Fandom Avatar Roleplay (IC)

[Foxy-Miles]

Zolan's feet dragged along the dirt trail he'd been traveling down since he ran away from home a few nights ago. He had hardly given himself time to truly rest since he fled from home. He was afraid of staying in one place for too long, fearful that he was being tracked and he'd be captured if he stuck around long enough. It left him with little time to sleep and his energy was rather low, so much so that he doubted even his fire, as bare basic as it was since he only had himself to work with, would hardly be able to aid him if he got into trouble now. The fate of his parents also troubled him, not knowing if they were dead or still alive when they'd be taken away, arrested for not telling the General where he was. An act of a traitor that had gotten them captured. He could only hope they were still alive, even if they were locked up in a cell somewhere.

Calling for Pele was also out of the question for the boy. The large dragon would draw too much attention and with the already wary state he was in, the last thing the young Firebender needed was to get the eye of someone that was looking for him. Even if she'd be able to help him travel faster, going on foot was safer. As worn out and tired as he was, Zolan soon reached the place he had been hoping to travel to. Ba Sing Se. He had never been to the place before, but he heard his parents speak about it from time to time. He could hide out there for a while, get his energy back, and then go from there. The teenager made his way inside the safe haven, looking around at all the people that went about doing their own thing, keeping off to himself to not draw attention. He didn't know this land at all and the last thing he wanted to do was go somewhere he shouldn't have.

Wonder where there's some food at... That would be his first stop. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of his hungry. He had run out of what food he was able to carry when he fled from his home days ago. He hoped with what little money he had on him, he'd be able to get something decent to eat.

 

[BloodThunder27]

~Karasu~Having fled the Fire Nation a few years ago, Karasu had found refuge in the capital of the Earth Kingdom, Ba Sing Se, which has since become her home. She didn't know how much longer this war was going to go on, as she thought that maybe five-hundred years of fighting, people would be tired of it. But so far, none of the other Nations have been able to get through the Impenetrable Wall of the Earth Kingdom's capital and Karasu most certainly hoped it would stay that way. However, following Aomara's death at the hands of Fire Nation Assassins, Karasu found out she was pregnant with their first child, his last gift to her. Since then, Karasu has kept a mostly low profile and, over time, began to blend in with the city's general population, wearing Green and Yellow instead of Red and Black, though the exception to this were the red bandana that helped tie a part of her hair into a loose ponytail.

For this afternoon, Karasu had exited her home to pay a visit to the Marketplace to restock on Peppermint Tea. Not only was it her favorite, but it helped a lot when it came to the downsides of pregnancy, such as headaches, stomachaches, heartburn and nausea. Straightening out her dress and kimono, Karasu proceeded to purchase some Peppermint Tea leaves as she had recently run out. After wrapping them neatly and putting them in her satchel, she suddenly felt a stomachache, which she initially thought was a contraction, but then realized that there was currently no pain in her back. Frowning, she took a deep breath as she placed her hand on the swollen belly. "Are you alright, ma'am?"

Karasu looked over to see a shopkeeper, a smile on her face. "Yes...Yes, I'm fine. I should be going home." She responded, a frown still on her face as she proceeded to waddle away.

On the way out of the Marketplace, she heard someone's stomach growl. At first she thought it was hers and was about to cry out of sheer embarrassment, but then looked over at a boy dressed in clothing that was akin to Fire Nation garb, but he looked more rundown, tired and a little bit worse for wear. Quietly, she approached him. "You look lost, did you need directions?" She asked while cradling her belly, unable to really see his face as she kept her distance for the safety of her unborn offspring.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles​

 

[Foxy-Miles]

Zolan tensed once he heard a voice come just a tad closer to him, no doubt having been speaking to him. He was still on edge and tense from his travels before reaching the capital in the Earth Kingdom. He needed to relax. He'd be okay here, so he hoped at least. The boy turned his gaze towards the female that kept a safe distance, despite having offered to help him find what he was looking for. "I was looking for somewhere I could get something to eat," he replied softly. "New to Ba Sing Se and I don't know my way around yet."

 

[Lord_Boreas]

Nikto sat on the head of his bison in a meditative state, completely tranquil as if the massive bison wasn't soaring above the clouds. He had been traveling for three days after finally taking control of the eastern air temple and was now headed to meet contacts in the earth kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se. He mostly came here to steal as it was one of the most densely populated cities in the world and for an airbender, a few slights of hand could mean money for new equipment and food. Nikto knew to keep the bison well above the clouds not wanting to risk someone seeing it and relished in the open air that swirled and danced around him. Small pieces of cloud joined the dance, circling him from head to toe and back up again. The motion followed his deep breathing, the clouds weaving upon themselves only to dissapate from Nikto's broken concentration due to the loud yawn of his lazy sky bison. "Tired already Mizzo?" the sky bison had a tendency to be a tad lazy when it came to flying especially long distance. The bison groaned loudly in response and Nikto shook his head "Very well, there should be a island near lake laogai you can rest until I call you. try not to get spotted again." He rubbed the bisons head and stood up, grabbing the staff and cloak that laid behind him. He threw the cloak on, pulled his scarf up to act as a mask and peered out into the azure sky before throwing his staff like a spear towards the ground and dived through the clouds right behind it.

As Nikto burst through the clouds he studied the layout of the lower ring before throwing himself into a barrel roll, using his airbending to open the glider that lies within his staff and catching it. Now holding the glider he pulled up causing him to loop backwards and then dive down towards the city. As he flew into the city he landed in a small alley and spun his staff to close the glider and pulled the hood from his cloak over his head. He walked to the edge of the alley and then faked a limp, using his staff to support him and give him the appearance and mannerisms of an old man. This was a strategy he used to no one would pay attention to him as he airbends jewelry and money into his cloak. he shambled through the overcrowded market place picking pocket after pocket until he physically couldn't carry anymore.

While walking, he passed a pregnant woman who looked to be talking to a fire nation boy. "fire nation?" he scoffed lowly as he walked passed them. What was a fire nation child doing in the heart of the lower ring of Ba Sing Se? maybe he was royalty or from a higher up family who ran away? Nikto smirked at the thought of holding the boy for ransom, he could tell the boy had been traveling for days because of his tired and worn out appearance. He pondered his options and chose to wait, walking into a near by establishment that sold tea and various food items. "table for one, I just need a cup of silver lily tea" He groaned out trying to keep his appearance as a old man. the waiter sat him at a back table and proceeded to bring him a cup of steaming tea. His contact in the earth kingdom had been told to meet here so now began the waiting game.

(sorry its kinda choppy) Foxy-Miles BloodThunder27

 

[withinasapphire]

Kayo's eyes cracked themselves open, the sounds of people bustling around jostling her out of whatever kind of sleep she had been having. Her eyes immediately searched for the form of her younger sister Miyo, and found her still deep in sleep with her head resting on Kayo's shoulder. Feeling the slightest bit of relief that her sister hadn't wandered off, or worse, Kayo focused her attention on the people that were moving about now.

She supposed that maybe they spent too much time here if people were up now, but Kayo hadn't really intended to fall asleep in this alleyway. Stopping here was more for Miyo's sake than anything. She had the intention to wake her when the sun was beginning to rise, but it seems Kayo had nodded off without meaning to. I can't do that again. She internally scolded herself as she rubbed the remains of sleep from her eyes. Falling asleep out here was just leaving themselves vulnerable. It's different however if one of them was keeping watch. But if I can't even do that, then..

"Mm..Kayo..?" A tired mumble from Miyo drew her away from a rabbit hole of thoughts. She returned her attention to her younger sister, who looked to be half-asleep. Miyo rubbed at her eyes, then blinked. Seeming confused, and maybe a bit disappointed, she sleepily muttered, "This isn't our bedroom.."

Kayo gave a small sigh, as if that in itself contained all her scattered feelings. "I know."

Leaving their home was more of a spur of the moment decision, one that was riding off the coattails of a very vague plan and the paranoia that came about as a result of their parents death. The only thing that constantly was on Kayo's mind following their parents being taken from them, was the idea that she and her sister might be killed too -- there was no way either of them were going to participate in some stupid war after all. So leaving seemed like the only option they had - to just leave before people wonder if those benders' kids were secretly benders too. Miyo was devastated about leaving the home they grew up in behind, but Kayo can't say this was something she wanted to do either. But she felt like she had to. It just made sense in her head.

"Come on." Kayo stood, holding out a hand to pull her sister to her feet. "We should go find something to eat. There's probably some market we can take from. It would be a lot easier than taking from people, right?"

Miyo yawns and nods, clearly still held by the remnants of sleep. "Maybe..as long as it's not too much."

Right. Her sister's too much of a kind soul, even when she herself has next to nothing. "We take what we have to." Kayo reminds her. "Now, let's get going. I'm hungry.."

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

In the back of the serving area of the tea house, an area was left free from any tables instead a couple of chairs. After the afternoon rush of shoppers from the marketplace settled into their teas, a performing troop entered the free space and prepared themselves to perform. The did so with a practised calm and jovial manner. A water tribe girl moved front and centre with a ruan in her hands and a cat-owl on her shoulder. She tried to make the cat owl to get off her shoulder, but the animal seemed resolute to stick to her shoulder to be part of the show. The water triber sighed and seemed to give into her pet desire to stay.

She looked behind her getting the signal from the rest of her fellows that they were prepared before she began to pluck the strings of the ruan in a testing manner. All set she began to play a soft and slow tone and gradually her colleagues began to join in with their own instruments. There was a look shared between some of her colleagues, one of surprise of the song picked by their frontwoman. A flute, pipa and other instruments of various nations working together in a harmonizing sweet sad tone. Then the water tribe girl began to sing, adding her voice to the harmony. She sang of a girl standing on pier looking out a great ocean ahead of her, calling to the ocean spirt for news of a loved one gone to war and whether the spirit would aid his safe return by keeping the seas calm. The song did not have a happy ending and the singer expressed in her tone and manner.

The song ended with deafening silence before the water tribe girl spoke. "I know, a bit of downer song to start our performance, my dear patron. However, i believe that the Elephant Hippo in the room should be called upon. It is necessary for the remembrance of the losses that is happening in the world." She said as looked around the room at the crowd here, unsure what to expect from than. She had taken a risk going against the original plan and it would cost her with her troop, but she felt it was necessary. "Thank you all, i assure the music from now on would be more uplifting."

 

[BloodThunder27]

~Karasu~Karasu only frowned when the young boy told her that he was looking for a place to eat and that he was new Ba Sing Se. Given the way he looked, the expectant mother wouldn't doubt it if he hadn't eaten in a day or two. But given the way he was dressed, she could only guess that he had fled from the Fire Nation. Karasu proceeded to scan the area for any signs of immanent danger, before setting her sights on a nearby teashop. "Come with me. I know my way around the city." She proceeded to put her hand on his back and take him towards the teashop. "And let's get you something to eat. I'd rather that you didn't faint from hunger."

Upon entering the Teashop, Karasu was greeted by a singing and several instruments being played by what looked like Water Tribe Refugees. While it did surprise her a little, the sudden increase in volume prompted her baby to start kicking against her hand. The tune of the song was a rather saddening one, but Karasu didn't really think too much of it, especially given that she basically lost her entire family to the current ongoing war that plagued the world. Her Father, executed by the Air Nation; her Mother, death by heartbreak; her Brothers and Sisters, imprisoned for deserting the Fire Nation Military because they no longer wanted to fight in this war anymore; and her Husband, assassinated for that same reason after being tracked by Fire Nation Assassins. Pregnant and alone, Karasu was lost and heartbroken, but did her best to stay strong for the sake of her child.

Karasu and the young boy with her ended up taking a table closer towards the Water Tribe Troop, which the young mother was thankful for because their music was calming. Hopefully it soothe her unborn baby and the excessive kicking would stop. Karasu proceeded to get a bowl of Ramen for the young boy and Tea for herself. "I know it may not be much, but eating too much right away isn't healthy. If you're still hungry after, I can get us desert." She said, making sure not to scare him.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a rather shady-looking old man closer towards the back of the shop, opposite of the Water Tribe Troop. Turning her attention back to the young boy. "What is your name, young one?" She asked, keeping a rather tight grip on her tea cup, beginning to wonder if they had met before as she partly recognized his face, but couldn't exactly remember exactly who he was or when they had met if they did.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles
Nearby: Nikto (?) Lord_Boreas | Kayo & Miyo (?) withinasapphire | Ulva (?) ( ThatGuyWithSouvlaki​

 

[Foxy-Miles]

The teenager perked up slightly in surprise with the older offering to help him around the large city. He followed after her after a thank you for her kindness. If he could, he'd find a way to repay her in some fashion for that. As simple as it was, it meant a lot to the boy and he wasn't one to let such actions go unrepaid somehow. Kindness was met with kindness, one of many things his parents taught him in his younger years, to be kind to others, but also knowing when to put your foot down and stand up for yourself. Kindness was one thing, but letting others have their way with you was a different beast altogether.

Zolan followed her into the Teashop, the sound of singing and several instruments being played by what looked like other refugees. Water Tribe from the look of how they were dressed and acted. The Fire Nation child had only seen them a small handful of times, but it was easy enough to tell who they were even at a glance. He wondered if they too were in the same boat as him, hiding from the world that was out to get them, or if they were non-benders that were trying to get by in life like so many others, struggling day by day thanks to the blasted war that raged on.

As the pair sat down at one of the tables, the boy took a moment to listen to the song that was sung by those on stage, one that held a sad ending to the tale, but also one with promise mixed in. It felt nice to get off his feet and be able to relax some, allowing him time to regain his strength before he'd figure out what to do after this. Once the girl made her promise for happier music to follow, he turned his attention back to the other Fire Nation woman that was helping him. He wasn't fully sure why, but he felt as though he had seen her before. That he knew her. But it felt like such a long time ago he had seen the friend that he played with as a younger child, what were the odds of this being her? He almost felt guilty that she was going out of her way to help him when she looked to be going through her own troubles and struggles-- her stomach showed signs of carrying an unborn child and while he had no idea how long she was in, and only knowing small bits from his mother explaining when he'd seen another also carrying a child when he was younger and as children were, curious, he couldn't imagine it was very easy for her to cope with.

"My name's Zolan," he answered. "Thank you for... helping me like this. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, I'll try my best. Can I ask for your name?"

 

[withinasapphire]

Kayo wandered a bit throughout the Lower Ring, Miyo by her side looking around in awe of everything, having shaken off her earlier sleepiness. Despite having lived in the Lower Ring their whole lives, Kayo was beginning to think they'd hardly seen about a half of it. There were plenty of places and areas that she found to be unfamiliar.

"Oh, oh, Kayo look! That Teashop looks so cute! Can't we go inside for just a moment?"

Kayo paused and turned, looking back at where her sister had stopped to excitedly point at some Teashop. She glanced at the place, then frowned. "Miyo..no, we can't. You know we can't pay."

"I never said we would buy anything! I just.." Miyo's eyes looked off to the side as she crossed her arms. "..I just wanted to see what it was like inside. I've never been before."

"I honestly doubt it's anything special.." Kayo mumbled. She didn't know what Miyo thought this little Teashop would be like, it wasn't going to be anything grand like what the places in the Upper Ring must be like. But..she took another look at Miyo's face and sighed. "Okay, we'll..we'll go in. But only for a second. We still have things to do."

Instantly Miyo's face lit up like she'd been told the war ended. "Really? Thank you, I promise we won't stay long! Oh, and after, we could go to a place you wanna go to! Well..after the market.."

"Yeah, sure.." The only place Kayo would want to go to more than anything would be home, but she knows that isn't an option. "Let's just hurry and do this. And remember--"

Miyo smiled and grabbed onto her older sister's wrist, beginning to pull her towards the Teashop. "I know, sis, but I don't think we have to worry! It's just a Teashop!"

Kayo wanted to retort that there is plenty for them to worry about. They have to keep their guard up no matter where they go. But Miyo seemed so awe-struck and excited that she would just be talking to a wall right now. It's been a while since Kayo's seen her little sister like this though, and as the two of them entered, she wondered if maybe there could be some kind of good to come out of this small detour.

When they entered, Kayo immediately took notice of a free table towards the back where there weren't as many people. As she silently lead her sister towards it, Miyo's attention was somewhere else. "Look, sis, I think those are people from the Water Tribe! I've never seen anyone from there before!"

"Hm." Kayo simply said in response as she took a seat, Miyo sliding in beside her with her eyes almost sparkling. "Just tell me when you're ready to leave."

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

The dance troupe went through several songs, performing earth kingdoms songs as well as Water Tribe of love, legends and loss. The awkwardness of the first song was lost, and the crowd seemed to respond well to them giving applause to each song. The water tribe beamed an attractive smiled in appreciation, bowing her head at the crowd once the show was over. As the other of her troupe gathered their things to a side room of the teahouse, she went from table to table with a coin clearly looking for donations.

As she went from table to table she seemed to chat easily with the patrons putting them at ease and telling them the odd joke and comments. She took any flirtatious attempts or non tippers with grace and humour and often enough was able to gain some coins from even the ardent close-fisted patron. She eventually moved to a table that she noted two people that appeared to be from the fire nation. One pregnant woman and another a young teenager. "Welcome, welcome, i hope you enjoyed the show." She greeted them. "I haven't seen many of you fire nation people recently. I hope you didnt have any trouble getting her with everything."

She turned to the pregnant woman." Oh, congratulation on your upcoming bundle of joy. How far along are you, if i may ask?" She asked curiously. "I hope this one has been too jealous." She commented, pointing at the teenager before giving her a teasing smile.
Foxy-Miles BloodThunder27

 

[BloodThunder27]

~Karasu~The music being played by the Water Tribe Troop was rather calming to Karasu and her unborn child. There wasn't any excessive kicking from the little one and she wasn't having a stomachache anymore after she began drinking her tea. Watching as the young man ate his Ramen, Karasu continued to enjoy the peaceful environment, even though other patrons were a little loud and cheerful. Out of one corner, she still took note of the Sketchy Old Man that had given a few glances at her table and out of the other corner of her eye, and soon two other young women, one of whom was about Zolan's age, entered the Teashop. Overall, Karasu didn't mind, as the louder and rowdier patrons were sitting a little further away. She looked back at the young boy, who then gave his name, Zolan... No wonder he seemed slightly familiar! Was it the same young boy that she befriended several years ago. Granted he was much younger then she was. But now he has grown up a little, if its the same boy she was thinking of. Finally, she gave her own name. "Oh, my name's Karasu. Your name sounds familiar and its been almost seven years since I've last heard it. Wonder if you're the same Zolan that I was friends with seven years ago."

Karasu proceeded to take another sip out of her tea, before seeing that her cup was empty. Just as she grabbed the Teapot, the girl performing with the Water Tribe Troop had come by to her and Zolan's table. The young woman that spoke to her was beautiful, if Karasu were to be honest. Nonetheless, the expectant mother loved the welcoming aura the woman projected. "Yes, the music was beautiful and I very much enjoyed the peace it brought." She ran her fingers through her hair to straighten it out.

When the girl said that there weren't too many Fire Nation people around, Karasu simply chuckled. "I've been here in Ba Sing Se for a few years now actually. After a few years, home just wasn't home anymore. So I just left." She frowned, gently caressing the belly.

Momentarily, she noticed that other woman's gaze go down to her belly, before congratulating her on her bundle of joy that she was expecting and then asking how far along she was. "Nine Months. Its a little girl. She'll be arriving in four more weeks if I am not mistaken." Karasu responded, though she blushed when the young woman pointed at Zolan and commented that he hasn't been too jealous of the unborn baby.

Of course, what made that awkward was that Zolan wasn't her child. Not to mention their age gap was too small for that to even be a possibility. "I most certainly hope not." She chuckled. "But he's actually new in town. Only arrived today and we're not necessarily related, but we came from the same city if I remember right." She clarified.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles | Ulva ( ThatGuyWithSouvlaki
Nearby: Nikto Lord_Boreas | Kayo & Miyo withinasapphire​

 

[Foxy-Miles]

As he dug into the food that was given to him, he noticed two young girls make their way into the building, close to his own age. It was both nice to see others like that but also hurt to think of what could have happened to them to leave them on their own. But, there was always the chance where that wasn't the case and they were just exploring the Lower Ring, going about their own business, and would return to their parents later. He also noticed the strange man in the back that kept stealing glances towards him and Karasu. "That name does sound familiar to me," he told her. "One I haven't heard in a long time." When she first stopped showing up, he wondered what had happened to her. Where she had gone and if she was alright. Over time, the memory had faded but a part of him still remembered, no matter how faint, wondering if he'd ever see his old friend again. If this was indeed her, what luck to run into her after all these years. He watched as the Water Tribe woman from before making her way over to their table, giving them a greeting before her attention shifted to the older woman he was with. Zolan gave a sheepish smile at that and let out a tiny chuckle of his own. "I'm not really the jealous type. And yeah, we're not related to each other, but we came from the same city I think. She was helping me out since I'm new around here."

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

The water tribe girl smiled gratefully. "Your too kind but it is appreciated regardless." She said, bowing her head. " I am Ulva by the way." She introduced herself studying each of the pair closely. On closer inspection, it was no surprise that the pair was not related. They had similarities, but there were clear differences as well. Still the mistaken guess is no big deal, it is a good conversation started and a way to break the ice with a little humour.

"Ah, oh well. Still credit to you ma'am taking the young man under your wing in your state. I know Bi SIng Se can be overwhelming for first timers, so large..." She paused as her owl-cat began to screech. "Oh right... Sorry dear. This is Naga. She landed on my shoulder on my way here and did not let go. So I took her for a pet." Naga gave an imperious meow. "Or she made me hers as well as her source of food." Naga meowed in confirmation. "Of course it is, you big madam." She said affectionately scratching behind Naga's ear, who purred gently.

"Anyway, it is good you two to find each other." She took the bag away, back to her belt."Look, i won't ask for a tip. I am here most days if either of you need anything."

 

[The Silent Z]

There was a presence of humor wrapped around this life of seeming insanity Zensaku now lived. A humor sinking deeper and deeper below the surface to coil around his very core and hide below the depths that kept it more visible at earlier moments of it all when this all began and his unfortunate journey became necessary. Boots black and hardly clear of dried dirt, scuffs and other signs of being old and worn, while pebbles kicked about the ground with each motion of his foot that seemed to drag more and more across the hardened surface of Ba Sing Se.

Boredom was starting to wear on him and become rather obvious to the naked eye that lay upon his unenthused, which was normally his resting state of expression. Boredom and disappointment began to set in feeling further and further away from discovering what led him here on a whim…..

Well, everything now days was a on whim truth be told. The only sense behind this one was that Ba Sing Se was the earth kingdoms capital city and he being a earth bender must equate to self discovery being abound…. It was not. Not a single notion slapped him with familiarity and fond memories or memories of any sort for that matter. It was becoming clear that he must not have been here before or had any notable experience worth remembering upon arrival to the city. Further reason to believe that perhaps he truly was a Omashu baby after all?

Striding along casually and without sense really. Zensaku shrugged with a drop of his shoulders and disappointment exhaling from his breath in audible sigh, eyes closing temporarily shading his green eyes from others sight upon glance at him. Barely avoiding collision with those walking about the city’s street in the lower ring and around him as he continued on with hands in his pockets and seeming unawares about his mannerisms

I’ve no memory of this place… Zensaku thought quietly and wondering why he’d come here instead of going to Omashu. What kept him from going there? He for whatever reason had belief that it was home yet every time something told him to stay away from Omashu but yet he couldn’t understand why. Meanwhile his senses kicked in with a familiar aroma hitting his nose and awakened his eyes from closed manner, while his somewhat pale complexion nearly turned green like the garb he assumed he must of worn at some point in his past in typical earth bender fashion….

Tea…. I’m near a tea shop aren’t I? Zensaku frowned while his stomach growled. Of course you’d remind me of food and hunger now… The lad pouted in thought annoyed by his own belly at the moment. The young man couldn’t know why he felt such a way about tea and it’s aroma, appearance and taste and so strongly at that, NO, but he had to be reminded of his great dislike and distaste of it in such a unpleasant way months back. Innocently accepting a spot of tea after days of nothing or mostly nothing after awaking from a coma on some island.

He’d lost track of how many times he’s was confused for a fire nation fella cause of his clothes. Another story he couldn’t recall or knowledge of why he wore these clothes exactly, did he fancy this style or something? But again nothing. Meanwhile his nostrils took offense to the aroma drifting along the air currents coming from tea shop while his complexion fought off the look of green from showing the best he could and belly growled at him, luckily he hadn’t eaten in sometime since arriving in the city or else he’d be fighting off another feeling right about now.

Looking about the street hoping to find something else to occupy his mind and offer something to eat. Zensaku sighed again pouting in silent torture for what he must reluctantly do next. Please offer something besides tea, please offer something besides tea… The man grumbled in thought, repeating it over and over again til stepping inside the shop and being greeted at the door.

Life hadn’t been too kind to him or least he beloved it hadn’t though he couldn’t really say for sure beyond what little he knew about his existence up to this point. But if that was telling enough, he imagined with his luck, the tea shop would offer other items of drink and food only for him to discover it was filled with mushrooms, eggplant, eels and all things he truly disliked and made him ill at the sight of and thought of ingesting. Luckily however that wasn’t the case…

Ordering a fairly large amount of ramen, a specialty that offered all sorts of meats and vegetables in this particular bowl. Zensaku found himself a quiet spot to sit down and eat while he awaited his order. Meanwhile he took note of the others in the room from the water tribe musicians, a few potential fire nation folks (though after his own experiences he wouldn’t assume it to be true) a fair bit of younger folk maybe a few from the city and earth nation kin? He wasn’t sure. Then a older fella to whom he couldn’t hope to place without risking offense of old stereotypes and what not for all he knew the guy could be air nation or anyone of the possibilities.

All the while he breathed through his mouth as much as possible to minimize the tea aroma. Drinking a simple glass of water while awaiting his juice to arrive with his ramen.

Interesting crowd, too bad I don’t know much about this place. Seems popular despite it being a tea shop…. Zensaku added in thought trying to keep his mind off the smell and his stomachs constant reminder that he needed to eat, one of the first discoveries about himself was his rather large appetite and easily bothered system when it came to certain smells or foods.

 

[withinasapphire]

As her sister quietly hummed to herself and took in the scenery, Kayo busied herself by examining her surroundings. Knowing who's around can always give you the upper hand after all. Laying her chin in her palm, Kayo took notice of what looked like a young Fire Nation kid, probably around Miyo's age, who was sat a bit away from their own table. Seems he's with some older woman who must be from the Earth Kingdom, based on her clothing..Kayo wondered what they were doing together, since that can't be his mom..well, it's not like it mattered to her. Her eyes flicked over to one of those Water Tribe people that Miyo had pointed out earlier, looks like she's searching for donations. The gears slightly began to turn in her head at the sight, perhaps if she and Miyo had some sort of talent of their own they could get money a lot more easier. Maybe if they could earthbend freely without being sent off to war they could do stunts of some kind. But Kayo quickly shook the thought away, there's no use dreaming of something that's impossible in this life.

She returned her attention back to the Fire Nation kid. He was eating something..ramen, it looks like. Watching him, Kayo could feel her stomach aching for something to consume yet she had nothing to give. Or..not at the moment, anyway. Briefly, another thought crossed her mind. If she could just earthbend, she imagined that she could easily knock him out and take what she knows she needs. It'd be so easy. But there'd be witnesses, wouldn't there? And if people know she can earthbend, then that probably puts Miyo at risk..

Kayo clutched her stomach. This felt unbearable. It didn't help that this place had all kinds of aromas that only fueled your hunger more.

"Um, Kayo.." Her eyes finally removed themselves from that kid's food and returned to Miyo, who now looked more worried than excited like before. "Are you okay?"

"..I will be." Kayo then looked more closely at Miyo. She was happily swinging her legs back and forth, but eyes every so often glanced at the food that other people had. Kayo frowned slightly in concern. "..We should probably get to a market soon."

"Wait..!" Miyo stopped and looked down at her hands in thought. Something was clearly weighing on her mind. Finally, she met Kayo's eyes. "What if..what if we just asked people for food? They might..give us some if we asked."

Kayo made a face at the idea presented to her. "Ask? You think people are just gonna..give away food?" When Miyo stopped swinging her legs and stared down at her hands longer than she normally would, Kayo decided to hurriedly change her tone. "It's not..the worst idea. But.." It sounds incredibly humiliating. "I can't imagine people..doing something like that willingly. Plus, someone could easily use it against us." How, exactly, Kayo did not know. But it was possible.

"Then..I'll do it and you can defend me from anything that happens! I think..it could work. It's at least worth a try, right?" Miyo gave her older sister a look of confidence mixed with determination.

Kayo stared back with conflicted reluctance to give into this idea. She'd rather not have Miyo go up to the wrong person and get hurt, but at the same time there was always the smallest possibility it could go over well. After tossing around the idea for a minute longer, Kayo ultimately conceded. "Hm..fine. We'll give it a try sometime later. But if anything goes wrong, we're never doing anything like that again."

Miyo grinned. "I'm sure it'll work! You'll see!"

Kayo didn't give a reply, instead letting her eyes wander back to that Fire Nation kid, this time with Miyo following her gaze. "What are you thinking about?" She asked, recognizing the look that Kayo often has when she's in the midst of planning something.

"I'm thinking..that we might have a new person to track." Kayo answered. "He's obviously from the Fire Nation. What if he's the kid of some important people? People with lots of money. Could be worth checking out."

Miyo watched the boy for a moment. "Maybe he's a runaway..he doesn't look like the type of people we've gone for before."

"We'll abandon the idea if that's the case..I'm just curious." It wasn't everyday they saw someone from the Fire Nation here in plain sight. This could be something they can't ignore.

 

[BloodThunder27]

~Karasu~When Zolan said that her name sounded familiar, Karasu felt more at ease as chances were that it was the same Zolan that she had befriended during her teenage years. The last memory she had of him was of them playing near the river when she was Eighteen and he was at least Five or Six-years-old. The last moment was her saying goodbye as their parents had come to collect them. The following day, she joined several other young men and women in enlisting into the Fire Nation's Military. She had not seen the little boy since, though by now he has probably grown up a little. If he was only four when they first met and had been friends for two years despite their age gap, he would be at least thirteen or fourteen now. If they were run to run into each other soon, he would have a chance to meet her Daughter when she is born. He was still too young to be enlisting into the Military, so where would he be now...?

As her mind went back to the Water Tribe woman, Ulva, her train of thought changed course. She did smile a little when she said that it was kind of her to take in a young man she didn't even know, though that may change here momentarily if she is able to confirm that this is the same Zolan that she was friends with during her teenage years. But for them to reconnect at a time like this, made Karasu's heart sink. Nonetheless, Karasu agreed when Ulva said that Ba Sing Se could be overwhelming for newcomers. "I still remember when I first came here. I too was overwhelmed and mostly scared, but this was three years ago, long before I was blessed with this little bundle of joy in my belly." Gently, she caressed the swollen belly while still keeping a tight grip on her tea cup. "And its hard to believe that I'll have her in my arms here in four more weeks."

At the sound of a screech, Karasu flinched, before seeing an Owl Cat land on the young woman's shoulder. "Cute little Owl Cat." She chuckled, watching as the animal meowed...then purred.

Before Karasu could even reach her coin pouch, Ulva mentioned that she wouldn't ask for a tip, before telling them that she was at the Tea Shop on most days if either her or Zolan needed anything. Karasu ran her fingers down her hair to once more straighten it out. "I will keep that in mind. I haven't had too much company since my Husband passed away earlier this year."

Around them, the environment of people continued to shift. From the shady man in the corner to the two Earth Kingdom girls that had entered the shop a moment ago. One of them soon looked in the direction of their table, before they seemingly started...arguing with each other? Karasu could not tell, but with the pain in her legs and her feet, it wasn't like she could go talk to them. Though she did wonder where the parents were, considering that they did look to be around Zolan's age. If they were to approach her, she wouldn't mind. There was little kindness in this world right now, and Karasu was more or so happy to show it wherever she went, as more of it would be appreciated. Soon another man entered the tea shop, long hair, fairly dark clothing that was akin to the Fire Nation, but she's never seen him before, so maybe he wasn't? Still, she couldn't just make assumptions based off of what people wore and what they looked like. Nonetheless, Karasu stopped scanning the room and returned her attention to Zolan as well as refilling their tea cups. "Seeing that you just got here to Ba Sing Se, you can stay at my place. I'd rather that you didn't have to wander around such a big city on your own, especially after sun set." She said with concern.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles | Ulva ( ThatGuyWithSouvlaki
Nearby: Nikto Lord_Boreas | Kayo & Miyo withinasapphire | Zensatsu The Silent Z​

 

[Foxy-Miles]

Zolan grew silence as he continued to eat his meal, listening to the two women talk to one another. The Water Tribe woman who he learned was named Ulva offered to give them help if they ever needed it. It was nice to know that they'd have another person to do to if they needed it in the future. He'd been much too tired when he first wandered around to really take in the beauty of the large city, but he knew it was a fairly large place from stories. It was overwhelming and without knowing where to go, much less have a home here, he'd have nowhere to go after this. She had lost her husband while she was here? That meant she had to carry the child on her own, the little girl would grow up without being able to know her father. This war, he knew of it, but not he truly got to see it up close. The mere idea made him sick to his stomach and while he was on the run, he wished there was something that could be done to end it, so no more families were broken up like his childhood friend's, if this truly was her. He looked up once the Owl Cat showed up and he smiled at the critter, reaching a hand out to pet the hybrid animal. "Thank you for your kindness," he told her. He noticed the other two children he'd seen before seemingly bickering between each other as another person made his way into the tea shop. He had no idea the place was so popular. If they were to make their way over, he wouldn't have minded neither, more than willing to help them out if they needed it. He could go over to talk to them but before he could go through with that thought, Karasu spoke up, stealing his attention back to her. "Are you sure? I've already caused you enough trouble. I wouldn't want to burden you anymore than I already have."

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

"It is no problem." Ulva said bowing here head at the both of them. "Enjoy the rest of the day." She added with a winning smile before moving on to the next table. She continued to gain donation with her winning ways before noting the table of the two teenagers. Curious at the sight of two so young alone in a teahouse, she approached the table. Nearby she caught something or someone watching her at the corner of her eyes. She was used to the leares of "admirers" but this felt different. She had a sense of something sinister.

Escaping the Northern Water Tribe did not mean she escaped the reach of those who drove her out in the first place. The new leaders of her former home knew the risks of leaving the heir of the former regime alive. More than once, she had to evade assassins and bounty hunters. She had to admit that she could be paranoid, but she did not survive this long by not being careful. She suspected she was safe for the moment, noone dared to start something in such a public space with so many people. Still she needed to do something about it eventually.

"Hey, girls. You two doing ok here all on your own?" She asked, smiling but looking somewhat concerned.

 

[The Silent Z]

~Zensaku~ ​

Finally a hungry, disappointed but almost expressionless as could be retained, Zensaku, would be relieved of belly’s constant and growing louder aches reminding him of his need for food. A large bowl arrived being set before him on a table, seemingly three orders had been combined into one with a small tray of fruit next to the bowl and his now refilled glass of juice. A wide eyed, watery smile formed upon his face having not been able to recall the last time he’d sat down to a meal like this one, thanking the server and tipping what little he could afford after paying for the meal. Zensaku was about to dive in with complete absence of thought for those around him and the fact he wasn’t alone, least not exactly. Sighing with a slight shrug he retained some form of basic etiquette he could recall through what only he could describe as muscle retention and common human behavior, while digging in happily to his bowl.

Eyes wandering just a little to the sight a teen lad with traces of fire nation about him sitting with a slightly older lady who appeared to be expecting a child of her own. Then spotted the two young girls of similar age to the fire nation boy with the ramen of his own, they appeared to be locals maybe… ? His green eyes spotting the pair being approached by the water tribe appearing young woman with a owl of some kind upon her shoulder. Nodding his head to the side just a little in quiet notice of what was going on around him while eating his food and taking brief pauses to drink some more of his juice. Zensaku looked about some more while taking out a pad and something to write with a familiar image entered his mind again, a nearly daily occurrence yet it held no answers for him thus far.

He took a slight notice of the figure from before wondering if he was from the air nation or merely appeared as such then returned his attention to the table and a spot where he could place his pad and began to sketch the familiar yet unfamiliar face that continues to cross his mind. He still ate if a tad slower, still drank from his glass though not as much with each sip, while with his left hand he gently went to work upon the pad of paper, sketching a womanly figure mainly the detailed features of head, her eyes with a cloth covering up one side and her long brunette hair drawn back in a flowing tail with bangs draping over the cloth and helping shape her face.

Spoiler: Optional view of what his sketch looks like

It was a nice, somewhat useful and calming little ability Zensaku had and one he discovered completely by accident when came out of his coma sometime back. He’s since learned he could sketch and draw with either hand yet couldn’t use either hand to eat with a fork or any other utensil, a oddity he has yet to understand. Meanwhile he continued his now routine of sketching this woman’s face with a hope that eventually after enough times he might trigger something. Despite nothing happening to that effect this far, he continues each time and almost no matter what he may or may not be doing at the time.

Each fragment was just a tad different from the last, each time a small detail adding to the image from his mind to accompany a face that Zensaku had to admit was quite pretty and always appeared at some point. He couldn’t explain it, he couldn’t even imagine why, but this happened still and he’d keep doing what he was doing until it spoke to him and provided the answers he sought. He’d drawn pictures of her with varying levels of details in the setting around and beyond the sight of this woman’s eyes and to the background of wherever this was setting was framed.

It was like a story trying to be told through a source, a outlet unable to bring it to life. If a picture could say a thousands of words or be worth such then truly one day it could be for him as well….. Right?

Nearby/Noticed: Zolan Foxy-Miles , Karasu BloodThunder27 , Ulva ThatGuyWithSouvlaki , Kayo & Miyo withinasapphire , Nikto Lord_Boreas

 

[withinasapphire]

Kayo immediately noticed that Water Tribe woman coming up to their table and stiffened at the sight, her whole body feeling as if it was going on the defense. What does she want? Kayo was ready to tell her that if she's looking for more donations, they had nothing to give. Miyo caught sight of her sister's change in demeanor and worriedly searched for the cause, before her eyes landed on the woman. Seeing her coming up to their table, Miyo gave a small, polite smile.

When the woman spoke, asking if they were okay here all alone, Kayo warily eyed her from her seat. Why does she want to know? Did she have some sort of underlying reason? Would she lead them into a trap? Kayo couldn't be sure, so she didn't say anything, instead deciding to look away.

Miyo heard the woman's question, but she didn't know if she should answer. Was this one of the bad people Kayo wanted them to stay away from? She didn't look like a bad person. But then again, sometimes it was hard to spot bad people. What should she do..? She looked to her sister for answers, but Kayo didn't seem to notice. Keeping a smile on her face, Miyo looked back at the woman. "We're..fine! Thank you for asking."

It was at this moment that Kayo's stomach decided to cry out for food. Kayo silently cursed her stomach for doing something like that when she was already aware that it was in need of food. Still, she wouldn't speak. She just frowned and continued to look elsewhere, anywhere except for that woman's general direction.

Miyo felt as if her shoulders slumped. She really wasn't sure what else to say now. Most of time they were running from people, not talking to them. "Um, you don't have to worry about us! We're really good at taking care of ourselves!"

Kayo shot Miyo a warning look at that.

Miyo gave her older sister an apologetic look in return. She probably said too much.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Ulva looked at both girls, noting the hesitation and the exchanged looked between them. There was something up here, the girls weren't out here for just a meal, they were clearly unattended. She had the instinctual feeling to call them out on it for their safety, but then she realised something. Then what? They were likely orphans from out of town, refugee of the war. What was going to do, take care of them? She was living in a champ with people who would not want another mouth to feed. Not to mention her issues like the fact that she was likely followed.

She frowned. "Right, i hope that is correct, you two." She said knowingly. She leaned on to the table. "OK, i will let you be but i want you two tell me something first.... There is a person sitting by a table two rows behind me on the right." She indicated to a muscled figure at the back, he dressed like an earth kingdom soldier, but the complexion was closer to someone from the water tribe. He was staring closely at Ulva. "Is he watching me? Dont react, just act natural."

 

[BloodThunder27]

~Karasu~Once Ulva had left to speak with other patrons of the Tea Shop, it was just Karasu and Zolan once more. Even with the ongoing war that ravaged the world, it was nice to see the diversity in Ba Sing Se, which had become a Safe Haven for Refugees displaced by the war. Each and every refugee had their own story. From families fleeing to stay safe to Soldiers who were tired of fighting and deserted the battlefield, coming to the Earth Kingdom's Capital to seek refuge and evade capture. Some were lucky, others were not. Zolan was definitely lucky, but what of his parents? Karasu's own Father was the General of the Fire Nation Military and her Mother, a Colonel and a Master Tactician. But both were now dead following a campaign against the Air Nation. Her Father, executed by the Air Nation publicly, her Mother, death by heartbreak. So much death, so much violence, all of it made Karasu deathly afraid of bringing her child into the world. As these thoughts left her mind, her attention returned to Zolan. "Well, I wouldn't consider you a burden. No one should have to go hungry. And its not like you've put me or my child in danger. Besides, I'm sure we both could use the company." She left a couple of coins on the table for the Ramen and the Tea.

Slowly, she had gotten up to her feet and straightened out her dress and her kimono. Grabbing her satchel too, she looked over at Zolan. Taking a deep breath, she looked over to see Ulva talking to the two young Earth Kingdom girls and then seeing the mysterious looking man sitting a table by himself, not to mention he had ordered quite a bit of food. He must have had quite the appetite. "I don't know how long you've been traveling, Zolan, but I think you deserve a good night's rest, something that is hard to come by nowadays. And I have two extra beds. It's a lot better then sleeping on the ground." She simply gave him a pleading look, worried for his safety and well-being.

As her unborn baby kicked, she flinched before looking down at her belly, holding her back as it was starting to hurt, even if she hadn't been standing for all that long.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles
Nearby: Nikto Lord_Boreas | Kayo & Miyo withinasapphire | Zensatsu The Silent Z | Ulva ThatGuyWithSouvlaki​

 

[withinasapphire]

Kayo raised a questioning brow at the woman when she leaned onto the table, and the questions she had in her head only increased in number when she said her next sentence.

Miyo didn't seem to have this problem. She gave a small look in the direction of the man, her grey eyes almost seeming to light up in excitement. "Aww, is he a secret admirer?" She asked, her voice quiet. "That's so cute!"

Kayo lazily looked in the man's direction, like she couldn't be bothered but begrudgingly did so anyway. She kept it short, so it hopefully wasn't that obvious. He certainly did seem to be keeping an eye on this woman. For the first time, more so out of intrigue than anything, Kayo actually said a few words. "Did you get on his bad side or something?" She said it more as a statement than a question.

After she spoke, an idea all of a sudden occurred to her. "Oh," Kayo looked at the Water Tribe woman with what appeared to be an almost challenging look. "If you need someone to scare him off, we could do it."

A look of surprise surfaced on Miyo's face and stared at her sister with bewilderment. "What?!"

Kayo ignored her, keeping her focus on the woman. "But in exchange, you give us food. You seemed to get quite a bit of donations earlier, I'm sure you could put them to good use."

This guy didn't seem so intimidating. They've seen (and run) from worse. If this lady takes her up on the offer, this could at least get them something. If she doesn't..well, there's other options. Kayo will take what she can get at this point.

 

[Foxy-Miles]

~Karasu~Once Ulva had left to speak with other patrons of the Tea Shop, it was just Karasu and Zolan once more. Even with the ongoing war that ravaged the world, it was nice to see the diversity in Ba Sing Se, which had become a Safe Haven for Refugees displaced by the war. Each and every refugee had their own story. From families fleeing to stay safe to Soldiers who were tired of fighting and deserted the battlefield, coming to the Earth Kingdom's Capital to seek refuge and evade capture. Some were lucky, others were not. Zolan was definitely lucky, but what of his parents? Karasu's own Father was the General of the Fire Nation Military and her Mother, a Colonel and a Master Tactician. But both were now dead following a campaign against the Air Nation. Her Father, executed by the Air Nation publicly, her Mother, death by heartbreak. So much death, so much violence, all of it made Karasu deathly afraid of bringing her child into the world. As these thoughts left her mind, her attention returned to Zolan. "Well, I wouldn't consider you a burden. No one should have to go hungry. And its not like you've put me or my child in danger. Besides, I'm sure we both could use the company." She left a couple of coins on the table for the Ramen and the Tea.

Slowly, she had gotten up to her feet and straightened out her dress and her kimono. Grabbing her satchel too, she looked over at Zolan. Taking a deep breath, she looked over to see Ulva talking to the two young Earth Kingdom girls and then seeing the mysterious looking man sitting a table by himself, not to mention he had ordered quite a bit of food. He must have had quite the appetite. "I don't know how long you've been traveling, Zolan, but I think you deserve a good night's rest, something that is hard to come by nowadays. And I have two extra beds. It's a lot better then sleeping on the ground." She simply gave him a pleading look, worried for his safety and well-being.

As her unborn baby kicked, she flinched before looking down at her belly, holding her back as it was starting to hurt, even if she hadn't been standing for all that long.

Interactions: Zolon Foxy-Miles
Nearby: Nikto Lord_Boreas | Kayo & Miyo withinasapphire | Zensatsu The Silent Z | Ulva ThatGuyWithSouvlaki​

With the rest of his food eaten and drink gone, Zolan felt much better than he had the last few days. It was good to have a full stomach again after days with little or no food, once what he had run out. He wasn't quite at 100% yet, but at least this was a start. A good night's rest would help as well, and it would be better than traveling alone again, not to mention, a comfortable bet sure beat sleeping on the ground like he'd had to do. He had some coins on him, but he doubted it would be able to pay for a house or a room somewhere, even if it would only be a short while. Sticking with Karasu seemed like the smarter and safer choice, and with that pleading look she gave him, how could he say no?

"I think some company for us both will be good and sleeping on a bed would beat the ground any day," he agreed as he stood up as well, before he watched her flinch before looking down at her stomach where the unborn child was. Zolan moved to stand closer to the older woman, offering a hand to help her. He wasn't sure all he could do to ease the pain she appeared to be in, but he wanted to try to help in any way that he could, even if it was only a small bit. "I can, um, try to help you if you want. You look like you're in some pain..."

 

[The Silent Z]

~Zensaku~ ​

A peaceful enough meal within a quiet enough little shop where tea amongst other quality delights could be enjoyed. Zensaku taking joy out of each bite for the seeming ages since he’d last eaten or taken a drink other then water, rose up from his chair at the table placing everything together for one easy task of pick up and cleaning the table behind him for whoever that might end up being. Zensaku noting the amount of ramen, fruit and juice he’d consumed during his time there, took a final look at his sketch flipping through the different pages of each drawing to date, a slight shake of his head and shrug of his shoulders to note his continued absence of why, who and what it all meant. Just another step in time where guidance through the dark wasn’t always a simple journey that was straightforward and only a matter of patience.

No. Patience was tested, frustration grew and a wonder if anything would one day make sense with the blank spaces being filled in and everything coming to light for him. Even while expressionless as possible remained visible on the outside upon his face and mannerisms, even amongst a unknowing of how he should feel exactly or why the unknown was so frustrating to him and persisted, one might think of you didn’t know then it would all be much easier. But there was a slight annoyance of not knowing….

Unable to speak on who he was or where he was from, unable to tell if he had a family, friends or anything for that matter was all rather irritating at times. A lack of purpose and always at wonder of why or what…. But it couldn’t really be helped going on about it. In itself that was a form of purpose even if a terrible one. Deciding to take his leave of this quaint little shop, Zensaku gave a parting nod to a room full of strangers for reasons he wasn’t sure of, took his sketches and tools for his artistic methods and stepped outside into the fresh air and open spaces of Ba Sing Se’s lower ring. Taking a moment to figure out where he’d go next, there was little desire to return to last nights spot where he took a rest til morning and using a deep inhale and exhale to calm himself a little, while feeling the fullness of his belly and sluggish at first state after eating so much food.

Zensaku slowly began to walk toward his right allowing his senses to guide him for now. He hadn’t been in the city long after all, it wasn’t like he knew where anything was really, only the few sections he’d been to thus far during his few days within the kingdoms walls.