[LUCETI] APPOINTMENTS

[winds_voice]

If you want to get hold of Eleytheria without writing out a post or log then this is the place to do it. This post can also be used to finish off conversations if you like.

Comments

[lordhotman]

[There's a pause. He did tell Eley that didn't he? He'd almost forgotten.]

That's what everyone thinks. When I was looking for a way to get my bending back, Aang and I found the last two dragons. My uncle had found them before and told everyone that he had killed the last one in order to protect them.

[winds_voice]

[A noble cause for sure and one that Eley could admire should he not have already heard something to the contrary about Zuko's uncle.]

I am not sure I understand... was your uncle not the one who hunted the dragons in the first place? Why would he suddenly change his mind and protect them? And... how could the dragons let him go so easily after what he had done?

[He wouldn't have trusted him... in fact he probably would have tried to eradicate him. Was that right though?]

[lordhotman]

Actually, my great grandfather Sozin was responsible for starting the dragon hunt. Anyone who wanted to prove their skill as a firebender would hunt a dragon and get the honorary title of dragon. Instead of killing them, he wanted to learn from them. He was judged and found worthy.

Aang and I met the same dragons. They live with an ancient firebending clan known as the Sun Warriors.

[They said never to tell anyone, but in a place like this, it hardly mattered.]

[winds_voice]

I see. Then... it seems I was wrong to judge your uncle so harshly.

[Then Iroh really wasn't the one to blame for the demise of the dragons. It was all starting to make sense to him now. And these Sun Warriors? He wondered if he could ask Aang about them as well at some point in the future. ]

I see that you must have learned a lot after walking the path of life. It is only natural that a child should learn and grow as he ages, yet you are not especially old, yes? Even so you have had to learn harsh truths... to grow stronger than many children I have watched over the years.

I am curious about you, Zuko. I hope that we will learn more about one another during our stay here.

[lordhotman]

[Zuko smiles faintly, glad that he was able to redeem his uncle in Eley's eyes. He hadn't realized that the spirit held anything against him. Though he couldn't blame him after what he'd said while he was a child that one day.]

I'm eighteen, and yes I have learned a lot. Most of it didn't come easily.

[That was a long story in and of itself. His smile warms though as Eley goes on.]

I hope so too.

[He wasn't sure why, but... of all the people he'd met in Luceti so far, he felt the strongest connection with Eley. There's a pause as he thinks about something and then speaks again.]

I learned an ancient firebending form from the Sun Warriors. It was part of the ritual with the dragons, Ran and Shaw, and played a key role in helping my understanding of fire. I could teach it to you.

[winds_voice]

[Despite the strange beginnings of their meeting, Eley felt that he had already learned a lot about Zuko because of it. Yet there was still more he didn't know. He meant it when he said he was curious about him, and felt that even though he had reservations about his powers in the past, perhaps he really could come to some understanding.

In answer to his offer, Eley gives a firm nod.]

If I can come to understand the element of fire then perhaps I will grow to be more at ease around it. Perhaps I will also learn how to combat it effectively. I would be honoured to learn that which has been bestowed upon you.

[lordhotman]

[Zuko really didn't know that much about Eley either, but he was sure that over time they would get to know each other better. He certainly didn't have anything to hide from the spirit, so his own story was likely to come out at some point.]

It's called the Dancing Dragon. You can do it in either of your forms. Whichever you're most comfortable with.

[winds_voice]

Dancing Dragon... Then I really cannot imagine learning such a thing in a form other than that of a dragon. Besides, it is the body I feel most comfortable in.

...do you intend to teach it here? Is there some kind of preparation I should know about?

[Not that there was a problem with it but if he was going to change then he might as well do it at an appropriate location, when everything was ready.]

[lordhotman]

This place should be fine. Just as long as the trees are not in the way.

[It was a hill though, so this was probably the best place for it nearby.]

No, nothing like that. Just watch how I move and try to copy it when you're ready.

[With that Zuko takes the first stance. He will move slowly the first time so that Eley can watch and commit the movements to memory.]

[winds_voice]

[As Zuko assumes his position, Eley gives a not of understanding and closes his eyes to concentrate. A blue light seems to gather around the Spirit's body until it can no longer be seen, but instead it forms itself into a large serpentine dragon instead. Much larger than the form he was in before in any case.

The dragon steps up beside Zuko and tries to take a similar stance, watching him intently.]

I will follow. Let us dance together.

[lordhotman]

[Zuko watches as Eley transforms, waiting patiently as the dragon steps up beside him. When he's ready, the boy nods and begins.

He goes slow, doing each of the steps in succession. It is indeed like a dance, using the entirety of his body as he goes from one form to the the next.]

[winds_voice]

[Eley watches him carefully and attempts to mirror his movements and his stance, though it is perhaps more difficult being of such a great size. He follows Zuko, taking his steps as slowly as he does and trying to memorise them at the same time.

The dragon had danced before but not like this. He had to admit that he was tather satisfied about the significance of the motion.]

[lordhotman]

[Yeah, this isn't exactly your casual dance for fun and parties. This is something that is deep with meaning and history. Its a more ancient form than even Zuko realizes.

However, he's obviously practiced this and while he's taking it slow to make sure Eley memorizes the it, its still quite graceful. And it ends with his arms outstretched. He then stands up fully and looks to Eley.]

Did you get it?

[Cause if he did, they can then do it for real. Or he can show him again if necessary.]

[winds_voice]

[Eley relaxes from the final position as Zuko asks his question, seemingly thoughtful. He looks back to try to mentally re-trace their steps.]

I believe I can recall most of it. Let us try again, to be sure.

[Something this important is something he doesn't particularly want to mess up when it comes to the real thing...]

[lordhotman]

Alright.

Don't think about just the movements, but also its meaning. Feel the warmth of the sun and the strength and life it gives you.

[With that Zuko starts the dance once again. This time his movements are faster and more fluid. A warm breeze blowing through at that exact moment. Ruffling his hair and carrying with it the pink petals from the cherry trees.]