Taming the Fire

"Well..." Jurishe hummed, always at a loss for how to answer, "If you wanted to tell a story, or something, I'd never complain." She laughed after her words, snuggling into her coat. Even without her being a self-proclaimed story collector, her family had often told stories outside in the summer months, when the weather was at its most temperate.

Even if Katara had not needed the help of a firebending master, she was also looking forward to seeing the ruins on the island. She was often told that the greatest stories were the ones that she would make herself, in new and far-off places, away from cities.

"The moon is shining into your eyes," Was the first thing Jurishe said, looking down at her friend, "They're big and bright, and I can see the moon reflected in them; it's really pretty." Then, in a better answer, to her actual question, she tells Katara, "There are a few tiny waves, but it's more like the water is lapping at the shore. The moon is shimmering over the surface of the water... It's almost a full moon, so it's fairly light, even without the fire going. Tomorrow, it should be a real full moon."

Then, the young waterbender looked up at the moon, letting her eyes slip shut, reveling in its glow. Like most of her people, the moon affected her bending, as well as herself; she felt comfort in its presence, and could easily, if she chose (or knew how to do it), part the water for the two of them to just walk to the island.

"Not too much," Jurishe answered, carefully, unsure of how talking about it would affect her friend, "You told me that she gave you your name, and your curls. That she tried to get your hair to cooperate, sometimes, and that she passed away a few years ago?" The last part was the question.

Reaching over, she placed a hand on Katara's shoulder, offering her comfort, should the conversation depress the younger girl. Physical contact often helped, in times like this.

"It's always best to remember the good times, and what your mother gave to you," Jurishe agreed, slowly starting to draw her fingers through Katara's hair - another comforting motion, "When you two were together, I'm sure she told you all sorts of things... What were some of her favorites, to say? What were the things you loved hearing most?"

She couldn't help but think of her own mother, who would often give her the same advice, or tell her the same things, as well. Her favorite had been "don't forget; you can always come home, if things don't work out".

Jurishe smiles, "I wish I could have met her. She sounds a lot like you; lots of fun to be around." She continues playing with Katara's hair almost idly, humming as she did. "What was your favorite thing, to do together with your mother?"

She wanted to keep the smaller teen talking, even just for a little bit longer, so that she could keep watch. If Katara fell asleep on her shoulder, she'd put her to bed, of course, but until then, she was helping to keep Jurishe awake.

"Oh my," Jurishe grins, giving a small laugh, "That would be hard to live down for a Water Tribe woman, as well; have you ever seen some of the hairstyles we use? They're intricate and mostly a pain, but you need long hair for them. Short hair is a sign of disgrace and usually either banishment or abandonment of the Tribe..."

Then, to better explain, "I haven't denounced my Tribe - I'm only traveling - so my hair is still long, but if a woman never wanted to return to the poles, she'd cut her hair short and set off into the world on her own. It doesn't happen very often, at all."

"No, no," Jurishe giggled, trying to explain, "If you are banished, then they cut your hair, as a symbol of being cut off from the Tribe. See?" While her one hand brushes through Katara's curls, the other gestures vaguely as she tried to help her friend understand.

It was an archaic custom, certainly, but as she said; it didn't happen often, anymore.

"Go ahead and sleep, Katara," She offered, still brushing through her hair, "I'll keep watch for a little longer and then I'll go to sleep too... okay?" Jurishe smiled, guiding her friend to help her lay down with her head in her lap, using it as a pillow.

Then, rather than speaking, she began to sing very softly. The words were indiscernible, but the melody was soothing, and might just help Katara drift straight off to sleep.

Though Jurishe tried to keep her eyes open, it was difficult, after that, having nothing to focus on. Figuring that the beach was safe, however, she grabbed for her sleeping roll, tucking it under her head to use as a pillow. "Goodnight Katara," She murmured before drifting off to sleep for the few hours before sunrise.

When it came, the bright light reflecting off the water was what woke her up from her slumber. Groaning and sitting up, careful not to disturb Katara just yet, Jurishe stretched, trying to coax her muscles into moving properly. Unable to stifle a yawn, she covered her mouth with one hand, glancing around to ensure that nothing had changed, during her brief snooze.

"Morning," Came the sleepy response from Jurishe, followed by another stretch, "The sun woke both of us, this time..." She didn't sound particularly happy about it, but she did laugh. Reaching for her pack - a common morning practice for her - she pulled out a small package of dried fruit. Tearing it open, she popped a small handful into her mouth before passing it to Katara.

"Breakfast," She spoke around her mouthful, covering her mouth with one hand.

"We could," Jurishe nods, even as she stands and starts to wipe sand off her back and butt, as best she can, "I would like to get to the island, though..." While she sounds reluctant, it's because she doesn't want to push Katara too hard and wear her out. Though her back is still sandy, Jurishe gives up, ignoring it for now. "If you want to wait, you can head back to sleep and I can wake you up in a few hours?"

"So long as you're sure," Jurishe smiled back at her, almost laughing at the idea of Katara slumping over while walking and falling over, asleep. Moving to pack up their camp, it didn't take long - most of their things hadn't even been unpacked.

"I'm just going to bury the fire pit, and then we can head out," She told her friend, already moving to cover up the last of the lightly burning embers of their fire, "I'd hate to start a fire, or something..."