Avatar Rp: Book One: Earth (Closed/Started)
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"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
Well, at least I'm not the only one getting roped into... well whatever this is!
Chi could take at least that comfort from the growing tension in the room. She stared back into her cup, the spicy black tea slowly swirling around. Say what you like about the fire nation, but they make damn fine tea!
Her attempt at blending in had delivered... mixed results. Though her garb today was much more suited for the city than usual, her gear has drawn much more attention. After her quick getaway, the vines strapped to her belt, instead of their usual neat coils, had become a tangled mess. She had spent much of her time in the teashop remedying this before finally being able to enjoy her drink.
Ah, what the heck, I was probably going to ask the same thing anyway...
"I'm as stumped as you are! Although now that I mention it, the guy having what I'm hoping is just a Firebending malfunction might be a good lead. That, or he really hates tables for some reason... I'm not really good at judging these things."
Well, at least I'm not the only one getting roped into... well whatever this is!
Chi could take at least that comfort from the growing tension in the room. She stared back into her cup, the spicy black tea slowly swirling around. Say what you like about the fire nation, but they make damn fine tea!
Her attempt at blending in had delivered... mixed results. Though her garb today was much more suited for the city than usual, her gear has drawn much more attention. After her quick getaway, the vines strapped to her belt, instead of their usual neat coils, had become a tangled mess. She had spent much of her time in the teashop remedying this before finally being able to enjoy her drink.
Ah, what the heck, I was probably going to ask the same thing anyway...
"I'm as stumped as you are! Although now that I mention it, the guy having what I'm hoping is just a Firebending malfunction might be a good lead. That, or he really hates tables for some reason... I'm not really good at judging these things."
Kuma was halfway through his plate of fire-flakes and tea. His gullet still pined for some spiced rum, but this was an okay replacement.
"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
"Yeah, I'll take another order of fire-flakes over here. Thee things arn't half bad"
The women with the vines pointed out the firebender getting ready for a fight. Kuma became aware of the tension in the room, but only continued to sip his tea.
"And maybe a glass of water for that guy"
"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
"Yeah, I'll take another order of fire-flakes over here. Thee things arn't half bad"
The women with the vines pointed out the firebender getting ready for a fight. Kuma became aware of the tension in the room, but only continued to sip his tea.
"And maybe a glass of water for that guy"
Malik keep himself seated in his place, staring at the empty oak table. He wasn't that fond of tea anyway, and wasting a coin on what seemed to be like some hot water and herbs made his stomach sick. The other loud occupants of the room made a ruckus, but Malik didn't mind. He was used to the moise of the market, but this time he caught a few words being flung around the room. They too were invited to this place like he was by a strange letter. Malik himself had a hard time believing he took the time to visit the tea shop, but he was already stopping in Ba-Sing-Se for the night so he had some time to burn.
Malik knew he didn't want to make a ruckus, but he had to stop the madness which was about to take place. He pushed his chair back and jumped up on his table. After a moment of fear flashed in Malik's heart, he realized the table was steady and able to withstand his weight. He raised both of his hands in the air, his brass knuckles glistening in the candle-light of the shop.
"Mijan the magnificent", Malik announced and opened with a quick flare at the top of his fingers, each twisting into different colors and mesmerizing the onlookers. "Behold the fires of myth, and be silent!", he commanded the others with an authoritative tone. After a moment of utter silence the odd looking fire bender jumped down from the table after having extinguished his flames.
"Now that we're all a bit more polite, let me introduce myself. Malik is my name, and I have been invited to this tea parlor the same as you. It appears that we have all been asked to join this here small palace, but our employers are missing-", Malik took another look around him and repeated himself, "*ehm* But our employers seem to be missing*ehm*".
Malik knew he didn't want to make a ruckus, but he had to stop the madness which was about to take place. He pushed his chair back and jumped up on his table. After a moment of fear flashed in Malik's heart, he realized the table was steady and able to withstand his weight. He raised both of his hands in the air, his brass knuckles glistening in the candle-light of the shop.
"Mijan the magnificent", Malik announced and opened with a quick flare at the top of his fingers, each twisting into different colors and mesmerizing the onlookers. "Behold the fires of myth, and be silent!", he commanded the others with an authoritative tone. After a moment of utter silence the odd looking fire bender jumped down from the table after having extinguished his flames.
"Now that we're all a bit more polite, let me introduce myself. Malik is my name, and I have been invited to this tea parlor the same as you. It appears that we have all been asked to join this here small palace, but our employers are missing-", Malik took another look around him and repeated himself, "*ehm* But our employers seem to be missing*ehm*".
"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
The couple in the corner looked up from their strange Pai Sho game, and after nodding at each other before picking up their new tiles and putting it into their respective robes. They stood simultaneously and walked out of the corner, gesturing at a central table.
"What we want from you folk is your assistance, please." They spoke right after one another, one word to one, the second to the other, their faces no longer obscured, they looked quite similar in appearance, despite their differing genders.
"But our employers seem to be missing"
At the Firebender's antics, three of the Earth Kingdom citizens each lifted an arm, out of which was launched a rock hand, two heading for Malik's hands, and one that pushed him into a table, with him landing on his face. The two wrapped around his hands, preventing him from moving in the correct way to Firebend. The young boy, Miki was his name, tapped Sanji on the shoulder and spoke,"Umm...sir...umm...can you....ummmmm....uh, you know put that out? Auntie Buniq doesn't like Firebenders...umm....flaring...ummm...up in her...umm....place." He swallowed, his eyes large, a bit of fear in there, but resolute in his stance, strange as it was, seeing as how he was carrying a platter with a teapot, cups, and fire flakes for Kuma.
The twins then continued,"As we were saying, please Satish, Bipin, Anju, let the man go. If we intend to enlist his help, we first need his trust. The Combined Spirits of the Avatar must have brought them here. Roku would have wanted one of his own here."
A few puzzled looks and the rock hands gripping Malik were released, floating back to their respective benders. The twins looked around the room, seeing a few looks of confusion at their recent wording.
"Please Sodaka, would you be so kind as to lock the doors?"
"It would be my pleasure, Masters Rika and Rokka." The old man went through a short series of obvious Earthbending techniques and a block of earth erupted out of the ground in front of the door, which had been cleverly concealed by way of a carpet."Please continue. He bowed and stood behind the counter, apparently absorbed in making sure each teacup was perfectly aligned. The few Earthbenders in the room knew better though, he was in a standard Earthbending stance yet again.
"Thank you Sodaka. Now...as we were saying, and please excuse our compatriots, the Dai Lee." Rika sneezed, breaking off their rhythm a moment before they started again."What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
They stopped a few moments, allowing the news to sink in, and after seeing that it hit some much harder than others, as such news was wont to do, they began speaking again.
"We know not what caused his demise, but we can rest believing he died in his sleep. We, the Order of the White Lotus, were tasked Cycles ago with the duty of finding and watching over the next Avatar. At times, we are forced to reach out to others outside of the organization brought together by the spirit of the Avatar. Some we decided would be here, either because we know of you, or believe you to be pure enough of spirit for the task at hand."
A few more moments passed, wherein they each took a sip of their tea, allowing yet another secret to sink in.
"Anyways, you have all been gathered here by either our calling or what we assume is the Spirit World manipulating events to bring you here."
It was at this point every citizen of Ba Sing Se and the surrounding area felt a slight change in the wind, quickly building to a deafening crescendo outside, though quite muffled through the building and earthen bulwark against the door.
"LET IT BE KNOWN, THREE DAYS HENCE THE AVATAR IN THE MORTAL FORM OF ROKU PASSED ON. JUST THIS MORNING, IT WAS REVEALED TO THE INNER COUNCIL OF THE TEMPLES OF THE AVATAR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT THE NEW AVATAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD ANEW. AN AIRBENDER, AS THE CYCLE DEMANDS. WE WOULD ASK THAT YOU, CITIZENS OF THE EARTH KINGDOM, NOT TO GRIEVE FOR ROKU, BUT TO REJOICE FOR THE BIRTH OF THE NEW AVATAR,PASS ALONG THIS NEWS JOYOUSLY AND LET THE CYCLE CONTINUE FOREVER MORE!"
Sodaka grinned and muttered,"Master Atar, the old fool, he'll kill himself if he continues to do that technique, he'll die before he hits a hundred." It was slightly amusing, considering how skeletal and emaciated the old man behind the counter looked.
The twins, not missing a beat, went right back into their speech."We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
The couple in the corner looked up from their strange Pai Sho game, and after nodding at each other before picking up their new tiles and putting it into their respective robes. They stood simultaneously and walked out of the corner, gesturing at a central table.
"What we want from you folk is your assistance, please." They spoke right after one another, one word to one, the second to the other, their faces no longer obscured, they looked quite similar in appearance, despite their differing genders.
"But our employers seem to be missing"
At the Firebender's antics, three of the Earth Kingdom citizens each lifted an arm, out of which was launched a rock hand, two heading for Malik's hands, and one that pushed him into a table, with him landing on his face. The two wrapped around his hands, preventing him from moving in the correct way to Firebend. The young boy, Miki was his name, tapped Sanji on the shoulder and spoke,"Umm...sir...umm...can you....ummmmm....uh, you know put that out? Auntie Buniq doesn't like Firebenders...umm....flaring...ummm...up in her...umm....place." He swallowed, his eyes large, a bit of fear in there, but resolute in his stance, strange as it was, seeing as how he was carrying a platter with a teapot, cups, and fire flakes for Kuma.
The twins then continued,"As we were saying, please Satish, Bipin, Anju, let the man go. If we intend to enlist his help, we first need his trust. The Combined Spirits of the Avatar must have brought them here. Roku would have wanted one of his own here."
A few puzzled looks and the rock hands gripping Malik were released, floating back to their respective benders. The twins looked around the room, seeing a few looks of confusion at their recent wording.
"Please Sodaka, would you be so kind as to lock the doors?"
"It would be my pleasure, Masters Rika and Rokka." The old man went through a short series of obvious Earthbending techniques and a block of earth erupted out of the ground in front of the door, which had been cleverly concealed by way of a carpet."Please continue. He bowed and stood behind the counter, apparently absorbed in making sure each teacup was perfectly aligned. The few Earthbenders in the room knew better though, he was in a standard Earthbending stance yet again.
"Thank you Sodaka. Now...as we were saying, and please excuse our compatriots, the Dai Lee." Rika sneezed, breaking off their rhythm a moment before they started again."What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
They stopped a few moments, allowing the news to sink in, and after seeing that it hit some much harder than others, as such news was wont to do, they began speaking again.
"We know not what caused his demise, but we can rest believing he died in his sleep. We, the Order of the White Lotus, were tasked Cycles ago with the duty of finding and watching over the next Avatar. At times, we are forced to reach out to others outside of the organization brought together by the spirit of the Avatar. Some we decided would be here, either because we know of you, or believe you to be pure enough of spirit for the task at hand."
A few more moments passed, wherein they each took a sip of their tea, allowing yet another secret to sink in.
"Anyways, you have all been gathered here by either our calling or what we assume is the Spirit World manipulating events to bring you here."
It was at this point every citizen of Ba Sing Se and the surrounding area felt a slight change in the wind, quickly building to a deafening crescendo outside, though quite muffled through the building and earthen bulwark against the door.
"LET IT BE KNOWN, THREE DAYS HENCE THE AVATAR IN THE MORTAL FORM OF ROKU PASSED ON. JUST THIS MORNING, IT WAS REVEALED TO THE INNER COUNCIL OF THE TEMPLES OF THE AVATAR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT THE NEW AVATAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD ANEW. AN AIRBENDER, AS THE CYCLE DEMANDS. WE WOULD ASK THAT YOU, CITIZENS OF THE EARTH KINGDOM, NOT TO GRIEVE FOR ROKU, BUT TO REJOICE FOR THE BIRTH OF THE NEW AVATAR,PASS ALONG THIS NEWS JOYOUSLY AND LET THE CYCLE CONTINUE FOREVER MORE!"
Sodaka grinned and muttered,"Master Atar, the old fool, he'll kill himself if he continues to do that technique, he'll die before he hits a hundred." It was slightly amusing, considering how skeletal and emaciated the old man behind the counter looked.
The twins, not missing a beat, went right back into their speech."We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
"Will you take this burden?"
"May I finish my tea first?"
Those who were standing, shouting, and fighting amongst themselves were finally alerted to the old man in gray and blue robes, sitting quietly off to the side. He was humming to himself as he carefully held his cup in both hands, lifting it to his lips and silently taking his last sip. He exhaled as he finished, letting a bit of steam leak out and into the air as he placed his cup back upon the table, beaming.
"Strange. Up until that very last sip, I was certain I had been drinking Songluo; but I finally realized it had been Longjing the entire time. Ha, it's funny how your expectations can fool you sometimes, isn't it?"
Monsin slowly rose to his feet, muttering curses to himself as his joints popped. He straightened out his back, letting out a groan as it snapped and crackled. "Oh my; that didn't sound natural."
He turned to face the twins, hobbling over with the help of his staff. "It's my honor to help in any duties for the Avatar. Though, I certainly hope you don't expect an old man to be doing this on his lonesome."
He turned to the others that had been summoned. "So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
"May I finish my tea first?"
Those who were standing, shouting, and fighting amongst themselves were finally alerted to the old man in gray and blue robes, sitting quietly off to the side. He was humming to himself as he carefully held his cup in both hands, lifting it to his lips and silently taking his last sip. He exhaled as he finished, letting a bit of steam leak out and into the air as he placed his cup back upon the table, beaming.
"Strange. Up until that very last sip, I was certain I had been drinking Songluo; but I finally realized it had been Longjing the entire time. Ha, it's funny how your expectations can fool you sometimes, isn't it?"
Monsin slowly rose to his feet, muttering curses to himself as his joints popped. He straightened out his back, letting out a groan as it snapped and crackled. "Oh my; that didn't sound natural."
He turned to face the twins, hobbling over with the help of his staff. "It's my honor to help in any duties for the Avatar. Though, I certainly hope you don't expect an old man to be doing this on his lonesome."
He turned to the others that had been summoned. "So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
Kuma busted out laughing at the flamboyant firebender getting captured. Hi jovial smile slowly disappeared once the doors where sealed behind a wall of earth. Kuma didn't feel comfortable not having an escape route. And with bending already being tossed around so haphazardly, things could easily turn volatile.
When the twins dropped the news that Roku had passed, Kuma looked rather unaffected. He continued to sip at his tea a the finished their speech.
"Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Kuma polished off the second plate of fire-flakes before addressing the group.
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
When the twins dropped the news that Roku had passed, Kuma looked rather unaffected. He continued to sip at his tea a the finished their speech.
"Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Kuma polished off the second plate of fire-flakes before addressing the group.
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
The stone handcuffs were uncomfortable at best but Malik knew better than to struggle against them. He could have burnt the tea house down with fire emitted from his legs, and though it would have lacked any direction it would have been enough to burn those earth suckers and turn them into two big kebabs. Before Malik finished debating with himself on the matter of his revenge the stone restraints were removed and he heard the two elderly board players speak up.
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Malik winked a couple of times before he managed to muscle out a response from his stunned face, but another person already beat him to it.
It was an old air-bender, one that seemed too cheerful to possess such wrinkles or old age. Something was off in that one, Malik imagined.
"So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of", Malik spoke sarcastically, but he knew that curiosity had already overtook him.
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Malik winked a couple of times before he managed to muscle out a response from his stunned face, but another person already beat him to it.
It was an old air-bender, one that seemed too cheerful to possess such wrinkles or old age. Something was off in that one, Malik imagined.
"So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of", Malik spoke sarcastically, but he knew that curiosity had already overtook him.
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of."
Hao spoke up, "To be honest, I'm not a vegabond, I'm a thief. We don't stand around in one place; it kinds of makes it too easy to you' know, get caught." Hao said to the flippant firebender. Hao continue "However, he has a point. This...order of the white lotus, wants benders, of Air, Water, Earth and Fire along with Non-benders at least two here with questionable backgrounds," Mayuka then took the time out of drinking her tea to point at Hao, and herself. "to find the Avatar. Just what is it that this Order is so afraid of, they're willing to appeal to outside help?
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
"Yeah, that too. Sorry, but traveling the world is kind of expensive. That, and the whole we may be walking to our dooms.
So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
"So Mayuka? Are you willing to save the Avatar?" Hao asked,Mayuka. Mayuka nodded,"You already know my answer. Besides, I need you to teach me how to fight, judging by the creppy twins warning, we're going tohave alot of pratice."
Hao, merely raised tea, drank in one setting and said to the twins, "Alright, you have my escrima sticks, my kicks, and my cooperation."
Hao spoke up, "To be honest, I'm not a vegabond, I'm a thief. We don't stand around in one place; it kinds of makes it too easy to you' know, get caught." Hao said to the flippant firebender. Hao continue "However, he has a point. This...order of the white lotus, wants benders, of Air, Water, Earth and Fire along with Non-benders at least two here with questionable backgrounds," Mayuka then took the time out of drinking her tea to point at Hao, and herself. "to find the Avatar. Just what is it that this Order is so afraid of, they're willing to appeal to outside help?
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
"Yeah, that too. Sorry, but traveling the world is kind of expensive. That, and the whole we may be walking to our dooms.
So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
"So Mayuka? Are you willing to save the Avatar?" Hao asked,Mayuka. Mayuka nodded,"You already know my answer. Besides, I need you to teach me how to fight, judging by the creppy twins warning, we're going tohave alot of pratice."
Hao, merely raised tea, drank in one setting and said to the twins, "Alright, you have my escrima sticks, my kicks, and my cooperation."
Daiyu had sat in sullen silence, sipping at her tea with the air of someone who'd rather prefer something stronger.
Suddenly, an elderly pair in the corner stood up and announced their intentions. "What we want from you folk is your assistance, please."
Before Daiyu could make a sarcastic comment, one patron, another firebender by the looks of him, stood up and began firebending, while making a dismissive comment.
Daiyu rolled her eyes. Well someone's full of himself...
Moments later, three Earthbenders managed to hold him back, making Daiyu raise an eyebrow in amusement. When one of them began to lock the doors, she tensed up a bit, realizing something was up. And in this case, she wasn't wrong.
"What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
A silence fell over the teahouse while the patrons took in this news. Daiyu had heard of the Avatar, of course, especially since he was from the Fire Nation, like her, though she had never really been interested in his exploits.
She listened to the old pair talk on about why they needed them to look for the next Avatar, though the comment about them "being pure enough of spirit" made her raise another eyebrow. She wasn't what you'd call "pure of spirit".
Moments later, a loud voice reverberated through the city, making her jump despite herself. But the pair continued on, like nothing had happened.
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Daiyu thought about it for a bit. She'd been doing a lot of work in and around Ba Sing Sei lately, and was bored of doing odd jobs here and there. A bit of travelling sounded good to her.
"I'm in," she said, taking a final swig of tea. "When do we leave?"
Suddenly, an elderly pair in the corner stood up and announced their intentions. "What we want from you folk is your assistance, please."
Before Daiyu could make a sarcastic comment, one patron, another firebender by the looks of him, stood up and began firebending, while making a dismissive comment.
Daiyu rolled her eyes. Well someone's full of himself...
Moments later, three Earthbenders managed to hold him back, making Daiyu raise an eyebrow in amusement. When one of them began to lock the doors, she tensed up a bit, realizing something was up. And in this case, she wasn't wrong.
"What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
A silence fell over the teahouse while the patrons took in this news. Daiyu had heard of the Avatar, of course, especially since he was from the Fire Nation, like her, though she had never really been interested in his exploits.
She listened to the old pair talk on about why they needed them to look for the next Avatar, though the comment about them "being pure enough of spirit" made her raise another eyebrow. She wasn't what you'd call "pure of spirit".
Moments later, a loud voice reverberated through the city, making her jump despite herself. But the pair continued on, like nothing had happened.
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves. Will you take this burden? Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Daiyu thought about it for a bit. She'd been doing a lot of work in and around Ba Sing Sei lately, and was bored of doing odd jobs here and there. A bit of travelling sounded good to her.
"I'm in," she said, taking a final swig of tea. "When do we leave?"
Senji clenched his fist and the fire extinguished, much to the relief of Miki. His mind was going too fast for him to care though. 'The avatar is dead? Master Roku?'
"Does this offer extend to all of us, or just the ones invited? I wish to help, and if you allow me, my fire is yours." He said getting up, preparing his flame breath.
He took a deep breath, made his hand into a circle and put it over his mouth, and released. A steady stream of fire came out, almost touching the roof. It was with large amounts of control it didn't, but the result was still impressive.
"Does this offer extend to all of us, or just the ones invited? I wish to help, and if you allow me, my fire is yours." He said getting up, preparing his flame breath.
He took a deep breath, made his hand into a circle and put it over his mouth, and released. A steady stream of fire came out, almost touching the roof. It was with large amounts of control it didn't, but the result was still impressive.
Euion sat in a sleep deprived daze staring blankly into his tea. He had just wanted to deliver his package and be on his way, but it seemed the teashop owner had other plans as he seated him next to what he could only call the the oddest mismatch of people he'd ever seen.
It wasn't until an odd looking fire bender suddenly jumped upon the table and began shouting something about "Mijan the magnificent!" that he was drawn out of his stupor. It was then as three earth benders simultaneously pinned the man to the wall that Euion's curiosity overcame his exhaustion.
Euion smiled to himself. Well that's one way to invoke a response.
His curiosity only continued to climb as the strange pair spoke in an alternating pattern...
"Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Although Euion already knew his answer he sat back letting his mind wander as the others spoke.
The Avatar dieing by some unknown cause in his sleep was an odd way to phrase the situation. There was also this unknown danger so threatening that this "White Lotus" whose primary duty was to find the next avatar needed his help in doing so. The whole thing didn't sit right but he knew better than to ask at this point. They either were telling the truth or they didn't want to share. Euion suddenly lost his train of thought as another fire bender let forth a stream of fire towards the ceiling.
Euion arched an eyebrow. What is it with fire benders and their desire to display their bending indoors today.
"Cool down before you burn down the place" he said in jest while motioning for the fire bender to sit. Then turning towards the twins he gave a polite bow with his head and stated "I'd be honored to search for the next Avatar".
It wasn't until an odd looking fire bender suddenly jumped upon the table and began shouting something about "Mijan the magnificent!" that he was drawn out of his stupor. It was then as three earth benders simultaneously pinned the man to the wall that Euion's curiosity overcame his exhaustion.
Euion smiled to himself. Well that's one way to invoke a response.
His curiosity only continued to climb as the strange pair spoke in an alternating pattern...
"Take as much time as you need, talk amongst yourselves, we await your answer."
Although Euion already knew his answer he sat back letting his mind wander as the others spoke.
The Avatar dieing by some unknown cause in his sleep was an odd way to phrase the situation. There was also this unknown danger so threatening that this "White Lotus" whose primary duty was to find the next avatar needed his help in doing so. The whole thing didn't sit right but he knew better than to ask at this point. They either were telling the truth or they didn't want to share. Euion suddenly lost his train of thought as another fire bender let forth a stream of fire towards the ceiling.
Euion arched an eyebrow. What is it with fire benders and their desire to display their bending indoors today.
"Cool down before you burn down the place" he said in jest while motioning for the fire bender to sit. Then turning towards the twins he gave a polite bow with his head and stated "I'd be honored to search for the next Avatar".
From what Chi had heard about this Avatar Roku guy, he seemed a pretty decent fellow. She wondered what some of the older tribe members meant when they said death and time were just illusions. It seemed a strange idea in a place where they they forced time to march in such straight lines.
'Same roots, same tree... Maybe it's just a more subtle effect over here. I have plenty of time to work it out before I'm that old.'
And now she'd been invited to search for the next Avatar.
"Cool down before you burn down the place"
'So many show-off's today! We've had a guy who sets fire to tables and has the worst case of heartburn I've ever seen, Malik the dancing fiery rainbow man, and someone who can use earthbending to speak to an entire city.'
"Well, you can count me in. I'm Chi, by the way. Looks like you could use someone like me in your group. I'm all set to go right now, if need be, but the rest of you might want to go get supplies or something first if you're coming along too."
She glanced around the room.
"Well, it might be nice to make more of an introduction than a practical bending demonstration, which I'm guessing some of you are a bit fed up of by now. Also by the odd looks I've been getting all day I guess you have a few questions. I'll be getting another pot of tea in the meantime, feel free to join me."
'Same roots, same tree... Maybe it's just a more subtle effect over here. I have plenty of time to work it out before I'm that old.'
And now she'd been invited to search for the next Avatar.
"Cool down before you burn down the place"
'So many show-off's today! We've had a guy who sets fire to tables and has the worst case of heartburn I've ever seen, Malik the dancing fiery rainbow man, and someone who can use earthbending to speak to an entire city.'
"Well, you can count me in. I'm Chi, by the way. Looks like you could use someone like me in your group. I'm all set to go right now, if need be, but the rest of you might want to go get supplies or something first if you're coming along too."
She glanced around the room.
"Well, it might be nice to make more of an introduction than a practical bending demonstration, which I'm guessing some of you are a bit fed up of by now. Also by the odd looks I've been getting all day I guess you have a few questions. I'll be getting another pot of tea in the meantime, feel free to join me."
"Be careful now, child, don't sip that without a stick, and even then don't do more than a sip, it has more kick than all but the strongest Fire Nation liquor.
"
Geb poured himself a cup, and looked down curiously at it's seemingly lacklustre contents, dubious at the old man's claims.
"Please... I am no 'child', I am Geb the Fist! And this puny drink is no match for my rock-hard resolve!"
Taking the hot brew in both hands, he stared it down as if it was his mortal nemesis, before proceeding to down the entirety of the drink in a single swig.
"See! Not as infamous as you..."
His boast was cut short by a searing sensation that shot it's way up his throat, before setting his entire mouth on fire, his pallet ablaze with sheer spice.
Geb's hands shot to his throat, as if suffocating, his breath grew increasingly rabid he reached out for the teapot only to realise it contains no liquid that would be able to soothe his senses. His mind racing, he remembered the man's words, and he sought out the cinnamon sticks on the plate, placing them in his mouth and sucking at it like a lolly.
His throat began to clear, the searing alleviated, he took deep breaths before letting out a sigh of relief as the remainder of the pain slowly settled down to acceptable levels. He threw up a hand to address the teahouse's patrons.
"I'm cool"
"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
A boy asked from the corner establishment, looking as if addressing no one in particular. As he asked, a pair of figures rose from a Pai Sho table who then turned to address the group of people present.
"What we want from you folk is your assistance, please."
At this point a series of mounds of earth hurtled towards a man sat alone at a table, flickers of flame emanating from his palms. Geb knew their uniforms well, they were the Dai Li. He though this must be a serious matter to have them cooperating with outsiders.
"What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
No... The Avatar is dead? This can not be.
"We know not what caused his demise, but we can rest believing he died in his sleep.
At times, we are forced to reach out to others outside of the organization brought together by the spirit of the Avatar. You have all been gathered here by either our calling or what we assume is the Spirit World manipulating events to bring you here."
"Bah. The Spirit World has no such bearing on me being here. I am here on my own accord, to expand my knowledge of bending."
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves.
So much for being a secret society, when they hold as much knowledge as any rumour-filled beggar on the street
"Will you take this burden?"
Geb watched as a lone man rose from his seat as he finished his tea. He was old, and his clothes were foreign, his hair was shaved and upon it was a tattoo. He was an Air Nomad, an air bending monk. He turned to all those present, and spoke with all the wisdom of his years, but also with the authority and passion of a much younger man.
"So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
Geb watched as the former patrons around him pledged themselves to the task at hand, honoured by such an opportunity. He himself however, was much more sceptical, and he was not the only one to raise similar concerns.
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of"
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
"I am of the same mind of these two, I am not sure why you'd need us, surely your Order must be capable of this task without requiring assistance from random strangers. Also, as mentioned, I'm not one for risking my life on a whim, well at least not on anybody else's. I need more time to think about these matters."
Geb watched a woman more strangely dressed than the monk speak up, she was covered in a large leaf, as well as having a small wooden object on her back. Although covered in grime, she had a more homely beauty than the traditional kind.
"Well, it might be nice to make more of an introduction than a practical bending demonstration, which I'm guessing some of you are a bit fed up of by now. Also by the odd looks I've been getting all day I guess you have a few questions. I'll be getting another pot of tea in the meantime, feel free to join me."
"I'll take you up on that offer, as long as it's not what I was drinking, give me more time to stew over things..."
"
Geb poured himself a cup, and looked down curiously at it's seemingly lacklustre contents, dubious at the old man's claims.
"Please... I am no 'child', I am Geb the Fist! And this puny drink is no match for my rock-hard resolve!"
Taking the hot brew in both hands, he stared it down as if it was his mortal nemesis, before proceeding to down the entirety of the drink in a single swig.
"See! Not as infamous as you..."
His boast was cut short by a searing sensation that shot it's way up his throat, before setting his entire mouth on fire, his pallet ablaze with sheer spice.
Geb's hands shot to his throat, as if suffocating, his breath grew increasingly rabid he reached out for the teapot only to realise it contains no liquid that would be able to soothe his senses. His mind racing, he remembered the man's words, and he sought out the cinnamon sticks on the plate, placing them in his mouth and sucking at it like a lolly.
His throat began to clear, the searing alleviated, he took deep breaths before letting out a sigh of relief as the remainder of the pain slowly settled down to acceptable levels. He threw up a hand to address the teahouse's patrons.
"I'm cool"
"All right, is someone going to explain what it is that you guys want?"
A boy asked from the corner establishment, looking as if addressing no one in particular. As he asked, a pair of figures rose from a Pai Sho table who then turned to address the group of people present.
"What we want from you folk is your assistance, please."
At this point a series of mounds of earth hurtled towards a man sat alone at a table, flickers of flame emanating from his palms. Geb knew their uniforms well, they were the Dai Li. He though this must be a serious matter to have them cooperating with outsiders.
"What we are about to impart to you, while no longer a secret, at least very soon from now, is that Avatar Roku has perished."
No... The Avatar is dead? This can not be.
"We know not what caused his demise, but we can rest believing he died in his sleep.
At times, we are forced to reach out to others outside of the organization brought together by the spirit of the Avatar. You have all been gathered here by either our calling or what we assume is the Spirit World manipulating events to bring you here."
"Bah. The Spirit World has no such bearing on me being here. I am here on my own accord, to expand my knowledge of bending."
"We request that this assorted group of both benders and non-benders to take this task upon yourselves. We know not what Nomad Temple the Avatar will be born into, but we do know that he, she, will be in danger. Do not ask us why, for we know not ourselves.
So much for being a secret society, when they hold as much knowledge as any rumour-filled beggar on the street
"Will you take this burden?"
Geb watched as a lone man rose from his seat as he finished his tea. He was old, and his clothes were foreign, his hair was shaved and upon it was a tattoo. He was an Air Nomad, an air bending monk. He turned to all those present, and spoke with all the wisdom of his years, but also with the authority and passion of a much younger man.
"So? Make your choice; your destiny forks here, but don't accept the burden lightly. What has been asked of you is a task fraught with peril, and the trail is dark. Will you light it?"
Geb watched as the former patrons around him pledged themselves to the task at hand, honoured by such an opportunity. He himself however, was much more sceptical, and he was not the only one to raise similar concerns.
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of"
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
"I am of the same mind of these two, I am not sure why you'd need us, surely your Order must be capable of this task without requiring assistance from random strangers. Also, as mentioned, I'm not one for risking my life on a whim, well at least not on anybody else's. I need more time to think about these matters."
Geb watched a woman more strangely dressed than the monk speak up, she was covered in a large leaf, as well as having a small wooden object on her back. Although covered in grime, she had a more homely beauty than the traditional kind.
"Well, it might be nice to make more of an introduction than a practical bending demonstration, which I'm guessing some of you are a bit fed up of by now. Also by the odd looks I've been getting all day I guess you have a few questions. I'll be getting another pot of tea in the meantime, feel free to join me."
"I'll take you up on that offer, as long as it's not what I was drinking, give me more time to stew over things..."
Seems I've been ninja'd, so I edited this slightly. Also, I fixed my typo in the previous post.
After suppressing a laugh at witnessing the impatient firebender getting restrained effortlessly by some of the locals (And with such swift irony, after lauding his flames so! ), Kara listened intently to the group's speech; she could identify the significance of the Dai Li, but had no prior knowledge of the Order of the White Lotus. When his death was mentioned, Kara took a moment to pay her respects to the parted Roku (though she obviously would have some distance from the man).
Once they'd finished, Kara began to finish her tea, thinking things over and seeing the others' reactions -- that she would go was never in question, even if she wasn't a tracker by trade. I wonder, is this done every time the Avatar dies?
An old man she couldn't see from her position responded first, followed by the firebender from before, a woman who seemed to be from the Fire Nation, and then another firebender who was very eager to use his power. I think I see why I was called now, Kara thought. I suppose I could see why they're so fired up though.
The second to last person Kara answered after was the unusually dressed... botanist, maybe? Chi seemed to be unamused by the hot blood in the room, in any case. Her tea finished, Kara set down the empty cup and answered right after someone else (who seemed skeptical of the situation; she couldn't exactly blame him), her bandages somehow covering her mouth again. She first addressed the White Lotus members.
"It's an odd request, but I'll help you." Kara grabbed her cane with one hand, looking over to Chi. "I'll gladly take you up on your offer as well, though there are a few things I need to get before we head out for our journey. A dust storm delayed my arrival to earlier today, you see."
Hao pour himself some more tea, and said "While we are introducing one another, I'm Hao, and the girl with the floppy hat is Mayuka. Funny, I was actually expecting a trap, haha. Well, if you count the door being sealed, then yeah it was. I'm with Chi, on the supplies, just give me and Mayuka an...hour or so? And we're be ready to leave." Mayuka spoke up, "Where are we going, and how will we get there?" she asked.
Euion finished the last bits of his now cold tea as Hao and Mayuka introduced themselves.
"Where are we going, and how will we get there?"
"I too would like to know if there is a plan but getting better acquainted with my fellow seekers seems like a reasonable start" he said rubbing his hair.
"I'm of the Southern Water Tribe and an Earth bender" Euion continued in a casually tone forgetting that any of that would seem unusual. Hefting his travel back into the air he continued "I am prepared to depart as soon as I know where we are going."
Then after a small yawn added "Although I'd like to get some rest first".
"Where are we going, and how will we get there?"
"I too would like to know if there is a plan but getting better acquainted with my fellow seekers seems like a reasonable start" he said rubbing his hair.
"I'm of the Southern Water Tribe and an Earth bender" Euion continued in a casually tone forgetting that any of that would seem unusual. Hefting his travel back into the air he continued "I am prepared to depart as soon as I know where we are going."
Then after a small yawn added "Although I'd like to get some rest first".
"...Does anyone else see a problem with this?"
Staring into the depths of his empty teacup, Jin addressed everyone and no one, his tone calm and unbroken despite the controlled chaos around him. "I mean, I get it. The Avatar's dead; kind of a big deal. Finding the new one, if all the stories are true, is probably an even bigger one.
"But isn't it a little weird for this... Order thing to want help from the first ragtag group of nobodies they happen to stumble across? I'm not really sure what your usual processes are, but there's gotta be a better way to recruit people then sending them mysterious invitations or waiting for the spirits to bring them to you.
"Also," as he continued, the vagabond looked up, gazing at the massive slab of rock that blocked the exit, "gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
Staring into the depths of his empty teacup, Jin addressed everyone and no one, his tone calm and unbroken despite the controlled chaos around him. "I mean, I get it. The Avatar's dead; kind of a big deal. Finding the new one, if all the stories are true, is probably an even bigger one.
"But isn't it a little weird for this... Order thing to want help from the first ragtag group of nobodies they happen to stumble across? I'm not really sure what your usual processes are, but there's gotta be a better way to recruit people then sending them mysterious invitations or waiting for the spirits to bring them to you.
"Also," as he continued, the vagabond looked up, gazing at the massive slab of rock that blocked the exit, "gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
"Although I'd like to get some rest first".
"That's probably not a bad idea. Rest up while the others get supplies, and we'll see how much daylight we have left and decide whether it's worth making a start." Chi replied, setting out the fresh pot of tea and a few extra cups before quietly thanking the server.
"I track down rare plants for the Herbalist Institute in Taku for a living, and I've picked up a few skills from there myself. Used to hunt for the Foggy Swamp Tribe before that, though, 'cause that where I come from originally. We've got a whole load of waterbenders hardly anyone seems to know about, though I'm guessing we branched off from one of the bigger tribes a long while back. Mean's I'll probably be more useful once we get off the beaten track."
"Gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
'Isn't that door more for keeping people out? If you wanted to harm the new Avatar, you'd probably want to snoop on the plans to protect him, or her.
"That's probably not a bad idea. Rest up while the others get supplies, and we'll see how much daylight we have left and decide whether it's worth making a start." Chi replied, setting out the fresh pot of tea and a few extra cups before quietly thanking the server.
"I track down rare plants for the Herbalist Institute in Taku for a living, and I've picked up a few skills from there myself. Used to hunt for the Foggy Swamp Tribe before that, though, 'cause that where I come from originally. We've got a whole load of waterbenders hardly anyone seems to know about, though I'm guessing we branched off from one of the bigger tribes a long while back. Mean's I'll probably be more useful once we get off the beaten track."
"Gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
'Isn't that door more for keeping people out? If you wanted to harm the new Avatar, you'd probably want to snoop on the plans to protect him, or her.
"I dont know about the rest of you, but...I don't really do the perilous quest thing for free. And this sounds like one of those 'do it because you're noble', deals"
"By no means do we expect you to do this for free, we are not that detached from the world. We come with the full intention of equipping you however you so desire. Within reason, of course. Master Sud has not sanctioned us to allow you access to anything but the least of our coffers. No matter what land you hail from, it should be enough to set you up for the rest of your life. Or at the very least, a few years, depending on how you live your life.Should you wish it, we gladly offer it."
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of"
"Your sarcasm is unneeded, Firebender. If you wish to know, we are not high enough in rank to release that information. Please do not ask what we cannot tell you without permission."
"Does this offer extend to all of us, or just the ones invited? I wish to help, and if you allow me, my fire is yours."
The old Earthbender behind the counter answered in lieu of the twins, much to their chagrin and his slight amusement,"Why do you think you weren't all thrown out?" His face turned a deathly pale and his eyes went wide as the man stood on his table and breathed fire towards the roof, singing a few timbers and setting aflame a few gathered spots of dust, "Boy?"
"Who is Firebending inside my SHOP?" A voice seethed from the back, the same voice a mother would use before scolding a small child. The same voice everyone in the room had heard at some point in their childhood.
"Buniq, dearie, it's just a boy who doesn't know any better. No reason to come ou-" The elderly man dropped the cup he was shining, causing Miki to have to scramble or else it would certainly smash on the floor. The twins looked at each other, and immediately found something else to do at their seats, their faces red and looking like a couple of children caught in an Ant Lion pack, this look not helped by their youthful appearances.
An old woman opened the door slowly, dressed in both the garb of the Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom, hair loopies and the engagement necklace prominent underneath her blonde, gray-streaked hair.
"It's nothing Buniq, come now, there's nothing to go up in fla-no reason to get angry." He was frantic in his movements now, his eyes wide as he attempted - in vain - to stop his wife's advance. Within a few seconds of her fuming subsiding, her eyes melted from the hard green to something more akin to early spring.
"I apologize," She said as she smiled, the old man letting go of her shoulder dejectedly, a look of complete and utter despair marring his features. Buniq turned around stiffly and walked back into the kitchen and tea room. Grumbling could be heard from the other side of the door, as well as the banging of a few pots and
The two twins stuttered before answering the questions that preceded the woman's explosion.
"I am of the same mind of these two, I am not sure why you'd need us, surely your Order must be capable of this task without requiring assistance from random strangers. Also, as mentioned, I'm not one for risking my life on a whim, well at least not on anybody else's. I need more time to think about these matters."
"Of course, take as much time as you need."
"I too would like to know if there is a plan but getting better acquainted with my fellow seekers seems like a reasonable start"
"The "plan"," the twins said sarcastically and together, exaggerating the effect a bit much maybe,"is that you follow us to the Temple of the Avatars tomorrow, where you will be received by Master Sud and his peers, who will tell you the rest of what we are unable to impart to you."
"gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
"Oh, right." Sodaka said, before bending the wall back down,"I'm sorry, that was just to make sure the information concerning Avatar Roku's death wasn't found out by the rest of the city before the Masters were able to announce it. Please don't think anything of it. My Buniq isn't happy about this either."
"As for your previous statement, we do believe that the Spirit has brought you all here, we have no reason to mislead you. We are simply following Master Sud's orders. As for the rest of you, we have procured an inn, though we admit we did not know how many of you there would be, therefore you may have to share rooms. Beds of Omashu down the street, we will await you there. The Dai Lee here will let you alone now, so do not worry, they are only here on a favor owed. They will depart shortly and so long as you are not in the Upper Ring, there is a good chance you will never see any of their agents again."
The twins stood, again simultaneously and walked towards the door. Buniq came out of the back and asked nicely, but her eyes having a certain glint to them.
"Is there anything any of you would like? I am sure I can find it and place it right where you need it."
"By no means do we expect you to do this for free, we are not that detached from the world. We come with the full intention of equipping you however you so desire. Within reason, of course. Master Sud has not sanctioned us to allow you access to anything but the least of our coffers. No matter what land you hail from, it should be enough to set you up for the rest of your life. Or at the very least, a few years, depending on how you live your life.Should you wish it, we gladly offer it."
"The grand organization responsible for getting the avatar needs the help of a bunch of vagabonds and hobos? Damn, I will join just to see what you are so afraid of"
"Your sarcasm is unneeded, Firebender. If you wish to know, we are not high enough in rank to release that information. Please do not ask what we cannot tell you without permission."
"Does this offer extend to all of us, or just the ones invited? I wish to help, and if you allow me, my fire is yours."
The old Earthbender behind the counter answered in lieu of the twins, much to their chagrin and his slight amusement,"Why do you think you weren't all thrown out?" His face turned a deathly pale and his eyes went wide as the man stood on his table and breathed fire towards the roof, singing a few timbers and setting aflame a few gathered spots of dust, "Boy?"
"Who is Firebending inside my SHOP?" A voice seethed from the back, the same voice a mother would use before scolding a small child. The same voice everyone in the room had heard at some point in their childhood.
"Buniq, dearie, it's just a boy who doesn't know any better. No reason to come ou-" The elderly man dropped the cup he was shining, causing Miki to have to scramble or else it would certainly smash on the floor. The twins looked at each other, and immediately found something else to do at their seats, their faces red and looking like a couple of children caught in an Ant Lion pack, this look not helped by their youthful appearances.
An old woman opened the door slowly, dressed in both the garb of the Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom, hair loopies and the engagement necklace prominent underneath her blonde, gray-streaked hair.
"It's nothing Buniq, come now, there's nothing to go up in fla-no reason to get angry." He was frantic in his movements now, his eyes wide as he attempted - in vain - to stop his wife's advance. Within a few seconds of her fuming subsiding, her eyes melted from the hard green to something more akin to early spring.
"I apologize," She said as she smiled, the old man letting go of her shoulder dejectedly, a look of complete and utter despair marring his features. Buniq turned around stiffly and walked back into the kitchen and tea room. Grumbling could be heard from the other side of the door, as well as the banging of a few pots and
The two twins stuttered before answering the questions that preceded the woman's explosion.
"I am of the same mind of these two, I am not sure why you'd need us, surely your Order must be capable of this task without requiring assistance from random strangers. Also, as mentioned, I'm not one for risking my life on a whim, well at least not on anybody else's. I need more time to think about these matters."
"Of course, take as much time as you need."
"I too would like to know if there is a plan but getting better acquainted with my fellow seekers seems like a reasonable start"
"The "plan"," the twins said sarcastically and together, exaggerating the effect a bit much maybe,"is that you follow us to the Temple of the Avatars tomorrow, where you will be received by Master Sud and his peers, who will tell you the rest of what we are unable to impart to you."
"gotta say I'm not too wild about being forced to accept a job against my will."
"Oh, right." Sodaka said, before bending the wall back down,"I'm sorry, that was just to make sure the information concerning Avatar Roku's death wasn't found out by the rest of the city before the Masters were able to announce it. Please don't think anything of it. My Buniq isn't happy about this either."
"As for your previous statement, we do believe that the Spirit has brought you all here, we have no reason to mislead you. We are simply following Master Sud's orders. As for the rest of you, we have procured an inn, though we admit we did not know how many of you there would be, therefore you may have to share rooms. Beds of Omashu down the street, we will await you there. The Dai Lee here will let you alone now, so do not worry, they are only here on a favor owed. They will depart shortly and so long as you are not in the Upper Ring, there is a good chance you will never see any of their agents again."
The twins stood, again simultaneously and walked towards the door. Buniq came out of the back and asked nicely, but her eyes having a certain glint to them.
"Is there anything any of you would like? I am sure I can find it and place it right where you need it."