disrepair or even exist so poorly. Or that some sort of… some from of… public ferry or transportation service exists.” He mused out loud. If only… His mind began to wish that so many things were different from his present circumstance. Gritting his teeth he promised himself to change some much in this kingdom, his kingdom, when the time comes.

“Do not worry, Lu Ten,” he bowed. “I am quite certain we are nearing some sort of habitation along this way. I guarantee you that they surely will have pai sho and tea a plenty. In fact I have been teaching Bosoc how to play pai sho for some time now. Is that not right Bosco? Bosco?”

Kuei came to a halt and looked behind them. There, Bosco was almost standing fully erect upon his hind legs with a forepaw pointing above the horizon. Floating upwards and ahead of them danced a thread of blackened smoke.