|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 1:22 am
 Kaito brooded as he walked through the not yet familiar streets of the northern water city with a full basket. His stomach grumbled as he passed a food stall, and he focused what little energy he had on the water vapor in the air to waft away the aroma of freshly cooked food. He'd eaten eaten eight meals last week - one too many, as defined by his earnings as a novice seaweed harvester. He couldn't afford to live as extravagantly as a normal family. He had to save up to afford other "necessities" - namely a boat and non-perishable food to get out of the city. Sure, it was the kingdom he belonged to as a water bender, but it also often gave him reminiscent nightmares as he slept under an ice bridge or in an alley. Plus, people were starting to give him weird looks when he refused to talk about his gourd.
But where was he to go? Surely the Southern water tribe had nothing to offer him. He'd be seen as both a law breaker and an escapee. Firebenders? Questionable. He'd overheard talks about a new era of peace, but could he really stay amongst a kingdom that had in the past caused much suffering to his village? If it weren't for them, his sister... He paused at the thought. He had to close his eyes to push out the mental images. Maybe he could try settling down in the Earth kingdom instead. He'd be in the same predicament - no shelter and minimum wage - but probably no one there knew of the mountain village and one-child policy of years ago. He could start a new life again there, away from anyone else related to water bending.
And just like that, a decision was made. He would quit his job tomorrow morning. He overheard his boss talking last week about replacing him soon, anyways. He was simply a matter of making a trip to Ba Sing Se. Someone in the capital was bound to be able to offer him something. ((Hello! :3))
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:12 pm
((I was hoping Zuko would happen upon Kallan's little situation, but I guess not.  Time for a little solution, then!))
Kallan stood her ground, though inside, she was very concerned. General Vahm was almost half again as big as she was, and she knew it was all muscle. On top of that, he was a firebender. She didn't think her chances against him would be that spectacular if he decided to become violent.
"It isn't your place to dictate to me how I should and shouldn't conduct myself in this palace, General Vahm. Unlike you, I earned my position as Assistant Chief of Staff and as second adviser to the Firelord on pure ability, not by my circumstances of birth." She looked up at him contemptuously. "That is the way things are in the homeland, now, General. Lord Zuko judges people based on merit, not on who their parents are and aren't."
General Vahm's face turned a bright red in fury. He swung his arm up, but Kallan reacted instantly, stepping forward into his chest. A knife was in her hand, appearing from the sleeves of the robes she wore. While the robes were relatively simple in comparison to what the nobles wore sometimes, the sleeves were still large enough to conceal weapons. In a flash, the knife was at the general's throat, resting gently on the thin skin. He froze, but glared down at Kallan.
"Don't be so foolish as to believe that I can't take care of myself. As a woman, and an Assistant Chief of Staff, you don't think I've had to discourage nobles who thought that they could take me for their pleasure simply because I was a so-called 'commoner'?" Kallan emphasized the point by pressing the knife point ever so slightly into his neck, causing a small bead of blood to well up. The general didn't swallow, but continued to glare unblinkingly at her. His gaze cause her to think of a wild dragon hawk she'd once seen, poised to rip into a terrified duck it had caught.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:17 pm
(( ZUKO HAS FINALS. xD I just had a midterm today and had a final yesterday. Studying and randomness has been happening!! I have one more final tomorrow! I IS SORRY FOR BAD GRAM GRAMS. MY RBAIN IS DEAD BUT I LOVE YOU. I'll post Zuko right nao... but it might take a while xP brain = gone ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:32 pm
((Don't even worry about it. School comes first. biggrin Zuko can save the day when winter break gets here.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:41 pm
 Zuko took some time to towel off after his long shower, enjoying this time to himself and some time to just relax. He'd been hard at work for a week now, and he had to admit he did need some time to just chill out. He thought of a lot of things as he gathered his clothes and put on fresh training robes just because they were comfortable. He started to think of his Uncle and his friends back in the Earth Kingdom. He really did miss them and the freedom, but he knew his duties lay here at the moment. The young firelord reflected on the quest he had yet to begin, which was of course the search for his mother. He sighed and knew he'd have to postpone that until the country was strong enough and stable enough on its own without it needing his every word to rule it. After a while of walking the castle grounds, he overheard an arguement and frowned as he walked closer to what seemed to be a heated encounter. He turned the corner to find Kallen weilding a dagger up against the neck of one of his Generals. He scowled slightly, but tried not to draw any conclusions before he demanded, "What is going on here?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:43 pm
((Yeah, I'm going through the same thing here. Got a huge final exam I have to ace tomorrow, along with a fifteen page essay and twenty slide powerpoint. Not looking like fun. Kaito'll probably get to Ba Sing Se tomorrow night or something, after my test.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:56 pm
((Oooh, exciting. I've just got one more final tomorrow, then I'm done for the semester. xd ))
At Zuko's voice, Kallan stepped backwards, making the knife disappear into her sleeve. With a bow, she said, "Please excuse me, my lord. The general and I had a little difference of opinion."
At the same time, General Vahm spoke up, sounding almost genial. "Ah, Lord Zuko, I'm so glad you're here. This little wench was being quite impertinent." He glared at Kallan, realizing she'd spoken at the same time he did and was obviously displeased, but continued on. "Tried to tell me I had no business being in here reviewing the reports, but of course it's my business. I'm one of your generals, after all." He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Unfortunately, the disagreement devolved into an attack from her. And that's where you came in."
Kallan simply kept her mouth shut. Her pride refused to let her contradict what General Vahm was saying. If she did, it would almost be like admitting to the general that she wasn't completely sure of Zuko's trust in her. If Lord Zuko wanted her side of the story, he'd ask her for it. The general made her very angry, but her face was a mask of cool detachment. It hid her thoughts that she should have just sliced his throat open when she'd had the chance. The way he glared at her, with those predatory eyes frightened her, and being frightened made her angry. She didn't trust him not to retaliate against her at some later time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:18 pm
The young Firelord crossed his arms as the general spoke, obviously not pleased with his word choice and his tone of voice. The way he treated Kallan, and the way he acted arrogant even in the presence of the Firelord made Zuko's eyes narrow ever so slightly. He didn't like this man, and he didn't trust him yet either. After all, though he was now his general, before he had been his father's, and he knew just how loyal men like him had been to his father. They had respected and feared him, and Zuko had almost made certain that he wasn't a Firelord to be feared. With men like General Vahm he knew he'd have to be careful in how he spoke lest he threaten him or provoke him to act against his position as Firelord. He didn't need a rebellion at this fragile stage of rebuilding this nation. "I'm afraid there has been a case of misunderstanding here, General," Zuko replied in a calm and calculating manner, "I did authorize Second Adviser Kallan to restrict this area, but it seems that I did not give the word to make this information known. It was entirely my mistake, General Vahm, and I assure you it will not happen again."He ended on a tone that seemed like a closing of a conversation, but with a slight wave of his hand he addressed Kallan as he spoke once again, "Adviser Kallan, I see it fit to use the Aides as messengers to the nobles and Fire Nation personelle of high ranking, such as the General, to ensure that my instructions are to be understood and not misinterpreted." Without another glance to her, merely to keep appearances in front of the General-that-he-did-not-yet-trust, He continued on to address the General to lightly put him in his place without hurting his pride: "Now General Vahm, I thank you for pointing out the lack of communication among the staff, and that I have yet to have a real council with my Generals (such as yourself), and to remedy my actions I shall call upon you the night of tomorrow to hold a meeting. I trust you will attend to discuss the reports that seem the most important so that the rest do not waste your time?"He took his periodic silence as a 'yes,' and really didn't leave him much time to respond before he continued yet again; "Very good, General, now if you please," he paused to gesture to the door, "I must have a word with my Adviser on the subject of getting this place in line." It was a dismissal, but a light and respectful one, and he even made it sound like the General had done him a favor. (( did I mention I freaking LOVE Zuko?? EAT IT NASTY GENERAL. This is what my mind does on stress. ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:11 pm
((Omigod, that was AMAZING! whee you're one of my fave-eo Rpers, you know that?))
General Vahm's face rearranged itself into a blandly pleasant expression. "Of course, Firelord. I will be honored to attend the briefing tomorrow night." With that, the general placed the reports he'd been holding on the desk and left the throne room. Kallan saw a flash of rage cross over his face when he thought neither of them were looking, but didn't react. It wouldn't do to have the glee she was feeling be expressed at this moment. Her Lord Zuko had given the general a thorough dressing down, all the while sounding like he was merely being polite and informative to a misinformed subordinate. After having been in the palace, she'd learned to pick up on the subtle nuances in polite words and to see the hidden daggers in them.
Once the general was gone, she said quietly, "Thank you, Lord Zuko, for coming when you did. I know it looked questionable, but I think that if you had not appeared, it wouldn't have mattered that my knife was at his throat. He would have killed me on the spot." Kallan looked straight into Zuko's eyes and said, "Don't make a mistake of trusting him, my lord. A man can be judged by how he treats his inferiors, or those that he perceives to be inferior. General Vahm is only interested in power."
A long silence ensued after that. She finally broke it by asking, "So what did you want to discuss with me, my lord?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 2:30 pm
(yay a fellow water bender~Now I wait for Cerebian)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 4:56 pm
Zuko watched the General careful as he spoke, and knew a snake in the grass when he heard one speak. He would have to keep an eye on him from now on. He didn't spot the rage on his face, but he had a feeling that just wouldn't go down easily. Something was wrong, and the General was in the middle of things. The young firelord set aside those thoughts for a moment as Kallan spoke to him to hear her side of things. "I have no doubt..." he muttered softly when she implied that the General would've killed her if further provoked. Zuko sighed as she elaborated on the thoughts which seemed to echo his own. "No, I don't think I could ever trust such a man who seems to be so much like my father," he said grimly, but was slightly glad that Kallan had changed the subject. "I actually didn't have much to say, I just wanted to get him out of here. But I was serious about those aides. It would do everyone good to be well informed around here. Of course, we have to make sure that the system of messangers within the palace aren't taken advantage of... nor compromised by anyone who would take the chance to cause harm to another," he said in a lighter tone now that his mind was off treachery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 8:38 pm
Callia Avani
Earth Bender  Smiling to herself as she made her way through the tunnels. Grinning she opened a door to a small chamber and stepped into it. "Okay we're in the palace, now stick close to my side and let me do the talking." she spoke walking on silent feet. As the passed through a large archway she slid her left foot and jerked her hand up as a large boulder came up as well. With a spin kick she sent the rock flying towards the throne were an older man sat. " Tag you it!" she called out.
The old man chuckled and thrusting a fist forward the boulder shattered. "Still trying to beat me kiddo?" he cackled standing. Callia smiled and ran forward to throw her arms around the old King. " Can't blame a girl for trying." she giggled. Callia smiled truly and stepped back from the old King to turn to her new friend. " Bumi I need a favor from you. My friend Tally here is a water bender and needs a job or a place to stay. Can you put her to work?" she asked with a pout to the old man.
King Bumi squinted at the water bender and huffed making his way to examine her. He made a circle around the young girl with a critical eye. " What can the girl do?" He asked looking to her. " I've got a place for a well builder. Our earth benders can get to the water we just can't make it flow. Can you do that girl?" he asked. Callia watched hoping her new friend would get work here for her own sake.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:25 pm
Kallan immediately added coordinating aides and messengers to her mental list of things to do while saying, "Of course. Though I think in this case, the aides were unsure of how to react to him." She glanced over at them. "They probably weren't sure if they were supposed to override his wishes with my orders, since it's unclear whether I outrank him or not. And the guards probably let him in because they're used to following orders from their military superiors." Frantic nodding from the aides, who clearly were chagrined at messing up so badly. "Easily remedied, my lord. I'll have one of the aides draw up an official proclamation declaring my second adviser status, you sign it and add your seal, and it's done."
She blushed then, realizing that it sounded as if she wanted to brag about her new position, albeit by proxy. "O-only as a way of telling people my new rank so that they respect my authority. An assistant chief-of-staff only holds sway over the palace servants and staff. You understand how a general or noble would underestimate my importance, right?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:59 pm
( Sorry been brain dead for a bit. Had to get my mojo flowing again ya know. lol. )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 11:06 pm
Kaito carried his basket of air-drying seaweed to a storehouse. As he rounded the corner of the block, he felt a sense of sudden alertness, as if his body felt suddenly assertive and prepared. He stepped into the storehouse and there was his employer, and behind him, another boy. As his superior opened his mouth to speak, Kaito flashed a fake smile and interrupted, "Thanks for the job. I got what I needed. I'm out of here." With that said, he turned back the way he came and immediately rounded the corner of the building. He didn't care much for his employer, who was nothing more than a resource for him to get a new life. He was just about to get replaced, anyways, so there was nothing wrong with what he did. If anything, he saved his boss a few precious seconds of firing him.
Kaito ran under a bridge, where he retrieved most of his supplies frozen under the ice. He sprinted awkwardly, arms full, over to the dock where his boat was tied. He dropped everything inside in a hurry and hopped in, immediately severing the rope with a razor edge of water before propelling himself off toward the horizon. Anxious to start the next chapter of his life, he focused all his energy into the water around him, his wooden row-boat rocketing south like a motorboat toward a place known as Full Moon Bay.
For hours, nothing but blue horizons surrounded every side. The only thing that saved him from boredom was his food. As a result, his food supplies ran short as he crossed the river mouth, and he'd already finished it all off by the time he reached the end of the lake (the long way around the shore, as to avoid what he'd heard was a serpent living in the lake). So, he picked up his pouch, gourd already on his back, and started the trek to Ba Sing Se. ((Kind of speeding it up here. Not much to do while he was alone in the ocean. My next post he'll probably finally be walking into town.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
