One Thousand Steps [Closed, Started]

[Chilifro]

Wei nodded, keeping the disappointment off of his face as best as he could. "I'll do that, thank you," he said, bowing low to show his appreciation. Then he directed his gaze the storm clouds, his brow furrowing with worry. More people might be getting caught in that, he thought, shaking his head. The dangers of boats, I guess. That's why I like the land better.

He turned back to the old man when he mentioned both his name and the village of Tempen, which was described to only be about an hour off, and (music to his ears) the offered food and rest. He allowed a smile to crease his face, and he bowed again. "I'm Wei. Thank you for the hospitality, Oktaru. I, personally, am gladly going to accept," he said. "Although, first -- I'd appreciate it if one of you could dry me off. I don't trust myself to bending this sand effectively," he added apologetically, giving a little chuckle.

 

[VuvuZelaMan]

The boat

Boat's leaving on time, everything looks good.

Chao Ming was currently on board one of the ships heading to Kyoshi Island, looking out over one of the side railings with that ever-present smile on her face. She was unaccompanied, anticipating her arrival to the isolationist island.

And hopefully I'll have better luck finding work there. I did like the more urban areas, but... Ah, whatever. I can't imagine anything going more wrong than the 'Flopsy' incident. It's still funny that they thought I would dive into the road like that...

As Chao reminisced about her recent past, a large wave crashed into the boat, sending her hat into the water. Well, hm, I liked that hat.

The waves continued to get worse, and Chao soon found herself struggling to get back inside. As she made it near the cabin door, a rogue wave caught her, pulling her and a crate over the edge. Desperately clinging to the crate, she looked up one last time, seeing people evacuating the boat.

Well, good. At least someone noticed...

Burnt Paw Island

The next sensation Chao felt was warm sand, and a cold wave passing overhead. What... what happened...? A second wave crashed into her, prompting her to look up dazedly from the sand.

"Ow..." My head... Chao reached over her shoulder for her staff, feeling that it and her satchel were still there. Using the staff as a cane, she tried to stand up, only vaguely remembering what happened.

Voices? Up on one foot now, she tried to see who was talking. "Hello?"

 

[Drummodino]

"You wouldn't have any water would you? I have a terrible thirst, I'm sure you understand."

"Sorry buddy, afraid I don't. Wouldn't mind some myself actually, now that you mention it," Satoru replied. Something seemed a little weird about this guy, like he wasn't all there or something. Pushing the thought out of his mind for the moment, Satoru turned to the old man who was talking to the other survivors.

"The village Tempen is about an hour that way. I think it'd be good to get some food and rest before setting off to Kyoshi. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Oktaru; shall we?"

"Sounds good to me Gramps, I'm starving. Name's Satoru by the way. If everyone's recovered, let's get a move on."

Walking over to his still damp possessions, Satoru quickly packed them up and returned to the group. It seemed the final survivor had woken up, a girl who looked like she was around Satoru's age. Even though she appeared a little worse for wear, Satoru thought she looked rather pretty.

"Hello?"

"Hey there," Satoru said, flashing what he thought was a winning smile. "Glad to see you're okay. This old man says there's a village not too far from here we can get help. You coming?"

 

[CrazyGirl17]

"The village Tempen is about an hour that way. I think it'd be good to get some food and rest before setting off to Kyoshi. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Oktaru; shall we?"

Guiren sighed. "Fine, fine." I guess I could give whoever sent the message another day...

After checking his knife one last time, he clipped it to his belt. " By the way, can someone dry my bag out? I'd rather not have my worldly possessions be totally damp."

 

[DarkRawen]

Zira found herself only watching as the rest woke up, every time someone looked like they needed help, someone else got there first. There was an airbender there, looking like she was about Zira's age. The girl was drying other people's clothes, from the looks of it.

That's so practical.

Zira thought, and stood up. She had only tried to dry her own clothes once, and that had resulted in more than one hole burned into the clothing. That was why she walked over to the airbender, and smiled. "Hi!" she greeted the other cheerfully, partly because it was the only thing that could be done in a situation like this, thinking about the most likely horrible event that had brought them there wasn't going to do her any good now.

"I'm Zira, could you dry my clothes too?"


"The village Tempen is about an hour that way. I think it'd be good to get some food and rest before setting off to Kyoshi. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Oktaru; shall we?"

"Ah, yeah, please wait a little, I'd like to have my clothes dried first!" she exclaimed, and looked at the other girl again, noticing, but not minding, that she was shorter than the other despite their presumably close age. "If it's fine with you, of course."

 

[booksv2]

"The village Tempen is about an hour that way. I think it'd be good to get some food and rest before setting off to Kyoshi. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Oktaru; shall we?"

Looking up as the bender stops putting waves over the people on the beach Koazon steps forward and nods at Oktaru.
"my name is Koazon, we should move now before that storm makes it near impossible to get to where we want to get to."

Looking around and see someone else walk up to the air bender, probably to get herself dried off before we start on an hour long trek through the island to get to the closest town. Opening his pack Koazon pulls out the buckler inside it and puts it over his arm, drawing water from the ocean and once its on the shield he freezes it so its a good inch thick. Hefting the shield and nodding at its weight he turns to the forest and walks over to it, stopping at the edge and turning to look at everyone.

"I am ready to go, i say we should go now before that storm dumps a few tigerturtles worth of rain on us."

 

[VuvuZelaMan]

"Hey there," Satoru said, flashing what he thought was a winning smile. "Glad to see you're okay. This old man says there's a village not too far from here we can get help. You coming?"

Happy to hear any response (let alone it being a concerned guy coming to her aid), Chao looked up and weakly smiled back.
"Yeah, that sounds good..."
She finished getting up, leaning on her staff as her wet clothes weighed down upon her. Chao collected herself for a moment before standing more straight, trying not to keep anyone any longer and power through the headache.

"I'm Chao Ming, by the way. Nice to meet you."

 

[IFS]

"I'm Zira, could you dry my clothes too?"

"Sure," she said, the cloth would no doubt hold more water than the other person's belongings so she readied herself to throw a more powerful blast this time, though still trying to keep it from getting too strong. Don't want to blast anyone off their feet after all.

"Brace yourself," she warned, before taking a deep breath and exhaling as she pushed a gust of wind into Zira, sustaining it for a few moments before relaxing.

"Hope that helped," she said "I'm Amala by the way."

"The village Tempen is about an hour that way. I think it'd be good to get some food and rest before setting off to Kyoshi. Oh, where are my manners. My name is Oktaru; shall we?"

"Yeah lets get moving," she said, nodding in agreement "Lead the way."

 

[StormShaun]

Souzin Storum, Oktaru, and the shipwrecked crew.
Location: Burnt Paw Island

Spotting another girl, fear of his personal space came into mind and Souzin moved out of the way quickly, leaving the two girls to interact with one and another. His face was covered in a red blush, once more fearing the amount of people around him. ("Phew, close.") Souzin quickly thought before getting away, until he Spotted the older man who had woken him up, wanting to move away from the beach and to get away for society, Souzin swallowed his fear and moved towards the old man and the people surrounding him.

Tapping on Oktaru's shoulder really quickly, Souzin gave him a quick bow just like the airbending girl. "Thank you for helping us ... with the waking up and that ..." Souzin said, voice quick and once more his tone was leaving pauses in his words. Yet when he thanked the old man he had a happy aura about him, thanking people and seeing people help others surely placed a smile upon him.

After rising from the bow, Souzin took several steps from the conversation, staying closest to Oktaru, since Souzin had a lot of experience with talking to his grandfather the most out of his entire family, sure he talked to his siblings but they were both older than him. It had seemed that Souzin did not have much experience with talking to the younger population of the world.

 

[Green Shoes]

Okataru's eyes sharpened at Wei's comment as he paused to let the airbender dry the others. It was certainly a neat little trick, though an airbender was sure to draw attention in the village. The old man hoped most people would be inside by the time they passed through.

Hospitality? Oh dear.

Nodding back at the water-bender, Oktaru noticed his ice-shield, glistening in the little sunlight that remained, as the sky continued to cloud over. Picking up the pace again, he exchanged small pleasantries with the fellow water-bender. While it was certainly a tenuous connection, it was common ground nonetheless.

"Good to meet you Kaozon. Is your family from the North or South?"

Hearing a distinctly different voice joining the general murmuring behind him, Oktaru called out over his shoulder as he walked, eager to both offer what little help he could give, and return under cover before the storm hit.

"Nice to meet you Chao. I can have a look at any injuries you have when we stop in Tempen. I'm sure with a little rest and all that..."

Pausing to return Souzin's short bow, Oktaru smiled. Waking the stranded was something he thought anyone would do, though it was certainly nice to be recognized for it. Studying the sharp, dark-featured youth, Oktaru raised his hands in a gesture of modesty.

"Anyone would have done the same. So, we have Chao, Kaozon, Zira, Satoru, Wei, you, the air-bender, and a few silent types. Do you all know eachother?"

The last question was directed to anyone, though as he finished it the clouds above finally opened, and the first drops of rain fell on the sand before them. The distant echo of thunder rumbled across the sky, and the shadows of the nearby trees vanished as the sun was concealed. Rounding the corner, the group came upon the outskirts of Tempen. The village itself was a port-town; the jettys and harbour extending some way into the ocean; the buildings getting smaller as they fell away from the port. Most of the buildings were made of both stone and wood, fashioned in a squat and heavy manner. Towering over the other establishments was the several story Department of Commerce; a clearly new and bureaucratic building.

Nestled at the end of a path that twisted through a patch of forest to meet the beach was Oktaru's home; squat and wooden, there were several extensions coming off the square building at odd angles; questionably made storm-covers and screens, as well as a small fence surrounding a fruit & vegetable garden.

Stopping near his home, Oktaru awkwardly scratched his head before turning to the group. The wind and rain increased, bending the thin trees nearby, and sending sand billowing past.

"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

Leaning somewhat on his staff, he watched the shipwrecked carefully; would he need to direct them further into the city? Did they plan on staying? Would they eat all of his food?

Spoiler: Active Bending

Kaozon; Ice-shield. Low energy cost.

Spoiler: Tempen Points of Interest

Buildings still Open:
Flaming Wolf Food & Rest
The Morsei Hotel
Jin Jin's 24/7 Noodles

If you travel into town, most other places will be closed and preparing for the storm.

 

[Drummodino]

"I'm Chao Ming, by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you as well. I'm Satoru." The girl didn't appear to have fully recovered, but she looked determined to not let it hold her back.

"Anyone would have done the same. So, we have Chao, Kaozon, Zira, Satoru, Wei, you, the air-bender, and a few silent types. Do you all know eachother?"

"Sorry, don't know any of these folks Gramps. I was travelling alone," Satoru directed towards Oktaru. At that moment the clouds opened up and rain started to fall. The sound of thunder rumbled in the distance.

"I think it's high time we got going, otherwise all that fancy clothes drying will be for naught."

[hr]

Tempen - Outside Oktaru's Residence:

Having lived in Republic City all his life, Tempen was a new experience for Satoru. Small jetties, dwellings and stores built from a combination of wood and stone, it was like something out of a mover. It was a far cry from the architecture he was used to, although the largest building in town did appear to be rather modern. It paled in comparison to your average Republic City building however.

"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

Still drenched from the near drowning and subsequent rain, Satoru shivered as he listened to Oktaru speak. He had to get somewhere warm fast or risk catching a chill. His stomach growled as well, he hadn't wanted to eat any of his meager food supply until he'd seen if there was a good meal to be had here.

"Thanks for the help Gramps, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up. Well I'm going to go look for an inn or something where I can get warm, dry off and find some decent food. Does anybody wish to accompany me?" Satoru asked, looking around at the group.

 

[StormShaun]

[hr]

Souzin Storum, Oktaru, and the shipwrecked crew.
Location: Burnt Paw Island | Outside Oktaru's home.

[hr]

Travelling a few meters to the side of the group, nearest to Oktaru, Souzin was examining his surroundings, certainly he looked forward to seeing the world, but he never imagined that he would end up shipwrecked on an island, a civilized one at that. ("Least they are not cannibals ... I think.") He thought the joke up in his head and chuckling to himself in a low tone.

Counting himself luck that he actually arrived at this certain island instead of an actual island with cannibals or evil spirits, Souzin came to Oktaru's home with the rest of the group, hearing to Oktaru talking about lack of accommodation, Souzin came a bit closer. "I do not know anyone, maybe if anyone Earthbends, they can make a bit more shelter or even tents out here?" Souzin said in a quiet tone, not much awkward this time. Suddenly remembering something, Souzin stopped talking and began to check his three ponytails and the blue formal ribbons that kept them apart on each single tail.

Counting all of them, Souzin gave a sigh of relief before coming back to the conversation. "Sorry about that ... but if I can say anything is that I would remain here, I don't even mind setting my own little ... tent out here, unfortunately I can't Earthbend." Souzin said in a quiet tone as he examined the environment, wondering if he might have to construct his own camp if Oktaru doesn't have enough room, "I would rather do this, than bother someone this late." He gave a light chuckle and a small smile.

"This ... depends on everyone else." Souzin said lastly as his gaze slowly came upon everyone else that had followed them before turning silent once again and giving a shake of the head towards Satoru, pulling over his green hood to cover head. The bad news was that all of Souzin's food was wet and destroyed, his other clothes still damp, and he did not want to waste any of his work money for now, worst of all was that he was wet.

Keeping his cool, Souzin just wanted to sleep some place warm, even if he has to construct a home-made camp with a fire made from 'special' means (Firebending).

 

[PrinceOfShapeir]

Shana checked herselr over, noting to her satisfaction that she had held onto her money, at least enough to get a warm meal, walls, and a fire.

"I assume that Republic Yuans are accepted here? I'd prefer to avoid hunting down whatever would pass for a moneychanger here." If that were the case she'd probably end up dealing with a ferryman or such who had reason to go to Republic City, and would probably rip her off. She'd seen it done a dozen times in the City, vendors short-selling for the price of the foreign currency.

 

[booksv2]

When the rain started coming down hard Koazon lifts his buckler and puts it over his head, keeping it there to keep himself mostly dry as they walk.

"Good to meet you Kaozon. Is your family from the North or South?"
"The southern water tribe, but its been a few years since i was last there. Been traveling for a while."

A bit while later they whole group is in front of Okataru's house. Standing near the back of the group Koazon listens to him as he talks to them all.
"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

Looking around and taking a few steps back Koazon turns to the rest of the town. Walking along the middle of the road his head moves back and forth, looking for somewhere to eat and rest. Walking along for a little he comes up on the Flaming Wolf Food & Rest, looking like a very good place to get a hot meal and a soft bed. Before walking in he hits the edge of his shield on the wall, breaking the ice and letting it fall. Putting it on his back and walking in he nods at the people there, getting shown to a table by a lovely young woman. Seated and just asking her for something hot and big to eat he sits back as he waits, feeling drained from first being swept off the ship and nearly drowning to having to walk for an hour to get here. Half asleep by the time the food got there, leaning over hot soup given to him and just staying there for a bit.

 

[CrazyGirl17]

Guiren followed the old man back to the small village, which in some ways reminded him of the village he grew up in. It was almost enough to make him homesick... almost.

"Anyone would have done the same. So, we have Chao, Kaozon, Zira, Satoru, Wei, you, the air-bender, and a few silent types. Do you all know each other?"

He blinked, realizing the old man was speaking to them. "Not really, no. I don't think we know each other at all."

As they reached the old man's house, the old man added, "Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

Guiren took a moment to think about it. He still had some money, but in a limited amount, and would rather save it unless he needed it.

"I don't mind sleeping outside if I have to." He said gruffly, "I can Earthbend up a shelter if need be, hopefully one that can resist the rain well enough."

He kept quiet that he hadn't use that particular technique in a while, not that he felt they needed to know that...

 

[VuvuZelaMan]

Spoiler: Near Oktaru's House, Tempen

Darkgold is for Oktaru, and blue is for Satoru.

True to Chao's intentions, her head started to clear as the group journeyed to the town of Tempen. And at least the rain was freshwater, that salty feeling was almost worse than being wet in the first place...

When Oktaru indicated that they finally arrived at Tempen, Chao noticed the city (with the exception of the modern Commerce building -- which seemed like the architect spared no effort to ensure everyone knew it was a new building) did look a lot more like her hometown than she had seen for some time. Kinda nostalgic, almost. She took a moment to look it over, her normal expression returning to her face.

"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

"I wouldn't want to impose, especially after you've already helped us up and brought us here."

"Thanks for the help Gramps, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up. Well I'm going to go look for an inn or something where I can get warm, dry off and find some decent food. Does anybody wish to accompany me?"

"That might be for the best," Chao added; inn owners usually seemed to be open at this time of a storm, in her experience.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Anyone would have done the same. So, we have Chao, Kaozon, Zira, Satoru, Wei, you, the air-bender, and a few silent types. Do you all know eachother?"

"I don't think so," Zira replied, as she followed the group. Her memory was still hazy, she knew who she was, and she remembered most of the boat trip, but the rest of it didn't want to appear. She remembered having seen some of them, probably.

"Not until now, at least." She smiled, friendly, but didn't say anything else as they kept walking.

The storm got to them before they got somewhere they could avoid it, and her very newly dried clothes quickly got soaked again, although this time without all the salt and the smell of sea. She took the chance to let her hair out, letting the salt-water wash out of it again before tying it up. Before long, they could see the village, it was very clearly a village relying on its port. They also got to Oktaru's house, from the look of it, a small, wooden house with a garden.

"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in."

Almost everyone else seemed set on heading into the village, however, Zira blushed slightly. She had lost most of her possessions and all of her money, and she doubted there was an inn that would take her in.

"I lost my possessions," she replied. Her smile was forced, as she continued. "And I can't earthbend, only firebend, which won't do me much good for shelter. If it really is fine with you, I'll stay here."

 

[Green Shoes]

Oktaru fumbled with the lock to his home as he spoke to Chao and Satoru; he was glad a few others were to accompany her. Storms had a bad habit of bringing out the worst in people around the island, and a single girl with a staff would pose an easy target.

"Alright, well stay safe. I might see you in town tomorrow anyhow; help you get back to Kyoshi. I know a few sailors who should still be hanging around."

Finally swinging the door open, the entrance way gave way to a humble living space; kitchen and lounge were separated only by a wooden counter; the lounge itself decorated only with a few, squat seats, and a fireplace. The only other rooms in the whole abode were a washroom and small bedroom. Turning to answer Shana, he had less fear for her safety than Chao. Clearly near the peak of physical fitness, Oktaru had little doubt the minor scars had come from the odd scrap or two.

"Yuans are fine, though some of the less responsible merchants will prefer to barter..."

The rain picked up and lightning flashed; the wind howling down the street, carrying leaves and sticks stripped straight from the trees. Looking out from the home, Oktaru pinned the door open against the wind with his staff, ushering those who were staying inside. Matching eyes with the scruffy earthbender, he chuckled somewhat.

"You're free to bend a shelter up, though I think it's warmer inside! All of you are of course welcome, though if you want to brave the storm I can't stop you."

Looking down at Zira, he felt sorry for the girl. It was possibly that what she lost on that boat was all she had. Smiling, he motioned to the fireplace, arching his brows curiously.

"See if you can't get that fire going without burning the place down."

 

[StormShaun]

[hr]

Souzin Storum, Oktaru, Zira and whoever went inside the house.
Location: Burnt Paw Island | Oktaru's home.

[hr]

Standing near Oktaru, the owner of the humble home, Souzin was ushered inside quickly. Seeing the small home Souzin was feeling more comfortable, either due to the lack of rain and wind, or the small space just made Souzin think back to his own home in the Fire Nation. The Storum family ran a farm a tad far from one of the more popular cities in the region, it was a popular farm responsible for many products, the family itself had a manor for the family and a large building nearby for the workers of the farm.

Yet, Souzin was comfortable since his room was almost as small as this little home. Getting himself away from the wind coming in, Souzin took himself to the lounge and gave Zira a short smile, afterwords he sat down next to the seat that had the best view of the lightning, feeling even more calmer while looking at the crackling thunder and lightning. "A fire would be nice ... b-but we're out of the wind." Souzin's voice lingered in the home, barely recognizable over the wind.

Grabbing his shoulders, the cold was starting to set in, it almost made him start the fire himself with his own firebending, yet he didn't want to cause anything bad.

"See if you can't get that fire going without burning the place down."

With that call from Oktaru, Souzin pushed the thought of lighting the fireplace away.
His gaze went to the outside, wondering when the storm might end, yet having no problem if it did not go away.

 

[Lolscilla]

The walk to Oktaru's home took longer than Li had hoped. The people from the beach soldiered on, some talking amoungst themselves, others remaining silent. Li watched the man who questioned his laughter talk to a young woman, "What a charmer." Li thought to himself amused.

"Well, there's Tempen before you. Though at this hour, and with this weather, most business would be closing. You're welcome to rest here until the storm passes, though I don't know how much room inside I have. Otherwise, there's a few local inns and even a new hotel further in." Oktaru said gesturing in its direction.

Li focused himself and finally noticed that it had been raining for the last hour and everyone, including himself, were again soaked. The hut had clearly seen better days and Li was in need of a good nights rest. Li looked at the old man who had revived him, gave a curt nod of thanks, and headed towards town.

[hr]


Tempen:

The weather had worsened over the journey to Tempen. Li was more water than man now, and finding an inn keeper that would let him stay with no money was unlikely. Walking down the street, he could see houses with the windows boarded up in preparation for the storm and soft candle light leaking from under the doors. Some of the more prosperous appearing businesses could apparently afford electricity, and a handful of these remained open.

Li continued to walk through the darkness of the storm, searching for a place to hide out. Around the corner of a shop called the Flaming Wolf, Li saw some buildings with no obvious light. Checking his pockets and with a sigh of relief he found his lock picks. With haste, Li moved into an alley way that lead to a backdoor of one of these buildings. A quick knock yielded no response, so Li got down on his knees. Rain beating down hard and fast, Li fished his picks out with cold hands and began to work on the lock.