Fandom Avatar: The Exiled Chronicles

[Xanto]

Xian Zhao and Raiko Xiao
​

Aaand she left- Xian watched as Jia made her way over to her friend. His hands once again slid into his coat pockets at the crashed momentum of their conversation. He continued to observe Jia from afar as she abused Ah Lam. Er, whatever happened. Xian wouldn't know, besides he was starving. Dumplings were all that mattered. "If I catch 2 in my mouth, can I get them for free?" He raised a brow, presenting an honest proposal as his body leaned against a vendor's stall, "Think about it, great marketing." The vendor's curious wrinkles relaxed after brief thought. There were a handful of dumpling vendors ready for customers. His stall needed a gimmick. "Don't waste my food," The elderly man prepared his chopsticks.

"Yes, sir," Xian saluted as he stepped back in game.

"Raiko?" Taka questioned in confusion. "I got you Taka!- Oof," Raiko grunted upon feeling the stranger's body fully run into his. He quickly outstretched an arm to catch her, but it was too late. The firebender had already plummeted backward into the snow. "Hey! What're you doing? That wasn't very nice," She barked before going on about Nigel. Raiko felt his eyes slowly roll around as his head tilted in sync, "It's Taka." She persisted.

The dude didn't need to hear anymore of this person's yapping. His job here was done. Raiko had protected his friend Taka from having to be healed . . again, and that's what mattered. The waterbender let up a hand to shoo the situation away, just as he walked pass Jia. She and Taka would undoubtedly set the firebending chihuahua up right.

Raiko instead took a seat on a nearby bench with furrowed brows. "Nigel, Nigel," The waterbender mocked as he grabbed a warm cup of tea off the stall beside him before placing his coins on the table. He tilted his head back feeling the warm liquid coat his throat from the cold. The sensation alone calmed him down, ". . Aah."

IT WAS BURNING! Xian opened his mouth taking in all the cold air he could after catching a second piping hot dumpling at the vendor's throw. Two brief chews and a gulp was all it took to pack away the heat just as Jia popped up behind him. The man glanced over his shoulder with a disheveled look. He seemed worn out by the sudden stunt. "Right," Xian calmly grumbled before retaining his composure in a snap, "This way."

Colorless Spectrum Entity.Eclypse . D O V E

 

[. D O V E]

• Ah Lam
• Fire Lord Yoko

• Ah Lam
  Xanto Entity.Eclypse​
  
  Ah Lam was immediately overwhelmed by guilt once Jia revealed that the legitimate Nigel was still very much in prison. Truth to be told, the girl still has no idea how the Bone Crusher Headquarters got infiltrated many months ago. It perplexed her how someone could look and act precisely like her good friend! Did this Taka person get his face done just for the operation? She once heard rumors that there existed spirits who could change someone's features within a blink of an eye. It made her wonder if the Republic city or the Earth Empire had access to such an otherworldly option. Whatever the case, this Taka person must undoubtedly be a cunning and dangerous individual!
  
  "I sincerely apologize!" Ah Lam deeply bowed to Taka then to Rikko who looked clearly annoyed by her outburst. Fortunately, a cup of warm tea seemed to have calmed his nerves. It didn't do anything to quell the shame bubbling within the pits of her stomach, though. "And thank you, Jia." The firebender sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck using her free hand, the edges of her lips curling into an embarrassed smile. She could only hope that the Imperial prince wouldn't hear of her foul-up.
  
  After listening to Jia's words, Ah Lam nodded her head and gave a salute. "See you later and take care, miss Jia! Don't forget to wear the lucky bracelet!" She bid with a big wave as the shorter woman walked away from her, leaving her with the two men she wrongly greeted.
  
  Ah Lam felt awkward, to say the least. Despite the cold weather, she felt rolls of sweat dripping down her temples as she alternated her gaze between the men. She cleared her throat, opting to alleviate the mood. "I-Is there any chance I can make it up to you guys? Maybe I can treat you to some stalls or fun activities? I heard the Penguin Sledding competition is about to start. I can buy us tickets?" She optimistically grinned at them, eyes shining with hopes that they'd free her from the chains of humiliation.
  
• Fire Lord Yoko
  AI10100​
  
  The Fire Lord sympathized with the Crowned Prince when he mentioned how tiring the past few months had been. Just like Prince Xu, Fire Lord Yoko was also new to the throne. However, their glaring difference was that she wasn't abruptly thrusted into it. She could only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to take the burden of their kingdom whilst the disappearance of his father loomed overhead. Add his sister's growing infamousness to the pile, and the Fire Lord could only wonder how the prince hasn't fallen apart yet. Still, she knew it was a foolish question. Rulers, like them, were never allowed to fall. Especially during dire times when they were needed the most.
  
  She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before withdrawing it to adjust the headdress he pointed out. "Indeed. The original piece was too dull for my taste, so I had some extra ornaments attached." While the Fire Lord valued tradition, she wanted something that would better represent herself as a ruler. The long fiery fabric attached to her golden crown symbolized her vision to be the Fire Nation's illuminating leader for a long time, burning everything that might bring harm to her people.
  
  "I've been preoccupied as well. Let's just say work hasn't been kind to me either. I'm unsure if you've caught winds, but my soldiers and I have recently quelled a brewing rebellion in the Southern part of the country. Unfortunately, things had to get a little... out of control." She may or may not have burned a chunk of the region in the process. "My advisers and I ended up having to handle a lot of economical issues in the aftermath. I wouldn't wish such headaches to anyone." If politics had been as easy as fighting, Yoko would definitely be thriving on her own. Alas, nobody could be perfect.
  
  "Here's an offer, old friend. How about you and I free our minds of our duties even just for a few hours, hm? Perhaps we could enjoy the festival together just as we did years ago when the only worry we had was running out of games to try." She smirked, raising her right brow in a challenging manner. "Oh, and don't worry about any bodyguards. If anything, I'd be the one ensuring their safety."
  

 

[AI10100]

B E I F O N G , X U
Interacting with: . D O V E
Location: Northern Water Tribe​

Xu really did appreciate that he had befriended Yoko. He was sure that the other rulers had far more experience, but having someone around his age made it easier to relate to them. "A little bit of flair and meaning. You're giving me a few ideas here." Then again, his creativeness was limited when it came to meaning and artistic flair. He was an engineer and practicality was usually the only thing in his mind. Still, it wouldn't hurt to try when he officially receives the title of emperor. For now, he was quite content with what he had.

He gave her a sympathetic look at the news. He had heard from the grapevine that something had happened with the Fire Nation. "It wasn't in the ruler handbook that civil unrest and royal kidnappings happen so soon after being crowned." He joked as he shook his head with a hand to his forehead. Sure, it was something rulers had to deal with of course but it would have been nice if they could settle in their roles for a bit longer. Though he supposed Yoko was lucky in the regard that it was handed to her instead of being thrown at her like Xu's crown did.

He perked up at the mention of letting their stresses go. To simply enjoy themselves like they had when they were younger. Oh to return to those times. "Sounds like someone wants to settle the score once and for all." The prince claimed with a light chuckle, bringing a closed fist to her shoulder and giving her a joking punch. "I heard there were a few new things they added to the festival. We should check them out." He threw a look at the bodyguards and let out a chuckle. "They look capable enough to handle themselves. Give them a little faith there."

Momentarily, his thoughts shifted to Jia and Ah Lam. He had given them tasks for the festival but he did hope that they were enjoying the stalls as well. They had the day to themselves and the extra money to boot. He was safe anyhow. He could fight well, sure, but he was being accompanied by a martial beast anyhow.

"Maybe we can swing by the arena later. We're old enough to enter now so we don't scorch the side of another building."

 

[Colorless Spectrum]

Jia Xiaodan

Jia had heard Ah Lam's words just before she and Xian had left. She took a look at the bracelet that was given to her and the one underneath her sleeves. She placed the one that the Firebender had given her in her pocket, believing that if she let her guard down, that if she wears it, the same thing will happen again and she doesn't want that. Her heart's been broken way too many times already, by her father, by her mother, and whom she thought was her best friend, and she doesn't want to experience that again.

It didn't take long for them to find the cafe that Xian had mentioned earlier. It was small, with not a lot of people inside and outside of the place. It was a good enough place for their conversation. "I think that's a good spot for us." Walking to the corner booth and waited for Xian to take the seat opposite her.

"You saw her go into the Avatar State, right?" Jia asked quietly but loud enough for the Airbender to hear. But before she could get an answer, a waiter came with their menu and asked what the two would like to order.

"Hello and welcome to our humble cafe! Here is the menu, we have plenty of beverages to offer from cold to hot and a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and salad to accompany it." The young waiter smiled at the two while stared blankly at the menu. She then mentions how she'll be taking the Milktea and that was all for her. "How about you sir?"

mention: . D O V E || interaction: Xanto

 

[The Prophet]

Maizen Tosuda​

“The snow is alright, I suppose I'm just on edge a tad. With any luck, the next thing I have to worry about is whether the teahouse has good sugar.” Maizen bemoaned, pointing a finger in the sound of commotion as two bodyguards set about getting him and Yara through the crowd. He hated the frayed nerves he’d found himself in possession of, to postpone catching up with someone because he heard the name of his friend’s cover. What did he hope to find? That of all places, the common name turned out to be someone he knew? That he might see the people who raided a criminal warehouse with him? With all due respect, he'd probably be better off without half of them. The avatar, her brother, and her friend hated him, and the last thing Tosuda needed was their future getting in fights and being…well, not boring. He could turn around now, forget about this dumb reaction of his, and enjoy Yara’s company as they caught up. Wouldn’t that be nice? A good cup of tea, instead of this silly look.

Alas, no matter how the white haired man reasoned with himself to back off, his feet kept moving closer. The commotion was dying down, leading Maizen to crane their neck to see over to where he thought whoever sounded familiar to be. A break in the heavy crowds let Maizen’s pale eyes land on… Nothing. Nothing at all. Letting out a held breath after a few seconds, the firebender watched his breath condensate. “I…I don’t know what I expected. I could have sworn that…no. I’m being silly, there was nothing after all.” Maizen brought a gloved hand to his face, suppressing a small laugh as he smiled and turned to Yara. “I must look rather on edge, yes? Banish the thought, I suppose it was a silly curiosity. I am sated.”

Maizen looked around the stalls and buildings that surrounded them, then even further down the streets. Yes, it was probably better they weren’t there. Such excitement wasn’t right. It would be best to forget. “Would you like to grab that tea now? I’d love to get out of the cold and catch up. Did you know a place, or are we looking for one such cafe? Either sounds lovely right about now.” Stepping toward Yara, he turned toward his guard detail, giving a small bow before motioning towards the boat all the way down towards the dock. “As you can see, I’ll be busy. Go make sure those papers got where they were going, and file the returns in my office. Then take a break. I don’t need the detail.” If there was a protest at the word ‘break’, it was stifled with a look from the Tosuda heir. Slowly but silently, they took off, splitting into two groups.The moment they were gone, Maizen sighed. “I won’t lie, I did not think they’d leave. Hounding me for months after my father saw the aftermath of the warehouse. How did you fare, by the way? We were separated shortly after that day, If memory serves me right.”

Flutterby

 

[Xanto]

Xian Zhao​

Xian slid into the corner booth with Jia unknowingly burning holes from her emerald eyes. He noticed her since earlier, quite eager to speak of whatever happened on their mission. "You saw her go into the Avatar State, right?" Jia quietly questioned.

"ARGH!" The sound of Xiu echoed through the airbender's mind as he teleported back behind the wall. His gray gaze reflected the red beam from the dragon's tendrils, while dark energy filled his vision. Xiurong was only in the dragon spirit's grasp.

"Hello and welcome to our humble cafe! Here is the menu, we have plenty of beverages to offer from cold to hot and a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and salad to accompany it." The waiter suddenly entered their current scene, pulling Xian back to the booth. "Uh," The airbender rubbed the back of his head as his eyes fell onto the menu, "The s-seal sandwich . . and Spirit Oasis tea please." Both Jia and Xian handed back their menus before watching the waiter retreat back to the kitchen team.

"We both saw her," He seriously mentioned before pushing his eyes into a gentle squint. Perhaps Jia's question was in regards to the dragon fiasco prior to her arrival. "The dragon was green, then turned corrupted with red," Xian blinked, finding himself staring right into the dragon's eyes as he gradually descended with an air strike. He hadn't noticed before, but something nearly grappled him on the inside. "What did you want to ask?" His voice lowly rolled out as his eyes reverted back at hers. This time his were burning with numbness.

Colorless Spectrum

Raiko Xiao​

Ah Lam bowed in panic, "I sincerely apologize!" "Bah!" Raiko barked back, motioning his hand to shoo the irritation away. He garnered a clearer state of mind after drinking some nice really really hot tea. The sudden apologetic scream nearly jerked him back to prior stress.

Hm, she was sweating. Raiko's gaze followed the bead dripping down her chilling skin against the northern winds. This wouldn't have been the case if only she'd listened to him. The waterbender furrowed his brows before glancing off to the side. But Ah Lam had the metalbending balls to offer a treat.

Now that, he'd respect. Raiko stood up from his seat, pacing over to the girl as his shoulders rolled back. He stopped just inches before Ah Lam, peering down at her with slightly furrowed brows, "Who are you to Jia?"

. D O V E Entity.Eclypse

 

[Flutterby]

Yara gave a soft hum, noncommittal but lighthearted, in response to his faux-snooty comment about sugar quality. It was chilly enough, and he looked worn out enough, that any tea with any sugar would be just fine if it came with friendly company. She was acutely aware of the bodyguards guiding their way through the crowd, and the suspicious of them rising along her spine. The way that they watched Maizen made the hairs on her upper arms prickle, just a little. It was the one who seemed in charge, really- her attention didn't seem all that focused on the crowd around them.

When they reached where the commotion had seemed to come from, she looked around carefully. She caught the sight of a woman walking away, whose dark hair stood out against the crowd not because of its color, but its slightly different texture and the way it moved across her shoulders as she walked. It made Yara think of flying, and her stomach tightened. She was about to say something, tell Maizen that she could have sworn that the person disappearing through the crowd was a certain earth-bending sort-of-secret-agent, but he was already dismissing the silliness with a laugh and.. well, her heart melted a bit as his face seemed to finally relax a bit.

As his guards finally disappeared into the crowd, Yara reached out and linked her arm under Maizen's, inviting herself to be escorted like one of the fancy ladies that tabloids were always trying to connect to him. She had always chuckled a bit at that- not because she thought them too pretty for him or something like that, but because she pictured Maizen rolling his eyes and tossing the papers away, too busy and serious and business-like to waste another second on thinking about it, let alone getting it corrected.

"I have a favorite spot just a few streets up," She said confidently, and began strolling in that direction.
She ignored the rest of his questions for a moment, instead looking serenely across the crowd in front of them, navigating between people fluidly and taking Maizen gently along with her. It was an entirely different way of walking than with guards shuffling people out of their way, but she kept him close and used a firm, calm grip to steer him as needed. They made a turn that took them off of the main drag of the festival, and then she spoke.
"I was wondering about the bodyguards. They seem.. adequately intimidating." For a moment, she could smell smoke and gas and her ears rang. And then she took a breath in through her nose, and the air was clean and clear and full of the festival sounds.
"It seems like your business dealings are going well, from the papers. But you look like you're working too hard, Mai-zen." There was a hitch in her voice, as she almost shortened his name and then decided against it at the last second. The sum total of our friendship is four days, including today, she reminded herself.

She guided him around another small turn, and then toward an unassuming little storefront named The Blueberry Bear. The inside was warmed by a large fireplace, with a handful of tables for patrons to sit at. There were furs draped on the back of each chair, and the air smelled of honey and firewood. There were a few people inside already- a young family in one corner, a pair of older men hunched over a game board, with their wives nearby, both working on their sewing. They all looked up, smiled, and then returned to their business.
"They make the best blueberry cookies here. They do import all the usual teas, but my favorite is the house Blue Moon Butterfly- its blueberry, butterfly pea, and ginger."
The smiling woman behind the counter returned Yara's wave as she picked a table toward the fireplace, and then disappeared into the kitchen.

Yara motioned for him to sit, and did the same, fiddling with the edge of the fur on the chair for a moment. She was apprehensive now- she wouldn't be able to avoid his questions now that they were sitting and looking at one another, but she wasn't sure she could find the words to explain what had happened since the last time they had been in the same place. It all seemed too strange and sad, all of the sudden.

The cafe owner reappeared, still smiling, and holding a cup of tea and a plate of four of the aforementioned blueberry cookies. They had been warmed, and gave off the most delicious smell.
"I woke up and just knew I should bake these today. The spirits must be smiling on you today, my dear." She said, as she placed the cookies down.
The older woman turned her eyes to Maizen, and certainly recognized him. She only glanced at Yara for a half-second, before recovering her easy smile and asking him, "What can I get for you, new friend? You look like you could use a strong cup to warm up."

The Prophet

 

[The Prophet]

MAIZEN TOSUDA​

Maizen looked over when Yara’s arm linked with his own, but did not make any movements to be released as he looked back up and idly scanned the crowd for a camera. If he did see one, he did not change his demeanor in the slightest. “Alright, to this favorite place we go. It sounds promising.” It was odd being guided and walking along like this, especially when he slowed down to look at something or started in the wrong direction here and there and was pulled back on the right and narrow. Was this the goal of all lobbyists when this happens?

…No, definitely not. This was far more fun, especially when he knew he wasn’t going to be asked to sign a deal at the end. A smile played on his lips for a moment before quickie being dashed with the far more practiced one, and as they made their way through the busy streets and pop up markets it remained. It wasn’t like he wasn’t having fun; this was already the most fun he’d had in months. You just couldn’t really for-

"I was wondering about the bodyguards. They seem.. adequately intimidating."

His line of thought was broken by an inquiry, one he would be all too glad to answer. “Oh, that group. My father has a lot of them, but they’re here for quite a few reasons. Mainly just as security and a presence, so I myself don’t have to firebend in the event of, well anything really. The other is to make sure I don't slip up and get comfortable.” a half truth to be sure, but how does one say ‘They’re here to knock me out if things get too hectic’? You really can’t. “Business is doing quite nicely actually, at this rate we could see exponential- I apologize, this isn’t a financial report.” Way to represent the Tosuda name, Maizen. Wonderful really. Maizen’s eyebrow rose at the hitch in Yara’s voice on his name, but didn’t pay much mind. Perhaps they simply bit their tongue? A short and quiet laugh escaped his lips, but he didn’t ask. As they rounded the corner and Maizen spied the place, the firebender couldn’t help but agree that it looked nice. It wasn’t some fancy bar and lounge, but that simple fact gave it its own quaint allure. He was out of his element to be sure, but if Yara spoke so highly of it, it must mean something.

“Ah, the heat alone is earning my affection.” They were inside now, making their way to a table. “Do you know all of these people? Friends? They seemed happy you’re here.” He asked, looking around as he took a seat. Was this fur? It was comfortable. The waterbender in front of him spoke first, happiness evident as they talked about their favorites. “I see. I’ve never had a blueberry cookie, so it all sounds quite interesting. I’ll have to try it.”

The owner came by; did she place an order beforehand? How did they know what Yara wanted? Maizen was silent as the food and drink was set down, scanning for a menu or something familiar. The aroma of the warm cookies and tea couldn’t be mistaken, this place knew what they were doing. The attention was on him now, and the flash second of their recognition and looking towards Yara was not lost on him. His jaw clenched for a moment, but the next words spoken were about his order instead. “Oh! Ahem. Do you perhaps carry the- actually, I’ll have the Blue Moon Butterfly. I hear it’s absolutely amazing.” Another smile followed his words, and Maizen bowed his head somewhat to the owner.

When they had left, his attention fell solely onto Yara. “So far, I can see why you enjoy going here so much. I like it.” Giving her time to enjoy their order; Maizen sat straight in his chair and let out a small breath. Odd to be like this with someone you knew for less than a week. Was he nervous? No, couldn’t be. Opening his mouth to speak, he began.

“so , how have you been?”

Flutterby

 

[Colorless Spectrum]

Jia Xiaodan

Jia blinked, unimpressed by the fact that Xian had just told her. "Yes, I know. We both saw her and the dragon spirit turned red." It was clear that the dragon spirit had something to do with what she saw but what it was exactly she didn't know and that's why she looked for Xian, an airbender, the descendant of Aang. "When the spirit was attacking us, my dome was cracking and I asked you to run but Xiurong..." The thought of it gave her shivers, the little hairs on her skin visibly going up, which she tried to ignore. "I've seen her go into the Avatar State countless times, and whatever the dragon did it changed her somehow."

She was debating on whether she should tell him about her conversation with the Grand Lotus or not, she didn't know him all that well, and though he might seem like a calm and reliable man it was already hard for Jia to trust people. She just needed to know if the monk knew anything about it all, Xu wanted to find out too after all the Avatar was his sister. "When she entered the Avatar State her eyes glowed red instead of white, additionally there was also a strange glowing mark behind her back. It didn't feel right." There was a slight tone of urgency in Jia's voice despite her impassive expression.

She leaned back in her seat as the waiter came back with their order. "One glass of milktea and a seal sandwich with our special spirit oasis tea. Enjoy your meal." She took a dainty sip of her drink and was pleased with the sweetness and strength of the tea in her beverage.

"Xu, Xiu's brother, wanted to know if you knew anything about this red glow during the Avatar State and maybe what happened with the dragon spirit during the operation." She ended softly, just enough for Xian to hear before she waited for an answer while sipping her drink. She'd been talking a lot lately and her throat was getting a bit sore from how rarely she was to use it this much.

mention: Xu & Xiu || interaction: Xanto

 

[Crimson Rose]

KallikInteractions: Ughvatar . D O V E
​

Well, that explained why the Avatar of all people showed up around her neck of the tundra and why she seemed so irritated, too, if they had to travel all the way out here. Just because Kallik forgot to head back in time. "Ah well, it wouldn't be the first time I've been late for the festival. There's no way to tell time out here except for the sun's height sun." She said a bit too nonchalantly, deciding not to add in that it was her fourth year being late for the Winter Solstice Festival. After all, it was just the same thing every year. It got rather tiring after a while. The same food stands of deliciousness, carnival games with cheap prizes, the whole tribe gathering in almost one area, and an influx of visitors coming to celebrate with them. Why be in town when she can be out here on the ice with Nukka? It was more likable and less stuffy.

"A hermit, though?" Kallik pondered between her words, furrowing her brow a bit confused. "I'll let you know that I am a human, not a crab! I don't even have a shell?" Surely the water bender didn't resemble a crab one bit. The Avatar may have had a hard time telling the difference between the two. Or the flight made her a little loopy? Nukka, now maybe Kallik could understand the slight mistake knowing the bearguar acted much more like a hermit crab. Then the beast, Nukka, was expected to think of being, to the point he was now hiding in their crumbled shelter like one. But herself? What an odd thing to confuse someone, the northern girl thought.

She nodded her head firmly over her hobby. "Yes, a professional sport! It might take a while," A very long time as the elders were very hard to convince towards something as silly as a game. "The Elders will come around once they realize how great of a workout it could be both mentally and physically." temporarily dissolving her custom-made skates, she shaped the water into a disc of ice. " As for fun, there is plenty of fun things! You can race while on skates, do tricks, dance, move very fast, and so much more!" on top that disc of ice slowly water began to take the shape of a person looking like they're performing a pirouette before hardening into a ice sculpture. "Here you can have this it won't melt as long as its up here!"

​

 

[Flutterby]

Yara smiled a bit to herself. Maizen seemed so out of place, in a tiny cafe on a side street on the edge of an older part of the city.
He doesn't seem.. to have a place in his mind for this type of thing. No similar memories to nestle it in with, she mused, as he ordered and then looked to her.

First, she answered his questions about the people sharing their cozy space.
"I don't really know them, but they're also regulars. The family lives in the same neighborhood as I do, so I've chatted with the mom a couple of times about the weather or whatnot. So.. not friends, really, but familiar faces to one another."
The owner reappeared with another piping cup, setting it down in front of Maizen, along with a small tray of the usual fixings for tea, with a small nod before disappearing once more.
"Mrs. Kur, the owner.. she's talented, and very welcoming. But she keeps her own council, doesn't like gossip. So her regulars tend to be the same way."
Yara wrapped her hands around the cup of tea, letting it warm the tips of her fingers.

She looked down at the tea for a moment, watching the steam rise from it's violet-blue surface, and thinking about how to answer his question.
"I've been here for.. a couple months, I guess, now. I've been working at the hospital. It's good to heal again." Yara hesitated, running a finger back and forth across the surface of the cup. She cleared her throat softly. Something in her subconscious nudged at her. An image of his face, disheveled and concerned, cradled between her hands. A ringing started in her right ear, but faded as she reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"But I guess if anyone deserves the whole truth, it would be you, wouldn't it?" She said softly, with a sad half-smile. There was another pause, as she chose her words.

"Before I was here, I was on a small island, I'm not sure where. The White Lotus wouldn't tell me, they said.. it didn't matter, that I should focus on my recovery." She blinked, and looked up at him. She couldn't get her face to fully relax now that she was talking, but she felt steadier when she looked at him, compared to the tea cup.
"It was just me there. Me and my doctors and a few island residents. My younger sister and father came to visit for about a month, right before I came here. But other than that.. it was just the doctors really. They let me have newspapers and magazines after.. I think 6 or 7 weeks, so that's when I was able to start keeping track of what you were up to, at least a little bit. But about the others.. I don't know anything."
Her eyes trailed away from his, toward his temple and then down the side of his face. The diamond in his earring glinted in the firelight.
"It's been lonely. Especially in the beginning when.. getting better was hardest. The effects of the gas were not entirely temporary. I had to relearn what was real and not real about my life and the world, heal some old wounds that the gas had reopened." Her jaw clenched, but she ignored the memories her mind offered to conjure up for her.

"I got better though. I still have.. flashbacks, to the warehouse, sometimes. But those are fading too. The loneliness is hanging on a bit." The last sentence was supposed to be a joke, but her delivery fell extremely flat. She dropped her gaze, reached for a cookie.
"I wrote letters. To everyone, including you. But I don't think they ever really got sent." She broke the cookie in half.
"I guess I'm trying to say that I didn't disappear on purpose. It was just.. what the White Lotus thought was best." She set one half of the cookie on the saucer in front of her, then broke the other into half again. One quarter on the saucer, and the other up to her lips for a bite.

The cookie was still warm, spiced lightly with cinnamon and something she could never identify. The blueberries were fresh, not dried, so they burst slightly under pressure. It helped ground her a bit, distract from the way talking about the last five months made her feel.
As she chewed, she raised her eyes back to his face, trying to read his usually stoic face for some kind of reaction.

The Prophet

 

[. D O V E]

XIURONG BEIFONG​

Oh, Spirits. Master Ticasuk must be pulling Xiurong’s leg if he thought that this buffoon right in front of her had anything to teach her. The Avatar crossed her arms, the crease on her forehead deepening as she scowled. “Nobody said anything about crabs.” She firmly responded, looking a few seconds away from snapping.

Fortunately, the waterbender soon demonstrated her ability. Xiurong watched as water smoothly flowed around Kalik, almost as if she was dancing with a long piece of silk. Soon, the water hardened into an ice sculpture mimicking a figure skater in a pirouette. There was the slightest glimmer of awe in the Avatar’s eyes as the other handed her the artwork.

“Hmm…” She hummed in thought as she stared at the piece, scrutinizing its complexity with a tilted head. Just as Kalik had said, the ice didn’t melt even when it met her thick gloves. After about a minute, she returned her eyes to her supposedly new tutor. Despite the woman’s shallowness, she appeared to possess exemplary control over her element. Still, there was no way someone as dull as Kalik was better than Xiurong!

The Avatar balanced the figurine atop one palm before raising her other hand aloft the item. She focused her gaze on its form, her mind repeating the mantra of push and pull over and over again as she tried to command the ice. As sweat began forming on her brows, the smooth edges of the model became rough with tiny ice spikes. Xiurong felt her right brow twitch at this, her thoughts growing hotter as she failed to twist its form into a plum position. Eventually, the piece began to shake and crack at the palm of her hands.

“Darn it!” She exclaimed, her hand erupting into flames that vaporized the shards. The scowling woman then turned her attention to the waterbender, pointing at her with a challenge. “You, me. Snowball fight. Now.”

Crimson Rose