A Hunger for Knowledge

Subject: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 1:59 pm

Elegys	“Reason for entering the city?” The guard's voice drew the traveller's attention. He turned his head slowly towards him and looked him up and down, sizing up the prospective threat. Deeming him unlikely to try anything, he complied. ”I am but a traveller from Omashu; my business here is my own.” The guard shuffled his feet slightly, looking behind him at the huge wall before looking back at the man. “Omashu is a long way, friend – but I meant no offence. The city is open to travellers still, so you may pass. Open the gate!” At his command, the huge wall opened, the very earth breaking apart with no sign of a seam or crack. The traveller nodded at the guard in thanks before passing through and into Ba Sing Se. Elegys had been travelling for several days now. Without wanting to reveal himself as the Dark Avatar, his progress had been slow. But, at last, he had made it to Ba Sing Se, ready to fulfill his destiny. ”But first...” he muttered, heading towards the next wall in the distance. He needed something to eat, and he needed it quickly. From what he had heard, the best restaurants were in the Middle Ring – at least, the best ones that he could afford. {**} The nomad stepped quickly through the wall guarding the Middle Ring, and was barely a step clear of it when it slammed shut behind him, leaving no trace of its existence. He scoffed slightly – these guards were certainly not as nice as the ones in the lower ring. He continued unperturbed however, passing through the streets quickly, avoiding any glances sent his way. He wore a long black travelling cloak over his airbender robes, but his hood wasn't upon his head, revealing his lack of airbender tattoos. With a scowl, he stepped to the side of a street out of the flow of traffic. Once again, he had the strangest feeling in his stomach. It was as if he could sense something, but he had no idea what it could be. Running a hand over his bald head, he turned to look at the restaurant he was standing outside of. It seemed a nice place, so Elegys walked in, glancing around him for the source of the disturbance. He couldn't put a finger on what it was though, so he sat at an empty table and rested his head upon his hand, elbow propped upon the tabletop. “And what can I get you today sir? We have an excellent range of vegetarian options,” a voice said. Elegys looked up to see a waitress, and he waved his hand at her. ”I'll take some noodles, and some seasonal vegetables. And a glass of water,” he said before returning his head to its original position. Something was calling out to him in here, he was sure* of it.
Mood: Hungry Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:36 pm

Kada Zaltana	Dezna's was a fairly popular little place that attracted people of all walks considering its "strategic" location in the Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se. he got the poor, the rich, and everything in between, with a large variety of menu items reflecting the prices. Kada was not exactly a sentimental man, but he knew a good business model attracted the most customers, as long as he coule get the mot for his money. As a spy, he hd a tendency to watch and briefly analyze from a distance, every figure or character that stepped in his doors. He might have seemed like a lowly chef or waiter, but he was the owner of the shop, working side by side with many of his employees much of the time. Kada was a shrewd and astute young man. whatever the case, nothing looked too suspicious except for a few hooded folks here and there, but he thought little of them. as he was bussing a bearby table however, he heard rumors and whispers. "the coal miner girl? yeah... I heard she mastered metal AND lava..." "is lavabending even real? "of course it is... I saw the fight hapen from the walls of the city." "I heard that she took down the Earth Queen..." "Nonsense! there'd be riots by now. I'm sure our dear leader is just fine... but that kid could probably challenge the queen and come out on top..." murmurs of this earthbending master continued, and Kada soon left to continue working. He was also the one to bring Elegys his noodles and vegetables a few minutes later while the waitress was off managing another table (she might show back up again though, if Kada was busy elsewhere). "Here you go, sir..." he placed the food with professional precision in front of the man, "is there anything else I can get you right now?" it was hardly a loaded question--just an obligatory one for a waiter to ask.
Mood: Curious Condition: Perfect	Link: Kada

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:52 pm

Elegys	The Nomad looked up as the waiter approached. His footsteps had been unnaturally soft, and the Airbender had not heard him walking over. It was something else that had alerted him; the same feeling he had received in his stomach when he was outside. When the man placed the food upon his table, Elegys looked into his eyes. Instantly a wave of recognition swept over him – he didn't recognise the man physically, but the feeling he got from inside was one he had felt before. This man was a waterbender, and a strong one at that. Could he have been drawn here to this man? ”If you don't mind, I have a question...” Elegys said, picking up a pair of chopsticks. ”What would a man of the Water Tribe be doing working as a simple waiter in Ba Sing Se? And a powerful Waterbender, at that?” His voice was calm with no hint of inflection, and he raised the noodles to his mouth. Whatever was going on here, it certainly wasn't going to be a normal day in Ba Sing Se. Then again, when was it ever? He swallowed the noodles and went back for more, careful to not look up at the man – he would still allow him a small semblance of privacy, he supposed.
Mood: Hungry Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:11 pm

Kada Zaltana	Kada was admittedly rather interested in the question presented to him, but he had seen worse. In fact, he knew just how to answer it without even so much as giving his name. "perhaps the same thing that an Air Nomad is doing visiting my restaurant--travelling, perhaps out searching for knowledge and information..." he paused. "but there are a lot of powerful benders around here... that earthbending kid they're talking about over there..." he struck his thumb in the direction of the earlier conversationalists, "has sometimes shown up here. Story goes the kid is the most powerful earthbender in the world." he shrugged. "what makes you take interest in powerful element masters though, if I might ask?"
Mood: Curious Condition: Perfect	Link: Kada

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:27 pm

Elegys	His face remaining stoic, Elegys looked up at the waiter. ”I doubt it. The Avatar is the strongest bender in the world, whatever talents this girl might have. As for why I am here, I am seeking instruction.” He raised one of his hands slowly, causing the water that was in his glass to raise for a few seconds before splashing back down. ”There are surprisingly few Waterbenders in the Air temples, so I was forced to travel to learn. I don't suppose you know of anybody? I guess you would hear a lot of stories, owning a place like this.” Before the Nomad could say more however, a feeling of aversion washed over him once more. Somebody was getting closer, an intensely powerful Earthbender. He couldn't quite tell her distance, though – it could be anywhere in the Middle Ring for all he knew. Wherever she was however, he knew she was drawing closer. ”It seems that this mighty Earthbender will be paying you a visit soon enough. Then we'll find out if she's truly as powerful as you say.”
Mood: Hungry Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:55 pm

Kada Zaltana	"well, the Avatar is kind of on a plane of her own," Kada indicated, "and she's from the Water Tribes. I am not yet familiar with her earthbending skills though., but there aren't any rumors of Zulera bending lava like there are of this kid. I forget her name... think it started with an I..." he didn't have photographic memory or anything, and so he didn't remember everyone's name. "I know of a few... but many of them are celebrities... the Avatar and her mother are prominent examples... I'm decent when motivated enough, and I think that Southern Water Chief fellow is pretty powerful too... so yeah. not a whole lot off the top of my head here though.... but then again this is the Earth Kingdom..." he raised an eyebrow at the man's prediction. "if that's true, that's a pretty nifty little gift you've got there... I suppose we'll see indeed." he would probably recognize the girl if he saw her though--she had given him patronage at this very restaurant a few times.
Mood: Curious Condition: Perfect	Link: Kada

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:15 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isikiro enjoyed Dezna's. It was a nice, quaint little place that attracted a lot of attention because of its delicious food, regardless of what was ordered. Isi usually went there for some afternoon tea, since she actually had money to use now, and wasn't consistently at her family's side anymore, since her mother was revitalized, and she was therefore able to take care of Isi's much younger siblings. What she didn't know was that word of her power had gotten around, but at the same time, she didn't really care. it wasn't like she was out wreaking havoc or destroying cities or anything. She minded her manners and did not harass people. She sometimes fought back in self-defense, but the girl was also one hell of a street fighter, as many a thug had learned the hard way. There was a reason why this little coal miner was quite fine with walking home alone in the dark. whatever the case, she came in and ordered her tea, with the waitress from earlier tending to her needs, not really suspecting anything. to her it was just another normal day after a long day's work.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:22 am

Elegys	As if by clockwork, a girl appeared at the door. Elegys didn't need to look up to confirm who it was – his senses told him enough about that. She sat down elsewhere in the restaurant and the Nomad heard her order tea from the waitress. He looked up at Kada, his face stern. ”If you could, see that we aren't disturbed,” he said seriously, before standing up. Abandoning his food, he walked over to the table where the woman sat. As he drew closer he felt the aversion within him growing, but he pushed past it. It was obvious now that it was this woman who had gave off such a strong spiritual reading – this was the Master Earthbender, alright. ”Is this seat taken?” he said, motioning to the chair opposite the woman. Without waiting for a reply, he sat down and looked her dead in the eyes. ”You are the Earthbender, yes? The one who is said to be able to bend lava, and possess a strength greater than any others?” Elegys knew all of this already, but it would give him a good indication on whether the woman could help him depending on how she answered.
Mood: Hungry Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:29 am

Kada Zaltana	Kada was a bit unfazed by this sudden change of events, but he nodded at the man's request and then sat quietly at the table. Honestly he was not too concerned about the table or the food but was curious about this powerful earthbending master that had apparently been a semi-regular customer at his restaurant for many months now. So, he seated himself and watched. Kada ran the place, so it wasn't like his superiors would bark at him--he was the superior. Besides, it wasn't very busy or anything anyways, and so his usual job of helping around where needed (and ensuring everything ran smoothly) was pretty much doing itself.
Mood: Curious Condition: Perfect	Link: Kada

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:57 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isikiro was a little surprised at the forwardness of this individual, and she briefly thought that he was trying to flirt with her, which made her turn a bit awkward. She wasn't too hard on the eyes since she maintained good hygiene nowadays and her hair was cute and comprised of lank curls. "Erm... Ah'm ac..." she began before the man continued after hardly skipping a beat. How did he know that she was a lavabender? It wasn't like those kinds of people were very common. She only knew two others, one of which she had defeated in single combat, and the other was a woman that had nearly killed her a few months ago in the Fire Nation. As for her strength? Surely she wasn't that powerful, was she? there had to be plenty of others stronger than her. "Uhm... who're ye 'gain?" she scratched the back of her head a bit awkwardly, "Ah'm a purdy decent earthbender if that's what y'er askin', but Ah ain't 'xactly sum kinda legend 'r wut have yeh... eesh. th'rumors they hafta be startin' 'bout me..." "So... uhm... whah d'y'wanna know?" she was curious and still a little pink from the earlier incidents. this whole situation was slightly awkward for the little coal miner.
Mood: Slightly Awkward Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 1:04 am

Elegys	”My name is Elegys, and I'm searching for a teacher; I know of the power you possess, even if you doubt yourself.” At this point, the waitress came over and put the tea on the table, causing Elegys to stay quiet. He didn't want everybody to know he was looking for training – somebody might put two and two together, after all. ”I can pay for your services,” he said, placing a hand on the table and moving slightly closer to the Earthbender. ”Money or information, you can name your price. Whatever it is, I'll be able to pay it.”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 1:17 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isikiro was a little skeptically curious, and so she had to say something. "y'er an earthbender? y'look lahk one've them Air Nomads t'me... no 'fense 'r nuthin." It might have been the lighter skin and the shaved head, and as she mentioned, Isikiro was not trying to offend. She was just a bit surprised was all. "How much'ya know? how much'ya 'wanna learn?" Isi tilted her head, sipping her tea softly, "Ah mean... Ah kin teachya most've th'stuff Ah know f'er th'raht 'mount'o compensation, but Ah s'pose that's a given. Ahy'm mainly lookin' f'er cash so Ah kin start mah own business... Ah hear stuff 'bout an avatar city 'r sumthin that Ah hope Ah kin start with... anyhoo... so other'n that, a tahm? a place?" she might have had a thick country drawl, but Isikiro was otherwise fairly professional in her behavior here. Those lessons with Shi-Hao about business and professionalism really did pay off.
Mood: Slightly Awkward Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 1:26 am

Elegys	The Nomad raised an eyebrow as the woman spoke. It seemed easy enough – she would train him for the right price. And he certainly had enough gold to make that price right. ”Have no doubt, I am an Earthbender,” he said, glancing at the floor slightly to the side of them. With a wave of his hand, a small slab of earth detached itself and floated in the air before dropping back down. He turned back to the woman, his face devoid of emotion. ”I know little more than what I have shown you. I want to know everything that you do, and I have more than enough to pay for it. As for the time and place, I want it to be as soon as possible. I am only in the city for a short amount of time, and I wish to get as much done as possible. Will you require payment now, or after our training is complete?”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 1:42 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isikiro raised an eyebrow at seeing him move earth. "ah... mah bad 'en. Ah almost thought y'were sum kind of Avatar 'r sumthin... but Ah've met 'er. we've talked bizness 'bout th'city 'n stuff... but Ah won't bore ya with all that bizness talk 'n such." What she did not know was that Kada was watching them, but not at an intrusive distance, and he saw the earth move. He had also seen the water in the glass move and knew that he had not done that... so this man could somehow bend at least two elements. However, he did not say anything, and Isi, of course, was oblivious, having not been there to see the former of the two tricks. With a nod, Isi seemed to be pondering it. She knew how much money she would need to start her business, and if she miscalculatead, perhaps Shi-Hao could help her out a bit. that woman was certainly a benevolent fellow, and Isi owed Shi-Hao her life. but that was for another time. "Well... t'be honest... Ah dun' wanna teach anyone lavabendin'... there ain't nuthin' y'can really do with it other'n destroy things 'n stuff... 'r stop other lavabenders... but there's only two of us alahv if Ah'm raht 'bout m'mem'ries." she scratched her head. "but earth 'n metal... Ah could cert'nly do those f'er ya. dead useful those tricks are." she gave a sheepish smile, hoping that the man wouldn't be put off by her reluctacnce/refusal to teach lavabending. "Ah'm Isi bah th'way." she extended her hand, "Isikiro Shrazi Anazalrok... but most people jus' call me Isikiro 'r Isi. What'd y'say y'er name wuz again?" she had not remembered if he had not given it (although that was what she suspected), or if she had just forgotten. hopefully it was the former.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 1:49 am

Elegys	He let out a soft sigh. The rumours of Lavabending were rife at the minute, and Elegys had been eager to learn such a powerful technique, but if the woman didn't want to teach him then there was no way around that. ”We are agreed,” he said slowly, reaching into his cloak and withdrawing a small box. He placed it on the table and pushed it towards Isikiro. It was filled to the brim with gold – more than enough to live comfortably for several generations. ”I will give you the other half after we are finished, if you are in agreement. And the name is Elegys – people call me Elegys,” he added with a shrug. He wasn't one to bandy words around so easily, and was getting impatient. ”Are you ready to begin? Or would you like to finish your tea first?”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 2:13 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isi was observant--and it was one of the reasons she was a master at what she did. the heavy metal of her boots could be moved (or removed) to expose her feet to enable seismic sensing at the drop of a hat. She had noticed that Elegys seemed disappointed at her refusal to share the secrets of lavabending, but it was an ability she did not want to share with anyone. Anyone could be twisted by power, greed, or some other desire and go on a rampage like that Xuri woman had done. Isi had seen for herself the destructive prowess of that bending art, and knew that it was bad enough that she knew it. she took the box and looked at it with curious interest, before nodding understandably. "a pleasure 'en." she smiled. "an' aye... Ah'd lahk t'finish mah tea if y'don't mahnd..." She wasn't taking her time but she also wasn't about to rush it. while she drank the warm liquid, she decided to lay out her rules and terms. they weren't much. "Ah s'pose we'll need a time 'n place t'meet repeatedly..." she suggested, "since obviously Ah couldn't teach it all inna day anymore'n sum'un could learn it in a day. Ah usually work most've th'mornin's... but Ah usually git th'weekends 'n evenin's off. otherwise Ah'm fairly flexible. Ah suppose my only other request'd be as long as y'kin decipher m'accent... we shouldn't have a problem. 'zall that okie?" she asked.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 2:18 am

Elegys	Elegys nodded. Evenings and Weekends from a Master would be better than trying to learn it himself, after all. ”That sounds good to me. Do you have a place in mind where we can practice?” After waiting for an answer, the Nomad rose to his feet and walked over to his previous table, where he noticed the owner was still sat. He picked up his glass of water and nodded to the proprietor before walking back to Isikiro. His appetite had vanished due to his eagerness to learn, but he did have a thirst. He sat back down and took a sip before placing the glass upon the table in front of him.
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:27 am

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isikiro thought about it for a moment. "hmm... Ah reckon there's plenty'o practice arena 'round town 'n stuff... there's one a few blocks from here, even... so Ah could swing bah there after mah "after-work-tea"." yeah, she wasn't about to kill that habit. she enjoyed it too much, and Dezna's was a top-notch place in her books. Kada simply nodded understandingly, and caught Isi's eye but neither said anything, and so Isi's focus returned to Elegys. "so... wuz there anythin' else y'wanted t'talk t'me 'bout?" she asked, "'r didja wanna start tonaht?" she didn't have any plans, otherwise she wouldn't have offered.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 9:12 am

Elegys	Elegys' gaze followed Isikiro's as she looked at Kada, and he looked at the man for a second. Was there more than met the eye here? Something would have to be done about this owner, that was for certain. He turned back to Isi slowly, shrugging slightly. ”You mentioned the Avatar's city – what do you know of it? The idea is a fresh one, to say the least.”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:11 pm

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	If Kada was trying to tell Isi anything, it went over her head. They knew each other from the latter coming to the former's restaurant on a semi-regular basis, was all. "well... it's 'parently where a bunch've eng'neers 'n 'ventors 'n stuff 'r congregatin' t'build th'most glorious city in th'world 'r sumthin;' 'n Ah'm gonna start m'business there 'n hopefully it'll take off. obviously a city's gunna need c'nstruction workers, eh?" she chuckled. "Whah?" she tilted her head curiously, "'r yo gunna join in too 'r sumthin?" She was not exactly innocent, but Isikiro was a very honest young woman, and so sometimes was a little more trusting than average.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:57 pm

Elegys	Giving a rare smile, the Nomad chuckled. ”Yeah, or something. I don't think I'm in much of a condition to do a great deal at the minute though – hence why I need training,” he said, his grin still on his face. This girl seemed trusting enough, which would be good for training. Maybe he would even reveal his true self to her. Maybe. Waving his hand in the air, he grabbed the attention of the waitress as she passed. ”A pot of Ginseng to go as well. I'll also be covering the lady's tab,” he said before looking back at Isikiro. ”Tea is always a useful training tool. There used to be great man who ran a tea shop in the Upper Ring who loved the stuff. Ginseng was said to be his favourite.” The Nomad smiled softly – the memory of his studies in his early life were returning, and for once he welcomed them. ”The Dragon of the West was a great man. His bending skills were impeccable, and he was a stalwart leader – but he never gave up on his ambition, never gave up on his destiny. The Jasmine Dragon was, in his opinion, his crowning achievement. Such a man is to be revered – never giving up no matter what life may throw at you. That is how to be remembered, wouldn't you think?”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:02 pm

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Maybe it was her shady life, but she was a little cautious for a brief moment. "well... what'dja wanna do there?" if he wanted training before he went to Zulera City, and then also had hoped to learn the secrets of lavabending... was he... was he really thinking about...? No. she was just being a little over-cautious. She shook those thoughts away. Isi calmed back down as Elegys began telling her about Iroh, the Dragon of the West. Many people, particularly in Ba Sing Se, knew the man's name--the powerful firebending master who was also an expert at spiritual matters. he had long since passed away, but his legacy lived on, and Isi would have lied to have met him. "that's how Ah wanna be 'membered, aye," isi nodded, "Ah fought cripplin' poverty whahl Ah trah'd t'raise 'n s'port a family o' three siblin's 'n me mother." it was a long story, but Isi had had her shaer of hardships. But, she persevered and worked intently until all was resolved. "Few things can't be solved wit' 'nuff hard work tho," she suggested, "y'know what Ah mean?"
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:43 pm

Elegys	”I know exactly what you mean,” Elegys said, eyes deep with thought. ”As for the City, I simply wish to see it for myself. If there is something I can do while I am there, then even better.” The waitress returned with the tea and placed it on the table between them. Elegys put his hand into his cloak and drew forth several coins which he handed to the woman. ”Speaking of hard work, are you ready to begin?”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Fri Dec 26, 2014 2:54 pm

Isikiro Sherazi Anazalrok	Isi nodded. "Ah s'pose that's a fair 'nuff stance t'take." she shrugged, "hopefully y'kin enjoy it th'same way Ah 'n many others are..." Isi was definitely still stoked for the whole Zulera City project, and hoped that others could enjoy it too. After all, it was supposed to be an endavor that went and benefitted everyone, rather than just one person. with a nod and a sip of her tea, Isikiro agree ."Aye... Ah think Ah'm purdy much ready now."
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Isi

Subject: Re: A Hunger for Knowledge Thu Jan 01, 2015 12:02 pm

Elegys	The nomad rose to his feet quickly, stepping out from behind the table. He shot the restaurant owner a quick glance and offered him a curt nod before walking towards the exit, motioning for Isikiro to lead the way. ”Let’s get started, then; make use of the sunlight before it sets.”
Mood: Eager Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

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