World of the Avatar: Darkest Days IC

[Aneurin]

Akemi

"And what do you mean by that, my friend?" Kurukalla raises an eyebrow. "Have I met the latest bearer of the World Spirit? Or have I met the World Spirit itself? The two are very different questions.

"...and for your answer," she smiles, cutting off Akemi's inevitable protest. "I have not met the latest bearer. But I knew Hide, and Kasarta before him. And no, I did not approve nor agree with them; it concerns me greatly that the new Avatar will be advised by their memories," she frowns slightly.

"But I believe our time to talk is at an end for the moment," she adds suddenly, still staring squarely in to Akemi's eyes. "We appear to have caught up with your friends,"

Looking around through the gauzy red material you realise that you have, indeed, caught up with the people you met up on the platform with the dragons. But how did the Air Nun know that?

...unfortunately, there's no time to ask right now as things get busy.

Spoiler

Show

You're pretty sure Avatar Hide was well over 100 years old when he died. You're not sure how old Avatar Kasarta was, but you're fair-to-middlingly sure she wasn't exactly young.

Cetan & Co, plus Akemi

Things aren't going very well with the guards. You can occasionally make out words and phrases like 'contract', 'Earth', and 'no honour'. It's pretty clear that the soldiers don't want to just take Lian's word that she doesn't intend any harm - they want a firm, written contract in place. A contract that will take forever to draft out.

Kenji finds himself a little surprised by this; it's not exactly common knowledge outside of the Earth Kingdom that breaking contracts hurts - especially for Earthbenders. It's like a part of your spirit crumbles away. Break too many and it can kill you.

Even Kasa's words do little to help; they're willing to let you in if Lian signs - and Lian's willing to sign the contract if it speeds things up. There just isn't a contract yet.

Locked in this stalemate, no-one notices the palanquin and its heavy escort until it pulls up beside the gathering. Out of it steps a willowy woman, dressed in the style favoured by the air nuns; russet, cream and sandy brown. The dome of her head is bald, and her long dark hair starts at ear-level and hangs to below her shoulders.

She bears the blue Chi arrows of a Master Airbender tattooed across her head, her arms, hands and - presumably - her legs and feet.

"They are my guests, Captain," she says quietly - but for all that, her voice carries beautifully cutting through the noise of the crowds and the festival so that everyone can hear it perfectly. Just another perk of being a Master Airbender, really. "And as such, I invoke the Rite of Hospitality on their behalf with the Governor,"

...and the Captain who Lian had just been talking to now looks ready to spit teeth. Akemi gets the feeling that Kurukalla inspires this reaction in everyone from the Fire Nation. But, still, he bows and the guards open up and allow you in.

Lian shoots Kurukalla a grateful look, before shepherding those with her in to the building before anyone can object. Kurukalla sweeps in behind her, Akemi in her wake and followed by a dismounted Hiro. The rest of the palanquin escort are left waiting outside.

Inside the Mansion

The entry hall is beautiful; gold, crimson, scarlet and every other shade of red imaginable. And yet, there is also green, blue and the sandy brown of Air all woven in a subtle pattern that sweeps and swirls through the heart of the room - a symbolic blending of the elements that represents the unique nature of the domain.

Benches, tapestries and - wonder of wonders, fire silk adorn the walls. Akemi and Lin find themselves marvelling at the effort and ability put in to creating such a large amount of fire silk; for the making of fire silk is considered the very pinacle of Firebending skill - it involves incredible ability to burn the patterns in to the silk sheet without igniting the whole thing. The expense, effort and skill involved in creating a wall-sized covering is simply staggering.

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

Very glad to still have her fans with her, Kyoko falls a step behind and to the side of Lian, befitting her status as a student. At this point, it would be rude to interrogate her sensei further, so she waits for directions or an explanation.

While paused in the entry hall, Kyoko takes a moment to be awed by the elegance around her. She does her best to look unaffected, but inside she feels a bit like a backwards country girl in the big city. Thank goodness her martial training provides her a bearing appropriate for the setting.

[Comissar]

Akemi

Biting back her frustration at the further questions she was getting from Kurukalla instead of straight answers, Akemi followed the Nun out of the Palanquin. She was surprised at the sight that greeted her. She hadn't expected to run into the group of people she'd met at the viewing platform. She definitely hadn't been expecting to be arriving at the Governor's mansion. Still feeling very off-balance, Akemi trailed Kurukalla into the building.

[purepolarpanzer]

Enokka

Taking his weapons back with a small bow, Eno follows the group in, now thoroughly cowed by the nature of this situation. Master Airbenders? Representatives from all nations? What was he getting himself into? Despite this hesitation, he could not help but be excited by all this. Tucking his scarf up over his face, he waited for the next surprise.

[EltaninDraco]

Kasa

Busy arguing with the guards, Kasa doesn't notice the approach of the nun until the skillfully airbent words reach her ears. Smiling in appreciation of the skill, she quickly spins around, curious who is manipulating the air so masterfully, and her eyes go wide when she recognizes Nun Kurukalla.

Kasa gives a quick bow to her superior, and opens her mouth to greet the nun and inquire about her presence, but before she can get a word out she is hustled along by Lian. Feeling swept along in a tale that is only getting more interesting, she lets herself be ushered into the mansion, subconsciously adjusting her robes and dusting them off as she goes.

Once inside, Kasa is captivated by the art and beauty around her. Her intention of speaking with her superior is pushed from her mind a moment as she openly admires her surroundings, but after absorbing the splendor she turns to Nun Kurukalla, hoping for a moment to greet her properly.

[jamieth]

Lin
Honestly speaking, Lin was starting to get a bit bored by the conversation - after all, even with all the magnificence of the Palace, one could only stare at the same walls for so long. The worst thing, this weapons debate didn't even concern her, since the young acrobat didn't carry weapons. In fact, she was pretty sure Cetan didn't either, nor did Kyoko, and her teacher... well, that was a rather weird one - Liam looked anything but a dancing teacher. But oh well... finally inside! Performing a polite, if slightly mischievous, bow to the master Airbender who saved them from that deadlock, she says quietly, approaching Liam, "Eh, sensei, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to you for the excursion and everything, but... why? And... won't we miss the ceremony this way?"

[Hemnon]

Kana

Having been feeling quite bored about all this political-sounding stuff, Kana had gone off to daydream of her sailing the seas and enjoying the more calming side of nature.

She didn't really say much but just remained observant when her daydreaming halted for a few moments.

[Aneurin]

Inside the Mansion - Continued!

The back wall of the hallway is dominated by a wide, sweeping staircase flanked by a pair of smaller doors. The broad balcony at the top of the stairs seems to be deserted. Lian halts in the middle of the room, and gives the empty room a troubled look - clearly, she was expecting someone or something to be here. Cetan has, with a great deal of care, circled around the outside of the group to place the formidable-looking Kenji between himself and the Air Nun - who, so far, doesn't seem to have actually noticed his frog-masked-presence.

Kurukalla, bringing up the rear with her stately sweep, graciously inclines her head in response to Kasa's bow - a master showing respect and honor to a student not her own.

Lin

Performing a polite, if slightly mischievous, bow to the master Airbender who saved them from that deadlock, she says quietly, approaching Liam, "Eh, sensei, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to you for the excursion and everything, but... why? And... won't we miss the ceremony this way?"

"No, young one," Lian whispers back, with a glance around the room. "We will be part of the ceremony. For more cycles than anyone can remember it has been the Privilege of Suyin to announce the name of the new Avatar. And you, my young pupil," she says raising her voice and turning towards Kyoko with a proud smile, "have that great honour as the newest Suyin Warrior,"

The Eclipse Begins

Unseen by those within the mansion, the first sliver of the sun slips behind the moon. An insignificant sliver, not even visible from the ground yet, but it has a profound effect.

Spoiler: Firebenders

Show

It's cold. So, so cold. It's like part of your soul has frozen. And, worse, the sensation - the certainty - that all your life you have been watched, that Agni has always been there to see your triumphs and your tears - has diminished. It's like night, but a thousand times worse.

This is wrong.

-2 penalty to Firebending tests.

Spoiler: Fire Nationals

Show

A shiver runs down your spine, and a little bit of certainty drains out of your life. It's like something important has been sucked away from you.

Spoiler: Waterbenders

Show

You feel the swell and surge of the tides within you; your blood thrums with the power of the moon as she blocks her brother's gaze.

But, for all that, your thoughts drift towards home, and your family. When did you last see them? What are they doing now?

With power, comes regret - it is far too long since you last saw them.

+2 bonus to Waterbending tests.

Spoiler: Water Tribals

Show

You feel a curious delight run through you; paradoxically entwinned with a regret that you are so far from home, from your family.

Inside the Mansion

In the distance, there's a dull rumble of thunder.

Spoiler: Airbenders

Show

Something tugs at you; whispers in your ear in half-heard voices. Calling you, beckoning you. Crying out for you to embrace the wind.

These walls feel stifling, suddenly, too small, too constrained. You wish you could see the open skies and fly forever.

+1 bonus to Airbending tests.

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

Kyoko is secretly relieved to hear Lin ask the same questions that were running through her own mind. As Lian begins explaining, though, the color starts draining from Kyoko's face. By the time her sensei mentions Kyoko's personal honor, her vision starts to blacken around the edges. She stares, frozen and slightly slack-jawed, at Lian. It appears her brain is having trouble processing all of this news. Why would a trainee like her have such an honor? Why hadn't she ever heard of this responsibility before now? Wasn't she just here to witness history and train a bit with her superiors?

After several silent and uncomfortable moments, the darkness on the edges of her vision begin to clear, and Kyoko's brain and jaw work hard to overcome lost time. She opens and closes her mouth several times without a sound before finding her voice again.

"I thought...I mean...we always...when..." Apparently her brain had not caught all the way up yet. And when in doubt, rely on training.

Kyoko bows low to Lian, hiding her still ashen face behind her voloumous sleeves. "Yes, Sensei. I humbly thank you and ask that you please continue to take care of me as I work hard to bring honor to our homeland." She raises a pale face to reveal confused eyes, but with a more determined set to her jaw.

Kyoko muses to herself: Chasing purse snatchers and taking-down drunk thugs, no problem. Why, oh why, did it have to be public speaking?

[jamieth]

Lin
"Suyin... Warrior?" Lin whispers to Kyoko, not really getting it, "Kyoko, you're a..?" she stops herself. There's no point in askingwhether her new... friend? is really a Suyin Warrior when Lin has no idea what it means... But the "warrior" part seems rather clear, at least. "So... You'll get to stand there, right besides the Avatar... Wow, I am so envious... Eh, and what about our promise to share the traditional dances?"

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

"We can still find time to share dances after the ceremony, can we not?" Kyoko responds to Lin. Whispering directly to her in a lower voice so her sensei won't overhear, she adds, "Actually, having something else so focus on would help me feel calmer. I am not confident about being on stage."

[Comissar]

Akemi

Akemi shivered, instinctively glancing up. Seeing only the ceiling, she pulled her clothes tighter around her body, trying to warm herself again, as she followed the Nun deeper into the building.

[Aneurin]

Lian places her hand on Kyoko's shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"I am proud of you, my student. All of Suyin will be proud of you," she says with genuine warmth in her voice. If she had more to say, though, it's interrupted by voices from above.

Turning to look up the stairs you see a stern-looking woman with slate-grey hair and pale gold eyes descending the stairs flanked by a pair of Fire Sages who are doing their level best to bow and scrape while walking. Seeing the group, she raises a hand - silencing the two Sages mid-grovel. They bow, hands shaping the Flame, and retreat up the stairs.

Kenji suddenly feels Cetan's hand gripping his arm, fingers digging in tightly as the woman descends. Kurukalla walks up to her sedately, and gives her a small bow.

"Greetings, Governor Imae. May I introduce Warrior Lian of Suyin, and her pupil?" Kurukalla says formally. Imae's eyes latch on to her and seem to burn.

"Shaman. I do not appreciate you offering hospitality on my behalf," she snaps. "And I require no introduction; the Warrior and I have conversed already - and I believe I recognise my own son," the golden eyes flicker to the armoured figure stood to one side of the group, who bows deeply.

"As for the others," she begins, her eyes roving over the group. Then she stops. Stares. Gapes. The hand on Kenji's arm squeezes hard enough it threatens to break bone.

"Avatar," Lady Imae hisses, reaching out and grabbing Lin by the arm. "What are you doing here? Half the Home Guard is out searching for you! Where have you been? You must come with me at once," Without waiting for an answer, she begins dragging Lin up the stairs. "Lieutenant Hiro, come with me," she calls back down.

As Lin struggles against the grip, she finds that Governor Imae's grip is significantly stronger than steel - no matter how she wriggles, struggles and kicks she can't break free.

As the upstairs door swings closed behind Hiro, Lin and Imae, Kurukalla turns to the group with a faintly amused gleam in her eyes.

"Well, the Avatar in your little group, brought here by chance? Imagine that," she smiles faintly. "And an Avatar with no whisper of fire to her, no less. A sussurruss of water, perhaps, but no fire, or air, or earth. How strange..."

Raising her hand, she fingers begin spinning and twirling, shaping a tiny globe of air that balances on her finger tips. "But someone here just shouts of fire. Someone who shouldn't,"

With that, Kurukalla releases the little ball of air that drifts aimlessly over the group. She watches as it dances over each head in turn.

"Someone who should speak of air, and air alone..."

As the globe passes over Cetan's hooded head it suddenly dives - inside the gap between hood and mask before exploding in a blast that flings both hood and mask away, revealing...

Lin? What? The teary-eyed girl under the hood and mask looks exactly like Lin, right down to her hair style.

Next time on Avatar: Darkest Days...

Thunder booms deafeningly, impossibly close as Imae catches a second lightningbolt, swirls it around her in one great arc before releasing it to blast the shrieking wind spirit from the roof of the mansion.

...

"Unagi! Unagi in the harbour!"

...

"Kyoko; remember Suyin. Remember what he gave that others may live. Run, run now, my child. Live," Lian gently releases Kyoko's face, and draws her katana. It flashes as lightning blasts through the air again, mirroring the steel in her teacher's eyes.

[purepolarpanzer]

Enokka

Enokka remains bowed and silent throughout the proceedings. He was so lost to the political actions of the Suyin, the Avatar, and more that he was literally cowed. Eyes wide, trembling, he listens to the exchanges while the eclipse fills him with memories of his sister and the pang of regret he always held blossomed inside his chest. The rush of power, the reckless joy, a twinge of sorrow that becomes a flood, and the confusion were too much for the sick boy. He started coughing, taking the scarf down from his mouth. It would have been a convenient way to cover the sobbing, but his tears choked him and he lost all the air in his lungs. Holding himself hard across the ribs and thinking as loud as he can OPEN UP AND BREATHE! as he remained silent and on his knees. When the Avatar was escorted out and Cetan was revealed as a seeming doppleganger, he lost the strength in his legs and rolled onto his side, the impact jarring him enough to suck in a few breaths, a complete mess, but still alive.

[jamieth]

Lin
As she was dragged along the stairs, Lin was too busy being completely dumbfounded to properly resist anyway. She dreamed of suddenly learning about being an Avatar when she was a kid, of course - probably every single Fire nation kid of the correct age did - but that didn't mean... Lin was quite sure she wasn't. For starters... she couldn't bend, and that was kinda the requirement, wasn't it? But, for some reason, she believed it wouldn't do good trying to explain that to the Governor. So... turning around to Kyoko and trying to convey the idea of "No, I've no idea what happens either" with her face, she decides to ad-lib it for now... after all, childhood dreams don't come true every day, and, after everything becomes clear... well, it wasn't the first time today she was prepared to adopt "run away, really fast" as a strategy

[Aneurin]

Book 1 - Air
Chapter 2 - Old Endings

Lin

After a prolonged period of business happening to Lin, she at last finds herself relatively alone - aside from the ever-present servants dancing attendence on her, at any rate.

With incredible speed and efficiency, she's found herself stripped, scrubbed, primped, preened, made-up, redressed and scolded at length for disappearing by no less than five Fire Sages. Not necessarily in that order. Lin's not quite sure at what point Governor Imae and Hiro disappeared - she has a vague idea that it had something to do with her old clothes being burnt - but she's not seen them in a while.

Of course, this has left her being mauled by strangers - her hair remorselessly washed, combed and braided, and her nails mercilessly manicured - all while the gnawing sliver of ice lodged deep in the fiery core of her soul grows stronger, and stronger threatening to swallow her entirely.

Spoiler: Lin

Show

Alright. You are in a room with three servants, currently waiting for the end of the eclipse. You have reason to believe there are many armed guards outside.

Your current appearance is up to you, should you care to describe it; I suggest going with 'extra fancy' given the occasion.

Stuff will happen presently, but for now feel free to ask any questions of the servants. They're quite willing to fetch you anything you desire, as well.

Cetan & Co.

With remarkable foresight and tact, Kurukalla has shepherded the group in to a changeing room before the inquisition begins - with Lian dragging the unfortunately insensate Enokka behind them.

On the side sit a variety of ceremonial costumes - mostly antiquated Earth Kingdom styles - ready for use. In one corner stands a full-length mirror, and a number of modesty screens line the walls for changeing behind. It seems someone has tried to put their Suyin guests at ease by bringing in every green decoration they can find - the result is... erratic.

A long table covered in brushes, combs, paints, hand-mirrors and other fripperies dominates the length of one wall, with a number of chairs drawn up to it.

Cetan is sitting next to the table, her head bowed and occasionally fidgeting under the scrutiny of Lian, who's stood in the middle of the room looking alternately angry and confused. Kurukalla stands next to the door, a faint, enigmatic smile on her face.

Cetan - or whatever her name really is - hasn't said a word since her unmasking in the hall. And it doesn't look like she's going to without some prompting, either.

Unfortunately, in the midst of the shock and amazement, Enokka has been slightly neglected and is laid out on the floor with a damp cloth on his forehead until he recovers.

Feng

The old man comes to stand beside you as the skies grow dark - the clouds blotting out what little light is left by the growing eclipse - and the worried murmur running through the crowd is drowned out by the rising scream of the wind.

Actually, that's kind of worrying - the wind actually sounds like screaming...

Spoiler: A note for all on the passage of time

Show

Now, this could get messy with three separate post groups and differing speeds of plot for you all so we're going to run on Narrative Convenience Time.

What's Narrative Convenience Time, I hear you ask - well, it basically means that when I say you meet up then you meet up. Please try not to talk about just how long it's been since you last saw each other

You shouldn't end up hideously out of sync anyway, but for the sake of me not getting hideously confused when I forget we'll do things the easy way if no-one objects.

[EltaninDraco]

Kasa

The younger air nun was visibly unsettled. While her hands clenched restlessly on her staff, her eyes kept darting between her elder, the group, and the not-a-monk Cetan . Kasa had followed nun Kurukalla into the dressing room with the rest, of course, but even with the distractions of costumes and paints she couldn't shake the pressing desire to be out in the open air. She didn't want to be here, in this windowless room so cut off from the sky...

But she was really curious about the young girl dressed as an air nomad who had gone to such great lengths to hide who she was.

Well, why not solve two problems at once? Hiding her anxiety behind a grin she addressed the group "Well these outfits look quite exciting, but I'm good with my robes, they have served me quite well in the past and I'm sure they will be fine now. And since I don't need to change, I'll just wait outside while you guys do."Then moving towards the exit she gestures to the girl who was Cetan."Why don't you come with me? We can get out of everyone's way and out into the fresh air... "

And with that Kasa headed straight for the exit, surreptitiously glancing at nun Kurukalla to gauge her reaction.

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

Assessing the situation, Kyoko began ranking her priorities. Enokka was breathing again, and out of serious danger, as far as she could tell, for the time being. Lian looked angry, but she had seen that face before. Kyoko could wait to deal with that. Kuru...whatever her name is looked awfully pleased with herself. Kyoko would come back to that soon. Cetan was upset, but in no physical danger. But Lin...Lin was taken away and alone.

First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, and only then, would she start working out puzzles. "Is Lin alright on her own? They took her away thinking she was you." Kyoko steadily walked over to Cetan, lowering herself on one knee to look up into Cetan's face. She had to know if whatever was upsetting Cetan...the Avatar of all people, was a danger to Lin. She had made a promise, after all.

Once she knew everyone was safe, then she could find out why her new friend was so upset. And maybe if Cetan was really her name.

[jamieth]

At last, the all the commotion ends and Lyn, cleanest she was for the last several months at least and better dressed than she was... ever in her life, is left relatively alone. Which, of course, means something would start happening again really soon... better to be ready for it. As ready as circumstances permit, at least. If only I knew what exactly I have to be ready for... "Just to make sure we're on the same page here", she raises her hand, attracting the servants' attention, and asks, trying to put "of course I know it myself, just making sure you do" expression on her face, asks, "what happens next?"

Spoiler

Show

Bluff check if needed: (1d20+10)[16]
Oh, just in case... what would be the skill to mimic the bending styles' movements? Bluff?

[Hemnon]

Kana

Kana was supporting Enokka as they all entered the changing room. She felt a bit concerned for him, but if he wished for any more help, he was more than able to ask.

Even though there was all those clothes and ceramonial outfits, Kana felt no wish to take any of it on at all. She was Water tribe and was not about play dress up to fit the scene. if they didn't want a water bender showing her nationality, they could ask her to leave and she would. But right now, her mind as mostly on the surprising reveal of who 'Cetan' actually was... or wasn't.

[purepolarpanzer]

Enokka

Supported heavily on Kana's arm, Eno coughed deeply once or twice, but seemed to have recovered... mostly. He still looked like he'd been trampled by sky bison, hair askew and clothing crumpled in all the wrong places. Kana would get her first good look at Eno as he removed his scarf to better breathe.

Spoiler

Show

Not sure what the DC to know me would be, I am wanted.

Thank you, miss. He coughed again, wiping his lips, still shaking slightly. His face burned with shame, but he could do little but clutch to her. He tried to retain what dignity he could. My... cold... isn't a cold. I will not be a burden any longer then I must. I... cannot say more.

When he spots the make up and brushes, slumping off of Kana and heading over, a small smile on his face. He remembered his sister's make up- more extensive then most girls, but much more practical for people in their "trade". He began to clean himself up, taking his time, using the lighter colors to smooth out the blush in his cheeks, as well as add some color. Then he began to straighten his clothes with a practiced hand, breathing growing steadier as he fell into the task. Soon he looked downright presentable, healthier, and his features had been altered subtly enough that most would not recognize him.

Spoiler

Show

Take 10 on a disguise for a total of 22.

[Aneurin]

Lin

Ignoring the jealous look her two comrades shoot her, the woman that Lin called out to glides over with a delighted expression on her face. She's dressed in fine red silks, with all the trappings of nobility; the weave of the silk, the strength of the colour, the golden trim and, of course, the noble insignias. It's quite likely that this woman - girl, really - is a daughter of a noble house who has won the honour of attending the Avatar.

"Well," she gushes slightly, as her face colours. She really is quite young. "Soon, Governor Imae will come and collect you and tell you about the ceremony and what you'll need to do for that - though of course I'm sure you'll already know because you've done it so many times before - and then they'll take you out through that door and you'll go and meet everyone and everyone will be told who you are and you'll choose your first companions and then you'll come back for the feast and then you'll stay here tonight and tomorrow you'll set off on your journey-"

She breaks off for breath - Lin may wish to sieze the opportunity to interrupt before the young lady resumes talking. She may not stop again.

Spoiler

Show

Mm. Yeah, Bluff should cover it - though Knowledge: Bending would certainly provide a synergy bonus. You could probably sell me on Disguise, too.

'Cetan' & Co.

As Kasa tries to leave, Kurukalla extends an arm to bar her way - an expression of slight regret on her face, as if she empathises with Kasa's claustrophobia.

"I am sorry, young one, but until you are called it would be inadvisable to leave this room," she says quietly. "You would most likely be aprehended and imprisoned by the guards under the belief that you are an assassin - Dark Sun is considered a time of rebirth, but for Tui to deny Agni's gaze to his children puts them on edge,"

Cetan, her hood hanging loosely around her shoulders, doesn't look up as she responds to Kyoko's question;

"Lin will be fine. They think she's me - they won't hurt her. All they'll do is dress her up, and make her stand around, and talk at her and... ugh," she sighs. "Just one ceremony after another. Oh, and they'll probably lecture her for a while on running away," she gives her toes a faint, guilty smile. "They'll be upset by that, I guess. I'm probably going to owe her,"

She swing her feet in silence again for a few moments.

"I'm... sorry," she whispers. "I just wanted to have one last day not being the Avatar,"


Everyone In The Governor's Mansion

Listen checks, please.

Spoiler: DC 0

Show

There's a bit of noise from outside the room.

Spoiler: DC 10

Show

There's a faint 'thump', like something hit a wall. The noise outside is probably the sound of people moving around in the room above.

Spoiler: DC 20

Show

That thump sounded a lot like something large colliding with a major wall, and from out in the corridor you can hear voices, though they're hard to pick out over the noises from above. They sound worried.

Spoiler: DC 30

Show

It's hard to pick out individual words, but 'storm', 'spirits' and 'Avatar' are definitely in there.

[jamieth]

Lin
"Uh, well, sure, I did ti before, but, eh, it's all kinda fuzzy, you see, it's not like all the Avatars are in my head all the time, you see, that would be kinda inconvenient, right?" Lin stops abruptly as a number of keywords finally reaches her mind. "Companions. Journey. Ooohhh-kay, got it." Yeah, I got it. I have till tonight to settle this mess. Or at least get out of it and let the real Avatar settle it. Though maybe I can afford staying for the feast, at least? Deep in thoughs, Lin starts pacing back and forth across the room - on her hands.

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

Standing back up, Kyoko looks over Cetan's depressed figure. All her life, Kyoko has strived to become her ideal, a Kyoshi warrior. Yet even with all of the hard work and responsibility, she enjoyed her little bouts of fun. Coming to a decision, she nods. "Okay." She keeps her eyes on Cetan as she addresses the room at large.

"The way I see it, as long as nobody is in danger, this is not my secret to tell." Kyoko switches her gaze from Cetan to Kurukalia. "The secret belongs to Cetan, so until Cetan says otherwise, I plan to concentrate on whatever I need to learn for the upcoming ceremony. Of course, what everyone else decides to do is up to them." Turning to look at Cetan again, she adds, "If you need help when it is time to switch back with Lin, I will do what I can. If I think anyone is being harmed from your deception, I will do what I must." Tilting her head to one side, Kyoko sizes up Cetan, and says, "But I am sure you would act first yourself, would you not?"

Kyoko leaves Cetan's side, confident that if she has more she wants to talk about, she will. Approaching Lian, she bows respectfully and asks for her guidance in getting ready.

[EltaninDraco]

A considering look crosses Kasa's face as she weighs her chances of slipping past fireless-firebending guards - really, how had could it be? Then she hears the exchange between Kyoko and Cetan and decides people are being a little too serious. A deep breath centers her, and she pushes down her uneasiness to refocus on the others.

"Don't be so glum Cetan, what's done is done. Lin'll be fine, Nun Kurukalla is here and doesn't seem to object, so it'll all be sorted out. That means that for now you can still have a good time! ... Hmm.. is it still 'Cetan' now that you're the Avatar and all? Anyway, I'm sure you're feeling a bit out of sorts what with the eclipse and all, but hey, you've got the other elements right? Have you started on air yet? It's quite a lot of fun!"

Kasa looks around a moment, then walks to an empty patch of wall and casually pulls a chair from the makeup table to her with a breeze. Then sits on it cross-legged and pulls out a bundle of short bamboo tubes of different lengths and some braided twine, which a moment later have been converted into a circular pan flute resting in her lap.

"How about a bit of music as we wait?" Kasa asks, shooting Catan a grin. Then with a fair bit of concentration she bends a stream of air around and across the pipes, creating a simple but jaunty melody popular at the western air temple.

After a minute she addresses the room at large, "Any requests?"

[purepolarpanzer]

Enokka

The secret belongs to you miss... as do the responsibilities of what happens if it is discovered that you are away. It doesn't seem that is is a regular ceremony, and this is certainly not a regular day. He closes a jar of white face make up with a satisfying click, letting the gravity of his words sink in before turning and smiling, his face bright and care free, the face of a different person due to his behavior as much as all the make up.However, I choose to live free of responsibility, and it would be wrong of me to judge you based on how you handle yours. You are a much more important person then I am, but I would think that would lead one to need longer vacations.

Hearing the sound outside the room, his face becomes serious immediately. He stands, putting a hand on his long blade, curved in the shape of a wave with a mottled blue metal, a favorite of his people. A brick sized drop of water is drawn from the skin wrapped around his body, pulled out as a stream but collecting quickly as he looks around, listening intently. Sounds like trouble. I wonder what's going on? Returning his attention to Cetan, his face is calm but cold, like snow over a hill can betray a storm. Can you fight, Avatar? Someone is thumping and bumping around quite animatedly.

[Aneurin]

Book 1 - Air
Chapter 2 - Old Endings

The room you've found yourselves in is spacious and sumptuously decorated. From the greens and browns that dominate it, it's probably been set aside for Earth Kingdom guests.

There are formal clothes laid out on a long table, mostly in antiquated Earth Kingdom style - Kyoko recognises them as the ceremonial robes of Kyoshi - and several modesty screens are tucked discreetly into corners. The brushes and other tools for applying the famed Kyoshi Kabuki paint lie on a second table, along with combs and other fripperies, in front of a set of small mirrors set in to the wall.

Cetan is sat on a chair in the middle of the room, her head down, and her hands clenching and unclenching nervously in her lap. She hasn't looked at anyone since her de-hooding in the hallway. Nun Kurukalla is stood behind Cetan, at her left shoulder with a faint smile on her lips. Warrior Lian is by the door, half on guard against nosy guards, half on guard against escaping Avatars - her expression seems to be swinging between bewildered, deferent and angry.

Cetan isn't about to say anything, Kurukalla is being inscrutable and Lian has yet to decide on how to treat an errant Avatar. The silence is stretching on, and on, and on and shows no signs of ending soon.

What do you do?

[Flower Girl]

Kyoko

Assessing the situation, Kyoko began ranking her priorities. Enokka was breathing again, and out of serious danger, as far as she could tell, for the time being. Lian looked angry, but she had seen that face before. Kyoko could wait to deal with that. Kuru...whatever her name is looked awfully pleased with herself. Kyoko would come back to that soon. Cetan was upset, but in no physical danger. But Lin...Lin was taken away and alone.

First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, and only then, would she start working out puzzles. "Is Lin alright on her own? They took her away thinking she was you." Kyoko steadily walked over to Cetan, lowering herself on one knee to look up into Cetan's face. She had to know if whatever was upsetting Cetan...the Avatar of all people, was a danger to Lin. She had made a promise, after all.

Once she knew everyone was safe, then she could find out why her new friend was so upset. And maybe if Cetan was really her name.

[EltaninDraco]

The sky was calling, and she couldn't get to it - and it was getting harder to think of anything else. A glance towards Nun Kurukalla's calm demeanor helped Kasa convince herself that she would be ok, though she couldn't quite stop her hands from clenching on her staff. Looking back to the door, Kasa had the feeling she wasn't going to be getting out of this room any time soon, so she set her focus to the others in the room with her.

Watching Cetan, Kasa wondered what exactly it was that had the girl so quiet - sure she's been caught out at her fun, but no one was hurt and she hasn't even been punished yet. "I'm sure no one in this place would let harm come to the one they think is the avatar" Kasa says, trying to allay the worry in the young warrior. Then she turns to 'Cetan' with a smile; "Now that the game is up, and a fun one it was while it lasted, can you tell us your name? From the looks of things, you aren't in too much trouble yet, so there's no point being so down - I'm sure things will turn out alright." Then a thought hits her "Wait, if you're the Avatar... can you feel the sky calling too? Nun Kurukalla, do you know what's happening?"

[Aneurin]

'Cetan' opens her mouth to answer.

"The Air Nomads would be honoured if the Avatar bears a name of their people," Nun Kurukalla gets there first, though, completely quashing whatever it was the girl had been about to say. "And I believe it unlikely the Avatar is aware of the sky's call; she is not a true child of Air as you or I, and while she is a friend to the Great Spirits she is not beloved by Tengri as you or I," the Air Nun adds, in answer to Kasa's question.

Cetan opens and closes her mouth a few more times soundlessly, before apparently giving up in the face of Kurukalla's help.

"I'm sorry," she says, not meeting anyone's eyes. "I just... I just wanted a day out, a day as me," she goes on in a voice as tall as an ant-hopper. "Not the Avatar, not the Hope of the World, not the Balance, just... me. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble," she fidgets uncomfortably for a few moments, her hands clenching and unclenching on the hem of her sandy shirt.

"Your friend will be fine," she blurts out, and blushes. "I mean, they might tell her off a bit... but nothing else. Just dress her up and talk to her about duty and honour and obligation and how the World Needs her..." she trails off, aimlessly.