Shapeshifter Avatar: The Last Airbender rp

[SkySong278]

On 5/27/2020 at 10:38 AM, ValidEmotions said:

{ Gyiroh Lemeng | Earth Kingdom | Crescent Island ; Markets ; Dining }

 

So the woman was local. Staying on an island all her life was a thought that made Gyiroh itch for different scenery. After all, it was largely why she was even on Crescent Island in the first place. "Don't you ever wish you could travel somewhere else?" she asked. "You know, see the world a little bit?" Then again, Gyiroh hadn't lived in one place for her entire life; she'd already traveled a bit of the Earth Kingdom. However, that had been out of necessity, not out of a desire to. 

 

She paused for a moment at Kirra's comment. "What made you stop?" Gyiroh was probably prying, but it was a curious thing to suddenly change one's habit. Grinning when the other woman held the door open, she slipped into the small structure and quickly glanced about at the surroundings. Cozy, the place only sported a handful of tables and was mostly lit by sunlight that streamed through the windows. Lanterns on the walls chased away whatever shadows they could in the corners. "Since you picked the place, I'll treat. Where do you want to sit?" Gyiroh knew some people tended to have preferences or such. Personally, she liked being near a window--it meant she had somewhere to go. 

 

[[Hey, Aroara, are you alright if I have Riorri cross paths with Kaiji in my next post?]]

“Yes every day. I was actually on my way to the docks when I saw you cause the commotion earlier. I’d like to see Omashu, Ba Sing Se and possibly one of the water tribes,” Kirra said in reply to the first question before hearing the other one. “I wanted to make my own food for awhile and take a small break from eating out,” she said to the second one and then went into the restaurant after Gyiroh while also making sure that the door closed behind her. “Oh thanks and maybe in a booth in the back near a window,” she said in reply to both the statement and question before heading to one in the back that was close to a window. She sat down and then started to look at one of the menus to see if anything had changed.

[Merciless_Medic]

Kiyo Yaniho [Crescent Island]

 

The sudden clap and excited statements from Kui left Kiyo awestruck. He loved every second being at her water tribe? Was it because of her? Because she was certain that she made a couple of arrangements for them to get some much needed love. In actuality though, it was her father’s ideas for the most part and he executed all of them. Kiyo really only had a slight hand in choosing the stage and gathering materials for the feast, but that was really it. Then again, her vanity and strained sense of self and the events of what really happened (which were being clouded over by her daydreams) made it difficult to recall the events of what actually happened. She often took the credit as it made her sound better.

 

She beamed at Kui as he told her not to apologize for her giddiness and she could feel her entire face blushing. Of course, that was all mental reactions playing in her head, as she was in the middle of a little spat with Jun after he guessed how poor she was. The nerve! She heard Kui speak and backed off a little. She looked at the bracers and indeed they were from the Earthbenders. She watched as Kui basically gave Jun the map for free as he handed Jun’s money back to him. Jun looked positively stunned, as if he had never seen generosity before. Kiyo raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanor and she calmed her stance down drastically. Now that he wasn’t being such a prude, she can start being nicer, and her voice definitely showed. While her voice didn’t hold the same reverence and awe that it held for Kui, it was still fairly soft and nice as she spoke to Jun after hearing what he would prefer to be called in terms of bending and his mission.

 

She looked to Kui with a confused look before piping up. “Metalbender? Interesting. I don’t meet many of those. I met a few with my noble friend as we traveled about with her family, but I don’t think I ever met one this close before. Nice to meet you.” As soon as Jun talked about how he didn’t agree with Earthbending politically, she scrunched up her nose in an attempt at making a snarl, but didn’t want to go completely through with it. “Politics? Bah, I have no time for such things. I’d rather ignore it. Trying not to do stuff for political reasons is a little too much and it restricts you, but if that’s what you believe in then go right ahead. As for your mission… We’ll take the money, and if he doesn’t want it, I’ll have it.” She pointed to Kui as she talked. “If you want to go Lavabend though, I’ll help. You wanna help, Kui?”

 

To be fair, if Jun failed, she kind of wanted to see him get burned at least for being such a jerk earlier, but she didn’t want to see him outright die if he fell in or whatever. She kind of felt obligated to help, even if Jun’s first impression wasn’t all that great. Besides, she wanted to spend time with Kui, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

 

She looked through the crowd randomly and found two people in noble Fire Nation’s clothes. Smiling and figuring that her friend must be one of them, especially with that sweater of her’s, she felt a lot better that her friend was alright and in good company. She was probably with one of her friends or she was making some more, as she had a knack of doing. Maybe she’ll meet her later, as she didn’t want to trouble her with Jun. She pulled her attention away and peered over at the map. Being at Crescent Island before, she knew her way around fairly well, but she still needed a guide. “Well, I know a quick way to the volcano. I have been on this island before as my friend lives here. Follow me.”

 

Another quick look and she was making her way downtown, walking fast, faces pass and she’s homebound. No, wait. She was just making her way to the volcano by going through the roads littered with merchant shops on both sides, men and women yelling at the crowd to peruse and buy their wares as the crowd meandered through the maze. She seemed to do so fluidly and completely ignoring the shopkeepers, as if she had been here before and laying evidence to her claim.

 

Miho Izisato [Crescent Island]

 

Miho took in Yui’s arm as the skittish noble woman slid her arm in the nook that Miho provided. She let Yui did as she wished with however she was going to hold her arm, keeping the nook open so as to not make her feel more uncomfortable than she already was. She turned her attention to Yota, listening to him as he introduced himself. Yota Ixou, son of a Lee Ixou of the Blue Phoenix… That sounded familiar, but there were many Lees in the Fire Nation. Maybe it was in one of those genealogy books she was reading about the nobility and generals. Of course, the pictures given of any child around her age were of babies, as the book was fairly old. There were likely new, younger children of the Fire Nation’s noble and military families that weren’t documented just yet. Or maybe the publishing company got tired of remaking the same book, and so maybe they stopped making the newer versions and quit. The time they made said book in her family’s possession as far as she was aware of, it was a good 14 years ago. She was also unaware of Yota’s father’s current state.

 

She got out of her little thought bubble and introduced herself to Yota, making up for his apparent eavesdropping. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Yota. If you haven’t heard, I’m Miho. Miho Izisato. My family lives on this island after my parents moved from the capital of the Fire Nation. I believe I have seen your family in the genealogy books. Well, at least your parents. I could be mistaken, though. Still, it’s a pleasure to finally meet one of the Blue Phoenixes.” On the comment of bending in a crowd, she chuckled. “All that tutoring would have been for naught if I couldn’t control my bending. Besides, if there was an issue with my Firebending, there is no harm in shooting my flames upward. They’ll dissipate faster in the wind. Fire is as destructive as it is beautiful to behold, and being in command of such an element is an honor.” As for his brother, Miho tried her best to look past the heads of the bustling harbor and through merchant’s wares and wasn’t able to find him. She held a sour expression but only wore it for a short moment before turning back to Yota. “Unlike your uncanny ability to spot people in the crowd, I have no such skill. I can help find him, if you’d like. While we take her to the ceremony she needs to attend, I can help in the meantime and afterwards.”

 

With that, she looked over at the Sea Dragon and all its glory. Even though it wasn’t as big as some of the more military vessels she’s seen, it was still as beautiful as some of the most decorated ships. Well, all but the lord’s, of course. Or whoever was in charge of the Fire Nation nowadays. She found it hard to remember they were still under a ruler’s fist or the delegation of multiple men in a circle or a line. Remembering family’s names was hard enough and her frequent departure of her home city didn’t help matters.

 

On the topic of Yota’s ship almost getting hit, Miho looked back at Yui with a raised eyebrow. That’s strange. She came by on a ship? Well, she must have, yea. She didn’t recognize her among the nobles here on the island, which she had seen in her stealthy skirmishes out of her house and from the book that held genealogies for the nobles of the island and some other seafaring generals. Well, if her father was a seafaring general, she might have seen her face before, but without a last name, she couldn’t pinpoint a face of her father’s. Maybe that was the reason. She wanted to stay anonymous. Now knowing her intentions, she understood why Yui had been so frightened or skittish. She noted how wary Yui was towards her and how unsure she was of Yota. Only noble women would look at men in such a way, as if they are trying to scrutinize them among the many suitors who want them for their status, money, and power, picking them apart to see if they are really worthy of their time.

 

She decided to help in keeping Yui’s anonymity as she turned back to Yota, who was using a very calming, reassuring voice towards Yui. It seemed fit for a scared animal, and not a noble lady, but Yui seemed pretty tense and it seemed to work. On the topic of the captain of the ship and him eyeing Yota’s vessel, she raised her eyebrow a little higher. He was eyeing his ship? Weird. She noticed the stammering nervousness and apparent guilt Yui spoke in. Wait, was she guilty or was Miho hearing this wrong?

 

“Was it in a scrutinizing manner or did he just not have his coffee before he woke up?” She made a joke to both of the benders beside her and she couldn’t help but give a little playful smirk.

 

Though, Yui confessed to the general serving her family and maybe they knew of each other. “A rivalry?” It sounded more like a statement than a question, but it was her quick wit and explosive thoughts that tended to leave her mouth sounding like a statement than a question. “I wouldn’t be surprised. My dad often talked about how people of the same rank would fight amongst themselves on who’s the best. It starts to get really heated if one or both did a great achievement around the same time as the other and they start comparing who was the best at executing their plan or if the gaining of the achievement is even worth it for their title. Then again, they could just have been rivals since they were children. I wouldn’t really doubt it.” Aside from the pun in her words, she made no smirk towards it and held a straight face, as if she was stating facts from a book she read from and was regurgitating words for a test on a presentation or on paper. She looked to Yota to see if she was even remotely correct.

[HomeForFlowers]

< Kui - Crescent Island Dock >

 

It is almost comical how quickly the stranger's aggression dissipated. He stilled as soon as Kui grasped his hand to return the coins. He stared at Kui in alarm for a worrying amount of time before yanking himself from Kui's touch albeit with far less force than he used earlier when he tore Kui's map out of his hands. Kui pressed the back of his hand against his lips in an attempt to stifle his giggle. He shouldn't find the stranger's reaction so amusing, especially considering he could probably easily throw Kui into the ocean if he so deserved, but a muscular, hot-headed Earthbender mellow at the smallest sign of kindness was utterly adorable.

 

Kui caught Kiyo's puzzled look from the corner of his eye. He shook his head, unsure of what to make of the Earthbender's banter, and replied with a half-hearted shrug.

 

"I can't say I've ever met someone who didn't bend for political reasons," Kui added. "But I generally stay away from talking politics with clients anyhow." Kui had his fair share of political opinions, especially considering the growing tensions of the political climate, but he preferred not to be too open. Saying anything controversial could lead to someone powerful getting upset and banning Kui from performing somewhere, and it wasn't as though Kui had the platform to make much of a difference. He needed money and sometimes that meant keeping his mouth shut.

 

Kui perked upon hearing Kiyo speak his name.

"A volcano?" he echoed. Right, the stranger wanted to "touch the lava". It was perhaps the least eloquent way Kui had heard someone describe Lavabending, but the Earthbender, with his disheveled appearance and perpetual murderous expression, was a man of few words. If anything, it was expected.

 

"I don't have much planned for today," Kui said with a shrug. "I'm sure I can find 'volcano exploration' on my schedule." There was nothing in Kui's schedule. He was going to be homeless in a few days if he didn't scrounge up enough money to order a room at the inn or a ticket off the island. Even though he had refused to scam the rich tourist out of his gold coins, that didn't mean he didn't want the coins.

 

As Kiyo glanced over the map then ran off with a satisfied look, Kui glanced over at the Earthbender.

"If you're so determined to pay me, you can split the coins and give it to the two of us as payment for escorting you to the volcano," Kui said. He tilted his head to the side, motioned towards where Kiyo had ran off to. "It'd be nice if you told us your name. It's a bit rude of you to withhold it from us for so long when you already know both of our names." That, Kui realized, probably wasn't the smartest way to talk to someone who was clearly set off by the smallest things. Internally, Kui began to panic. He needed to follow Kiyo before the man tried to smash his head in or something, but he didn't want some poor local to get attacked by an Earthbender just because they accidentially bumped into the hot-headed stranger. Kui smiled at the stranger, mostly to clam himself, before grabbing one of his bracers and pulled him through the crowds after Kiyo.

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Yota

He listened to the words of the shy green eyed noble lass, then the words of the red eyed one- Miho, so she introduced herself. Good. 

 

Yota took a deep breath in, mostly to calm himself at her incorrectly assuming about his father and his position, let alone getting his father's well earned nickname given to him by the Fire Lord herself after a particular demonstration of his ability one day. "Blue phoenix is not a surname Miss. Izisato, much like the great General Irogh got his name as the Dragon of the West, my father got his name from his flames being blue from the moment he could bend, well and a move he performed on a Agni Ki. And he was not a simple captain.... He was a comander, about to be promoted to Admiral of the entire southern naval fleet before he had retired when I was one. My father had many friends, your father was one of them if I do recall... In fact, I remember you vaguely attending his funeral with your family. Only you were too busy trying to sneak away then to pay respects. " He said softly, no animosity was held in his eyes or voice, just the same slight smile and golden glint he had before. "I'll forgive your assumption, if you look past the part of my comment about firebending in a crowded place wasn't about your skills, but rather your opponent who clearly had no control over his flames if he burst out like that." He said tilting his head, the charm on his earring flashing. 

 

"The ceremony of the Great Masters? My brother is just as smart as I am, he could wait, please, allow me to escort you both to the place of the ceremony. I would like to be off  before the next low tide, however when it comes to dragons my respects come first. My mother's people are descendants of the Sun warriors, dragons have always been first and foremost to her. She'd have my hide if I visited an island with the Great Masters on it and didn't pay respects to them before leaving. Perhaps they'll grant us luck fishing today. " He said with a respectable bow and waved his hand out stepping aside so they can walk. 

 

"The captain was looking at my ship in a more familiar, yet jealous way. My father captured that ship from pirates, the same ones that that general- General Joiu Linn, I believe?" He asked looking at Yui once again. "Had been pursuing for years. When I was eight, right before I left to the National Academy of Firebending and Naval Arts or NAFNA as we call it- the very same captain boarded our ship thinking that a few pirates has excaped custody and commandeered their ship again." He smiled a little more, a dimple forming in his cheek. "My little brother started crying when the man threw a fit seeing only three people on board and burned our sails and nets before leaving. That scorch mark on his right leg? The one he limps with- I did that. Created a whip of flame. " He said with a grin now. "Dad was so mad I attacked a officer but only chewed me out until the ship was out of earshot then gave me his helping of mama's peach buns because Linn was very undignified, disrespectful and didn't fallow code of conduct. It's not like he didn't know we where fire nation citizens, we have a flag on our mast when at sea, he also stranded a respectable retired naval officer and two kids in the ocean by burning our sails. Well we would have been stuck if a water tribe ship wasn't passing by to the port at that time. " He chuckled. 

Edited June 3, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[Eto]

[ yui || crescent island dock ] 

 

Miho speaks with a careful grace, each word of hers matching her sharp wit, carefully thought out but equally biting as Yota's quick responses. Yui blinks in amazement, staring at the noble lady by her side; truly, Miho represented the women of the court that her mother always spoke so quietly about, the ones with their own lands and titles and fame in their own right, having made a name for themselves alongside the Fire Nation's long history of militaristic male generals.

 

How she longed to be one of them. Her entire life Yui had it instilled that her future husband -- for the engagement had been assured long ago, when she had been young and not consulted -- was to be followed at all costs, his word absolute. Though she had accepted the fact long ago, Yui glanced at the two firebenders with a wistful kind of longing. She could only wish, Yui thinks to herself, that her fiance could possess even a slight bit of wit as the quick words exchanged between Miho and Yota. Or even a spark of the adventurous attitude, ready to take her on adventures ... !

 

Distracted by Miho's beautiful imagery of firebending, thinking -- how she would like to write that down, commission an artist to embed those words into a script for her private quarters, for it would look lovely placed above the couch in her third room -- Yui realises that she is the only one left who has not given her name.

 

"I'm Yui," she says, dipping down into a practised curtsy, in the style of the Capital's court. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ixou." Well-practised, as she had been taught. Miho's arm by her side is a comforting stabilizer in this world of brief turmoil, where Yui could never thought of witnessing so many new things at one time. 

 

At Yota's story, Yui's eyes widen. To be honest, the tale is not ... that hard to believe, Yui thinks, and her face falls. She is well aware that the Fire Nation, while having recovered by leaps and bounds since their brutal regime so long ago, still holds a certain kind of arrogant pride when dealing with others. She herself has been victim to the harshness of the Fire Nation's most well-respected Generals, who think they are invincible with commoners and women alike.

 

And perhaps, Yui thinks, a small shudder passing through her, disquieting, her father falls under the same category -- even worse, perhaps, if his royal background is anything to back up his egoistic claims.

 

Miho's analysis takes her by surprise, and Yui stares at the other girl, surprised. Miho voices her thoughts so forwardly, with a certain confidence that isn't quite smugness, but rather -- knowledge. Intelligence. Cunning. It emboldens Yui, surprisingly enough, at seeing this noble girl who seems to have claimed her own destiny so easily.

 

"Ranks among the military are awfully divided," she agrees, nodding. Then, to Yota: "I'm sorry that happened. General Linn is a ... impatient man. Perhaps the military breeds that behaviour -- it must be for the best that your father decided to leave it." She has heard of Lee Ixou before, as well, but only vaguely -- she remembers her father being awfully disgruntled about his abrupt retirement, murmuring something about his plans.

 

"It would be best if such things could be amended," Yui says, agreeing with Miho's sharp analysis on the kinds of rivalries the military produced. "My cousin --"

 

Yui stops talking, raising a hand abruptly to her mouth with wide eyes. She had -- she had almost dropped her cousin, the crown heir's, future plans for reform! They had been confessed to her, whispered in the dead of night over political theory and ancient history, and she had almost dropped it in the middle of conversation with two noble houses. Regardless of Miho's kindness or Yota's seemingly having abandoned the Fire Nation's noble court, Yui is aware that anything she says -- or any hints she drops towards her identity -- could easily be used against her, should these details spin themselves into the hands of their respective parents.

 

"My cousin hopes that can change sometime," Yui finishes lamely. "I do as well." A nervous smile. "S-shall we continue to the ceremony?" 

 

--

 

[ jun || crescent island dock ] 

 

Jun stares in awe as Kui giggles in response to his actions, covering his delicate lips with a graceful hand as he attempts to hide himself away from Jun's prying eyes. Suddenly feeling as if he is invading on the firebender's private sphere, Jun adverts his eyes, and a small voice in the back of his mind tells him that he has never minded other people's personal space, before. 

 

Jun has half a mind to tell Kui to stop laughing, because there is something awfully distracting about his soft chuckles that sets Jun suddenly on edge. Soundbending? A forbidden form of magic? Nothing else could explain why his mind is suddenly filled with the desire to make Kui laugh more. It must be a curse, Jun concludes to himself. Push him into the water. 

 

Regretfully, Kiyo speaks up before Jun can proceed to murder Kui. She knows a way up the volcano? Jun instantly perks up, all thoughts of distressingly attractive firebenders aside, and immediately zeroes in his goal. If Kiyo could lead him up the mountain --

 

"You can have the whole pouch," Jun says, drawing his fingers up to lure the coins into his grasp, showing his possessions. "I want the lava." Some way or another, he will make it his. Make it submit beneath the force of his bending, bring back the legendary element to his home and show Hao how serious he is about this entire matter. For their mother's honour.

 

But Kiyo is already bounding ahead, and Jun is eager to follow her. Just as he is about to surge ahead, the sound of Kui's voice stops him, and Jun staggers to a stop, nearly tripping over himself in the process. Kui wants to ... talk to him? Why? Weren't they just going to travel together?

 

"Jun Lianyu," he says, distracted enough that his last name slips out before he realises. Internally, Jun curses to himself -- neither Kui or Kiyo could possibly know him, right? The Lianyu family was mostly based in the Earth Kingdom Capital, although his mother had taken missions to different parts of the globe ... it would be slightly awful if either of them happened to be in one of the locations where General Lianyu split the mountains in two and demanded acknowledgement of the Earth Kingdom's newfound democracy. 

 

But then Kui's fingers are on his wrist and he is being dragged forward, all thoughts of his own family name forgotten as the smaller firebender drags him forth, into the fray after Kiyo's quickly retreating form. He had to hand it to her -- Kiyo was awfully fast, slim and quick, and he definitely can notice the telltale signs of experienced training in each of her movements. Impressive, Jun thinks -- he'd quite like to spar with her, sometime.

 

Kui's fingers are loosely wrapped around his bracelets, and Jun wonders if this is comfortable for the firebender, having to drag him through the crowds by just the loose stones around his wrist. When Kui adjusts his grip but still does not cross the border of skin between the two of them, Jun sighs and stops briefly, dragging the two of them to a halt.

 

"If you're gonna be a guide," he says, adjusting his fingers until they slip into Kui's own, "do it properly."

 

Feeling a red flush creep up his cheeks, ears suddenly hot, Jun adverts his gaze. "We should hurry," he says, looking ahead to see Kiyo's retreating form, before his gaze snaps back to Kui and he meets the firebender's amber eyes, stepping aside to let the smaller man take the lead. 

Edited June 4, 2020 by Edelgard

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Yota

"I can agree, it does. The academy I attended started the rivalry. To be top in class was to be considered suitable for a higher position and more respect by class mates. If they hope things would change, I'd start with how they mold young minds of the children of the very generals and leaders of the military. I myself wasn't a fan of the more... Brutal way of gaining power. I received top marks for my hard work and dedication to the craft. I only had a year to go and would have graduated with top honors, even a captain position myself ... However, well a month before I turned seventeen, my father passed away in a tsunami triggered by a freak quake. I dropped out to help my brother with the business father started. Don't get me wrong, I want to go back to the capital where the school is, but my priority is family before any position. My father understood that. Before he retired, he and my mom where trying hard to have a family, they wanted a big one. Mom went daily to the Great Masters to pray and ask for their blessing. Then after many months, I came. My father was about to be admiral so that ment long months away from home. The week my father retired, he found my brother, a blessing of a second child and took him in. He left for his own family. He didn't have the best childhood. He wanted us to have the love and attention he was deprived of. He even had asked my permission to arrange a marriage between a daughter of a friend of his and me. His own resulted in a Agni Kai between him and his father where he got his name the Blue Phoenix, so he wanted to make sure I was certain I was okay with it before proceeding. My mother is currently setting up a meeting for me and my intended in my father's sted. " He frowned his smile faideing. "Forgive me ladies, such personal information should be kept to myself. I don't know what possessed me to say such a thing, it is bothersome to keep it between my mom and I, but not something that should be said to strangers no matter how high class they are. My apologies." 

Edited June 5, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[Eto]

[ yui || crescent island dock ] 

 

Yui dips her head as Yota recounts his family's rather unfortunate tale of events -- ah, well that explained why, despite Lee Ixou being a known man in the past, she hadn't heard his name float around for a while now, and also why she did not recognise the face of the boy before her now. Looking between him and Miho, it seems they have met each other before in the past, though only slightly, if Yota's recollection of the funeral was to be confirmed.

The thought brings her some form of sadness; admittedly, Yui is near-strangers with all of her generation's noble children among the Fire Nation highest class, having only been introduced to the surrounding, warm, if not slightly suffocating presence of her family. She wonders -- if she had been allowed outside more frequently as a child, if she and Yota could have met while visiting the academy, or, if her father had taken her on his expeditions, if she and Miho would've grown up as friends.

 

So many missed opportunities. Yui decides not to think on it too heavily, lest she get drawn into her imagination again, but the girl's head snaps up, earrings spinning, as Yota mentions -- 

 

"Mr Ixou -- Yota," she says softly, stopping slightly to see if he would take offense to a first-name basis. Then: "You .. are betrothed as well?" she asks, with wide eyes, and a sharp inhale of breath -- ah, how could he put up such a calm front?! Everytime Yui thinks of the faceless man she is surely set to marry, an anxiety threatens to swallow her whole.

 

"How are you not ...  nervous?" Adjusting her grip on Miho's arm, trying her best to avoid the other boy's eyes should he take offense to a straightforward question, she takes a deep breath and looks the dark-haired firebender in the eyes. "To marry someone you don't know ... sometimes I think I can't stand it." 

 

It is a firm statement that she is sure would get her in trouble should anyone familiar with her family hear, but she feels emboldened by these strange nobles that she does not know, this casual conversation just like the ones she has craved since childhood. 

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Kaiji

 

Once the barrel was full he sealed it and rolled it back to the boat. By then his brother and the girls were no longer in sight. Bells sounding in the distance and a nearby child asking what that meant answered his question as to why his brother was no longer in the boat. The ceremony of the dragons was about to start, and knowing how revered the dragons where to the children of the Sun Warriors, his brother would be attending. Good, that'll give Kaiji some time to himself. 

 

Setting the barrel in its place he went down to his cabin and pulled out a hidden chest. There he changed into something a little more flashy and flowy, put a long red colored wig on and added a few touch ups to his already handsome face, adding orange eye shadow to accent his blue eyes, blusher on his cheek bones and pale pink gloss on his lips. Then he took a ribbon, a simple pale and headed out to the square pulling out a flute and began a tune. 

[ValidEmotions]

[[Oof, jeez. Sorry. I finally have a little bit of down-time to get this written out]]

 

{ Riorri | Air Nomad | Crescent Island ; Docks ; Square }

 

Various sets of eyes kept turning to stare as they passed through the streets and Riorri smiled back. Their aimless wandering carried them towards the docks. There were various ships docked at the piers, a range of sizes and shapes that almost rested like silent sentries to the ocean. The Air Nomad found, during their travels, that they rather enjoyed being on boats. It didn't overshadow their love for flying but there was a tranquil aspect to feeling the ship sway with the waves and glide through salty breezes. They were lured towards the ships, wanting to inspect the ones currently waiting for occupants to fill their bellies. As they made their way to one, they spotted a boy with a barrel enter a slumbering ship. Being the only boat with any bit of activity, Riorri adjusted their direction. Their curiosity about the boy's ship and the experiences he possibly lived quickly scripted a list of questions they wanted to ask. They stopped short when someone else departed the vessel, a flute in hand, and disappeared into the mass of citizens. Riorri watched the person vanish before continuing onto the ship.

 

"Hello?" they called out, their feet hardly making a sound upon the stained wood. "I saw you entered your ship with a barrel and I wanted to ask questions--your ship is fascinating." They waited several moments with no reply. Their slight smile faded. "Hello?" Strange. Where was the boy? Had they missed him leaving through other means? From what they could see, there was only one way on or off the ship. Riorri frowned, glancing back the way they'd come and thought about the red-haired individual in bright clothing. Maybe...

 

They left the vessel and returned to the streets, searching and listening for the individual with the flute. Gradually, over the din of voices and market activity, they heard the flute. Its gentle notes drifted through the air, extending towards any that would receive them. Following it, Riorri soon found the person and smiled. "Hi! I saw you come off that ship. I really like your clothing! Are you a traveling musician? What kind of music do you play most? You have blue eyes but red hair; are you racially mixed? That's so fascinating! What ancestors do you have? Are you knowledgeable about boats? How long have you been traveling on that ship? Can you tell--" 

 

Someone bumped into them and disrupted the string of their questions, uttering an apology before disappearing. Riorri regathered their balance and made a slight sound, clearing their throat in the next moment. "Ah, sorry..." They chuckled, an anxious and choppy sound that moved their hand to rub that back of their head. "Too many questions..."

 

{ Gyiroh Lemeng | Earth Kingdom | Crescent Island ; Dining }

 

"Oh, you saw that? Pretty neat, wasn't it?" Gyiroh stood a little straighter, grin widening a fraction as she did so. "Never been to Ba Sing Se, myself, but Omashu's where I grew up. It's a pretty okay place," she stated, shrugging a moment after. "A cook, huh?" Following Kirra to the booth the other woman indicated, Gyiroh sat across from her and glanced over some of the menu. Much of it she didn't recognize the dishes. Such a different culture with different tastes. "Hey, I've never actually experienced Fire Nation culture before today. What's a good thing to try out?" she asked, looking up from the menu. "I've heard Fire Nation citizens like spicy food. Is that true? And, if so, does it have variety? Like, different spices and different levels of it?"

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Kaiji

 

The air nomad approached him as he continued to play, then the stream of questions started. At the last two questions before someone bumped into the nomad and interrupted their long winded string of seemingly abundant questions he missed a note and it squeaked. Lowering the flute, and thanking that his voice still sounded indiscriminately male or female began to answer.  "Thank you for the compliment, I actually got the idea of the flowy clothing from Airbenders, I made this myself. I play mostly flute, and I play traditional songs from each of the four nation's, sometimes I combine them to create a unique sound. I do dances too, but I have to find a band already playing or if I brought my record player to play a traditional Fire Nation scarf dance song. " He then blushed glancing from side to side. "The red hair is fake, my real hair is unusual though so I hide it with a hat, wig, or dye. I guess you can say I'm mixed... I wasn't born in the Fire Nation, but my parents raised me here after adopting me as a baby. That boat you saw me come off of is mine and my brothers. He's a fisherman I help him with the nets and things. The boat could travel long distances, however it's not what we use it for now. We needed to get water before heading to fish, but my brother got sidetracked so I decided to get a little more money by playing. " He said softly tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. 

 

((The record has the Scarf Dance song from Here on it, and the ones at Aang's dance party in the episode The headband.))

Edited June 10, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[SkySong278]

On 6/10/2020 at 12:31 PM, ValidEmotions said:

[[Oof, jeez. Sorry. I finally have a little bit of down-time to get this written out]]

 

{ Riorri | Air Nomad | Crescent Island ; Docks ; Square }

 

Various sets of eyes kept turning to stare as they passed through the streets and Riorri smiled back. Their aimless wandering carried them towards the docks. There were various ships docked at the piers, a range of sizes and shapes that almost rested like silent sentries to the ocean. The Air Nomad found, during their travels, that they rather enjoyed being on boats. It didn't overshadow their love for flying but there was a tranquil aspect to feeling the ship sway with the waves and glide through salty breezes. They were lured towards the ships, wanting to inspect the ones currently waiting for occupants to fill their bellies. As they made their way to one, they spotted a boy with a barrel enter a slumbering ship. Being the only boat with any bit of activity, Riorri adjusted their direction. Their curiosity about the boy's ship and the experiences he possibly lived quickly scripted a list of questions they wanted to ask. They stopped short when someone else departed the vessel, a flute in hand, and disappeared into the mass of citizens. Riorri watched the person vanish before continuing onto the ship.

 

"Hello?" they called out, their feet hardly making a sound upon the stained wood. "I saw you entered your ship with a barrel and I wanted to ask questions--your ship is fascinating." They waited several moments with no reply. Their slight smile faded. "Hello?" Strange. Where was the boy? Had they missed him leaving through other means? From what they could see, there was only one way on or off the ship. Riorri frowned, glancing back the way they'd come and thought about the red-haired individual in bright clothing. Maybe...

 

They left the vessel and returned to the streets, searching and listening for the individual with the flute. Gradually, over the din of voices and market activity, they heard the flute. Its gentle notes drifted through the air, extending towards any that would receive them. Following it, Riorri soon found the person and smiled. "Hi! I saw you come off that ship. I really like your clothing! Are you a traveling musician? What kind of music do you play most? You have blue eyes but red hair; are you racially mixed? That's so fascinating! What ancestors do you have? Are you knowledgeable about boats? How long have you been traveling on that ship? Can you tell--" 

 

Someone bumped into them and disrupted the string of their questions, uttering an apology before disappearing. Riorri regathered their balance and made a slight sound, clearing their throat in the next moment. "Ah, sorry..." They chuckled, an anxious and choppy sound that moved their hand to rub that back of their head. "Too many questions..."

 

{ Gyiroh Lemeng | Earth Kingdom | Crescent Island ; Dining }

 

"Oh, you saw that? Pretty neat, wasn't it?" Gyiroh stood a little straighter, grin widening a fraction as she did so. "Never been to Ba Sing Se, myself, but Omashu's where I grew up. It's a pretty okay place," she stated, shrugging a moment after. "A cook, huh?" Following Kirra to the booth the other woman indicated, Gyiroh sat across from her and glanced over some of the menu. Much of it she didn't recognize the dishes. Such a different culture with different tastes. "Hey, I've never actually experienced Fire Nation culture before today. What's a good thing to try out?" she asked, looking up from the menu. "I've heard Fire Nation citizens like spicy food. Is that true? And, if so, does it have variety? Like, different spices and different levels of it?"

((It’s okay Valid ))

 

“Yes I did and yes it was. Oh? That’s very cool. Did you know King Boomy or have you read about him?” Kirra said in reply before hearing the small question that followed. “Kind of. I’m still trying to come up with my own recipes,” she said before hearing the other question about the food here in the Fire Nation. “Well the Flaming Fire Flakes are really good as an appetizer and as for us liking spicy food, that’s true. We put Chili in pretty much every dish. I’m going to get the dumplings with Jasmine Tea and the flakes as an appetizer,” she said in reply to the question and then also said what she was planning on getting.

[Merciless_Medic]

(Sorry if this is lackluster in terms of a response, I needed to get this out so the RP doesn't die. ^^'')

 

Kiyo Yaniho [Crescent Island]

 

Kiyo noticed that she might have been going too fast and she turned her head to peer over her shoulder. She saw Kui and and Jun holding hands so they didn't drift apart in the bustling merchant crowd. However, she saw Jun's face flush red. She quickly looked ahead and felt her gut wrench. Was Jun attracted to guys or was holding a guy's hand embarrassing? She hoped it was the latter. She didn't care what sexuality a person was, but she wanted Kui. It was supposed to be her holding his hand, not Jun. Her jealousy caused her stare ahead to be furious and determined. And scheming. People weren't paying much mind to it - as they were doing their own thing - but she was causing a few kids to hide behind their parents with how mad she looked.

 

After awhile, she finally made it to the base of the volcano and took a path that took them behind the volcano, away from prying eyes. She looked back, slapping a fake smile and a pleasant face. "Here we go. A nice spot to bend up there and touch the lava. Want us to go up there with you or do you want us to stay put here at the base?"

 

Miho Izisato [Crescent Island]

 

Miho felt a little upset when she was told wrong and especially so when Yota's father had died. That's who it was?! She felt so horrible. She didn't recall trying to run off though. She was way more reverent when at funerals than most. He probably mistaken her for someone else. Though, she did recall trying to escape to get to the refreshments, as she was pretty hungry. Her face echoed with shock and she was clearly upset that she was there and had not realized who she was talking to.

 

"I'm so so sorry! And I wasn't trying to sneak away at the funeral... I was trying to get food at the refreshment table, but I would never ditch funerals! Perhaps you got me confused with someone else, especially as high ranking as your father. To be honest, I don't know much about other royal families, even though I probably should. But my father has been keeping me in the house lately, so what's the point of learning families when I can't go out to see them. Right?" It took her a moment to recompose herself to then continue. "And I'll look past your comment. I tend to forget common people aren't as well trained in firebending as the nobles and military children."

 

When it came to the Great Masters ceremony (and Yui's suspicious comment that seemed almost forced but Miho left it as is), she heard the words of her father echo in her head. She had this face, as if she was disgruntled and torn apart by decisions. She finally came to a decision and her face was replaced by glee. "Sure, I'll come with. I haven't given my respects to the dragons in awhile. For some reason, my father told me not to come by, though... Not sure why. He's been keeping me away from anywhere where military officials lurk. He's never done this before." Miho seemed really upset by that fact, but she shoved it away for a bit and focused on what they were doing presently. "But nice job on the capture of the ship. It's beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous."

 

On the topic of Yota being betrothed already, Miho felt a slight tug at her heart. Was she already falling for this young man? Why? She just met him! She pushed the feeling aside. Maybe she was jealous that she didn't have a betrothed of her own who actually respected her for her personality, not for her family's status and money. Yea, that was it. She gave Yota cheeky smile before continuing. "Ah, it's alright. I'm pretty much a safe space. I hold a lot of secrets about other people and I dare not utter them to anybody else. Your personal life, while it might have been uncouth in the eyes of others, is fine by me." At Yui's sudden blurted question, Miho just gave a snicker, but she agreed with Yui. "Yea, I'm not a fan of being married off to someone I don't know. But, it is tradition and I won't bash on it. But with all the people who my mother had tried to give me to, only to be denied by me, it does get tiring. But hey, if you feel like this girl is worth it, then go after her." Even though, deep down inside, she really liked Yota, she didn't want to force herself into his life. It was chance that they were meeting at all and trying to take that further would just end up giving problems for everyone. So she took the reserved route.

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Yota

 

Yota stopped, hearing the two girls reactions to his betrothal. He turned to them, a smile on his face but a dull distant look in his eyes before he blinked it away, replaced by a sad but wise look beyond his age. "My father asked me before he made the betrothal when I was twelve. Since his own betrothal was forced, but he fought it, he asked me if I have any conditions. I do, but only one. If her or I meet someone else and fall in love, the marriage is off. " He said and turned to look twords the temple, his voice going soft. "Honestly, I'm utterly terrified. My previous experience with women .... Didn't end well for me. One girl in particular I was infatuated with, I had the unfortunate experience of walking into a room at the wrong time just as she told her friends that I was handsome and smart, but dry as a sauna and too strict on my morals and the orders given to me." 

A moment of silence. 

He turned to them with a bright smile. "However I just told her she needs to get a doctor if she could go in a sauna and come out completely dry. You're supposed to sweat in those things." He chuckled. "Dad seemed to think I'd like her. I know a little bit about her. Her eyes are my favorite color, she has the same interests as me, and she has a unique bloodline, however her name or her family's name for that matter dad kept hidden. I was supposed to meet her two months ago on my seventeenth birthday but a month before that the funeral happened. We should be going if we want to make it to the ceremony ladies." He said softly and started twords the temples, veering to a path that headed to the second volcano as if instinctively drawn to where the dragons where located at. "I know most of the time, people pray to the dragons in the temple, but I think they'll hear them better in person." He rubbed his armband with the sun design on it. 

Edited June 17, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[ValidEmotions]

{ Riorri | Air Nomad | Crescent Island ; Docks ; Square }

 

"Oh!" Riorri sat down before the flute player. "That's wonderful!" They beamed at the knowledge that something from their culture influenced the creativity of another individual. Not many outsiders seemed all too interested in Air Nomad traditions and the like. It might have been because Airbenders were still newly returning to the world. "I love experiencing and collecting things from the other nations as well. Most of them are accessories and various bits of clothing but, I'll also find fascinating trinkets. Adopted!" Laying their staff across their lap, Riorri leaned forward slightly. "Did you ever learn what became of your first family?" The concept that the question might have been too personal didn't fully occur to them. They continued without much time to breathe. "What is is like, to live much of your time on that boat? I spend so much time traveling in the air, being on the water is such a different experience. Ah, sorry! My manners! I'm Riorri. I come from the Eastern Air Temple. You are?"

 

{ Gyiroh Lemeng | Earth Kingdom | Crescent Island ; Dining }

 

Much of Gyiroh inwardly preened under Kirra's acknowledgement of her skills, no matter how small it might have been. A compliment was a compliment. Smiling, Gyiroh almost snickered at the idea of knowing King Boomy personally. "Nah. I've only heard small bits about the old Earthbender through word-of-mouth. Rumors, in a way. But, he's definitely the eccentric sort and hardly ever makes sense." She gave an idle wave. "Suppose I should give some of that chile a try, then. Especially if it's not so easy to avoid." She smirked. "The noodle dishes sound good." She recognized Jasmine tea easily. Though, maybe the drink was brewed or seasoned differently here than what she might be familiar with. "Say, since you want to travel, have you thought about when and how?" Gyiroh asked. "Or is there something preventing you from hopping ship and setting out across the globe?"

[SkySong278]

“Ah okay and I’ve heard the same things about him,” Kirra said in reply before hearing everything else Gyiroh said and also what she asked afterward. “Alright and as to the whole travel thing I was thinking of going out on a ship in the harbor. I’m not sure when and I guess I’ve just been a bit attached to being here although I’ve always wanted to go elsewhere. I might go later this week or possibly later today,” she said in reply to her questions before a waiter came to take their orders. She told him what she wanted as well as the drink she wanted and he nodded before turning his attention to being on Gyrioh afterward.

Edited July 14, 2020 by SkySong278

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Kaiji

 

"That's right, Air Nomads are typically raised by the whole temple they are born in. I only know that my dad found me and my birth mother on a iceberg in the southern part of the Fire Nation. My birth mother died shortly after being brought on the ship and telling them my name. I should probably tell you mine in return, however I'd like to use a stage name like this, so I'll give you that one instead. Jiji. Jiji of the Fire Nation. I find water calming. I live on the boat now, although most of the time we're docked. It's different then a metal ship that blocks most of the waves unless it's a storm. Walking on a deck while at sea is like walking across a rickity bridge or rope and boards. " He stopped for a moment tilting his head in thought. "Like flying on your glider, but you feel tides pull the boat instead of the air currents. Sailing a masted ship is a bit like water bending and air bending together, with one element gone nothing works. No tides, the boat is stuck, no wind, and the ship must be manually rowed or left to drift on the currents. It can get a little cramped,  too hot or too cold, and is more difficult to take a drink or eat anything unless you want a face full of whatever you got in your hand, but it's relaxing to me. " He said softly looking at his flute. He took a breath and plunged in with his own questions before the nomad could ask more. 

 

"I've always wanted to go to the Eastern air temple! Do you really have the world's largest Pai sho table there? No... That's the Western one. Oh! That's the one that has all those highly charged spiritual places. I would love to visit there and meditate. And the flying bison are born there right? I see you got your tattoos, so you probably chose a bison right? Can I see it, and what's it's name? I've never been outside the Fire Nation before, but you traveled across the world to get to here! Do you make your own gliders? Are all nomads vegetarians? If you're hungry I have tea and some of my mother's peach buns, rice balls and dried plums on the ship of you want to talk some more. And could you please show me a few air nomad dances? I'd love to incorporate it into my shows!"

Edited June 19, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[HomeForFlowers]

< Kui - Crescent Island || Base of Volcano >

 

Finally, a name! In all honesty, Kui was beginning to worry that the earthbender was actually a nameless feral man who only knew how to glare and throw rocks at people. Hearing Jun introduce himself assuaged some of Kui's concerns. Jun's fingers slipped between Kui's in what should have been an innocuous gesture. Jun's eyes met Kui's, gaze heavy with some fleeting emotion Kui couldn't place. Jun snapped his head away from where Kui stood in an almost comedic manner. Kui had half a mind to laugh at Jun's sudden shyness if he wasn't suddenly aware that hotheaded and strong earthbender was holding his hand and oh no this was how he was going to die Jun was going to throw him straight into the river. The pair maneuvered through the crowd awkwardly with Jun's gaze downcast and Kui worrying that whatever had tempered Jun's mood would vanish.

 

The trip up the base of the volcano was a lot shorter than Kui had initially expected. Of course, the volcano did make up about a forth of the island so perhaps Kui sense of size was off. The scale of the volcano was enough to give Kui pause. He slowed down his pace as they approached Kiyo, staring up wide-eyed at the towering volcano before him. When he glanced back at his guide, he nearly jumped back at the sight of the angry scowl contorting her features. Startled, he blinked rapidly, thinking that he must have imagined the expression. When he looked at Kiyo again the scowl was gone and instead replaced with a smile as she asked Jun whether or not he wanted Kiyo and her to accompany him up the volcano. Kui blinked owlishly. Strange, he must have been imagining things.

 

"An excellent question!" Kui exclaimed. He retracted his hand from Jun's grasp as gently as he could least Jun startle like a wild animal before turning towards him. "You did ask us to escort you up the volcano, but you didn't specify when you wanted us to part." Kui idly twirled a black strand of hair around his finger. "Personally, I wouldn't mind if you wanted us to trek the whole way." In all honesty, Kui was still feeling bad about the idea of taking money from Jun without earning it first. If that meant walking up a volcano, then Kui didn't mind especially considering he didn't have anything else to do.

Edited June 22, 2020 by Doctortear

[ValidEmotions]

{ Riorri | Air Nomad | Crescent Island ; Square }

 

"Jiji. It sounds so nice!" Riorri beamed. "Like air currents, hm?" They wondered at that comparison. They didn't recall any ships ever rocking so much whenever they flew over one but, they might have been too high up to see enough. "Those descriptions... conflict," they said at last. "When flying, the thermals are smooth and easy; there's hardly any turbulent roughness to it. When you add air bending to the mix..." They had difficulty trying to understand the picture Jiji was creating for them. Was sailing the ocean a smooth affair or one that made it uncomfortable to eat regularly? Jiji started asking them a series of questions and Riorri took the distraction. Smile widening, they starting laughing. "I do agree--the Western Temple has the right to boast about their Pai Sho table. And, yes! The Eastern Air Temple is the most spiritual of all places! Not many know that. How did you come to hear of it?" Riorri asked, managing to slip the words between Jiji's own. "Choosing a bison isn't based on whether one has mastered Airbending or not; it's just based upon age. Though, given the struggling numbers of the Bisons, like the struggling numbers of Air Nomads, not everyone gets their own Bison. I'm one of many that wasn't chosen in like kind by a Bison. So, all I have is my glider. However, I have ridden a Bison before, along with a few others when I first started traveling."

 

Still smiling, Riorri brushed a hand along the wood of their staff. "Yes, we get to design our own gliders. Some are pretty standard, especially if the owner also got a Bison. The rest can be very creative since our gliders are like extensions of ourselves. You're right--we're all vegetarians. Life is sacred, of course. No matter, I've wondered about the culinary traditions of other cultures, even if I'll never touch the meat," Riorri stated, laughing again. "Tea sounds wonderful, thank you! And I'd love to introduce you to what I know; I think it would be fantastic to see what it inspires."

 

{ Gyiroh Lemeng | Earth Kingdom | Crescent Island ; Dining }

 

She gave the waiter a random noodle dish out of the list and hedged for a tea that seemed familiar enough. When he left, Gyiroh returned her attention to Kirra. The woman wasn't certain if she'd leave today? "I see," Gyiroh started, hoping to find an appropriate response as quickly as possible. "Have you figured out what you might do in exchange? Or do you think you've saved up enough for fare?" she asked. "I figured, the best way for me to save a little coin while traveling is by helping the crew maintain the ship. Physical labor isn't new to me, so it just made sense." She shrugged and, a moment later, hummed faintly. "If you aren't opposed to it, you might be able to offer your cooking skills in exchange for passage. Crews are always looking for good cooks, or so the word goes."

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Kaiji

His blue eyes sparkled with interest as the air nomad informed him on the ways they follow. With a fluid motion, he got up and held out his hand to help up Riorri. "Tea it is, I have white Jasmin tea with a hint of Honey and mint. I didn't know that about the air benders and the bison. I read a lot, and my bending master told me about spiritual places. I was going to see one for myself but he stopped coming to teach me. " Kaiji said softly then winced. He was supposed to be a nonbender. Kaiji figured the nomad would figure out what he bends although he didn't say what his bending was. A simple deduction could be made to find out he was a waterbender.  

 

Kaiji lead the way back to the boat and rolled out a large barrel and set down two small boxes on the deck as a table and chairs. "Please sit down, I'll get the tea. " He said as he disappeared below deck again. 

[SkySong278]

“I might have enough but in case it’s not quite enough I might help on the deck,” Kirra said in reply to the first question before hearing everything she said afterward. “That’s a good idea. I’ve thought before of what I could possibly do while on board to help the crew on whatever ship I’m able to board like cleaning the ship’s surface or help with the sails,” she said before the waiter came back with their drinks and then told them that their food would be out soon. She nodded in thanks before taking a so out the tea before hearing what else Gyiroh said. “Oh that’s also a very good idea. I never thought of that possibility before but I could do that as well.”

[Eto]

[ yui || crescent island dock ] 

 

Yui listens to Miho's quick recollection of past events with a knowing eye, taking in the girl's words. Ah, of course! From what she knows of Miho, the black-haired girl highly doubts that she would be so disrespectful, so it makes sense that she was only trying to fetch something to eat ... perhaps Miho's strong, confident nature did lead her into some trouble, though, with how Yota had interpreted her actions, but Yui comes to the private conclusion that Miho is someone she admires.

 

Yui flushes as both of them respond to her actions, Miho's gaze wistfully lingering on Yota for a second too long. She has seen this expression before, Yui thinks -- on the faces of many of the maids within the royal palace, giggling to themselves over the mighty generals in scarlet that stalked back and forth through its halls, the handsome young boys that came into the palace as new recruits and worked out everyday when taking a break from the Academy. Yui wonders -- had she been allowed to wander more during her time at the palace, would she have done the same over Yota? It seems likely that he would have attended the Academy around the same time as she had been privately tutored, and the idea makes her flush even more. Yota spins such a carefully worded, yet charming description of this girl he does not know, that it is no wonder Miho finds herself enthralled -- Yui wishes that could be her as well, even if it is just a fantasy; that whoever she has been engaged to would treat her as gently and as favourably as Yota does when he speaks of this girl he does not know. Perhaps they could share even one hobby they both like, and Yui wonders what it would be like to take her future betrothed to the orphanages she visits from time to time, introduce him to the children she has grown fond of. When the image of Yota pops up in her head all of a sudden, Yui waves it away with an embarrassed sigh.

 

At the aforementioned boy's prompt, Yui nods. "Ah -- yes!" Truth be told, she is rather excited about the ceremony; it has been too long since she's visited Crescent Island, and the dragons revered by the Fire Nation have always been a favourite of hers. When asked about her favourite animal, Yui would usually say something sensible, like a turtle duck -- and while they are cute, Yui thinks that dragons must be her favourite, secretly.

 

At Miho's mention of increased military presences, Yui frowns, her attention drawn away from her internal fantasies. 

 

"Perhaps the military has new plans," she suggests, but it worries her -- the mention of Miho's father, a noble she does not know, suddenly acting strangely. Is something the matter? Yui hopes that they don't run into the man, regardless.

 

Looking forward up the hill towards the temple, Yui draws her arm from Miho's and instead arranges her cloak, shifted awry by the morning breeze. Sitting her basket a little awkwardly in the crook of her arm -- ah, why had she brought such a large thing? -- Yui looks up at Yota. 

 

"Please lead the way, Mr. Ixou," she says pleasantly, formalities returning now that they have changed the topic from fonder memories into something more serious. 

 

--

 

[ jun || crescent island dock ] 

 

At the mentioning of the volcano, Jun's head instantly snaps to attention; Jun looks up at the mighty volcano before him, grinning. At Kiyo's words, he looks at her almost fondly, completely missing the look of furious jealousy she had shot them only seconds prior. Touch the lava! So she believes he could do it. Well, that is enough to call her a friend.

 

"Thanks," Jun says, feeling a little disappointed as Kui lets go of his hand, making no effort to continue -- had he been too forward? A voice that sounds suspiciously like his sister's in his mind suddenly scolds him for grabbing onto strangers, and Jun worries the edge of his lip. Well, if he had bothered the dark-haired boy, Kui would say something -- he's not that difficult to approach, Jun thinks.

 

It would be easy to leave the two of them here and bend his way up the mountain quickly, but Jun doesn't want to draw too much attention to himself. That, and he -- somewhat wants to spend time with his new friends. Friend. Kui is something else, entirely. A stranger. A goblin.

 

Yes, Jun decides. A goblin.

 

"Come with me," he declares, bossy, and then -- after a slight bit of hesitation, realising he should probably give them some warning. "Uh, if you're ready." 

[AroaraAngelwolf]

Yota : trail to dragons lair.

 

As they spoke and walked away from the docks he stopped at a narrow rocky pathway to the volcano then turned to look at the ladies. Miss. Izisato looked like she was ready for a long outing, Miss. Yui on the other hand would likely trip multiple times on her dress. With another, yet more sweeping and courtly bow then before in front of Yui he held out his left hand as his right remained on his back for posture and balance. "Miss Yui, I've realized that you are dressed for a finer way of travel while Miss. Izisato looks ready for a long trip. However, if both of you ladies wouldn't mind, I'd gladly shift my form and allow you both to ride on my back. As a fire serpent, I travel faster than an eel hound on land and water, and you wouldn't have to worry about tarring the hem of your lovely dress Miss Yui. If that is too forward of me to ask, then I'll settle for holding your basket and being your support over the rocky terrain if you would wish it so." He said looking up a little bit to see both of their responses.

Edited July 4, 2020 by AroaraAngelwolf

[Eto]

[ yui || trail to dragon's lair ]

 

 Yui's hand raises automatically to her mouth, covering the slight smile that appears on her features at Yota's polite mannerisms. He really hadn't been lying about training at the military academy; Yota's etiquette is easy, automatic, perfect -- not that Yui had any doubts, but it is stunning to witness such a well-balanced display that is better than most of the generals she interacts with on the daily.

 

At the mention of his offer, Yui's eyes grow wide. "Oh, t-thank you, but it's alright -- I couldn't trouble you in that way!" she says automatically, the courtly politeness embedded in her from an early age automatically coming to light. The sudden offer of his transformation surprises Yui; she has met very little people that would be so forward and willing to help, and the mention of his own animalistic form makes Yui gaze at the boy before with a new interest, suddenly feeling even more connected as she had previous. Does he know ... could he tell ... ?

 

The possiblity makes her bold, more than usual, and she is unwilling to leave Yota simply at that. "But -- um, if you'll allow me to be so forward, Mr. Ixou, I would like your company up the trail," she says, peeking shyly up at him through her bangs.

 

Yui swings her basket around so it is no longer resting on her hip but rather held in her hands, waiting for him to make the second move. By all accounts she should put the veil on once they reach the ceremony, but she is so at ease here, with these kind strangers that she feels more welcome with than her own family, that Yui tilts her face up more and enjoys the feeling of the wind blowing through the trail to gather though her hair and across her face. 

[ValidEmotions]

Riorri || Docks || Jiji (Kaiji's) Ship

 

Taking Jiji's offered hand, Riorri followed him back to the boat. "Oh! You're a bender, too?" they inquired. Smiling, they continued, "I love learning new things and I enjoy sharing knowledge. It makes me very glad to hear that you have learned something new today, as well. There is never a negative impact from becoming more knowledgeable, especially in regards to someone else's culture." Glancing down at the box that had been set for them, Riorri briefly wondered if it was sound enough to hold a person's weight. It must have been if Jiji was confident enough to use it as a chair. Sitting down, Riorri rested their staff upon the deck to their left. As the other individual left, they studied the craftsmanship of the vessel, noting each of its features to categorize similarities with other ships and unique traits that set it apart. When Jiji at last returned with tea, Riorri spoke again, asking yet more questions. "How long were you studying with a master before continuing on your own? That is, assuming you still practice your bending?" 

 

Gyiroh || Restaurants || Dining

 

Taking a sip from her drink, Gyiroh perked up at the flavor. "This is good," she murmured, feeling a wave of spice just before the last word left her mouth. "If you opt to work the deck, just be prepared; you won't be left in one spot to handle one task over and over. You're far more likely to be pulled left and right to handle all sorts of things. It can get pretty... chaotic, at the worst of times. At the best? Busy. You ever been on a boat before?" 

[SkySong278]

“I’m glad you enjoy it and mine is good as well. Duly noted. I figured that would be the case with it being on the water with all the waves crashing against it, causing it to jostle people every which way. I can imagine that would be the case. A lot goes on to get the boat to keep going and also to go in the right direction. I have once when I was younger, but I was mostly below deck where the bunks were and not up on it where all the workers hustled and bustled about. I did see them working when we boarded though and I remember what all of them did,” Kirra said in reply to everything Gyiroh said and asked before taking another sip of her own tea.

Edited November 27, 2020 by SkySong278