Dead Inside

Subject: Dead Inside Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:58 am

Shula Njoo	Shula could faintly hear the voice of some maid or other waking her in the morning. She got up slowly as she always did, took the glass of water, downed it in three gulps. Next, she headed to the bathhouse, where fragrant oils and salts were rubbed into her skin and her hair was downed in different herbs to keep it smelling good and looking silky. She left the bathhouse soon enough, returning to her room in a bathrobe and sitting until someone arrived to dress her. As she waited, she stared out the window with her chin in to her hand, occasionally sighing. Someone entered, spoke to her, that much she was aware of. She didn't really hear what was said, but she knew what they wanted. She stood and held her arms out to the sides as multiple servants dressed her in beautiful billowing robes for the day, and then sat calmly as even more teased her hair to their liking. She was shown her reflection in a mirror, but she didn't really see it. Then her finger and toenails were examined to see if any work was necessary; there wasn't, except for the pinky of her right hand, which had grown slightly longer. It was filed down easily enough. Next came her tiny shoes that hid her slightly curled toes from the foot binding of her early childhood. These slipped on simply, and then she was ready for the day. Her personal assistant entered her chambers as her caretakers left, then began rambling on for twenty minutes about what she was to do that day and who she was meeting with. She honestly heard nothing, except a few tidbits here and there. Zulera was one of the names, but she didn't think anything of it; it was probably something about the controversial actions of the Avatar. Shula was then lead out of the room. She followed quietly, her hands folded calmly, her head slightly bowed. If one didn't know any better, they would say she looked very peaceful. She was lead to a meeting room, where she sat in a stiff chair in front of a too-big-too-fancy desk. She signed multiple papers, barely aware of what they said, although paying enough attention to know whether or not she was signing the country over to some conspirator. Many of these were treaties with various tribesmen found within the higher regions of the mountain ranges in the Fire Nation who requested that their homes and their people not be disturbed and they would not attack travelers. After that, she sat for an hour in a sitar class. The music placed a little light back in her eyes, and she wore a slightly content smile. Her fingers copied the motions of her instructor's, and she swayed slightly with the music. She was collected by her personal assistant, who left her well enough alone in her garden. The next two hours were spent with Shula laying in the grass, staring up at the sky, like she had that first night she had met Mako. She cried once or twice. Someone entered. Zulera was mentioned again. She took a second to pull herself out of her thoughts long enough to hear what was being said. "....arranged to visit today, so I've cleared the rest of the afternoon for you so that you have sufficient time to talk with the Avatar," her assistant finished. "Zulera is coming?" Shula whispered, her voice slightly hoarse; she hadn't spoken in three weeks. The assistant--Shula never could remember her name--nodded eagerly, rushing forward in excitement. This was perhaps the first sign of real life in Shula in months. "Yes, my lady, yes, she promised to be here," the assistant said, fumbling over her words a little in her excitement. Shula nodded, but after a moment, couldn't maintain the interest or concentration on this new subject, and went back to staring at the sky. A cherry blossom from the tree arching over the pond landed on her cheek, and she took it off and began pulling the petals from it one by one. More landed, as it was slightly windy, and the assistant finally left.
Mood: In a Daze Condition: Broken, but Alive	Shula Kumo Njoo

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Sun Mar 10, 2013 3:24 pm

Zulera Joanna Tallarico	There was always something about the Fire Nation that drew Zulera back, and she knew that there was no escaping the enthralling powers that this captivating nation held for her. The most powerful and mysterious of the four nations, perhaps this was the charm that the country held in the avatar's eyes. This time was different though, because it was time once again for her to pay her good friend the Firelord a visit. her and Shula's friendship was not widely known, but it was a very strong bond, incidentally, and she was one of the few people Zulera honestly cared about. The grim aura surrounding the palace could only mean one thing. Shula wasn't happy, 'cuz when Shula ain't happy, ain't no one happy. To cut a long story short, she was let in, and found Shula in the courtyard. true to her theory, she didn't look too happy--she seemed down and depressed. Zulera casually sat down next to her, stretching her bare toes in the grass. Now... how to break this... "uh... hey?" she said softly, turning to her old friend. she could tell that Shula was in an emotionally fragile state based on her expression(or so Zulera thought), and so she knew that she would have to tread carefully.
Mood: Curious Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:00 pm

Shula Njoo	Shula's assistant returned once again some time later to announce Zulera's arrival. Shula nodded, and Zulera appeared a few moments later and sat next to her. The broken young woman kept her eyes on the blossom she was slowly tearing to bits with her fingers, still laying back against the grass. Her mind briefly went to the topic of what she should say in greeting, but after a second or two, she couldn't hold the thought and therefore said nothing. "uh... hey?" Zulera's soft voice broke the silence. Shula sat up slowly, looking over at her friend with careful eyes. She both saw her and didn't; Zulera was as beautiful as ever, but Shula felt as though she were looking through a thick veil. It had been this way ever since Mako had left. Shula gave up fighting it long ago. Shula herself didn't look much different than before Mako had gone; the only difference was the fact that instead of wearing a patterned kimono, she wore billowing dark silk that flowed when she moved, so that she might still appear as graceful as a willow without having to work at it. It draped on her thin frame, and while nothing but her hands, neck, and face were exposed, you could tell that she'd lost a bit of weight. "Hello, Zulera," she returned, very quietly. Had there been a breeze, her words might have been lost. She took a moment to continue pulling at the blossom, keeping the little bits in one of her palms. As soon as the small flower was torn to shreds, she opened her palm and blew the pieces out onto the pond. A ghost of a smile very briefly appeared. Another moment was spent with Shula trying to figure out what else she should say. Where are your manners? a small voice piped up, and Shula found herself speaking. "What brings you here?" she asked almost unwillingly, her voice thick, as though she spoke through the same thick veil she was seeing through.
Mood: In a Daze Condition: Broken, but Alive	Shula Kumo Njoo

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Mon Mar 11, 2013 3:24 pm

Zulera Joanna Tallarico	Zulera could see many things that looked wrong with Shula. She seemed to almost be losing the will to live. she was thinner, her face looked less lively than she had ever seen it. Zulera had a slightly new getup than her usual one, but her change had only been to mix things up, as she did not like things getting too consistent. She had a much larger, looser shirt with short sleeves, and while she was barefoot, she had donned a pair of armored gloves that many a Water Tribe warrior usually wore. Her baggy pants had remained, however. "Incidentally..." she said in response to Shula's question. "you do. I could tell things were grim before I even set foot here... there's... well, there's almost more cheer in a graveyard. what's on your mind? is something or someone dragging you down?" One of the best advantages of being genuinely friends with the Avatar was that she would always have your back. There was no telling when or where, but she always seemed to show up. She might have been mostly amoral and did not care much about people she did not know, but the few who trusted her enough to befriend her... they were special to Zulera. Shula was one of these lucky few. "because if there is..." she cracked her knuckles. "let me know."
Mood: Intrigued Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Sat Mar 16, 2013 11:24 pm

Shula Njoo	Shula went back to staring at the shredded flower petals float on top of the water and then sink slowly, one by one. A few remained, and she stared at them quietly, as if willing them to sink as well. She almost forgot Zulera was there and flinched when her voice cut through the quiet. "Incidentally..." she began, and Shula vaguely remembered that she had asked Zulera why she was there. Wasn't that a few days ago though? Or was that now? "You do. I could tell things were grim before I even set foot here... there's... well, there's almost more cheer in a graveyard. What's on your mind? Is something or someone dragging you down?" How funny. Zulera seemed concerned. Was it fake concern? Was she just pretending, like Mako had? Like every single damned person in Shula's life did? No one really cared--they just didn't want to get burnt to a crisp by the broken Fire Lord. Shula had to shake off the negative thoughts; they were like leeches, latching onto the last bits of her sanity and sucking them away, leaving her empty, dry, diseased. Zulera has always been your friend, Shula. Don't start doubting her now, a meek voice squeaked. This little voice had been silent for quite a while, and seemed to reawaken in Zulera's presence. Shula nodded internally at the little voice, agreeing. She couldn't doubt Zulera, then she would have no one. Shula had to have been quiet for quite a bit of time, because Zuzu tacked on: "Because if there is..." She began menacingly, cracking her knuckles with that customary kick-a'ss smirk of hers. "let me know." 'Oh...." Shula began, having to think. What was dragging her down? That was easy. Shula opened her mouth to speak, and found that her throat was suddenly tight. She closed it, tried to swallow around the lump, and tears filled her eyes, swimming in front of her vision and blurring it. For the first time in a long while, the numbness was gone and Shula couldn't bear the pain. "Mako," was all she managed to get out before she hid her face behind her hair and wiped at her eyes angrily. She was internally begging for the numbness to come back. When it didn't, she gritted her teeth and looked back up at Zulera. "He left. For that...that....that Water Tribe wh.ore!" she said angrily, her voice thick. She sniffled, shaking her head. "I-I really don't have the right to call her a wh.ore though, I'm not much better," Shula responded to herself, swaying slightly from side to side and looking down at the grass in front of her, her fingers plucking pieces of it and tying various bits together, creating a small woven creature. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, spiraling back down towards the numbness. She couldn't take the pain, the shame, the anger of all of it. She couldn't face it, she couldn't handle it and she knew it. It was easier to just remain dead inside.
Mood: In a Daze Condition: Broken, but Alive	Shula Kumo Njoo

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Subject: Re: Dead Inside Mon Mar 25, 2013 3:15 pm

Zulera Joanna Tallarico	The few people that could actually call themselves Zulera's close friends were lucky people indeed, and were people with a dangerous and powerful ally. Zulera was no terrorist, and would not likely randomly attack someone unless there was something for her to personally gain from it, but she was dangerous because she was unpredictable. She did not fear Shula, but she did respect her. It was the same way that she respected death without fearing it. She would be ready for it when it came, be it in 30 minutes or 30 years. Her friendship with Shula was one of the few things in life that were not politically or otherwise motivated by self-gain. the motivation of earning the pleasure of whooping someone was good enough for her in that case. "Ah... Ren then... I know exactly who that is, and I know exactly who that Mako chump is." she smirked. "Ren's my cousin, and she's more or less a floozy who has just been looking for any excuse to get laid. it's a right shame that it had to end like this... but no one pisses off the Avatar and gets away with it..." she paused, deciding that clarification would be good. "and they pissed me off by destroying you... tht's not gonna happen." she looked Shula in the eye, putting one of her gloved hands under Shula's tiny chin. "give the word, Shu." she cooed. "whatever you want me to do to 'em... consider it done."
Mood: Intrigued Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:39 pm

Shula Njoo	Shula welcomed the return of the numbness with open arms, and her once tear-filled eyes went back to looking glazed over and empty. Her gaze wandered back toward the pond where the petals were completely gone and she frowned. The turtleducks didn't come 'round here anymore. Zulera's voice once again brought her mind back on track, although she didn't hear the first bit of what she said. "Ren's my cousin, and she's more or less a floozy who has just been looking for any excuse to get laid. it's a right shame that it had to end like this... but no one pisses off the Avatar and gets away with it..." A pause followed, then: "and they pissed me off by destroying you... that's not gonna happen." Shula was touched. She knew that she and Zulera were best friends, and would do anything for said best friend. But she hadn't realized that Zulera cared enough to get upset over Shula's pain, let alone go after her own cousin for it. Her golden eyes met Zulera's blue ones, Zuzu's hand under her chin. "give the word, Shu. whatever you want me to do to 'em... consider it done." Zulera said, and Shula smirked for a moment, an idea of revenge already forming. The poisonous seed of a woman's anger after being spurned had already taken root and this was just what she needed to water it. After a moment though, she remained silent, and squashed those feelings down. Instead, she threw her arms around Zuz's neck and merely hugged her tightly, letting out a single sob. "Oh, let them be happy! The d.amned fools have what they want, let them enjoy it. I won't be like them and cause suffering," she murmured thickly, before full on tears took over and she clung to Zuzu while sobs racked her whole body.
Mood: Pained Condition: Broken, but Alive	Shula Kumo Njoo

Subject: Re: Dead Inside Wed Apr 10, 2013 12:26 pm

Zulera Joanna Tallarico	In most cases, Zulera might have been disappointed that such a glorious scheme of hers was not going to be able to be put to use, but for whatever reason, it did not upset her. She simply smiled calmly, and nodded, particularly as Shula hugged her. Zulera's large hands wrapped around her, one softly rubbing her back, the other running fingers through her hair. "your wish is my command." she nodded softly. If this was what Shula wanted, this would be what Zulera provided. Mako and/or Renayu might still fall victim to one of Zulera's devious schemes, but if this did turn out to be the case, it would be because of other business. Zulera's dark and shady reputation had deep roots in the Water Tribes. "well... if there's anything else I can help you with... just let me know. Someone's gotta make my baby sista happy, so I figure it might as well be me." They were obviously not related at all, but that was how Zulera saw their relationship, and she was shameless in admitting it. she continued to softly rub her back.
Mood: Intrigued Condition: Perfect	Link:

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