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 Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:26 pm
Things hadn't been going well for the Fire Lord in the last fortnight. Twice he has been ambushed by a small group of, what he could only assume to be, natives. They had struck in the night and in fog, pilfering rations. Because of this, he has been forced to limit his food intake even further - often going without a midday meal, if two slices of hard bread could be called a meal. As if that could get any worse, he has completely lost his trail, ending up in a dazed walk for hours.
This is no condition for a warrior, especially one who leads a nation.
This evening, he was in a stupor. Paranoid a bit, he would check the perimeter of his scrawny campsite every other minute. Lack of sleep was causing much worry and suspiscion of the nearby mist, and he would occasionaly strike at the slightest movement.
It was hours before he calmed down enough for sleep. He had a thought before he fell into his slumber, though. His thought was 'Blast...still no sign of enemies...or allies...I need to fight something to maintain what sanity I have left. What is it about this place...that makes it feel almost...welcome...?'
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 7:28 pm
Dawn had come, although it wasn't entirely welcomed. Izuma rose and siphoned the remaining flame from the camp's fire, preparing to continue on in this eternal mist. He pulled out some cheese for his breakfast - he soon realized he would have rathered gone hungry. Stale cheese isn't highly appreciated when you're lost.
After trekking for a couple hours, he cought his foot on something in the ground. Recovering quickly so he didn't fall, he knelt down and examined what the lump was. A small gasp could be heard as he realized what it was.
One of the spies sent with him on this trip. This one was injured so bad, he would sooner die than move.
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Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:10 pm
It was now midday, and Izuma had finally come across the men sent out with him. Apparently, the group of spies had stuck together through more than he did, and were not far from their injured comrade. In fact, they had nearly attacked Izuma, thinking he was a savage, in order to protect the hurt one.
Soon after that incident, the group had managed to carry the injured spy to a camp mere yards away, and he was currently being bandaged by those who knew how to. Izuma now sat with the leaders of the group, conversing over what has happened and what will be done.
"By god, m'lord, there are creatures dwelling in these lands that surpass nightmares! Their strength is impossible to imagine, even for the authors of the nations!"
"Indeed, sir. However, they lack in creativity and crack warfare. We were able to save that man's life by laying out a wave of fire. I do believe these creatures have adapted to the lack of visibility in these lands, and thus fear light and heat. This is all we know; my apologies, m'lord."
"I see...have you any navigation, spymaster?"
Izuma calmly waited at the top-ranked spy rummaged through his sack, soon pulling out a compass and a rough hand-made map.
"This is what we have, sire. We've been heading North for a long while, placing various markers to set our trail. What is your command?"
Izuma knew there was only one thing he could do in this situation. Sacrificing his men was no option.
"I thank you for placing your markers...because we shall head due South, back to our boundaries. Gather all supplies you can, and carry the injured. We set out shortly."
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Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:05 pm
Night had fallen as Izuma and his party set up camp near one of the markers. Overall, the day's trek had been uneventful - just the occasional moan from the injured man. Once dawn had broken, the group continued South, and survived the 3-odd hours of travelling to arrive at the Fire Nation's borders.
"We're...home..." the spymaster breathed out in relief.
'Yes, finally...even though I've been gone a little more than two weeks, it feels like centuries have passed.'
Izuma blinked at his thoughts, and continued on. Along the way, many villagers had heard rumor that their leader had returned after a somewhat successful search, and had now turned out to see his pass by. Several men ran up toward the fortress to inform the Nation's head guards and Lord Vulcan.
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:12 pm
As Izuma continues towards the fortress, a young woman completely in black with a hood over her head, approaches him, as if she had appeared from nowhere. She bows her head in respect, and continues next to him at his pace.
"Is Meson healing, master?" she asked, indicating the moaning spy on the wheel-barrow behind them.
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Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:46 pm
Ana had heard the news that Izuma was back right before she went into the blacksmith shop. She quickly told Imerius what was going on and rushed up the road to greet Izuma. "You are back." She looked around at the group. "What happened?" She became even more serious. "You better get back to the fortress quick...there was a small problem in town. I'm sure Vulcan will tell you all about it."
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Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:37 pm
Ju seems taken aback by the interuption of their conversation, but knowing her place lowers her head to the woman in respect. She then turns to Izuma.
"M'Lord, shall I accompany you to the fortress, or leave you in her company?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:46 pm
((Sorry for the delay in my reply. Band and family.))
Izuma nodded toward Ana, and began walking toward the fortress. He heard Ju speaking to him, but didn't turn to face her - if Ana says there is a serious situation, then best to expect the worst.
"Ju, I believe it best to have a witness accompany me. Please, follow me."
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:54 pm
Ana stood infront of Izuma. "The lost knives have been found in the bad way." She gave Ju a slight bob of the head. "Do you want me to come along?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 3:53 pm
"Your knives? You may inform me while we're with Lord Vulcan. So, yes, please come along."
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:39 pm
The "young" girl fell easily into stride with the grown man. She walked near him, but not next him...
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 6:48 pm
((Skipping to actual arrive at fortress if that's okay. xD))
Vulcan waited at the bottom of the stairs of the fortress along with a handful of guards, "Welcome back, my Lord," he said as he bowed in his usual priest-like manner. Straighting to his full height, he continued, "Many things have happened while you were away. Progress with rebuilding has been swift. However," he dropped his voice, "Strange things are afoot. A rather curious murder and strange visions, all seeming to be connected. But, perhaps we can discuss this another time. How was your adventure?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:14 pm
Ju nods and continues into the fortress behind Izuma, turning her head periodically from side to side. She removes the hood of her cloak as they enter, her white hair falling to her shoulders. She stares at Vulcan with her blood-eyes, silently listening to this slightly disturbing information.
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:37 pm
Ana nodded at Vulcan grimly. "I ran ahead. But I'll leave the telling to you." She looked at Ju curiously.
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:59 pm
After another few minutes of navigating the fortress, the small group made their way to meet with Vulcan. Izuma nodded at his friend, the High Priest, with respect.
"Pleasure to see you, Lord Vulcan," he said. "I regret to say that my exploits provided little to nothing as fruition. That nation...is monstrous. This spy, Ju, can give you details, if you wish."
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